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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

Originally posted in my Reno real estate blog here: http://charlenehamilton.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/winter-warming-safety-tips-for-reno-homeowners/.

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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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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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Halloween is only three weeks away.  If you’re worried about your boys and ghouls trick or treating on Halloween eve, don’t worry.  All families can enjoy safe Halloween fun in Reno by attending one of the following events beginning the weekend before.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
Harvest Festival – Idlewild Park (1805 Idlewild Dr, Reno), from 11am to 1pm.  FREE!  Kids from preschool age up to 6th grade are welcome to play games, win prizes jump around in one of the spooky bouncy houses and, of course, receive lots of candy.  This even is sponsored by the Bridge Church of Reno.  If you can, please bring canned goods for the Bridge Church’s food drive.

Halloween Hallow – West Street Plaza (220 W 1st Street, Reno), 4pm to 7pm.  FREE!  Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, a costume contest for kids and dogs and trick or treating at the Reno Riverwalk merchants.  Live music will be played throughout the event.  A special Pup-Crawl will take place in the park to help raise money for the local Reno SPCA.  Entry fees to participate in the Pup-Crawl are $10 per dog.

Zombie Crawl – Downtown Reno, 8pm.  Purchase your $5 cup for $2 and $3 drink specials at 30+ bars in downtown Reno.  Make sure to dress up for even more fun.  The only rules you need to follow are to be cool (treat everyone with respect), don’t litter, keep the drinking inside the bars only (open containers of alcohol on public streets are still illegal) and have fun.  Maps will be provided on the night of the crawl.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2011
Trunk or Treat – Comstock Park (1650 Carat Dr, Reno), 5pm to 7pm.  FREE!  Bring the kids down to Comstock Park to go trick or treating from the trunk of cars that are specially dressed up for the evening.  If you want to be part of the trick or treating fun, decorate your car and bring plenty of candy.  You can also bring individually wrapped candy to Comstock Park to help contribute to Hope Community Church’s family-friendly event.

Halloween is a night to have some ghoulishly good times.  Enjoy safe Halloween fun in Reno by attending one of the community events listed above.  Remember that everyone can have a good time as long as you do it safely and sanely.

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

Originally posted on my Active Rain blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2549528/safe-halloween-fun-in-reno.

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If your family is growing and you need to upgrade to a larger house, your children have left the nest and you find that your home is too big or you’re considering dipping your toes into homeownership for the first time, you may be in the market to purchase a Reno home.  It’s a fantastic time to buy real estate all over the country.  Reno is no exception.  However, there are a few to think about when buying a Reno home.

First of all, interest rates continue to hover around 4-5% (the lowest rates we’ve seen in decades).  This means that it costs you less to borrow money to own your own Reno home, making payments more affordable.  For example, for a loan amount of $200,000 (after your downpayment), your monthly payment for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage loan at 4% interest will be $954.83 per month.  The same loan at 8% (the average interest rate in 2000) would cost you $1467.53 per month.  That’s a significant difference.  Even if you calculate the payment at 6.6% (the average from 2009), you would spend approximately $322 more per month than the 4% interest rate.

Reno home prices have become much more affordable.  In fact, in many cases, it is actually cheaper to own a home than to pay rent.  As of last week (September 26, 2011), the median asking price for a home in Reno was $199,000.  There is enough inventory on hand to satisfy any buyer’s taste and budget.

Real estate continues to be one of the most sound investments you can make over the long term.  If you plan on staying in one area for a long time, consider purchasing a home instead of renting one.  As you pay down your loan, the equity (the difference between what you owe and what your home is worth) goes up.  The longer you are in a home, the more you pay down the principal on your home loan and the more equity is built.  Studies also show that kids raised in homes owned by their parents (rather than rented) tend to have a lower instance of teenage pregnancy and drug abuse.  This seems to be attributed to the sense of stability that homeownership provides, since owners tend to stay in their homes longer than renters do.

These are just a few of the things to think about when buying a Reno home.  If you’re ready to take the plunge into the real estate pool, please contact me.  I can help you find the perfect home for your needs now.

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

Originally posted on my Active Rain blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2538402/things-to-think-about-when-buying-a-reno-home.


