Real Estate Information Archive

There’s nothing better than granite countertops for your kitchen, right? That seems to have been the prevailing opinion for years now. But times change, and so do design trends. Now the new material of choice for kitchen counters is turning out to be quartz. It’s now the choice of homebuyers and renovators, as well as design shows and flippers.

If you're getting ready to redo your kitchen or are building a new home in Albuquerque, here are all the reasons to go with quartz.

1. Endless options

Quartz offers a wide range of choices, whether you're looking for something super sleek or want to achieve the look of natural stone without having to deal with the maintenance.

"One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance," said HGTV. "Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme. With quartz, the selection process is much easier."

2. May be better for larger surfaces

Today's trend in kitchens is an open space with a large island. But large slabs of granite to cover an entire counter are hard to find and expensive if they are found. For a large island or expansive counter, more than one granite slab will likely be needed. Quartz is engineered, so it can be made into large slabs. And if more than one slab is needed, seaming them together is, well, seamless because there is no need to carefully color-match natural elements together as you do with granite.

3. Easy maintenance

Granite needs to be sealed once a year, which is not a big deal for most people. But granite's requirement for daily care could push people toward quartz. "With quartz, cleaning the counter is easy. The quartz washes off with soap and water and looks as good as new. You also don't have to use special bacteria-preventing soaps.

4. No staining

A main consideration for many people when choosing countertops is stain resistance. Food and drinks including juice and wine can permanently stain granite. According to HGTV, "Some oils and acids can stain" as well.

5. Scratches and burns

Granite can scratch and burn, ruining the look. Quartz is scratch resistant and avoids discoloration from hot pots, though it is not advised to put them directly down on either surface.

6. Cost

Granite can be less expensive than quartz depending on whether it is of a high or low grade, but quartz is less expensive when it comes to exotic granite.

7. Eco-friendliness

"The only way granite ends up in your kitchen is if it's quarried and that uses a lot of energy. If you opt for a high-end slab from Italy, for example, there will be considerable transportation involved. Try using indigenous stone when possible or visit salvage shops for pieces that can be cut to fit your needs," said HGTV. "Since quartz is engineered, it can be more environmentally-friendly than granite if you use regionally manufactured stone and local fabricators. This cuts down on the distance the material needs to be transported."

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!

13516 Deer Trail Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $895,000

6 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (3 full, 1 half) / 5893 Square Feet

Perfectly situated with 180 degree views in Glenwood Hills. The frosted glass accented front door greets you and beyond is a wide, open floorplan, with tons of natural light, gas fireplace and wet bar making this home perfect for entertaining. Main level boasts a master suite, 2 spacious bedrooms, formaldining and well-appointed kitchen with breakfast nook and access to one of many patios. Upstairs is another master suite with jetted tub and double sinks, privatebalcony and a fantastic walk-in closet. The garden level is open to the patios and is perfect for rec room/office/gym. Want city AND mountain views this uniqueproperty offers panoramic, breathtaking city views with Mount Taylor in the distance! Hiking, biking and walking trails are just minutes away.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you intend to sell your home in Albuquerque, painting your stairs will increase the value of your property and enhance its appearance. People often overlook their stairs when they are taking on home improvement projects. But it can be a very easy way to dramatically change the look of your home. Whether you want to give your stairs a makeover or just repaint the back deck, there's paint for every need.

Here's a quick guide to the types of paint that are best for freshening up your interior and exterior stairs. 

Outdoor Stairs

You need a highly durable paint for your outdoor stairs, as they are subjected to high traffic and the elements. You should try an acrylic exterior paint on your wood stairs. There is an acrylic paint made specifically for porches, floors, and exterior stairs. You should stay away from glossy finish paints, which can be slippery when wet.

Satin or eggshell finish paints are the best choice as they can resist dirt and stains while being easily cleaned without creating a slip hazard. For extra safety, you can add a non-slip additive to your paint for extra texture and slip resistance. 

Indoor Stairs

Indoor stairs often don't wear out as much as outdoor stairs, but they still get a lot of foot traffic. Try painting indoor stairs with 100% acrylic paint for easy cleaning. If you want to keep the steps dry during wet weather, you can use semi-gloss paint.

