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Upcoming Events in Albuquerque

by Sandi Pressley


As Spring is just around the corner, it's time to get out and have some fun this March and April in Albuquerque. Here's a few upcoming events that are sure to put some spring in your step.

RIO GRANDE ARTS & CRAFTS SPRING SHOW
March 8, 2019 - March 10, 2019
EXPO New Mexico, Lujan Exhibit Complex, 300 San Pedro Dr. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108

185 fine artists and craftsmen come from all over the country to Expo New Mexico for the Rio Grande Spring Show. Marking the state’s first major art event of the year, this juried indoor festival focuses on fine arts and crafts while offering something fun for the whole family! You can shop a colorful variety of works in all mediums, from leather and pottery to jewelry and woodwork, while also enjoying artist demonstrations, foods sampling, and live entertainment. 

19TH ANNUAL REVOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
March 9, 2019 - March 30, 2019
Tricklock Performance Laboratory, 110 Gold Ave. S.W., Albuquerque, NM 87102

NEW MEXICO UNITED'S INAUGURAL SEASON
March 9, 2019 - October 19, 2019
Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball Club 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87106

Come watch New Mexico’s pro soccer team as they take soccer, the state and every single fan to the next level.

SOUTHWEST CHOCOLATE & COFFEE FEST
March 16, 2019 - March 17, 2019

The nation's largest festival dedicated to chocolate, coffee, and gourmet foods featuring the finest chocolatiers, coffee roasters, candy makers, bakers, breweries, wineries, and gourmet food companies. Live entertainment, professional cooking demonstrations, and a dedicated Kids Zone with free activities.

2019 FIESTAS DE ALBUQUERQUE
April 6, 2019
Old Town Plaza 200 N Plaza St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Celebrate Albuquerque's birthday and enjoy the history and traditions of our city with free children's activities, live artist demonstrations, local food, shopping, and fun for the whole family. Fiestas de Albuquerque will feature live entertainment performed by a variety of local talent including headliner, Gonzalo.

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!

1005 Quincy Street SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108  $210,000

3 Bedrooms / 1 Bathrooms (1 full) / 1105 Square Feet

UNM South 3BDRs/1BA/1CG HUGE BACKYARD!!! WOW! Beautifully REMODELED KITCHEN with Quartz countertops, new cabinetry, SS appliances, recessed lighting! NEW ROOF! (2018) Updated windows! Hardwood floors!! Huge backyard features a pergola covered patio, grass, trees & mature landscaping & walled for privacy & plenty of room to entertain family & friends!! Excellent location UNM South, close to parks, schools, shopping, UNM & Nob Hill!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Spring Cleaning Must-Dos for Home Chefs

by Sandi Pressley

Spring is coming up soon, and so are the spring cleaning projects. One of the tough spots can be the kitchen, especially if you cook regularly.

Even if you don't clean the whole house, it can feel like you did after tackling the tough spots in the kitchen. That can definitely be the case if you love to cook and bake.

Here are four things all home chefs should focus on for a cleaner, more organized kitchen:

Cleaning the Cracks and Crevices of Appliances

The devil is in the details they say, and that is certainly true for appliances. The nooks and crannies of your appliances can be tough to keep free of grime, even if you do wipe them down regularly.

These spots include knobs, grills, exhaust filter on the range, door crevices and rubber linings on the dishwasher and fridge, and the individual parts of small appliances.

You can usually put range grills and filters in the dishwasher. But if you can't, then good old elbow grease and a cleaning brush, baking soda, and soap do the trick. If you have a really grimy range hood filter, you might try boiling it in water with 1/2 cup baking soda. Your appliance knobs could also do well with a soapy soaking, then scrubbing with a brush and baking soda.

Organizing by Zones

You're no doubt used to the way your kitchen is organized. Maybe it's been the same way since you moved in. But have you thought about reorganizing your kitchen according to tasks? Think about what you do in your kitchen every day, from brewing coffee to food prep to washing dishes.

Once you do this, then unload, wipe down, and reload your cabinets, placing items that are used for a similar purpose together (French press and coffee mugs; knives and cutting boards, etc.) in the area where they will be needed.

Eliminating Outdated Staples

Now it's time to check expiration dates. You may be surprised how long that bottle of soy sauce has been in the fridge. Check all the staples in the fridge and cupboard to see if any are expired.

This also applies to dried spices. Spices lose their effectiveness after about a year. Having a fresh supply of spices will make your recipes zing, and will make more room in the cupboard.

