Organic Wine Tasting in Reno

The Friends of Nevada Organics is holding an organic wine tasting in Reno on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 5-7pm at Whole Foods Market (6139 S Virginia St).  Meet local Nevada organic farmers and producers, taste their beer, wine and other spirits and help raise money for the Friends of Nevada Organics in the process.  Tickets are just $10 per person, which entitles each holder (ages 21 or older) to five different tastings as well as a complimentary glass (beer or wine). 

The Friends of Nevada Organics’ goal is to teach the public about the benefits of living organically.  In addition to organic farming, the FNO focuses on landscaping, school gardening, food service and other organic programs.  Through public and private donations as well as grants from the government, this 501C3 educational organization distributes funds to local organic groups who also promote organic living.  They also provide information to traditional Nevada farmers and processors on how to convert their farms to organic if they are so inclined.

If you are not a wine aficionado, you may still be interested in trying out organic tea or coffee from local Reno farmers.  There may even be some food tastings available from some of the local organic farmers at the event.  Bird owners might be interested in checking out the organic sprouted seed mix one of our local Reno area producers sells.  It is an incredible healthy alternative to processed bird feed.

Try the organic wine tasting in Reno this Friday, January 27, 2012 from 5-7pm at Whole Foods on Virginia Street.  Help raise money for the Friends of Nevada Organics, learn about the benefits of organic farming from local farmers and producers and taste some fantastic local organic beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea and more.  Just one more reason Reno is such a great place to live!

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

Originally posted on my Reno relocation blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2751124/organic-wine-tasting-in-reno.

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Top Five Tips for Your Fireplace

During the chilly winter months, the fireplace in your Reno home tends to get a bit of a workout.  Fireplaces are cozy and help stave off the cold.  They can also be incredibly dangerous if not used properly.  Here are the top five tips for using your fireplace safely:

Tip #1 – Only burn firewood in your fireplace.  Paper articles, trash, scraps of wood from your weekend project…all these should instead be disposed of in their proper containers (use your recycling bins if you have them).  Chemically treated wood can create a toxic cocktail inside your Reno home that can be deadly to your family.  If you do use a starter log to get your fire going, only use one at a time.  They tend to burn much hotter than normal, dry, cured firewood (which is the only type of wood you should be burning regularly in your fireplace).

Tip #2 – Keep your fireplace doors open when in use.  This allows oxygen in to keep the fire burning and gives heat a chance to escape into the room, where you want it. 

Tip #3 – When your fireplace is not in use, keep the damper closed.  Chimneys are notorious for letting in cold air while allowing the heated indoor air to escape.  This can cost you some serious money.  If your damper isn’t sealing as it should, replace it immediately.

Tip #4 – Maintenance is critical.  Have your chimney cleaned at least twice a year (once before heavy usage is planned and once after the heavy usage is over).  You want to make sure the chimney remains free of harmful creosote buildup (that yucky black stuff), which can create a serious fire hazard.  The smoke and ash needs a clear passage to the outside as well so it doesn’t invade your Reno home.  To avoid outside elements from falling into your chimney, a chimney stack should be installed.  A stainless steel model is the best.

Tip #5 - Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are important safety devices that should be installed in every Reno home.  Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can leak into your home, causing suffocation.  These should be placed near the fireplace as well as near the bedrooms on each level of your home.

Winter weather in the Sierra Nevadas is the perfect time to enjoy a nice evening curled up next to a roaring fire.  Following these top five tips for your fireplace will help ensure that you enjoy it in your Reno home safely and comfortably for years to come.  If you need help finding or selling a Reno home, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

Originally posted on my Reno Relocation blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2724483/top-five-tips-for-your-fireplace.

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How Much Home Can I Afford?

One of the biggest questions Reno homeowners ask themselves is “How much can I afford?”.  Just because a mortgage lender tells you that you qualify for a particular loan amount doesn’t mean that you HAVE to spend that much on a Reno home.  It also doesn’t mean that you can necessarily fit it into your current lifestyle either.  In order to determine how much of a mortgage payment you can reasonably figure into your budget, you will need to consider the following:

In general, experts suggest that you spend no more than two to three times your annual gross household income on a Reno home.  For example, if your household income is $90,000, you shouldn’t spend more than $180,000-$270,000 on a home.  This will help keep your payment “reasonable” in accordance with your income level.

Your downpayment can have an effect on how much Reno home you can afford as well.  The higher your downpayment, the lower your mortgage payment will be and, therefore, the more home you can afford.  If you put at least 20% of the sales price down, you may not have to pay PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance), which is required by law when you borrow more than 80% of the home’s sales price to purchase it.  On the flip side, the less of a downpayment you have, the more money you must borrow, which makes the mortgage payment higher.

