Northern Nevada Real Estate Blog: Nevada: Sparks

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Could this Sparks, Nevada teenager be the next Carrie Underwood?

Julia C. recently won a Sparks' Got Talent contest where she competed against 40 very talented locals. She  wowed Reno Aces fans when she sang the "Start Spangled Banner" in front of a sold out crowd of 10,000 fans.  Julia goes to school with my children and has big dreams of being a professional singer one day. I have listened to Julia sing and she defiantly has talent!

So you tell me, could this rockin local Sparks girl be the next Carrie Underwood? Just listen to Julia nail "Cowboy Casanova" at the July 2010 Sparks' Got Talent Show at the Sparks Marina and you be the judge:

If fresh fruit and  vegetables are what you are after, the Sparks Hometown Farmers Market is the place to be every Thursday in June to August in Sparks, Nevada.

 Every summer, Sparks hosts the largest farmers market in the Reno / Sparks area.  This year will be the 18th year in Sparks and it continues to be a huge local favorite, not to mention one of the funnest events to attend as well.

The market features more than 100 vendors offering fresh picked produce, breads, pastries, flowers and gourmet foods with amazing free samples. There is plenty of ready-to-eat food and drinks served during the evening as well.

Enjoy live entertainment and shop for unique home and garden treasures.  There is a kids zone so bringing the entire family is a must. The Sparks Hometown farmers market is more like a mini-fair with all the street activities and attractions.

The Sparks Hometown Framers Market is held on Thursday evenings from 4-9 p.m. at Victorian Square Sparks.

 Shuttle service is available at the Legends Shopping Center. Legends is located at 1311 Lincoln Way in Sparks.  Shuttle hours will be from 4:30 - 9:30 pm. Service is provided to and from the farmers market.

Attendees are asked not to bring any glass containers, alcohol or pets to this event.

Get It Fresh At The Sparks Hometown Farmers Market

FHA approved condos and townhomes in Sparks, Nevada

 There are plenty of amazing deals right now in the Sparks, Nevada condominium market.

However, with the recent turmoil in our housing industry, many financial institutions have tightened their lending guidelines and have made it difficult to obtain financing on condos.

It is important to remember that when considering to purchase a Sparks, Nevada Condo or Townhome with a FHA loan, these complexes must already be approved by the FHA and HUD.

 For a condo complex to be FHA approved, they have to meet specific requirements. These requirements are:

•  At least 90% of the units must have been sold
•  At least 51% are owner occupied
•  No single entity may own more than 10% of the units
•  If there are more than 30 total units, then no more than 10% of the units may have FHA financing
•  If there are 30 or fewer total units, then no more than 30% of the units may have FHA financing

If you are a Sparks, Nevada home buyer who is considering purchasing a condo with a FHA  loan, here is your list of Sparks, Nevada FHA Approved Townhomes and Condominiums:

Casoleil At Spanish Springs

500 Costa Azul Drive

Sparks, NV 89436

Built in 2006, Casoleil in Spanish Springs is one of Sparks newest, luxury communities that offers two and three bedrooms with up to five different floor plans. Home owners enjoy a gated community, pool and spa, fitness center, business center with full service kitchen.

There are 5 Casoleil Condos listings in the NNRMLS right now. The average list price is $135,000. The HOA dues are $170/monthly.

Mountain Meadows

 3230 Wedekind Road

Sparks, Nevada 89431

Mountain Meadows offers two bedroom town-home style condominiums with three different floor plans to choose from. Homeowners enjoy the security of a gated complex, a swimming pool, indoor spa, clubhouse, fitness center and covered parking.

 There are 9 Mountain Meadows Condominiums listed for sale in the NNRMLS. The average list prices is $70,000. Mountain Meadows HOA dues are $195/monthly.

Pine Meadows

663 Pine Meadows

Sparks, Nevada 89431

Pine Meadows Townhomes are great for first time home buyers. Two story, three bedroom units with two car garages. Easy access to Interstate 80 and just blocks from the Sparks Marina. Mature landscaping.

There are 6 Pine Meadows Townhomes listed for sale. The average list price is $82,000. Pine Meadows HOA dues are $140/monthly.

Silver State Condominiums

15 Street & Rock BLVD

Sparks, Nevada 89431

Silver State Condominiums are centrally located in Sparks, Nevada, near the Sparks High School and Sparks Middle School. The units are two story, come ready for washer and dryer, offer a recreation room and swimming pool

There are 15 Silver State Condominiums for sale. The average list prices is $69,000. Silver State Condominiums HOA dues are $190/monthly.

Springland Village

Springland Drive

Sparks, NV 89434

Springland Village offers several different floor plans. Choose from a studio to a three bedroom unit.

  The amenities at Springland Village include two swimming pools, one spa, a tennis court, two parking spaces per unit,  and partial utilities paid through the home owners association. Mature landscaping and a wide variety of fresh, wild flowers surround this popular Sparks, Nevada complex.

There are 9 current listings in Springland Village. The average list price of a Springland Village Condominium is $80,000. The HOA dues are $220/monthly.

