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Save Money on Your Albuquerque Home Decor With These "Fake" Ideas

by Sandi Pressley

“Fake it till you make it” is what they say in the military. But that saying can also be true of home decor. Today, faux is the way to go when it comes to making your Albuquerque home look like a million bucks. You can create a great-looking space, even if it wasn't built this way, and without spending a lot of money. Many of these items below stand in just as well as the "real stuff," and because they're DIY friendly, they're even more appealing.

Electric fireplaces

A fireplace can help a home feel comfortable and cozy, but not everyone has one built in. Thankfully, electric fireplaces are inexpensive and easy to incorporate into your home.

Electric fireplaces provide an alternative to traditional systems for those who don't have a chimney or who prefer to avoid the hassle of wood burning or gas fireplaces. Installing them is quite easy since all you need is a power outlet and no chimney or venting, although, if you plan to place them in a wall you may need to hire a professional.

Make your fireplace pretty

Installing that fireplace also means trimming it. For some homeowners, Airstone veneers are the smart choice, as they are lighter, durable, and easier to install than traditional stone veneers.

Faux panels

If you would like to redesign a large space, small products may not be the best answer. Faux panels and sidings are made of high-density polyurethane and are modelled from actual rock and stone, so they are lightweight, durable, realistic, and easy to install. The panels can be installed yourself by a homeowner or contractor in a fraction of the cost and time it takes to get a new exterior look for a small investment. These panels could also make an excellent addition to any living space that needs more personality. 

Peel-and-stick wallpaper

It's no longer a novelty to apply peel and stick wallpaper, and it's not just for those who don't like to hang traditional wallpaper. Some people often want to alter thier home's decor, so temporary peel and stick wallpaper can be useful.

Other peel-and-stick options

Getting real stone looks easy with this peel-and-stick option. Unlike wallpaper, the peel-and-stick option gives you materials that look natural in an easy-to-apply, easy-to-manipulate, and easy-to-remove package. It is expensive, so at about $23 per square foot you're not getting a budget answer. However, if you prefer stone but can't handle the hassle of installation, this may be the right option for you.

Quartz countertops

Quartz has become the most popular countertop material on the market today, surpassing granite in popularity. Today's homeowners are going quartz because of the ability to get the look of marble without the high maintenance and dread of a stain or scratch ruining their expensive counters.

Marble backsplash

You can spend thousands of dollars running marble along your kitchen walls. Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles were intended as floor tiles, but at under a dollar each, they're a great option for walls too.

Stencils

Using stencils, you can create the look of Moroccan tile or shiplap, customized furniture and even handmade-looking pillows. You can achieve the look of custom tile in your kitchen, on your floor, or to accent your furniture. Create the look of customized tile in your kitchen, or on your floor, with no need to spend a fortune or undergo an extensive remodeling project.

Depending on the size you require, these tiles are available in 6x6, 8x8, or 12x12. You may also want to check out the furniture stencils that can transform an old piece into something new. 

So when it comes to making your home look great, you really can fake it till you make it!

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 ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

1114 Grace Street NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

VIEWS!! Pleasing, light-filled 5 years young DR Horton, Rose model with a 3 car garage. This spacious home has soaring ceilings, east facing windows to enjoy views of the Sandia Mountains. Open concept floorplan, kitchen, dining, and great room flowing together. Home offers 4 bedrooms, plus an office/craft room/flex space. Kitchen showcases stacked cabinets, pantry, island, room for dining, and ample counter space. Stainless appliances stay! Primary suite is on main floor with a spa like bathroom and attached laundry room. 2nd level welcomes you with a LOFT/2nd living space. 3 more bedrooms, one being a second Primary with private bathroom. Enjoy alfresco dining on the covered patio while gazing out to the Sandi Mountains.

Learn More!

Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Your Albuquerque July Home Checklist

by Sandi Pressley


The month of July is filled with celebrations and summer fun, but we can’t forget to check off the items on our home checklist for the month. Here’s what you should be mindful of for the month of July:

  1. Hang your flag. Show your Independence Day spirit for our country and 4th of July celebration by displaying your flag. If you don’t have a flagpole or large flag to display, opt for smaller flags in containers in front of your home or porches and decks. Happy 4th of July!
  2. Check your safety devices. It’s so important to check your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors monthly. This includes ensuring the batteries are in good working condition and that you have one in each room of your home. You should also have a fire extinguisher on each level of your home. These should be checked for expiration dates to ensure they are always ready for use.
  3. Clean your porch lights. Nothing will dull your porch experience light dirty lights. Take out the glass portion and wash thoroughly. Once dried, put them back in place and put in any lightbulbs that need replacing. For the exterior of the fixture, wipe down gently with a cloth. You’ll have a bright new experience!
  4. Carefully check for any holes in your screens. This happens more often than you think. Whether screens pull away from the borders, or holes have been created in the larger part, this allows insects and other critters to enter your home. You can use a patching kit for smaller holes, or you may need to buy screening material and replace the entire screen for larger holes.
  5. Make your windows sparkle and shine! Rain, dust, sand and more can wreak havoc on your windows…and it happens very quickly. Take time this month to wash windows and door glass inside and out. A vinegar/water solution works great, or you can opt for a store-bought glass cleaner. Voila, sparkle and shine and a whole new perspective when looking outside.
  6. Maintenance of your pool. Besides normal water maintenance to ensure chlorine and bacteria levels stay where they should be, go the extra safety step to ensure children are safely kept away from the water when adults are not around. Drownings happen far to frequently and are very preventable with gates and safety locks. We all want an enjoyable summer in our pools with our family and friends, but also want to protect all our loved ones.
  7. Extra care for our furry family members. Summer temperatures can be brutal for all of us, but we have to pay close attention to our pets. Make sure they have an ample supply of water throughout the day and areas to cool off frequently. You’ll also want to keep them off asphalt and cement as temperatures soar. Even when air temperatures are at 80 degrees, asphalt and cement can be at 120 degrees- which is far too hot for their sensitive paws.

Stay tuned for more home maintenance updates in the months to come, real estate round-ups, featured listings and more. If you’re considering listing or purchasing a home in the Albuquerque area, put our experience and expertise to work for you! Contact us here.

 

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!


10516 SUPERNOVA STREET NW, ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Beautiful move in ready home! Fresh paint, flooring and extras, pride of ownership shines throughout! Bright open floor plan with 2 living areas, vaulted ceilings, kitchen is open to large family room. View the balloons and Sandia Mountains from your balcony. Attached 2 car garage plus a bonus garage/workshop in backyard with new epoxy flooring. This home is located in the perfect spot for everything fantastic that is located on the west side of town.

 

GET YOUR MORNING INSPIRATION WITH THE Sandi Pressley TEAM


 

Staging Ideas to Sell Your Albuquerque Home Faster

by Sandi Pressley

You can increase the sale price of your Albuquerque house by staging it for sale. In addition to helping you sell faster, it's an important marketing tool to help you compete at the right price. But cleaning the house and fluffing some pillows is not enough. Organizing, decluttering, repairing, upgrading, and depersonalizing are the keys to this process.

Here's a few tips to get your home ready to sell in Albuquerque.

Living Room

  • When placing anything from accent pillows and table lamps, go for symmetry, which is pleasing to the eye.
  • Light it up with lamps. Chic lamps provide both added lighting and appealing decor.
  • Make that fireplace glow. Scrub away soot stains and replace the old screen.
  • Whatever amount of furniture you have in your living room, remove a few pieces to make the room feel spacious.
  • Help buyers imagine their life in your home. Set the scene by displaying a board game or tea service on the coffee table, and arrange furniture in conversational groups.

Kitchen

  • Clear everything from countertops except one or two decorative items, like a vase of flowers or bowl of fresh fruit.
  • Pack up all the dishes except one attractive, matching set. Do the same with glassware, flatware, and cookware, and pare down all other cupboard and drawer items down to the minimum.
  • Freshen up and modernize those cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or stain and new hardware.
  • Invest some time in evaluating your appliances. Can they be made to look new again with a good scrub? Consider giving it the old college try or replacing it with a new model. Stainless steel is strongly recommended by the Real Estate Staging Association. If you use stainless films, you can get stainless's appearance for the price of a cheap meal.
  • Remove those fridge magnets and give the door and handles a good cleaning.

