Real Estate Information Archive

Selling a home in Albuquerque is an opportunity to make a significant amount of money. And you can maximize that opportunity by enhancing your home's curb appeal. Making your home stand out in the market is crucial to making a quick sale and getting the highest offer possible. Here are some simple and effective ideas for enhancing your curb appeal that also won't break the bank.

Pressure Wash

Giving your home a good pressure washing is an affordable and easy way to give your home's exterior a quick and easy makeover. You can rent a pressure washer and most hardware or home improvement stores.

Install New House Numbers

If your house has old or faded house numbers on it, install some new numbers to spruce up the curb appeal. Try to match your new house numbers with the finish that is on your exterior light fixtures. Simple house numbers can start at $2.00 for a number or you can look into customized plaques that can cost $50-$100.

Fresh Doormat

A fresh front doormat offers a welcome greeting to visitors. What better way to greet guests, while also keeping the dirt where it belongs - outside.

Install a Porch Swing

A cozy wooden porch swing adds a spot to relax outside, while also enhancing your curb appeal. Before purchasing a new porch swing, be sure to measure your space.

Paint the Front Door

You can paint your front door for less than $50. Giving your front door a new coat of paint will add brightness and revive your house. Pick a bold color that makes your house stick out, but make sure to match it to the rest of the colors on your house. Properly prep all surfaces before you paint so you'll get great results that will last for years to come.

Install a New Door Knob

While you're paining your front door, you can add an eye-catching door knob and punch up the design of the front of your house. With a wide range of prices and styles, you have endless options. Today, there are several safety door locks on the market that have cameras or numerical codes that will unlock the door.

Plant a Tree

Planting a tree is one of the most common ways to add curb appeal to your house. Before you plant a tree, consider how big the tree will get and how it will affect your house. If you have enough space, try planting two trees to frame your house or your entryway.

Outdoor Furniture

Adding seating space will give your home charm. Porch furniture can be found at antique or second hand stores and can easily be painted. Just add fresh cushions and they will look like new.

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  $1,125,000

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

The summer home selling season may be over, but that doesn't mean the Albuquerque real estate sceen isn't still sizzling. Thanks to one of the hottest real estate markets in memory, homes are selling fast here in Albuquerque, despite the pandemic.

If you’re a regular reader of our blogs, you’ve no doubt noticed a “Featured Hot Property” at the end of every article. These are some of the hottest properties in the Albuquerque real estate market. Here’s a roundup of some of our latest properties currently on the Albuquerque market. Don't let these fine properties pass you by, because they will 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.

6017 CROWNPOINT Drive NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

$299,000

4 BDRS/3BA/2CG PLUS two office/flex rooms! TWO livings spaces! Kitchen features walk-in pantry, island, breakfast nook and bkfst bar. Light, bright and open floor plan! REFRIGERATED AIR! UPDATED WATER HEATER! Large secondary bdrs have walk-in closets & laundry room located upstairs for convenience! Office/flex room on the main level with 3/4 bath! Newly painted interior and new carpet! Master suite features a balcony, walk-in closet, dual sink vanity, garden tub and separate shower. Backyard features a covered patio, balcony off master suite, walled for privacy and easy care rock landscape!

Learn More!

1009 C DE BACA Lane, Bernalillo, NM 87004

$499,000

Exquisite custom home with stunning views situated in gated community. Enter in the grand foyer through gorgeous Spain imported front double doors. This home was built to embrace the majestic mountain views.2 master Suites! Amazing gourmet kitchen boast granite counters, custom cabinets and built in Thermador appliances. Master Suite w/breathtaking views &spa like en suite w/double shower, jetted tub and palatial walk in closet. Huge finished & heated 3 car garage 1 is RV. Attention to detail shines! Just minutes to the Bosque and perfectly located between Santa Fe & Abq. Please see more unique features in Documents.

Learn More!

25 CAMINO DEL CARRISITO, Placitas, NM 87043

$775,000

Exquisite SW Custom w/Stunning Views! Featuring a spacious floorplan including Greatroom that invites the outdoors in & opens to Gourmet Kitchen boasting gorgeous cabinets & granite; bonus prep sink; Jen-aire SS appliances including oversized refrigerator & warming drawer. Adjoining walk thru Butler/service room w/ample pantry leads to elegant formal dining room. Thoughtful In-Law-Suite hosts full bath & separate living room. Other fine appointments include raised tray ceilings; Schonbek Crystal Chandeliers & upgraded lighting; solid interior doors; & more! Take in views from every window in privately situated Owner's suite w/luxurious en suite & 'Supersized' closet/dressing room w/builtins. Outdoors, enjoy vistas from covered portal; built in grill; & covered pergola on lower terrace.

