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!

Are you selling your Albuquerque home this holiday season?

If so, make the most of the holiday spirit...but don't overdo it!  Here are 7 Tips for Staging your Home for successful Holiday sales:

Clean & De-Clutter. Holiday decorating can be fun and a delightful way to showcase your home. However, it is very important to clear your home of other decorating and clutter before beginning.

Complement your Color Palette. Before hanging those Christmas decorations and tinsel, make sure you are complementing the color palette of your home. Nostalgic decorations are always a must, but if they clash with the color in each or your rooms, you'll do yourself a disservice by decorating at all. 

A Charming Cozy Vibe is a great Seller!  Creating the right vibe for your holiday home is very important. Use local artifacts to create a cozy vibe that is also charming. Keep in mind the overall decorating of your home and keep consistent.

Go Easy on the Christmas Lights! Stay away from a Clark Griswold looking home...meaning No inflatable snowman and Christmas Lights that complement your home. Many home sellers make the mistake of putting up so many lights and other Christmas outdoor decorations that it makes their home look like something out of the movie! Instead, choose a solid color, simple strand of lighting that plays up your home's architectural style.

Be mindful of your Christmas Tree. Historically, Christmas Trees have always made a home full of holiday spirit, while creating a warm vibe. However, allowing your tree to drop needles all over the floor...or forgetting to water it so it looks like it's going to fall over, will create the opposite affect you're trying to create.

Keep Neutrality throughout. It's important to decorate in a way to attract all types of buyers. This may mean keeping the large, yard Navitity Scene in storage til next year. No matter what someone's religious preferences are, they aren't going to be offended by a Nutcracker.

For more Home Selling Tips visit our website or give the Sandi Pressley Team a call for a personal consultation!

Reference: HGtV.com  Photo Credit: Brian Patrick Flynn Story By:  Kara Wahlgren

6412 Baker Avenue NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico  $275,000!

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Baths/ 2,415 Square Feet

This home is a Slice of Paradise in NE Heights showcasing spacious & functional floorplan w/2 living areas offering a stunning floor to ceiling stone fireplace creating a tranquil ambiance.  Learn more about this stunning home by calling the Sandi Pressley Team!

Get your Monday Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

It's a phenomenal time to sell your Albuquerque home!  If you've decided to sell, make sure you've prepared your home for the market before advertising. You get one shot at making a great first impression and introducing your home to the market...so make it count!

Many home buyers today want to move-in their new home as quickly as possible. Making sure you've crossed all the 'T's and dotted all the 'I's will insure your home sells quickly and for top dollar.

Here are 6 great tips to get your home prepared:

1. Get a Home Inspection.  Why you ask? By being proactive and ordering your Home Inspection upfront, you'll be notified of any potential troubles that could make your potential buyers balk. You'll still need to disclose what the home inspection finds, but you'll have time to make repairs. 

2. Gather all your Warranties for items staying in the home. This gives your potential home buyers confidence in you and your home. Warranties should include any appliances, etc that will be part of your home sale.

3. Make all Minor Repairs! It's critical to walk through your home with an eye for detail. Each room should be evaluated for any minor fixes; including patching of holes or cracks, painting, floor replacement, windows, closets, outlets and more. Once you've identified all repairs to be made in each room, make the ones you can...and be ready to negotiate the others.

4. Clear out Clutter. You've probably heard this a dozen times or more, but it bears repeating. A cluttered home shows poorly and commands a lower selling point. 

5. Sparkle and Shine. Make sure you do a 'white glove' cleaning of every aspect of your home!  Remove all signs of pets, including deodorizing your home. 

6. Stage your Home to Sell! If you haven't thought of Home Staging, you may want to consider this service. Home Stagers are experts at presenting your home's best assets and hiding those that are not. They also create the best light and flow to showcase your home. 

For more Home Selling Tips, visit our website or give us a call for a personal evaluation.

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

3813 Tierra Vista Place NE, Rio Rancho, NM  $359,000!

4 Bedrooms/ 3 1/2 Baths/ 3420 Square Feet

Welcome to this Meticulously Maintained Home delivering 3400+ sqft of optimal living.

