Real Estate Information Archive

If you plan on buying a home in Albuquerque, you likely will need a mortgage. The process of finding a mortgage might involve the assistance of a mortgage broker. An experienced mortgage broker can help you secure the best interest rates and terms. There is, however, still some residual doubt about working with these professionals after the 2008 real estate market crash.

There is a possibility that a mortgage broker is not really looking out for your best interests. It is true that working with someone who is experienced and ethical is an asset. Using a mortgage broker has its pros and cons, just as anything else.

Mortgage brokers are an alternative to banks. Banks and mortgage companies are direct lenders. The financial institutions in this category originate, process, and fund loans. Money is lent by the company handling your loan process.

A mortgage broker is a middleman, and the goal is for the broker to match you with the right lender for your needs. Brokers work with wholesale mortgage companies, so they’re your primary and unified point of contact to compare multiple loan options.

The following are some of the pros and cons of working with mortgage brokers.

What Are the Pros of a Mortgage Broker?

When you work with a broker, benefits include:

Brokers have access to interest rates and loan program options from various lenders, so they might be able to get you a more specialized product that’s well-suited to your needs.

In addition to everything else that comes with buying a house, comparing lenders is time-consuming. Brokers can help manage the legwork, and they can also make sure you steer clear of lenders with adverse payment terms that might be otherwise buried in the fine print. While brokers do a lot of the heavy lifting, so to speak, you still need to do some of your own research before meeting with someone so that you’re going to be better prepared to assess the skills and qualifications of the broker.

Since brokers work exclusively with lenders, they might have better access. Some lenders won’t let you directly get in contact for a retail mortgage.

Brokers can get special rates if they generate a lot of business for a lender, and you wouldn’t be able to do this on your own.

Brokers might be able to manage the fees. There are a lot of fees that come with getting a mortgage, including application, origination, and appraisal fees. A mortgage broker may be able to negotiate with lenders to waive some or all of these, which can end up saving you thousands of dollars.

What Are the Downsides of Working With a Mortgage Broker?

There are some downsides you have to weigh that come with working with a broker.

Mortgage brokers aren't guaranteed to act in your best interests. Brokers earn a commission when they refer business to lenders, so if you were working with someone, they could steer you toward a loan that's higher than you want. After the 2008 housing market crash, many brokers earned a negative reputation for maximizing their own compensation.

Some mortgage brokers may offer you the same terms and rates that you’d get from the lender anyway. You should probably still shop around to make sure what you’re getting from a broker is the best deal, increasing the amount of work you need to do and negating some of the benefits of working with a broker in the first place.

A mortgage broker might be paid by a lender or by you. In such a case, you might also need to inquire about whether you are being guided toward a loan that ends up being more expensive just so the broker can earn a higher commission. It is essential that you know all fees upfront before you agree to anything or work with a broker.

For many buyers, particularly since you have access to online comparison tools, a broker might not be worth it as you secure a mortgage.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

Majestic Custom Tuscan style home with over 3500 square feet, featuring an open & bright floorplan & thoughtful architectural & design details throughout! Grand foyer leads to stunning great room boasting a raised, beamed ceiling; floor to ceiling 'stack' stone fireplace; picture windows to enjoy the Sandia Mtn views; & surround sound extending out to covered patio. Gourmet kitchen graced w/beautiful cabinets & granite cntrs; high end SS appliances w/dbl ovens & 2 microwaves; oversized eat-at island; large pantry & sunny nook. Exquisite custom etched glass doors open o the formal dining room! Privately situated primary suite is a true retreat with its own east facing patio & spa like en suite.

Learn More!

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

What more could you ask for in a luxury home than to be located in one of the most scenic places on earth? Our top luxury homes for sale in Albuquerue offer everything you can imagine, including stunning views of the Sandia mountains and the surrounding area.

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team today for your exclusive showing. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

Majestic Custom Tuscan style home with over 3500 square feet, featuring an open & bright floorplan & thoughtful architectural & design details throughout! Grand foyer leads to stunning great room boasting a raised, beamed ceiling; floor to ceiling 'stack' stone fireplace; picture windows to enjoy the Sandia Mtn views; & surround sound extending out to covered patio. Gourmet kitchen graced w/beautiful cabinets & granite cntrs; high end SS appliances w/dbl ovens & 2 microwaves; oversized eat-at island; large pantry & sunny nook. Exquisite custom etched glass doors open o the formal dining room! Privately situated primary suite is a true retreat with its own east facing patio & spa like en suite.

