Real Estate Information Archive

Your front yard speaks volumes about your home. If your front yard is rough, messy, and unkept, buyers will naturally leave the field while driving to the next property on their list. Don't let that happen by ensuring your front yard is lush and as beautiful as the inside of your home.

Are there areas in your front yard you should focus on? Where do you begin? Here are the steps you should take to revitalize your front yard if you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque:

1. Cut the grass.

Buyers don't want to trudge through tall grass. The lawn, however, should still look green, alive and lush. The lawn mower needs to be out once a week, if not every other week, to keep it short. Water so that the sun won't dry out the grass and make it yellow or brown. A professional landscaper can maintain the right balance of edging and growth so the lawn looks perfect for potential buyers.

2. Plant more shade trees.

If you want to really add some shade, plant more trees in the front yard. You can deflect the unnatural glare of the sun with shade trees and cool the house if they're planted close to windows. The moisture will also keep the grass green. You can plant trees that are shorter so they will grow full by the time the new owner buys the house. However, it's important that they are strong and can handle the climate.

3. Install outdoor lighting.

Landscape lighting is a good way to illuminate the house at night and showcase parts of your yard. Depending on where you place the lights, the house will look very appealing at night to buyers who may not have time to shop during the day. In addition to illuminating a path between the curb and your front door for easier navigation, outdoor lighting also helps to emphasize the beauty of your landscaping, which heightens the beauty of your home.

4. Add flowers for more color.

If your front yard is lush and green, you should add more color to make it more appealing. Flowers are a great and easy way to make the yard more appealing, as are shrubbery with different blooms. Perennials are the best for this because they last for more than one year, which requires less upkeep on both the seller and the buyer. They are available in a variety of colors and types, so the yard can be adorned with any number of them while still requiring less care.

5. Keep everything clean.

Furthermore, it is also important to keep all other parts of the house clean. Anywhere dirt can accumulate - siding, porches, front doors, driveways - should be cleaned regularly. Buyers don't want to see dirt and mess, so take a broom, a power washer, and take an hour on the weekend to clean everything up. Need a power washer? A professional powerwashing service costs as little as $293.

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!

13504 DESERT ZINNIA Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $1,050,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (4 full, 0 half) / 4556 Square Feet

Highly Sought after High Desert Contemporary Southwestern Beauty. Custom built for Original owner. Well Situated on .86 acre lot to maximize the spectacular Mountain and City views! Incredible floor plan features 4 spacious en-suite bedrooms all with private bathrooms, Dual Masters, with the largest one on main level. Gorgeous, sunny kitchen with quartz counter tops, opens onto bright, light breakfast nook and family room. Complete with kitchen island, double ovens. Soaring ceilings throughout - with walls of windows to enjoy the views from every room. Approx 1500 sqft of wrap around decks/patios on front and back of home can be accessed from all bedrooms. Gorgeous serene courtyard with water feature. Spectacular low maintenance landscaping front and back! Newer TPO top of the line roof.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

As you spend your golden years here in your home in Albuquerque, your home may need to be adapted to accommodate lifestyle changes, accessibility and independence. Many people as they grow older are choosing to stay in their own homes. As such, you can make gradual adaptations in order to allow you to manuever through your home safely. It makes sense to plan ahead for these changes and start early. Making small renovations one at a time will help spread the overall costs.

Here are a few improvements you may need to do to your home in Albuquerque over the years.

Grab Bars

Having grab bars installed is a great way to limit falls and injuries. They are best installed where your floors transition to another level or may get wet. You should make sure you have a professional install them, as they need to be reinforced. An improperly installed grab bar can be pulled from the wall and cause injury.

Places grab bars should be installed:

• showers
• near toilets
• stairs
• room transitions

Home Entry

For the main entrance, you may want to install a ramp. The good news is that this doesn't have to take away from the curb appeal of your home. You can design a ramp from wood or concrete that will offer a gradual incline to the front door that also fits the aesthetic of your home.

Making Doorways Wider

If you need to use a walker or wheelchair, making your doors wider will make life easier. A contractor can widen a doorway in just about a day. Making a door 36 inches wide as opposed to the normal 24" or 32" allows for easier access, especially in tight spaces.

Floorplan Alterations

Having a more open floorplan to help you maneuver is important, especially when using a wheelchair. This will give you more open space to move around, as a wheelchair requires a square five feet to move freely. You can open up your living space by removing full and pony walls, creating cased openings, and relocating furniture and appliances to make sure paths are wide and clear.

