Real Estate Information Archive

If you want to buy a home in Albuquerque, one of the options you might come across is rent-to-own. It may sound like a great deal at first, but as with anything, there are pros and cons. The real question boils down to if it’s the best way for you to go in order to own a home.

Here are some important things you should know before you get into a rent-to-own agreement.

The Basics

While rent-to-own properties can be appealing, there are also risks involved.

This type of agreement basically tells you that you’re going to rent a house for a certain amount of time until you gain ownership. The time you rent can range from a couple of months to a few years, depending on your contract.

A company or an individual can be the owner of a property.

A predetermined amount of each rent payment is retained by the seller. That money will go toward the equity at the time of sale.

A lease-purchase agreement and a lease-option agreement are both categorized as rent-to-own agreements. When you follow the lease option agreement, you can opt to buy the home after the time you agree upon. On the other hand, with a lease-purchase agreement, you have a legal obligation to buy the house.

The Process

While every process might have its own unique elements, some of the things to anticipate in a rent-to-own transaction include:

• An agreement will first specify a purchase price, which may be based on the current value of the home, or perhaps on the estimated future value. Perhaps a buyer and seller agree to a price during negotiations, while the purchase price is decided when a lease expires.
• Your monthly rent payment then becomes a part of your contract. Since a portion is being set aside toward your future purchase, the rent payment will likely be more than comparable rent prices in the neighborhood.
• The seller can require you to cover the entire cost of maintenance, so when you enter into one of these agreements, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.
• The seller usually collects a one-time fee that isn't refundable, and some sellers will apply it to the equity balance. The fee is usually calculated based on a percentage of the sales price of the house.
• Your contract will dictate a specific lease term.
• At the end of your lease term, if you intend to purchase a house, you’ll have to obtain financing. So there will be a closing date.

The Pros of Rent-to-Own

For buyers, the upsides of rent-to-own agreements include:

• By progressively accumulating your down payment, you’re avoiding having to come up with a large sum upfront.
• There will be no competition from other buyers when you are ready to buy.
• It is not necessary to qualify for a mortgage right away, so you can build your credit score over a period of time.

The Cons of Rent-to-Own

Rent-to-own deals might sound great, but there are a lot of downsides to them.

• Because you are being forced to set aside a down payment, you will pay more rent than you would for a comparable home. On the other hand, you could rent a home at a lower price and then put a portion of your own income into a savings account.
• If your deal doesn’t work out, you still have to pay the option money, which is not refundable.
• There is a good chance that you will be forced to pay all the maintenance and repairs on a home that you do not yet own.
• You might end up with a purchase price in your agreement that is much too high if the home’s value goes down.
• A foreclosure is one example of situations beyond your control that could cause you to lose your equity in the home.

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of your personal financial situation and determine what is best for you.

The traditional route rather than rent-to-own can be more advantageous as a home buyer in Albuquerque, especially if you have good credit.

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1261 MONTERREY Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $539,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3007 Square Feet

Stunning custom Tuscan style home in a highly sought-after Rio Rancho location. With beautiful Mountain and City views!! This luxurious home has a fantastic layout perfect for entertaining. Grand iron Double Entry Doors. Beautiful beamed ceiling also boasts gorgeous marbled tiled barreled ceilings. Kitchen is a chefs dream with granite counter tops, pantry, SS appliances and huge island. Large Owners suite has balcony access, fireplace and a spa like bath equipped with a jetted tub. This home has to many amenities to list, come see for yourself!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Pandemic or not, some of us just need more space. Whether you’re taking care of a growing family, or your current family just needs more room to roam, there’s a home in Albuquerque waiting for you. These featured homes from the Sandi Pressley team are perfect for anyone who needs more room or wants to upgrade their lifestyle.

Feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173 to get more information and schedule a viewing of these fine homes. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

803 WARM SANDS Court SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

$599,000

Stunning Custom home (By Guererro)on a cul de sac in 4 Hills Village, upon entering you will notice the hardwood grand staircase. Home features 6 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, with Gourmet Kitchen, stainless appliances, granite counter tops, remodeled bathrooms, an amazing walk out basement (1200 sq ft) with a bedroom bathroom (pool table stays), storage, wet bar and so much more and entertaining areas. Spectacular views from master bedroom Balcony,(there are two other balconies as well), backyard w/rv access. There is new carpet, paint, surround sound, updated lighting, fans, all new hardware on the doors, oversized 3 car garage w new doors/openers. Schedule an appt now. 

