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Negotiate Your Best Offer When Buying a Home in Albuquerque

by Sandi Pressley

Every home buyer in Albuquerque wants to make the perfect offer when buying a home. Ideally you won't have to negotiate and you can move on with the deal and move into your new home.

Sure, that could happen. But usually, there's going to be some negotiation to nail down the perfect offer. But sellers are known to reject offers for a variety of reasons. Or they make counteroffers. This is especially likely if you bid low, or when you’re up against multiple competing offers.

Here are a few rules you should know before you start negotiating:

Act Fast

When the seller makes a counteroffer, don't sit on it. You should respond as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more space you leave for another buyer to swoop in and nab the property. Also, if a seller senses hesitation, they may decide to withdraw their counteroffer before you even have a chance to respond.

Raise Your Price (Within Reason)

Of course you don't want to overpay for your home. But you may have to up the offer, especially if you initially made a lowball offer. You agent will lend their expertise to determine how much money you should add to the offer.

Before you make an offer, talk with your agent about how high you’re willing to go if the seller doesn’t accept your bid. Then your agent can make the counteroffer look even more attractive by pointing out similarly priced “comps”, recently sold homes in the area of the home that are comparable in terms of square footage and features.

As your agent negotiates, it can feel like things are escalating quickly. It’s stressful. You may feel a sudden urge to do whatever it takes to win.

Before you go overboard, there are two things you must keep in mind:

  • You can’t exceed the monetary confines of the pre-approved mortgage you received from your lender.
  • You shouldn’t overextend your budget.
  • Because your counteroffer has to be an amount you’re comfortable spending on a home. You want that new house and to keep living your life. Plus: You’re not out of options yet.

Increase Your Earnest Money Deposit

Increasing your earnest money deposit (EMD) — the sum of money you put down to prove to the seller you’re serious (i.e., “earnest”) about buying the house — is another way to show the seller you have more skin in the game. A standard EMD is typically 1% to 3% of the sales price of the home. Making a counteroffer with a 3% to 4% deposit could be what you need to persuade the seller to side with you.

Demonstrate Patience About Taking Possession

Depending on the seller’s timetable, changing your proposed possession date, the date you take over the property, could sweeten the deal. If the seller wants to stay in the home for a few days after closing, try offering a later possession date. You could also draw up a “rent-back” agreement, meaning the seller pays you rent for staying in the home for a set period of time after the closing date.

Negotiating the right price for a home for sale in Albuquerque can be a challenging task. But if you follow these tips, you can have a better chance of getting the perfect deal on your new home.

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

 

Keep Yourself From Becoming "House Poor"

by Sandi Pressley

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

 

If you plan to buy your first home in Albuquerque, you're certainly not alone. There's a growing trend this year in home sales across the nation - first-time home buyers. In fact, last month in June, first-time home buyers made up 35% of home sales nationwide.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) had this to say about the rise in first-time home buyers:

“The share of first-time buyers increased in March through June—right into the heart of the pandemic period and the surge in unemployment—and is now trending higher than the 29% to 32% average in past years since 2012.”

Why are there more new home buyers?

NAR continues to say:

“The major factor is, arguably, low mortgage rates. As of the week ended July 16, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 2.98%. With rates so low that are locked in under a 30-year mortgage, the typical mortgage payment, estimated at $1,036, has fallen below the median rent, at $1,045. For potential home buyers who were thinking of purchasing a home anyway before the pandemic outbreak and who are likely to remain employed, the low mortgage rate may be the clincher.”

These record-low mortgage rates are just too enticing for many people who are currently renting, especially since monthly mortgage payments can be cheaper than renting. According to the Q2 2020 Housing Trends Report from the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB):

“Eighty-four percent of Gen Z’s planning to buy a home are first timers, compared to 68% of Millennials, 52% of Gen X’s, and 21% of Boomers. Looking at results by region shows that over 60% of prospective buyers in the South are buying a home for the first time.”

The issue for most first-time home buyers is that they don't understand the home buying process. NeighborWorks America had this to say about this challenge:

“Homeownership is a particular challenge for many, despite high levels of interest. Americans believe there are many benefits to homeownership and half of non-owners will seek information about the process in the next few years…a large share of non-owners say the process is too challenging and only a minority know where to find advice if they wanted it. And although many would seek the guidance of community and non-profit programs, only one in three non-owners are aware of such services.”

If you plan to buy your first home in Albuquerque, you don't have to worry about having the help you need to buy the perfect home for your needs. The Sandi Pressley team is here to help. We've been helping people buy homes in Albuquerque and the surrounding communities for decades. In fact, Sandi has been rated the #1 Top Producing Realtor for 34 consecutive years. You can count on Sandi Pressley and her team to help you understand the home buying process. Contact us today to start your journey to owning your first 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!