Learn More!

45 BROKEN ARROW Place, Sandia Park, NM 87047

Luxurious Custom Home located on a private gated street in the prestigious Paako Ridge Community, situated next to the fairway of hole #1 of the world class Paako Ridge Golf course! Approximately 300K has been invested by current owners in the surrounding environmentally friendly & efficient landscaping that boasts low voltage lighting, stone fountain, drought tolerant trees, shrubs and perennials. Environmentally constructed for optimum energy efficiency, with thoughtful architectural & designer details throughout, this exquisite home will impress the most discerning buyer! Upon entry, the open & bright great room offers a dramatic raised coffered ceiling, custom tile floors, double sided gas log fireplace, & awe-inspiring views of veranda & garden through the windows & French doors.

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.

Real estate can seem complicated to people regardless of whether they are first-time homebuyers or experienced investors. There is a lot to learn about mortgages, contracts, and market analysis. When you have the right knowledge and resources, you can easily navigate through this potential minefield. 

Real estate can be a great way for you and your family to build wealth and financial security. But, just like any other form of investing, buying and selling a property isn't without its risks. However, there are things you can do to help you make sure that your real estate investments are successful.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making decisions in the real estate market:

Not Having Enough Money

You can make a big mistake in real estate investing if you rush in without enough money for contingencies. You'll need capital not only for your initial investment, but also for any unexpected issues that might arise. But even with a loan, it's important to ensure you have enough saved to cover the remaining expenses and still turn a profit.

Not Getting a Home Inspection

Nobody wants to be unexpectedly saddled with costly repairs after purchasing a house. Getting a home inspection before you buy a property can save you both time and money in the long run. If there are any issues, a professional inspector will identify them. As a result, you won't agree to anything without knowing what you're getting into. An inspection may seem unnecessary at first, but opting out could result in unexpected expenses in the future.

Not Having Realistic Expectations

There are no shortcuts to success when it comes to real estate investing. Making it in this business requires a lot of energy, research, and gut instinct. Aiming high and expecting huge returns with little effort may seem tempting, but it's rarely the case. Rather than becoming discouraged or overwhelmed, it is important to set realistic expectations in these situations. Focus on acquiring properties within your budget and that are accessible. By doing this, you won't take on too much financial risk. With careful planning and an eye for detail, you can navigate the real estate market- but it doesn't happen overnight!

Not Diversifying Your Portfolio

It's an old financial rule – don't put all your eggs in one basket. In the world of real estate investing, that rule still applies. The best way to ensure a lucrative and successful investment portfolio is to diversify it as much as possible. This means considering different types of properties in various markets. Creating a mix that reflects your personal needs and goals is also necessary. Sure, it may require more research and effort, but you can rest assured knowing that your investment is spread out. So the consequences of any unexpected market changes won't be catastrophic. Instead, diversifying your portfolio across a mixture of real estate investments can help build wealth for years to come.

Not Working with a Qualified Agent

Although it might be tempting to try to cut corners and save a few dollars by skipping the assistance of an experienced real estate agent, it's not advised. An agent who's been in the business for a while will have all the necessary skills to find precisely what you're looking for. They will also help you negotiate a fair price. Even more valuable are their insights into the best possible options for real estate investments in Albuquerque. Their expertise in helping you through a complex process that can often be quite confusing is excellent. As such, a qualified agent, such as Sandi Pressley, is essential if you really want to get the most out of your real estate investment.

