Grassroots Books in Reno!

I read. A lot. And it tends to get really expensive and more UBS (used book stores) go out of business all the time. Since I'm always lamenting not having a convenient UBS, I was told about a new place in Reno called Grassroots Books. Then I see an article about them in my Neighborhoods paper I receive in the mail. I figure this is a sign I should help pass their info along.

They also carry some new books, DVDs and more. You can check them out at their website and they link their inventory sold via Amazon. Best part? They have 'simple prices' which is their way of standardizing the prices for convenience. Hardbacks are $2.99 and Paperbacks are $1.99. I'm used to UBS' charging half of the list price printed on the book and then pricing would become more confusing from there so this is a great idea.

I wish the owners all the success in the world!

USPS Drives Global Warming?

h/t Dean

I might not have found the info I was looking for to explain the unseasonally long rain we are having in the Reno area, but receiving this in my inbox did make me chuckle!

June 2009: Weird Rain in Nevada?

I wrote a post on the Outdoor Living blog about the good and the bad sides of the unusual rain we have been receiving this week in general Northern Nevada area.

Since this seems like a really unusual weather pattern for the Reno area, I thought I'd see if anyone was was wondering about this too.

Found interesting info explaining how pollution is changing our rain patterns. 

Sacramento - As he flew high above the snowy Sierra Nevada this spring, atmospheric scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan saw confirmation of what he'd both hoped and feared to see: Big, dark storm clouds that weren't producing any rain.

    Air pollution appears to be altering rainfall patterns in the Sierra and around the world, said Ramanathan of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla.

Don Thompson @ The Associated Press goes on to report how rain proceseses actually change when carbon build up changes the structure and purpose of a cloud.

But I'm not finding much commentary on this current rainfall pattern.  Maybe I need to work on my choice of keywords, don't know. I do know this is frustrating. I just want to find one expert that might hazard sharing information on if this is an actual result of global warming or we're just lucky.

Declaration of Homestead, Protect Your Investment

The world has gone crazy. Working harder, making less and doing their absolute best to protect everything they have worked for. Surprisingly, most people I talk to in Nevada aren't aware that they can file a Homestead Declaration. This process is to help protect their home investment in the event they run into certain forms of financial trouble.

From the Clark County Courthouse: WHAT THE LAW PROVIDES: When you record a Declaration of Homestead, Nevada law protects the equity in your home up to $550,000 from general creditor claims (unpaid medical bills, bankruptcy, charge card debts, business/personal loans, accidents) but would not preclude a seizure or forced sale of your residence from general creditors if your equity exceeds the $550,000. A creditor may file suit and can record a judgment lien against any real property you own. Recording a Declaration of Homestead protects your principal residence up to the statutory maximum. For example, if the value of your home is $645,000 and you have a first mortgage of $485,000 plus a second mortgage of $10,000, the equity is $150,000.

WHAT IS NOT PROTECTED?

The Homestead Law does not protect you against debts secured by a mortgage or deed of trust, payment of taxes, IRS lien, mechanic's lien, child support or alimony payments.

The State of Nevada website lists contact info for each county to find filing and fee details. You will need your property legal description and parcel number, so dig it out and call your county recorder to get started.

If you have never heard of a Declaration of Homestead, Mother Earth News has an excellent article that explains the benefits of filing for protection!

Time to Sell & Look at Renting?

I would love nothing more than to sell my house. But in this economy, it can be really hard to even imagine when prices have fallen so low.

We put our 20% down, didn't take out 2nd mortgages and we're still underwater. But I did explore changing my strategy. When considering how the rich get rich, I realize right now is the time to jump into real estate investing. Not just investing but a full blown rental business.

I share my thoughts on this at our Outdoor Living Blog. Feel free to disagree!

Wine, Food & Gardens...Oh my!

I'm a fan of gardening and wine. What a great way to combine both! Maybe we will see you there....

But the food from last year looks absolutely yummy! Pictures and recipes from 2008 are available at Dishing Up and it looks really good.

