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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

 

Should You Co-Sign For a Home Loan?

by Sandi Pressley

Have you been asked by a close family member of friend to co-sign on a mortgage for a home in Albuquerque? If you decide to be a co-signer, that's a great way of helping someone get into their first home. But there are some things about co-signing that you should consider before you proceed.

One of the most important things to think about is if the person you co-signed for defaults on the loan. The point of co-signing is that there will be a backup if the primary loan holder defaults on the loan. Payments can be up to 60 days late before a lender forecloses on the property. As the co-signer, you won't typically know about late payments until things get bad. A good idea to avoid surprises is to get copies of the monthly statements and monitor them.

Your credit score is another factor in co-signing. The payments made by the primary loan signer actually show up on your credit report as if you made them. That's a good thing if those payments are timely. But as you can guess, if those payments are late or default, then this will affect your credit adversely.

Co-signing on a loan also affects your credit balance. The new payment, even though it's being made by the primary signer, will still be adding to your own debt. So if you plan on buying a home in Albuquerque yourself any time soon, you need to factor in the debt amount added by co-signing on another home as it could keep you getting approved for your own home mortgage.

As you can see, there are certain risks involved when co-signing a mortgage. What's a good way to help someone buy their first home in Albuquerque without co-signing?

If you have enough cash on hand, you can offer to help gifting the money toward the home purchase. This will lower the amount they need to get the mortgage for, and make it easier for them to qualify. Gifting money also means you aren't attached to a loan for decades, possibly affecting your credit for all that time.

Another point to consider about co-signing us that it won't help if either of you have bad credit. Lenders usually use the lowest credit score of all the borrowers. That means if you have a high credit score, it won't help the primary borrower if they have a bad score.

Co-signing on a loan to help someone buy a home in Albuquerque can be a good thing, as long as you weigh the risks with the benefits.

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!

4809 MI CORDELIA Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM  $465,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2765 Square Feet

This spectacular Scott Patrick, updated one-story home is perched high in the desired Andalucia De La Luz community with park & walking trails. This spacious home has soaring ceilings, light filled rooms, a curved wall of windows providing sweeping views of the Sandias, & amazing Sunsets. Beautifully renovated Gourmet kitchen opens to a spacious dining & family rooms. This flowing floorplan is wonderful for entertaining. 4 spacious bdrms or 3bdrm plus an office. Luscious master suite with oversized dream custom closet. The landscaped private courtyard offers more views of the Sandias. Features include gas log fireplace, skylights, generous storage thru-out, good sized laundry room. Convenient access to Coors, Montano, I40 & Cottonwood. Curtains, Ring alarm system & camaras do not convey.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

Strategies For First Time Albuquerque Home Buyers

by Sandi Pressley

Is this the year you decide to buy your first home in Albuquerque? What are some simple strategies to keep in mind when looking for your first home? Here are some points to consider when buying your first home in Albuquerque.

Location, Location, Location

There's a reason that this is such a main point in finding a home. You can change a building, but it's harder change a neighborhood. That's why doing your research on neighborhoods in Albuquerque is so important. Don't just look at crime rates. Look at amenities that you use frequently and commute times. 

Buying a less expensive home in a desirable neighborhood is a good strategy that will pay off later, as it will appreciate in value. If you buy a more expensive home, the less expensive homes in that neighborhood will suppress its value. 

Don’t Go For Your Forever Home

Remember that this is your first home. You will no doubt buy other homes later in life. So this home doesn't need to be your "forever home." A first home should serve as a stepping stone that leads to better homes down the road. You should try to buy and sell two or three homes over the course of your life, building equity as you go. Buying a forever home now will skip over this progression. And really, are you thinking about living 60 years in this home? This world changes rapidly, and people tend to move more often. You have no idea what the future will bring. So, buy a home that fits your current needs.

Buy in Moderation

Stay away from spending all your money on your first home and becoming "house rich, cash poor." If you spend all your money up front, then this doesn't leave any room for you to improve the home and puts you at risk if you need to make any immediate repairs.

Keeping your feelings in check will help you make a wiser decision when chosing how much to spend on your first home. You don't need to spend the limit of your mortgage, and you don't need to buy an expensive home just because you love it. That love dies quickly when you're cash strapped.

Again, think of this home as a stepping stone toward your future "forever home", one where you are more financially secure.

Buying a Home in the Country

The Albuquerque area certainly has some beautiful countryside. You may be tempted to buy your first home in the country thinking that you can get more house for the money. If that's what matters most to you, then that's the way to go.

However, living close to or in the city will give you more lifestyle, career, and education choices. You may be getting rid of urban problems in the country, but country life has it's own unique set of issues that can crop up, like water quality, black outs, less convenience, and scarcity of services. And small town residents face the same issues as big city dwellers, such as rising food and fuel costs, rising taxes, and environmental challenges.

There are many factors to consider when buying your first home in Albuquerque. We are happy to help guide you through the process. 

Make sure to 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!

