Real Estate Information Archive

The Sandi Pressley Team has taken great care in making our website, www.albuquerquehomesolutions.com, a useful and powerful tool for anyone looking to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque. Our website is full of useful features and tools that will help you start your home buying or selling journey. If you plan to buy or sell a home soon, why not a take a few moments to see how our website can be a valuable resource.

Here's a few main features to look for on our website.

For Home Buyers

Featured Properties

Our Featured Properties page showcases our own premium listings in the Albuquerque area. You can sort listings by a number of factors, such as price, type, and open houses.

Property Search

This powerful property search tool lets you find the perfect home in Albuquerque that fits your exact needs. You can refine your search using a wide range of parameters, such as price range, sq feet, construction, schools district, and much more. By clicking on the Map Search tab, you can even draw a map around the area you want to search in.  It makes find the right home in Albuquerque even easier!

There is also a list of neighborhoods in the main menu under "Search MLS" which will let you search for homes in that specific neighborhood, along with information about that neighborhood.

Property Detail Pages

Selecting any property in the Featured Properties or Property Search pages will bring you to a comprehensive detaile page for that property. In addition to detailed information about the property itself, you can also view information about local schools, walks scores, and use a convenient mortgage calculator.

Email Listing Alerts

Be the first to know of new homes that meet your search criteria as soon as they hit the Albuquerque real estate market. It's a free, no obligation service that will help you stay in tune with the local real estate market.

Community Pages

Want to learn more about the communities that make up the Albuquerque area? These community real esatet and information pages will give you the run down on each community, along with being able to search homes for sael in those communities.

Buyer's Resources

This section features a number of useful articles to help home buyers with a variety of topics.

For Home Sellers

Home Valuation

Get an instant market valuation for your Albuquerque or surrounding area home. It's free, and no obligation.

Seller Resources

Just like the Buyer's Resoruces section, this section also features a number of useful articles to help home sells with a variety of topics.

These are just a few of the helpful tools and resources avaiable to our current and future clients. If we can offer any additional help in buying or selling your home, please feel free to conatct us.  We're always happy to help.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

3620 Monte Vista Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM  $330,000

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 partial) / 1590 Square Feet

Vintage beauty in the heart of NOB HILL!! Vintage feel in harmony with modern elements. This updated and remodeled classic home features a versatile floor plan with 3BDRs/2BAs plus two living areas, an office/study, second kitchenette and second entrance. Desirable URBAN location is close to shopping, restaurants, parks, Nob Hill, UNM and transportation!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Home security is an important consideration when owning or even renting a home. Many people have home security systems to help keep their home secure. But is that enough? A home security system can only do so much. There are other steps you can take to make sure your home is as secure as possible.

Here's a few important precautions you can take to firm up your home protection.

1. An old trick that still works is leaving the TV or music on when you're gone.

2. Reduce the amount of hiding places outside with motion sensor security lights.

3. All exterior doors should have 1-inch deadbolts installed.

4. Make sure to lock all doors and windows when going to bed.

5. Never open your door until you confirm who is there. Check you security camera or get a doorbell camera.

6. Thieves know all the hiding places for keys. If you must hide a key, don't hide it under a doormat or rock. Find an inconspicuous place or leave it with a neighbor.

7. Use a metal pipe or bar, or a wood plank or dowel to secure sliding doors. You can also install a glass break sensor on the door.

8. Keep your garage door closed, even when you're home. The garage leads straight into your home, giving intruders easy access. An overhead garage door contact can also provide further protection.

9. Make sure drapes or blinds are closed on rooms that have valuable items.

10. Keep expensive items that are not in use in a deposit box at your bank.

11. Don't leave notes on your door for family or service people letting them know you're not home.

12. If you plan on being gone for more than a few days, have someone you trust collect your mail and newspaper.

You can keep you home and family safe with just these few additional steps. Our world is becoming more dangerous. This isn't meant to scare you, just as a friendly warning to stay safe.

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

12009 Modesto Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM  $750,000

4 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 partial) / 5000 Square Feet

Exceptional Custom Ranch Home on .89 Acre! Expansive Floorplan features both formal & informal living areas, with outdoor living that includes a newly refurbished pool w/built in hot tub, deck w/views & more! Enormous 29'x28' Den for indoor entertaining w/Wet Bar & fireplace. So much more! A MUST SEE!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Selling your home can be challenging and stressful. You're taking on two major tasks at once - getting your home to show to potential buyers and getting ready to move. Will getting a storage unit will help the process go more smoothly? Yes and no, depending on your situation.