Learn More!

9300 RIVERFRONT Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114

$899,000

Amazing Opportunity to be in Custom Home in Riverfront Estates with 4CG and 1.77 acres for 899k! Zoned for horses and a perfect set up to bring your horses. Versatile floor plan has many possibilities with 3 spacious bedrooms with 4th bedroom currently used as library/office/study with floor to ceiling bookshelves and rolling custom access ladder. Bedrooms open on to common area perfect for media room/flex room. Very spacious owner suite has private patio access, luxurious master bath with jetted tub and custom shower with large custom closet. Huge living room and Family Room, Open and light kitchen with counter/cabinet space galore, opens to family room and sunny breakfast nook. 1326 sq ft Casita/Studio could be perfect for in-law suite /in home office/ studio - endless possibilities!

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.

Have you heard of the term "house poor"? If you are house poor, it simply means that you're spending most of your income on things related to your home. This is more than just the mortgage. It includes things like maintenance, utilities, insurance, and taxes. When you’re house poor, you can’t afford many other things, and certainly not big extras like vacations.

When you buy a home in Albuquerque, you need to know what you realistically can afford to keep from being house poor. One of the biggest mistakes home buyers make is being too ambitious and taking on a home that's too expensive, as well as not anticipating other expenses.

Here are some ways to buy a home in Albuquerque that you can reasonably afford and lower your risk of being house poor.

Crunch the Numbers

Before you ever start the actual process of shopping for homes, look at the numbers.

You’ll need to take into account how much your household earns every month. Then, outline all of the housing costs, which include:

• The down payment
• Property taxes
• Homeowner’s insurance
• Utilities and maintenance

Tally up all of the expenses that you currently have to pay every month. Then, look at your discretionary spending and include that as well. Including that discretionary spending is important and sometimes overlooked. It’s those extras that you want to be able to continue to pay for, even when you buy a home.

Follow the 28/36% Rule

Many financial professionals advise that you spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on your housing expenses. You should also plan to spend no more than 36% on your total debt, including not just your home loan but your credit cards, car loan, and student loans.

Affordability Considerations

Some of the things that you should think about beyond your income and expenses include:

• How much savings do you have set aside? You want to have a reserve of cash in case something happens, and if your down payment or mortgage costs are going to dip into your savings, that can be a problem.
• How much of a down payment can you afford? The traditional wisdom is that you put 20% down, but there are loans with options to put as little as 3% down. Remember that the lower the down payment, this higher your monthly payments will be.
• Is there a different type of mortgage outside of a traditional bank loan that you might qualify for? For example, FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and you may qualify with a lower credit score and down payment compared to a traditional loan.

Take Steps to Get a Competitive Interest Rates

Interest rates are at an all-time low. Even so, try to get the most competitive rates you can. Having a strong credit score will help. Before you buy a home, look at your credit report, and clean it up if necessary. Try to minimize how much debt you have compared to your income.

Err on the Side of Caution

When you start looking at homes, you should always err on the side of caution. Keep your house hunt focused on the lower end of what you can technically afford. If you’re a first-time home buyer in Albuquerque, it can be tempting to want to go all-in with the belief that you’re buying your forever home. Your life can change over the years, and your first home is probably not your forever home.

Focus on finding a starter home for sale in Albuquerque that works for your current needs. You can’t just think about your current income either. Think about what might happen if you lost your job or your partner lost their income. How would that change the equation?

Finally, one option that can help you better stay within your budget is buying a fixer-upper. You can find a great deal, and then you have the option to gradually create the home of your dreams as your budget allows, rather than having to go all-in right away.

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!

804 ADAMS Place SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108  $399,000

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (1 full, 2 half) / 1888 Square Feet

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.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Get ready to take advantage of these price reductions on a few of our featured homes in Albuquerque.  They may have been on the market for a couple of weeks, but that's only because you haven't looked a them yet. But you better act quick, because these homes will go fast.

If you have any questions about these fine properties, always feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173. You can check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page. You can also see our other Hot Properties on our other blog.