Take some time to sit down and hammer out a household budget.  How much do you owe in car loans, revolving credit and student loans?  What do you spend in groceries, entertainment, utilities, etc. per month?  To keep your mortgage payment affordable, real estate experts suggest that your monthly mortgage payment, taxes and insurance should not take more than 28% of your income.  Additionally, your total monthly bills (including loan payments, car payments, credit cards, etc.) shouldn’t take more than 41% of your income when you factor in your mortgage payment.  Studies have shown that homeowners who use more of their income than this tend to struggle to make their home payments.  You don’t want to be in that statistic.

If you currently rent a Reno home, you can use this amount to help you determine what you can afford in a Reno home payment.  Since homeowners receive a break on their taxes that renters do not, another rule of thumb is that you can actually afford a home payment approximately 1/3 more than what you currently pay in rent per month.  For example, if you pay $1200 per month in rent, you should actually be able to afford a $1596 monthly mortgage payment without having to adjust your lifestyle at all.

Determining how much Reno home you can afford comes down to your annual income, how much money you have to put down on a home and your household budget.  Just because you QUALIFY for a higher amount doesn’t necessarily mean that you want to PAY that much every month.  Everybody’s situation is unique.  If you need any help purchasing a Reno home for yourself, please contact me.

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

Originally posted on my Reno Relocation real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2703639/how-much-home-can-i-afford-.

Winter Break Fun for Kids in Reno

Only six more days til Christmas.  After the presents are unwrapped and everyone’s filled up with eggnog and holiday cheer, what happens next?  For parents of school-age children, there are two weeks of time to fill before the kids hit the books again.  How can you keep them occupied in a safe but fun atmosphere?  Holiday Adventures offers winter break fun for kids in Reno.

Beginning the Monday after Christmas (December 26, 2011) and continuing through Friday, January 6, 2012, the City of Reno will be holding their annual Holiday Adventures event for kids.  From 7am to 6pm Monday through Friday for those two weeks, kids ages 6-14 will be playing sports, creating fun things with arts and crafts, taking field trips, playing board games, participating in various contests and much more.  The program is only $100 for the entire two weeks.  Just make sure to pack a lunch, drink and snack for your child each day.

Holiday Adventures is available in three locations: Neil Road Recreation Center (3925 Neil Rd), Plumas Park (475 Monroe St) and Vacation Station (1301 Valley Rd).  For more information and to register your child for some safe Winter Break fun in Reno, simply call 775-334-2262 and speak to Alan.  Enjoy peace of mind while keeping your children busy during their time off of school this winter break.  Happy holidays!

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

Originally posted on my Reno Relocation real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2655589/winter-break-fun-for-kids-in-reno.

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Track Down Santa’s Whereabouts

NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) has made it their mission since 1955 to track down Santa’s whereabouts every Christmas Eve.  Based in Colorado Springs, NORAD uses their advanced technology to keep track of Santa’s progress throughout the world over while delivering presents to all the good little girls and boys, including those in Reno.  Just visit the NORAD Santa Tracker website to view his progress.

This year, you can even track Santa on your mobile phone with the NORAD Tracks Santa app available on iPhone and Android.  Simply visit your app store to download the app now.  Keep tabs on him via Facebook, Google+ or Twitter.  NORAD will be posting updates throughout the evening.  See where the big guy is no matter where you happen to be.  Santa’s trek around the world on Christmas Eve will also be visible on Google Earth.

NORAD’s tradition of tracking down Santa came about as a happy accident.  In 1955, the Sears Roebuck & Co in Colorado Springs printed an ad for children to call Santa.  The phone number in the ad was printed incorrectly and directed kids to the Commander-in-Chief’s hotline at CONAD (NORAD’s predecessor).  Colonel Harry Shoup, the Director of Operations, had his staff track Santa on radar to see where he was so he could let the kids know.  Thus, a tradition began.

If you have kids at home or are just a kid at heart, track down Santa’s whereabouts as he makes his way to Reno and points around the world by using the NORAD Santa Tracker.  The Santa Tracker is totally high tech, with access via website, social media and smart phone apps.  For anyone who wants to see Santa’s progress on Christmas Eve, you can do so no matter where you are and what you’re doing.  Happy holidays!

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

Originally posted on my Reno Relocation Real Estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2644830/track-down-santa-s-whereabouts.

Polar Express in Reno

After the turkey is eaten and everyone has come out of their Thanksgiving food comas, there is no better way to kick off the Christmas season than taking a ride on the Polar Express in Reno.  Well, it’s actually located in Carson City (a 40 minute drive south of Reno).  Beginning Friday, November 25th, at 4pm, guests of all ages can board the 100-year-old decorated train out of the Carson City Eastgate Depot in their jammies (kids), sip hot cocoa, nibble on cookies and listen to a retelling of the Christmas classic the ride is based on.  The Polar Express is scheduled to make its trek to the North Pole every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 18, 2011.

