Real Estate Information Archive

One of the many things that make Albuquerque such a great place to live is certainly the outstanding parks.  Albuquerque Parks & Recreation manages a wide array of parks for the benefit of Albuquerque residents.  You can do so many things such as golfing, swimming, playing with your kids in the playground, walk through stunning open spaces, shoot some targets, ride a hot air balloon, you name it!

If you’re up for a round of golf, there’s four public courses - Los Altos, Arroyo del Oso, Puerto del Sol, and Ladera. All of the courses have amenities such as a pro shop with rental equipment, along with a snack bar or café.

And if you want to go to a park, you have 288 parks to choose from! Of course one of the best parks has to be Balloon Fiesta Park, home of the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. The park also hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year.

So if you’re looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy the beauty of Albuquerque, you just found almost 300 reasons, so get outside and enjoy this wonderful city!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

9519 Iron Rock Drive NW, Albuquerque   $350,000

5 Bedrooms/ 3.5 Bathrooms/ 3020 Square Feet

This amazing home is only 3 years old, so you get a virtually new home without the extra building costs.  Features a modern plan and energy efficient.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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Are you looking to buy a home in New Mexico that’s near the conveniences of the metro area but not in the middle of all the excitement? If so, Corralles may be just the place for your new home.  While Corrales is located in the Albuquerque metropolitan area, it still retains it’s connection to it’s agrarian past.  Corralles is home to around 8300 residents, lending to it’s quality as a tight knit and pleasant community.

And you don’t need to go out of town to find great places to shop and dine. There’s a number of quality shops, along with a few galleries which feature locally made products, namely Sara Smith Contemporary, Ambiente of Corrales, Corrales Bosque Gallery, Epic Art, Gallery Nouveau and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center museum and shop. There’s also a great selection of restaurants, like Indigo Crow Café, Village Pizza, The Oasis of Corrales, and more.

There are many things that make Corrales the ideal community to buy a home.  Visit our Corrales, New Mexico Real Estate & Information page for more details about this wonderful community and to search for your dream home.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

9116 Wimbledon Drive NE, Albuquerque   $325,000

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms/ 1770 Square Feet

Gorgeous brick single story home with UPDATES GALORE in Tanoan's Gated Community!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Just 15 miles north of Albuquerque on the banks of the Rio Grande is one of the oldest towns in the Southwest - Bernalillo.  This is a town that holds onto its history, but is not afraid to grow with the times.  Bernalillo celebrates its history by partnering with wineries in New Mexico to host the annual Wine Festival each Labor Day, which of course features wine, along with music, arts and crafts, and great food.

And if you love being in the great outdoors, then the Sandia Lakes Recreational Area is the perfect place to enjoy hiking and picnics. And if you have children of high school age, there’s the convenience of having Bernalillo High School available for their education.

Search for your dream home in Bernalillo today!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

15 Calle Cobre, Placitas, NM   $498,000

5 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms/ 3200 Square Feet

An exquisite custom Placitas property on over 2 acres with stunning views and functional open floor plan and upgraded kitchen!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are planning on buying a home in Albuquerque? Then you might want to know about some of the great things to do here. Albuquerque abounds in attractions that highlight it's southwestern heritage. Here's a few to check out.

Albuquerque Biological Park

An amazing place to bring the family to experience over 250 species of animal life.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Experience the culture of Native America through it's pottery, arts & crafts, and more in this expansive museum.

Petroglyph National Monument

See real Native American engravings first hand on basalt boulders as you hike on one of the 3 trails.

Explora

Explore ideas you can touch at this tech and art museum designed for all ages. It features over 250 exhibits and a toddler area.

If you’re looking to buy a home in the Albuquerque area and are looking for a community that’s both far from everything and close to everything, then Placitas is the place!  People are drawn to Placitas for many reasons. The weather, the tranquility, the hiking – there’s something here for everyone.

Buying a home in Placitas means you’ll be close to both Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, as well as only 50 miles from Santa Fe.  That’s what makes this such a great bedroom community. You can have the best of both worlds here.

Living in Placitas put’s you within arm’s reach of great food and shopping.  There are a number of great restaurants locally, as well as a much larger selection of places to dine and shop in Albuquerque.

What really draws people to live in Placitas is the stunning landscape and outdoor activities due to being located at the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, along with biking trails closer to town.

For more reasons to move to Placitas and to search for homes for sale, visit our Placitas Real Estate and Information page.

Here’s a preview of some of the great homes you’ll find for sale. 

