Home Prices Are Falling, but not in Reno

Leave a comment March 1, 2021 hollyodriscoll

Home prices are rising nearly everywhere due to record-low mortgage rates and a lack of homes for sale-except for these places where prices are falling.

Metros where home prices are fallingTony Frenzel for realtor.com

The median home price in Reno, NV has topped $500,000. While sellers rejoice at their potential profit, the increase baffles and depresses buyers. Northern Nevada’s housing market reflects a nationwide trend — city-dwellers fleeing high-priced areas and flocking to smaller cities, scooping up “affordable” homes, lowering the inventory, which raises prices. And so it goes. Not just here. Small and mid-sized cities nationwide are experiencing similar price jumps.

Nationally, home prices are up in just about every nook and cranny of the country, rising 15% year over year to a median $356,000 in January, according to realtor.com® list price data. The realtor.com data team discovered six places where home prices are actually falling. “Affordable” of course is relative.

Covid-19 factor Travel restrictions, job layoffs and overall economic decline put downward pressure on certain cities around the country. For those working for employers that will allow them to work from home, some of these “bargain” cities may be worth looking at to find a great home at a relatively bargain price. Realtor.com crunched the data for 250 metro areas to come up with a list of areas where home prices are falling.

OK, bargain hunters, here’s your chance! Here are the places where homes are actually getting cheaper. (At least by a bit.)

1. Destin, Florida

Median home list prices are down in the Destin, FL, metropolitan area.Roshan Patel / EyeEm/Getty Images

Median list price: $469,000
Median list price change: -15.6%

Located on the Florida Panhandle about 2.5 hours west of Tallahassee, Destin was hit hard by Hurricane Sally in September 2020. The storm caused massive flooding and beach erosion. Prior to that, Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection had already designated parts of the coastline “critically eroded” following other severe storms in the area.

The entire state also reported a significant drop in tourism last year, according to Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, largely due to the pandemic. That’s all hurt the local housing market.

The Destin area has seen an increase in offseason tourism as parents and children are able to work and go to school remotely, Local buyers are flooding the market, but they’re looking for cheaper, single-family homes under $300,000. Competition for those homes is fierce, and they’re going quickly.

However, the market is saturated with condos, which is likely helping to drag median prices down. On the other end of the spectrum are the $1 million-plus homes that aren’t selling, according to Realtor.com

What it costs: Buyers who don’t mind a lack of beach access can purchase a  three-bedroom home with an enclosed patio and a heated pool for under $500,000.

2. Honolulu, Hawaii

Median list price: $975,000
Median list price change: -12.2%

Nearly $1 million for a home may not seem like a bargain, but homes in Hawaii are notoriously expensive. Covid restrictions, mandatory quarantining led to a 75-percent drop in tourism In December alone, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The result: Massive tourism-related job losses.

What it costs: a brand-new,  four-bedroom home with mountain views, a large veranda, and a rental property above the garage was listed for $899,000.

3. Bloomington, IL

Median list price: $117,000
Median list price change: -8.3%

A loss of manufacturing jobs, a curtailing of on-campus students at Illinois State University and the state’s relatively high tax structure have hurt home prices in Bloomington. Yet the city is fairly close to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, making it attractive to at-home workers or those who travel occasionally.

What it costs: A two-bedroom, with two updated bathrooms and a fenced-in yard in a historic neighborhood was listed for $119,900.

4. Erie, Pennsylvania

Median home list prices are down in the Erie, PA, metropolitan area, located on Lake Erie.DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

Median list price: $139,500
Median list price change: -3%

Weather challenges caused Erie experienced population declines even before Covid. Known as the snowiest town in Pennsylvania, it averages 100 inches of snowfall per year, thanks to its location on Lake Erie.

The local economy also took a hit in 2020 with job losses in the manufacturing and leisure and hospitality industries, which caused the area unemployment rate to rise to 7.8% in December.

What it costs: A completely renovated, move-in ready four bedroom home was listed for less than $160,000.

5. Shreveport, Louisiana

The downtown skyline in Shreveport, LASean Pavone / Getty Images

Median list price: $512,000
Median list price change: -2.6%

Shreveport is the second-largest tourist destination in Louisiana, behind New Orleans. COVID-19 related tourism drops led to layoffs at hotels and casinos, hurting local-buying ability. High crime rates in downtown Shreveport also hinder demand.

Still inventory here is tight. The area usually has around 3,000 homes on the market at a given time. Recently, it had 162, according to a local agent.