Bedrooms

  • Go gender neutral in the master bedroom. Ditch those dainty, floral pillow shams or NASCAR posters.
  • Pack up all but the clothes you're wearing this season to make you closets look larger.
  • Swap out the motley crew of mismatched hangers in your closet for a set of wooden ones to create a classy, boutique look.
  • Put jewelry and other valuables in a safe spot.
  • Consider giving extra bedrooms a new identity as a home office, sewing room, or another interesting function.
  • Remove televisions or video game consoles from bedrooms to depersonalize and create a serene setting.

Obviously, there are other ways to stage your home for sale. However, with these few tips, you'll be on your way to a faster sale.

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  $875,000

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

Dress Up Your Porch and Sell Your Albuquerque Home Faster

by Sandi Pressley

There are a lot of beautiful homes in Albuquerque for sale. So when you sell your home, you need to make sure it stands out from all the competition, especially these days. Your porch will be one of first things that potential home buyers in Albuquerque will see, so you want to make sure it welcomes them to their new home. Having an inviting porch is an important part of staging your home so that it sell more quickly. Here's a few ideas that will help your porch stand out and welcome guests and home buyers alike.

1. Plants in the Foreground

You can lead your guests right to your porch with plants and flowers that follow the path to your front door. Pretty flowers can really make a big difference in curb appeal. And for those sitting on the porch, it's also a relaxing scene to look at.

2. A Doormat

This step involves nothing more than replacing that tired old doormat. For a more custom affect, try layering a traditional coir doormat atop a larger striped outdoor rug.

3. A Pair of Chairs

If there's room for it, having two chairs instead of one is more welcoming, as it paints the scene of family and friends spending time on the porch together. Some photos may show a chair on each side of a porch, but that doesn't make sense in real life, unless you want to shout back and forth across the porch. Put them together.

4. Thoughtful Color Coordination

Use the color of your front door or trim as a starting point for choosing a color scheme for your porch. You can then repeat that same hue in the accents, like pillows, cushions, door mat, and flower pots.

5. A Fan

Fans are a great way to deal with the bugs and warm weather, and as such make a great investment. A ceiling fan installed by a professional is an ideal choice, but you could also use a standing or tabletop fan as well.

6. Outdoor Curtains

If your porch is lacking in shade, you can add a set of outdoor curtains to diffuse the sun. You can open and close them as needed, just like indoor curtains. If you choose a color other than white, make sure it's a fade resistant fabric to make sure the colors stay vibrant.

With these tips, you'll be on your way to making your home in Albuquerque stand out from the rest of the pack.

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!

60 SANDIA MOUNTAIN RANCH Drive, Tijeras, NM 87059  $575,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (1 full, 2 half) / 4255 Square Feet

Very special mountain home with incredible views, patios and balcony! Well designed floor plan with 3 wings. Master suite retreat with walk-in closet, jetted tub and connecting laundry. Two bedrooms in the second wing with bath and an office or 4th BDR in the third wing. Great room with cozy fireplace, formal dining room with private deck, gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops, SS appliances, wine fridge, gas cooktop, bar, recessed lighting, bkfst nook with amazing views! Special features include an elevator and approx 1500sf of living space; game room, exercise room, media room and workshop!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

Many home sellers are understandably concerned about a looming recession and how it will impact their ability to sell their home in Albuquerque. But just because there may be a recession doesn't mean your home won't sell. It just means there are things to consider to make sure your home is as competitive on the market as possible. Right now, we are in what's considered a buyer's market, which means you'll need to do mare to attract buyers.

Here are 3 main factors to look at:

Pricing

Strategically pricing your home for sale in Albuquerque means the difference between making and breaking the sale. In a buyer’s market, getting the price right is critical.

