Real Estate Information Archive

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

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. 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.

6038 DEL CAMPO Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

$159,000

Lovingly tended and cared for charming townhouse! Courtyard with gate for privacy. New furnace and refrigerated air unit. New carpet and tile in bathrooms! Large living area with lots of natural light. Backyard has covered and open patio. New Roof 2019, HOA Covers Exterior of Residence- Roof, Stucco, Pool, Club house Etc!

Learn More!

11705 Golden Gate Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

$250,000

Outstanding 3bdr, one level, Double Brick, Holiday Park Custom Ranch Home! Tremendous functional floorplan! Brand new appliances in the kitchen. Kitchen opens to the family room with cozy gas fireplace. Pride of ownership shows throughout this home!! Front yard features a convenient circular driveway. Two large lovely covered patios in the big backyard. Desirable location, NE Heights comfort and convenience located close to schools, medical, shopping, gym, restaurants Labs & KAFB. Come see this classic well maintained home today!

Learn More!

1240 Blanca Avenue NW, Los Lunas, NM 87031

$450,000

Beautiful custom home located in a cul-de-sac and short commute to Albuquerque. Enjoy the large backyard on your covered patio with a built-in surround system and open space behind for added privacy. The foyer with high ceilings makes for a grand entrance. Step into the stunning kitchen with custom cabinets and granite countertops that opens up to the living room. The bonus room downstairs could be an in-law suite with a private bath across the hall or a fourth bedroom. The decorative over-sized wooden staircase leads to the 2 additional bedrooms and master suite with balcony. Entertain family and friends at this beautiful home.

Learn More!

1016 SARATOGA Drive NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

$549,000

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!

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.

Many people who plan to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque fear that as we head into a recession, that this will lead to a housing crash. But will that be the case with this recession? The thing to keep in mind is that a recession and a housing crash are two different things.

What is a recession?

The National Bureau of Economic Research defines a recession this way:

“A recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales.”

The Coronavirus restrictions hit the American economy in March. According to Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are all indicating that there will be a deep dive in the economy in the second quarter of this year. 

Does that mean we’re headed for another housing crash?

Home buyers and sellers in Albuquerque and around the nation fear that we're going to see a repeat of the housing crash that happened during the Great Recession of 2006-2008. Yet if we look at past recessions, we can see that most do not impact home values adversely.

Doug Brien, CEO of Mynd Property Management, explains:

“With the exception of two recessions, the Great Recession from 2007-2009, & the Gulf War recession from 1990-1991, no other recessions have impacted the U.S. housing market, according to Freddie Mac Home Price Index data collected from 1975 to 2018.”

What are the experts saying this time?

This is what three economic leaders are saying about the housing connection to this recession:

Robert Dietz, Chief Economist with NAHB

“The housing sector enters this recession underbuilt rather than overbuilt…That means as the economy rebounds – which it will at some stage – housing is set to help lead the way out.”

Ali Wolf, Chief Economist with Meyers Research

“Last time housing led the recession…This time it’s poised to bring us out. This is the Great Recession for leisure, hospitality, trade and transportation in that this recession will feel as bad as the Great Recession did to housing.”

John Burns, founder of John Burns Consulting, also had this to say, based on his firm's research:

“Historical analysis showed us that pandemics are usually V-shaped (sharp recessions that recover quickly enough to provide little damage to home prices).”

What does all this mean for home buyers and sellers in Albuquerque? It means that if you had plans to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque before the pandemic, there's no reason to derail your plans. These are uncertain times for sure. The Sandi Pressley Team is adapting to these changing times and are ready to help you realize your real estate goals. Contact us today to see how we can help you continue on your plans to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque today.

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!

9214 REDMONT Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109  $435,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2695 Square Feet

This beautiful light filled Family Home in a fabulous NE Heights location has been meticulously maintained! Two living areas, cathedral ceilings, bright kitchen with large breakfast area, plenty of cabinets and a pantry. Kitchen is open to the family room. The master suite is spacious and truly a retreat. Enjoy the views from the balcony! Wonderful home and gorgeous landscaped yard for entertaining.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team