1200 STAGECOACH Road SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

$499,000

Welcome Home to this pristine Four Hills Village beauty with city and mountain views! Natural light fills every room in this very functional floor plan. Featuring both formal and informal living areas. In the enormous family room you will find vaulted ceilings, new carpet, brick fireplace, hearth, built in book shelves and big beautiful windows! You will love the gourmet kitchen boasting granite counters, large island, and SS appliances. Entertaining will be a breeze as there is plenty of room for everyone in this lovely 4 bedroom home!! Many wonderful upgrades, please see list in documents.

Learn More!

400 PENNY Lane, Corrales, NM 87048

$545,000

Spectacular Sandia Mountains & Valley Views from this incredible 4BDR/3BA/3CG Corrales home! Enjoy the picturesque views from the great room, sunny breakfast nook, dining room, master suite & balcony! Open great room features wood ceiling, cozy kiva fireplace. Kitchen features granite countertops, beautiful cabinetry, island, bkfst bar, SS appliances, brick flooring. Study/Office/BDR and full Bath on the main floor. Two secondary bdrs share a Jack N Jill bath. Master suite features a double sided fireplace, East facing covered balcony, jetted tub, dual sink vanity and walk-in closet. Fully fenced property with gate entrance, lush grass, fruit trees, waterfall feature, raised beds, covered patio & balcony with amazing mountain and bosque views!

Learn More!

1016 SARATOGA Drive NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

$499,000

Enjoy Grand Views of Sandia Mountains from the Belvedere. Breathtaking setting for this European flair home perched on elevated lot landscaped, w/ grapevines, fruit trees, grass, fountain, a walk path around the property. Courtyard entry, Inviting foyer curved archways, opens to expansive great room w/ Soaring ceilings, Light filled gourmet kitchen, w/center island & gas cooktop, double ovens, ample cabinets and counters, 2 pantries, an breakfast nook that looks onto the outdoor east facing pavilion. Private Owner's suite, features European style WC, jetted bath, separate shower and dual vanities. walk in closet and a bonus/flex room & laundry rm. 3 more spacious bdrms. Zoned radiant heat, entire property is gated, 4 cg/each oversized. circular driveway, backyard access w/ room for RV!

Learn More!

8100 Ronan Court, Albuquerque, NM 87122

$610,000

Gorgeous Former Model Home with Abrazo 'All Inclusive' Upgrades plus Casita/Studio! Featuring fine appointments throughout that include; Home Automation system; raised ceilings w/wood beams; Hardwood flooring; High end Ceramic Tile in wet areas; Gorgeous Carerra quartz counter tops; built in gourmet kitchen w/ white icing Lancaster cabinetry & high end Kitchen-Aide appliances; High speed ethernet thru-out; Navion Tankless Wtr Htr; 95% Efficient Carrier Furnace; Heated & Cooled Garage. Master retreat w/luxurious spa like en suite. Twelve foot sliding doors lead to beautiful low maintenance landscaped backyard w/covered patio & firepit. 300 Sq Ft Casita w/large living/studio area; 3/4 bath; spacious closet. So many upgrades-must see the included feature sheet to appreciate all.

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.

Selling your home in Albuquerque can be an exciting time, but there's a lot of things to keep in mind so that the process goes smoothly as you transition to your new home. Here are a few common mistakes for you to avoid in hopes to keep the selling process as efficient and stress-free as possible.

1. Setting a price for your home without doing research or working with a real estate agent is the first mistake to avoid. Home prices are based on a number of factors, such as comparable sales in your Albuquerque neighborhood,the time of year, current available inventory, and much more. 

2. On that same note, the next mistake to avoid is pricing your home too high off the bat. We can tell you from experience that overpricing a listing will yield fewer showings. Also, we know that homes for sale in Albuquerque sell closer to their asking amount if they are priced correctly at the start of the listing. 

3. Another mistake regarding pricing your home for sale is setting a strange listing price. In other words, don't set your price for your $400k home at $402,289. Not only is that odd, but it will keep your home from being seen if a home buyer is searching for homes in the price range below $400,000.

4. Overpricing your home because you have more time to sell it is also a mistake. Some may think that they can list their home at a higher price and wait for the right buyer to come along who will pay it. Yet the longer your house sits on the market, the less likely you are to get showings and in return the more difficult it becomes to attain that higher asking price. 

5. Becoming emotionally involved in the selling process is another mistake that's easy to make. You have probably lived in this home for years and have emotional connections to it. But you need to remember that this is a business transaction, and you should not take it personally if you get a low offer on your listing. View this as an opportunity to negotiate with the potential buyer to see if you can settle on a number that works for both parties. 

6. Even in the best seller’s market, you need to stay away from the mindset that the house will sell itself. Anytime a listing goes live, you need to ensure that the home is properly staged and marketed to ensure it is appealing to potential buyers. 