Conclusion

Real estate can be a complex field, but it doesn't have to be intimidating if you take the time to understand the basics. From understanding mortgages and loan types to exploring local market trends, there's no shortage of knowledge available when it comes to real estate. The most important thing is to equip yourself with as much information as possible before making any significant decisions. It may take some time and effort, but the rewards are worth it in the end. With a bit of research and preparation, you can navigate the real estate world with confidence.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

45 BROKEN ARROW Place, Sandia Park, NM 87047

Luxurious Custom Home located on a private gated street in the prestigious Paako Ridge Community, situated next to the fairway of hole #1 of the world class Paako Ridge Golf course! Approximately 300K has been invested by current owners in the surrounding environmentally friendly & efficient landscaping that boasts low voltage lighting, stone fountain, drought tolerant trees, shrubs and perennials. Environmentally constructed for optimum energy efficiency, with thoughtful architectural & designer details throughout, this exquisite home will impress the most discerning buyer! Upon entry, the open & bright great room offers a dramatic raised coffered ceiling, custom tile floors, double sided gas log fireplace, & awe-inspiring views of veranda & garden through the windows & French doors.

Learn More!

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

Downsizing and moving into a smaller Albuquerque home might be a good option for you for a number of reasons. Having an empty nest is a good reason. Families with children still at home often make the decision to downsize in order to save money on their mortgage and to have less upkeep and maintenance. You have less time to enjoy your life if you spend all of your free time maintaining a larger home than you need.

When you downsize to a smaller home, you can declutter and enjoy lower utility bills. Living in a smaller home requires you to think about your priorities and get rid of things that aren’t needed.

If you plan to downsize, decluttering and preparing can be intimidating, and the following are some tips to take some of the stress out of it.

Be Strategic

The biggest items in your current home are probably the first things you'll consider when you downsize. It's not worth your time to guess what will fit or not with furniture and large items.

Instead, create a floor plan for your new home, then map out a grid for your furnishings to determine what will fit and how. It's incredibly easy to do this using apps.

You’ll feel more confident in your decisions as far as what you keep and throw away if you measure first. If there are rooms in your current home that you won’t have at all in your new home, get rid of everything from those if you can. For example, if you’re not going to have a guestroom, start eliminating the items in your current guestroom first.

Take Inventory

You're going to have to get rid of things if you're moving to a smaller home. Having less clutter and a more simplified living space is one of the benefits of downsizing.

Start by taking inventory of what you have versus what you need. You can begin weeding out the things you’re certain you want to get rid of, such as duplicate items.

Start Small

Create a downsizing plan, and start small. Don’t overwhelm yourself with the most challenging parts of your house first.

For example, begin with your laundry room or perhaps a small closet. Don’t start with your garage or your basement first—those can be the biggest projects to take on.

Start Clearing Things Out

You can begin the process of clearing out your belongings once you have a general idea of how much space you have in your new home.

Make four piles. Don't give yourself the option of a maybe pile.

The first pile will consist of giveaways. Don't save too many items in these piles. These are the things you're going to give to family and friends. Many of the things you plan to give loved ones may not be useful or valuable to them.

The next pile will be donations. If something is in bad shape, don’t put it in the donate pile because it probably won’t be accepted.

Your third pile can be more valuable items that you plan to sell.

Finally, your fourth pile heads to the dump.

Find Help

You should find someone who doesn't have an emotional attachment to what you do to assist you with the process. You have to take the emotionality out of downsizing, and a third-party can guide you in that direction.

Perhaps you should get help getting rid of things if you're having trouble. In that case, resist the urge to micromanage what they give away or discard.

Finally, try to make downsizing as fast a process as you can. You don’t want to give yourself too much time to think on things because you might come up with some reason for keeping items that you really shouldn’t.

Get it done and move the items out as soon as possible.

Downsizing can be very emotional for many reasons, but create a plan for yourself and stick to it. Change is hard for most people but can bring wonderful benefits at the same time so focus on that rather than focusing on the feeling of giving something up.

Are you looking for the ideal property to build your own custom dream home in Albuquerque? Or are you ready to move into a luxury home loaded with everything you could ask for right now? You get a choice with these two outstanding HOT Albuquerque properties.

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team today for your exclusive showing. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

45 BROKEN ARROW Place, Sandia Park, NM 87047

Luxurious Custom Home located on a private gated street in the prestigious Paako Ridge Community, situated next to the fairway of hole #1 of the world class Paako Ridge Golf course! Approximately 300K has been invested by current owners in the surrounding environmentally friendly & efficient landscaping that boasts low voltage lighting, stone fountain, drought tolerant trees, shrubs and perennials. Environmentally constructed for optimum energy efficiency, with thoughtful architectural & designer details throughout, this exquisite home will impress the most discerning buyer! Upon entry, the open & bright great room offers a dramatic raised coffered ceiling, custom tile floors, double sided gas log fireplace, & awe-inspiring views of veranda & garden through the windows & French doors.