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

15 Calle Cobre, Placitas, NM 87043  $498,000

5 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms/ 3200 Square Feet

Exquisite Placitas property nestled on 2.25 AC w/stunning views.

Learn more by contacting the Sandi Pressley Team

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

It's the holiday gift buying season and the Albuquerque area has a vast array of gift ideas for fantastic area attractions and venues!  Consider replacing a traditional gift with one of these amazing spots for a great family experience.  All 5 have been included in the 25 Best Things to do in Albuquerque, by VacationIdea.com!

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway

Located on the Eastern edge of Albuquerque, in the foothills of Sandia, is North America’s longest Aerial Tram!  Experience breathtaking views riding high above the terrain. Learn more at http://www.sandiapeak.com/.

Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

Visit this extraordinary museum where high-flying adventure waits! Learn about Balloon flight, the founders of the museum and the incredible history of balloon flying. Find more information at their website: http://www.balloonmuseum.com/

Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

Give your family the joy and education of Albuquerque’s spectacular Museum of Art and History! Founded in 1967, the museum offers a culture rich heritage; local, regional and national themes throughout, as well as live performances, workshops and more. Learn more about the complete offerings at their site:  http://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/albuquerque-museum

Explora in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Bring science into the spotlight at this family-friendly center in Old Town! Featuring over 250 phenomenal hands-on exhibits and displays- including presentations for further explanation.  E exhibits include such fascinating topics as a High-Wire Bike, Experiment Bar- comes complete with white lab coats and a great arts and craft area, theater and gift store. Explore the fabulous Explora here: http://www.explora.us/en/

ABQ Trolley Co.

Visit the most exciting sites in Albuquerque about ABQ Trolley!  Sightseeing tours and historical fact gathering merges with a beautiful, custom made, open air Trolley.  Fun for every age!  Learn more at: http://www.abqtrolley.com/

Learn more about Albuquerque & Things to Do by visiting our website!

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

901 Adobe Road NW, Albuquerque, NM  $495,000

4 Bedrooms/ 2.1 Bathrooms/ 2700 Square Feet

STUNNING Adobe Hartenberger Custom Home with Beautiful Mountain Views and Nestled on a .68 lot!

Learn more by contacting the Sandi Pressley Team

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

It's finally here after a long campaign season....Election Day 2016!

If you're new to the Albuquerque area, you may not know where your polling location is located. Have no fear, we have a complete list of locations determined by your physical address. Bernalillo County has 69 voting locations for its residents. 

What do you need to place your vote? 

You need to be a registered voter in Bernalillo County by Oct. 11, 2016.

• A resident of New Mexico
• A citizen of the United States
• Eighteen years old or older at the time of the next election
• Not legally declared mentally incapacitated
• A convicted felon who has satisfied all the terms and conditions of sentencing. A certificate of completion must be provided.

Owning a home versus renting comes with many benefits. Painting the walls, having a pet, building a treehouse in the backyard for your kids, to name a few. It gives you the independence to do whatever you want with your home, whenever you want. Some people find it easier to continue renting than to gain that independence. Home ownership comes with many responsibilities. Here are the top three you’ll have to face as a homeowner.

Financial Responsibility

You will owe your lender payments which need to be paid in a timely manner. On time payments help build your credit, better credit can mean more remodeling projects you can take on, or perhaps furniture for your home, or maybe a new car. Having a higher credit score can help you with these things. Your payments should not exceed more than 40 percent of your income, if you overextend yourself, you could have trouble meeting the minimum payments. Limit the amount of credit you use and pay your bills on time every month. Avoid new charges unless you’ve paid off the old ones. You should also try and save as much money as you can. Put money in your 401K, invest in the stock market, or even put it in a lockbox under your bed, as long as you are saving rather than overspending. It’s also a good idea to have at least six months of payment stored somewhere in case of emergencies.

Neighborhood Responsibility

When you buy a home, you and your home are now a part of the image of the neighborhood, and can either improve or damage that image. Keeping your yard well-groomed can go far in making the neighborhood look nicer. This is an excellent way to protect your investment and that of your neighbors. This is one of the reasons many neighborhoods have homeowners associations. They try to protect property value by ensuring neighborhood safety and maintenance. To reap the benefits of higher property value, make sure to keep up with the HOA and their regulations. Consider volunteering to help or participate in meetings.Before you purchase a home in a neighborhood with an HOA, make sure to review their CC&Rs, (Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) and make sure you will be able to keep up with them. If there are terms or conditions that bother you it may be wise to search a different neighborhood for your home.