Williamsburg Townhomes

E. Lincoln Way

Sparks, NV 89431

 These two story townhomes were built in 1972 and are located in East Sparks, Nevada. There are several different units to choose from. Each unit has its own private patio, covered parking with extra storage.

There are only two Williamsburg Townhomes available for sale. The average list prices is $72,000. The HOA dues are $165/monthly.

Wingfield Springs Condominiums

Vista / Ingleston Drive

Sparks, Nevada 89436

The Wingfield Springs condos are located just off Vista Blvd in sparks and have soaring views of both the Spanish Springs Valley and the "Hills" golf course at Red Hawk. This project was built in 2002 and offers state of the art townhome/condo living.

Amenities include access to swimming pool, recreation room, club house and fitness center. Close to the  Golden Eagle Sports Complex, a supermarket and eateries.

Choose from 12 active listings that average in list price of $130,000. The Wingfield Springs Condo HOA's are $220/monthly.

The process of buying a FHA approved condo is really not as complicated as it may seem. Enlisting the help of a professional real estate agent who knows the area can help save you time and help make the process both easier and more successful. Please feel free to contact me for all of your condo and townhome information.

Sparks Nevada Buyers: Look Here For FHA Approved Condos and Townhomes

Looking for a place to keep cool this summer in Sparks, Nevada?

The Sprinklers at the Century 14 Movie Theater

The Century 14 Movie Theater

1250 Victorian Avenue

Sparks, Nevada 89432

775-353-7440

The Sprinkler Park in Sparks, Nevada is a great place to take the kids this summer if you are looking to stay cool. The park is free and open to everyone. Bring a blanket and have a picnic on the lawn. Bring a towel to dry off before you see your favorite summer movie at the Century 14 Movie Theater.

The Sprinkler Park on Victorian Avenue in Sparks, Nevada is an incredible way to stay cool this summer, it is free and great family fun for everyone. Located directly in from of the Sparks movie theater, your family can enjoy the day playing outside in the sprinklers then going inside to watch the latest movie. A great way to spend a lazy summer day in Northern Nevada.

If you are looking for a home in Sparks, Nevada or are looking to sell your Sparks, Nevada home, call me for a Free market evaluation. I can help you buy or sell your Sparks, Nevada home!

A Free Place To Stay Cook This Summer ~ The Sprinkler Park On Victorian Avenue

~Sparks Nevada Market Statistics for May 2010 ~

 Prepared by Terrie Leighton, Realtor, Ferrari-Lund Real Estate in Northern Nevada

Here are a few real estate statistics for Sparks, Nevada during May 2010:

This report is for single family homes sold in Sparks, Nevada for May 2010:

Sold = 132 Single Family Homes

Median List Price = $165,000

Median Sold Price = $164,000

Average Days on Market = 111

There were 132 single family homes sold in Sparks, Nevada during May 2010. During April 2010, there were only 157 single family homes sold. I think we are seeing  the First Time Home Buyers Tax credit working to get home buyers into their homes before it expired.

Foreclosures ~ 21 of the 132 homes sold were bank owned/ foreclosure properties. During April 2010 there were 35 bank owned properties sold. A decrease in bank homes sold could mean we are nearing the end of the housing crisis and fewer foreclosures are taking place OR the banking institutions who foreclosed on these properties on holding onto them until housing prices start to rise.

 The median selling price of a Northern Nevada bank owned property was $155,000 and spent an average of  60 days listed for sale in the Northern Nevada Regional  Multiple Listing Service (NNRMLS).

Short Sales ~There were 132 single family homes sold in Sparks, Nevada during April 2010. 59 of the 132 homes sold were short sale properties. The average sold price of a Northern Nevada short sale home was $160,000 and was listed on the NNRMLS for at least 166 days. The number of short sale properties during A May 2010 is comparable to April 2010.

The housing market in Sparks, Nevada appears to be stabilizing but the number of homes being sold with specials conditions tells us we are still in a volatile situation, one that continually changes from month to month. Until people are able to stay in their homes and make their monthly payments or sell them without short selling or having them foreclosed upon, there really is no way to predict when the market will start stabilize.

 Note: The numbers in this market report are derived from the NNRMLS and are believed to be accurate, but they are not guaranteed!

Sparks Nevada market report for April 2010

Here are your market statistics for single family homes sold in Sparks, Nevada for April 2010:

Sold = 157 Single Family Homes

Median List Price = $168,000

Median Sold Price = $168,000

Average Days on Market = 106

There were 157 single family homes sold in Sparks, Nevada during April 2010. During March 2010 there were only 141 single family homes sold. I think we are seeing are the First Time Home Buyers Tax credit working to get home buyers into their homes before it expired.

Foreclosures ~ 35 of the 157 homes sold were bank owned/ foreclosure properties. During March 2010 there were 39 bank owned properties sold. A decrease in bank homes sold could mean we are nearing the end of the housing crisis and fewer foreclosures are taking place OR the banking institutions who foreclosed on these properties on holding onto them until housing prices start to rise. The reason for a decrease in bank owned properties sold is really any ones guess, we will have to see the statistics for May to see if a trend is present.

