Selling Reno And Sparks Real Estate Blog: Nevada: Reno: Damonte Ranch | Double Diamond

Michelle Gibson, Wellington Florida Real Estate wrote the following blog. She gives four really great reason why home buyers should get pre-approved for a home purchase prior to starting their home search.

If you live in the Northern Nevada areas of Reno or Sparks and need assistance or don't know who to call for pre-approval, call me, I can offer you a list of local mortgage professionals that I happily recommend.

One of my clients recently closed escrow on a Reno home and asked:

"How do I homestead my home and what protection will I have once completed?"

Homesteading your home is quite easy. All you need to do is complete a Declaration of Homestead form and record it with the county recorder in the county where your home is located. There is a small fee to process and notarize the declaration once you have completed it. If you live in Washoe County, the recorders office is located at 1001 E 9th Street, Building A, Suite 150, Reno NV 89520.

What is a homestead?

 A homestead declaration protects your home from being seized and sold in the event that a money judgment is entered against you in court. Nevada home owners who have filed a Declaration of Homestead are protected under the Homestead Act Of Nevada, NRS 115.

For most judgments against you, your home in Nevada is protected up to at least $550,000 of the equity you have in your home. You are protected against most judgments except if you have judgment against you  because:

• You owe taxes on your home
• You have a mortgage lien
• You owe Child Support / Alimony
• You have a mechanics lien

What kinds of properties are eligible?

• Land, your house, things connected to the land (easements, gardens, fixtures)
• Mobile Home (even if you don't own the land it sits on)
• Condominium Unit

Who can declare a homestead?

You  must own your home to file a homestead declaration. It must be your primary residence, not a rental or investment property. It does not matter if you are married or single. Both or a single married person can file. In most cases, a trustee can file for a person living in the intended home.

 What happens if I sell my home once it has a homestead declaration filed?

If after receiving a Declaration of Homestead for your home you must keep the information on the form current. If you move,  you must file for a new homestead. If you divorce, separate, become widowed or get a new loan, you will need to file a new declaration.  

If you own a home in Reno or Sparks, Nevada, you should consider filing a homestead declaration with the Washoe County Recorders Office. 

It is so easy to do and is such a valuable tool to help protect your home against creditors and could save you from having your home foreclosed on.

How Do I Homestead My Reno Home?

If you purchased an energy efficient product or renewable energy system for your home for  improvement purposes anytime during January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010, you might be eligible for a Federal tax credit or deduction on your 2010 income tax returns.

 As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy hopes consumers will buy energy efficient products for their homes that will help save on consumers monthly energy bills, reduce air pollution and increase indoor comfort. By purchasing qualifying Energy Star Products, home owners have the opportunity to owe less on personal income taxes.

To be clear on what qualifies as an Energy Star product, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines Energy Star below:

"The earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meed strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Cod (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes."

What products are included in  home energy improvemnt tax credits?

 ALL tax deductions must be for your existing home and principle residence. New construction homes, vacations homes and rentals to not qualify. You will receive a tax credit of 30% of the cost up to $1,500 for the following items:

• Installation and purchase of energy efficient windows and doors
• Installation and purchase of heating and cooling equipment
• Roofs (Metal & Asphalt)
• Water heaters (non solar)
• Insulation

All items must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 to be eligible.

What products qualify for Existing Homes & New Construction Principle Residence & Second Homes?

This tax credit does not apply to rentals. Both existing and new construction residences apply as well as principle residences and second homes. The tax credit covers up to 30% of cost with no upper limit. This tax credit will expire December 31, 2016. The following items qualify:

• Geothermal Pumps
• Small Wind Turbines (Residential)
• Solar Energy Systems

To learn more about products that help reduce energy and save energy for your home and where to buy energy efficient products, the U.S Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Agency have a complete list of products, tips and advice and a list of all tax credits and incentive available to home owners.

