Real Estate Information Archive

When you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque, one thing that can't be overlooked is curb appeal. First impressions are critical when selling a home. If it looks good outside, it will probably look good inside as well, inviting buyers to give it a closer look. What are some easy, sure-fire ways to enhance your home's curb appeal? Here are 6 ideas that you can do yoursef.

Paint Your Front Door

To make a great first impression on potential buyers, start with your front door. Choosing the right front door color can enhance your home's style and completely transform its appearance. Whether you opt for a classic black or charcoal, or a bold hue like bright red or yellow, a fresh coat of paint can refresh your home and make it stand out. Don't overlook the impact of a beautiful front door when it comes to selling your home.

Replace Your Mailbox

If your mailbox is rusty or unstable, it's time to replace it. Choose a color that complements your house and remember to position it 6-8 inches from the curb. Details matter.

Update Street Numbers and Door Hardware

Swapping out old street numbers and upgrading door hardware can have a transformative impact. It only takes 15 minutes and costs around $15. This simple upgrade can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home.

Give Garage Doors a Lift
 
Garage doors often lack detail and depth, dominating the view from the street. A simple solution is to add temporary or magnetic decorative hardware such as handles, hasps, and faux window panels. These accessories add interest and remain secure. DIY expert Jenna Shaughnessy suggests trying magnetic hinges and handles, available for $14 at homedepot.com. Another option is to paint the garage door to match the siding or opt for a contrasting shade, which can have a huge impact.

This can be a weekend project if you use fast-drying exterior semigloss paint, like Sherwin-Williams SnapDry Door & Trim Paint. ($91, sherwinwilliams.com). Some door finishes may require a coat of primer first; ask at the store if you're not sure. Save this project for mild, dry weather—not humid or rainy—so the paint can dry properly.

Create a Grand Entrance

To enhance your home's curb appeal, consider adding structures such as an arbor, trellis, gate or columns with planters at the beginning of the path to your front door. This will frame your entrance and make it more inviting. A display of hydrangeas can add a fresh and lively touch, creating a welcoming atmosphere that entices visitors to explore.

Do a Thorough Cleaning

Cleaning your home's outdoor living space, like the porch and patio, can also do wonders for your curb appeal. Power-wash or hose down your exterior, driveway, and sidewalk. Sponge down your porch furniture with warm water and a little dish soap.

With just a bit of effort, you home will be ready to hit the Albuquerque market and make a great impression on buyers.

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Whether you're in the market for a mid-priced home packed with features, or a condo in a quiet neighborhood, we have the perfect homes for you. These outstanding homes are ready to move in and are sure to sell fast!

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team today for your exclusive showing. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

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3301 Monroe Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

A great home in a great location at a great price! Super cute condo tucked away in a quiet neighborhood yet centrally located right in the heart of the city. Recently refreshed with NEW carpet and paint in neutral tones, new commodes, and new upstairs baseboards. Complete with washer and dryer, this home is move-in ready. TWO primary suites upstairs as each bedroom has its own bathroom, with a guest bath downstairs. Lovely fenced outdoor patio with covered designated parking directly behind. Light and bright with big south-facing windows upstairs and down. HOA covers exterior, roof, front and common area landscaping, and water. Laminate and tile flooring downstairs with extra under-stair storage. Easy living, and your pet can come too!

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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.

Here's a fun fact: Albuquerque is one of the oldest cities in America. Even though it was founded in 1706, the Native Americans called this place home for thousands of years. How do we know? Because the Albuquerque area is filled with amazing carvings and relics of the past, such as the ancient rock carvings at Petroglyph National Monument.

Yet it's not only the distant past that makes Albuquerque so interesting. You can see the more recent past as well displayed in the vintage neon signs along Route 66, or the historic Old Town Plaza.

How can explore the rich history of Albuquerque for yourself? There are plenty of ways to discover the distant and recent past of the area through the landmarks and historic sites of the area. Here's a few of the best historic sites in Albuquerque to take you on your own personal journey back in time.

