Real Estate Information

The average time to sell a home is 25 days. This is significantly better than how things were back in 2010 when the average time it took to sell a house was 140 days. However, this is not fast, and your home is not guaranteed to sell in 25 days. There are a number of factors that determine how quickly you can sell your home, such as location, season, and others.

If you want to sell your home in Albuquerque quickly, what do you do? You may have seen those "we buy houses for cash" signs. Are you able to sell your home in a few days without doing any repairs, or even cleaning it up for walkthroughs by buyers? 

If it sounds too good to be true, perhaps it is.

Let’s see what’s going on with these home buyers.

Who Are They?

Buyers who offer to buy homes for cash are not the typical buyer. Their purpose isn't to live in or find a rental property. Their aim is to earn a quick profit by investing in properties. 

The objective of such home buyers is to buy a house for the cheapest possible price, fix it up, and resell it soon after. In just a few months, they often make a large profit. 

Who Do They Target?

In order to accomplish this, they specifically target motivated and desperate sellers. Have you tried listing your home for sale and the listing expired without a sale? A cash buyer probably contacted you soon after. When you fail on the open market, you may have no choice but to sell your house for cash at a rock bottom price.

It is possible that your home did not do well on the market for any number of reasons. You can ask a knowledgeable agent what changes to make for your next attempt. A good agent will always provide you with a better return than a cash buyer.

In the same vein, cash buyers go after people in situations that require a fast sale. A few examples include:

• Divorcing sellers
• Bankruptcy
• Foreclosure
• Employment change
• Probate sales

Often these buyers are called "opportunity investors". Their goal is to earn some serious cash. Opportunities are often found in other people's misfortune.

Benefits

The fact that they can sell their home quickly, however, may seem like a blessing to some people in these situations. A fast sale would take care of their problem of not getting enough return on their investment.

Cash buyers are also quick to close. 

It typically takes about 30 days to close a financed purchase. In most cases, it's the lender who drags out the process by requiring appraisals and other paperwork and procedures before approving the funds release.

This is not an issue for cash buyers. It's quite common for them to visit your home within two days after you contact them. You may receive an offer on the spot or within the next few days. Most of the time, titles are cleared by a title company that they have on-hand. 

Also, a home inspection can slow down the transaction. Usually, buyers request them before closing the sale, and may even request repairs to be made.

This is not what cash buyers do. As a rule, they buy the house "as is" and do the repairs later.

You will hand over the keys in only a few days, and the house will be sold.

Negatives

This sounds really good, doesn't it? Where's the catch?

Your profits and equity will most likely disappear. A cash buyer's offer is often just enough to pay off your mortgage. Generally, you will only receive 50-80% of the market value. 

To save on the hassle of conventional marketing, 80% of the market value might seem attractive. Yet the average is about 65% of the market value. Alternatives exist, as well, such as iBuyers such as Opendoor, which offer a more convenient and speedy buying process.

These types of companies should also be treated with extreme caution. They are scammers in some cases. Buying a home, but not paying for the mortgage, is a common scheme. There have been a number of instances where sellers who no longer owned the property found themselves still responsible for paying the mortgage.

Make sure you do your research before selling your home to a cash buyer. Selling a property to get rid of it is not the only option. Alternatives are available that are more lucrative.

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!

4704 SILVER HAIR Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114   $325,000

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2370 Square Feet

**Updated & Meticulously Maintained** This beautiful home with an open & light filled floorplan offers two living areas for both formal & informal gatherings; Updated/remodeled kitchen appointed w/gorgeous granite cntrs; glass/stone backsplash; SS appliances; & sunny breakfast nook. Master retreat features view balcony w/composite decking; updated spa like en suite; & huge walk-in closet! Two additional bedrooms upstairs + updated full bath! Fourth bedroom/study & updated 3/4 guest bath on main level. Interior professionally painted May 2021; Upgraded Evap cooler; Extra large 2 car garage w/storage cabinets/shelves. Relax out back in the hot tub that will convey; covered & open patio areas; shrubs, flowers, trees. Close to shopping, the bosque, & schools. See Seller's Feature page for more!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Have you heard about Opendoor? If you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque, perhaps this company has crossed your path. Opendoor is capitalizing on the popularity of iBuyer technology. The term iBuyer refers to an instant buyer. IBuyers theoretically make the process of selling a home easier, faster, and sometimes cheaper.

What Is an iBuyer?

As was touched on, Opendoor is characterized as an iBuyer. Using technology, iBuyer companies offer instant offers on properties. Data and advanced algorithms are used by an iBuyer company to estimate the value of a property. Based on that information, they make an offer.

Traditionally, sellers do not have to market and sell their homes. iBuyer then takes ownership of the home, makes any necessary repairs or changes, markets it, and eventually sells it on.

Occasionally, the terms iBuyer and flipper are used interchangeably, but there often appears to be differences between the models. Flippers typically buy foreclosure homes or homes near foreclosure that need extensive renovations. The work will be done and then sold for a profit.

IBuyers tend to search for homes in good condition, and they'll likely pay fair market value. Repairs might be made, but most renovations are minor.

Where do they make their money?