While market value is based on the sales prices of similar homes in your neighborhood, in a buyer’s market it pays to be aware of your competition. This means looking at homes for sale in your area online. If you find one that is priced comparable to yours, you’ve found your main competitor. If it’s in far better condition than yours, you have two choices, upgrade your home similarly, or adjust the price of your home. We can help you decide which of these two choices would be more advantageous.

Flexibility

Due to new rules regarding social distancing, you will need to be more flexible when it comes to showing your home. No matter what, you home should always be kept clean. Photos will need to be taken to show your home online, as more people will be using our website to look at your home. And in the event that your home will be shown in person, you need to be able to make it ready to view and have arrangements to be safely away from your home during a showing.

Concessions

Home buyers can become unreasonable when they know they are in the driver’s seat. They may ask for personal property to be included in the sale, such as furniture or play equipment. They may ask for credit for carpet or vinyl replacement even if there’s not a thing wrong with the existing floorcovering except that the buyer doesn’t like the color or pattern.

There is no rule about how to handle these situations, since just about everything in a home sale is negotiable when it comes to concessions. If it will pave the way to a smooth and quick closing, many homeowners are more than happy to accommodate the buyers’ requests, as long as they’re reasonable.

Unfortunately, you may need to sell your home when the market is stacked against you. Get your price right, be flexible and have plenty of patience and you’ll get through it.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10647 SUMMERCREST Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114  $310,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2820 Square Feet

VIEWS of the Sandia Mountains!! Beautiful 4BBDR/3BA/3CG home with 3 living spaces! Light, bright and open floor plan with living room, family room and large LOFT!! REFRIGERATED AIR! NEW ROOF! NEW CARPET! Updated flooring! Under stair storage! Kitchen features upgraded raised panel cabinetry with crown molding, granite countertops, LG appliances, tile flooring, recessed lighting, island, walk-in pantry & breakfast nook! Family room features cozy fireplace. Master suite features double door entry, walk-in closet with built-in shelving, dual sink vanity, sep shower and garden tub. Huge backyard with open patio and pergola covered outdoor space for entertaining! Terrific location close to Cottonwood Mall, shopping, restaurants, Rust Medical Center, schools and parks!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

Maintenance Tips to Help Sell Your Home Faster in Albuquerque

by Sandi Pressley

If you own a home in Albuquerque, at some point you will probably decide to sell your home. No matter when that time may come, it's important to keep your home maintained to make sure it remains in good condition. Good maintenance habits are not something you can just start at the last-minute before you sell your home, they are something you should start now.

What are some of the most important home maintenance habits to get into?

Maintain Your Filters

If you have an AC system, it's important to keep up with changing the filters. When your filters are clogged, your system has to work harder to push air through the house, and this causes more wear on the system over time.

When buying a filter, pay attention to the rating of the filter you are using, as some are rated to last longer and need replacing less frequently.

Inspect and Clean Your Furnace or Boiler

Along with changing filters in your cooling system, it's also important to keep your heating and cooling system itself clean. Dust and condensation can build up over time, leading to degradation of the unit. Maintaining your cooling and heating system can extend its lifespan by years.

Check Your Water Heater

Water heaters are the unsung heros of home life. We just expect them to work forever unchecked. Then when they go out, it's time to panic.

As you no doubt guessed, you can save yourself some grief and get more life from your water heater with some simple maintenance. It's recommended that you check your water heater every year for issues.

Seals can fail and drains can clog, especially if you have hard water. If you notice even a minor leak or scale build up, have a plumber or water heater repair company take a look to make sure there isn't a bigger issue that could lead to a flooded basement.

Check Your Toilets and Faucets

Your toilets and sinks will be inspected when you sell your home, so make you inspect the plumbing fixtures every six months. If you do find any leaks, you can replace the faulty seal yourself. If the leak ends up being larger, then you may need professional help.

Vacuum Refrigerator Condenser Coils

Refrigerators are another appliance that most people don't think about checking. But the condenser coils on the back can collect dust, and this can affect performance. 

All you need to do is pull the fridge out and clean off the dust. Then you can also take the opportunity to clean behind it and the floor where it sits.