Learn More!

13516 Deer Trail Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

$895,000

Perfectly situated with 180 degree views in Glenwood Hills. The frosted glass accented front door greets you and beyond is a wide, open floorplan, with tons of natural light, gas fireplace and wet bar making this home perfect for entertaining. Main level boasts a master suite, 2 spacious bedrooms, formaldining and well-appointed kitchen with breakfast nook and access to one of many patios. Upstairs is another master suite with jetted tub and double sinks, privatebalcony and a fantastic walk-in closet. The garden level is open to the patios and is perfect for rec room/office/gym. Want city AND mountain views this uniqueproperty offers panoramic, breathtaking city views with Mount Taylor in the distance! Hiking, biking and walking trails are just minutes away.

Learn More!

11721 SKY VALLEY Way NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

$829,000

Almost 5,000sqft in Prestigious Tanoan East with absolutely INCREDIBLE views!! Enjoy mountain views as you overlook the 6th Hole of Sandia and float in the pristine, HEATED pool, with a lot situated above the golf course for privacy. At night, view the twinkling lights of Albuquerque from your private balcony off the oversized master. Too many amenities to list! With room for everyone, this home boasts a finished basement complete with rec room, bedroom & bath. The luxury kitchen features granite countertops, newer appliances and open floorplan. Beautiful wood floors, oak staircase, 2 gas log fireplaces and more are ready to welcome you home.

Learn More!

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

One of the best ways to attract home buyers in Albuquerque is with a beautiful garden. When they drive up to your home, they'll be compelled to look further when they see the vibrant array of plants. However, what if you can't spend a fortune to create a huge garden? You still can have a beautiful garden with the right motivation, budgeting and understanding of your landscape's limitations and strengths.

Here are a few tips to help you create a garden on a limited budget that will help attract buyers:

Grow Your Own

Starting your garden from seed can save you a lot of money, as long as you have the patience to wait for them to grow. Seeds typically cost between $1 - $5 per packet, and you can grow many flowers from those packets. By contrast, a full-grown plant costs between $10 and $50. This demonstrates how easy it is to save money by sowing seeds.

Rock Up

You can probably find plenty of rocks in your yard to use in your garden. You can build a small border that will look natural. And if you don't have enough rocks, consider buying some for cheap.

Fairy Lights

At night, lights will really make your garden stand out. You can find solar-charging lights at reasonable prices for your garden. 

Upcycle Furniture

Do you have any old furniture that you could refurbish? Maybe you can get a piece or two from a thrift store? Rather than bringing in new furniture for your garden, you can fix up your old furniture.

Rusty metals can be removed from outdoor furniture easily, just use acidic ingredients such as baking soda or coca-cola to remove them with a rag. Old wooden benches could simply be sanded or have some of the slats replaced. 

Fill with Pots

Pots can add beauty to any garden. Pots are inexpensive and can be filled with your seedlings to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape. You can place them next to the front door to welcome buyers.

Grow Upwards 

An effective trellis can make a big impact with your budget garden. You can plant roses or lilacs to make a stunning vertical display.

Gravel It 

Don't buy expensive paving stones or high-end gravel. You can create a chic garden with this durable product at an affordable price. It's modern, minimalistic and on-trend.

You can also purchase paving slabs to decorate the gravel if you so desire.

With just these few tips, you can help get your home ready to sell to Albuquerque home buyers. And the best part is that you won't have to spend a ton of money to make it happen.

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $399,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3000 Square Feet

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are you wondering when would be the best time to sell your home in Albuquerque? The answer is a resounding “NOW!” The home selling season has never been stronger. Home inventory is lower than ever, meaning you will have less competition. And with an increase in buyers, it’s the perfect combination to make sure you sell your home fast and make the highest profit possible.

Right now, typical home value of homes in Albuquerque is $239,548, which is an increase of 12.5% over last year. The median number of days on the market for homes for sale in Albuquerque is only 57 days. This means that home sellers are selling their homes faster and making more money on the sale.

