Real Estate Information Archive

Homeowners in Albuquerque who want to sell their house should focus on several key things to make their home more appealing to buyers. To help ensure the marketability of a home, it is important that the home has an appealing aesthetic appearance and is in good repair.

Staging a Home for Marketability

When it comes to a home's interior, most sellers already know that an attractive, well-staged house will sell faster than one that just meets basic expectations. Statistics confirm this: staged Albuquerue homes and those with exceptional interior and exterior care sell quicker than average houses. This underscores the value of home staging.

Staging a home's interior is the process of enhancing and polishing its appearance to resemble a stylish magazine layout. It typically involves creating an elegant atmosphere by removing personal belongings and clutter, replacing some furnishings, and decorating with accessories for a polished look.

When staging the exterior of a home, owners can enhance curb appeal without a major financial investment. Simple improvements like planting flowers, trimming bushes, and freshening up the paint often cost just a few hundred dollars and some sweat equity, but make the yard and house exterior look more beautiful and inviting.

Improving the Home’s Exterior for a Sale

Many homeowners focus on the interior when trying to sell their home, but buyers pay equal attention to the exterior. A home's curb appeal and exterior aesthetics create the all-important first impression for potential buyers. An attractive, well-maintained exterior signals that the homeowner has cared for the whole property, not just the decorating details inside, making it more appealing to purchase.

Many homeowners have created outdoor living spaces to enhance their yards, reflecting a popular home trend. With some general clean-up, simple landscaping, patio furniture, and designated areas for relaxation, a yard can become an appealing extension of the home's living space. Well-designed outdoor areas allow potential buyers to envision entertaining, dining, or simply unwinding in the comfort of the backyard.

Basic Exterior Improvements and Maintenance

When designing an appealing outdoor living space to attract home buyers, it's wise to implement high-quality pest control. Homeowners should schedule annual pest control service to prevent infestations that could deter potential buyers. An outdoor area visibly overrun by insects can discourage home sales.

In addition, clearing the yard of debris may be crucial to deter infestations. Most homebuyers avoid properties needing major repairs upon move-in. Maintaining the yard throughout the sales process is advised.

Improving the home's exterior aesthetics can be achieved through small upgrades like planting shrubs and mulching at the entryway, repairing walkways, and painting or replacing the front door if needed. While they may seem minor, these inexpensive curb appeal enhancements can significantly improve the overall look and first impression of the home.

The bottom line when it comes to selling a home in Albuquerque is that first impressions make all the difference. The Sandi Pressley Team has decades of experience when it comes to selling homes in Albuquqerque. We can help you make your home more appealing to Albuquerque home buyers. Contact us today!

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

1272 La Fonda Street, Bernalillo, NM 87004

Awesome DR Horton 3BDR/3BA/2CG home with lots of living space featuring a huge great room, open kitchen & dining area with patio accessplus loft!! Covered porch! Tile Roof! Refrigerated Air! Large secondary bedrooms with walk-closets. Primary suite features a walk-in closet w/built-in shelving,dual sink vanity, separate shower & garden tub! Landscaped front yard, garden area in the backyard, ready to make your own outdoor living space! Greatlocation close to shopping, neighborhood parks, schools, Bosque trails & Rio Grande, and quick access to the Rail Runner in Bernalillo and to I-25 to Santa Fe!!

Learn More!

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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“Fake it till you make it” is what they say in the military. But that saying can also be true of home decor. Today, faux is the way to go when it comes to making your Albuquerque home look like a million bucks. You can create a great-looking space, even if it wasn't built this way, and without spending a lot of money. Many of these items below stand in just as well as the "real stuff," and because they're DIY friendly, they're even more appealing.

Electric fireplaces

A fireplace can help a home feel comfortable and cozy, but not everyone has one built in. Thankfully, electric fireplaces are inexpensive and easy to incorporate into your home.

Electric fireplaces provide an alternative to traditional systems for those who don't have a chimney or who prefer to avoid the hassle of wood burning or gas fireplaces. Installing them is quite easy since all you need is a power outlet and no chimney or venting, although, if you plan to place them in a wall you may need to hire a professional.

Make your fireplace pretty

Installing that fireplace also means trimming it. For some homeowners, Airstone veneers are the smart choice, as they are lighter, durable, and easier to install than traditional stone veneers.

Faux panels

If you would like to redesign a large space, small products may not be the best answer. Faux panels and sidings are made of high-density polyurethane and are modelled from actual rock and stone, so they are lightweight, durable, realistic, and easy to install. The panels can be installed yourself by a homeowner or contractor in a fraction of the cost and time it takes to get a new exterior look for a small investment. These panels could also make an excellent addition to any living space that needs more personality. 

Peel-and-stick wallpaper

It's no longer a novelty to apply peel and stick wallpaper, and it's not just for those who don't like to hang traditional wallpaper. Some people often want to alter thier home's decor, so temporary peel and stick wallpaper can be useful.