Learn More!

6500 PATO Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

We are proud to introduce this 0.34 Acre CORNER lot located in the desirable Petroglyph Estates neighborhood of Volcano Cliffs! There's so much to enjoy with this one, including location and AMAZING views from all sides. All lots come equipped with city utilities including gas, electricity, water, & sewer, and paved roads and sidewalks. Plus, there is NO SAD on this one! Grab this one today and start building your own custom dream home.

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.

Are you thinking about relocating to a city that has everything? With a great climate, affordable living, authentic cuisine, and plenty of outdoor activities, Albuquerque is a great place to call home. Whether you plan to live here temporarily or permenantly, the city offers unparalleled opportunities.

Cost of Living

Home prices in Albuquerque are below the national average, which is why Apartment Therapy named it one of the "7 Cheapest Cities to Buy a House Right Now" in 2020. There are also a number of fun and unique things to do in the city without spending a fortune. 

Short Commute Times

You can enjoy the big city feel without the big city commute in Albuquerque. You'll have enough time to explore the city like a local with commute times averaging 26 minutes. You don't need to worry about getting lost in a new city either. It's easy to navigate Albuquerque thanks to its grid layout, and the Sandia Mountains to the east will keep you on course.

Outdoor Life

If you love the outdoors, you'll find no end of activities to keep you going all year long. Whether you love to play in the water or the snow, there's always a new adventure awaiting. That's why it was named one of SmartAsset’s best places for outdoor enthusiasts to live and work in 2020.

History

Albuquerque is one of the oldest cities in America. You can see its rich history in Old Town, where quite a number of historic buildings still stand.

Ideal Weather

Albuquerque offers four distinct seasons, so if you love change, you'll enjoy them all here. Flowering blooms in the spring, vibrant greenery along the Bosque in the summer, beautiful foliage in the fall and the occasional snow storm in the winter create an ideal living situation. There are also more than 300 days of sunshine in Albuquerque every year, so outdoor activities are easy to enjoy.

World Famous Food

Foodies will be quite at home here in Albuquerque. The New Mexican cuisine foiund here combines history, local cultures and pure passion to create an entirely unique flavor. You'll discover the difference between "chili" and authentic "chile." You'll discover the variety of cuisines from around the globe in Albuquerque, no matter what your preference.

Stunning Scenery

There are dozens of mesmerizing landscapes surrounding this city, and it is conveniently located near many of the state's most breathtaking attractions. It's only a short drive to the Valles Caldera National Preserve, the Petroglyph National Monument and the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and Sandia Peak Ski Area.

Arts

The art scene in Albuquerque is also something that draws people from around the world. Art is everywhere in this cisty, from public art and murals, to the performing arts. There's something for every lover of art here.

Balloons

If you love hot air balloons, then you already know about the Balloon Fesitival held here every year in October. You'll feel right at home seeing all the beautiful balloons flying in the Albuquerque skies.

Craft Beer and Wine Scene

And last but not least, if you love craft beer and wine, welcome home! Along with being located in New Mexico which is the oldest wine producing region in the United States, but Albuquerque has one of the highest number of breweries per capita in the country. 

Are you ready to move to Albuquerque? Then contact Sandi Pressley and her team today to make it a reality!

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

2600 MONTERREY Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Welcome home to this single-owner, custom-designed, Tuscan-styled beauty. Situated on an oversized lot (over 1.5 acres) with STUNNING views of the Sandias, this home has so much to offer. Gourmet chef's kitchen features custom cabinets, GORGEOUS granite countertops, oversized island, HUGE Viking Gas Range, Double-Oven, Viking Microwave, Warming Drawer, and pH controlled water system. Bedrooms are oversized with 2 possible Master Suites. The Master Suite showcases stunning mountain views and a spa-like bathroom with Freestanding Jetted Tub, amazing tiled shower with multiple showerheads and double sinks plus a giant walk-in closet.