If you plan to paint your indoor stairs in different colors, you might also consider other paint finishes. For example, you could paint the risers and spindles in semigloss paint and use a lower luster paint for the railings and treads to increase safety.

Paint Design Ideas

Your stairs can be a great place for you to let your creative side shine when it comes to painting, since you can paint them in a variety of ways.

One classic approach to painting stairs is to paint the risers and spindles in a light color and the treads and railings in a dark one. This looks nice and adds visual interest to the steps. 

If you like the look of a classic stair runner, but you don't want the risk of tripping, you can paint a runner down the center of your staircase for a great visual effect.

Refinishing Stairs for a Fresh, New Look

Fresh paint is one way you can transform the look of your stairs and brighten the area around them. If you're thinking about refinishing your stairs, its essential to have all the right tools and paint. That way, you'll make your vision a reality. 

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!

803 WARM SANDS Court SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $660,000

6 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (4 full, 0 half) / 4553 Square Feet

Stunning Custom home (By Guererro)on a cul de sac in 4 Hills Village, upon entering you will notice the hardwood grand staircase. Home features 6 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, with Gourmet Kitchen, stainless appliances, granite counter tops, remodeled bathrooms, an amazing walk out basement (1200 sq ft) with a bedroom bathroom (pool table stays), storage, wet bar and so much more and entertaining areas. Spectacular views from master bedroom Balcony,(there are two other balconies as well), backyard w/rv access. There is new carpet, paint, surround sound, updated lighting, fans, all new hardware on the doors, oversized 3 car garage w new doors/openers. Schedule an appt now. Please note hot tub does not convey!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

As you prepare to put your Albuquerque home on the market for sale, you should think about how to make it more appealing. Many home sellers will paint, add landscaping or make other small, affordable updates to attract buyers. Another affordable project that you can do now is installing new windows.

New window installation is something that many home buyers in Albuquerque look for when looking to buy a new home. New windows are energy-efficient, make a home look more attractive, and you get most of your investment back when the final contract is signed.

Energy Efficient Windows Are What Buyers Are Looking For

If your windows are old wood or aluminum style, most will see that as something that needs replacing. When buyers see projects, they are either not going to make an offer at all, or they might make a lowball offer exploiting it as an excuse to pay less.

If you want to sell your home fast, new windows might be the right move for you.

The moment the new windows are up, you can talk about how much more energy-efficient your home has become since the work was done. You might even go so far as to bring out your heating and cooling bills to back it up. If you have your windows installed a month before you post the "For Sale" sign, you may start to notice some differences.

New Windows Enhance the Look of Residential Properties

While some home buyers are interested in energy-efficient and functional home features, others are interested in how it looks at first glance. If you haven't replaced your windows in thirty years, you're likely to have chips, cracks, and broken glass.

When buyers pull into your driveway, they're going to check the roof, the siding, and the windows to see how well maintained they are. By replacing those old windows with energy efficient ones that match the rest of the home's exterior, it will help you sell the house more quickly. You won't have to spend any time haggling with the price because of the old ones.

How to Tell if It's Time to Replace Your Windows

Now that you know that installing new windows will help you sell your home faster, it's important to figure out when it's time for a window replacement.

There are several factors to take into consideration, including:

• Visible chips, cracks, or water damage to the window frames
• Excessive outside noise coming through the windows
• Feeling drafts leak in when the windows are closed
• Condensation between the layers of glass
• Cracked or broken glass
• Problems opening, closing, or locking the windows
• Cloudy glass
• Recent increases in your energy bills
• Older single-pane windows instead of double-glazed modern windows

After you find one or more of these points to be true, you should start researching what windows are available to replace the old ones.

When you talk with your window contractor, ask about style options as well. A home with new windows will be more energy efficient, but the new windows won't look right if you pick the wrong style. If you did not pick the right window for your home's existing look and structure, homebuyers will be less likely to be attracted by the overall appearance.

Often, home sellers decide to replace windows in homes before selling because they would rather spend some money to get the sale over with quickly. That's just one of the benefits, however. Even if your house didn't sell as fast as you wanted it to, you could still save money on your energy bill while you're still there. That's without mentioning how beautiful the new windows look to those driving by. Someone will eventually see the new energy-efficient windows that really complement your home, and they won't be able to resist making an offer.

