Real Estate Information Archive

When it comes to selling a home, curb appeal is everything. So if your driveway is showing its age, it can deal a fairly big blow to that appeal. Driveways can technically be functional for decades, but eventually need to be replaced. Your driveway is a major feature of your home that you should look at when selling a home and deciding what needs to be repaired or replaced.

Cracks

Cracks always form in a driveway over the years. A number of factors can make them worse, such as leaking gas, oil, or other chemicals.

Small cracks can be repaired as they appear. Yet larger cracks that are long or wide may show signs of more serious damage. If you have a tree near the driveway, the roots may be growing underneath and compromising the pavement. In this case you may even need to remove the tree to prevent further damage.

If you decide to make your own repairs, bear in mind that the repairs will be darker than the surrounding driveway, which also will take away from the curb appeal.

Potholes

Potholes are the next level of driveway damage to deal with. Potholes can do more damage than cracks, taking a toll on your cars.

Potholes can form when the ground beneath the drive expands and contracts. Over time, the driveway material starts to weaken and give way, forming a pothole.

Potholes can be repaired, but it won't solve the problem long term of the ground underneath contracting and expanding and making the pothole appear again.

Replacing your driveway is really the best solution in this case, especially for an older driveway. Newer materials are made to withstand these issues better than the driveway materials that were used decades ago.

Rough Appearance

The weather will always take its toll on the appearance of a driveway. Both the rain and the sun can cause damage, oxidize the surface, causing the color to fade.

To fix this, you could try applying concrete or asphalt sealant, which can help to restore the original look. But if the durability of the driveway has been affected, it’s best to go with a total replacement.

Lack of Resealing

If you have an asphalt or concrete driveway, it should be resealed every two or three years to prevent if from breaking and cracking. If this hasn't been done, you may need to replace your driveway if too many cracks have formed.

Past its Prime

Most driveways are past their prime after about 15-20 years. After that much time, your driveway may be suffering from all of these problems mentioned. At this point, repairs are also less likely to be effective.

Find the home of your dreams in Albuquerque with our powerful home search feature. Join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. And follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

11701 Coyote Run Road NE, Albuquerque, NM  $748,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 half) / 3271 Square Feet

Fabulous Home nestled in an idyllic, peaceful, gated community. Positioned to take advantage of exceptional mountain and city views! Open, light filled spaces capture you the minute you walk in this home!! This well thought out Lee Michael Multi-generational home can accommodate everyone!! The details and quality are evident! This home you must see!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Since 1979, Sandi Pressley has been making dreams come true in Albuquerque. In fact, Sandi is the #1 Top Producing Realtor for 33 consecutive years, not just in Albuquerque, but all of New Mexico! You only need to hear what her happy home buyers and sellers have to say about Sandi and her team to know why. Here’s a few of the hundreds of comments that people have made over the years about their extraordinary experience buying or selling a home in Albuquerque with Sandi Pressley and her team.

“Sandi and her team are the ultimate tools to engage when you are looking to make a move in real estate. We have used Sandi and team twice now, and would never consider anyone else. Sandi’s team is very honest, thorough and professional. Great recommendations for any modifications that need to be addresses, backed up with excellent (and reasonably priced) contract professionals to handle any aspects. “
- Kelly

“Very impressed with efficiency and professionalism of the entire team. “
- Ystesund

“Sandi and her team were knowledgeable, responsible, and a pleasure to deal with the entire way. I would recommend Sandi Pressley and her team to anyone needing to sell their home. “
- McDonald

“I have been working with Sandi for many years. I am so happy we closed on a property. So now to sell my property and buy one in town. So much to look forward to! Working with Sandi is like working with my sister!”
- Bilbo

“Sandi's team is phenomenal and we would not consider working with anyone else! Our agent Kat Jacob handled our listing and sale with excellence and we sold in 4 days. Thanks Sandi!”
- Church

“Sandi Pressley sold our home in the most satisfying real estate transaction I've ever experienced, and I have bought and sold twenty homes in my lifetime. She clearly established her competence during her initial meeting. The house sold to the second party viewing it. Neighbors down the street attempting to sell a similar home for several months immediately hired her to represent them. However the remaining very significant factor motivating this recommendation is the tremendously effective and service oriented team she employs to shepherd the seller through the settlement process. To repeat the words I said to her, she is a treasure. “
- Reilly

These outstanding recommendations only scratch the surface what people are saying about The Sandi Pressley Team.  Check out our testimonials to read all the great things Sandi’s clients have to say.