What it costs: A restored historic three-bedroom home with a renovated kitchen, wood floors, and Southern charm throughout for was listed for $479,000.

6. Terre Haute, Indiana

Median list price: $82,000
Median list price change: -1.5%

2020 was a tough year for Terre Haute, home of Indiana State University. Small businesses and manufacturing laid people off. . Enrollment at local universities plunged as classes moved online, and sporting events that normally bring in scores of tailgaters have been playing without fans. Sadly, violent crime rose 25 percent and opioid overdoes rose.

What it costs: A character home built in 1910 with three bedrooms, hardwood floors, an eat-in kitchen and a three-car garage was listed for $79,900.

This post is based on an article that first appeared on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®

Bikes and Blackbirds in South Reno

Leave a comment June 1, 2018 hollyodriscoll

South Reno bike trails edge wildlife-filled wetlands in Damonte Ranch offering a lovely alternative to street or mountain rides. Developers and planners built more than five miles of paved paths around huge swaths of marsh areas that today host such a broad array of birds that would pique the interest of the most ardent Audubon Society member.

Just a few years ago this area was mostly swampy marsh. Track team members from nearby Damonte Ranch High School would refer to it as “the pond run” through dirt paths, jumping from stone to stone to avoid mud holes.  My (now adult) twins still talk about their teammate who insisted on running with his phone — only to drop it into the marsh.

Today, the area is nearly built out with homes and condos with planned sitting areas and numerous accesses to the various neighborhoods.

In the last week we have twice ridden our bikes along what is officially called the Damonte Ranch Wetlands Loop.

Tweets, chirps and distinctive trills fill the air. Birds ranged from a flock of eight Pelicans, to dozens of Redwing Blackbirds. Photographers bring their large lenses to zoom in on at least a dozen different (and to me unusual) avian visitors. We’ve seen swans, hawks, several species of ducks, maybe an ibis? I am not a bird expert. If you are, you will be happy on this trail.

For those seeking a peaceful escape from the desert, take note: there’s not a sagebrush or rabbit brush plant along the route.

Mature trees shade seating areas, with flowers edging the shady areas. Looking across the marshes, it’s easy to ignore the many homes and condo complexes that edge the various paved paths.

A bike or walk can be anywhere from three miles to 10 miles on gently undulating terrain. It’s not completely flat, but there really aren’t hills.

Bike lanes line every major roadway in South Reno, making it ideal for the casual rider, and each new subdivision seems to include more trails. This loop is nice because it is not a “street” ride — we couldn’t even hear traffic.

Above it all, the snow-capped Sierra rises to the west offering a spectacular contrast between blue sky, majestic mountains and serene waterscapes.

Googling “bike trails in Reno” seems to focus on mountain bike trails and trails at Lake Tahoe. The Damonte Ranch Bike Loop didn’t even come up, perhaps because it is more suitable for casual cyclists and families with young riders. It’s not a great place for “serious” street cyclists. Visitors can park at Damonte Ranch Park along Steamboat Parkway, then head south across the grass to access the trails.

What birds have you seen here? Do you have a favorite bike trail/walking path? Tell me about it!

Holly O’Driscoll, has lived in Reno for more than 20 years. She is a Realtor with Chase International Real Estate in Reno, Nevada. 

Rain in Reno? It happens — once in while

Leave a comment May 25, 2018 hollyodriscoll

Rain in Reno rarely lasts more than an hour or so. A two-three hour soaking is considered unusual. Residents love the occasional thunderstorm. Moisture in the air produces fabulous rainbows.

So far, in May of 2018 we’ve had a showers nearly every day for two weeks. Highly unusual for this high-desert oasis — and I love it!

The foothills to the Sierra have a green hue. Plants burst to life, lawns look quenched. My flower beds and tomato plants are in heaven.

All too soon we’ll segue into summer — clear hot days and cool clear nights. For now, though, the gray skies contrast nicely with happy green trees. When the sun bursts from the clouds: it’s magic.

Rain brings back memories of my mom singing to us, dancing around and stomping in puddles — generally making rainy days fun. Some tunes from childhood include:

• I Love a Rainy Night by Eddie Rabbit.
• Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head by BJ Thomas and
• Have you Ever Seen The Rain by Credence Clearwater Revival.

Then there’s the most classic of all: Singing in the Rain

Reno boasts about 300+ days of sunshine as a major reason to move here. Some of the other 65 days include snowy days, just clouds. My two cents: Enjoy the rain while it lasts!