When you move, it provides a perfect opportunity to clean the clutter from your life.  You can sell, donate, or dispose of the things you don't need, meaning you'll have less to pack and move.

But you may also not have enough time to go through everything, so you may need to do whatever it takes to get through the process. That's where storing items may be an advantage. What are some things to think about when considering if you should use storage when you move?

Advantages of Using Storage

1. Pack up all the things you don't need now.
2. Staging your home will be more simple.
3. You home will look larger, adding to selling appeal.
4. Personal items will be out of sight from buyers.
5. Out of sight, out of mind.
6. You can sort all your items later.
7. You can decide what furniture works best in your new home and decide what to keep after you move.

Disadvantages of Using Storage

1. Another expense.
2. You'll have to handle everything twice, which is more work.
3. Not all units guarantee your items will be safe, so you may need additional insurance.
4. Storing items can lead to delayed decisions about what stays and what goes.
5. You may end up storing things you don't need, and paying monthly fees for those items.
6. It's hard to reach items in the back of a full unit.

Portable Storage Units

By now, you've seen people use portable storage unites. PODS was one of the first companies to offer this service, but other companies have caught onto the trend. Portable storage units can either be used for long term storage or to store and move items to your new home. That way, you can keep the storage at your house and pack as you go.  Then the unit is delivered to your new house, or taken to a warehouse for long term storage.

The great thing about portable storage is that you can pack and unpack everything in one go. This way you don't need to haul your things to a storage facility, then back again to the new home.

Moving is hard work for sure.  But with careful planning and good use of storage, you can make the process go more smoothly.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5007 Ensenada Place NW, Albuquerque, NM  $325,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 2338 Square Feet

CASUAL ELEGANCE in this newly built custom home in the North Valley!! Close to Rio Grande Nature Center, Farmer's Market, shopping, restaurants and boutiques in the North Valley! Guest BDR with its own full bath! Landscaped yard, large covered patio, walled for privacy and hard to find oversized 3CG!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Have you checked your credit score lately? Having good credit is important in this world, particularly if you plan on buying a home. Even though there are mortgages available to those with lower credit scores, it's always a good idea to raise your score as high as you can before you apply for a mortgage. A higher score will yield a lower interest rate and less money you have to put down.

What are some basic ways to get your score higher?

1. Pay Bills on Time

Of course we always hear this. But it can't be stressed enough how critical it is to you overall score. In fact, it makes up 35% of your score. If you have trouble remembering due dates, try setting up automatic payment, or use a bill pay service from your bank.

2. Correct Errors on the Credit Report

Check your credit reports for errors, even minor ones. You may be surprised how many can slip through. If you find any, call the creditor that's reporting the error and follow up with a letter with the same request. Then notify all of the credit bureaus of the changes and let the creditors know you've done so. This will help motivate them to make the needed corrections.

3. Raise Your Available Credit

If you ask an existing creditor for a higher limit, this can help raise your score.

4. Keep Old Credit Cards Open

Do you have an older card that you're thinking of closing? Keeping the card open can help your score. 10% of credit scores are based on history.

5. Consolidate Cards

Try not to have smaller debts spread among several cards. This will not help your score. Try to consolidate smaller balances onto one card, or at least fewer cards.

6. Don't Rack Up Balances

Keeping a lower credit utilization ratio will also help your score. 30% of your limit is a good goal. That means, for example, if you have a $1000 limit, then you would keep your balance below $300.

7. Negotiate

A defaulted card can cause a lot of damage to your credit score. Try to work with the creditor to accept a partial payment for a debt in collections in exchange of reclassifying the debt as paid.

8. Don't Keep Applying for New Credit

10% of your score is affected by new credit applications. Don't apply for a new card unless you absolutely have to.

Of course there are other ways to maintain a great credit score. But if you start with these points, you will be on your way to a better score in no time.