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!

803 WARM SANDS Court SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $660,000

6 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (4 full, 0 half) / 4553 Square Feet

Stunning Custom home (By Guererro)on a cul de sac in 4 Hills Village, upon entering you will notice the hardwood grand staircase. Home features 6 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, with Gourmet Kitchen, stainless appliances, granite counter tops, remodeled bathrooms, an amazing walk out basement (1200 sq ft) with a bedroom bathroom (pool table stays), storage, wet bar and so much more and entertaining areas. Spectacular views from master bedroom Balcony,(there are two other balconies as well), backyard w/rv access. There is new carpet, paint, surround sound, updated lighting, fans, all new hardware on the doors, oversized 3 car garage w new doors/openers. Schedule an appt now. Please note hot tub does not convey!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

As you spend your golden years here in your home in Albuquerque, your home may need to be adapted to accommodate lifestyle changes, accessibility and independence. Many people as they grow older are choosing to stay in their own homes. As such, you can make gradual adaptations in order to allow you to manuever through your home safely. It makes sense to plan ahead for these changes and start early. Making small renovations one at a time will help spread the overall costs.

Here are a few improvements you may need to do to your home in Albuquerque over the years.

Grab Bars

Having grab bars installed is a great way to limit falls and injuries. They are best installed where your floors transition to another level or may get wet. You should make sure you have a professional install them, as they need to be reinforced. An improperly installed grab bar can be pulled from the wall and cause injury.

Places grab bars should be installed:

• showers
• near toilets
• stairs
• room transitions

Home Entry

For the main entrance, you may want to install a ramp. The good news is that this doesn't have to take away from the curb appeal of your home. You can design a ramp from wood or concrete that will offer a gradual incline to the front door that also fits the aesthetic of your home.

Making Doorways Wider

If you need to use a walker or wheelchair, making your doors wider will make life easier. A contractor can widen a doorway in just about a day. Making a door 36 inches wide as opposed to the normal 24" or 32" allows for easier access, especially in tight spaces.

Floorplan Alterations

Having a more open floorplan to help you maneuver is important, especially when using a wheelchair. This will give you more open space to move around, as a wheelchair requires a square five feet to move freely. You can open up your living space by removing full and pony walls, creating cased openings, and relocating furniture and appliances to make sure paths are wide and clear.

If you live in a home with more than one floor, you may find yourself restricted mostly to the first floor. As such, you need to make sure that all the first floor has all the main rooms you need, such as a kitchen, bathroom and a space for a bedroom. If there is not a full bathroom on the ground floor, a contractor can create a full bathroom by adding a shower to an existing half bath or creating a new bathroom entirely. According to HomeAdvisor, a laundry room on the main level may even increase the value of your home.

Removing Thresholds

Removing floor thresholds between rooms can prevent tripping, which is the number one cause of injury for aging individuals. Many homes have a threshold between rooms where flooring changes. This can be alleviated by removing the threshold or installing a ramp that lets them move easily.

Shower Conversion

The bathroom can be a dangerous place due to slippery floors and tripping hazards. Even with the help of grab bars and grippy bath mats, it is important to remove tripping hazards. A popular option is to convert a bathtub into a shower without a threshold. This renovation can allow for ease of access especially for those in a wheelchair.

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!

11721 SKY VALLEY Way NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $829,000

6 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 4860 Square Feet

Almost 5,000sqft in Prestigious Tanoan East with absolutely INCREDIBLE views!! Enjoy mountain views as you overlook the 6th Hole of Sandia and float in the pristine, HEATED pool, with a lot situated above the golf course for privacy. At night, view the twinkling lights of Albuquerque from your private balcony off the oversized master. Too many amenities to list! With room for everyone, this home boasts a finished basement complete with rec room, bedroom & bath. The luxury kitchen features granite countertops, newer appliances and open floorplan. Beautiful wood floors, oak staircase, 2 gas log fireplaces and more are ready to welcome you home!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

No doubt you are spending more time at home, like so many of your neighbors in Albuquerque and across the nation. And no doubt you're thinking about how you can renovate your home to suit your changing needs. But don't start knocking down walls just yet. You want to make sure that you plan carefully for any renovations you make on your home.

