Real Estate Information Archive

Solar generators are a popular choice for those looking to cut down on electrical expenses or have a backup power supply for thier Albuquerque home. While they are not a new technology, they can be expensive, leading many to question whether they are a better investment than a gas-powered generator. In this blog, we will examine what solar generators are, how they work, and the advantages and disadvantages of investing in one.

What Is a Solar Powered Generator?

Solar generators are portable power hubs that use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. These systems are designed to run using energy from the sun or solar power, as opposed to fossil fuels like gas. The solar panels capture the sun's energy, which is then stored in a battery for later use. Solar generators can be used in various settings such as homes, offices, boats, and RVs, as well as on camping trips. They are an excellent way to store backup energy for power outages or strikes.

How Does a Solar Generator Function?

A solar generator consists of four main parts:

• Solar charge controller

• Solar panels

• Battery

• Inverter

Solar panels absorb energy from the sun and store it as DC. The charge controller regulates voltage and sends the electricity to the lithium-ion battery for storage. When needed, the inverter converts the stored charge into AC, allowing appliances to function. Solar generators typically have AC outlets, 12-volt carports, and USB ports for multiple device charging.

Pros of Purchasing a Solar Generator

Noiseless and Easy Maintenance 

The best thing about purchasing a solar generator is its easy maintenance. They also run quietly in the background, with very few moving parts. Reduced friction and noise also mean the chances of your generator breaking down are very low. Therefore, the cost of maintaining a solar generator as compared to a gas generator is very low.

Renewable and Clean Source of Energy 

Solar generators are powered by renewable solar energy, which means they produce clean energy that is free from toxic emissions. Unlike fossil fuels, there is no need to worry about the depletion of resources. Additionally, solar generators have zero negative impact on the environment, making them an eco-friendly and safe option.

Free Energy

Using gas-powered or diesel generators requires paying for fuel, while solar energy is free to use. Investing in a good solar generator system can significantly reduce fuel costs, allowing for substantial savings.

Cons of Purchasing a Solar Generator

Slow Recharge

Solar generator batteries can only be charged during the daytime in bright sunlight. It takes a few hours to charge up the battery completely. On average, solar panels with a power output of 100 W takes around fourteen hours to fill a 12-volt solar battery. Generators that generate power using fossil fuels can be replenished at any time. There is no need to worry about the weather or time of day to generate power.

High Initial Cost

Solar generators are more expensive than gas or fuel generators, with an average cost of twice as much. However, the low maintenance and running costs of solar generators make up for the initial expense in the long run. Gas generators, on the other hand, cost around 1000 USD on average.

Restricted Power Supply 

The size of the battery determines the power capacity of the generator. Portable generators are limited in their ability to power entire homes, but are suitable for charging small electronics. Gas generators have no power limit, depending on the availability of fossil fuels.

What Are Solar Generators Commonly Used For?

Solar generators are ideal for powering smaller appliances and charging devices such as mobile phones and laptops. They are commonly used as backup power for RVs and are also popular for boating and camping trips due to their portability, noise-free operation, and ability to produce clean energy.

However, it's important to note that portable generators are not suitable for powering an entire home grid. To do so, a rooftop solar panel system with sufficient battery storage is required. The number of panels needed and the cost of installation will depend on individual electrical needs and budget.

A solar generator can be a huge investment, but it can help you enjoy essentially free electricity for years to come. The best part is that they are easy to maintain and are noise-free, so investing in either a portable or complete home-grid system is an excellent choice when compared to fossil fuel generators.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

124 PAA KO Drive, Sandia Park, NM 87047

Welcome home to the Paa-ko lifestyle with this next-to-new custom home! Less than 3 years old, this gem has all the bells & whistles. Featuring high-end finishes like engineered oak floors, quartz counters, custom solid doors and cabinets, this one needs to be seen to be believed. Enter through the custom solar, iron gate and appreciate the fully paved driveway with extra parking pads and a 3-car, oversized garage complete with epoxy floors. Completely landscaped, the exterior has both drip & sprinkler irrigation, room for all your toys, gutters, plus over 300sqft of covered outdoor space to enjoy the unparalleled views. 