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

3620 Monte Vista Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM  $330,000

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 partial) / 1590 Square Feet

Vintage beauty in the heart of NOB HILL!! Vintage feel in harmony with modern elements. This updated and remodeled classic home features a versatile floor plan with 3BDRs/2BAs plus two living areas, an office/study, second kitchenette and second entrance. Desirable URBAN location is close to shopping, restaurants, parks, Nob Hill, UNM and transportation!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Here’s a question – does the economy affect the housing market, or does the housing market affect the economy? That’s a good question to consider.  Our economy has been doing well for a while now. But still people have fears that 2008 will repeat itself. Are we headed for another recession, and if so, will the housing market be affected?  Economists and analysts are of the opinion that a recession is comin in our near future. This isn’t an opinion based on politics, but data analysis. Zillow Research recently reported on a Pulsenomics survey that took a look at the housing market by surveying market analysts and experts.  This report also indicated when the next recession could begin:

“Experts largely expect the next recession to begin in 2020.”

A recent survey of economists by the Wall Street Journal backs this up:

“The economic expansion that began in mid-2009 and already ranks as the second-longest in American history most likely will end in 2020 as the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to cool off an overheating economy, according to forecasters surveyed.”

Does this mean that we should worry about a housing crisis?  Not at all.

Here's how the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a recession:

“A period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters.”

As we remember, a recession is a slowing down of the economy, as happened in 2008. But a recession doesn’t always cause a housing crisis. As you may recall, in 2008 the housing bubble burst, causing the recession, not the other way around. In fact, during the previous five recessions home values appreciated.

According to the experts in the report, the top three probable triggers for the next recession are:

• Monetary policy
• Trade policy
• A stock market correction

A housing market crash came in 9th in this list. Those same experts also projected that home values would continue to appreciate in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Other experts agree that the housing market won't be affected by a recession:

Mark Fleming, First American’s Chief Economist, explained:

“If a recession is to occur, it is unlikely to be caused by housing-related activity, and therefore the housing sector should be one of the leading sources to come out of the recession.”

And U.S. News and World Report agreed:

“Fortunately – and hopefully – the history of recessions and current issues that could harm the economy don’t lead many to believe the housing market crash will repeat itself in an upcoming decline.”

In summary, a recession may be in our future, but it doesn't mean that there will be a housing crisis.

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

11716 Easy Goer Road SE, Albuquerque, NM  $289,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 2600 Square Feet

Beautiful Southwest style home in Volterra. Light, bright and open floorplan with plenty of entertaining space!  Mountain views! The secondary bedrooms are large plus a loft and the utility room is upstairs for convenience! Mountain views! Beautifully maintained landscaped front and backyards!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

When it comes to buying a home in Albuquerque, the biggest factor in whether or not it’s possible boils down to income.  And of course, depending on where you live, income and cost of living can vary drastically.  A new study by GOBankingRates endeavored to reveal what the minimum salary would be needed to buy a medium priced home in each state.

The great news is that New Mexico, and by extension Albuquerque, came out as one of the most affordable states to buy a home. GOBankingRates arrived at this conclusion based on the average mortgage payment for each state along with the average APR on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.  They then assumed that no more than 30% of monthly income would be spent on housing.  For New Mexico, that figure came out to only $40,960!

Other neighboring states turned out to be quite a bit higher.  You would need to make $55,680 a year to own a home in Nevada. Arizona is higher as well with $50,880.  If you bought a home in Colorado, you would need to make at least $73,600. So it really goes to show that if you plan on buying a house in the Southwest, your dollar goes farther in Albuquerque.

GoBankingRates has this advice,

“Before you buy a home, it’s important to find out if you can afford the monthly mortgage payment. To do this, some financial experts recommend your housing costs — primarily your mortgage payments — shouldn’t consume more than 30 percent of your monthly income.”

Historically, Americans have spent 21% of their income to own a medium priced home.  Today that figure is down to 15%! This all demonstrates that now is a great time to own a home in Albuquerque.

If you're looking to buy a home in the Albuquerque area, feel free to contact us to help you find the right home for your budget and income. You can also search for your dream home now using our convenient home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Albuquerque and the surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

15 Calle Cobre, Placitas, NM  $498,000

5 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 partial) / 3200 Square Feet

Exquisite Placitas property nestled on 2.25 AC w/stunning views. Custom home offers functional open floorplan w/radiant heat, soaring ceiling w/viga& latillas, kiva FP, nichos&surround sound thru-out main floor. Back yard offers large deck w/breathtaking views-Perfect for entertaining. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

There’s one thing you should expect to find in a Southwest city like Albuquerque – amazing Mexican cuisine. Not only will you find some of the best Mexican dishes anywhere, but the best flavors the Southwest has to offer as well.  The epicenter of the explosion of flavors in Albuquerque’s restaurant scene is definitely the many great Mexican restaurants to be found here – over 200 of them to be discovered. 