Always consult your tax expert or legal adviser to be sure your Energy Star purchases and home improvements qualify. If you are looking for homes in Reno Nevada with energy efficient features, contact me for a complete list of homes in this area.

Take Advantage Of Those Federal Energy Tax Credits For Your Northern Nevada Home

Esplanade By D.R. Horton ~ Damonte Ranch Condominiums for sale in Reno, Nevada 89521

Esplanade By D.R. Horton, a beautiful community situated in the master planned residential area of Damonte Ranch.

Selling in the mid to upper $100,000's with two and three bedroom available, this luxurious complex is one of only a few of its kind in the area.

Energy efficient, top of the line appliances, large and open floor plans (1,300 to 1,800 sq ft) large one and two garages, spa and pool area are offered with your new Esplanade Condominium at Damonte Ranch.

 Adjacent to over three miles of walking trails, over 200 acres of open space, 174 acres of protected wetlands,community parks, extensive trails that are great for biking, walking your dog, pushing a stroller and enjoying an innovative walk. You will fall in love with the area prior to falling in love with your new Reno home.

 Home to the Damonte Ranch Mustangs, Esplanade is conveniently located near several Washoe County Schools.

Damonte Ranch High School, Depoali Middle School are two of the newest and up to date schools in the Washoe County School District.

Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Damonte Ranch is just 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, 10 minutes from the new Summit Shopping Mall, two miles from freeway access and with in 15 minutes of the Reno Tahoe International Airport.

Espalande in Damonte Ranch is centrally located in South Reno and offers affordable, luxury condominiums in a master planned community. Contact me to help you find your new home in Reno, Nevada today! Affordable living in Reno, Nevada!

Reno Real Estate ~ Damonte Ranch Condominiums Selling in Reno Nevada

Tanamera luxury condominiums located in the South Meadows neighborhood of Reno, Nevada 89521

You can own a 1 , 2, or 3 bedroom luxury condominium at The Resort At Tanamera with as little as 3.5% down. FHA / Conventional / VA / Cash / 1031 Exchange financing available.  All units feature direct garage access, high ceilings, gas fireplaces, laundry rooms, patios/balconies and single level living.

Enjoy a lifestyle you have always wanted for you and your family! Ideally located in Reno's South Meadows area, within the Double Diamond master planned community, this private, gated resort community offers a 15,000 square foot clubhouse that hosts a fitness center, library, kitchen, business center, cigar bar, movie theater room and lounge area.

Just outside the clubhouse is the 4,800 square foot lagoon style pool with spa. Set amidst beautiful pine tree landscaping with magnificent views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Resort at Tanamera is truly one of Reno's finest places to enjoy and live.

The Resort is located just three miles from the Sierra Summit Shopping Center, just minutes from the Reno/Tahoe International Airport, just 25 minutes from the Mt. Rose Ski Resort(local favorite place to ski), and just 40 minutes from beautiful North Lake Tahoe. This south Reno location is arguably one of the best locations and a very desirable part of town.

 Prices for residences start at $125,000 to $250,000. Regular sale and short sale properties are available. Call me for all you Tanamera luxury Condominium information. I am available to assist you with the purchase of your new home! Just call me at 775-846-5424 and I will be happy to help with the purchase or the sale of your condominium in Reno!

Reno Real Estate ~ FHA Approved Tanamera Luxury Condominiums

Looking for something brand new? Cyan, located in Double Diamond, is Reno's newest master planned community and is sure to have an amazing new home to please you and your family.

Inspired by nature, this Double Diamond neighborhood  is located in South Reno, the area  commonly known as South Meadows. This scenic area lies in the heart of nearly 2,000 acres of protected and preserved wetlands.

 There are over 126 miles of trails that were strategically built around the wetlands and communities. Homeowners enjoy biking,  exploring, jogging, skating and bird watching along these paths that connect the Double Diamond and Damonte Ranch together.