If you want to have the same amazing experience buying or selling your next home in Albuquerque, give us a call at 505-263-2173 to speak with Sandi Pressley and her team today!

According to the National Association of Realtors®, first time home homebuyers are about 31 years in age on average? So it makes sense that when you sell your home, it will no doubt be to someone younger.  It's been getting easier for young families and professionals to buy a first home.  When it comes to staging your home to sell in Beaufort County, you need to keep the younger buyers in mind.  Just like the generations before them, this generation has their won unique needs and wants in a home. How can you make your home appeal to this growing market?  Here's a few tips.

Open Floor Plans

Younger buyers no longer want the formal setting of a dining room for entertaining. They want a more open feel that make entertaining easier. Rooms that flow together are highly sought after.

Working From Home

First time buyers are more likely to be working from home. They need extra space for a home office, even if they work from home part-time.

Low Maintenance

Young buyers already have plenty of bills: cell phone bills, cable bills, car payments, student-loan debt and more. Therefore, many don't ant to spend extar on landscaping and other high maintenance features, or old appliances that will soon need upgrading. Make sure your home is ready to move in and doesn't need a lot of extras.

Use Neutral Colors

Buyers under 40 are not really into the gold or pink walls any more.  Think about painting the walls a more neutral color.  This will allow potential buyers to envision their own accent colors and furniture to make it their own.

Open Up the Shower

Open showers are all the rage. Younger buyers aren't as attracted to the old tub and shower configuration. If you have it in your budget, consider remodeling your bath to include an open shower design.

White Cabinets

White or off-white cabinets not only brighten up the kitchen, but the younger buyers are more attracted to it.  They don't want to be reminded of mom's old dark cabinets.  You might try Benjamin Moore's Advance paint, as it requires little prep work.

Stainless Steel Appliances

Old appliances can be a big turnoff for younger buyers.  Many love stainless steel appliances, and for good reason.  If you have it in your budget, consider updating your appliances if they look dated.

Updated Countertops

Young buyers really love granite and stone countertops.  But keep it simple.  Don;t go with busy designs.  Black countertops or designs that are simple are the best.

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. 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!

231 Graceland Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM  $194,000

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 partial) / 1530 Square Feet

 Nob Hill Charmer! Great Opportunity!!! Make this one your own or your investment property; whatever the goal-DO NOT MISS this one! Situated on a large corner lot, this gem features both formal and informal living areas; Recently re-finished hardwood floors; Cozy wood burning fireplace; separate dining room or perhaps office/hobby space; plus classic details throughout. Enjoy warm summer evenings under the ample covered patio. Close to shopping, UNM & UNMH, transporation! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

The Sandi Pressley Team has taken great care in making our website, www.albuquerquehomesolutions.com, a useful and powerful tool for anyone looking to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque. Our website is full of useful features and tools that will help you start your home buying or selling journey. If you plan to buy or sell a home soon, why not a take a few moments to see how our website can be a valuable resource.

Here's a few main features to look for on our website.

For Home Buyers

Featured Properties

Our Featured Properties page showcases our own premium listings in the Albuquerque area. You can sort listings by a number of factors, such as price, type, and open houses.

Property Search

This powerful property search tool lets you find the perfect home in Albuquerque that fits your exact needs. You can refine your search using a wide range of parameters, such as price range, sq feet, construction, schools district, and much more. By clicking on the Map Search tab, you can even draw a map around the area you want to search in.  It makes find the right home in Albuquerque even easier!

