February Newsletter: Escaping Chaos, Snagging Deals, and Reno’s Big Moves

Hello Friends, Family, Past and Future Clients,

Well, we did it—our first "big" family trip with Madi! We packed up and flew down to Mexico with some great friends and their kids for some sun, sand, and zero snow shoveling. We had an absolute blast splashing around, eating way too many tacos, and watching the little ones chase waves. The best part? We got out just days before things got wild with the riots and chaos in parts of the country after that big cartel news. From what I heard, Cabo and San Jose del Cabo stayed pretty calm and orderly—no major disruptions in the resort areas—so we timed it perfectly and came back relaxed and tan. (Pro tip: Always check the news, but sometimes luck is the best travel agent!)

Speaking of timing... the Reno real estate market is heating up way earlier than usual this year, and buyers are jumping in like it's already spring. Here are a couple of recent stories from my world that show just how active things are across different price points.

Buyers, Sellers, and the Market

First, I worked with an awesome first-time buyer who snagged a great townhome. We negotiated a solid closing cost credit to make the numbers even sweeter, and he's over the moon excited. Rates didn't faze him one bit—we ran the payments together, made sure it was comfortable long-term, and built in that refi option down the road if rates drop. 

Key takeaway: Buyers are out there, especially those who get pre-approved, know their budget, and move decisively. If you're thinking about buying, don't wait—opportunities like this are moving fast.

On the selling side, I had a listing right here in my own neighborhood, and it proved the demand isn't picky about price range. We held an open house the first weekend... and boom—four offers rolled in. Two came in over asking, and we accepted one $24k over the list price. This kind of multiple-offer action so early in the year (when inventory is still building) is a strong signal: Buyers are out in full force, and waiting until spring could mean missing the wave. If you're considering listing, let's chat sooner rather than later—getting ahead of the rush pays off big time.

Now, for the cool stuff happening around Reno that's got everyone talking…

Reno Updates

The Reno Revival Project (formerly Harrah's) is picking up steam downtown. This massive redevelopment of the old Harrah's site at 219 North Center Street is transforming it into a mixed-use hub with hundreds of apartments, a hotel, offices, retail, restaurants, and—yes—a grocery store right on the ground level. Renderings show a vibrant plaza and everyday amenities that could make downtown way more walkable and family-friendly. Construction started late last year, with phased openings rolling out starting in 2026. The hope is this becomes a true live-work-play anchor, drawing residents and energy back to the core—much like how other big projects are revitalizing the area.

And speaking of South Reno growth, Talus Valley continues to be the hot spot for new homes. Lennar's master-planned community (with collections like Bridgewater, Creekbend, and others) is actively selling single-family homes starting around $600k–$800k+, featuring modern builds, mountain views, wetlands trails, and that premium feel buyers love. It's picking up right where Damonte Ranch left off, with strong interest and move-in ready options drawing families fast. If you're eyeing new construction in the south end, this one's worth a look.

All in all, the market feels balanced but energetic—more options for buyers than we've seen in a while, yet solid demand means well-prepared homes are still seeing strong offers and quick sales. If you're thinking about making a move (buying, selling, or just curious about your options), give me a call. I'd love to help you navigate it.