Learn More!

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

Many people are discouraged and disheartened by the rise in rent prices throughout the U.S.

Since 2019, the median rent for one-bedroom and two-bedroom units has increased by 13% and 16%, respectively.

Right now, one-bedroom rentals are at an all-time high.

The high rental prices in Albuquerque coincide with an overheated housing market. There have been record-setting home prices due to demand, inflation, and reduced home construction. Rental prices are rising because potential homebuyers are priced out of the market, requiring them to stay in the rental market.

As a renter in Albuquerque, it can seem impossible to save for a down payment when so much of your income goes toward rent. Homeownership feels unattainable for a large portion of the population.

It’s decidedly not an easy issue to work your way out of, but it is possible.

Figure Out What You Need

Start by crunching the numbers. It will be easier to achieve your goals if you have a concrete number for the down payment you need. If you don’t have a plan in mind or a set number to work toward, you’re going to feel scattered, and it will be much harder to get out of the rent cycle.

The down payment will depend on the type of loan you hope to get and where you plan to buy.

There are mortgages with a down payment as low as 3%, giving you opportunities to save up in a shorter period of time. You may have to pay for private mortgage insurance if you don’t put down 20%, however.

You have to think about other costs that you’ll need upfront money for to buy a home. These costs include closing fees and the costs of moving.

Open a Dedicated Down Payment Savings Account

After you've researched your mortgage options and figured out which one you'd like to end up getting, you can create a savings account. You will only use this account for your down payment.

So that you do not spend the money in it, it should be liquid and separate from anything else.

Deal with Debt

In order to save more money for a down payment, you must find ways to cut costs. One way to do that is to reduce your debt.

Do a balance transfer if you have a credit card balance with a high interest rate. You can transfer the expensive debt to a card with a zero-percent interest period.

If buying a house is your goal, try not to add any more debt during this time.

To qualify to get a mortgage, you’ll have to meet the debt-to-income requirement.

Find Ways to Cut Back

If you're paying a lot in rent, there's not much you can do unless you're willing to move unless you're willing to give things up.

It will be necessary for you to find other ways to reduce your costs. By skipping meals out, ordering food from home, or looking through your subscriptions, you might be able to save some money.

Think About Moving

We mentioned moving above, and you may not be willing or able to do it, but if you can, cutting down on what you’re paying for rent is one of the best ways to have more money to put toward a down payment.

It might be possible for you to renegotiate your lease with your landlord if you cannot move to a smaller or less expensive home, or you might get a roommate. If you can move, along with getting a smaller place, another option is to move outside of the center city area, if you live there currently. Typically, the further out you move from the central area of Albuquerque, the lower the rent.

Explore Assistance Programs

Finally, many mortgage lenders have programs and loans for first-time homebuyers that cover part or all of a down payment. There are also grants, which require you to complete a homebuyer education course before you get the financial assistance.

If you work in certain fields, like as a first responder or teacher, homebuying assistance programs are often available.

A lot of lenders are looking to reach out to underserved communities to help them make homeownership a reality, so make sure to explore everything that’s out there.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

1520 VISTA DE COLINAS Drive SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Corner lot, BEAUTIFUL one story home with a desirable floor place & lots of living space w/beautiful upgrades! Great room features a wall of windows, decorative ledges & a gas fireplace! Gather, cook & entertain in the gourmet kitchen featuring a wide island/bar with sink, 42''cabinets w/crown molding, granite countertops, large pantry & bkfst nook w/French doors to the backyard patio! Spacious master suite features his & her vanities, garden tub, separate shower, tile flooring and a large walk-in closet. Secondary bdrs on a private wing feature a Jack-N-Jill bath w/walk-in tub & shower. Utility room has cabs, sink & storage closet. Covered patio, easy care rock landscape, trees, turf and walled for privacy; a perfect place to enjoy outdoor living and the best of NM weather!

Learn More!

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

Being a new homeowner in Albuquerque is quite a learning experience. No matter what the project you try to tackle, it seems like there's always something that will catch you by surprise.

Yet if you have the right items handy, then you can be better prepared for any scenario. By stocking your home with these following items, you'll be ready for any new challenge as a new homeowner.

