On top of that, it is the time of year when many landlords institute rent increases. I’ve recently had friends reach out to me about rent increases or have been asked to move because the owners have other plans for the home in which they live. It can be very stressful.

Northern Nevada has changed a lot over the decades. When I was growing up here in the 70s and 80s, the outsider's perception of us was a town of gambling, brothels, and not much more.

Reno is so much more than that and I’m so glad the old reputation has faded away.

I often get asked, ‘how’s the market?’ The answer isn’t as simple as good or bad. In my monthly market report posted last week, we can see sales were down but homes were selling very close to asking. The market is healthy.

My favorite part of my job is helping someone buy their first home. It’s scary and exciting. It’s also sound financially. Owning a home provides you with shelter and security and earns equity. Keeping money in the bank depending on interest will not even keep up with inflation. Financial health needs to go beyond just stashing money aside for the future.

We are hosting a Home Buyers’ Brunch on Sunday, February 5th at 1 p.m. in Reno, NV. Please join Barb Allen, Solid Source Realtor, Melanie Galvin, Mortgage Lender at Fairway Independent Mortgage, and Kimberly Williams, CPA of Frushon Accounting to learn how to prepare to buy a home.