Clean Your Exhaust Hood

Exhaust hoods can get quite dirty, especially if you love to cook. That grease and grime can lead to a fire hazard, so you should make a habit of cleaning it and replacing the filter if it has one.

These are just a few of the things in your home you should keep maintained and in good order before you sell your home in Albuquerque. Visit our blog regularly for more real estate advice and tips on how to sell your home faster and for more money in Albuquerque.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1004 El Paseo Street NW, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $215,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2053 Square Feet

Camino Crossing! 4BDR/2.5BA/2CG. Light, bright & open! REFRIGERATED AIR & SOLAR PANELS! Huge great room opens for entertaining to the kitchen with breakfast nook, pantry, gas stove, tile flooring, granite countertops & beautiful cabinetry! Large secondary bedrooms and laundry room upstairs for convenience. Master suite features a garden tub, separate shower, dual sink vanity & walk-in closet! Gardener? Enjoy the established outdoor garden with fruit trees of Apple, Peach, Nectarine, Fig, Plum, Pear, Asian Pear, Jasmine among lots of other vegetables!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

Pros and Cons of Fencing Your Yard

by Sandi Pressley

If you're deciding whether to build a fence for your property, be it a wood, wrought iron, vinyl or chain link fence, they can be expensive. So it's a good idea to decide what your needs are and if a fence is worth the cost. You need to consider the pros and cons of fencing your yard.

Since fences are so prevalent, the pros certainly outweigh the cons. Here's a few points to consider.

PROS

Privacy

Privacy is obviously the main benefit of having a fenced yard. Having a fence not only reduces the disturbance to your neighbors, but to your family as they play in the pool, garden, sunbathe, etc. Having privacy in your yard can play a vital role in making sure your time outside with family and friends is protected from prying eyes.

Safety

Safety is another key reason people decide to fence their yard. If you have a swimming pool, it's especially essential to have a fence that will protect your family. It's also a great way to keep out the critters you don't want in your yard, as well as letting your dog run free.

Noise Reduction

If you live near a busy street, noise may be an issue. Building an 8 ft high solid fence can reduce noise by up to 10 decibels. Acoustifenc is a product that has been used to reduce sound along highways and mass transit lines. You can now use it in residential settings, and it's reported to reduce noise by up to 5 percent, depending on fence height, elevations and noise frequencies.

Design Element

A well built fence can add a great deal to your home's overall appeal. Picket fences are a great example of how a fence can add to the attractiveness of a property, as well as define the property boundary.

The biggest cons in building a fence are often overlooked. Months or years after building a fence consumers may feel like they made the wrong decision.

CONS

Maintenance

A fence well cared for will add to the appeal of your home for years. But if you don't keep them up, they can deteriorate over the years, especially wood fences. Wood fences, specifically, require occasional cleaning, staining, sealing or painting and can warp and rot over time.

Expense

Fencing an an entire property, or even part of one, is expensive. The price can vary a great deal depending on materials and length, number of gates, and labor.  A wooden privacy fence now averages $17.31 to $23.13 per linear foot – that’s $2,596.50 to $3,469.50 for a 150-foot-long fence.

When determining whether to build a fence or not, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. Typically, the pros will outweigh the cons.

Looking to sell your home for the right price in Albuquerque? Let us help you sell your home in Albuquerque and get the right price. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

8000 Oso Loco Road NE, Albuquerque, NM  $288,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 0 half) / 1879 Square Feet

Excellent opportunity to own in Far North East Heights neighborhood! This beautiful home is close to in shopping, bike paths and highly desirable schools. Open and bright floor plan with custom Southwest touches throughout; ledges; arched doorways and more. A custom Kiva fireplace with built-in Bancos grace the family room that opens to the sunny kitchen with breakfast bar; kitchen island; lots of cabinets and pantry for storage. Separate formal dining room. Master Suite w/access to patio and ample spa like en suite with walk-in closet that includes a custom closet system. Low maintenance front and backyard landscaping w/ lush shrubs and trees & cool covered patio for warm summer evenings.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

Home Staging Tips For Fall in Albuquerque

by Sandi Pressley

Having your home on the market in Albuquqerque during the autumn selling season can be a great thing. There are fewer homes on the market, which means you will be in an ideal position to market your home. Here's a few staging tips to help you close the sale by the holidays.

