Real Estate Information Archive

You’re buying your first home in Albuquerque and the excitement abounds.  But you have to be careful that all the excitement doesn’t cloud your vision.  It’s easy to see the exterior of a home and how much you like (or dislike it).  But you need to see the inside as well.  How was it maintained? What issues will come up when you buy the home? If you know these things in advance, you can save on expensive repairs in the future.

This is even more important as a first time buyer. First time buyers usually don’t have the experience to know what warning signs to look for in a home.  Hiring a home inspector will definitely help in this regard.  Here’s a list of warning signs to look for.

Foundation  

• Look for cracks in the driveway, walls and sidewalks                                                                  
• Are the floors, windows and doorways crooked or not level?                                                        
• Are there large trees with roots near the foundation?
• Do the inside doors jam or have gaps on the top of them?

Electrical

• Are there any exposed wires?
• Do the lights flicker?
• Are outlets warm to the touch?
• Are there any visible signs of electrical tape?
• Look for flash burns near socket covers.

Roof

• Look for missing or cracked shingles and significant wear and tear.
• Are there mismatched materials or curled or warped shingles?

Plumbing

• Do the faucets leak?
• Are there water stains under the sinks or around toilet or tub
• Check how the bath and sinks drain.
• Do you smell foul odors near sinks?
• Check the water pressure in sinks and bath.

Mold

• Do you see any water stains on walls?
• Is any mold visible?
• Is there a musty smell?
• Check for rotted wood around doors and windows.
• Is the paint peeling?

Insects or Pests

• Are there signs of termites and carpenter ants?
• Are there ways for rodents to enter the house?
• Is any exposed interior wood damaged?

Poor Workmanship

• Do repairs look professional?
• Do renovations look armature?
• Are any tasks uncompleted?

Checking these items can go a long way to making sure you pay the right price for your first home and know more fully what you’re buying. Check back on our blog twice a week for more real estate advice and for local Albuquerque topics. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8520 Hawk Eye Road NW, Albuquerque, NM  $260,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3486 Square Feet

Incredible back yard perfect for entertaining family & friends, with Outdoor kitchen, built in grill, tile bar, flagstone open & covered patios, pergola, hot tub, fire pit, garden area, trees, and shrubs! Exceptional home with many custom upgrades including stacked stone accents, light fixtures, wrought iron stairway! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are you planning to buy a home in Albuquerque and have kids in school? Then no doubt you want to find the right home near the best schools in Albuquerque.  You certainly don’t want to end up regretting buying your home if it turns out that the school you live near isn’t right for your child.

You may think that your real estate agent can show you all the best schools in Albuquerque. But they can’t. Fair housing laws have been enacted that prevents agents from recommending schools.  Why? It was discovered that some agents in recent years have been labeling schools as "bad" to swing the sales of homes toward more affluent neighborhoods. So it’s a good thing that agents in general aren’t allowed to recommend schools. That means that you as a parent should research the best schools in Albuquerque for your children. After you find a school you think would best suit your children’s needs, then your agent can help you find the right home near that school.

There are at least 3 questions you should ask when finding the right school in Albuquerque.

What school will you child attend?

Sure this may seem obvious, and that’s why some people forget to ask it. There are dozens of schools in the Albuquerque Public School district, so that means you have a lot of schools to choose from. Their website has a great deal of information about schools in Albuquerque that should be useful in finding a good school.

What are the numbers?

Even though numbers don’t provide a complete perspective, they are a great place to start. You can find helpful ratings and scores on websites such as GreatSchools.org and Niche.com. They use test scores, reviews, and other factors to rate the best schools in a given area.

What about reputation?

If you know people in the area you want to move to in Albuquerque, ask them what they know the schools in the area. You might even meet with the principal of a school to get an even closer look, presuming you can make such an arrangement. See if they can give you a tour of the school with your child present.  Look at class sizes.  Is the library well stocked? What does your child think about the school? These are great indicators to look for.

Finding the right school and the right home for sale in Albuquerque is worth the effort.  Once you do find a great school for your child, let us help you find the right home near that school.  Our powerful search tools can help you find homes for sale near the schools of your choice in Albuquerque.  Also make sure to take advantage of our Home Buyer Listing Alerts to get automated alerts of homes as they hit the market. And you can always feel free to call us at 505-980-2999 to speak with an experienced agent.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10 Tres Amigos Road, Placitas, NM  $399,000

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 partial) / 2200 Square Feet

This stunning Placitas Custom Home offers a secluded .97 AC Sanctuary w/breathtaking views. Open & spacious floorplan featuring a dramatic entry way into a cozy living space. Warm & inviting property in a highly sought-after location. Fabulous access to hiking & biking.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Antique collecting can be an addiction – just ask any antique lover. If you live in Albuquerque, you already know that this is the place to find the best antiques in the Southwest.  And if you’re thinking about buying a home in  Albuquerque and love to shop for antiques, then welcome home! Downtown Albuquerque is filled with places to pick up all the cool things from the past, no matter what your taste is.  You’ll find truth in the old saying “they don’t make ‘em like they used to” as you delve into the antique stores of Albuquerque.  Here’s a few of the better antique stores to get you started on your journey back in time.