Do you have a favorite song about weather? A story about a fun rain event? Please share!!

Holly O’Driscoll is a Realtor with Chase International Real Estate in Reno. Reach her at hodriscoll@chaseinternational.com or 775-850-5900.

 

Garage Smarts: Make Room for your Car AND your Stuff

Leave a comment January 23, 2018 hollyodriscoll

Many garages are really storage units for all the junk that doesn’t fit in the house. My neighbors can’t even squeeze one car into their three-car garage.

Don’t be them. Sometimes people think they have to move, buy a bigger house to accommodate their “lifestyle” of stuff. Maybe not.

Here are some tips to convert garage space back into car space, culled from a variety of sources including a HouseLogic.com post.

First: Get Stuff Off the Floor
You can spend a lot, or a little on shelving. Industrial strength is great, but I’ve bought 5-tier shelving for $30. Intrepid, tool-savvy people may built shelving for not much more.

Buy a bunch of plastic bins and start sorting. I bought a set of three today at Costco for 12.99. Sort, fill and label them. Put the bins on the shelves, leaving the lowest level clear.

Recommended: Use CLEAR plastic bins and LABEL them.Clear is important. Dark/solid bins turn into mystery boxes hiding who knows what … even if they’re labeled. Put the most used bins at eye/grabbing height. Bins cost another $5-$20 each.

Use Rolling Storage
Add low two metal carts with wheels –and store them (full) under the shelving units. With your newfound open floor space, you can dedicate durable carts to different endeavors — gardening, camping, tailgating. You’ll save transition time (and your back) by rolling all your supplies to the yard or the car.

Pegboards = Instant Time Saver!
Pegboards are the underrated hero of the garage! If you can see it, you can grab it. Hang tools, garden implements, extension cords and other odds and ends that migrate (ok hide) all over the garage. Put pegboards on any (and every?) empty wall. Rakes no longer cluster (and fall) in one corner. The hammer is in plain sight.

Ceiling units
If your garage has a high ceiling, you can’t beat the shelving that screws into the rafters and hangs above the cars. Instant storage space! Hang the kayaks all winter; put the Christmas lights up there until next year. Move it!

Wall Cabinets
More expensive, pretty and very neat: Installing cabinets all around the garage. Home Depot and Lowes abound with do-it-yourself options, or hire a local installer. Once the cabinets are in … use those plastic bins and label the cabinets so you can quickly find your stuff.

Added Benefits
Complete this project by donating stuff you don’t use to charity for resale. Yes, you really can get rid of 10 percent to 50 percent of the “stuff” in the garage and not miss it..

Profit Potential
Encouraging homeowners to organize vs. buying a bigger home may sound odd coming from a Realtor® — after all my job is to help clients sell and buy homes. For me, it’s a long-term strategy. The secret: Down the road it could payoff. Buyers see a pristine garage as in indicator of quality in the rest of the home.  An organized garage can help a home sell faster, possibly for more money.

Finally: As a Realtor, I’ve seen some pretty amazing garages, and clean garages do impress buyers. Other home features impress buyers more, so don’t worry about making the garage “perfect” or “pretty.” It is a garage for goodness sakes. The idea is to organize it enough to make your life easier on a daily basis.

Some articles (and OCD writers) encourage pretty/color-coordinated work benches, cabinets and boxes. If that’s your thing — share the photos of your garage. Bonus points for “before” vs “after”. I would love to celebrate your victories!

Holly O’Driscoll is a Realtor ® at Chase International Real Estate in Reno, Nevada. Email her at hodriscoll@chseinternational.com

Why Reno? Lifestyle, Opportunity, Value

Leave a comment January 11, 2017 hollyodriscoll

By Holly O’Driscoll, Chase International Real Estate 

Surrounded by mountains and blessed with an enviable climate, Reno and Sparks offer a breathtaking beautiful place to live, work and play.

Living in the Reno–Sparks area with its quick commutes, attractive and affordable housing options and its easy access to outdoor adventures attracts thousands of new residents every year. Those who already live here understand the specialness of being able to escape to the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe or Pyramid Lake; to find adventure kayaking in the Truckee River or exploring the Great Basin; or to just relax in one of the many parks. Few communities in the world allow you to ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon. From Reno, both options are within just a few miles of each other.

Here work-life balance is a reality.