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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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Do you want to plant a garden, but don't think you can becasue you live in an urban area in Albuquerque? Why not look into the growing trend of urban gardening?

There are two broad definitions of urban gardening. A community garden might be the first option. In urban areas, many nonprofits and neighborhood organizations will launch community gardens where people can grow their own food and share the produce.

For our purposes, we're discussing container gardening. Even a small garden is beneficial for urban residents, such as those living in smaller homes or townhomes in Albuquerque. Growing vegetables, herbs, and other plants is a great way to get fresh air, as well as getting fresh produce. A sense of accomplishment can also come from container gardening, which is good for your mental health.

Starting out, you should know the following.

Available Space

You'll need some space for a container garden if you live in an urban area in Albuquerque.

Several options are available to you.

Some condos and townhouses have in-ground outdoor spaces. Ensure that you can plant a small garden with your board or HOA.

You can also use flower pots or hanging baskets, which are portable, so you can put them on a balcony or patio, and if necessary, move them inside.

Hydroponic gardening is another trendy trend for urban dwellers right now. Self-fertilizing stands and self-watering stands are offered by some creative companies, so you can grow your own food. You will need to add water and nutrients to the reservoir weekly if you choose this option. In addition, you'll need to keep the pH at a suitable level. The gardens go upward rather than out, so you save valuable floor space, which can be crucial in limited spaces.

Decide What You’ll Grow

There are some things that are better suited to container and urban gardening than others. For example, herbs are great, like mint, basil and sage.

Containers are also suitable for lettuce and tomatoes of different types.

With a hydroponic gardening kit, you can often find pre-sprouted seedlings that include cucumbers, eggplants, and even strawberries. Peppers such as bell peppers, jalapenos, and habaneros do well in limited spaces. Squash and zucchini are suitable for balcony gardens, but don't overplant them because they can end up producing pounds of vegetables. You might like the look of cumbers and vines that grow around your balcony as they spread.

Don't plant too many plants in one container if you're not using a hydroponic kit. You may stunt your plants' growth if you plant too much. Three to four plants can usually be accommodated in a pot that's 10-12 inches wide. A pot with a diameter of 14 to 16 inches can hold five to seven plants, and a pot with a diameter of 16 to 20 inches can hold six to nine.

You want to make sure each of the plants you choose will be a good neighbor to the others when you're choosing what to grow. Some plants will suffer if you combine them in the same pot with plants that require different amounts of sunlight.

Drainage

Drill drainage holes if your potted plants do not already have them if you're growing them in pots. To catch the excess drainage water, you'll also need to place something below the container.

Light

Finally, you'll need to consider sunlight when planning an urban or container garden. Herbs and fruiting vegetables especially need between 7 and 12 hours of sunlight a day. It might be better to grow something that tolerates shade, like spinach or chard, if you can't get that much light.

You should carefully read the seed packets or tags, and keep them in case you need to refer back to them later. A plant that says it needs full sun needs between 6 and 8 hours of sun daily. A plant with partial sun gets between 4 and 6 hours of sun each day, while one with shade receives filtered sunlight the rest of the time.

If you’re going to move your containers inside during the winter, you can use plant grow lights, which simulate the effects of the sun and are excellent in an urban environment.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

VIEWS and a great neighborhood! Bring the toys, the FOUR CAR garage will fit them! Breathtaking unobstructed views of the Sandia mountains with this premium lot upgrade! This 3 bed 2.5 bath 1 yr old Abrazo home has a massive amount of builder upgrades on a 0.24 acre lot. Porcelain tile and high end cabinets throughout. The MB features a large walk-in closet, his/her sinks, garden tub, 60'' glass frameless shower with nicho and rain shower head. The kitchen has a 5 burner gas stove with a beautiful backsplash, huge farm sink, pendant lights, and glass/stainless hood vent. Upgraded Snowridge granite throughout. Backyard has nearly 2,500 sf of SynLawn installed PRO-80 synthetic turf providing a field of dreams for the kiddos or pets! This home will wow anyone!