June 7 – “Organic Uncorked”

11th Annual Organic Wine/Beer Tasting

Fundraiser, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Nevada EcoNet and Moana Nursery will host this event at

Moana Nursery, 1100 W. Moana Lane. Tickets are $30 in

advance, $40 at the door and can be purchased at both Moana Nursery locations.

Nevada EcoNet is Northern Nevada's Environmental Resource. More about this event from their website... "Organic Uncorked is Nevada EcoNet's annual fundraiser for the past ten years.  It is an organic beer and wine tasting donated by Southern Wine and Spirits hosted at Moana Nursery on Moana Lane.  Local Chefs including Nancy Horn of Dish Cafe, Jennifer Bushman of Vintage Wine Shop, and Lyn Slovak of Flourish with  prepared scrumptious organic flavors from local farms. 

The Local Food Systems Network works with a number of farms to highlight local delicacies including Great Basin Food Co-op, The River School, Nevada Grown and more.  A silent auction features items from green businesses from EcoNet's Green Guide."

Time for a Change?

A change in climate, generous tax advantages for individuals and businesses, outdoor activities year round . Many are still looking to move to Nevada and the reasons are many. When making the change, consider the advantages of making your next home or business green. Nevada has all the wind, sun and geothermal energy necessary to live efficiently and save money. 

Homes are more affordable than ever, upgrades are becoming more affordable with more options than ever before. Roof shingles are now solar panels to be pleasing to the eye and the planet. Wind power is accessible is smaller and more efficient packages. Supply your new home with the best quality appliances have them pay for 

themselves with tax incentives and energy savings.

The world isn't going to fix itself so it is up to us to make smart financial decisions and eco friendly choices. In the future, we will all be looking at smart homes for many reasons. Currently, the recession is constantly on everyone's mind. Many people never want to allow themselves to be beholden to the actions of others. Home buying needs to be an informed process. Outdoor & Resort Properties' agents are educated about the Northern Nevada real estate market bringing the best resources in smart home buying.

Times are changing rapidly. The real estate market is showing signs of recovery. Is it time for you to make your change too?

Moving to Save Money?

Nevada has low tax burden and high per capita income

Nevada does not charge income tax. Did you know Nevada has a Constitutional ban against income tax?

From the State of Nevada website

Article 10.1.9.  No income tax shall be levied upon the wages or personal income of natural persons.

The State of Nevada also has a great PDF document summing up this info.....

Nevada Department of Taxation

January 26, 2009

No Nevada Income Tax

The Nevada Department of Taxation receives an enormous number of inquiries regarding issues relating to Federal Income tax. The State of Nevada does not participate in the administration of Federal Income Tax nor does it levy a State personal, business or corporate income tax. The Nevada Department of Taxation does not require informational copies of Nevada residents’ Federal Income Tax forms. Federal Income Tax inquiries should be directed to the official IRS website at www.irs.gov.

That is the entire document. If you don't believe it, you can read it here

Short, sweet and to the point. Yep, thats definitely Nevada for you!

Tax Burden for Nevada is ranked 49th with a low 6.6%, only beat by Alaska

The national average is 9.7% This information is based off of how much taxes do residents pay in their own state and excludes tourist tax revenue from residents of other states. This is not based on tax collection but strictly tax burden to live in that state. 

California is ranked 6th at 10.5%, New Jersey is ranked 1st at 11.8%

And Nevada ranks 7th for highest Income Per Capita at $49,371

Our tourism keeps us affordable and desirable!

Taxes are important considerations when looking to make a move. For your business, for your family, Nevada is an affordable place to be.

Green home prices in Virginia City Highlands

I just can't believe what low prices we are seeing in Virginia City Highlands. That is sad and great at the same time. Look at this house built in 2006! It is a short sale what means the bank will have to take the highest and best offer.

It sits on 10 ac of land and has just about everything your heart desires. When someone has to lose, someone else wins.

Kids Go Green

To end Earth Day, I must say my kids finally get it. I mean UNDERSTAND! Hellelujah!!!

I have to give some show on Nickalodeon credit. They say something like, turn off the lights for 98 seconds and we'll save the planet. I'm writing and the kids run around the house like short lunatics to turn off lights and realize the only light on is the turtle's. They're bummed.