1393 TIFFANY Lane SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124  $300,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 half) / 1846 Square Feet

TRINITY ESTATES! Open floor plan with lots of living space featuring wood ceilings, vigas, nichos, Kiva fireplace, skylights, REFRIGERATED AIR! Kitchen features beautiful cabinetry, granite countertops, island, recessed lighting, gas cooktop, double oven, walk-in pantry, breakfast bar & bkfst nook with a bay of windows! Master suite features double doors, sep shower, jetted tub, his & her vanities and two closets! Secondary bdrs and full bath on its own wing! Private backyard, beautifully landscaped with turf, shrubs, flowers and trees, covered patio and walled for privacy. Garage has separate, enclosed room for easy storage. Close to shopping, restaurants, parks and easy access to Albuquerque!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

Do you want to buy a home in Albuquerque, but don't have the best credit or a high income? Don't give up, because your goal of owning a home can become a reality, even in these uncertain times.

If you don't qualify for a conventional mortgage, you may qualify for one of a couple of government-backed loan options – the FHA Home loan and the USDA Rural Development loan. These loan options were created years ago by the Federal Governmebt to help low- and middle-income earners achieve homeownership. That means you don’t need a high paying job, a lot of money in the bank, or the best credit to qualify. You just need to show that you have a steady income that has lasted at least 2 years.

There are ups and downs to both of these loans. Here's an overview of what is required and what they offer.

Down payment requirements

FHA Loan

With the FHA loan, you only need 3.5% of the purchase price for the down payment. For example, that’s $3,500 for a $100,000 loan. If you’re having trouble coming up with the down payment, FHA allows your down payment to be a gift from your parents or another relative.

USDA Rural Development

With this loan, you don't need a down payment. You can finance up to 100% of the property value, which, in some cases, can be above the home’s purchase price. In these cases, you can finance your closing costs as well. So if the property value is $5000 above the purchase price, you can borrow that extra money, as long as you apply it to the closing costs, which can run into the thousands of dollars. 

TAKEAWAY: If you have little cash on hand, the Rural Development loan offers more flexibility.

Income Requirements

USDA Loan

USDA Rural Development loan income limits vary by location and household size. For the majority of U.S. counties, USDA loan income limits are $82,700 for 1-4 household members and $109,150 for 5 or more.

USDA Rural Development

The Rural Development loan was created to help individuals with a modest income buy a home. In order to satisfy this goal, the USDA requires that lenders certify the applicant’s household income to ensure it does not exceed the income limit for their area.

TAKEAWAY: If your income is above the USDA Rural Development income limits, you’ll need to go with the FHA loan.

Mortgage Insurance

Both loans require mortage insurance in the form of funding/guarantee fees paid up front. You'll also be required to pay a monthly fee which is rolled up into your mortgage payment.

Mortgage insurance is considerably higher for the FHA loan as compared to the Rural Development loan. FHA upfront insurance is 1.75% of the total loan; the monthly insurance is usually 0.85% of the loan amount. USDA upfront insurance is 1.0% of the total loan; the monthly insurance is just 0.35%.

If you're borrowing $150,000, this is what you can expect to pay:

Loan

FHA

USDA

Upfront Fee

$2,625

$1,500

Monthly Fee

$128

$53

You’ll owe this amount as part of monthly mortgage payment

 

$229

 

$150

Even though you have to pay extra for mortgage insurance, it's what allows you to buy a home with a lower down payment.

Location

The Rural Development loan was created to help people buy homes in areas such as those surrounding Albuquerque with lower populations. Properties in almost every area of the country outside major metropolitan centers can be purchased with a USDA loan. 

If you would like to learn more about FHA and USDA loan and how they can help you realize your dream of buying a home in Albuquerque, contact us 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!

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

 

Mistakes to Avoid When Flipping a Home in Albquerque

by Sandi Pressley

Is flipping homes in Albuquerque a good way to make money? Many people are looking for new ways to bring in an income, and flipping homes may sound like a smart business move. It can be, but only if you do it right. Flipping homes ends up being harder and more expensive than most people realize. And if you think it's a way to get rich quick, then now is a great time to drop that perception. Flipping homes should be treated like any small business, as it requires time, money, planning, patience, skill, and effort.

Here are some mistakes to avoid if you plan to flip a home for sale in Albuquerque:

Not Enough Money

It goes without saying that real estate is expensive. Plus, if you need to finance the home, then you'll being paying interest, which adds up over time.