New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society

This is a working restoration operation staffed with skilled volunteer welders, pipe-fitters, mechanics and many other trades. Free tours are available to visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument stretches 17 miles (27 km) along Albuquerque, New Mexico's West Mesa, a volcanic basalt escarpment that dominates the city's western horizon. Authorized June 27, 1990, the 7,236 acre (29.28 km2) monument is cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque. The western boundary of the monument features a chain of dormant fissure volcanoes. Beginning in the northwest corner, Butte volcano is followed to its south by Bond, Vulcan, Black and JA volcanoes.

Albuquerque Old Town

Old Town is the historic original town site of Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the provincial kingdom of Santa Fe de Nuevo México, established in 1706 by New Mexico governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés. It is listed on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties as the Old Albuquerque Historic District, and is protected by a special historic zoning designation by the city. The present-day district contains about ten blocks of historic adobe buildings surrounding Old Town Plaza. On the plaza's north side stands San Felipe de Neri Church, a Spanish colonial church constructed in 1793.

Trinity Site

The exact spot where the first atomic bomb was detonated. Trinity was the code name of the first detonation of a nuclear weapon. It was conducted by the United States Army at 5:29 a.m. on July 16, 1945, as part of the Manhattan Project. The test was conducted in the Jornada del Muerto desert about 35 miles (56 km) southeast of Socorro, New Mexico, on what was then the Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, now part of White Sands Missile Range.

Gutierrez Hubbell House

The Gutierrez-Hubbell House is a cultural and agricultural learning center developed to document, research and preserve history, maintain open spaces, protect wildlife and teach agricultural heritage.

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When obtaining a home loan in Albuquerque, selecting a lender is the first step. A lender can refer to all parties involved in the loan process from the borrower's perspective, but in actuality, they do not handle all aspects.

Mortgage servicers may take over the loan after closing and handle day-to-day administration until it is paid off. Mortgage lenders can be a group of investors or a financial institution that provides funds to borrowers for purchasing or refinancing homes.

Some lenders service their loans, but most are too small to make a profit doing so, which is where a loan servicing company becomes part of the situation.

The Role of a Mortgage Lender

Mortgage lenders are responsible for the origination of loans. This process involves working with homeowners to select a loan, taking their application, and processing the loan. Additionally, the origination process includes underwriting the loan, creating the necessary documents, funding the mortgage, and ultimately closing it.

After your loan closes, the administration is needed on an ongoing basis until it’s paid off. This administration is known as servicing.

When you obtain a mortgage, the lender may transfer it to another company for loan servicing. This transfer may occur without prior notification, but the loan documents should indicate whether it will occur.

What Is a Mortgage Servicer?

Mortgage servicers are responsible for taking over tasks that lenders may leave unfinished. As a borrower, it is important to note that the servicing of a loan includes payment processing, which means that you are paying the servicer directly. Additionally, mortgage servicing involves keeping track of loan balances and interest payments. It is worth noting that your servicer will provide you with tax forms that show how much interest you have paid each year.

The servicer is responsible for managing your escrow accounts, which includes collecting and paying your homeowners' insurance and property taxes. In the event of a loan default, the servicer initiates the foreclosure process.

Additionally, servicers can provide loss mitigation services to help borrowers avoid foreclosure. If you wish to cancel your mortgage insurance and have a loan servicer, you must go through them to make the request.

Mortgage servicers can report the payment history on loans to credit bureaus, so if you think there’s been an error, you will contact this company rather than your lender.

Finding the Servicer on Your Mortgage

It's common to have multiple servicers throughout the life of a home loan. To find out who your servicer is, check your mortgage statement or contact your original lender. Another option is to use the Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS), which allows you to search for your loan online using your property address, name, or Social Security number.

When a mortgage is transferred to a servicer, the terms of the loan remain the same. The only difference is that you may receive a new account number and your payments will be sent to a different entity than your original lender.

When it comes to mortgages, your servicer can greatly impact your experience as a borrower. A good servicer will have reliable customer service and be easily accessible for any questions or concerns you may have. Unfortunately, you don't have the option to choose your servicer or switch to a different one. Your only option is to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or work with a lender that services its own loans if you're unhappy with your servicer.

