Selling Reno And Sparks Real Estate Blog: January 2009

The Cities of Reno and Sparks will be taking part in the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) new Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).

Nearly $1.7 million will be divided up among Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County. The funding is being provided to the County through the U.S.  Department of Housing and Urban Development which was created with the passage of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

The NSP is part of a federal program to help low-to-moderate income families with housing. Organizers plan to rent foreclosed homes initially and leverage the value to buy other properties.

How Nevada was chosen to receive funds:

The Housing and Economic Act of 2008 calls for allocating funds to States and local governments with the greatest need, as determined by:

• The number and percentage of home foreclosures in each State
• The number and percentage of homes financed by sub-prime mortgages in each State
• The number and percentage of homes in default or delinquent in each State

Nevada if one of the top four states that meets this criteria. The City of Sparks alone has an estimated 800 homes in foreclosure or approaching foreclosure.

How the NSP will work:

•  Foreclosed homes will be purchased at a discounted rate, rehabilitated and  possibly upgraded.
•  These homes will then be rented to families with low or moderate incomes.
•  The homes will eventually be resold to qualifying buyers.
•  The program will not bail out foreclosed homeowners.   

The program will help those families who have excellent credit and qualify to buy a home but cannot come up with the down payment needed to secure a loan. The Reno Housing Authority will determine who is qualified and will be in charge of renting the homes.

Ideally, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program  will help save neighborhoods from turning into rundown areas. By renting these homes, it not only gives people a place to live, it will give them a change to save and eventually buy a home.

The program will have a few benifits for current homeowners as well. There will be fewer homes that sit vacant in each neighborhood, this cutting down on vandalism. The new renters will be taking care of the property, thus preventing lawns from dying. Another main advantage of having the homes rented instead of vacant is home value. The value of your home will likely increase rather than decrease with homes that are rented rather than vacant.

As a Northern Nevada resident, I hope the Neighborhood Stabilization Program will be the first of many steps to help get our economy back in shape for 2009.

About The Author Terrie Leighton is a Northern Nevada Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Reno – Sparks metro area; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Reno - Sparks area of Northern Nevada, please visit http://www.servingrenoandsparks.com/ Terrie Leighton. Call me TODAY at (775)685-7788 Email me with your Reno - Sparks area questions

Authored by Terrie Leighton. January 2009. Terrie is a licensed real estate agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate in Northern Nevada. The information in this post is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.

 

 

~ Been on any sweet slopes lately?~

 ~Looking for great  deals on lift tickets? ~

Check out these awesome deals to help you ski and save  during this 2009 ski season:

Northstar at Tahoe is offering $25 lift tickets for locals! Offered Sundays from 12p.m. excluding January 18 and February 15, 2009. $5 lift tickets for local kids 12 and under. Don't forget to ask about local kids lesson pricing. Proof of residency is required.

Call 1-866-780-9659 or log on to www.Northstarattahoe.com

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Homewood Mountain Resort, located between the North and South Shores at Lake Tahoe, offers $39 lift tickets Monday through Thursday (non-holidays).

Bring your ski pass from another ski resort on Thursdays and receive a lift ticket for $25. Limit one per adult, per Thursday.

Call 1-530-525-2992 or log on to www.SkiHomewood.com for lift tickets and events information.

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Join the Alpine Club at Apline Meadows and get exclusive ski deals and save big! For $10 you can get lift discounts, ski packages, V.I.P. invites to parties, exclusive newsletters and a chance to win ski tickets and other weekly prices.

Call 1-800-441-4423 or log on to www.SkiAlpine.com for additional ticket information.

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Diamond Peak at Incline Village features a kid friendly mountain, two top rated ski schools and has breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe! They offer $49 All day lift tickets. If you bring your season pass from another ski resort and receive a discounted lift ticket.

Call 1-775-832-1177 or log on to www.diamondpeak.com for additional ski information.

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The Mt Rose Ski Resort in Reno offers a Two-for-Tuesday special. Get two lift tickets for the price of one. Thursdays is ladies day. All ladies ski for $29. Wednesdays, adults over the age of 50 ski for just $35 and college students receive a $20 discount off midweek lift tickets.

Call 775-849-0704  or log on to www.skirose.com for addition lift ticket information.

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The Ski Resorts listed are only a few of our local area resorts. If you would like additional ski information visit www.skitahoe.com  to get a complete guide to the surrounding ski resorts.