Although the interest on borrowed money is still tax-deductible even after the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it is not a 100% deduction. Every dollar spent on interest adds to the amount you'll need to earn on the sale just to break even.

And if you use a mortgage or home equity line of credit (HELOC) to finance your flip-house purchase, only the interest is deductible. The principal, taxes and insurance portions of your payment are not.

You need to make sure you research your financing options to find a mortgage type that bests suits your needs. 

It's also not as easy to make a profit as it used to be. Profit margins have shrunk over the years. That doesn’t mean there isn’t money to made, but it does mean that you need to be more careful.

It also costs money to fix up a home. Keep in mind that the sale price needs to be more than the combined cost of buying the home, holding the home, and the cost of renovations.

Not Enough Time

Time is the other major investment to consider when flipping a home. It can take months to find the right property in Albuquerque. Then you have to take to to fix it up to sell. When you're done with the work, you then need to schedule inspections to make sure the property complies with applicable building codes before you can sell it. If it doesn't, you'll need to spend more time and money to bring it up to par.

If you work a regular job, then you'll have to spend your free time to do the renovation work. Even if you hire professional help, you still need to spend time to supervise the work. And of course, the money you spend on help will cut into your profit.

Then comes the selling process. We can help you sell your home quickly and for the best price. But that process still takes time, sometimes weeks or months.

Not Enough Skills

If you're a professional builder, carpenter, or plumber, then flipping a home will come much easier, as you already know how to fix up a home. You may also have a union job that provides an unemployment check, which will let you work on the home on the side.

The best way of making money when flipping a house is through good old-fashioned sweat and effort. If you're handy with a hammer, enjoy laying carpet, and can hang drywall, roof a house, and install a kitchen sink, you've got the skills to flip a house.

On the other hand, if you don’t know a Phillips-head screwdriver from a flat screwdriver, you will need to pay a professional to do the renovations and repairs. And that will reduce the odds of making a substantial profit on your investment.

In the end, flipping a home takes time, money, and patience. If you have all three of those things, then you can make a success out of flipping homes 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!

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

 

Should You Downsize to a Smaller Home in Albuquerque?

by Sandi Pressley

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

 

Is a Recession the Same as a Housing Crash?

by Sandi Pressley

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

 

Why You Should Work With an Agent in Albuquerque

by Sandi Pressley

"I don't need to hire an agent. Why should I pay extra?" This is a statement many home buyers and sellers in Albuquerque have said over the years. Despite the fact that most people have no idea how to buy or sell a home by themselves, some still decide to take on the process on their own, without professional help.

You might think it's self-serving for us to say that you need to hire an experienced real estate agent to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque. Yet now more than ever, there are very solid reasons why you should hire a Realtor. Here are 3 of those reasons:

My services are free for buyers

Many home buyers in Albuquerque don't know that it’s the seller who pays all the real estate fees at closing. This includes not only their real estate broker’s commissions, but the buyers’ agent’s as well.

It is important to have professional representation when you purchase a home. Even if you think you can do it alone, you must remember that there are major steps to the purchase process, many people involved in the transaction, time restrictions, legal requirements and more to consider.

Not many things in life are free, so the fact that you can hire someone to represent you in one of the largest financial transactions you’ll ever be a party to, at no cost to you, is pretty compelling.

Not all FSBO sellers cooperate with brokers

When a FSBO seller agrees to pay a buyers’ real estate agent’s commission, the process is known as cooperating with brokers. Not all FSBO sellers are willing to do so. If you’ve decided to work with an agent in the purchase of a FSBO, ask the seller if he or she is willing to pay your agent’s commission.

You won’t necessarily get a discount

Many FSBO buyers are under the impression that, since the seller doesn’t have to pay an agent’s commission, he or she will be willing to discount the price of the home accordingly. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Consider this: the typical FSBO seller is single and earns less than the area median income. He or she is less likely to offer help with closing costs than home sellers with agents, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Furthermore, the number one reason a homeowner chooses to go it alone when selling is to save the money they would’ve paid in commissions. They are not about to give this money to the buyer of their home.

To sum up, working with a real estate agent, especially someone who has decades of experience buying and selling home in Albuquerque, just makes sense.

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!

12906 ALICE Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112  $172,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1443 Square Feet

This wonderful townhome has newer carpet & fresh paint in 2019. Refrigerated Air, Custom Brick fireplace and Banco (hearth). The great room is wonderful for entertaining, and an enclosed atrium opening to kitchen (window) and great room, great for dining or planting. Oversized garage, enclosed courtyard makes this your next home. Close to shopping and fwy. Don't wait!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

As our world is changing so rapidly with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, many people are wondering how long this will last and what impact it will have on the economy. As such, many who were thinking about buying a home in Albuquerque may think they should put that goal on hold. But should you suspend your home search now? The short answer is "no." Here's why.