Quality of life and the business-friendly philosophy attract global corporations to the area and encourage start-up businesses. Tesla’s decision to locate here grabbed the headlines, yet many other high-tech firms, manufacturing plants, distribution facilities and service companies thrive here, plus add balance to our economy’s important tourism and special event sector.

Job Growth

In 2016, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) reports that 25 companies relocated or expanded operations in the region bringing hundreds of new jobs. More companies — and jobs — are coming, EDAWN says.

Culture

Museums along with music and theatrical companies enrich the community and draw nationally known artists perform throughout the year. Generous local and national philanthropists support The Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum, the month-long ARTown Festival in July.

The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts hosts the Reno Philharmonic, Reno Opera, the AVA Ballet, as well as national touring productions of Broadway plays. Headline entertainers regularly perform at the spectacular showrooms at the many casino resorts, at events centers and at other local venues.

Sports

Sports enthusiasts fill the seats to watch the Reno Aces, the minor league baseball Pacific Coast League team play and they support the Reno Bighorns, a D-League basketball team affiliated with the Sacramento Kings. The latest pro team: Reno 1868 FC, a United Soccer League team will debut at Greater Nevada Field in February 2017.

Residents participate in adult leagues for nearly every sport imaginable from rugby to coed softball. Area youth leagues serve even the youngest soccer, football, basketball and baseball players.

Serious bicyclists train here by peddling up mountain highways while mountain bikers hurl themselves down rocky trails in the Sierra. Hikers can find a trek to suite any ability. With 18 world-class ski resorts within a one-hour’s drive and thousands of square miles of back country skiing nearby, skiers and snowboarders use Reno and Sparks as a base camp. Golfers can tee up at more than a dozen championship ranked courses within Reno-Sparks, with a dozen more in surrounding resorts.

Buying a Home 

One of Reno’s main attractions is affordability.  Urban lofts, historic bungalows, gated golf course developments, luxury custom homes, active adult communities, horse properties and homes in subdivisions give people many choices in living style

In 2016 the median price for a single-family home in Reno/Sparks was $304,999 – which means half sold for less, half for more, according to a report from Chase International Real Estate. Condos are an increasingly popular option. On the lower end, buyers can find condos below $200,000. The luxury condo market is growing as well, with penthouses selling for $1 million or more.

Education

The University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College systems enroll more than 25,000 full-time students, plus numerous private colleges offer continuing education in many fields. Public/private partnerships with area industries are expanding curricula and training people for local high-paying careers. Entrepreneurship plays a significant role in the area economy.

Reno-Sparks has four major hospitals offering state of the art medical care, Carson City has a large hospital, plus the University of Nevada, Reno has a medical school and nursing program.

 Climate

The high desert climate of Reno and Sparks offers four distinct seasons and basks in
more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Most of the valley sits at about 4,500 feet above sea level and the dryness of the elevation soften the seasons. Summer days can top 90-degrees, yet the lack of humidity makes that tolerable, plus most nights cool down dramatically. In winter, even the coldest, snowiest days lack the bite of dampness.

Reno History

First settled in the 1850s, Reno was originally named Lake’s Crossing. The discovery of the Comstock Lode of silver in the mountains to the east led to one of the greatest mining rushes of all time. The area boomed, the Central Pacific Railroad built a depot here and in the 1860s the town was renamed to honor Major General Jesse Lee Reno, a Union officer who was killed in the Civil War.

Though the local mining boom faded, Reno continued to prosper as a commercial and business center. Large scale mining continues in other parts of the state and Nevada ranks as one of the top gold producing regions in the world.

Sparks History

The City of Sparks was built by the Southern Pacific Railroad and named after Gov. John Sparks in 1904. Today tourist, commercial and industrial businesses fuel its economy and its residential areas extend far to the north into Spanish Springs.

Visitors from around the globe come to Reno-Sparks for its wide range of special events, from the Reno Rodeo in June through the National Championship Air Races in the fall the area covers the gamut of interests.  Once they discover the beauty, the quality of life and the affordability, most want to come here again.

Quality of Life is more than a hope. It is a way of life in Northern Nevada.

Have a question about Reno/Sparks? Leave a comment or send me an email! Email: Hodriscoll@chaseinternational.com

Remodel vs Flip – Details Count

Leave a comment October 24, 2016 hollyodriscoll

Remodel vs. Flips — understanding the difference matters in a long-term home investment.

Reality: Most home buyers want a home that’s “move in ready.” Investors, listing agents and savvy sellers know homes that show well sell faster and for more money.