Other peel-and-stick options

Getting real stone looks easy with this peel-and-stick option. Unlike wallpaper, the peel-and-stick option gives you materials that look natural in an easy-to-apply, easy-to-manipulate, and easy-to-remove package. It is expensive, so at about $23 per square foot you're not getting a budget answer. However, if you prefer stone but can't handle the hassle of installation, this may be the right option for you.

Quartz countertops

Quartz has become the most popular countertop material on the market today, surpassing granite in popularity. Today's homeowners are going quartz because of the ability to get the look of marble without the high maintenance and dread of a stain or scratch ruining their expensive counters.

Marble backsplash

You can spend thousands of dollars running marble along your kitchen walls. Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles were intended as floor tiles, but at under a dollar each, they're a great option for walls too.

Stencils

Using stencils, you can create the look of Moroccan tile or shiplap, customized furniture and even handmade-looking pillows. You can achieve the look of custom tile in your kitchen, on your floor, or to accent your furniture. Create the look of customized tile in your kitchen, or on your floor, with no need to spend a fortune or undergo an extensive remodeling project.

Depending on the size you require, these tiles are available in 6x6, 8x8, or 12x12. You may also want to check out the furniture stencils that can transform an old piece into something new. 

So when it comes to making your home look great, you really can fake it till you make it!

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 ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

VIEWS!! Pleasing, light-filled 5 years young DR Horton, Rose model with a 3 car garage. This spacious home has soaring ceilings, east facing windows to enjoy views of the Sandia Mountains. Open concept floorplan, kitchen, dining, and great room flowing together. Home offers 4 bedrooms, plus an office/craft room/flex space. Kitchen showcases stacked cabinets, pantry, island, room for dining, and ample counter space. Stainless appliances stay! Primary suite is on main floor with a spa like bathroom and attached laundry room. 2nd level welcomes you with a LOFT/2nd living space. 3 more bedrooms, one being a second Primary with private bathroom. Enjoy alfresco dining on the covered patio while gazing out to the Sandi Mountains.

Learn More!

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.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Home staging is a crucial aspect of the selling process, as it leaves a lasting impression on potential Albuquerque home buyers. Homeowners often worry about the expenses involved in staging their homes, but there are several cost-effective strategies that can help maximize the impact of their staging efforts. These include DIY projects, repurposing existing items, and prioritizing key areas. By implementing these budget-friendly tips and tricks, homeowners can stage their homes without depleting their resources before making a sale.

Embrace DIY Projects

Staging your home on a budget can be achieved through do-it-yourself projects like painting, refinishing furniture, and creating artwork. A fresh coat of neutral-colored paint can instantly refresh a room, while new hardware and a fresh finish can give an old dresser a modern look. By taking on these projects yourself, you can save money and still achieve a professionally staged appearance.

Repurpose and Rearrange Existing Items

To stage your home on a budget, start by taking inventory of your furniture, accessories, and decorative pieces. Consider repurposing items to create a more appealing space. For example, move a decorative mirror from the bedroom to the living room to make the space appear larger and brighter. Use decorative pillows from the guest room to add color and texture to your living room couch. Get creative with your existing items to save money and give your home a fresh, new look.

Prioritize Key Areas

When staging a home on a budget, prioritizing key areas is crucial. The living room, kitchen, and master bedroom are the most important spaces as buyers spend the most time there. To make these rooms inviting and functional, decluttering, rearranging furniture, and adding strategic accessories are essential.

To make the living room comfortable and encourage conversation, arrange the seating accordingly. In the kitchen, clear the countertops of unnecessary items and highlight the ample storage space available. In the master bedroom, create a calming and inviting atmosphere by using cozy bedding and minimizing distractions.

Rent or Borrow Furniture and Accessories

If your current furniture and accessories are not enough for staging your home, renting or borrowing items is a good option. Home staging companies offer rental services for furniture and accessories at a lower cost than buying new ones. You can also ask your friends or family if they have anything you could borrow for a short period.

Incorporate Affordable Accessories

When it comes to home staging, small and affordable accessories can have a significant impact. Fresh flowers, decorative throw pillows, and stylish area rugs are just a few examples of items that can instantly elevate a room's appearance without breaking the bank. Look for budget-friendly options at discount stores, online retailers, or even local thrift shops to achieve a polished look without spending a fortune.

Staging your home on a budget is possible without compromising quality or style. You can achieve this by using DIY projects, repurposing existing items, prioritizing key areas, renting or borrowing furniture, and incorporating affordable accessories. These cost-effective strategies can help you create a beautiful and inviting space that appeals to potential buyers. By maximizing the impact of your home staging efforts while minimizing your investment, you can achieve a successful and profitable sale.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

Learn More!