Antique Specialty Mall

With nearly 50 dealers covering an area of over 18,000 sq feet, you’ll find plenty of treasures spanning over 200 years of history. You’ll definitely need to make sure you have enough time to spend at this one-stop antique shop.

Antiques & Things

Another great antique mall in Albuquerque, with 75 vendors in 15,000 sq feet. They feature a wide range of collectables and fine furniture, along with jewelry, clothing, Western and Native American goods, toys, art, and more.  Plus they’re located in an historic Five & Dime with the original oak floors and old cases, just to add more historic flavor to your antique shopping.

Cowboys & Indians Antiques

If you’re looking for antique Native American and Western art, then Cowboys & Indians Antiques is where you need to go. You’ll find items from many of the best-known antique dealers in the nation. Located on Route 66, it’s the perfect setting for your western antique shopping spree, or just to browse and enjoy the amazing pieces.

Old Town Antiques

This antique shop features a bit of everything. The vibe is both museum and retail store.  You’ll find an eclectic mix of items including antique Indian art, jewelry, pottery, antique art, early science, and much more.

There are so many great reasons to live in Albuquerque.  Check back on our blog every week for more great reasons to buy a home here. And if you’re looking to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding areas, be sure to check out our powerful home search tool to find the latest homes on the market!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5719 Balsa Court NE, Albuquerque, NM  $410,000

4 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 2830 Square Feet

This beautiful custom home is nestled on a scenic mountain view lot in the highly sought after Peppertree Subdivision. An elegant entry to the circular staircase leads to the wonderful loft/office and 3 comfortable guest bedrooms & full bath.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Self-made millionaire David Bach has written nine consecutive New York Times best-selling books. His book, “The Automatic Millionaire,” was on the New York Times bestseller list for a whopping 31 weeks. In fact, he is one of the only business authors in history to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek and USA Today bestseller lists.

In a recent CNBC article, Bach explained that: “The biggest mistake millennials are making is not buying their first home.” Then he said that, “If you want to build real financial security, real wealth for your lifetime, then you need to buy a home.”

Bach went on to explain why buying a home is so important:

“Homeowners are worth 40 times more than renters. Now, that first home doesn’t need to be a dream home, it can be a very small home. You might literally have to buy a small studio apartment, but that’s how you get started.”

 “Don’t do a 30-year mortgage. You want to take that 30-year mortgage and instead pay it off early, do a 15-year mortgage. What happens if you do a 15-year mortgage? Well, one, you pay the mortgage off 15-years sooner, that means you’ll be able to retire in your fifties. Number two, you’ll save a fortune (on potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest payments).”

What will it cost to pay your mortgage in fifteen years? Here’s what he had to say:

“For fifteen years, you got to brownbag your lunch. Think about that! Brownbag your lunch literally for fifteen years. You can retire ten years sooner than your friends. You’ll have real wealth, because you bought a home – you’re not a renter. And you’ll be financially secure for life.”

If a well-respected millionaire gives advice, it’s usually a good idea to follow it.  But of course, he’s not the first person in the know to advice on the wisdom of buying a home. Many successful individuals have found that over time, buying a home is the most advisable course toward financial security.

As an additional note on David Bach’s experience, he has been a contributor to NBC’s Today Show, appearing more than 100 times, as well as a regular on ABC, CBS, Fox, CNBC, CNN, Yahoo, The View, and PBS. He has also been profiled in many major publications, including the New York Times, BusinessWeek, USA Today, People, Reader’s Digest, Time, Financial Times, Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Working Woman, Glamour, Family Circle, Redbook, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Investors’ Business Daily, and Forbes. Not a bad resume!

If you’re ready to buy a home in Albuquerque, you couldn’t have found a better city to buy a new home! Give us a call at 505-263-2173 to talk to an experienced agent. And if you don’t want to talk to someone just yet, you can browse our website for the latest real estate on the market.  And make sure to use our powerful home search tool to find the home of your dreams in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

522 Palo Alto Drive NE, Rio Rancho, NM  $320,000

4 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 partial) / 2960 Square Feet

Like new Pulte Home Ruby Model versatile floor plan. So many options! Upgraded gourmet kitchen with stacked cabinets, SS appliances, electric cooktop, built-in oven, granite countertops, backsplash, island, pantry and recessed lighting, tile flooring! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Every year your house takes a beating. But no matter how bad the weather is, you shouls make sure to check a few things around the house once a year so that you don't have to pay for larger repair bills later. Here's a couple of things you can check right now that will help preserve your home and reduce costs.