Opportunity: No home is perfect. Those in need of updating or sold “as is” may offer buyers the opportunity to save significant money, if they’re willing to invest their time and elbow grease.

Challenge: Some “flipped” homes consist of little more than “slapping lipstick on a pig” and jacking the price. Examples include cleaning, painting and re-carpeting. If that’s all a home needs, then great … it’s a win-win. Some homes need much more and cosmetic fixes merely put a veneer on a sub-par property.

In older neighborhoods, buyers may want to search for a home that’s been “renovated” which, for today’s article means, its had extensive work done to professional standards. Quality counts. Google home renovations to read expert advice and data regarding projects that payoff, and those that don’t.

Location matters. The seller of one of my listings in Reno decided to buy and renovate a 1970s-era five-bedroom property zoned for some of the city’s most established schools. She intended to live there for years, then sell. She did a huge renovation. Professionals replaced the roof, furnace, a/c, water heater and updated the electrical. Inside, professionals installed new hardwood floors, gutted and remodeled kitchen, remodeled all the bathrooms, painted, updated light fixtures and more. Overall, more than $200,000 in updates brought this old home into the 21st century. The home shines.

2985 Rustic Manor Circle, Reno, NV 89509: Five bedrooms, 3 baths, 3,070 total square feet. Price: $600,000

The cost: At $600,000, this home’s features and amenities now compare favorably to many newer homes in the same zip code — plus it has RV parking and the advantage of not being in an HOA.

Whomever buys this home will have the best of both worlds — a quality-renovation of a home with character set in an older neighborhood near popular schools. The list of upgrades completed by licensed professionals makes it it so much more than a flip. If this appeals to you, contact me for a private showing!

Interested in learning more about this home or about real estate in Reno? I can help. Contact me! Email: hodriscoll@chaseinternational.com. Office phone: 775-850-5900.

Holly O’Driscoll is a Realtor at Chase International Real Estate in Reno, NV.

A Buick? Really? What a Surprise …

2 Comments March 4, 2016 hollyodriscoll

Alamo at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans was out of the mid-sized car we reserved, so the company bumped us up. The only cars available were “premium” models. They gave us a 2016 Buick LaCrosse.

I groaned to myself. My grandparents drove Buicks. They had two or three Buick Le Sabers that I remember. Each was nice – much nicer than my parents’ station wagons that hauled six kids around. Buicks of the 1970s and 1980s were not sleek or cool. My grandparents’ Buicks were always nice, even luxurious, with wide bench seats perfect for a kid under 10 to stretch out on to sleep during those seemingly endless drives from Maine to Mount Vernon, New York.

The 2016 Buick Le Crosse we just returned was different. Felt more like a Lexus inside: Heated leather seats, push-button start, back up camera, sun roof, hands free phone connection. It handled like a Lexus too: easy, tight radius turns, smooth ride, extremely quiet. 

The one Alamo assigned to us was pretty darn new – only 230 miles. We put more than 600 on over four days.  It accelerates nicely – 50 to 80 in a matter of seconds when passing a pokey car on a two-lane road in Mississippi. It brakes great too – as evidenced by the fact that I did NOT hit the nut case driver who pulled out in front of me in Alabama.

Things I didn’t like:

• The low head clearance. I raised the seat up so I could over the dash, which put my head just a couple of inches from the roof. I got used to it, but it was a little tight. My 6-2 son lowered his seat.
• The windows are small. The back-up camera helped, but since I don’t have one on my car at home, it took some getting used to.

Good points:

• The car felt solid.
• It cruised smoothly and quietly along the highway. Much quieter than my 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited!
• Trunk space was decent, though the wheel wells cut into this pace.

Biggest surprises:

• It was fun to drive.
• It had a great turn radius! We were shocked … the old Buicks were boats.
• In the parking lot I had a hard time finding it … because it looked so much sleeker than “a Buick” … I actually said the line from the TV commercial: That’s a Buick? It doesn’t look like a Buick. (and yes we all laughed!!)

Bottom line: Would I buy one? Probably not. I live in snow country. My next car will have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Would I rent one again on purpose: Yes!  Would I encourage others to test drive/consider buying one: yes.  The price is around $40,000.

Have you driven a  car you love?  Would you buy a Buick?

Never Pass Up a Hug

Leave a comment December 12, 2015 hollyodriscoll

 

‘Tis the time of year to sort things out. To take stock and evaluate.  That could mean something deep and philosophical. Or not.