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Do you live in the Reno area and have prescription medications that are out of date?  Prescription drug abuse is the second highest cause for drug abuse amongst all teenaged kids and is #1 for the 12-13 year old set.  Leaving them in your medicine cabinet is just inviting trouble.  Throwing them in the trash without taking certain precautions can potentially hurt any kids or animals who may get into the trash.  Flushing them down the toilet sends them to our sewers, waterways and possibly drinking water, endangering local inhabitants as well as wildlife.  So, what should you do?

The City of Reno will be conducting a Prescription Drug Round Up throughout both Sparks and Reno on October 1st and October 29th, 2011 in an effort to allow Reno residents to get rid of unused medication safely.  For the fifth year in a row, the Reno Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and Sparks Police Department will be collecting all expired, unused and over-the-counter medication from local Reno area citizens to dispose of them safely and properly so as not to harm the environment or, most importantly, kids or adults who may want to abuse them.

All medications can be dropped off at one of the Round Up locations in Reno and Sparks listed below.  Simply bring the medications to the location in their original containers (if possible) and leave it with the attending officers.  No questions will be asked and no medical information will be taken at the drop off locations.  If you want more privacy, feel free to mark out or rip off the patient’s name and identifying information on the containers.  Again, no questions will be asked.  Anyone who drops off the medication at the Round Up locations will also be given educational materials about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.  They may also receive a free MedSafe locking medicine cabinet to keep all medication locked up while supplies last.

Prescription Drug Round Up locations for Saturday, October 1, 2011 (9am-1pm):
Save Mart – 565 E Prater Way, Sparks
Scolari’s Food & Drug – 8165 S Virginia St, Reno
Scolari’s Food & Drug – 1300 Disc Dr, Sparks
Smith’s Food & Drug – 175 Lemmon Dr, Reno
Walgreens – 10370 N McCarranBlvd, Reno
Walmart – 4855 Kietzke Ln, Reno

Prescription Drug Round Up locations for Saturday, October 29, 10am-2pm:
Save Mart – 565 E Prater Way, Sparks
Scolari’s Food & Drug – 8165 S Virginia St, Reno

Please round up all your expired and/or unused prescriptions or over-the-counter medication and bring them to one of the Prescription Drug Round Up events in Reno and Sparks on October 1st and 29th so that they can be disposed of safely.  This will help reduce the chance of prescription drug abuse in your household with your kids.  We all want to provide a loving, safe environment for our kids to thrive.  This is just one way to do that.

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

Originally posted on my Active Rain blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2526484/prescription-drug-round-up-in-reno.

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Curb appeal is always stressed as an important factor in selling your Reno home.  The kitchen and master bedroom are major interior points of interest as well with Reno buyers.  However, there’s one area that may get overlooked: the garage.  We’re seeing that garages are a real selling point in today’s real estate market as well.  So, don’t forget to stage your garage to its fullest potential to make a good impression with potential buyers.

More Storage – If you’ve ever lived in the same place for any length of time, you know that you accumulate “stuff”.  Since you never seem to have enough storage inside a Reno home, your garage tends to hold the spillover. Highlight how much space your garage has to store things with shelves, cabinets and/or closets.  Loft-style shelving units take the storage off the floor and walls by actually hanging down from the ceiling.  This is a great place to keep those seasonal items that you only use once a year.  It also gives more storage options to buyers.

Finish It – The garage has truly become an extension of your Reno home’s living space.  So, it is fitting that you finish the walls and ceiling by putting up wallboard.  After all, you wouldn’t try selling your home if it had only framing for walls, would you?  Adding wallboard isn’t enough, though.  Make sure to add a coat of paint to complete the room’s transformation.

Light It Up – Lighting tends to be a problem in the garage.  A single lightbulb is not enough.  Adding a strip of fluorescent lights is relatively inexpensive, is easy to install and really brightens up the garage space. This will make the weekend mechanic especially happy.  You can find these lights at any home improvement store.

Garage Door – Check the operation of the garage door.  Does it open and close with ease?  Does it moan and groan with age? You may only need to oil the hinges if it’s beginning to whine when it goes up or down.  However, if you’re having trouble with it, consider replacing it.  The garage door has the highest return on investment you can make to your Reno home. When a buyer sees that your garage door is having trouble, they believe it is indicative of other problems in the house.  That’s not what you want your buyer to be focusing on.