Home sales this fall outperformed last year’s numbers due to historically low interest rates, according to data from the National Association of Realtors showing a 20.2% increase in closings in October.

According to a report from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, US home prices climbed 7.8% from the third quarter of 2019 to the third quarter of 2020, the fastest year-over-year increase since 2006. 

Several factors have contributed to the increase in demand. People who work at home due to the pandemic, fearing that they won't return to the workplace, have sought larger home-office spaces, often by buying bigger houses. Low mortgage rates have encouraged people to buy, while the supply of available homes is still low. 

That means home sellers have it good until at least the end of the year if conditions hold. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors in 2020, homes sold for an average of $66,000 more than the purchase price, up from $60,000. 

But low inventory and an increase in buyers isn’t the only reason you should sell your home. Here are some other factors to think about.

Interest Rates Are Expected to Remain Low

Before the U.S. was infected with the coronavirus, economists and real estate professionals predicted mortgage interest rates would stay low for most of the year. The pandemic has caused interest rates to drop even further, and this decline has been predicted to continue well into 2021.

You Have a Starter Home

In areas such as Albuquerque, where home prices are rapidly rising and bidding wars are common, entry-level homes, frequently purchased by first-time home buyers, should see a lot of buyer activity for the remainder of the year.

You Need to Move

No matter why you need to move, you can still sell your home and find one that suits your needs. Selling your house may be a viable option if your income has decreased since losing your job. If that’s the case, you might be worried that you won’t be able to pay your mortgage.

The lack of inventory can help your home sell faster. A correctly priced home, or one whose asking price is close to its market value, should sell quickly while inventory is low.

Sandi Pressley and her team are ready to help you sell your home in this hot market. Call us today or visit www.valuemyalbuquerquehome.com to get a free home valuation.

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $399,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3000 Square Feet

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

When you decide to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque, you need to first decide who you’re going to have on your side to help you complete your transaction succesfully. Albuquerque real estate professionals come in three types - agents, brokers, and Realtors. So what really is the difference between them, and why does it matter?

There are overlaps between all three, but at the same time, distinctions.

Agents

A real estate agent is a person working in the field who has studied for and passed the relevant real estate courses. They are also licensed to practice in the state of New Mexico.

An agent represents either the buyer or the seller in a transaction. Some specialize in working with buyers, others with sellers, others do both.

An agent's job description includes collecting offers and counteroffers, negotiating, and assisting clients with the paperwork. Real estate agents are able to provide their clients with additional services that aid in tying up loose ends, such as arranging any necessary home inspections. They usually receive a commission on a successful transaction, so they receive a percentage of the sale price.

Brokers

A real estate broker is someone with more education than is required to become a real estate agent and has obtained their broker license. A real estate broker might need to complete courses in topics like insurance, taxes, and ethics. Brokers also learn topics like property management and real estate investments. The coursework is more in-depth compared to what agents are required to complete.

There are three types of brokers.

A principal or designated broker is a person who works in every real estate office. They make sure the legal compliance of the office. Additionally, they get a commission of the sales their agents make. Next, there’s a managing broker, who may have greater influence over the agents at the office. An associate broker works under a managing broker but usually doesn’t supervise others.

Real estate brokers can work for themselves. They can also hire agents who work under them.

After passing a broker's exam, you can continue to work under another broker, in which case you will be called an associate broker. This was briefly touched upon earlier.

Brokers and real estate agents share the same responsibilities. The main difference is that a broker may earn more money than an agent by having a team under their management.

Realtors

Realtor is a third term often used to denote an agent or broker. Realtors belong to the National Association of Realtors or NAR.

NAR members agree to adhere to NAR’s strict ethical guidelines. Besides agents, Realtors can also include other professionals in the industry. For instance, property managers and appraisers can be Realtors since it's a profession that originates from a group membership.

When you become a Realtor, you can use the trademark as part of your title.

This trademark has been assigned to Sandi Pressley since 1979. Sandi has listed and sold more homes than any other agent throughout New Mexico. Through her dedication and hard work, she has been able to help over 12,200 families buy or sell their property. Sandi has been the top realtor in Albuquerque as well as in the state of New Mexico for 35 consecutive years. Sandi and her dedicated team of real estate professionals stand ready to help you realize your real estate goals in Albuquerque.