Today, it is about Christmas gifts. The tangible and the intangible.

Tangible: For me, it means finding all the gifts I’ve bought and stashed around the house (and the garage) over the year.  Under the bed, in the closet, in the present drawer in the garage … in bags, boxes and just sitting there.  Some are obviously for one person or another. Others surface and I can’t remember why the heck I bought them.  This leads to evaluating and balancing it out so my family is covered.

And to remembering what is really important.

Intangible: There’s an element of letting go — and deciding to hold on tight. Who and what really matters.

Yesterday, I learned that woman I greatly admired died of cancer. I hadn’t seen her in close to a year, and had thought she was off on a new adventure.  She was, but sadly, not the one I imagined.

My sad lesson (again): Don’t wait to connect. Count your blessings, fortunes or good luck, whatever belief system that works for you. Don’t imagine/count on everything being “fine.”

Give those you care about that hug. It says so much without saying a word. Letting people know you care matters.

Have a story to share?  I’d love to hear it … 

 

 

Reno Cheesecake Factory — hmmm — OK Food, but So-So Experience

Leave a comment August 12, 2014 hollyodriscoll

Soooo the Cheesecake Factory opened at Meadowood Mall in Reno. My son and I went there for lunch last week. We waited about 15 minutes for a table. Not too bad, but I won’t go back soon. The staff was attentive and well trained, but wow, the overall experience didn’t come close to the hype.

We ordered a light lunch, so we’d have room for desert. That’s why you go to the Cheesecake Factory after all!

He had the fried macaroni and I had the chicken tortilla soup. Both were decent. Fried mac n’cheese? Interesting concept, and he enjoyed it. I tried it … creamy inside and crunchy outside.

I’ve ordered tortellini soup at several chains — BJ’s Restaurant and Chili’s come to mind. This was OK. Different, but not remarkable. It was creamy with lots of rice.

Both dishes were filling … to the point that we ordered a slice of cheesecake to go. He picked the flavor — Tiramisu. Unspectacular.

The Big Bang Theory portrays the Cheesecake Factory as a spacious, quiet place. The new Reno location is a modern, artistically designed space.

Our gripe: Tightly packed tables, high ceilings make it loud, crowded. Clattering plates, heavy background music force people to raise their voices to converse — the result: a cacophony to the senses. If you go, request patio seating — it won’t change the food, but you won’t leave with a headache.

Lunch Bunch Food Fight

2 Comments July 18, 2014 hollyodriscoll

Kids like simple. If I can do this, schools can do it, and for a good price

Finally — and long overdue — school lunches are morphing into meals I might actually let my children eat.  Too bad it didn’t happen while they were actually in public schools.  The absolute junk served during those years meant my kids brought their lunches.

What kids eat matters — today and in the long term. That’s why I don’t get the fight about improving school lunches. Oh, I get that conglomerates care more about profits than health. That’s obvious. I get that lunch administrators have tight budgets. I also get that many, many “nutrition” spokespeople and lobbyists care more about money than about the serious weight issues and accompanying health problems facing our nation.

I also get that many families rely on school food plans to feed their children. Which is why I don’t think the new food standards go far enough.

We had food battles in our household.  One picky eater in particular. It was a power struggle. That’s what’s happening with all the anti-nutrition lobbying going on now.

I finally bought a book called “How to Get your Kid to Eat — But Not Too Much”  — a practical approach that could and would benefit those involved in this current food fight.

The basic premise: Flexibility — with limited, controlled choices. At dinner the questions become:

• Do you want peas or carrots?
• Do you want them here or there on your plate?

For lunch it would be:

• Apple slices — with or without peanut butter?
• Turkey, ham or PB&J sandwiches (on whole wheat bread)
• Yogurt, cheese stick
• Milk box (freeze overnight), V8 or water

If children in New Mexico want salsa on their green beans — go for it. If kids in New Hampshire want peas and carrots mixed together — do it.  That’s regional differences. The default option shouldn’t be refried beans cooked with lard or greasy french fries.

I’m not a food fanatic.  My kids ate  cookies, cake, candy — as treats — not as a main meal. They ate, and still eat, fast food sometimes.  At one point, they came back and said they’d bought Spaghetti O’s  — then thanked me for refusing to buy that crap for them when they were little.

So hang in there parents, nutritionists, dedicated food workers! Kids will adapt … the obesity rate is already slowing. Food is fuel — it should taste good and be good for you.