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.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

You can increase the sale price of your Albuquerque house by staging it for sale. In addition to helping you sell faster, it's an important marketing tool to help you compete at the right price. But cleaning the house and fluffing some pillows is not enough. Organizing, decluttering, repairing, upgrading, and depersonalizing are the keys to this process.

Here's a few tips to get your home ready to sell in Albuquerque.

Living Room

• When placing anything from accent pillows and table lamps, go for symmetry, which is pleasing to the eye.
• Light it up with lamps. Chic lamps provide both added lighting and appealing decor.
• Make that fireplace glow. Scrub away soot stains and replace the old screen.
• Whatever amount of furniture you have in your living room, remove a few pieces to make the room feel spacious.
• Help buyers imagine their life in your home. Set the scene by displaying a board game or tea service on the coffee table, and arrange furniture in conversational groups.

Kitchen

• Clear everything from countertops except one or two decorative items, like a vase of flowers or bowl of fresh fruit.
• Pack up all the dishes except one attractive, matching set. Do the same with glassware, flatware, and cookware, and pare down all other cupboard and drawer items down to the minimum.
• Freshen up and modernize those cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or stain and new hardware.
• Invest some time in evaluating your appliances. Can they be made to look new again with a good scrub? Consider giving it the old college try or replacing it with a new model. Stainless steel is strongly recommended by the Real Estate Staging Association. If you use stainless films, you can get stainless's appearance for the price of a cheap meal.
• Remove those fridge magnets and give the door and handles a good cleaning.

Bedrooms

• Go gender neutral in the master bedroom. Ditch those dainty, floral pillow shams or NASCAR posters.
• Pack up all but the clothes you're wearing this season to make you closets look larger.
• Swap out the motley crew of mismatched hangers in your closet for a set of wooden ones to create a classy, boutique look.
• Put jewelry and other valuables in a safe spot.
• Consider giving extra bedrooms a new identity as a home office, sewing room, or another interesting function.
• Remove televisions or video game consoles from bedrooms to depersonalize and create a serene setting.

Obviously, there are other ways to stage your home for sale. However, with these few tips, you'll be on your way to a faster sale.

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.

Having your home on the market in Albuquqerque during the autumn selling season can be a great thing. There are fewer homes on the market, which means you will be in an ideal position to market your home. Here's a few staging tips to help you close the sale by the holidays.

1. Brighten Up

Days are getting shorter, and that can be a good thing for sellers. When you have a well-lit room, it looks larger and more inviting. Turn on all of your lights before the showing, and make sure they can be seen from the steet so that they welcome buyers as they drive up. 

2. Light Your Buyer’s Fire (with Fire)

Buyers want to see themselves relaxing in front of a warm fire. You can help them envision the warmth of thier new home by building a fire if you have fireplace, along with lighting some well-placed candles.

3. Use Seasonal Scents

Normally you would use unscented candles when showing a home, as you don't want to alienate buyers. But the fall season may be a time to bend that rule and light a few candles that have an autmn scent.

Because smell is so intricately tied to emotion, harnessing the aroma of fall will evoke memories of apple picking, pumpkin carving, leaf raking and other family-friendly activities.

4. Get Cozy

A few throw pillows and soft blankets will make your home feel more cozy. This will help buyers feel more relaxed and ready to curl up with a good book.

5. Make Your Curb Appealing

The approach of fall heralds crisp breezes and brightly colored leaves. Embrace the natural hues of the season by adding fall-hued foliage and flowers to your outdoor landscape — mums, goldenrods, Aster, smoke bush, Heleniums, burning bush, Virginia Sweetspire, witch-hazels and Viburnum are all plants that thrive in colder temperatures and produce gorgeous, seasonal color.

6. A Little Goes a Long Way

As with any seasonal decor, it’s important to make sure you don’t overdo your decorating efforts.

Good: a fall-hued wreath on the front door and a few cheeky-looking pumpkins.
Bad: a pumpkin-patch themed front yard, including hay bales and a scarecrow.

Good: bringing seasonal color inside via candles, pillows and fall foliage.
Bad: a home cluttered with Halloween knick knacks and an excess of fall accessories.

Remember that when it comes to decorating your Albuquqerque home for a showing or open house, it’s always better to keep it sweet and simple.

Looking to sell your home for the right price in Albuquerque? Let us help you sell your home in Albuquerque and get the right price. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

2612 Espanola Street, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $170,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1140 Square Feet

HUGE LOT with BACKYARD ACCESS and custom gate in the NE Heights! Conveniently located close to Uptown, Trader Joe's, shopping, restaurants & parks! 3BDR/1.5BA/1CG featuring a large open great room with huge picture window and tile flooring! Remodeled kitchen with new soft-close cabinetry & crown molding, Quartz countertops! Beautiful shade tree in the front yard and oversized backyard with plenty of room for pets, backyard access, custom metal gate and covered patio for Summer BBQs!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team