--- title: Living in South Reno - News & Blogs | Estate Planning description: Estate Planning | --- [![Logo](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo.png?width=1500&height=500&name=Logo.png "Logo")](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/) Open main menu Close main menu - [Buyers](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/buyers) - [Sellers](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/sellers) - [Current Listings](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/current-listings) - [Contact Us](https://www.livinginsouthreno.com/contact-us) # Latest Real Estate Market News Posts about: ## Estate Planning ![Just Sold with image of Mount Rose Estates Home](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Wilmington%20Sold%20Post%20(Facebook%20Post)%20(1).png) ### [A Successful Downsizing Story: Moving Closer to Family Without the Stress](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/a-successful-downsizing-story-moving-closer-to-family-without-the-stress) Jul 9, 2026, 10:47:00 AM Downsizing isn't always about reducing square footage. Sometimes it's about finding a home that better supports the life you want to live. For many homeowners, there comes a point when the large family home that once felt perfect no longer fits their needs. The kids have grown, maintaining a larger property becomes more work than it's worth, and priorities begin to shift. Often, the goal isn't more space. The goal is more time, less maintenance, and being closer to the people who matter most. That's exactly the journey one of our recent clients took. [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/a-successful-downsizing-story-moving-closer-to-family-without-the-stress) ![Downsizing Part 5 of 5 Sell Your House & Move into the Right-Sized Home. Images of Ken Angst and co-host Sheryl Verdugo](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Part5\)_\(4\).png) ### [Downsizing Series (Part 5 of 5): Sell Your House & Move into the Right-Sized Home](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/downsizing-series-part-5-of-5-sell-your-house-move-into-the-right-sized-home) Apr 16, 2026, 9:35:59 AM We have reached the final stage of our Downsizing series!  After careful planning, decluttering, and preparing for your next chapter, it’s time for the final step in your downsizing journey. It's time to list and sell your current home and transition into a space that better fits your lifestyle. This stage is where all your preparation pays off. With the right strategy and support, you can maximize your home’s value and make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/downsizing-series-part-5-of-5-sell-your-house-move-into-the-right-sized-home) ![Downsizing Part 4 of 5 Preparing Your Home for Sale. Photos of Ken Angst and Sheryl Verdugo](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/4_Downsizing_(600_x_400_px)_(3).png) ### [Downsizing Series (Part 4 of 5): Preparing Your House for Sale](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/downsizing-series-part-4-of-5-preparing-your-house-for-sale) Apr 15, 2026, 10:00:00 AM Once you’ve decluttered and made the decision to downsize, the next step is preparing your home for the market. This phase is where thoughtful planning and smart improvements can make a significant difference in how quickly your home sells, and for how much. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presenting your home in a way that helps buyers immediately see its value and envision themselves living there. [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/downsizing-series-part-4-of-5-preparing-your-house-for-sale) ![Downsizing Part 3 of 5 Declutter and Organize Your Home. Photos of Ken Angst and Sheryl Verdugo](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Part3_Downsizing_(600_x_400_px)_(2).png) ### [Downsizing Series (Part 3 of 5): Declutter & Organize Your Belongings](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/downsizing-series-part-3-of-5-declutter-organize-your-belongings) Apr 13, 2026, 10:23:35 AM If you’ve made the decision to downsize, this is the step where things start to feel real. Decluttering and organizing your belongings isn’t just about “getting rid of stuff,"  it’s about thoughtfully deciding what will come with you into your next chapter. The process can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it can also be incredibly freeing. [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/downsizing-series-part-3-of-5-declutter-organize-your-belongings) ![](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Downsizing_Part2.png) ### [Downsizing Series (Part 2 of 5): Understand Your Home’s Value & Plan for What’s Next](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/downsizing-your-home-series-2-of-5-understand-your-homes-value-plan-for-whats-next) Apr 12, 2026, 11:19:16 AM Downsizing is more than just selling your current home. It’s about making smart, informed decisions that set you up for your next phase of life. To do that well, you need a clear understanding of your home’s value today, what it will take to prepare it for the market, and how those proceeds will support your future goals. In the second blog in our five-part series, let's look more deeply at how to approach understanding your home's value, what the market means for you, and your future goals. [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/downsizing-your-home-series-2-of-5-understand-your-homes-value-plan-for-whats-next) ![Text a Sellers Guide to Downsizing Part 1 of 5. Images of model homes with arrow from bigger one to smaller one, coffee mug.](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Copy_of_Downsizing_(600_x_400_px).png) ### [Downsizing Series (Part 1 of 5): Build Your Team & Evaluate Your Lifestyle](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/downsizing-series-part-1-of-5-build-your-team-evaluate-your-lifestyle) Apr 9, 2026, 1:31:59 PM Downsizing isn’t just about moving into a smaller home;  it’s about making intentional decisions that support your next chapter. Whether you’re looking to simplify, reduce expenses, or free up equity, one of the smartest things you can do early in the process is to **build** the right team and take a close look at how you actually want to live. In this first part of our downsizing series, we’ll walk through who you should have in your corner and why your lifestyle goals matter just as much as the numbers. And be sure to watch our Downsizing video podcast and visit the dedicated Downsizing section of our website for in-depth details (read on for links).  [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/downsizing-series-part-1-of-5-build-your-team-evaluate-your-lifestyle) ![Clip art of home in hands](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Human%20hands%20holding%20model%20of%20dream%20house-2.jpeg) ### [Understanding Date of Death Appraisal: A Crucial Step in Estate Planning](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/understanding-date-of-death-appraisal-a-crucial-step-in-estate-planning) Jun 17, 2025, 12:45:00 PM When a loved one passes away, there are numerous legal and financial matters to settle. One essential component of estate administration is the Date of Death (DOD) appraisal. This valuation serves as the official market value of a deceased person’s property or assets on the exact date of their death. Whether you’re a family member, executor, or legal professional, understanding DOD appraisals is crucial for estate planning and tax purposes. [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/understanding-date-of-death-appraisal-a-crucial-step-in-estate-planning) ![Car with Just married sign ](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Navigating%20Love%20and%20Real%20Estate%20A%20Guide%20for%20Newlyweds.%20%20FB%20(1).png) ### [Navigating Love and Real Estate: A Guide for Newlyweds](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/navigating-love-and-real-estate-a-guide-for-newlyweds) Sep 19, 2023, 1:15:00 PM My wife and I recently attended a beautiful wedding that reminded me about how exciting it is when newlyweds embark on sharing their lives together. It can also be complicated and sometimes stressful when the happy couple brings with them real estate assets, or when the couple decides to buy a home together. I have found, from both personal experience and through the experiences of our clients, that many struggle with how to best combine and protect their assets. If you are recently married, or soon to be married, and want to avoid the “Just Married Angst,” please take the time to read through this blog which highlights real estate-related tips for newlywed couples.   [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/navigating-love-and-real-estate-a-guide-for-newlyweds) ![Senior couple meeting and reviewing paperwork. ](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/Senior%20couple%20meeting%20financial%20adviser%20for%20investment.jpeg) ### [Top Ten Reasons People Procrastinate Estate Planning](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/top-ten-reasons-people-procrastinate-estate-planning) May 2, 2023, 9:45:00 AM Estate planning is important for a variety of reasons, yet some people put off this crucial step. Estate planning can help ensure that your property is distributed according to your wishes, protect your family, minimize taxes and probate, and provide for your care in the event of incapacity. Luckily, we have some local professionals that are on top of their game when it comes to real estate planning.  [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/top-ten-reasons-people-procrastinate-estate-planning) ![Text Understanding the differences between a will and a trust with images of Ken Angst and Jason Morris. ](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hubfs/003a%20Understanding%20the%20Difference%20Between%20a%20Trust%20and%20a%20Will.png) ### [The Differences Between a Will and a Trust](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/the-differences-between-a-will-and-a-trust) Apr 18, 2023, 1:52:00 PM Estate planning is a critical process that every individual should undertake to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes upon their death or incapacity. One of the primary ways to achieve this is through the creation of either a will or a trust. While both a will and a trust serve similar purposes, there are significant differences between the two. [Read More](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/the-differences-between-a-will-and-a-trust) ### The Angst Real Estate Team ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter ![haute-properties\_angst-logo\_white@2x](https://blog.livinginsouthreno.com/hs-fs/hubfs/haute-properties_angst-logo_white@2x.png?width=248&height=150&name=haute-properties_angst-logo_white@2x.png "haute-properties_angst-logo_white@2x") Ken Angst REALTOR®, P.E. Nv Lic S.168655 Haute Properties NV 5470 Kietzke Lane, Suite 300 Reno, NV 89511 Email: [angstrealestateteam@gmail.com](mailto:angstrealestateteam@gmail.com) Cell: [(775) 525-0309](tel:+17755250309) **MLS® Disclaimer.** The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service®. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than the owner of this site are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo and detailed information about those listings includes the name of the listing brokerage. Copyright 2022 of the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service MLS. 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