Finally, when applying for a mortgage, lenders must provide a Mortgage Servicing Disclosure Statement. This statement informs you whether the lender plans to service the loan themselves or transfer it. It is a legal requirement for lenders to provide this information.

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If you're looking to increase your Albuquerque property value and appetite of potential buyers, investing in a quality kitchen design is the perfect way to do so. It's important to spend money on what appeals to the majority - doing so can truly make all the difference in transforming a house into a home.

Investing in high-quality, symmetrical cabinetry can greatly enhance the value of a home. Thoughtful color selection and layout are also key factors to look for when selecting kitchen cabinets. Attention to these four elements will ensure buyers appreciate the appeal of your property.

1. Quality

Do: Choose quality hinges and runners, including soft-close drawers, and custom-made cabinetry.

Don't: Go for large fillers and ill-fitted modular cabinetry.

Creating a modern kitchen design without breaking the bank can be achieved by minimizing the number of cabinets throughout. An open layout featuring ample natural light lets you maximize on both style and cost savings for your kitchen remodel. Keep your cabinet count to a minimum when designing your dream space and stay within budget.

Note: When renovating your home for resale, it's important to consider the cost and value of each addition. While internal organizers can be a great addition to your kitchen for personal use, they may not be the best investment if you're solely focused on increasing your property's value. The cost of these accessories can add up quickly, and you may not see a return on your investment when it's time to sell. Keep this in mind when making renovation decisions.

2. Symmetry

When renovating your kitchen to sell, it's important to keep in mind that simplicity is key. The eye is naturally drawn to appreciate symmetry and repetition, so it's best to keep your cabinetry simple and appealing. Elegance has a way of being understated, and this will appeal to the majority of buyers.

Do: Keep the wall cabinetry sizes the same where possible. Drawers look nice when they are large and expansive - if you have multiple sets, keep them the same size, with the same proportion of drawers.

Don't: Add multiple cabinets in varying sizes. Try to keep the look and feel consistent in the whole space.

3. Light, Bright Spaces

When it comes to buying a home in Albuquerque, many buyers are looking for an open and airy space. A white kitchen is a popular choice because it creates the illusion of a larger space. Additionally, white is a universally appealing color that allows buyers to easily reimagine the space to fit their own personal style.

Do: To create an open and bright space, opt for white cabinetry and a darker bench top for contrast. Keep backsplashes neutral and introduce texture instead of color. A neutral and elegant space will attract more potential buyers.

Don't: Darker cabinetry can make the space feel closed, which may not be desirable for potential buyers. While a strong color may suit personal taste, it may not be appealing to everyone. To attract more potential buyers, white cabinetry is the most popular choice, even though it may not be the most daring option.

4. An Open Layout

Designing your kitchen to have a sensible and open layout is pivotal to increasing property value when you're renovating to sell. 

Do: Have a large open-plan space with a kitchen island if possible. Buyers often want to multitask in the kitchen. They want to cook, have their kids do their homework and socialize in it.

Don't: Place your kitchen in a small and poky room. The kitchen is now often the hub of the house, and buyers want to see a kitchen that is interactive and sociable.

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Spring has arrived in Albuquerque and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Hiking through the city's trails is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. The scenic trails around Albuquerque offer a diverse range of volcanic terrain, dirt paths, and a complex trail system that caters to all skill levels. These hiking trails are located in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains and the Cibola National Forest.

Here's a few of the top places to hike in the Albuquerque area:

The Sandia Mountain Foothills

The Sandia Mountains are conveniently located near Albuquerque, offering ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. With 2650 acres of land and numerous trails, visitors can easily immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Here's a complete list of trailhead access points. Some of the trails include the following:

• Foothills Trail 365
• Embudito Trail 192
• Lower La Luz Trail
• Grassy Hills Loop

The Sandia Mountains / Cibola National Forest

The Cibola National Forest is located on the Eastern face of the Sandia Foothills. It offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels of hiker. The trails are clearly marked, making it easy for visitors to navigate and enjoy the beautiful scenery.You can find a full list of trails at fs.usda.gov. Many of these trail-heads are accessible from the Sandia Peak Scenic Byway (Highway 528).