Whether you’re outfitting your home with a new office or classroom, or taking on long-intended improvements such as painting or installing new flooring, here are four tips to help you make sure you’re heading into the right project, the right way.

1. Return on investment

If you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque soon, you should focus on projects that have a good ROI. You can spend thousands of dollars on projects that won't increase the value of your home.

For example, it costs about $50,000 to add a new bathroom, but homeowners typically recoup only about 54% of the cost in increased home value. A minor kitchen remodel, on the other hand, returns about 78% of its cost.

2. Create a budget

The last thing you want to do is run out of money in the middle of your remodel. You need to take care that your project costs don't get out of hand during the process. Add up all of your expenses before you start, and add 10% or 20% to the total to allow for cost overruns.

To get an idea of how much you’ll have to spend on a specific project, look at what others have spent on comparable projects using a project estimate calculator or perusing sites like HomeAdvisor or Remodeling Magazine.

3. Choose the right funding

Over the past year, 34% of homeowners who undertook home improvement projects used cash on hand to fund those projects, 25% used money they had saved for those projects specifically and 14% used money from their economic stimulus check. As long as you're not avoiding more important expenses, using that cash or savings can be a good way to keep from paying interest on your home improvement project.

You can finance your remodel with a variety of options, such as a home equity line of credit, a personal loan, a cash-out refinance or even credit cards. ust make sure to keep an eye on interest rates and the length of the terms, as that will affect the overall cost of the project.

4. Research contractors

If you need a pro to do the work, get written estimates from several Albuquerque contractors. Check references and ask about their credentials, along with licensing. You can also ask about their membership in trade associations. Many reputable contractors belong to professional trade groups such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry or the National Association of Home Builders.

A good contractor will guarantee the work and offer a warranty. You can check Better Business Bureau ratings to see if others have had complaints about companies you’re evaluating. If there have been complaints, check to see how they were resolved.

When you select a contractor, make sure you get your agreement in writing.

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!

6017 CROWNPOINT Drive NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $299,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 3086 Square Feet 

4 BDRS/3BA/2CG PLUS two office/flex rooms! TWO livings spaces! Kitchen features walk-in pantry, island, breakfast nook and bkfst bar. Light, bright and open floor plan! REFRIGERATED AIR! UPDATED WATER HEATER! Large secondary bdrs have walk-in closets & laundry room located upstairs for convenience! Office/flex room on the main level with 3/4 bath! Newly painted interior and new carpet! Master suite features a balcony, walk-in closet, dual sink vanity, garden tub and separate shower. Backyard features a covered patio, balcony off master suite, walled for privacy and easy care rock landscape!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

The recent forest fires on the west coast of the US has many people thinking about fire safety. But you don't need a forest fire to start a home fire. October is National Fire Safety Month, and now is a great time to review your plans to keep your family and home safe from fire. In fact, you should regularly review your fire safety plans. Nobody wants to dwell on what can happen in a house fire. But planning for that possibility can save lives.

Here are a few things to plan for and consider:

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms outside every bedroom or any area where someone sleeps. Also install them in furnace areas. Be sure there is at least 1 alarm on every level of your home, including the basement, or at each end of a mobile home.
• Place smoke alarms away from the kitchen and bathroom. False alarms can occur while cooking or even showering.
• Test smoke alarms every month by pushing the test button. It is best to use smoke alarms that have long-life batteries, but if you do not, change the batteries at least once a year, such as when you change your clocks in the fall.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Never paint a smoke alarm.
• Clean (dust or vacuum) smoke alarms once a month.
• Use smoke alarms equipped with a flashing light and an alarm in homes with children or adults who are hard of hearing or deaf .

Fire Drills

Even young children (3 and older) can begin to learn what to do in case of a fire.