About The Author Terrie Leighton is a Northern Nevada Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Reno – Sparks metro area; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Reno - Sparks area of Northern Nevada, please visit http://www.servingrenoandsparks.com/ Terrie Leighton. Call me TODAY at (775)685-7788 Email me with your Reno - Sparks area questions

Authored by Terrie Leighton. January 2009. Terrie is a licensed real estate agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate in Northern Nevada. The information in this post is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. if you or anyone you know is looking for information about real estate in Northern Nevada, please give Terrie a call at 775-846-5424.

 

The Vistas were built in the late 1990's and consist of approximately 1470 single family homes located in the Spanish Springs Area of Sparks, Nevada. Residents who live in this area enjoy beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, views of Reno, Sparks and the Spanish Springs Valley.

Amenities in this neighborhood include paved walking paths, maintained common areas, public parks, an annual picnic to "get to know your neighbors" sponsored by the Vistas Home Owner's Association.

Single story and two story homes make up the Vistas neighborhood. Two story homes offer 4 and 5 bedrooms, 2 and 3 bathrooms, loft areas, walk in closets, walk in pantries, double ovens, dining rooms, living rooms, family rooms, retreats, laundry rooms and 3 car garages.

The most recent two story home sold for $369,000 in October, 2008. Currently, there are three similar models listed in the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service (NNRMLS).

Single story homes range from 3 & 4 bedrooms, 3 car garages, 2 & 3 bathrooms, great rooms, breakfast nooks, walk in closets, laundry rooms. There are 4 to 5 different single story floor plans to choose from.

Most the the homes in the Vistas sit on lot sizes ranging from 9,000 to 14,000  square feet. Many homes are located in cul-de-sac's and have unobstructed views of the mountains and/or valley

According to the NNRMLS, 13 homes were sold in the Vistas in 2008 with an average price of $299,000.

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School aged children living in the Vistas attend the following schools:

Bud Beasely Elementary School~ 2100 Canyon Pkwy, Sparks, NV 89436 ~ 775-626-5250

Mendive Middle School ~ 1900 Whitewood Drive, Sparks, NV 89434 ~ 775-353-5990

Reed High School ~1350 Baring Blvd., Sparks, NV ~ 775-353-5700

To learn more about the Washoe County School District in Northern Nevada, click here.

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Like to Ski? Want to learn how?

The Mt. Rose Ski Resort is a local favorite. It is close, convenient and affordable. Call 1-800-Ski-Rose for all the latest snow information, pricing and times.

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The following is a list of information that may be useful when moving to the Spark's area.

City of Sparks 775-353-2350

City of Sparks Police Department 775-353-2231

City of Sparks Fire Department 775-353-2231

Sierra Pacifie Power Company (NV Energy) 775-834-4011

Truckee Meadows Water Authority 775-834-8080

Waste Management 775-329-8822

Charter Communications 1-888-438-2427

Dish Network of Sparks, Nevada 1-800-381-4498

United States Post Office 775-626-6860

Reno Gazette Journal 775-788-6200

Sparks Tribune 775-358-8061

 To learn more about this neighborhood, or any other area in the Reno/Sparks areas, please feel free to contact me at 775-846-5424. I will be happy to assist you with all of your questions and real estate needs.

About The Author Terrie Leighton is a Northern Nevada Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Reno – Sparks metro area; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Reno - Sparks area of Northern Nevada, please visit http://www.servingrenoandsparks.com/ Terrie Leighton. Call me TODAY at (775)685-7788 Email me with your Reno - Sparks area questions

 

Authored by Terrie Leighton. January 2009. Terrie is a licensed real estate agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate in Northern Nevada. The information in this post is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed.

 

 

 

 

What is a Brew HaHa?

The definition of a Brew HaHa is basically defined as:

"A good time or party that involves the extensive drinking of brew(beer)..."

When Northern Nevadans  hear the term "Brew HaHa," we immediatly think of the Sierra Arts Brew HaHa that, for the past 14 years has helped raise money for  Sierra Arts of Northern Nevada.

Sierra Arts was founded in 1971 and have since been supporting and promoting art and culture in the Reno and Sparks community. Dance, music, painting, poetry, creative writing, theater and sculpture are all part of how individuals express their passions.  Sierra Arts is committed to helping, encouraging and enabling this creativity.

Through various fundraisers, contributions, education, outreach programs and classes, Sierra Arts is able to support the the arts and artists in our community.

 The  2009 Brew HaHa will be held on January 24Th at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks, Nevada from 8p.m. until midnight. Attendees will be gathering in the Rose Ball Room to drink and dance the night away.