In addition to the storytelling, there will be festive holiday music playing throughout the train, riders will get their tickets punched by the conductor and receive visits from characters of the Polar Express.  The final destination will be Santa’s Village at the North Pole.  Even though this is the busiest time of year for him, Santa will step aboard to make sure each child gets their very own silver bell keepsake.  The question is, though, will they be able to hear it ring?  You’ll have to find out for yourself.

Kids ages two and under can embark on their journey absolutely free of charge.  Tickets for children 3-12 are $25 and everyone ages 13 and above are $34.  As you can imagine, the train gets booked up pretty quickly, so you are encouraged to make your reservations early.  Click here for more info and to buy your ticket now.  It gets chilly, so make sure to dress warmly and bring blankets.  Guests are encouraged to arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.  Join in on this unique way to begin the holiday season.  Take off on the Polar Express near Reno beginning Friday, November 25, 2011. 

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

Originally posted on my Reno real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2613417/polar-express-in-reno.


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Winter Warming Safety Tips for Reno Homeowners

Baby, it’s cold outside.  And it’s just getting colder.  We’re well into the crisp fall season and Old Man Winter will soon be knocking at the door.  The Reno weather forecast through Thanksgiving shows highs in the 50s and overnight lows dipping well below freezing.  If you’re like me, that household heater has been getting a nice little workout lately.  The fire department wants to remind Reno homeowners about these winter warming safety tips:

Space heaters need just that…space.  Make sure that nothing combustible is within a three foot perimeter of any floor or other portable space heater.  Combustible materials don’t always need a spark to get a flame going.  Sometimes, all it takes is a rise in temperature.

Keep all portable heating units in good working condition.  Before using them, especially after they’ve been stored for months, inspect the unit for any carbon buildup.  Make sure your unit has an emergency shutoff in case it accidentally gets tipped over.  If it doesn’t have one, it may be time for a new one.

Never EVER use your oven to heat your Reno home.  Not only is this one of the most inefficient ways to heat your home but it can cause serious damage to a curious child’s little fingers and can emit toxic fumes that quickly build up, easily killing a family in their sleep (like carbon monoxide poisoning).

Get your chimney inspected at least once a year…before you begin using it regularly.  An improperly ventilated chimney can create a backup of toxic fumes.  Make sure it is cleaned out so that there is a clear path for smoke to exit your Reno home.  Also, make sure that all embers are completely dead before closing the damper, as they can reignite if not properly extinguished.

Outdoor heating units and generators should only be used outside.  They need a large area to properly ventilate the toxic fumes that build up when in use.  If used indoors, the carbon monoxide can fill a home without any warning, killing all living beings inside.

There should be a working smoke detector on every level of a Reno home.  Check to see if your detector has a battery backup system, since many of them work on an electrical system which can render them inoperable in a power outage.  Batteries should be changed at least once a year.  However, many experts recommend changing them twice a year.  A good rule of thumb to follow is, when you change your clocks at the beginning and end of Daylight Savings Time, change your detector batteries as well.  Since this just happened a little over a week ago, change your batteries now if you haven’t already done so.  Also, consider getting a carbon monoxide detector for all levels of your home .  Carbon monoxide is odorless and extremely deadly.

Following these winter warming safety tips will help Reno homeowners stay safe and warm during the cold winter months.   Contact me now if you’re interested in buying or selling a Reno property soon.

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

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Changes to Home Refinance Program Announced

Recently, changes were announced to the home refinance program HARP.  Originally, the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) was projected to help millions of homeowners across the country avoid losing their homes to foreclosure.  Unfortunately, it has not reached as many people as was hoped.  So, in an effort to open HARP up to more homeowners, including those owning Reno homes, the Obama administration made the following changes:

• Homeowners must have a loan-to-value ratio of more than 80%.  Previously, homeowners couldn’t owe more than 125% of the value of their home.  This excluded most of the people who bought a Reno home during the real estate boom a few years.
• Homeowners can use HARP on their vacation or rental property as long as it was purchased as their primary residence originally.  Investment properties were previously exempt from HARP.
• An appraisal is not necessary if there is an acceptable method of valuation in place with the lending institution.  Previously, homeowners had to pay for an appraisal of their property to see if it was eligible for HARP.
• Homeowners no longer have to pay an additional fee if they wish to shorten their mortgage from a 30 year loan to a 15 or 20 year loan.