A Pick-Me-Up For the Floors – Let’s face it.  Garage floors are not known to be the cleanest places in the world.  Stains don’t make the best impression, though.  For easy clean-up, consider laying down sturdy tile with rubber mats or even coating the floor with a resin-based epoxy paint. This will not only make cleaning up easier on you (impressing potential Reno buyers), but it will also help reduce noise coming from the garage into the house (another nice selling point, especially for those buyers who like to tinker in the garage over the weekend).  Check with your home improvement store to find out more about the epoxy paint.

When staging your Reno home to sell, remember that garages are a real selling point, too. Don’t neglect this room of your household.  I guarantee you that buyers will be looking at it.  Contact me today so we can get your Reno home on the market now.

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

Originally posted on my Active Rain blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2514766/garages-are-a-real-selling-point.



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Summer in Reno is quickly coming to a close and winter will be here before you know it.  The waning summer months are the perfect time to prepare your home for fall in Reno.  Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Gutter Check – The gutters gather up all the dead leaves and other debris that accumulate on your roof.  A clogged gutter can cause water to back up which may eventually lead to a costly leak.  To avoid this possibility, make sure to thoroughly clean the gutters, including clearing the troughs along your roof’s out edge, if appropriate.

2. Clean Up the Landscaping – Prune back bushes, flowering shrubs and other bushy landscaping to keep them healthy during the colder weather.  It’s also a good time to trim the low hanging tree branches.  Snow or even a good windstorm can cause overhung branches to break, causing financial damage that is easily avoided.  Now is the time to reseed your Reno lawn if you need to.

3. Outside Living Spaces – Not all furniture is meant to be outside all the time.  If you need to store your outdoor furniture for the winter, wrap the pillows in zippered storage bags or use garbage bags to tightly cover your pillows and/or seat cushions, using tape to seal them. This will keep moisture and bugs out.  Then, cover all your outdoor furniture with a waterproof tarp, even if the pieces are stored in your garage.  This helps keep rust at bay.

4. Air/Water Leaks – Reno homes can get drafty during the cold weather if you are not vigilent. A drafty home costs more to heat and wastes energy.  Before the weather turns too cold, check for air leaks around your windows, doors and any other areas that go to the outside.  Even a loose outlet can bring cold air into your Reno home.  Now is also the time to check for water leaks, especially on the roof.  You don’t want to wait until a heavy rain to find out your roof isn’t up to snuff, do you?  Besides, prevention is cheaper than clean up.

5. Air Filters – Your air filters on your heating system need to be changed for better air flow.  The less garbage your air has to go through, the more efficient your system will run, costing you less money. Your air filters should be checked monthly for maximum efficiency.  They only cost a few dollars but can save you much more.

Preparing your home the fall in Reno doesn’t have to be a major chore, but it definitely needs to be a priority. Maintaining your Reno home will help increase energy efficiency, decrease the cost to run your household and keep you and your family happy for years to come.  It also helps maintain your home’s value, which is especially important when it comes time to sell it.

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

Originally posted on my Active Rain blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2503210/preparing-your-home-for-the-fall-in-reno.

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Are you interested in selling your Reno home but aren’t sure if you should do so now or wait?  While it is definitely a great time to buy a Reno home, that doesn’t mean that you should hold onto your property for months.  Here are five of the top reason you should sell your Reno home now.

Buyers Fall for Homes in the Fall – Sales taper off a bit in the summer, but the fall brings out the buyers again.  September and October are prime time for selling your Reno home.  If you wait until winter, your buyer prospects may go into hibernation.

Distressed Properties Affect Sales Prices – There will be more foreclosures and short sales hitting the market in the upcoming months.  This will bring down the prices of traditional home sales as well.  That means that, if you wait, your home will be competing with distressed Reno homes that are much lower in price than yours.  Get your home on the market now before that competition hits.

Lending Standards Continue to Get Stricter – Mortgage companies are continuing to tighten their standards.  With legislation currently under consideration by the government, it could become even harder for buyers to qualify for a loan.  This would mean that it could get harder for buyers to purchase your Reno home in the not-so-distant future.

Now’s the Time to Dream Big – Inventory levels provide a wide variety of Reno homes to choose from, prices are fantastic and interest rates remain low.  So, if you want to upgrade from your current home, now’s the time to sell it and buy a new one. Also, if you buy a home now, when prices go up, you will have that much more equity in the property.