Wet-Dry Vacuum

You’re gonna be spilling stuff. Look for a wet-dry vacuum that can handle everything from paint to nails and small stones.

(The Right) Fire Extinguisher

Most people don't realize there are more than one type if fire extinguisher. In fact, there are five different types of fire extinguishers with different uses, from extinguishing cooking oils to wood and paper. Check the U.S. Fire Administration’s guide to make sure you get the right one for your home.

A small coloured band indicates the type of fire extinguisher – red for water, white and red for water mist, cream colour for foam, blue for dry powder, yellow coded extinguishers are used for wet chemical, green for clean agent and black for CO2 extinguishers.

Extension Cord Organizer

No one likes to deal with tangled cords, especially extension cords. You can save yourself time and hassle with cord management devices. You can also make your own with a pegboard, hooks, and velcro straps to keep each cord loop secure.

Either way, your cords will be knot-free and easy to find. And be sure to include a heavy-duty extension cord in your organizer that’s outdoor-worthy. You don’t want to really have to use that fire extinguisher.

Big-Kid Tools

Odds are you already own a bunch of the basics: drill, screwdriver, hammer, level, tape measure, wrench, pliers, staple gun, utility knife, etc. But home ownership may require a few new ones you might not have needed before, including a:

• Stud finder. You can make as many holes in the walls as you want now. Use the stud finder to figure out where to hang those heavy shelves so they’re safely anchored.
• Hand saw. Much easier (and cheaper!) than a power saw, you can get a good cross-cut saw for smooth edges on small DIY projects.
• Ratchet set. Every bolt in your new house belongs to you, so you’d better be able to loosen and tighten them when needed. Crank that ratchet to get to spots where you can’t turn a wrench all the way around. Great for when you’re stuck in a corner.
• Pry bar. Get one with a clawed end to pull nails and a flat end to separate drywall, remove trim or molding, and separate tile.

Tool Kit

You’ll need something to carry all those tools around from project to project. Create a tool carrier using a tool bucket liner and an old 5-gallon bucket. Or invest in a handyman belt filled with the basics to keep on hand in the kitchen.

Confidence

With a little self-confidence — and some YouTube tutorials — there’s (almost) no DIY project you can’t master.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

5208 RUSSELL Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114

Location + Serenity = 5208 Russell Dr. Welcome home to this updated gem in Paradise Hills. Situated on an oversized lot, enjoy a wealth of perks in this 4-bedroom, comfortable home. NEW Champion Windows (2022), NEW Fireplace High-Efficiency Wood Stove insert (2021), almost new kitchen appliances (2019) including Gas Range, Refrigerator, Dishwasher and Disposal, Mastercool (2016) AND NEWER Stucco & Roof (2016). Get ready for the holidays with room for everyone in the open, updated kitchen with oversized pantry and access to TWO living areas. And then check out the backyard!!

Learn More! 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 process of buying and selling a home in Albuquerque involves inspections. By doing this, buyers can avoid spending money on expensive repairs later on, and sellers can prepare their properties for a quick sale. Furthermore, regular home inspections help homeowners learn how to maintain, enhance, and increase the value of their properties. 

Here are the things you should know about a home inspection and what to expect from it. 

The Property Will Be Inspected Thoroughly

As the name suggests, a home inspection will cover every nook and cranny of the property, both the interior and exterior. 

You should be present during the inspection if you are the buyer. The inspector will be able to show you firsthand what the inspector is checking, allowing you to determine which areas need repair and how extensive those repairs will be.

Generally, the seller should not attend the home inspection. The seller’s presence will inhibit the success of the inspection because the buyer will not be comfortable conferring with the inspector about the home’s flaws. 

You can find out more about the home inspection process and what it entails by contacting reputable real estate agencies like Hills Direct Real Estate.

It May Take Several Hours

Depending on the size of the house and the number of areas to inspect, a general home inspection can take around two to four hours or even more. In case there are too many major issues with the property, the inspection may be the start of a new process.

Depending on the findings, the report may launch a series of questions and challenges. The seller may agree to make the necessary repairs or give the buyer some money to hire someone to do the repairs before they move in. In some cases, the buyer may cancel the offer to buy the property if it has major safety issues. 