There is also a list of neighborhoods in the main menu under "Search MLS" which will let you search for homes in that specific neighborhood, along with information about that neighborhood.

Property Detail Pages

Selecting any property in the Featured Properties or Property Search pages will bring you to a comprehensive detaile page for that property. In addition to detailed information about the property itself, you can also view information about local schools, walks scores, and use a convenient mortgage calculator.

Email Listing Alerts

Be the first to know of new homes that meet your search criteria as soon as they hit the Albuquerque real estate market. It's a free, no obligation service that will help you stay in tune with the local real estate market.

Community Pages

Want to learn more about the communities that make up the Albuquerque area? These community real esatet and information pages will give you the run down on each community, along with being able to search homes for sael in those communities.

Buyer's Resources

This section features a number of useful articles to help home buyers with a variety of topics.

For Home Sellers

Home Valuation

Get an instant market valuation for your Albuquerque or surrounding area home. It's free, and no obligation.

Seller Resources

Just like the Buyer's Resoruces section, this section also features a number of useful articles to help home sells with a variety of topics.

These are just a few of the helpful tools and resources avaiable to our current and future clients. If we can offer any additional help in buying or selling your home, please feel free to conatct us.  We're always happy to help.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

3620 Monte Vista Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM  $330,000

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 partial) / 1590 Square Feet

Vintage beauty in the heart of NOB HILL!! Vintage feel in harmony with modern elements. This updated and remodeled classic home features a versatile floor plan with 3BDRs/2BAs plus two living areas, an office/study, second kitchenette and second entrance. Desirable URBAN location is close to shopping, restaurants, parks, Nob Hill, UNM and transportation!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Selling your home can be challenging and stressful. You're taking on two major tasks at once - getting your home to show to potential buyers and getting ready to move. Will getting a storage unit will help the process go more smoothly? Yes and no, depending on your situation.

When you move, it provides a perfect opportunity to clean the clutter from your life.  You can sell, donate, or dispose of the things you don't need, meaning you'll have less to pack and move.

But you may also not have enough time to go through everything, so you may need to do whatever it takes to get through the process. That's where storing items may be an advantage. What are some things to think about when considering if you should use storage when you move?

Advantages of Using Storage

1. Pack up all the things you don't need now.
2. Staging your home will be more simple.
3. You home will look larger, adding to selling appeal.
4. Personal items will be out of sight from buyers.
5. Out of sight, out of mind.
6. You can sort all your items later.
7. You can decide what furniture works best in your new home and decide what to keep after you move.

Disadvantages of Using Storage

1. Another expense.
2. You'll have to handle everything twice, which is more work.
3. Not all units guarantee your items will be safe, so you may need additional insurance.
4. Storing items can lead to delayed decisions about what stays and what goes.
5. You may end up storing things you don't need, and paying monthly fees for those items.
6. It's hard to reach items in the back of a full unit.

Portable Storage Units

By now, you've seen people use portable storage unites. PODS was one of the first companies to offer this service, but other companies have caught onto the trend. Portable storage units can either be used for long term storage or to store and move items to your new home. That way, you can keep the storage at your house and pack as you go.  Then the unit is delivered to your new house, or taken to a warehouse for long term storage.

The great thing about portable storage is that you can pack and unpack everything in one go. This way you don't need to haul your things to a storage facility, then back again to the new home.

Moving is hard work for sure.  But with careful planning and good use of storage, you can make the process go more smoothly.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5007 Ensenada Place NW, Albuquerque, NM  $325,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 2338 Square Feet

CASUAL ELEGANCE in this newly built custom home in the North Valley!! Close to Rio Grande Nature Center, Farmer's Market, shopping, restaurants and boutiques in the North Valley! Guest BDR with its own full bath! Landscaped yard, large covered patio, walled for privacy and hard to find oversized 3CG!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team