More than 80 different brews will be available for sampling from various vendors including Newcastle, Silver Peak, Great Basin, Buckbean, North Coast, Mammoth, Big Sky, and Gordan Biersch. Food and a no-host bar will also be available for those who choose other libations.

The event will also feature musical guests Sol'Jibe. Sol'Jibe is one of Reno's favorite local bands. Sol'Jibe's sound is flamenco-rock. Essentially, they blend rock with jazz using electric violins with amazing vocals. To hear some of their music you will find a "you-tube video" at the end of this blog.

 The cost Brew HaHa 2009 is $50 general admission, $60 for V.I.P. tickets. Price includes entertainment, a commemorative beer pint and all the beer you can drink!

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Sierra Arts' vast programs which further the organization's mission to "nurture, teach and support the arts locally."

For details, call 775-329-2787 or go to www.janugget.com. You may also purchase tickets through Sierra Arts at www.sierra-arts.org. The Sierra Arts Gallery, located at 17 S. Virginia Street in Reno, is home to the Sierra Arts organization.

 

About The Author Terrie Leighton is a Northern Nevada Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Reno – Sparks metro area; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Reno - Sparks area of Northern Nevada, please visit http://www.servingrenoandsparks.com/ Terrie Leighton. Call me TODAY at (775)685-7788 Email me with your Reno - Sparks area questions

Authored by Terrie Leighton. January 2009. Terrie is a licensed real estate agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate in Northern Nevada. The information in this post is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. If you or anyone you know is interested in finding out more about real estate in Northern Nevada, please give Terrie a call at 77-846-5424.

 

 

Concerned about how to safely recycle old electronics?

 Wonder what to do with that old television set that is collecting dust in your garage?

The Reno/Sparks FREE Recycling Event can help answer these questions. Simply bring the electrionics you want recycled to:

The Reno Livestock Events Center ~ Community Building, 1350 N. Wells Ave., Reno, Nevada

On:

January 31, 2009 - 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Area residents and businesses can drop off their old electronics for free and receive a tax deductible receipt for doing so. Electronics that can be recycled include:

Televisions              Computers            Lap Tops

Monitors       Keyboards         Cords/Cables

Power Supplies         Printers     DVD Players     Cel Phones

 

The free electronics recycling event is sponsored by the City of Reno, City of Sparks, Washoe County, University of Nevada Reno, Whole Foods, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, Radiant Technologies, West Coast Contractors, New2u Computers and IVGID Waste Not.

Working electronics that are dropped off at the end of the month will be refurbished, repaired and resold by New2U Computers. Anything that can no longer be useful will be sent to a highly qualified company in California for recycling. New2U Computers is a local non-profit organization that sells refurbished computers at rock-bottom prices. The money they earn is then used to fund programs for the disabled in Northern Nevada. Worried about recycling your computer because of identity theft? Don't be. New2U certifies data destruction to protect your privacy.

Keeping waste contained in home electronics out of our trash along with reducing waste is the goal of this community recycling event. For more information please contact New2ucomputers at 775-329-1126 or Jason Geddes, City of Reno Environmental Service Administrator at 775-334-3311.

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If you are interested in other ways to help keep harmful waste out of our landfills, go to Freecycle.org for more information. Freecycle is a non-profit organization made up of over 4,000 different groups around the counrty that are helping people find ways to reuse and recycle.

 

 

Authored by Terrie Leighton. January 2009. Terrie is a licensed real estate agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate. The information in this post is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. If you are looking to buy or sale in the Reno/Sparks Northern Nevada area, please call me for a complete marketing report.

 Is your credit score holding you back from getting what you want? Why not make getting your credit report in shape part of your 2009 resolutions?

Here are a few tips to help you shape up your credit report for 2009:

1) Pay your bills on time. This is the best way to improve your scores, and it is never to late to start!

2) Keep credit card balances low. High outstanding debt can pull down your score.

3) Check your report for accuracy. It is possible there may be inaccurate information on your report.

4) Pay off debt rather than moving it around. Consolidating your credit card debt onto one card or spreading it over multiple cards will not improve your score in the long run. The most effective way to improve your score is by simply paying down the amount you owe.

5) Keep your credit cards ~ But manage them responsibly. In general, having credit cards and installment loans that you pay on time will raise your score. Someone who has no credit tends to have a lower score than someone who has managed credit cards responsibly.