To get you started on your journey through Mexico’s finest flavors, here’s the top 4 places to enjoy Mexican and Southwest cuisine in Albuquerque.

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen

A staple for Mexican cuisine lovers in Albuquerque for decades, Padilla’s authentic Mexican dishes are certain to please any pallet.  It may always be busy, but the service is fast and friendly.  All dishes are home made, including their mouth watering tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and fresh made Sopailla’s.

The Range Cafe

If not everyone in your party is in the mood for Mexican food, then The Range Café is the perfect solution.  Their motto is “ordinary food done extraordinarily well,” and that motto has been demonstrated since 1992 with an outstanding menu selection from both sides of the border.

Monroe's Restaurant

Another great restaurant in Albuquerque for those who like both Mexican and American dishes, Monroe’s even offers dishes for those watching their carbs and gluten intake.  They also offer a great selection of beverages including the unique agave wine margarita. Also make sure to try their famous chile.

Cocina Azul

Family owned since 2009, Cocina Azul has become of the best new Mexican restaurants and catering businesses in Albuquerque. Created from scratch, their recipes have been handed down through the generations.  Owner Frank Barela, Sr. has recreated all of the dishes he learned to cook as a child in his family kitchen.  You also delight in their award winning chile made only from green chile grown in Hatch, New Mexico.

Join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. And follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5243 Foothills Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $798,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3156 Square Feet

Gated community of the Wilderness! Casual elegance abounds in this Scott Patrick Gold Package custom home. Tons of features include Oversized great room w/stacked stone fireplace, wall of windows! Gourmet kitchen has custom island, pantry, gas cooktop, custom cabinetry, Sub Zero fridge, Wolfe double oven. Private Master Suite on its own wing! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you’re getting ready to buy a home in Albuquerque, you need to know as much as you can.  If you’re looking for a mortgage that lets you put down less than 20%, you’ll notice a lot of programs out there that lets buyers purchase homes with less than 20% down. But do you know about Private Mortgage Insurance? Not everyone knows about this insurance policy called Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). What exactly is this policy and how can it protect you when buying a home in Albuquerque?

Freddie Mac defines PMI as:

“An insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that is required for all conforming, conventional loans that have down payments less than 20%.

Once you’ve built equity of 20% in your home, you can cancel your PMI and remove that expense from your mortgage payment.”

As the borrower, you pay the monthly premiums for the insurance policy, and the lender is the beneficiary. Freddie Mac goes on to explain that:

“The cost of PMI varies based on your loan-to-value ratio – the amount you owe on your mortgage compared to its value – and credit score, but you can expect to pay between $30 and $70 per month for every $100,000 borrowed.” 

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average down payment last for all home buyers across the nation was 10% and 5% for first time buyers. The average for repeat buyers was 14%. That means that Private Mortgage Insurance didn't stop many home buyers from buying homes.

Here’s an example of the cost of a mortgage on a $200,000 home with a 5% down payment & PMI, compared to a 20% down payment without PMI:

The larger the down payment, the lower your monthly housing cost will be, but Freddie Mac has this advice:

“It’s no doubt an added cost, but it’s enabling you to buy now and begin building equity versus waiting 5 to 10 years to build enough savings for a 20% down payment.”

If you're looking to buy a home in the Albuquerque area and have questions about buying now or saving for a larger down payment, feel free to contact us to help you decide what works best for your situation. You can also search for your dream home now using our convenient home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Albuquerque and the surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8520 Hawk Eye Road NW, Albuquerque, NM  $260,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3486 Square Feet

Incredible back yard perfect for entertaining family & friends, with Outdoor kitchen, built in grill, tile bar, flagstone open & covered patios, pergola, hot tub, fire pit, garden area, trees, and shrubs! Exceptional home with many custom upgrades including stacked stone accents, light fixtures, wrought iron stairway! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If there’s one thing among many that people love about Albuquerque is all the great flavors to be found here.  Usually you think of Southwest or Mexican dishes when you think of New Mexico. But what about pizza? The fact is that Albuquerque has over 100 places to get a delicious pie, along with other Italian dishes and brews.  So get ready for an unforgettable pizza night in Albuquerque! Here’s the top 4 places to get pizza to start you off on your journey to flavorville.