Cyan is now building homes and communities in the heard of these stunning areas. When completed, Cyan will have developed a 14 acre park that will include a sports complex, a new trail system, basketball courts and a new fire station.

Currently, D.R. Horton is building new homes with many choices, floor plans, styles and pricing for just about every lifestyle and budget.

Heritage and Legacy, two of Double Diamonds newest communities, are currently selling single story and two story home designs.

Prices of these 7 floor plans start in the low $200,000's.

Floor plans are approximately 1500 to 2650 sq ft with as many as 6 bedrooms and as many as three baths.

 Choose between two or three car garages. Pick a lot to have your dream home built on.

Enjoy numerous energy saving products that will help keep your power bills low year round. 

 D.R Horton, Americas Home Builders, have been building homes for nearly 30 years and have built more than 400,000 homes.

Their reputation in Reno is one of the highest and they consistently create a positive experience for first time home buyers.

I always enjoy taking my home buyers to D.R. Horton neighborhoods. First time home  buyers can benefit from hiring a licensed real estate agentto help them through the  home buying process.

Having someone who is knowledgeable about new construction, the obstacles new home buyers sometimes face can help make your home purchase smooth and enjoyable.

School Information:

Double Diamond Elementary

Depoali Middle School

Damonte Ranch High School

If you would like additional information on this the new, Double Diamond community, please feel free to contact me. I can help with your new home purchase or help you find a re-sale home of your dreams. Just call me,  I will  be more than happy to help! 775-846-5424.

Reno Real Estate ~ New Construction Homes For Sale In Double Diamond

The Damonte Ranch Park

Located at 1950 Steamboat Parkway, Reno Nevada 89521

Damonte Ranch Park can be found in the southeast area in Reno. This residential area consists of mostly middle-upper class homes. It includes the Double Diamond and Damonte Ranch areas with South Meadows Parkway to the north, the Storey County border to the east, Toll Road to the south and South Virginia Street to the West.

A park that is equipped to delight children of all ages, Damonte Ranch Park was completed in 2008 and has become the neighborhood spot  that inspires timeless family memories. Who doesn't remember a particular neighorhood park from their childhood? Damonte Ranch Park is sure to remain in the minds of many who play here years after they have grown and moved away.

Here is why I think you will find this Reno park to be one of your favorite places to bring your children:

The Play Structure 

This massive structure is three stories high and has three different sections to play on. With five slides, monkey bars, sliders that make you feel like you are on a zip line, a climbing wall and wiggly pools, this incredible supersized play structure will surely wear you and the kids out!

 The Maze

Cement paths are surrounded by tall, fountain grass to help youngsters feel and find their way around this maze. The grass is just tall enough to hide the path and create a nice challenge for those brave enough to enter.

Picnic Shelter with Barbecue

The picnic area with the built in barbecue is great for entertaining and celebrating with friends and family. Drive by on any given Saturday or Sunday and will see signs of birthday parties, graduations, father's day celebrations and wedding receptions.

Trails, Wetlands, Rolling Hills & Hoops

There is so much more to this community park than just swinging on swings and sliding down slides. The trails that connect Damonte Ranch neighborhoods together with this park  are great for roller skating, roller blading, jogging, walking and bike riding.

Located in the scenic area of South Meadows, Damonte Ranch lies in the heart of 174 acres of protected and preserved wetlands. Over 126 miles of trails were strategically built around them. These beautiful wetlands add to  Damonte Ranch Park backdrop and  makes exploring, taking pictures and studying nature all part of the charm.

The Damonte Ranch Park is situated on eight acres and has amazing views of the the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Rolling hills, a tree cove, a turf area and a basketball court all create one of Reno's newest and intriguing city parks to date. This park offers something for just about every member of the family.

The Damonte Ranch Park in Damonte Ranch is located just off Interstate 395 South in Reno, Nevada. Once you arrive you will find amply parking, a playground with age appropriate elements, benches, open space for playing all kinds of ball, restroom facilities, and so much more.