7. Finally, the last mistake to avoid is trying to sell your home on your own. Studies have shown that homes for sale in Albuquerque stay on the market longer and sell for far less when people do not work with a real estate agent.

The Sandi Pressley Team has the experience you need to help avoid making these selling mistakes. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the best price for your home for sale 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!

4332 ALTURA VISTA Lane NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $230,000

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 1662 Square Feet

Fantastic location in desirable gated community of Altura Village! Conveniently located close to UNM, Nob Hill, UNM Hospital, Altura Park! 3BDR/2.5BATH plus Loft! Light, bright & open with lots of living space in the great room. Open kitchen with sunny breakfast nook, gas stove, built-microwave, refrigerator, washer & dryer stay! 3 large bedrooms upstairs! Master bdr has a wall of windows, 2 walk-in closets, garden tub/shower, dual sink vanity and tile flooring in bath. Private gated community minutes away from shopping malls, Uptown & restaurants.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Not Enough Money

Not Enough Time

Not Enough Skills

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!

1 TIERRA MONTE Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122  $$495,000

2 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2655 Square Feet

Spectacular and Breathtaking Panoramic views from this gorgeous one owner custom home nestled in the foothills of the Sandias. Beautifully updated/remolded bathrooms and kitchen, including new appliances. Master bath is a true spa like retreat along with a huge walk in closet. What a great home for entertaining family and friends indoors and out. This is a true one of a kind home conveniently located near hiking, biking and waking trails. The unobstructed majestic views will take you breath away!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Downsizing. It's a word that's been on more people's lips lately due to the economic situation we're living in now. Many people are thinking about how they can adjust their finances to ride this storm and be more secure. For those who own a home in Albuquerque, the thought of moving into a smaller and less expensive home has stood out as a way to make better use of income now, and in the future.

Traditionally, downsizing was a decision that mostly retired homeowners were faced with. Now, virtually all of us need to consider it. But is downsizing your home the right move for you? Here are some pros and cons to consider before you abandon your home for a smaller one in Albuquerque.

Pro: You Can Make Money Selling Your Stuff

Moving into a smaller home means that you will need to shed some possessions. You can sell your more expensive items using Facebook, Craigslist, or Ebay. Depending on social distancing restrictions in the future, you can have a garage sale. Whatever is left to dispense of can be donated.

Con: Purging Can Be Exhausting

Selling your personal items does take a good deal of time (which you may have more of now anyways), but it can be exhausting. Just deciding what to get rid of can be emotionally draining.

Pro: Live in a More Desirable Neighborhood in Albuquerque

As a smaller home in Albuquerque will probably cost less, this can give you an opportunity to move to a neighborhood in Albuquerque that better fits your new lifestyle. You can check out the top neighborhoods in Albuquerque and search for homes on our blog.

Pro: Fewer Costs and Less Upkeep

If you move into a less expensive home in Albuquerque, you can save any profit you make in the move. And you'll probably also save more money on utilities. If you shop wisely, you can find a more energy efficient home that will help you save money down the road. Plus, you'll have a smaller home to upkeep, saving even more money.

Con: The Costs of Moving

Depending on how far you move and if you hire professionals, moving could cost you a lot of money, not to mention effort and time. Plus, there's the time and effort to put your home on the market and go through the selling process, and then to find your new home.

Con: Less Space

With less space to work with, you'll need to be more selective about what you buy. Living in small quarters means constantly making a series of trade-offs. 

Downsizing is a big decision, but one that can make a positive impact on your life. If you carefully weigh the costs and benefits, you can make a good decision when it comes to downsizing to a smaller 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!

400 Penny Lane, Corrales, NM 87048  $550,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 2275 Square Feet

Spectacular Sandia Mountains & Valley Views from this incredible 4BDR/3BA/3CG Corrales home! Enjoy the picturesque views from the great room, sunny breakfast nook, dining room, master suite & balcony! Open great room features wood ceiling, cozy kiva fireplace. Kitchen features granite countertops, beautiful cabinetry, island, bkfst bar, SS appliances, brick flooring. Study/Office/BDR and full Bath on the main floor. Two secondary bdrs share a Jack N Jill bath. Master suite features a double sided fireplace, East facing covered balcony, jetted tub, dual sink vanity and walk-in closet. Fully fenced property with gate entrance, lush grass, fruit trees, waterfall feature, raised beds, covered patio & balcony with amazing mountain and bosque views!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team