100 BROADWAY Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102  $150,000

1 Bedrooms / 1 Bathrooms (1 full, 0 half) / 730 Square Feet

Urban Living at it's finest! Loft is located in the historic Classroom Building(built in 1935) of the old Albuquerque High School. Large west facing windows flood the loft with natural sunlight. Original wood floors. Kitchen Island, all appliances convey. Open floorplan, 14 foot ceilings, original chalkboard. Full bath. 3 Lockers for storage. Laundry and elevator in building.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

What to Expect From an Older Albuquerque Home

by Sandi Pressley

Albuquerque is a city rich in history, dating back hundreds of years. As such, if you're looking to buy a home here, you might come across a home for sale that's over 50 years old. There's certainly nothing wrong with buying an older home, as they offer styles and features from the past that may not be found in newer homes.

When you buy an older home in Albuquerque, there are some things to consider before making a decision to buy.

Plumbing

Many older homes have galvanized steel water piping. This kind of pipe was used originally in the 1970's because it was thought to have a longer shelf life. Now, after several decades, it's been discovered that these pipes can rust inside, leading to dirty water and blockage.

A specialized plumber can help you decide what needs to be repaired with this type of plumbing. New plumbing technology will give you cleaner water and reduce leaking.

Energy Efficiency

Older homes were not built to be as energy-efficient as they are today. Energy was cheaper back then, and insulation was not always used in home construction. If insulation wasn't installed or upgraded since the home's original construction, then you should assess how insulated your home is and make any needed upgrades.

Single-paned windows were also used in older homes, which can add up to a huge heat loss. If you're looking to buy an older home in Albuquerque that still has this type of window, you should decide if you plan to replace them, and how much that will cost if you do so. You may also see if you can negotiate having those windows replaced as part of the sale.

Floor Plans

Older homes in Albuquerque may not have as much floor space as newer homes. The bedrooms in older homes tend to be smaller, and master bedrooms were not as popular. 

If you're considering an older home, but want more open space, you can do so by adding additions, redoing your kitchen, or removing walls to add to your open floor plan. Of course, these improvements will cost a good deal of money. Make sure you factor in these costs when looking to buy an older home in Albuquerque.

Lead

All the way up to the 1970's lead paint was used in the interior of homes. The government banned lead paint in 1978. But even with that ban, lead paint was still used on occasion. Make sure that the house you plan to buy has been tested for lead. If a wall has been painted over, there still could be lead paint underneath the tops layer.

If the paint does test positive for lead, make sure it's removed and repainted by a professional. Professional painters are better equiped to deal with unhealthy paint and make sure it's removed in a manner that won't cause any health issues.

Make sure to 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!

6781 Rio Grande Boulevard NW, Los Ranchos, NM 87107  $745,000

5 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (3 full, 1 half) / 4019 Square Feet

Attention to detail in this exquisite, custom North Valley stunner! With 5 Bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths this home has it all. Gourmet kitchen with custom, locally crafted cabinets, oversized gas cooktop, custom vent hood and gorgeous stone countertops make this a chef's dream. The Master Suite is an oasis, with a 3-way gas fireplace, surround-sound speakers, Bonus attached living area, huge en suite with separate jetted tub and a custom walk-in closet the size of a small bedroom. Hand-hammered copper sinks throughout, high-end lighting and custom-made iron work - There are too many amenities to mention!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

One of the Top Reasons to Own a Home in Albuquerque

by Sandi Pressley

Do you want a really good reason to own a home in Albuquerque? Besides being a fantastic location to live, when you own your home, it's what can be called a “forced savings plan.” When you make your mortgage payment, part of it is applied to the principle balance. Each month, you owe less on the home. The difference between the value of the home and what you owe is called equity.

If your home's value has increased since you bought it, then your equity increases. On average, home owners gained more than $65,000 in equity over the last 5 years. That's a lot of money!

When you compare spending habits to 10 years ago, we find that homeowners also are no longer tapping into that equity to buy expensive items. They were pulling out cash (equity) from an appreciating asset, and then spending it on rapidly depreciating items. That is not the case today.

The number of homeowners that currently have at least 50% equity in their home is astonishing. According to the Urban Institute, 37.1% of all homes in the country are mortgage-free. In a home equity study, ATTOM Data Solutions revealed that of the 62.9% of homes with a mortgage, 25.6% have at least 50% equity. That number has been increasing over the last five years.

By doing a little math, we can see that 53.2% of all homes in this country have at least 50% equity right now. Of all homes, 37.1% are mortgage-free and an additional 16.1% with a mortgage have at least 50% equity.

As we can see, owning a home in Albuquerque is far different from renting. Owning a home means that your mortgage payment comes back to you in the form of equity in your home. That doesn’t happen with your rent payment. Your rent helps build your landlord’s equity instead.

Let us help you find the home of your dreams in Albuquerque. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1800 Cooke Canyon Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM  $385,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (1 full, 2 half) / 2690 Square Feet

Mountain Views! This popular one story Pulte floorplan has 4BDRS/3BA plus separate office/study with French doors!! Light, bright and open featuring two walls of sliding doors opening to the outdoor living space, covered patio showcasing mountain views! REFRIGERATED AIR! Tankless Water Heater! Approx 19k in new engineered wood flooring! 11k Professionally landscaped backyard with grass, roses, shrubs! Gourmet kitchen has built-in stainless steel appliances, gas cooktop, huge teardrop shaped Island, granite counter tops, beautiful cabinetry, backsplash & walk-in pantry. Master suite has bay window, large shower, raised granite dual sink vanity & walk-in closet!

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