To avoid waste in the future and save money now, buy small amounts where bulk spices are sold.

Washing Grocery Totes

Speaking of rancid, when was the last time you cleaned your reusable grocery bags? Studies have found bacteria easily transports from bag-to-food-to-refrigerator, increasing the chances of food poisoning and cross-contamination.

Throw them in the washer or wash by hand with hot soapy water.

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!

1005 Quincy Street SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108  $210,000

3 Bedrooms / 1 Bathrooms (1 full) / 1105 Square Feet

UNM South 3BDRs/1BA/1CG HUGE BACKYARD!!! WOW! Beautifully REMODELED KITCHEN with Quartz countertops, new cabinetry, SS appliances, recessed lighting! NEW ROOF! (2018) Updated windows! Hardwood floors!! Huge backyard features a pergola covered patio, grass, trees & mature landscaping & walled for privacy & plenty of room to entertain family & friends!! Excellent location UNM South, close to parks, schools, shopping, UNM & Nob Hill!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Bad Habits New Albuquerque Homeowners Need to Break Now

by Sandi Pressley

Bad habits can be hard to break. It's so easy to start a bad habit since we may not realize it's bad in the first place. When it comes to owning a home, bad habits can be costly. Here's  a few habits that would be good to break.

Taking Long, Steamy Showers

Who doesn't love a long hot shower? It may be good for your body, but long showers build up steam that is also great for mold and mildew. Make sure you run the exhaust fan or open a window during and after your shower. Every few months, make sure to scrub the grout.

Compulsively Buying Bargains

When it comes to household items, it's better not to go cheap. In fact, budget buys might cost you more in the long run. Those dollar paintbrushes may look like a good buy, but they will usually leave annoying streaks, requiring a costly do-over.

And when it comes to buying appliances, spend a little more — especially if you plan on selling your home soon.

Running a Half-Full Dishwasher

Sure, it's nice to have clean dishes every morning. But if you don't do a full load, you're wasting water.

It's true that dishwashers save more water than handwashing. Yet most machines will use the same amount of water no mater how full the load is. In the end, you're wasting water and can cost more on your utility bill.

Mega-Mulching

Don't go overboard with the mulch around your tree, as this can suffocate your tree, causing root rot and inviting invasive insects.

Your trees can add a lot of value to your home. Each one can add $2,000 or more to your home’s value while saving on energy costs. Protect your valuable trees by packing mulch loosely, letting water filter properly toward the trunk.

Going on a Remodeling Rampage

You don't need to launch into remodeling the moment you buy your home, unless it really needs it to be lived in. Take time once you move in to get to know your home and all of it's quirks before you renovate.

For example, lets say you remodel your kitchen, then discover the original layout would have worked better for parties. Or you pain a room your favorite color, only to discover that the natural light makes it not so much your favorite color.

Packratting

It's easy for things to pile up, especially in the garage or shed. There's always that "what if" when it comes to getting rid of things we don't use. Many people use a 6-month or 1-year rule - if you don't use an item in that time, ditch it.

Decluttering can seem like such an insurmountable goal — even though every jam-packed square foot is space you can’t enjoy.

If the task seems impossible, start small.

Just remember: Breaking habits takes time and patience. But it's worth it.

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!

1120 Edith Boulevard SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102   $202,000

 

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 partial) / 1413 Square Feet

Welcome this one story Hip cottage, bungalow style, built 1908 in the urban South Broadway Neighborhood. Home features 2 covered porches, historic front faces west and east facing back. Over sized lot for the area, and entire property is fenced. Original wood floors. Home offers 3 bedrooms, and 2 baths. 3rd bedroom currently being used as an office. Newer updates include, ROOF, windows, evaporative cooler. This home is not to be missed!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

$499,000

Everything to Know About the Pre-Approval Process in Albuquerque

by Sandi Pressley

No doubt, you've already hear about being "pre-approved" if you're planning on buying a home in Albuquerque. Yet many people don't fully understand the process.

What is Pre-Approval?

In short, being pre-approved for a mortgage means that the lender decides if you're eligible for a loan and how much you can borrow. This decision is based on your finances and credit rating.

Why Do I Need to Get Pre-Approved?

Being pre-approved is necessary for a number of reasons. It gives you clearer picture of how much money you need to complete the buying process. The more you put down, the lower your monthly payments will be. You will also get a better idea of how much you can afford for the total price of the home.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that the loan product that a friend used will work the same for them. Even though that's a possibility, it's not safe to assume so. No two loans are alike, just as no two lives and circumstances are alike.