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $399,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3000 Square Feet

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are you ready to move into your ideal home in Albuquerque? Since the busy Spring home selling season is coming soon, now is the perfect time to find the home of your dreams. These homes are sure to go fast, so make sure you schedule a viewing today!

Feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173 to get more information and schedule a viewing of these fine homes. You can check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

8716 MADRE Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

$360,000

Precious Inman Patio-Home in highly desirable Canyon Run! Prime NE Heights location, location, location with so many recent updates: FURNACE (2020), HVAC (2020), WATER HEATER (2020), STUCCO (2019), GUTTERS (2019) plus fresh paint and beautiful floors. Featuring 2 living areas, a wet bar, and gas fireplace, this is comfortable living. Oversized Master Bedroom features tons of closet space plus a spa-like master bathroom with double-sinks and separate shower and garden tub. Enjoy your privacy in the backyard under an oversized patio, or spread out indoors with the beautiful sunroom. Updated counters in the kitchen plus newer stainless steel appliances make this home move-in ready.

Learn More!

2509 RIDGECREST Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

$375,000

Welcome Home to this beautiful brick home situated on a large corner lot close to conveniences. Great curb appeal with curved driveway, large covered porch & garage to the side of home. Featuring desirable split floorplan with spacious living spaces throughout including both formal & informal living & dining options; Two ample master suites for guest or in-law quarters; Fresh interior paint & carpet replaced in 2020; Huge family room w/efficient wood stove opening to the 207 sqft sunroom (not included in square footage); Kitchen features eat at bar plus sunny nook, & lots of cabinet space. Mature landscaping provides trees, shrubs and partial xeriscaping; open patio; & backyard access. **Square footage does not include the 207sqft Sunroom**

Learn More!

14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

$399,000

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

Learn More!

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

If you intend to sell your home in Albuquerque, painting your stairs will increase the value of your property and enhance its appearance. People often overlook their stairs when they are taking on home improvement projects. But it can be a very easy way to dramatically change the look of your home. Whether you want to give your stairs a makeover or just repaint the back deck, there's paint for every need.

Here's a quick guide to the types of paint that are best for freshening up your interior and exterior stairs. 

Outdoor Stairs

You need a highly durable paint for your outdoor stairs, as they are subjected to high traffic and the elements. You should try an acrylic exterior paint on your wood stairs. There is an acrylic paint made specifically for porches, floors, and exterior stairs. You should stay away from glossy finish paints, which can be slippery when wet.

Satin or eggshell finish paints are the best choice as they can resist dirt and stains while being easily cleaned without creating a slip hazard. For extra safety, you can add a non-slip additive to your paint for extra texture and slip resistance. 

Indoor Stairs

Indoor stairs often don't wear out as much as outdoor stairs, but they still get a lot of foot traffic. Try painting indoor stairs with 100% acrylic paint for easy cleaning. If you want to keep the steps dry during wet weather, you can use semi-gloss paint.

If you plan to paint your indoor stairs in different colors, you might also consider other paint finishes. For example, you could paint the risers and spindles in semigloss paint and use a lower luster paint for the railings and treads to increase safety.

Paint Design Ideas

Your stairs can be a great place for you to let your creative side shine when it comes to painting, since you can paint them in a variety of ways.

One classic approach to painting stairs is to paint the risers and spindles in a light color and the treads and railings in a dark one. This looks nice and adds visual interest to the steps. 

If you like the look of a classic stair runner, but you don't want the risk of tripping, you can paint a runner down the center of your staircase for a great visual effect.

Refinishing Stairs for a Fresh, New Look

Fresh paint is one way you can transform the look of your stairs and brighten the area around them. If you're thinking about refinishing your stairs, its essential to have all the right tools and paint. That way, you'll make your vision a reality. 