 The average selling price of a Northern Nevada bank owned property was $144,000 and spent an average of  77 days listed for sale in the Northern Nevada Regional  Multiple Listing Service (NNRMLS).

Short Sales ~There were 157 single family homes sold in Sparks, Nevada during April 2010. 55 of the 157 homes sold were short sale properties. The average sold price of a Northern Nevada short sale home was $160,000 and was listed on the NNRMLS for at least 178 days. The number of short sale properties during March 2010 is comparable to April 2010. The price of a short sale single family home decreased by $9,000 &was on the market at 30 days less then March 2010. The lending institutions appear to be approving short sales faster as prices start to drop.

The housing market in Sparks, Nevada appears to be stabilizing but the number of homes being sold with specials conditions tells us we are still in a volatile situation, one that continually changes from month to month. Until people are able to stay in their homes and make their monthly payments or sell them without short selling or having them foreclosed upon, there really is no way to predict when the market will start stabilize.

If you need help buying or selling your home in Sparks, Nevada, finding the right Realtor can help make your real estate process simpler. Knowing what the Sparks, Nevada real estate market is doing from month to month,  day to day, is key in being a successful buyer or seller. 

 Let me help you with your home buying or selling process. Visit my web site at www.servingrenoandsparks.com  to find different Northern Nevada neighborhoods that might interest you and help ease your home search.  Or, sign up for a free LisitingBook account so you can search Northern Nevada properties at www.sellingrenoandsparks.listingbook.com just like I do. It is free and is updated every 15 minutes.

 It might be spring but it feels like winter here in Nevada!

 Woke up to fog covering the valley one morning.

  It is really, really hard to complain about the cold weather we have been experiencing this month here in Northern Nevada when you wake up so these spectacular views.

The spring weather in Reno tends to be dry and cool. Daytime high temperatures start in the 50's in the beginning of spring and climb over 70 by the end of spring. The average temperature for May is usually around the 70 degree range. This year the average temperaturein May has been a modest 40 degrees!!

The fog was in the western valleys of Nevada along with areas in Truckee CA and South Lake Tahoe. It was caused by moisture and cool temperatures in the air which quickly warmed as the cloud coverage disappeared. Many flights were delayed at the Reno Airport.

I remember  freezing my toes off at my son's baseball game recently. It had to have been in the low 40's. There were only 4 parents (including myself) who braved the cold to cheer on the boys! But I gotta tell ya, it is really hard to complain when you wake to see this magical view of the valley.

Valley Fog in Sparks & Reno Nevada ~ It might be spring but it looks & feels like winter!

Sparks Nevada Homes Sold in March 2010

Here are your market statistics for single family homes sold in Sparks, Nevada for March 2010:

Sold = 141 Single Family Residences

Average Sold Price = $176,488

Average Days on Market = 136

There were 141 single family homes sold in Sparks, Nevada during March 2010. 39 of the 141 homes sold were bank owned/ foreclosure properties. The average selling price of a Northern Nevada bank owned property was $159,382 and spent an average of  77 days listed for sale in the Northern Nevada Regional  Multiple Listing Service (NNRMLS).

There were 141 single family homes sold in Sparks, Nevada during March 2010. 51 of the 141 homes sold were short sale properties. The average sold price of a Northern Nevada short sale home was $169,000 and was listed on the NNRMLS for at least 216 days.

Current / Active single family listings in Sparks, Nevada are:

Active = 351

List Price = $237,724

 Note: The numbers in this market report are derived from the NNRMLS and are believed to be accurate, but they are not guaranteed!

If you need help buying or selling your home in Sparks, Nevada, finding the right Realtor can help make your real estate process simpler. Knowing what the Sparks, Nevada real estate market is doing from month to month,  day to day, is key in being a successful buyer or seller. 

 Let me help you with your home buying or selling process. Visit my web site at www.servingrenoandsparks.com  to find different Northern Nevada neighborhoods that might interest you and help ease your home search.  Or, sign up for a free LisitingBook account so you can search Northern Nevada properties at www.sellingrenoandsparks.listingbook.com just like I do. It is free and is updated every 15 minutes.

What Day Do I Water My Lawn?

 Good News ~ Northern Nevadans now have three assigned water days!

If you rent or own your home in Northern Nevada, or are a business owner, you know the Truckee Meadows community is on a water restriction and have assigned days to water our lawns. This year residences and businesses now have three days to water. The Truckee Meadows Water Authority said that because we have met our community conservation agreement to meter the water system, they are now able to offer customers the flexibility of watering up to three assigned days per week.

Here are your assigned watering days in Truckee Meadows ~ Washoe County ~ Northern Nevada:

*** If the last number of your home or business address is even (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

*** If the last number of your home or business address is odd (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) water only on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

No watering from noon to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day! And no watering on Mondays!

It is O.K. to hand water vegetables, flowers, tress and shrubs any day of the week!

For more information about water schedules in Reno / Sparks, feel free to contact the Truckee Meadow Water Authority at 775-834-8005 or visit www.tmh20.com .

~~Need to start water service in your new residence or business?    Call 775-824-8080 ~~