QUESTION: WHAT'S THE AVERAGE INCREASE OF HOME PRICES IN RENO?

4.8%.

Once the market bottoms history tells us to expect 4.8% appreciation every year.  This is important to know for investors who bought starter homes for cash flow  or rent-to-own programs. 

Reno home buyers: this is also good to know when thinking about the future value of your home. 

For first time home buyers thinking of getting in the market, 4.8% appreciation is a big plus for you.  This is what it means when people say "why rent when you can invest in a home". 

There are many homes right now in the market that you could own with the same amount of money you're paying for rent.  The "plus" is when you own the home you can expect a 4.8% appreciation every year--that's $26,415 of profit if  you bought a  $100,000 home and sell it after five years.

So you may be asking "can we expect that kind of profit if we buy a home in Reno today?"

The simple answer is not yet.  Mid to high end homes have a long way to go but starter homes, I think, is almost there (finding a bottom) due to the increase in demand and lack of supply.

It is also important to know that once the market bottoms out it may take another year or two 'till it goes from even to positive territory.