If you live in a home with more than one floor, you may find yourself restricted mostly to the first floor. As such, you need to make sure that all the first floor has all the main rooms you need, such as a kitchen, bathroom and a space for a bedroom. If there is not a full bathroom on the ground floor, a contractor can create a full bathroom by adding a shower to an existing half bath or creating a new bathroom entirely. According to HomeAdvisor, a laundry room on the main level may even increase the value of your home.

Removing Thresholds

Removing floor thresholds between rooms can prevent tripping, which is the number one cause of injury for aging individuals. Many homes have a threshold between rooms where flooring changes. This can be alleviated by removing the threshold or installing a ramp that lets them move easily.

Shower Conversion

The bathroom can be a dangerous place due to slippery floors and tripping hazards. Even with the help of grab bars and grippy bath mats, it is important to remove tripping hazards. A popular option is to convert a bathtub into a shower without a threshold. This renovation can allow for ease of access especially for those in a wheelchair.

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

The weather is getting a bit nippy here in Albuquerque, which is just what you would expect for this time of year. So how are you warming up after a cold night? If you love coffee and other hot drinks, then you'll want to check out some of the top coffee shops in Albuquerque. They offer just about any kind of coffee concoction you can imagine, along with tasty treats to start your morning. Here are 6 of the best places to wake up in Albuquerque.

Zendo

413 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Zendo offers a low-key atmosphere where you can grab a fantastic cup of coffee prepared by super friendly baristas. Try one of their local coffee blends or for the more adventurous type, try their Red Chile Mocha!

Humble Coffee Company

4200 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

They have seating indoors and outdoors to accommodate any COVID restrictions. Cold coffee lovers will love this place as they make one of Albuquerque’s best cold brews.

Java Joe’s

906 Park Ave SW #3045, Albuquerque, NM 87102

You might recognized this coffee house from Breaking Bad. But locals know this coffee house for thier delicious local blends. As an added bonus, Java Joe’s often showcases art by local artists and the occasional live music performance.

Trifecta Coffee Company

413 Montaño Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Trifecta Coffee Company features a wide selection of coffees from Mexico, South America, Africa, and Latin America to name a few. They are also Albuquerque’s first combined coffee roaster, coffee bar and bakery, lending to the Trifecta name. Try pairing one of their South American blends with one of their freshly made scones.

The Brew

311 Gold Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

The Brew Coffee Bar brings coffee from their grandfather’s farm in Colombia and brews the perfect cup. A comfortable, unpretentious, space for the community brewing the best coffee in town.

Little Bear Coffee

2632 Pennsylvania St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

One of Albuquerque's newest coffee shops, Little Bear Coffee offers a smooth cup of coffee in a warm and friendly environment.

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

"Why isn't anyone buying my house?" That's a question asked by many a home seller. You may think your home is a gem, but in reality, it may not be as desirable as you think it is.

When it comes to selling your home in Albuquerque, there's no magic formula. It's pretty basic. These problems below will definitely keep your home from selling. Look at these with an open mind and see it they apply to your situation if your home has been on the market too long.

Because your home is ugly

This is a tough thing to admit, but your home may not be the palace you think it is. And just so we're clear, "ugly" can also stand for:

• Cluttered
• Outdated
• Dirty
• Messy
• Tacky

Unless they are an investor, few home buyers are able to walk through a mess of a home and see its potential. You need to have your home in a clean and presentable state to affectively market it. Your home also needs to be free of personal items, such as photos, knickknacks, artwork, or just anything that will be distracting to a potential buyer.

Because your price is unrealistic

This is the No. 1 most common problem with homes that are not selling, says MSN. "If you're guilty of having "a 'what the heck are they thinking?' price tag," they say, you can expect to sit on the market for a while.

"Price is usually the overriding factor in any home that doesn't sell. Whatever its problem, it can usually be rectified by adjusting the price."

Adds U.S. News: "Without question, the No. 1 reason a home doesn't sell is price. Sellers have an emotional attachment to their homes and tend not to be objective about the true value."

Don't let your emotions get in the way of selling your home. Think of it as a business transaction. Remember that the market sets the price, and your real estate agent knows the best price to set. Rely on their judgement and your home will sell faster.

Because you're not cooperating

One of the main reasons a house will not sell is because the seller is not cooperating. This is one of the reasons a house will be overpriced, chasing away buyers. Uncooperative sellers also tend to ignore other advice from their agent, about keeping the home tidy, being available when needed, being open to price reductions, being able to make the house available for open houses, and agreeing to terms when there is a contract discussion.