6) Don't close an account to remove it from your record. Even closed accounts remain on your report, possibly for an indefinite period of time and still may be factored into your score.

Credit reports regularly are pulled by potential employers, landlords and lenders. Staying on top of what's on in your report will help ensure you get better rates on loans.

Remember, there are no quick fixes for improving your credit score. But you can raise your score over time by demonstrating that you consistently manage your finances responsibly.

If you are concerned about the information you found on your credit report, there are three credit agencies that can help. 1) TransUnion 2) Experian and 3) Equifax.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any other about getting your credit report in shape for 2009!

About The Author Terrie Leighton is a Northern Nevada Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Reno – Sparks metro area; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Reno - Sparks area of Northern Nevada, please visit http://www.servingrenoandsparks.com/ Terrie Leighton. Call me TODAY at (775)685-7788 Email me with your Reno - Sparks area questions

Authored By Terrie Leighton. January 2009. Terrie is a licensed real estate agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate. The information is this post is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed.

 

"The Ultimate Rush" turns out to be "The Ultimate Birthday Present!"

I am still amazed that Alec and Kenna turned 12 on December 30, 2008.  Alec and Kenna are my only two children. Next year they will start middle school. They are defiantly growing up.

A few years back I decided they were getting old enough and they did not need to have a "birthday party" every year. This year was their off year which meant they had to celebrate their birthday with their parents!

We celebrated by going to "The Outback Steak House," their choice, of course. Before we went to dinner they said they had always wanted to go on "The Ultimate Rush" at The Grand Sierra Resort, in Reno, Nevada.

"The Ultimate Rush" combines sky diving, bungee jumping and hang-gliding all in one ride! You are hoisted to the top of a 180 foot skycoaster where the chosen person in your party will "pull" the ripcord. You will then free fall and fly thru the air at over 65 mph. Sounds like quite a rush, doesn't it?

Below are the pictures and a quick video of Alec and Kenna's Ultimate Rush, which by the way, turned out to be the Ultimate Birthday Present!

Alec and Kenna getting geared up and ready to go....Yes, the guys know what they are doing, right?

"O.K. mom, we are ready please stop taking our picture."

They had a blast. Please check out the video, I did not want to bore you with to many pictures.

The Ultimate Rush is located next to The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino on the corner of US 395 and Glendale Avenue, 2500 East Second Street, Reno, Nevada. 89595. Call 775-786-7005 for hours of operation.  The cost of the ride is  $25 per person, $10 for each additional ride.

About The Author Terrie Leighton is a Northern Nevada Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Reno – Sparks metro area; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Reno - Sparks area of Northern Nevada, please visit http://www.servingrenoandsparks.com/ Terrie Leighton. Call me TODAY at (775)685-7788 Email me with your Reno - Sparks area questions

Authored By Terrie Leighton. January 2009. Terrie is a licensed real estate agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate. The information in this post is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed.

The Spanish Springs Cal Ripken Baseball League is officially in its 2009 season and registration for youths ages 4 years old to 12 years old is right around the corner!

If you live in Sparks, Spanish Springs or Wingfield Springs, your child is eligible to play on the Spanish Springs Cal Ripken  Baseball League.

There will be two options for registering for the 2009 baseball season:

1) In person~ Come to any of the scheduled sign-up dates and complete a registration form.

Walk-in Registration Schedule

Saturday, January 10th	11:00 am to 2:00 pm	Scheels, Conference rooms-upstairs
Saturday, January 17th	11:00 am to 2:00 pm	Round Table Pizza - Pyramid Hwy
Tuesday, January 20th	6:00 pm to 8:00 pm	Shaw Middle school
Saturday, January 24th	11:00 am to 2:00 pm	Pizza Plus- Vista & Los Altos
Saturday, January 31st	11:00 am to 2:00 pm	Round Table Pizza - Pyramid Hwy

  

2) On line ~ Register on-line by going to www.calripkenbb.com and download the 2009 registration forms:

• The 2009 registration form is for returning players as well a new players
• Consent for Treatment form ~ All four parts need to be completed with original signatures
• If new to league, include a copy of child's birth certificate and a proof of residency, such as a power bill.
• Make your check or money order payable to Cal Ripken Baseball and mail to:

Spanish Springs Cal Ripken Baseball, 9732 State Route 445, PMB357, Sparks, Nevada 89432

Registration Fees

NOTE:   League age is determined by the age of the player as of April 30, 2009.