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team for more details!

Get your Monday Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

This Thursday, November 24th, people around the country are going to be gathering with family and friends around the table to enjoy their Thanksgiving Day feast.

Leading up to the big day, our thoughts are consumed with meal preparations, cleaning the home, watching parades, cheering for our favorite football team, or scoping out the deals for Black Friday. While all of these things have become part of the holiday tradition over time, it is important to reflect on why we celebrate Thanksgiving and what the holiday means to you.

The Pilgrims celebrated the very first Thanksgiving as a way to give thanks for the opportunities they had starting a new life in the American colonies. The holiday is now the one day that we set aside every year to give thanks for all the wonderful people, things, and opportunities we each have. What are you most thankful for this year? This Thanksgiving set aside some time to reflect on your blessings this year. Spend the day focusing on those you love most as you are gathered together around your delicious meal.

In this fast paced world, it is easy to forget that taking time to reflect is important. This Thanksgiving remember why we celebrate and why it is truly one of the most beloved American holidays. Beyond this Thursday, let’s make thankfulness a part of all our days and be always grateful for our loved ones, our homes, and the many other amazing aspects of our lives.

The Sandi Pressley Team wants to Thank all of our clients for the opportunity to partner with you on all your Real Estate needs and the trust you have placed in us year after year.

We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK:

11608 Zindandel Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM $1,500,000.

4 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms/ 6600 Square Feet

Exquisite European Custom Villa! Nestled in desired Sauvignon Gated community directly on Tanoan Golf Course & stunning mountain views. Learn more about this exceptional property by contacting the Sandi Pressley Team!

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

Part of determining where you will search for your new home depends upon the education being offered.  Albuquerque, NM is blessed to have top rated schools for your choosing.

Did you know that your homes school district also influences the value of your home?  Homes is great school districts value up to 70% more, than others!  Ninety-one percent of Home Buyers said school boundaries were important in their search, and 20% of those buyers said they would pay 6-10% more for a home in their desirable school zone!

If you're looking for a new home in Albuquerque, or are relocating to our fabulous area, take a look at these Top 5 Schools:

Desert Willow Family School 
3303 Monroe NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-888-1647

Homes for Sale in Desert Willow School district

College and Career High School 

525 Buena Vista Drive SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-224-4880

Homes for Sale in Albuquerque NM

Early College Academy I 
807 Mountain Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-247-3658

Homes for Sale in this District

North Star Elementary 
9301 Ventura NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
505-856-6578

North Star Elementary Homes for Sale

Hubert H Humphrey Elementary 
9801 Academy Hills Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111

Hubert H. Humphrey Elementary Homes for Sale

While Albuquerque has many more schools that are Top Ranked, these 5 have ranked for their Reading, Math and Science scores. Learn more about all the Albuquerque Schools by visiting our Home Buying Resources/Albuquerque Schools page.

Hot Property of the Week!

1909 Bold Ruler, Albuquerque, New Mexico $240,000.

3 Bedroom/ 2 Bathrooms/ 1,670 Square Feet

Original owner, Mediterranean Style, Vantage Home. (NO PID),Oversized master bedroom, professionally landscaped with mountain views, and free standing Pergola. Tiled counters, refrigerated air. Set up for solar panels. Walking trails, are abundant within the community, and easy access to Kirtland AFB, I-40 and shopping.

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team for more details!

Get your Morning Inspiration here!

Thank you to all the men and women who have served this country;  past and present.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

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.

Interest rates on a home mortgage remain low. Home prices are rising but they are still below the level they were at before the market took a dive. If you qualify for a low or no down payment loan, you're still likely to have closing costs and other expenses revolving around a new home purchase.

Here are 6 tips to help you save enough to make owning a home more than just a dream.

Tip #1 - Create a budget and expense report. Be specific about how much income you have each month and how much of it is being spent where. This will not only help you see where you might be able to make cuts, but will also help when you need to decide on a price range for your new home.

Tip #2 - Eliminate recurring service expenses, like gym memberships or cleaning services, that you aren't using or you might be able to do yourself to save some cash. A gym membership can add up to hundreds of dollars in a year.