When it comes to showings, it not about what's convenient for you. It needs to be convenient for the buyer. If they can't view your home on their schedule, they will just go onto the next home. Think of them as the customer. You need to cater to what they need, not the other way around.

To be fair, selling a home is never easy. But if you make your home presentable, set a fair price, and work with your agent and buyers, you should have no trouble selling your home 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!

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

Moving is a process that few of us find relaxing and stress-free. But it's a part of life, and there's no getting around it. So the question becomes how we can make moving a less stressful experience.

When you move in or out of Albuquerque, the way to keep stress at a minimum is to plan and avoid predictable mistakes. Every step in the moving process has the potential for mistake that can make your move a nightmare.

If you're buying or selling a home in Albuquerque, avoiding these mistakes will help you prepare for your move and make it a more bearable experience.

1. Hiring a dishonest mover.

Moving scams are an unfortunate reality and something that you need to be on the lookout for when hiring a mover. As with hiring any professional, you need to do your homework. resources such as The Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, the New Mexico transportation regulator, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, along with relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues are all good sources of information. And make sure to read online reviews.

Of course you can skip hiring movers and do it yourself. Just make sure you can handle it and have enough help.

2. Messing up the quotes.

A good moving company will send someone out to your home to give you an estimate. It makes good business sense for both parties, so if they don't offer to come out, then look for another mover.

And don't just get one quote, get several. You can use these quotes to find the most affordable option, or negotiate for a lower price from a mover you prefer. Always make sure to get a moving estimate in writing.

3. Packing too much stuff.

The longer you've lived in a home, the more stuff you're likely to accumulate. Now is the time to go through everything and get rid of the things you just don't need. Separate them by items you can donate, sell, or just need to throw away or recycle. You can have friends and relative go through your donate pile or throw a garage sale if you have the time (and patience). Use the one-year rule and you'll be surprised how much stuff you don't need.

4. Failing to schedule your move well in advance.

Moving companies can get booked up fast, especially in Spring and Summer. Try to schedule your move as far in advance as you can, preferably weeks or months. You don't want to be scrambling to find a mover the day before you're supposed to head out. Moving already is stressful enough without adding that frustration.

5. Ignoring the need to pack ahead of time.

Packing is another task that you should start as soon as you can, instead of at the last minute. After you've got rid of unneeded items, you can box the things you don't use every day or won't need until after you move, such as seasonal clothes.

See if you can enlist help from friends and family. If that's not an option, perhaps you can hire help.

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

It's a new year, and it's time to start your search for a new home in Albuquerque. Out latest Hot Listings will help you get your home search off to a strong start. And with prices as low as $220k, we have a home for every budget.

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.

9423 MORROW Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112

$220,000

Excellent location across from SNOW PARK!! 4BDR/2BA/1CG! TPO Roof! New Swamp Cooler! Newly updated kitchen! Wood floors! Great room features cozy wood burning fireplace, wood floors and is open to the dining room. Beautifully remodeled kitchen featuring new cabinets, granite countertops, SS microwave & dishwasher, refrigerator, new tile flooring! Separate utility room and washer & dryer stay! Close to shopping, restaurants, parks, transportation and Uptown!

Learn More!

4909 CUMBRE DEL SUR Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

$550,000

Welcome to the Trailhead Community at High Desert. Enter home through the private courtyard and once you enter you see incredible VIEWS in the daylight and forever views of the city lights at night. The Grand Great room offers soaring ceilings, a wall of windows and is made for entertaining. Wonderful hidden storage rooms behind bookcases. The foyer offers access to formal dining, an office or 3rd bedroom. Functional kitchen with Stainless appliances, island/cooktop, granite countertops and breakfast nook. Easy care yard & private courtyard offers simplicity For the outdoor enthusiast there are hiking and biking trails just up the block.The quiet culdesac and neighborhood security make this a highly sought after corner of High Desert!

Learn More!

803 WARM SANDS Court SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

$660,000

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. Please note hot tub does not convey

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.

Magnificent Rex Wilson remodel of this amazing Pueblo style home. From the minute you enter you will feel like you are on vacation (feels like a Taos Hacienda), beautiful hardwood floor, custom carved beams, corbels kiva fireplace, leads into a wonderful custom kitchen. Skylights bring in natural light, and Pella windows, hardwood doors updated electrical and an amazing wrap around covered patio embraces beautifully landscaped private oasis. ''And'' a detached casita heating cooled, presently used as a theatre room (projection equipment, screen and couches will stay) and of course a totally remodeled bathroom, and could easily be an in law quarters.