Change the HVAC air filters

You should really do this one once a month. The dirtier your filters are, the higher your energy costs can be and lead to more expensive repairs down the road.  And this is an easy one to do. Just buy a replacement filter available at most hardware stores and just replace it. You should also have a professional check your system each year to make sure it's tuned up and in good repair.

Service Yard Equipment

Change the oil and filters on lawn equipment and install new blades if needed. Check the owners manual to perform any suggested maintenance. Drain the gas tank before storing equipment for the season, but don't drain it completely. Instead use a premium gasoline without ethanol but with a gas preservative. Just before you store it, fill the tank with this mix.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5909 Gorrion Street NW, Albuquerque   $199,000

4 Bedrooms/ 1.5 Bathrooms/ 1935 Square Feet

Single story home with open concept & functional floorplan with tasteful updates thru-out! Kitchen with NEW Tile countertops, ALL APPLIANCES CONVEY with property! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are planning on buying a home in Albuquerque? Then you might want to know about some of the great things to do here. Albuquerque abounds in attractions that highlight it's southwestern heritage. Here's a few to check out.

Albuquerque Biological Park

An amazing place to bring the family to experience over 250 species of animal life.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Experience the culture of Native America through it's pottery, arts & crafts, and more in this expansive museum.

Petroglyph National Monument

See real Native American engravings first hand on basalt boulders as you hike on one of the 3 trails.

Explora

Explore ideas you can touch at this tech and art museum designed for all ages. It features over 250 exhibits and a toddler area.

In today’s Market in Albuquerque, some homeowners might be thinking about selling their home on their own.  This is known as For Sale by Owner (FSBO).  But there are a number of reasons why this may not be the best idea is you’re planning on selling your home in Albuquerque.

Here are 4 reasons why:

Buyer Exposure

It’s a fact that 94% of buyers search online for a home.  That’s compared to only 17% looking at the newspaper ads. Most real estate agents in Albuquerque have a marketing strategy that involves online marketing. Do you?

The Internet Gets Results

51% of home buyers find their home on the internet.  34% found it from a real estate agent.  A mere 9% found it from a yard sign.  Just putting up a sign in the front yard doesn’t work anymore.  A strong internet marketing strategy is essential.

Too Many People to Deal With

Most FSBO home sellers don’t realize at first all the people they have to deal with.  You have the buyer, the buyer’s agent, the buyer’s attorney, home inspectors, and appraisers. That can be overwhelming if you don’t have experience in selling a home.

FSBOs Have Become More Difficult

There’s far more paperwork involved in buying and selling a home than there used to be.  That’s why the percentage of people selling by FSBO has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20 or so years.

So before you take on the challenge of selling your home by yourself, give us a call and let us help you decide if an experienced Albuquerque real estate agent can help you sell your home.

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

4 Cinco Circle, Placitas, NM 87043  $399,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms/ 2740 Square Feet

Gorgeous single story custom home on private 2 acre sanctuary.

Learn more by contacting the Sandi Pressley Team

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

This Thursday, November 24th, people around the country are going to be gathering with family and friends around the table to enjoy their Thanksgiving Day feast.

Leading up to the big day, our thoughts are consumed with meal preparations, cleaning the home, watching parades, cheering for our favorite football team, or scoping out the deals for Black Friday. While all of these things have become part of the holiday tradition over time, it is important to reflect on why we celebrate Thanksgiving and what the holiday means to you.

The Pilgrims celebrated the very first Thanksgiving as a way to give thanks for the opportunities they had starting a new life in the American colonies. The holiday is now the one day that we set aside every year to give thanks for all the wonderful people, things, and opportunities we each have. What are you most thankful for this year? This Thanksgiving set aside some time to reflect on your blessings this year. Spend the day focusing on those you love most as you are gathered together around your delicious meal.

In this fast paced world, it is easy to forget that taking time to reflect is important. This Thanksgiving remember why we celebrate and why it is truly one of the most beloved American holidays. Beyond this Thursday, let’s make thankfulness a part of all our days and be always grateful for our loved ones, our homes, and the many other amazing aspects of our lives.

The Sandi Pressley Team wants to Thank all of our clients for the opportunity to partner with you on all your Real Estate needs and the trust you have placed in us year after year.

We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK:

11608 Zindandel Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM $1,500,000.

4 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms/ 6600 Square Feet

Exquisite European Custom Villa! Nestled in desired Sauvignon Gated community directly on Tanoan Golf Course & stunning mountain views. Learn more about this exceptional property by contacting the Sandi Pressley Team!