1. Brighten Up

Days are getting shorter, and that can be a good thing for sellers. When you have a well-lit room, it looks larger and more inviting. Turn on all of your lights before the showing, and make sure they can be seen from the steet so that they welcome buyers as they drive up. 

2. Light Your Buyer’s Fire (with Fire)

Buyers want to see themselves relaxing in front of a warm fire. You can help them envision the warmth of thier new home by building a fire if you have fireplace, along with lighting some well-placed candles.

3. Use Seasonal Scents

Normally you would use unscented candles when showing a home, as you don't want to alienate buyers. But the fall season may be a time to bend that rule and light a few candles that have an autmn scent.

Because smell is so intricately tied to emotion, harnessing the aroma of fall will evoke memories of apple picking, pumpkin carving, leaf raking and other family-friendly activities.

4. Get Cozy

A few throw pillows and soft blankets will make your home feel more cozy. This will help buyers feel more relaxed and ready to curl up with a good book.

5. Make Your Curb Appealing

The approach of fall heralds crisp breezes and brightly colored leaves. Embrace the natural hues of the season by adding fall-hued foliage and flowers to your outdoor landscape — mums, goldenrods, Aster, smoke bush, Heleniums, burning bush, Virginia Sweetspire, witch-hazels and Viburnum are all plants that thrive in colder temperatures and produce gorgeous, seasonal color.

6. A Little Goes a Long Way

As with any seasonal decor, it’s important to make sure you don’t overdo your decorating efforts.

Good: a fall-hued wreath on the front door and a few cheeky-looking pumpkins.
Bad: a pumpkin-patch themed front yard, including hay bales and a scarecrow.

Good: bringing seasonal color inside via candles, pillows and fall foliage.
Bad: a home cluttered with Halloween knick knacks and an excess of fall accessories.

Remember that when it comes to decorating your Albuquqerque home for a showing or open house, it’s always better to keep it sweet and simple.

Looking to sell your home for the right price in Albuquerque? Let us help you sell your home in Albuquerque and get the right price. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

2612 Espanola Street, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $170,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1140 Square Feet

HUGE LOT with BACKYARD ACCESS and custom gate in the NE Heights! Conveniently located close to Uptown, Trader Joe's, shopping, restaurants & parks! 3BDR/1.5BA/1CG featuring a large open great room with huge picture window and tile flooring! Remodeled kitchen with new soft-close cabinetry & crown molding, Quartz countertops! Beautiful shade tree in the front yard and oversized backyard with plenty of room for pets, backyard access, custom metal gate and covered patio for Summer BBQs!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

 

When you buy or sell a home in Albuquerque, the home inspection is a critical part of the process. A home inspection benefits all parties involved in the transaction, as it reveals what the condition of the home is and what needs work.

How can you get the most from your home inspection?  Here’s the steps of the process and how you can maximize the results.

Why Have Your Home Inspected?

If you’re selling a home in Albuquerque, the home inspection gives you the opportunity to make needed repairs, and as such, list your home for a higher value. Your home will also sell faster with fewer issues. Most people in Albuquerque want to buy a turn-key home rather than a fixer-upper.

Make sure you do your research when you hire a home inspector. The internet is a powerful way to look at reviews and work history. If you find a home inspector with a good track record, but they cost more, it’s worth it.

During the Home Inspection

Make sure you’re there during the inspection. This way, the inspector can show you the issues in person and explain options for repair. You can also ask questions and take photos. This will also help you learn about what to look for when you buy a home in Albuquerque.

Recheck and Take Notes

After your home is inspected, go back over the issues for a closer look. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, this will help with negotiations. Then you can increase or lower the asking price depending on the repairs needed.

Discuss and Negotiate Repairs

For home sellers, you can either do the repairs before the home is listed and ask for a higher price, or you can skip the repairs and lower the price. It all depends on how much time you have to put into it.