Loan products also have different costs, such as varying lender origination fees. Your loan officer can work with your to learn the costs of a loan and how the loan process works.  This will give you a good idea of what costs to expect.

Knowing these things will make you more comfortable when deciding on a home to buy. It also shows sellers that you're serious about making an offer, giving you an edge over buyers who haven't been pre-approved.

Getting Pre-Approved is Easy

Pre-approval is an easy process, so there's no reason not to do it. You just need to know how much money you make, assets, and debts.

What Will My Lender Need to Check During Pre-Approval?

  • Your credit score. Yes, your lender will then have to pull your credit. Don’t worry, pulling your score once shouldn’t affect your score. 
  • W2s or 1099s
  • Pay stubs
  • Tax returns
  • Bank statements
  • Account statements
  • Your list of monthly expenses

Gathering all these documents can feel like busy work and is typically the hardest part for you. 

If you want to have an idea of whether you’ll get pre-approved before choosing a lender, a good first step is finding out your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. Your DTI ratio helps a lender understand how much of your monthly income goes to paying debt and what you have left after those debts are paid. You can calculate the ratio by dividing monthly debt payments by gross monthly income.

The lower your debt-to-income ratio is, the better. A lower DTI will make you seem less risky to lenders.

Although each loan product is different, most lenders would prefer your debt-to-income ratio to be at 36% or lower.

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!

1120 Edith Boulevard SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102   $202,000

 

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 partial) / 1413 Square Feet

Welcome this one story Hip cottage, bungalow style, built 1908 in the urban South Broadway Neighborhood. Home features 2 covered porches, historic front faces west and east facing back. Over sized lot for the area, and entire property is fenced. Original wood floors. Home offers 3 bedrooms, and 2 baths. 3rd bedroom currently being used as an office. Newer updates include, ROOF, windows, evaporative cooler. This home is not to be missed!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

A Romantic Dinner Awaits in Albuquerque

by Sandi Pressley

Love is in the air tonight in Albuquerque! If you haven’t made plans yet for this Valentine’s Day, then it’s not too late. In fact, you can still get away with a romantic dinner in Albuquerque any time this week (just bring an extra flower or two). Albuquerque is filled with romantic places to dine to make this a Valentine’s Day to remember. Here’s a few of the top rated places to have a romantic dinner.

Antiquity Restaurant

The ideal setting for a romantic night out, Antiquity Restaurant features fresh seafood, charcoal-grilled steaks, fowl, lamb, veal and other delights. Set in Old Town Albuquerque, this dining experience is sure to be an evening to remember.

La Crepe Michel

The French certainly know about romantic food, and La Crepe Michel brings that experience to Albuquerque. Whether you're in the mood for crepes or other classic French entrees and desserts, you’ll find it all here. The dining room is dripping with French ambiance, completing the experience.

Apothecary Lounge

Located on the Hotel Parq Central Rooftop, the Apothecary Lounge is the perfect place to have a drink with your sweetheart as you gaze upon the lights of the city. And if you come just before sunset, you’ll get a perfect view of the sun going down with all its radiant colors. What could be more romantic?

Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro

This romantic dining experience is located in historic Nob Hill, reflecting the urban ambiance of the area. You can sit at the exhibition bar and watch the show in the kitchen as they create the culinary delights of the evening.  The Cellar Bar offers an extensive wine list and premium cocktails in an intimate setting, for those who want a little more privacy.

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!

1133 Santa Ana Avenue SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123 $499,000

 

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3550 Square Feet

Incredible backyard for entertaining family & friends with the great room & game room opening on to the covered patio, pool area and beautiful landscaping! Separate wings, 4BDRs, 3BATHs, TWO living areas, formal dining and large game room with built-ins, cabinets & wet bar! Refrigerated Air! Pool & electric pool cover! Lots of windows and skylights make it light, bright and open! Kitchen features a built-in oven, gas cooktop, built-in cabs, tile flooring & bkfst nook. Oversized master suite opens on to the covered patio & features a jetted tub, separate shower, double vanity and walk-in closet. Conveniently located close to the golf course, shopping, easy access to KAFB, Sandia Labs, downtown ABQ!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

$499,000

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Photo of The Sandi Pressley Team Real Estate
The Sandi Pressley Team
Coldwell Banker Legacy
10400 Academy Rd. NE Suite 100
Albuquerque NM 87111
505-980-2999
505-263-2173 / 505 293-3700
Fax: 505-212-0729

Quick links to this site are also SandiSells.net or SandiSellsHomes.com