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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.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

62 Calle Monte Aplanado NWAlbuquerque, NM 87120

Everyone wants to renovate their homes. People in Albuquerque are now more inclined to do things themselves than ever before. All the remodeling is great for the economy, as well as for people's home equity. However, if homeowners take on tasks themselves without adequate training, problems can arise. It's easy to keep renovations on track if you know what to look out for.

Overestimating your skill

It looks easy to tile, doesn't it? It would be great if the whole bathroom was done, including the floors and walls. You don't need to take a class to do this, or even watch a few YouTube tutorials. You've seen it done on TV, and you're pretty good at picking things up, aren't you? That's a recipe for disaster, and, chances are, you'll either be calling a professional to come finish what you started, or to rip it out and start over.

How to avoid mistakes:

Start small. Prior to taking on the tough stuff, test your skills and patience.

Underestimating your budget

Nobody ever saves enough money for their renovations. There seems to be an increased likelihood of issues arising when your budget is tighter. The last thing you want is a problem that changes your entire plan last minute or makes you stop mid-renovation to make alternate plans or find more money.

How to avoid it:

A good rule of thumb is to set your budget amount and then add 20 percent, but the more novice you are, the more you may want to add.

Minimizing the timeline

Many Albuquerque homeowners underestimate the amount of time needed to make their own renovations. Most of the time, this is due to inexperience, but individual needs can also play a part in it. Just because you only have two weekends to completely tear down and renovate your kitchen before your in-laws arrive doesn't mean it's going to happen within that timeframe. Rather than a pretty finish, they're likely to find a mess and no functional kitchen to prepare a meal.

How to avoid it:

Make sure you do your research. Take the advice of professionals. Take a look at some blogs written by homeowners who have already done the DIY kitchen renovation thing and see what they have to say. Rather than dismissing them as amateurs, really listen to what they have to say. Learn from the mistakes and experiences of others so you can approach your renovation with an open mind and open eyes.

Swinging the hammer without a plan

Seeing demos on TV is fun, and they can be enjoyable as well. When you don't know what you're swinging at and have no plan for what you're going to do if an unexpected event occurs, it can be seriously damaging to your property.

"Work on older buildings can yield a lot of unforeseen events," said Architectural Digest. "Who knows what's behind that wall you're opening up? New construction is more controlled, but that doesn't always mean smooth sailing. Be prepared for the unexpected. We all hope and pray everything goes according to plan. Trust us: Nothing will."

How to avoid it:

The best way to ensure you don't do something crazy, such as compromising the entire structure of your home, is to hire a structural engineer to tell you exactly what's going on in the wall you want to take down.

Not asking for help

It's great to be independent, but when it comes to renovating, more is better. When you have suspicions, you need someone to confirm them, help with the heavy lifting, and provide feedback.

How to avoid it:

Get in touch with your friends, family, or that coworker who's self-proclaimed Queen of Reno. At the very least, having another person in the room will make the renovation go faster and give you someone else to talk to.

The best thing to keep in mind with renovations is that they are hard work and take time and planning. Dont go it alone, unless you've done them befor eand know what you're doing.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

10 PINON RIDGE Drive, Placitas, NM 87043

Amazing Hilltop Lot is setting for this Custom Santa Fe style home. Incredible mountain and sunset views. Bright light and open great room floor plan, gorgeous quality windows, with beautiful Saltillo tile floors throughout. High ceilings throughout accented with wood beams and tongue and groove. Dream kitchen with beautiful granite countertops custom cabinets and 2 huge walk-in pantries, kitchen island, & bright sunny breakfast nook. Water is stored in a 1200 gallon tank and is on a water fill system. Water delivered to fill tank by East Mountain water for $150 a month. Exquisite owner suite privately situated from other bedrooms w/Kiva style fireplace and Vigas accents on the high ceilings. Amazing custom shower with glass block accents and cedar lined his and her walk-in closets.

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.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

There is a range of emotions that can arise from inheriting a house. Perhaps you feel sad because you have lost someone close to you. Knowing what to do next and the financial impact can also be overwhelming. A house is also a very valuable asset, so it can be exciting as well.