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

803 WARM SANDS Court SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $660,000

6 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (4 full, 0 half) / 4553 Square Feet

Stunning Custom home (By Guererro)on a cul de sac in 4 Hills Village, upon entering you will notice the hardwood grand staircase. Home features 6 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, with Gourmet Kitchen, stainless appliances, granite counter tops, remodeled bathrooms, an amazing walk out basement (1200 sq ft) with a bedroom bathroom (pool table stays), storage, wet bar and so much more and entertaining areas. Spectacular views from master bedroom Balcony,(there are two other balconies as well), backyard w/rv access. There is new carpet, paint, surround sound, updated lighting, fans, all new hardware on the doors, oversized 3 car garage w new doors/openers. Schedule an appt now. Please note hot tub does not convey!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

As you prepare to put your Albuquerque home on the market for sale, you should think about how to make it more appealing. Many home sellers will paint, add landscaping or make other small, affordable updates to attract buyers. Another affordable project that you can do now is installing new windows.

New window installation is something that many home buyers in Albuquerque look for when looking to buy a new home. New windows are energy-efficient, make a home look more attractive, and you get most of your investment back when the final contract is signed.

Energy Efficient Windows Are What Buyers Are Looking For

If your windows are old wood or aluminum style, most will see that as something that needs replacing. When buyers see projects, they are either not going to make an offer at all, or they might make a lowball offer exploiting it as an excuse to pay less.

If you want to sell your home fast, new windows might be the right move for you.

The moment the new windows are up, you can talk about how much more energy-efficient your home has become since the work was done. You might even go so far as to bring out your heating and cooling bills to back it up. If you have your windows installed a month before you post the "For Sale" sign, you may start to notice some differences.

New Windows Enhance the Look of Residential Properties

While some home buyers are interested in energy-efficient and functional home features, others are interested in how it looks at first glance. If you haven't replaced your windows in thirty years, you're likely to have chips, cracks, and broken glass.

When buyers pull into your driveway, they're going to check the roof, the siding, and the windows to see how well maintained they are. By replacing those old windows with energy efficient ones that match the rest of the home's exterior, it will help you sell the house more quickly. You won't have to spend any time haggling with the price because of the old ones.

How to Tell if It's Time to Replace Your Windows

Now that you know that installing new windows will help you sell your home faster, it's important to figure out when it's time for a window replacement.

There are several factors to take into consideration, including:

• Visible chips, cracks, or water damage to the window frames
• Excessive outside noise coming through the windows
• Feeling drafts leak in when the windows are closed
• Condensation between the layers of glass
• Cracked or broken glass
• Problems opening, closing, or locking the windows
• Cloudy glass
• Recent increases in your energy bills
• Older single-pane windows instead of double-glazed modern windows

After you find one or more of these points to be true, you should start researching what windows are available to replace the old ones.

When you talk with your window contractor, ask about style options as well. A home with new windows will be more energy efficient, but the new windows won't look right if you pick the wrong style. If you did not pick the right window for your home's existing look and structure, homebuyers will be less likely to be attracted by the overall appearance.

Often, home sellers decide to replace windows in homes before selling because they would rather spend some money to get the sale over with quickly. That's just one of the benefits, however. Even if your house didn't sell as fast as you wanted it to, you could still save money on your energy bill while you're still there. That's without mentioning how beautiful the new windows look to those driving by. Someone will eventually see the new energy-efficient windows that really complement your home, and they won't be able to resist making an offer.

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

803 WARM SANDS Court SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $660,000

6 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (4 full, 0 half) / 4553 Square Feet

Stunning Custom home (By Guererro)on a cul de sac in 4 Hills Village, upon entering you will notice the hardwood grand staircase. Home features 6 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, with Gourmet Kitchen, stainless appliances, granite counter tops, remodeled bathrooms, an amazing walk out basement (1200 sq ft) with a bedroom bathroom (pool table stays), storage, wet bar and so much more and entertaining areas. Spectacular views from master bedroom Balcony,(there are two other balconies as well), backyard w/rv access. There is new carpet, paint, surround sound, updated lighting, fans, all new hardware on the doors, oversized 3 car garage w new doors/openers. Schedule an appt now. Please note hot tub does not convey!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Owning a home in Albuquerque is an investment that, as we all know, will need repairs and improvements as the years go by. Many people prepare for the mortgage payment and other costs, but sudden repairs can catch anyone off guard. In fact, around 31% of homeowners don't set aside enough for home repairs.