It’s Time to Move On – Most likely, if you’ve considered selling your home, there’s a reason you are doing it.  Just because the housing market may not be in the boom of a few years ago shouldn’t deter you from selling it. If it’s necessary to sell your Reno home now, you should just go ahead and do it.  It may mean taking less than what you originally hoped to receive.  But, sometimes you need to that just to be able to put it behind you and move on.

Whatever your reason may be for selling your Reno home now, I understand it can be a daunting task. I promise you that I will get you the best price possible in the best time frame possible.  Contact me now so we can get you out of this house and into a new home now.

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

Originally posted on my Active Rain blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2493730/why-you-should-sell-your-reno-home-now.



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Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate Labor Day weekend in the Reno area?  How about the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off near Reno.  Beginning Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 in and around Sparks, Nevada’s Victorian Square and continuing through until Monday, September 5th, 2011, the 23rd annual Nugget Rib Cook-Off brings the best barbecue chefs from miles around to show off their culinary skills.  It’s a tastebud’s delight.  Best of all, it’s absolutely FREE to the public!

From 11am to 9pm Wednesday through Sunday and 11am to 5pm on Monday, there will be live music, kid-friendly fun, arts and crafts and, of course, ribs galore! Enjoy carnival rides, inflatable games, slides and a fun Kids Area.  There’s even a Major League Eating (MLE) sanctioned rib eating contest set to take place at 6pm on opening night (August 31st).  Head to the main stage to see the sauce fly.  The grand prize winner will receive $5000 and earn the World Champion Rib Eating title from the IFOCE (International Federation of Competitive Eating).

Music-lovers will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music while noshing on ribs.  The schedule of performers includes:

AUGUST 31, 2011
Dust on the Bottle, 11am to 2pm on the US Bank Stage
Blues Monster, 2:30pm to 5:30pm on the US Bank Stage
Tim Snider and the Sound Society, 6pm to 8:30pm on the US Bank Stage
The Buddy Emmer Band (rock and blues), 7pm to 8:30pm on the Main Concert Stage

SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
Alias Smith, 11am to 2pm on the US Bank Stage
Eric Anderson Band, 2:30pm to 5:30pm on the US Bank Stage
Rick Hays & American Steel, 6pm to 8:30pm on the US Bank Stage
The Family Stone (funk and soul), 7pm to 8:30pm on the Main Concert Stage

SEPTEMBER 2, 2011
Max Yasgur’s Farm, 11am to 2pm on the US Bank Stage
Hired Gunnz, 2:30pm to 5:30pm on the US Bank Stage
Whitney Myer Band, 6pm to 8:30pm on the US Bank Stage
Dead Man’s Party (Oingo Boingo Tribute Band), 7pm to 8:30pm on the Main Concert Stage

SEPTEMBER 3, 2011
Jason King Band, 11am to 2pm on the US Bank Stage
The Schall Adams Band, 2:30pm to 5:30pm on the US Bank Stage
Mark Sexton, 6pm to 8:30pm on the US Bank Stage
Heidi Newfield (Country), 7pm to 8:30pm on the Main Concert Stage

SEPTEMBER 4, 2011
Bayou Boys, 11am to 2pm on the US Bank Stage
Elektric Rodeo, 2:30pm to 5:30pm on the US Bank Stage
Jellybread, 6pm to 8:30pm on the US Bank Stage
Blue Oyster Cult (Rock), 7pm to 8:30pm on the Main Concert Stage

SEPTEMBER 5, 2011
Delta Cat, 11am to 2pm on the US Bank Stage
Jo Mama, 2:30pm to 5:30pm on the US Bank Stage
The Honeymoon (Americana), 7pm to 8:30pm on the Main Concert Stage

Parking will be made available for FREE around Victorian Square in Sparks. However, it is extremely limited.  To prepare for the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected over the five day event, shuttle service to and from the rib cook-off will be available at Legends at Sparks Marina (1310 Scheels Dr) beginning at 5pm and ending at 10:30pm Wednesday through Friday and from 10:30am to 10:30pm on Saturday and Sunday.  So, please prepare accordingly.  Also, pets and all other non-service animals will not be allowed into the event.  So, please leave your furry and feathered friends at home.

Come out to the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off near Reno anytime from August 31-September 5, 2011.  It’s a fun, family-oriented and FREE event for everyone to enjoy near Reno.

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

Originally written by Charlene Hamilton with Keller Williams Realty Reno and posted here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2479802/best-in-the-west-nugget-rib-cook-off-near-reno.

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