How should you proceed if you inherit a house in Albuquerque?

In this situation, you essentially have three options. Sell it, move into it, or rent it.

Concepts to Consider

You will first need to consider your legal and financial obligations when inheriting a house. A loan, for example, might be owed. Inheriting property may also incur tax responsibilities, such as capital gains and federal estate taxes.

It's not a federal inheritance tax if you inherit a home, but some states have them. In most situations, inheriting property does not automatically result in a tax liability.

An asset, such as a house, can generate capital gains taxes. If you sell the house, you may have to pay capital gains taxes. There are tax implications when a home's fair market value is less than its sale price when it is inherited.

You may be eligible for an exclusion if you keep the home.

Is There Currently a Mortgage?

Having a house that's already paid for means fewer financial considerations.

A property with an open mortgage can be assumed, which means you take over the payments as an heir and pay off the debt based on the original terms of the mortgage.

Reverse mortgages and some other loans become due at the time of the borrower's death or the sale of the property. In such a case, as the heir, you would be required to sell the home and settle the remaining debt if a reverse mortgage is open.

Did You Inherit a House with Your Siblings?

Having several siblings or family members inherit the same house is common and complicating. Therefore, multiple opinions could play a role in the decision on what to do with the property.

A buyout may be an option if there are multiple stakeholders. For whatever reason, one sibling can purchase the other sibling's home if they want to keep the house.

The simplest thing to do is to sell the home and split the profit. The home can also be rented out and the profits split.

You may need to file a lawsuit for partition if you cannot agree on what to do. In this case, the court will order the sale of the home. Due to the legal fees and time involved, you'll receive less than you would have without this step.

Can You Move into the House?

You might want to move into an inherited home if there are no complicating factors or if the people who share ownership agree to it. Again, if there is an outstanding mortgage, you'll need to determine whether or not taking on that debt makes financial sense.

Not only do you have to consider the mortgage payment, but property taxes as well as any other costs associated with owning a home.

Selling your current home and moving in without taking on debt may be possible if you have no obligations.

In order to sell the home you inherited, you have to pay for any needed repairs as well as real estate agent fees and closing costs.

Again, if you fall into a particular tax bracket, you'll have to pay capital gains on the difference between the fair market value of the property when you inherited it and what you sold it for.

When inheriting a home, many things come into play, from whether or not the home is currently debt-free to how many people share it with you. Make sure you research all financial implications before making any decisions.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

917 AVENIDA ESTRELLITA NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

Nostalgia for the past! Original charm in this 3BDR/2BA mid-century modern style home! ROOF 2021! Refrigerated air, tankless water heater, skylights, updated kitchen, updated windows! Open living/dining room features hardwood floors and a wood fireplace plus a large family room with built-ins! Light, bright & open kitchen. Large utility room with storage cabs. Secondary bath features a walk-in jetted bath! Huge covered patio & open deck for entertaining! Large lot with newly landscaped front yard! Backyard with mature trees, shrubs, and storage shed! Carport/Breeze Way w/storage! Customize your updates to your style! Great location close to Altura Park, UNM, Nob Hill, shopping and restaurants!REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

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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.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

The holiday season is rounding out for 2021. Its been a very special season for many Albuquerque residents. Let's keep it that way. Will you be traveling over the upcoming holidays? If so, there are some safety steps you should take.

TAKING TO THE HIGHWAY

1. Make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip.
2. Pack an emergency preparedness kit, supplies and a first aid kit in your vehicle.
3. Share travel plans with a family member or friend.
4. Check the weather before departing and along your route. Plan for travel around any storms that may be coming.
5. Be well rested and alert.
6. Buckle up, slow down and don’t drive impaired.
7. Follow the rules of the road and use caution in work zones.
8. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
9. Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
10. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