But it opened a door for them to understand why we are always fussing to turn off the lights, don't waste, hang the towels after showering, refill a water bottle, etc. etc. Yes, we are parents and it is our job to ride you obnoxiously, but we know what we're doing! And bless them, the light went on in their little heads.

We talked about the reasons we do what we do. It saves our family money and helps keep our planet a cleaner place. We don't live in a dirty house and we don't want a dirty planet. I was quizzed about what we've done to be more "Green". They eventually walked away listening to recycling water, changing the light bulbs, benefits of Energy Star appliances, manure in the garden instead of commercial fertilizers, building an arbor versus installing A/C and on and on and on.....

I feel for them. But maybe. Just maybe. I won't have to fuss as much about turning off the lights when they leave a room.

Earth Day 2009

Today is Earth day. It may not be a day to go out and celebrate for everyone, but it can be a day to look at your life and see what can be changed.




Reduce/Reuse/Recycle, time to make a plan to practice the 3 'R's?


Help the economy and shop for Energy Star appliances?


Put your home through an Energy Audit?

There are many ways to take care of the planet. With the world the way it is today, it is also a great time to exert control over our actions that will save money. There are many advantages personally and globally to making those changes now.

CO2 Formally Declared a Pollutant

Today in the New York Times:
The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday formally declared carbon dioxide and five other heat-trapping gases to be pollutants that threaten public health and welfare, setting in motion a process that for the first time in the United States will regulate the gases blamed for global warming.

What I don't understand is how this can be a defined a pollutant when it is also naturally occurring. There must be a measurement defining a level that has to be reached for CO2 to be a pollutant, but no one is stating what that is or even if they can measure it.

We all want to save energy and keep the planet clean. But I want to see more information about the standards and measurements used to make declarations like this. It just doesn't make sense that we jump from decreases our impact on the planet (good) to a necessary gas for life to function is a pollutant (bad). Huh?

I remember basic earth science studied in school stating CO2 was necessary for life on Earth. Has everyone forgotten this basic lesson?

From Merriam Webster, the definition for carbon dioxide

Freedom

What going green means in my neighborhood: FREEDOM.

Northern Nevada has an abundance of sunshine and wind. Buying land to build a dream home may not have power access. But solar and wind power are becoming more affordable every day. Bringing power out to a remote parcel of land can be very cost prohibitive. You have to have easements granted, purchase power poles, have them installed, line run etc. This process can easily begin at $20,000 if you are within a mile of a power line. Further out is obviously more expensive.

Many homes in remote areas take full advantage of the wind and sun by using both a wind turbine and solar panels. Since they are off the grid, they store power via batteries, unlike others who are able to sell their excess back to their power provider. Many homes off the grid still have a back up generator. For the more challenging environments a generator is security against all elements!

Of course, this has a downside too. Traditionally, banks like homes to be on the grid. There are many lenders who are more educated about green power than before but it still saves time and money to work with an experienced Realtor when it comes to buying properties like these.

Switch Your Home to Solar Power

Dream: Green Home

Finding a green home is getting easier. But it still seems that to truly be efficient, most homes need a great amount of work. If you're interested in having the most energy efficient home possible without tearing it apart, building is the best option.

With the economy going crazy and the real estate market going up and down, there are great deals available. Many people invested in land for their future dream home and have changed their mind. Northern Nevada has every opportunity listed for vacant land right now. It is definitely a buyers market so that leaves the door open for strong negotiations in the buyers favor. One of the major factors for this when buying land, is many parcels are owned, free and clear, by the seller. If not, many lenders required substantial money down on vacant land, so the sellers still have room to negotiate their asking price.

Outdoor & Resort Properties, LLC has several listings for vacant land that are an excellent start to building your ultimate dream (and green) home!

A good start:

20500 Toll Road
Virginia City Highlands NV 89521
40.13 acres

This property has views to envy. Snow capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, Reno city lights at night, PRIVACY!
It also comes with a start. Rural Northern Nevada can be tricky when it comes to accessing water. This property has the well and septic installed. The impressive part is the solar converter installed. That is a big investment so you can worry about home plans instead of the necessities required!