• Install at least 1 smoke alarm on every level of your home.
• Have an escape plan and practice it with your family. This will help you and your family reach safety when it counts. When a fire occurs, there will be no time for planning an escape.
• Draw a floor plan of your home. Discuss with your family 2 ways to exit every room. Make sure everyone knows how to get out and that doors and windows can be easily opened to permit escape. If you live in an apartment building, never use an elevator during a fire. Use the stairs!
• Agree on a meeting place. Choose a spot outside your home near a tree, street corner, or fence where everyone can meet after escaping. Teach your children that the sound of a smoke alarm means to go outside right away to the chosen place.
• Know how to call the fire department. The fire department should be called from outside using a portable phone or from a neighbor's home. Whether the number is 911 or a regular phone number, everyone in the family should know it by heart. Make sure your children know your home address, too. Teach your children that firefighters are friends and never to hide from them.
• Practice, practice, practice. Practice your exit drill at least twice a year. Remember that fire drills are not a race. Get out quickly, but calmly and carefully. Try practicing realistic situations. Pretend that some exits or doorways are blocked or that the lights are out. The more prepared your family is, the better your chances of surviving a fire.

Of course there's nothing anyone can do to prevent a fire from occurring 100%. But with some planning and preparation, you can escape a house fire alive and safely.

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!

6017 CROWNPOINT Drive NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $299,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 3086 Square Feet

4 BDRS/3BA/2CG PLUS two office/flex rooms! TWO livings spaces! Kitchen features walk-in pantry, island, breakfast nook and bkfst bar. Light, bright and open floor plan! REFRIGERATED AIR! UPDATED WATER HEATER! Large secondary bdrs have walk-in closets & laundry room located upstairs for convenience! Office/flex room on the main level with 3/4 bath! Newly painted interior and new carpet! Master suite features a balcony, walk-in closet, dual sink vanity, garden tub and separate shower. Backyard features a covered patio, balcony off master suite, walled for privacy and easy care rock landscape!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Autumn is almost here in Albuquerque. That means it's time to start getting your home ready for the colder month.  Doing a round of simple fall maintenance chores now can save you time, money, and stress when the cold weather comes.

Here are five fall home maintenance activities to start thinking about this weekend.

Clean your gutters

Depending on how many trees you have near your home, you may need to check and clean your gutters more than once to keep your home safe from flooding. This will ensure that they are ready for the fall and winter season.

Check your chimney

Make sure your chimney is clear before you make your first fire of the season. "Creosote buildup causes chimney fires," said Family Handyman. "You should have your chimney professionally inspected or cleaned after every 70 fires. If you burn wet wood (which you shouldn't), have it inspected or cleaned every 50 fires. Don't remember the last time you had it cleaned by a pro? A quick way to tell if your chimney needs cleaning is to run the point of your fireplace poker along the inside of your chimney liner. If you find a 1/8-in. layer (or more) of buildup, call a chimney sweep."

Check your roof

Storms, wind, and rain over the past year could have caused damage you haven't noticed. You definitely don't want to wait for the weather to get nasty to find out you have a leak. If you're not comfortable on a ladder or just want a professional eye, a pro roofer will typically charge you under $100 to check it out.

Seal it up

There are three important reasons to make sure your home is air tight:

• Keeping moisture out
• Keeping critters out
• Keeping warm air in.

Critters can enter homes during the fall to seek warmth and protection.  Walk around the exterior looking for ways small animals can enter your house and seal them off. A mouse can wriggle through an opening as small as a dime, so look carefully for those small holes.

Sealing up holes and cracks can also make your home more efficient so that it takes less effort and money to keep warm in the winter. All you need in most cases is weather stripping and caulking.

Disconnect garden hoses from faucets

When the temp gets close to freezing, you should disconnect your hoses. This simple task can potentially save you a lot of heartache later. Leaving them attached can cause water to back up in the faucets and in the plumbing pipes just inside your exterior walls. If the temperature drops below freezing, that water could freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or pipes. Make this an early fall priority so a sudden cold snap doesn't sneak up and cause damage.

These simple tips can save you a lot of headaches during the winter months. Have a happy fall season 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!

5108 WILD PLUM Way NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120  $839,000

4 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 5184 Square Feet

Stunning Custom Home in desirable, gated neighborhood! On a quiet cul-de-sac this luxurious home has a fantastic layout perfect for entertaining. Chipped edge Travertine tile downstairs, lighted niches, viga ceilings and tile accents on the walls/ceiling are just few of the features this home has to offer. Kitchen is a chefs dream with granite counters, Wolf gas cooktop, pot filler, warming drawer, 2 dishwashers, 2 sinks and a wine cooler that holds 88 bottles! Master suite has balcony with access from bedroom and private sitting room. Two-way fireplace, bidet, california closets (in all rms), jetted tub and a steamer in the shwr make this a perfect retreat. Theater room with projector, recliner chairs, movie posters and popcorn maker all convey! So much more you have too see to believe.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

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!