You Need To Hire A Good Home Inspector

Just like in any profession, there are qualified and unqualified home inspectors. However, it can be challenging to distinguish a professional and qualified inspector from someone who’s not. 

Checking the inspector's credentials is essential. A licensed and certified inspector is the best choice. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) certifies inspectors who have passed an exam and completed a minimum of 250 inspections. An inspector licensed by the state is familiar with the state's home inspection standards. 

Furthermore, you may ask to see the inspector’s sample report. This report should be comprehensive and contain color photos of the home’s problems. 

Inspecting a home is a tedious process. Further evaluation is needed in many areas and aspects. Therefore, hiring a professional home inspector is essential. Also, an incompetent home inspector can jeopardize a transaction.

It Requires You To Invest Some Money

Home inspections can give the buyer peace of mind. It’s beneficial for you to know that the property has been thoroughly checked for any issues. You can be sure that the house you intend to purchase has no hidden problems that might cause you headaches once you start living there. Since no home is perfect, the home inspection can also serve as a guide on home repairs that may be required over time.

It is your responsibility to hire a home inspector as the buyer. When you purchase a property, you should know what a home inspection will cost you so you are prepared for additional costs. There is no set fee for home inspections, however. Home size and location determine the price. 

Typically, the price of a general home inspection costs somewhere between USD$300 and USD$500. Also, the price may increase if you want a more specialized inspection. 

You Will Receive A Home Inspection Report

A copy of the home inspection report will be sent to the buyer within a few days. It’s a usually multi-page document that includes all the details of how the inspection went and the overall condition of the property. 

The report will list the issues that were found during the inspection and corresponding recommendations. Expect to see many photos from different areas that highlight the house’s flaws. 

The inspector will also include in the report the age of appliances and systems in the house based on the information they’ve gathered. 

The best thing about home inspections is that it protects the buyer from acquiring a property with major safety and health issues. You may also use the inspection report as leverage to request the seller to reduce the price or to undertake some repairs. The report itself is valuable because it contains a professional’s unbiased opinion about the issues they managed to uncover and how these can be addressed.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

8519 MENDOCINO Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

Exceptional Custom Beauty situated in the highly desirable neighborhood of Vineyard Estates! This light, bright, single level home features 2 living areas & a split master floorplan. Featuring raised ceilings, clerestory windows, & skylights optimal for natural light; rich oak wood flooring & wood look tile throughout. The fully remodeled kitchen (2022) boasts gorgeous granite countertops w/waterfall eat at island, new cabinets w/solid brass hardware, SS appliances including 3 ovens, & opens to the welcoming family & dining spaces. The Primary Suite is a true oasis with its own private courtyard & spa like en suite. Oversized Garage w/room for workshop etc. Outdoor entertaining will be a delight under the covered patio & lush landscaped backyard. Close to shopping, park, schools, & more.

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

Just listed! These latest Albuquerque properties for sale are just what the real estate market has been waiting for. Whether you're looking for the perfect starter home or ready to upgrade your lifestyle, these homes have what you need.

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team today for your exclusive showing. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

11208 HAINES Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112

Welcome Home! This adorable move in ready 3 bedroom 1 bath home has been tastefully remodeled. Wonderful light bright open floor plan. Large living area and spacious rooms. Backyard access is a real plus! Enjoy relaxing on the big covered patio with a little mountain view. This NE Heights GEM is conveniently located close to shopping, parks, schools and restaurants. Come see this charming home today!

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521 ALBINO Road, Corrales, NM 87048

Majestic Custom Tuscan style home with over 3500 square feet, featuring an open & bright floorplan with thoughtful architectural & design details throughout! Grand foyer leads to stunning great room boasting a raised beamed ceiling; floor to ceiling 'stack' stone fireplace; picture windows to enjoy the Sandia Mtn views; & surround sound extending out to covered patio. Gourmet kitchen graced w/beautiful cabinets & granite counters; high end SS appliances including two built-in microwaves; oversized eat-at island; large pantry; & sunny nook. Exquisite custom etched glass doors lead into the formal dining room! Privately situated primary suite is a true retreat with its own east facing patio & spa like en suite. 

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.