If you’re the buyer, you can ask for an asking price deduction that is equal to the estimated cost of repairs if you’re buying the home as-is. Another option is to suggest that the current owner get repairs done and then you buy it after a re-inspection following the repairs. This would be best for very expensive repairs such as for changing the entire roof or re-plumbing the entire home.

A good home inspection can make the difference between a smooth transaction and a disaster.  Make sure you find the right inspector and be involved in the process.

Search for your dream home in Albuquerque with our easy to use home search. 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!

1619 Camino De La Sierra NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112  $550,000

3 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (3 full, 1 half) / 3415 Square Feet

Wonderful one owner custom home by Carlson Builders. Located in S foothills on approx acre of beautifully landscaped property with amazing view. This home has Hurd windows, custom cabinetry through out, GE Monogram/Jenn Air appliances, butcher block island, custom pantry, 3 cars plus carport, cedar closet, gun room, hidden closet. Even a detached workshop/studio. A 25'x39' great room for all occasions . Plantation shutters, two master suites. This home was built to stay, with post stressed concrete slab and a Garden room, and so much more. Minutes to hiking, biking, freeway and shopping.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

4 Obstacles to Selling Your Home in Albuquerque Without an Agent

by Sandi Pressley

It’s not rare that a person may feel they can sell their home on their own, which is called For Sale By Owner (FSBO). Many people believe that by not using a real estate agent that they’ll save money and have more control over the process.  But most of the time, they end up having more stress than those who hire an agent. What are some of the issues that people face when they sell their house on their own?

Setting the Right Price

People who chose not to use a real estate agent have a tough time setting the right price. They are emotionally attached to the house, and it’s not easy to separate those feelings.  So in many cases they set the price too high, which will drive away buyers and prolong the process.

Paperwork

Home sellers are never really prepared for all the paperwork it takes to complete a sale. In addition, some of the paperwork is hard to understand.  This is why real estate agents spend so much time training, so that they can comprehend all of that legal speak. And an agent will also handle all of the paperwork, so you do have to. This alone can be convincing enough to hire a real estate professional.

Selling in Your Desired Timeframe

Home sellers don’t always realize how long the process takes. You need to get your home ready to sell, show it to buyers, close the sale, and more. All of this can add up, making the process take longer than people expect. As such, many will set unrealistic deadlines and be disappointed and frustrated when they fall short.

Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

Most homes need to be prepared to sell.  There’s almost always some repairs to be made, along with cleaning and staging. This is a crucial part of the process that many homeowners overlook when they sell their own home. Home buyers typically will look at a home online and judge the home by the photos. If they don’t see a clean home, they will just go to the next listing.

Why go through all of these stressful obstacles on your own? Hiring an experienced agent will alleviate a great deal of stress and confusion during the selling process, as well as help you make more money in the end.

Search for your dream home in Albuquerque with our easy to use home search. 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!

5000 College Heights Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 8712  $425,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2850 Square Feet

Casual elegance abounds in this beautiful custom home with private courtyard & dramatic functional floor plan featuring 4BDR/2.5BA/3CG! Oversized great room features coffered ceiling, tile flooring, gas fireplace, 8ft stacking patio doors that open up to the amazing outdoor living space w/wood fireplace & covered patio to entertain or relax & enjoy the best of New Mexico weather! Gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, gas cooktop, pot filler, built-in oven, bkfst bar, pantry, island! REFRIG AIR, central vac, skylights, RV Pad! Incredible mst suite on its own wing featuring backyard patio access, jetted tub, sep shower, built-in cabinets in walk-in closet. Beautifully landscaped & walled for privacy. Close to shopping, parks, Bosque trails, easy access across town Montano, I40!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

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Photo of The Sandi Pressley Team Real Estate
The Sandi Pressley Team
Coldwell Banker Legacy
10400 Academy Rd. NE Suite 100
Albuquerque NM 87111
505-980-2999
505-263-2173 / 505 293-3700
Fax: 505-212-0729

Quick links to this site are also SandiSells.net or SandiSellsHomes.com