COVID-19 AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

1. Face masks are mandatory for everyone while using public transportation. This requirement is extended in the U.S. through March 18, 2022. Those who are exempt include children under age 2, someone whose disability prevents them from safely wearing a mask, or someone for whom a mask may create a risk to their workplace safety.
2. Plan ahead. Check the current coronavirus situation at your destination and follow all restrictions in that area. You can find that information here.
3. If traveling by air, check if the airline requires any testing, vaccination or other documents.
4. Don’t travel if you are sick, have been exposed to COVID-19, tested positive for the virus, or are waiting for your test results. More information is available here.
5. If you are traveling internationally, you need to get a COVID-19 viral test no more than 24 hours before you fly into the U.S., whether you are vaccinated and regardless of your citizenship status. Full information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found here COVID-19 travel recommendations by destination are available here.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

4100 SKYVIEW CREST Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114

Price reflects $248,000 in upgrades in the past 7 months! Seller has invested in upgrading & improving this home with the best of the best. This property is exclusive and exquisite. Upgrades include: New (TPO ROOF) 50 year industrial grade 80mil TPO Carlise Syntec roof system. New (PAID SOLAR) 30 year low profile solar array not visible from ground level provides enough energy to waive off future energy bills -- $4000 to $5000 annual savings. New (SWIM SPA) premier Marque aquatic training vessel for endless swimming with a number of other aquatic fitness features. New (HOT TUB) premier Marque seven seat therapeutic spa. See MLS Features & Updates List for a full list of many more updates. 3 minutes from Intel & easy access to shopping, restaurants, schools, and major thoroughfares.

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.

Families in Albuquerque are becoming more health-conscious and concerned with their diet. As a hobby or as a cottage industry, city-dwellers are growing vegetables for pesticide-free produce, free of pesticides.

The ability to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home depends on three factors: climate zone, property availability, and willingness to try.

You can raise edible plants virtually anywhere if you have the right tools and are motivated. Consider the following factors:

Which crops will you grow?

It's important to check local Albuquerque zoning regulations or homeowner's association guidelines before you begin gardening outside. Next, determine the hardiness zone for your plants. Using a planting schedule, determine what plants are recommended and when they should be planted. Selecting plants is almost as much fun as growing them.

It is best to grow plants indoors by placing them near large, south-facing windows. If this is not possible, set up grow lights or find creative solutions. Avocados, carrots, microgreens, lemons, and scallions are some of the most hearty indoor crops.

How can you garden... without a garden?

When you think of a garden, you probably imagine lush rows of crops and tilled soil, crop after crop of vegetable plants. This dream isn't as unattainable as you might think. Participate in a community garden in your area, and take advantage of fertile ground you can call your own. Gardening in a community allows people to share in the work, strengthen community ties, and give them a sense of accomplishment. A community with the right equipment can turn an unproductive lot into a food-producing area with hard work.

Gardening in a small space is not impossible, though. Urban gardeners have devised innovative ways to garden in small spaces.

Make a grow tower: A 15-gallon plastic drum, a 5 inch PVC pipe, a drill, and dirt are all you need to garden vertically. 

Plant in containers: Using buckets, planter boxes, hanging baskets, pots, and wooden barrels on the porch and patio can maximize your growing space.

Create a rooftop garden: Take advantage of the space that most of us don't even think about, our rooftops. If you've got a flat area on your roof and easy access, consider growing fresh food there.

There are plenty of innovative ways to grow your own produce in a small space, so don't let your tight space discourage you. It's just a matter of getting creative and finding the best solution for you. You'll know that all your hard work was well worth it when you've harvested your first tomato or made pesto with your own basil.

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

14412 OAKWOOD Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

A gem nestled in the Foothills! Built in 2000, this 4-Bedroom custom home comes with all the bells & whistles. At 4,665sqft, this home boasts incredible living space made for entertaining. Open kitchen is a chef's delight w/ great new appliances, 5-burner Gas Range, gorgeous granite, large pantry and tons of seating. Spread out w/ the lower level entertaining area, or go outside on any of the multiple balconies, or through the huge backyard with hot tub and so many great views. This smart home features lights that turn on automatically as you enter the room & is wired with surround sound. The Master Suite showcases a luxurious bathroom complete with jetted tub, oversized shower, & custom California Closet. With a water softener, humidifier, and laundry chute, this home truly has it 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.