T-Ball (ages 4,5,6)                                                                    $65 per child (after Feb. 7th, $90)

Rookie (ages 7,8)                                                                     $85 per child(after Feb. 7th, $110)

Majors (10,11,12), AAA (9,10,11,12) AA(7-10)                             $125 per child (after Feb. 7th, $150)

• All Sign-ups received on or before January 15th will be given a $10.00 discount.
• All Sign-ups received after February 7th will be charged a $25.00 late fee.
• Receive an additional $10.00 discount for each sibling.

Major, AAA, AA Tryouts

Who: All players moving up a division or new players are required to try out to play.

Where: Eagle Canyon Fields on Eagle Canyon Parkway in Sparks, next to Shaw Middle School.

When: Saturday, February 28, 2009 or Sunday, March 1, 2009.

Schedule:

11 & 12 year old players from 9 to 11 a.m.

9 & 10 year old players from 12 to 2 p.m.

6, 7, & 8 year old players from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Please Note:

• The only players exempt from tryouts are T-Ball and Rookie players.
• No sing-ups will be accepted after February 14, 2009.
• Players will be placed in the appropriate divisions based on ability not age.

Opening Day

Saturday, April 4, 2009

For more information go to www.calripkenbb.com .

League President: Dustin Chipman 775-224-3751

Players Agent: Mark Prizina

Secretary: Terrie Leighton 775-846-5424

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to answer any of your questions regarding the Spanish Springs Cal Ripken Baseball League, or any other questions you may have about the Sparks/Spanish Springs area.

Authored by Terrie Leighton. January 2009. Terrie is a licensed real estate agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate. The information in provided in this post is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed.

What is a Credit Report?

A credit report contains information about you and your credit history. This information is gathered on an ongoing basis from many sources that have extended you credit. Each report contains four main types of data. Personal information, credit history, inquiries, and public records.

What personal information is included in my credit report?

• Your name ~ You may have several versions of your name, such as your maiden name if married
• Social Security number ~ You should only have one
• Recent and current addresses ~ Should not date back more than seven years (approximately)
• Date of Birth ~ Should be accurate

Personal information such as your checking or savings accounts, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, medical history, gender, criminal records, bankruptcies that are more than 10 years old are NOT included in your credit report.

What credit/account information is included in my credit report?

The bulk of your credit report consists of the details about credit accounts that were opened in your name or that list you as an authorized user.

• Do you have a charge card? ~ If so, your account will appear on your credit report.
• Have you ever taken out a loan to buy a car? ~ This will appear on your credit report.
• Do you rent or own your home? ~ This will appear on your credit report.
• Do you have a job?~ This will appear on your credit report.
• Do you have school loans? ~ They will appear on your credit report.

Your accounts may be grouped together by type such as installment, mortgage, revolving credit or by status such as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. When you personally review your credit report, which you should be doing if you have credit established, you should verify that all accounts listed actually belong to you and the account information is correct.

Once you establish a line of credit, a report begins to form with information regarding your credit history. Lenders, employers, landlords, banks and other service providers will buy this information in the form of a credit report to help them decide if they should approve your application for a loan, credit card, job or housing.

Can anyone look at my credit report?

No! You have to have what is considered "a permissible purpose" to look at your report. Generally, they are people, companies, schools that you have applied or showed an interest in. Included are:

• Potential Lenders
• Insurance Companies
• Credit Card Companies
• Employers

Usually, you have to give written consent for these places/people to view your credit report. Once someone inquires about your account, it will appear on your report. Credit reporting agencies record this inquiriy whenever your credit report is shown to another party.

What shows up under the "public records" section of my credit report?

• Bankruptcies
• Overdue child support
• Tax liens
• Judgments

Most public record information will stay on your credit report for 7 years. If there is anything that is not accurately listed you must act immediately to have them removed.

How can I find out what is on my credit report?

There are many companies available that offer their services to help you obtain your credit report, for a small fee, of course. The best place to start is www.FreeCreditReport.com. Here they  will be asked to enroll for free for a seven day trial. You can choose not to continue their services for seven days or to continue the service for a monthly fee. It is a wonderful way to monitor your credit report. It is entirely up to you should you decide to receive monthly updates.

 If you have any questions or concerns and are not sure how to find out, ask your real estate agent who they  recommend you contact for additional help. Or simply  call your Ferrari-Lund agent, me, and I will always be happy to assist you!

 

Authored by Terrie Leighton. January 2009. Terrie is a licensed Real Estate Agent with Ferrari-Lund Real Estate in Northern Nevada. The information in this post is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.