What are some steps you can take to make sure you're ready for your next repair job or improvement project?

1. Always have a plan

Since there's many items on your to-do list as a homeowner, then logically you should make a real to-do list on paper or spreadsheet program to keep track of it all. Keep track of your regular maintenance items, such as filter replacements and gutter cleaning, as well as projects you want to take care of in the near future. Then make a list of larger updates you would like to do eventually.

Doing this will not only help you remember regular items to keep up, but you can prioritize repairs that will save money down the road. This list will also come in handy when you want to look back at repairs on particular items over the years to see if they justify replacement. And when you go to sell your home, the buyer will appreciate knowing when those items were taken care of.

2. Add to your emergency fund

Setting aside money for repairs is always a good idea, especially if you don't live in a new home. Having an emergency fund can help you take care of unexpected situations, or if you lose income. And you don't have to aim for the stars to start with. Setting aside as much as you can will add up over the months and years. There are also apps for your phone that can help set money aside.

3. Act quickly when it comes to repairs

Take care of a repair as soon as it pops up. Don't wait for the problem to get worse. For example, a leaky faucet can rot the subfloor. Fixing a faucet is far easier than replacing a floor.

4. Know your financing options

Sometimes a repair may exceed your cash on hand. Make a plan to take care of these larger repairs, such as borrowing from a bank or family member. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are also financing options.

5. Consider doing it yourself

Younger homeowners tend to do projects themselves rather than hiring a pro. This can save hundreds on a project. But there's a risk in making huge mistakes that can cost more in the end. Make sure you can handle a project before you DIY.

6. If you go pro, do your research

There's nothing wrong with hiring a pro. But make sure that you research the pros in your area and get several estimates. Ask questions, such as how they intend to do the job, what the estimated timeline is, whether they’re insured and how much experience they have with projects like yours. Don’t simply go with the cheapest contractor to save Money. Yes, they could be the best person for the job, or you may wind up spending more to fix their mistakes.

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

11721 SKY VALLEY Way NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $829,000

6 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 4860 Square Feet

Almost 5,000sqft in Prestigious Tanoan East with absolutely INCREDIBLE views!! Enjoy mountain views as you overlook the 6th Hole of Sandia and float in the pristine, HEATED pool, with a lot situated above the golf course for privacy. At night, view the twinkling lights of Albuquerque from your private balcony off the oversized master. Too many amenities to list! With room for everyone, this home boasts a finished basement complete with rec room, bedroom & bath. The luxury kitchen features granite countertops, newer appliances and open floorplan. Beautiful wood floors, oak staircase, 2 gas log fireplaces and more are ready to welcome you home!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If your goal this year is to buy a new home in Albuqueurque, then now is the time check out these new properties just listed on our website! Since Spring is coming up soon, now is the perfect time to beat the busy home buying season and snatch up the home of your dreams. The Albuquerque real estate scene has limited inventory, so these homes are sure to go fast.

Feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173 to get more information and schedule a viewing of these fine homes. You can check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

8404 RANCHO VECINO Court NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

$310,000

True one story beauty in Rancho Sereno. This spacious home has high ceilings, light-filled rooms, two living areas, 4 good sized bedrooms and a 3 car garage. Well appointed kitchen, with island, ample countertops and cabinets. Stainless Refrigerator stays with home. New TPO roof in Oct 2020. Refrigerated Air! Home has been well maintained. Great location, easy access to Paseo Del Norte, and amenities.

Learn More!

14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

$399,000

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

Learn More!

5916 KATHRYN Avenue SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

$239,000

WOW! Beautiful remodel with so many updates including ROOF, ELECTRICAL, FURNACE, EVAP COOLER, WATER HEATER, BATHS, INTERIOR PAINT, CARPET, REFINSHED WOOD FLOORS, FRONT DOOR & STORM DOOR! TWO large living areas! Kitchen features LG gas stove with double oven & Quartz countertops! Open living room features wood floors, fireplace, recessed lighting and barn door to family room. HUGE family room features wood ceiling, wood stove, extra flex room/office and separate laundry room. Huge lot with BACKYARD ACCESS & NEW GATE! Close to UNM, CNM, UNM Hospital, Nob Hill!

Learn More!

Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.