Tip #3 - Cut out the java and other treats. Sure, we all like a good cup of coffee on the way to work but those trips can cost $30 - $40 a week or more if you add any food items to your stop. Your budget and your waistline will thank you!

Tip #4 - Eat out less or go earlier in the day. Dinners at restaurants are often more expensive than the same meal on a happy hour or lunch menu. Keep your leftovers and take them for lunch the next day. Living lean has become more and more popular in recent days.

Tip #5 - Consider getting a side job. What skills do you have that you can use on the side to make a little extra cash? Selling crafts on Etsy, working part time at the mall or even babysitting or mowing lawns can be great ways to earn a little extra each month.

Tip #6 - Be diligent about paying off debt. Start with your highest interest rate card first. Hit it hard and then move that payment to the next highest card. Rinse and repeat until all debts are paid.

It may feel like you're depriving yourself of the basics that make life comfortable to you but remember, there's a bigger purpose here. You want to be a homeowner and you want an affordable payment. Saving for the down payment or closing costs is a great start to ownership.

If you're ready to start your search, contact The Sandi Pressley Team today.

Have An Awesome Week!

Sandi's Hot Home Listing

4 Cinco Circle, Placitas

Price: $409,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Square Feet: 2,740

GORGEOUS SINGLE STORY Placitas custom home offers a private 2 acre sanctuary with breathtaking mountain views. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage, NM Pueblo home showcases spacious floorplan featuring a dramatic entry way into a cozy living space with Kiva fireplace and exposed vigas, T&G ceilings+wooden shutters throughout. Upgraded gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite countertops with beautiful backsplash accents. Private master suite with stunning Kiva fireplace and lovely Master Bath jetted tub, separate shower and large walk-in closets.

View This Listing

The one question we get asked more than any other is this: When is the best time to buy a home? It most often comes from first time homebuyers who are making the change from being renters to being owners. The answer is complicated and varies depending on your individual situation but let's take a look at a common situation as an example. Your readiness to make a commitment is likely the most important factor in the timing of a home purchase. You've already looked at your budget and determined that renting is costing you more than owning would. You have a down payment saved up and you're ready to take the leap. What's next? Here are some questions to ask to determine if it's time.

• Am I willing to work with a lender to determine my price range and ONLY look at homes in that range?
• Am I willing to research neighborhoods to find one that meets my lifestyle needs?
• Am I willing to compromise my desires to find a home that suits most of my needs?
• Am I prepared to make an offer when I find a home that fits my needs and is within my budget?

If you answered no to any of these questions, you may not be ready. Finding the right home is the easy part. Being prepared to jump, not so much. Prices are still at historic lows, rates remain very affordable. Now is a great time to buy a home. The real estate market has been tumultuous for years. Being fearful of making such a large financial commitment is understandable. Buying a home is a long term investment. Like the stock market, there is risk. If the market tanks again, you may lose equity and be forced to stay in your home longer than you expected. If you can be realistic about home ownership being a long term investment, you will eventually get a return on investment. However, you must be willing to:

• Keep your home updated and do repairs on a regular basis
• Be patient, return on investment can take a decade or more
• Buy in your price range

Once you asked yourself all the right questions and decided that you're willing to do what it takes, it's time to talk to your lender and a real estate professional. The Sandi Pressley Team is here to answer your questions.

Have An Awesome Week!

Sandi's Hot Home Listing

12105 Signal Ave NE, Albuquerque

Price: $945,000 Beds: 5 Baths: 4 Square Feet: 4,495

Sophisticated custom home with casita; Nestled in desired Primrose Pointe, showcases breathtaking MTN & City views!Built with Elegance & Luxury, the 4495 SF Award winning home offers the finest quality craftsmanship 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3 fireplaces, a 3 car garage and 2 spacious living areas, with wet-bar, travertine flooring and alder wood throughout! Gourmet kitchen with custom Alderwood cabinets, granite counters, island, stainless steel Subzero and WOLF appliances!  Tranquil Master suite with fireplace, sitting room and private patio.

View This Listing

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!