10032 BRIDGEPOINTE Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $459,000

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2466 Square Feet

Delightful Custom Home in the prestigious gated golf course community of Tanoan! Soaring cathedral ceiling & grand staircase welcome you through the impressive foyer. This immaculate home features clerestory, bow & picture windows invitng the natural light in & raised tray ceilings gracing several rooms thru-out. Cozy fireplace is heart of family room w/custom wainscoting flowing into ample dining room & open kitchen w/island, eat at bar, SS appliances & gorgeous granite counters. Upper level features 3 privately situated bedrooms w/stunning views from their own balconies; Master suite w/spa like en suite with stainglass window, sitting area w/fireplace & balcony to enjoy city & mtn views. Lush backyard w/covered & open patios is a bird watchers dream-w/flagstone & lawn w/brick border.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

It's not something we like to think about, but home crimes can happen to anyone at any time. As a homeowner in Albuquerque, you know doubt have already taken steps to secure your home and protect your family.

Your main goal when it comes to home security is to prevent criminals from damaging, stealing, or breaking into your home in the first place. That doesn't just mean locking doors and windows. It involves taking into account your property's security weak points and resolving any issues. And criminals are getting more clever, even using online activity to find targets.

What are some basic steps you can take to make sure your Albuquerque home is secure?

• Even if you’re home, lock windows and external doors when not in use.
• Lock up your home, even if you go out only for a short time. Many burglars just walk in through an unlocked door or window.
• If you lose your keys, change the locks immediately.
• Don’t put an outdoor spare key in an obvious place like under a doormat or potted plant.
• Keep a light on when you’re not home. This could signal to potential intruders that someone is inside the home, potentially deterring them from trying to break in.
• Don't leave notes for service people or family members on the door. These act as a welcome mat for a burglar.
• Keep items of value, like fine jewelry and gaming consoles, out of plain view as much as possible.
• If you leave your home for an extended period of time, have a trusted friend or family member grab your mail while you’re away. You can also place a hold on your mail with the post office.

Technology Can Help

Of course, by now you've heard about smart home systems that can keep an eye on your home while you're away. You can start with a device as simple as a video doorbell, or up to camera alarms that are professionally monitored 24/7. Here's a few options:

• Easy to install outdoor motion sensors. These range from $20 - $100.
• Smart camera system to watch your home remotely through a phone app. These will alert you when they sense motion or someone trips a sensor.
• Make sure to hide any wiring, as they can be cut and could disable your security system.
• If you don't have the budget, even a fake security sign or sticker on the window can deter criminals.

How can you make sure your home is secure? You can plan to 'burglarize' your own home to discover any weaknesses in your security. The best way to protect your home from the outside is to survey it with the eyes of a burglar. If you can easily tell that a window could be pried open, a thief will definitely be able to come to the same conclusion. 

While you’re checking for vulnerable spots, take note of any expensive electronics, art, or furniture that is easily spotted through windows. You don’t have to redecorate your entire home to keep expensive items out of sight, but it doesn’t hurt to make small adjustments where you can.

If you follow these tips, you can help reduce the chances of your home being the target of criminal activity.

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!

1541 Nez Perce Loop NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $599,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 half) / 3644 Square Feet

Stunning Views! This home will WOW your buyers! Wide open floor plan with 2 living areas, perfect for entertaining. Gorgeous wood beam accents, custom kiva fireplace & large picture windows with mountain and city views. Well appointed kitchen features granite counter tops, custom cabinets & SS appliances. Brilliant floor plan offers 2 master suites, 2 additional spacious bedrooms and 2 bonus rooms, plus a formal dining room overlooking the wrap around balcony. Master suite is a gem has a picturesque jetted tub, separate snail shower & large walk in closet. Enjoy the views from your covered patio & wrap around balcony year round! New Septic and Well in 2017 - All New Paint inside and out 2019! Hardwood floors refinished 2019! New Driveway! This home is sure to impress!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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