Mortgage rates under 3% are certainly appealing. But can you actually get one? The best rates might not be available to you if you don't have excellent credit. Still, you may be able to refinance your Albuquerque house if you qualify.

Minimum credit score

You will have more refinance options if your score is above 700. Although, contrary to popular belief, you can still qualify with a lower credit score.

“Credit requirements vary by lender and type of mortgage. In general, you'll need a credit score of 620 or higher for a conventional mortgage refinance,” said Experian. “Certain government programs require a credit score of 580, however, or have no minimum at all. As is true for other types of loans, the higher your credit score, the more likely a mortgage refinance lender will be to work with you. Not only are your chances of approval higher, but you'll typically receive a lower interest rate and more favorable loan terms than qualifying borrowers with lower scores.”

Going with a higher rate

In the long run, any rate drop will save you money, even if you are not eligible for the lowest rate. A .25 reduction in your mortgage rate will save you almost $100 a month. The savings will, of course, need to be weighed against your refi costs and the time it will take to recover those costs.

Buying down your rate

If you don’t qualify for the lowest rate and you want to go lower, you can buy down the rate. “Mortgage points are one way for homeowners to lower their interest rate,” said Bankrate. “When you pay for points on a mortgage, you are actually paying interest right now for the loan. In return, the homeowner can lock in a lower and discounted rate. The rate depends on how many points are purchased. Your mortgage rate will drop more if you purchase more points.”

One point is the same as a .25% discount in the mortgage rate, which will cost you 1% of the total mortgage amount. To lower your mortgage rate by a quarter point would cost you $3,000 on a $300,000 mortgage. “Homeowners can buy more than one point, depending on their financial situation.”

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

508 ORTEGA Road NW, Los Ranchos, NM 87114

Plenty of room for your HORSES & HORSE POWER! Gorgeous approx 1.26 acre NV Village of Los Ranchos Horse Property. One of a kind, rare opportunity to own private gated valuable Sub-dividable lot. 4BD/3.5 BA renovated 2015 w/hardwood oak floors, 2015 roof, HVAC, HWH, windows, insulation, refrigerated air/heat throughout home. 1000sf grand sunroom w/ tile setting the stage for peace & relaxation. Recessed Lighting & Skylights! New SS appl! This home shines like a diamond! Not incl in TSF Finished 1979sqft heated/cooled 6 Car Tandem Garage/Shop w/220! The possibilities are truly endless.1100sf Horse barn, plus storage, 2 patios, circular drive w/50+ trees & fenced lawn.1 mile to Alameda Open Space, trails & Rio Grande River, & 15 mins to Airport. Perfect for entertaining. RV parking/NO HOA!

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.

Buying a home in Albuquerque is a great opportunity at the moment, with mortgage rates lowest in several years. In addition to lower monthly payments, a lower interest rate also means that more people can qualify to buy a home. When you apply for a loan, the current interest rate is locked into your loan. But what happens if the rate falls further once it is locked in? What are the chances of getting the lower rate?

Lenders take rate locks seriously. You are reserving a rate when you lock it in with your lender. If rates rise before your closing date, you are protected. Most lock periods are between 15 - 30 days in length. It is crucial that the lock period last as long as the duration of your transaction. 

The lock protects you in case the rate increases. But what if the rate decreases during that time? Would you be able to get the lower rate?

Even if rates fall just a little, such as by less than 0.125%, it won't make much difference to change the rate in your agreement, nor will your lender be very motivated to make the change. Your lender might agree to lower your rate if it decreases by more than 0.25%. 

Changing lenders to get a lower rate is not a problem in advance of the closing date. This will allow you to have a lower rate. However, you also have to submit all your documents all over again to a new lender, including paystubs, tax returns, and bank statements. 

Your lender should consider lowering your agreed rate if rates fall by more than 0.25%. For a lender, it's better to do so than lose your business. Since both of you have worked hard to make the deal work, it benefits both of you.