Additionally, to be eligible for HARP, you cannot have refinanced using HARP before.  You must have purchased your Reno home using funds backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (no VA, FHA or USDA loans allowed).  Your home must have been purchased before May 31, 2009.  You can prove that you have the means to pay back the new loan.

The information provided here is meant as reference only.  If you meet all these guidelines, you are still not guaranteed acceptance into HARP.  To do that, you must contact your mortgage servicer.  However, I can help you see if you are a good candidate for this or help you find a foreclosure alternative that might work even better.  Simply contact me today to discuss your foreclosure options.

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

Originally posted on my Reno real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2592204/changes-to-home-refinance-program-announced.


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Fall Burning Now Open in Reno

As of last Friday, October 28, 2011, Fall burning is now open in Reno by permit only.  The Fall open burning season is only allowed until 2pm on Sunday, November 6, 2011.  If weather conditions require it, the burning season may end even sooner.  Check with Reno fire officials for any changes.

Some rules to follow during the open burning season:

• Never burn items on windy days.
• Burning can begin as early as 6am during the season but must be completely extinguished by 2pm the same day.
• All open burns must be conducted at least 25 feet from any structures or brush.
• Clear a 10-15 foot diameter around your burn area of any combustible materials (grass, leaves, paper, etc).
• Only burning of vegetative material is allowed.
• Keep all fires small and contained so they don’t get out of hand.
• Always keep a rake and/or shovel handy as well as a rubber hose that is connected and ready to use (water turned on) at the burn area in case of emergency.
• Always keep watch over an open flame.  Never leave the area unattended.
• Never use gasoline, lighter fluid or other accelerants to get the fire burning.
• Keep kids away from open flames.
• Check for cinders or smoking materials 30-60 minutes after extinguishing the fire to make sure nothing will restart the flames.

Non-vegetative items are not allowed to be burned during the Fall burning season in Reno.  This includes:

• Construction debris
• Household trash
• Paper products (cardboard, magazines, newspapers, etc)
• Petroleum
• Plastic items
• Rubber products
• Tires

It is highly recommended that, instead of burning vegetation, Reno homeowners consider creating a compost pile for gardening in the spring.  It’s a natural fertilizer, bug repellent and a fantastic moisture rentative material.  If you currently have a permit for the fall burning season in Reno, you don’t need to obtain another one.  However, if you need one, please contact the Burn Permit Hotline at 775-328-3659.  Be smart and safe during the fall open burning season in Reno.

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

Originally posted on my Reno real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2581262/fall-burning-now-open-in-reno.


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Reno Pumpkin Patches

Halloween is just one week away.  So, it’s the perfect time to pick up those pumpkins so they’re ready for carving.  There are a few pumpkin patches in Reno you can visit with your little ghouls and goblins to pick up your family Halloween pumpkin and have some fun in the process.

Ferrari Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch – (East of Rock Blvd on Mill St, Reno, NV), 9:30am to 8:30pm Monday through Thursday, 9:30am to 10pm Friday and Saturday and 9:30am to 6pm Sunday.  Get more than pumpkins on this working farm.  In addition to pumpkins of all sizes and colors, you can buy gourds, cornstalks and corn bales that are all grown on-site.  Kids can have fun in the bounce house while the entire family can enjoy a hayride, take a walk through the corn maze, view farm animals or even ride the mechanical bull.  All pumpkins are priced according to their size/weight.  Hay rides are $3 each or $10 per family, the corn maze is $5 per person and the bounce house is just $1 per child.  For more info, please call 775-856-4962.

Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Fest – Andelin Family Farm (8100 Pyramid Hwy, Sparks, NV), 10am to 3pm Tuesday through Thursday and 10am to 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Sunday and Monday).  Take a hay ride, roam through the hay maze and see live farm animals.  Admission is just $5 per person.  For more info, please call 775-530-8032.

Toll House Pumpkin Patch – 12185 S Virginia St, Reno, NV, 9am to 8pm Sunday through Thursday and 9am to 9pm Friday and Saturday.  Before you buy your pumpkin, enjoy a trip through the crazy quilt maze or let the kids roam free in one of the fun bounce houses, ride a pony, pet one of the animals in the petting zoo, play in the hay fort, take a train ride or participate in any of the myriad of other fun activities available.  Rides close Sunday through Thursday at 7pm and 8pm on Friday and Saturday.

Celebrate a Halloween tradition and support local farms by picking up your own pumpkin to carve at one of the Reno pumpkin patches above.  You can have some good old fashioned family fun as well.  You know it’s a great time when the whole family can enjoy the same activity.

Charlene Hamilton, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Helping Reno Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

Originally posted on my Reno Real Estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2569953/reno-pumpkin-patches.

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