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

The one question we get asked more than any other is this: When is the best time to buy a home? It most often comes from first time homebuyers who are making the change from being renters to being owners. The answer is complicated and varies depending on your individual situation but let's take a look at a common situation as an example. Your readiness to make a commitment is likely the most important factor in the timing of a home purchase. You've already looked at your budget and determined that renting is costing you more than owning would. You have a down payment saved up and you're ready to take the leap. What's next? Here are some questions to ask to determine if it's time.

• Am I willing to work with a lender to determine my price range and ONLY look at homes in that range?
• Am I willing to research neighborhoods to find one that meets my lifestyle needs?
• Am I willing to compromise my desires to find a home that suits most of my needs?
• Am I prepared to make an offer when I find a home that fits my needs and is within my budget?

If you answered no to any of these questions, you may not be ready. Finding the right home is the easy part. Being prepared to jump, not so much. Prices are still at historic lows, rates remain very affordable. Now is a great time to buy a home. The real estate market has been tumultuous for years. Being fearful of making such a large financial commitment is understandable. Buying a home is a long term investment. Like the stock market, there is risk. If the market tanks again, you may lose equity and be forced to stay in your home longer than you expected. If you can be realistic about home ownership being a long term investment, you will eventually get a return on investment. However, you must be willing to:

• Keep your home updated and do repairs on a regular basis
• Be patient, return on investment can take a decade or more
• Buy in your price range

Once you asked yourself all the right questions and decided that you're willing to do what it takes, it's time to talk to your lender and a real estate professional. The Sandi Pressley Team is here to answer your questions.

Have An Awesome Week!

Sandi's Hot Home Listing

12105 Signal Ave NE, Albuquerque

Price: $945,000 Beds: 5 Baths: 4 Square Feet: 4,495

Sophisticated custom home with casita; Nestled in desired Primrose Pointe, showcases breathtaking MTN & City views!Built with Elegance & Luxury, the 4495 SF Award winning home offers the finest quality craftsmanship 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3 fireplaces, a 3 car garage and 2 spacious living areas, with wet-bar, travertine flooring and alder wood throughout! Gourmet kitchen with custom Alderwood cabinets, granite counters, island, stainless steel Subzero and WOLF appliances!  Tranquil Master suite with fireplace, sitting room and private patio.

View This Listing

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Having a home inspection is a given when you are selling a home. You can prepare for your home inspection by taking a few steps. This will help the seller avoid bumps along the road to the closing table and helps the buyer avoid complications as they go through the buying process.

A competent inspector should be called in to inspect any home for sale. This inspection protects the buyer from future issues and protects the seller from potential lawsuits for known defects. The inspector will be looking for material defects in the home and reporting these defects to the buyer and seller, giving them the opportunity to negotiate repairs or price changes based on repairs needed. Often, sellers think they can just leave during their home inspection. This is far from accurate and taking these steps can help your inspection go smoother from the beginning.

Tip #1 Clear areas the inspector may need to enter. This includes attic scuttle entries, furnace areas, hot water heaters, crawl spaces and your electrical box.

Tip #2 Have the power on. Inspectors will be testing all major mechanical appliances including all those mentioned above.

Tip #3 Don’t forget about other appliances. A good inspector should test all appliances like the ice maker, dishwasher, microwave, water softener and trash compactor.

Tip #4 Replace garage door opener batteries and make sure the door(s) are clear and can be opened. The inspector will open and close the garage door(s).

Tip #5 If you have a well and/or septic system, the inspector will be running tests. For the septic system they will need to open the tank. Ensure the inspector has access for that. They may also take a water sample if you're using a well.

Tip #6 Here are some other things a competent inspector will check:

• Toilets
• Faucets
• Electrical receptacles
• Windows
• Roof
• Basement
• Fireplaces

Tip #7 Don't try to hide things. A good inspector will know what signs to look for to ensure nothing is being kept from the inspection. In fact, a hidden items found during inspection may even raise red flags with the inspector.

Preparing for your home inspection may seem overwhelming. Following these tips above can help your inspection go smoothly and put the buyer at ease that the home they've made an offer on will be a good investment.

Have An Awesome Week!

Sandi's Hot Home Listing

12095 Irish Mist Rd NE, Albuquerque

Price: $1,750,000 Beds:5 Baths: 7 Square Feet: 7,037

Elegant Tuscan Estate! Exquisitely Appointed Custom Home with amazing VIEWS located in Primrose.One of a kind floorplan showcases EVERY UPGRADE you would desire. Finest quality of craftsmanship throughout. In this dream home you will feel like you are in Italy. Impeccable travertine, hardwood & carpet flooring.

View This Listing

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!