Household Responsibility

Moving into a new home is a great chance to improve your lifestyle and enjoy the benefits of your new home and neighborhood. Choose a home that meets your needs and allows you to live within your means. If you don’t have a yard for the kids, find a home near a park or a playground. Keep in mind the time it will take to drive to your local grocery store, work and school. Check out traffic in the area and think about how the drive times will affect your family. You might want to live in a particular area, but if the payment for the house is too high, it can create financial strain. It’s better to buy a smaller home and be able to manage your payments than to have a larger home and not be able to make your payments.

When you make the decision to give up your landlord and buy a home, Contact Sandi Pressley to get started.

The Albuquerque real estate market is HOT! This means the market for selling is good but if you're thinking about selling, there are some things you'll need to consider before you list your home. To sell quickly and for top dollar, you won't want to get caught with these issues dragging your listing down.

Problem #1 - Repair Damage Whether it's tenant damage or deferred maintenance on your part, repairing damage to your home is a great way to increase its value. Walls with holes, floors with scratches and the yard filled with weeds taller than your toddler are a sure way to scare off buyers or receive low ball offers on your home.

Problem #2 - Outdated Features Outdated features like carpeted bathrooms should be updated before you list. Issues like this speak volumes to buyers about the care and effort you've put into your home.

Problem #3 - Dirty Carpet Large stains in carpet will surely scare off potential buyers who may not understand if said stain came from a recent encounter with a spilled drink or a dog that's been using the area for a potty box long term. Shampoo the carpets and if the stain doesn't come out, consider replacing the carpet with wood, tile or new carpet. If replacement isn't an option, be ready to offer a discount so the buyers can do it themselves.

Problem #4 - Pet Smells Since we're on the topic of pets, you may not notice pet smells in your home because you live there. Buyers on the other hand will know right away if you have pets in your home. If you can't find a place for your pets to go while your home is listed, make sure the litter box is ALWAYS clean, clean up Fido's mess from the yard and use air fresheners where needed. Also, consider the options mentioned in #3.

Problem #5 - Barking If you have a dog who barks when someone comes in, it's imperative the dog is kenneled away from the areas buyers will be viewing. Ideally, you'll have a different home where Fifi can stay until your home goes under contract or at least during showings. If not, get a kennel and ask your agent to build in enough time before showings to put the dog in the kennel.

Problem #6 - Bad Curb Appeal If your lawn is dead, your trees are overgrown and your shrubs are hiding your home from the street view, you probably need to do a little work in the yard. Curb appeal is your home's first impression. Getting buyers in the door is the first step toward getting an offer.

Problem #7 - Bad Marketing If your real estate broker is lazy, mean, inattentive, doesn't communicate or isn't marketing your home, fire them. If they aren't giving you the attention you desire, they probably aren't giving it to your listing either. A bad agent can definitely have a negative impact on days on market and final sales price.

Problem #8 - Junk Like it or not, buyers are going to open drawers, cabinets and closets when they view your home. If you crammed all your junk into those drawers, cabinets and closets, your secret will be revealed during a showing. Declutter, clean and clear these areas so buyers can picture their stuff in your home.

Problem #9 - Poor Choices That matching pink toilet and vanity may have seemed like a great idea when you put it in back in the 80s but outdated decor can be a real turn off for buyers. While you're not expected to update kitchens and bathrooms in most price ranges, do what you can to bring your home's decorative items into the current decade. Window coverings, wallpaper and furniture can go a long way toward improving the appearance of your home to buyers.

Problem #10 - Controlling Sellers Yes, it is reasonable to ask brokers to give you notice before showing your home. You probably want to lock up that barking dog, empty the litter box and pick up toys in the kids' rooms. Asking for more than a small amount of notice however may be unreasonable. Some buyers may find your home online and call their broker to see it right away. Another piece of advice, NEVER be home during showings. It makes buyers uncomfortable. Let the broker do their job and get out of the way.

If you're ready to list your home for sale, this is a great time to get started. When you're ready to put that sign in your yard, call the Sandi Pressley Team. We're here to help. 

Have An Awesome Week!

Sandi's Hot Home Listing

10528 Crestridge Ct, Albuquerque

Price: $275,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 2+ Square Feet: 2,603

AMAZING home on Cul-de-Sac Lot! Dramatic Great Rm w/Soaring Tongue&Groove Beamed Ceilings, Latillas, custom fireplace w/picture windows and access to balcony/patio to take in Scenic views! Gorgeous Kitchen features: lovely Counters w/Beautiful Tiled Backsplash/Custom Cabinetry with S/S appliances w/breakfast bar Seating that opens to the family dining.

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