Despite all the unsettling changes happening and the effect it's having on the economy right now, it will very likely be followed by economic expansion like we’ve seen play out in the U.S. economy many times over.

What are experts saying about an economic rebound? It starts with a forecast of U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to Investopedia:

“Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period. As a broad measure of overall domestic production, it functions as a comprehensive scorecard of the country’s economic health.”

Based on the GDP, three leading financial institutions state that the economy will see a projected sharp decline followed by a steep rebound in the second half of this year. A recent study from John Burns Consulting also notes that past pandemics have also created V-Shaped Economic Recoveries, and they had minimal impact on housing prices. This certainly gives hope and optimism for what is to come as the crisis passes.

Keeping this history in mind, many business owners are being optimistic about the economy making a strong return. A recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows that 66% of business owners feel that their companies will return to business as usual within a month of the passing of the pandemic. A solid 90% feel that within 1-3 months, things will be back to normal. 

From expert financial institutions to business leaders across the country, we can clearly see that the anticipation of a quick return to normal once the current crisis subsides is not too far away. 

With these things being considered, if you had been wanting to buy a home in Albuquerque, there's no reason to stop your progress on searching for a home.

One thing you can do to stay on top of your home buying process is to get pre-approved for a mortgage, which you can do from home. Getting pre-approved will hep you get a better idea of what you can afford so that you can move forward with confidence in buying a home in Albuquerque.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5910 HANNETT Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $208,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1885 Square Feet

Terrific location close to Uptown, shopping, dining, parks, UNM! 3BDR/2BA/1CG! Versatile floor plan with 3 living spaces; combined living & dining space, separate hobby/office/bdr, plus large family room/den with cozy wood fireplace. NEW ROOF (2017-1018) Updated furnace (2017) Newer water heater! Lots of light, skylights, ceiling fans, separate utility room! Kitchen features new gas stove, lots of cabinets, tile floor, breakfast bar and is open to the dining room. Outdoor living space with covered patio and walled for privacy and storage shed.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

Everything is changing in our lives, and the real estate market is no exception. They way buyers work with agents, lenders, and all of the people involved in buying a home in Albuquerque are changing to the virtual world. But through it all, one thing is not changing: the need for people to buy homes. Buying a home can drive the local economy here in Albuquerque.

Everyone is being affected differently by the effects of this virus on the economy. If you're in a position to buy a home, you are a major economic force in your neighborhood in Albuquerque. Even though we don't know how long it will take for this pandemic to pass, there are still things right now to keep your search for a new home in Albuquerque going.

Every year the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares a report that notes the full economic impact of home sales. This report makes the following statement:

“The total economic impact of real estate related industries on the state economy, as well as the expenditures that result from a single home sale, including aspects like home construction costs, real estate brokerage, mortgage lending and title insurance.”

That means that when you buy a home in Albuquerque, you make an impact on the local economy. While it fulfills your need for a having a roof over your head, it also generates income for appraisers, loan officers, the title company, your real estate agent, and anyone else who contributes to the process of buying a home. These people also have teams that they work with that benefit from the purchase. And when you buy a new construction home, that impact almost doubles. According that same report, the economic impact of a home sale in New Mexico is $66,912. That's a lot of people in Albuquerque who benefit from just one home sale.

When you buy a home in Albuquerque, you become an economic driver. Even if you're not ready to buy a home right now, there are things you can do to keep your own process moving forward so you’re set when the time is right for you. Contact us today to keep your home buying process on track.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5910 HANNETT Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $208,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1885 Square Feet

Terrific location close to Uptown, shopping, dining, parks, UNM! 3BDR/2BA/1CG! Versatile floor plan with 3 living spaces; combined living & dining space, separate hobby/office/bdr, plus large family room/den with cozy wood fireplace. NEW ROOF (2017-1018) Updated furnace (2017) Newer water heater! Lots of light, skylights, ceiling fans, separate utility room! Kitchen features new gas stove, lots of cabinets, tile floor, breakfast bar and is open to the dining room. Outdoor living space with covered patio and walled for privacy and storage shed.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

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Photo of The Sandi Pressley Team Real Estate
The Sandi Pressley Team
Coldwell Banker Legacy
10400 Academy Rd. NE Suite 100
Albuquerque NM 87111
505-980-2999
505-263-2173 / 505 293-3700
Fax: 505-212-0729

Quick links to this site are also SandiSells.net or SandiSellsHomes.com