Golden Crown Bakery

If you want more than just great pizza, Golden Crown combines a bakery to offer sandwiches and other baked goods. Being primarily a bakery means that your pizza crust is sure to be amazing, and the reviews prove it. Over the years, Goldne Crown has been featured in magazines such as Gourmet, Condé Naste Traveller, Budget Travel, Alibi, USA Western, IQ, Guia Azul, and Su Casa. They also feature espresso drinks and a variety of brews.

Saggio's

Family owned and operated, Saggio’s prides themselves on their upbeat nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to young and old, along with gourmet pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, salads, pastas and desserts. They also offer a great selection of beer and wine. Your dollar also goes farther at Saggio’s with their huge portions. It’s the perfect place for a large family pizza night.

Farina

Named the #17 Best Pizza Joint in the Nation by TimeOut Magazine, Farina offers a more trendy and hip environment for your next pizza outing. You’ll keep coming back for their artisan pizzas, house-made pastas, and fresh salads. Local art from some of Albuquerque’s best artists adds to the atmosphere. They also stay committed to using only fresh locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.

Old Town Pizza Parlor

Located in old town Albuquerque, the name certainly applies, as they’ve been an Albuquerque fixture since the late 1930’s. Today’s Old Town Pizza is a melding of traditions and a modern vibe, offering the perfect setting for your next pizza night.

Join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. And follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10465 Chandler Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM  $260,000

3 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 partial) / 2200 Square Feet

Pride of Ownership shows thru-out in this meticulously cared for beautifully kept home. 3 bedroom home features 2 master bedrooms each with a full bath. Beautiful backyard with backyard access and rv pad.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

You’re buying your first home in Albuquerque and the excitement abounds.  But you have to be careful that all the excitement doesn’t cloud your vision.  It’s easy to see the exterior of a home and how much you like (or dislike it).  But you need to see the inside as well.  How was it maintained? What issues will come up when you buy the home? If you know these things in advance, you can save on expensive repairs in the future.

This is even more important as a first time buyer. First time buyers usually don’t have the experience to know what warning signs to look for in a home.  Hiring a home inspector will definitely help in this regard.  Here’s a list of warning signs to look for.

Foundation  

• Look for cracks in the driveway, walls and sidewalks                                                                  
• Are the floors, windows and doorways crooked or not level?                                                        
• Are there large trees with roots near the foundation?
• Do the inside doors jam or have gaps on the top of them?

Electrical

• Are there any exposed wires?
• Do the lights flicker?
• Are outlets warm to the touch?
• Are there any visible signs of electrical tape?
• Look for flash burns near socket covers.

Roof

• Look for missing or cracked shingles and significant wear and tear.
• Are there mismatched materials or curled or warped shingles?

Plumbing

• Do the faucets leak?
• Are there water stains under the sinks or around toilet or tub
• Check how the bath and sinks drain.
• Do you smell foul odors near sinks?
• Check the water pressure in sinks and bath.

Mold

• Do you see any water stains on walls?
• Is any mold visible?
• Is there a musty smell?
• Check for rotted wood around doors and windows.
• Is the paint peeling?

Insects or Pests

• Are there signs of termites and carpenter ants?
• Are there ways for rodents to enter the house?
• Is any exposed interior wood damaged?

Poor Workmanship

• Do repairs look professional?
• Do renovations look armature?
• Are any tasks uncompleted?

Checking these items can go a long way to making sure you pay the right price for your first home and know more fully what you’re buying. Check back on our blog twice a week for more real estate advice and for local Albuquerque topics. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8520 Hawk Eye Road NW, Albuquerque, NM  $260,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3486 Square Feet

Incredible back yard perfect for entertaining family & friends, with Outdoor kitchen, built in grill, tile bar, flagstone open & covered patios, pergola, hot tub, fire pit, garden area, trees, and shrubs! Exceptional home with many custom upgrades including stacked stone accents, light fixtures, wrought iron stairway! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team