Some of the best trails in the Cibola National Forest are:

• Cienega Canyon Picnic Site & Interpretive Trail
• La Luz Trail
• The Sandia Crest Trail
• North Crest Trail
• 10k Trailhead
• Tree Springs Trailhead

The Rio Grande Bosque Trails

The Rio Grande Bosque Trails provide 16 miles of paved paths within the city, free from roadways. Dirt trails branching off the main path offer a more secluded experience. These trails interconnect with each other, ensuring a unique adventure with every visit.

West Mesa Hiking

The west side of Albuquerque is home to the Native American Petroglyph National Monument, which showcases volcanic features and ancient petroglyphs. The monument boasts an estimated 24,000 images carved into rocks, offering visitors a journey of discovery. From three of the four trails in the area, you can view these ancient drawings and get a grand view of the modern city below.

The Paseo De Las Mesa Trail in Albuquerque provides a stunning panoramic view of the city. The trail spans 4 miles and is paved, making it perfect for hiking. Additionally, there are numerous trails that branch off and intersect with each other, offering a variety of hiking experiences.

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Kitchen remodels are a costly yet popular project among Albuquerque homeowners. With the ongoing pandemic forcing people to spend more time at home, many are considering remodeling their kitchens. To save money, some homeowners opt for the IKEA kitchen route. While it can save thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, it's important to know certain things about an IKEA kitchen before making a decision.

Designing an IKEA Kitchen

Designing an IKEA kitchen can be challenging, especially if you don't live near a store location. Fortunately, there is an online planning tool available for those who plan to get their kitchen shipped. While going to a store location can simplify the process and help you avoid potential mistakes, the online planning tool can be a helpful alternative.

An IKEA kitchen is designed to be budget-friendly and easy to assemble, much like their furniture. The items are packed and shipped in a way that allows for self-assembly without the need for a contractor. When planning and using the design planner, it is crucial to remember to measure accurately and double-check your measurements.

When planning your kitchen layout, it is important to consider the location of outlets, window openings, and door swings. These factors will impact the placement of appliances and cabinets. After taking measurements, you can then begin to plan out the zones of your kitchen and how everything will flow. Proper planning will ensure a functional and efficient kitchen space.

Are the Cabinets High-Quality?

Custom cabinets can be very expensive, but IKEA cabinets offer a more affordable option. However, it's important to note that IKEA cabinets are made from particleboard and covered in laminate, which may not be preferred by those who prefer solid wood.

Additionally, since IKEA cabinets don't come in custom sizes, a filler piece may be necessary for odd spaces. The 3D planner tool offered by IKEA is a helpful tool for planning your kitchen, as it allows you to visualize how the puzzle pieces of your cabinets will fit together.

When it comes to cabinets, there are a variety of features available to enhance their functionality. Internal organizers can be added to help with organization, while drawer dampeners offer a soft close. Base cabinets are located beneath the counter and come in two depths, with the standard depth being 24 inches. Wall cabinets are installed above the countertops and typically have a depth of 15 inches.

If you want additional storage, which is somewhat like a free-standing pantry, there are tall cabinets. They sit on the floor and are available in two heights—80 or 90 inches.

You can decide between exposed legs and toe kicks for your base cabinets.

What About the Countertop?

While IKEA does offer countertops, it's important to note that their options are limited to laminate or veneer. If you're looking for a wider variety of materials or styles, it may be beneficial to explore other retailers.

Putting it Together

When your IKEA kitchen arrives, you will need to assemble the different pieces and components yourself or hire a contractor. It is recommended that you have your kitchen delivered instead of picking it up. If you have a larger kitchen, you may receive more than 100 boxes.

It is crucial to correctly install all components of your IKEA kitchen to ensure its durability and quality. Proper installation requires putting everything together accurately. If you lack the necessary skills, it is advisable to seek assistance to avoid any mistakes.

If you have an unusual kitchen layout and don't intend to remodel it, your options for an IKEA kitchen may be limited. This is because IKEA kitchens are modular and not easily customizable. The best option for an IKEA kitchen is a straight-line layout.

Whether or not an IKEA kitchen is worth the cost savings depends on your preferences, the layout of your kitchen, how handy you are, and what your budget is.

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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.

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