Also, don't expect to get the absolute lowest rate when you make the request. There may also be a small fee to make the change. In the end, do the math and decide if requesting a lower rate works out for the best. It never hurts to ask!

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.

A neighbor with an iron fist and an intolerance for all things fun can absolutely ruin buying a home in Albuquerque. ...or who makes all the noise. There are a number of types of neighbors you hope not to have. 

The Neighbors from Hell Instagram page contains cautionary tale after cautionary tale, and a few laughs at the same time. Although you can't avoid every nuisance in a neighborhood, you can prepare for it by doing your research on the areas in Albuquerque you're considering.

You can take these steps to diffuse or rectify a tense or problematic situation if you end up with a neighbor who is worrying.

Lend an ear

Perhaps your neighbor's grumpiness is a cry for help. A little kindness can sometimes tame a grouch, even if the person doesn't deserve it. 

Lend a hand

Are your neighbors' lawns overgrown, their shutters peeling, or their siding dirty? Despite the fact that you may assume they're neglectful, there may be a larger issue at play, The Spruce reported. “The family may be dealing with sickness, or their lawnmower broke down and they can't afford a new one.”

Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself

It is sometimes necessary to show strength to someone who isn't used to facing a formidable foe. There may be a better way, but it might require you to get in the muck in order to achieve your goals.

Get support

Rentberry noted that joint efforts lead to more success. “If it’s likely that you’re not the only one unhappy about your neighbor’s behavior, you should check if someone else is ready to side you. This point is especially important if you decide to contact local precinct or file a complaint in court. In this case, quantity matters. The more people share your opinion, the more chances to win you have.”

Get the authorities involved

The situation may require escalation if it involves legal violations or being intimidated or harassed.

Steer clear of danger

“Sad but true, some neighbors are not worth getting to know well—but it’s still good to know something about their dislikes and boundaries, so you don’t cross them,” said HGTV. An elderly Ohio man named Charles Martin shot to death a 15-year-old boy in 2006 because he walked across his meticulously mowed lawn in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio.

How to handle them: Martin—who is in jail—may have been destined to snap no matter what his neighbors did or didn’t do, but he was well known for the care he lavished on his lawn, and in theory, if that 15-year-old had been more aware of the kook’s devotion to his lawn, it might have kept him from going anywhere near the home.

Nightmare neighbors are just sometimes unavoidable. But with these above tips, you may have a chance of making your situation more livable.

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.

Owning a home in Albuquerque can certainly be a rewarding experience. And sometimes it makes you want to pull your hair out. The inevitable home repairs will come along from time to time, testing your patience and your wallet. You might be tempted to take on these repairs yourself, or have a friend who knows what they're doing" handle it? But there are some repairs that are definitely best left to thepros. Here's a few examples for you to consider.

Electrical Repairs

Electricians train for years to master their craft. And for good reason - electricity is dangerous. We take it for granted because we use it every day, but electricity can kill if not handled properly. Plus, bad electical work can lead to fires. You might think calling in your relative or friend who's a "great handyman" to do the repair for you, but often that can cause more problems or dangers than it will solve. Electricians can be expensive, but that is because they've spent many years studying and training to get the job done safely for you and them.

Basement Makeover

Renovating your basement may seem safe enough. But if you make mistakes, it could lead to major damage and injuty. A basement is a very important part of a home's structure, so don;t take chances. Even if the damage isn't fatal, it could wind up costing you far more than you bargained for.

Fun with Plumbing

Plumbing issues. Not a whole lot of fun to deal with one every day, leaving you tempted to take care of it yourself. You might think too, that plumbing, along with simple electrical repairs will be a walk in the park, but a fix done wrong can cause serious damage. To your home and wallet. So try calling a plumber. Why else are there at least a dozen in every town?

Gas Appliances

When it comes to gas appliances it could literally be an explosive situation if an appliance is not fixed and reconnected correctly during a repair. Similar to electrical repairs, if not done right, you could cause a leak, which could create major health problems and even a fire or explosion in your home or worse. So when it come to your gas appliances, don't DIY. Call a professional.

When it comes to health, safety and caring for your home, erring on the side of caution is always the best option.

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.