Opendoor is a fee-based service. The iBuyers try to charge a commission fee that is comparable to that of a real estate agent. Fees are based on the time required to sell a property.

What Is Opendoor Specifically?

Opendoor is one of the largest iBuyers at the moment. A lot of credit goes to them for starting iBuying. Opendoor charges its customers a service fee.

When someone submits an offer request, Opendoor will provide the seller with all-cash offers within 24 hours. After entering your address, you can choose the features of your home and any upgrades you've made. After you accept the offer from Opendoor, they'll send a team out to conduct a walkthrough.

They deduct the costs of repairs if they believe they are necessary. You only need to choose a closing date if you agree to the offer and terms.

What Are the Pros of Opendoor?

There are definitely some upsides to Opendoor. To begin with, it is simple. That’s the biggest benefit. Traditional methods of selling a house can be time-consuming and frustrating. An inspection, closing, and selling a house can take months. It is really possible to get an offer within 24 hours on Opendoor, and they also pay for the inspection.

What Are the Cons of Opendoor?

Opendoor has its downsides, as with anything.

First of all, it helps if you have some idea about the local Albuquerque real estate market. Selling a home requires you to make smart decisions that lead to a competitive offer from Opendoor. You might be better off working with a realtor in the traditional sense if you do not have this knowledge and experience.

It's also possible that you won't make as much money selling your home as you would if you sold it traditionally, especially if you live in a seller's market right now.

Also, Opendoor charges at least 7.5% for using the service, which is more than the usual commission paid to real estate agents. There is also a disclaimer that they could charge as much as 14%, whereas real estate agents usually charge just 6%. Fees are determined by how long it takes to sell your home, its features, as well as comparable homes in your area.

Furthermore, Opendoor determines the cost of any repairs based on its own inspection. You can negotiate repair costs if you sell your home conventionally.

Opendoor and other platforms like it may seem as if they're the future of real estate, but it's more likely to be a component of it. But working with a real estate agent will also remain a popular choice for buyers and sellers.

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!

2625 HALCON Place SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105   $400,000

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2797 Square Feet

Country living in the South Valley at its best! Covered sun porch & front entry with rose bushes! BACKYARD ACCESS with electric gate. Metal Roof! 3BDR/3BATH featuring a beautiful ADDITION in 2010 for kitchen, sitting room & master suite! Oversized kitchen features beautiful cabinetry, granite countertops, huge pantry & tile flooring! Master suite features his/her vanities, large walk in closet, jetted tub, sep shower, skylights, gas fireplace! Detached 2Car garage with pit, crane, sink & storage; horse barn & shop w/electricity & chicken coop! Gorgeous yard to entertain family & friends! Fruit trees, grapes, grass, shrubs & covered patio!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

So you're all set to buy that charming old home in Albuquerque. But before you start packing your belongings, you should make sure the plumbing can handle your needs and doesn't need major repairs.

It’s true, older homes in Albuquerque are charming and full of character. In many cases the materials stand the test of time, but not always. Plumbing is a different animal. Below are 10 things to check before writing the big check.

1)  Sewer line. Have an expert check the sewer line to the street. A video camera is crucial to detecting potential problems. Tree roots, corrosion or clogs can all hurt the line, and you don’t want it to collapse.

2) Water heater. Check the age. Water heaters should last at least 10 years, so if it’s much older than that, it’s probably time to replace it. Look at the location, will it cause problems if it leaks?

3) Toilets. Check toilets for leaks at the base to check for damage. Sealing a leak will make the problem worse. Check for things like rocking, discoloration, or warping at the base. Flush each toilet to make sure there aren't clogs.

4) Water supply pipes.

• Find out when the pipes were installed and whether they have been replaced.
• What type of pipes are they? If they are copper or plastic, they have probably been replaced. Copper and plastic don’t corrode like steel, but some plastics, such as PVC, are not approved for inside use.
• If it is galvanized steel, it is probably old and likely to require replacement. Look for small holes that could be rust.
• Are the pipes a mix of different materials? This is usually a sign that minimal maintenance has been performed and will likely need replacement.
• If the pipes are cast iron, they may need to be replaced due to mineral build up, corrosion or leaks.
• Pipes made from polybutylene should be replaced. These pipes a grayish, flexible plastic used from the 1970’s to the 1990’s. Chlorine erodes them over time.
• All lead pipes should be replaced.

5) Inside water lines. Look for discolored water or leaks in the pipe you can see—either in the basement or under the sink.

6) Drain lines. Even though these lines generally don’t corrode, play it safe and look down the drain.

7) Water taps. Turn on the tap to check for corrosion. If the home is vacant and there has been no activity for a while, rust may drain out, but if it is occupied, corrosion is more likely.

8) Water Pressure. Test the water pressure by running all the faucets simultaneously. You need 3/4” water pipe from the water source to the house, and no less than 1/2” to the faucets.

9) Crawl space and basements. Look for water damage, leaky pipes or inadequate repairs.

10) Shower pressure. Although there are numerous models with varying water pressure, make sure the stream of water is steady.

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!

2625 HALCON Place SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105   $400,000

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2797 Square Feet

Country living in the South Valley at its best! Covered sun porch & front entry with rose bushes! BACKYARD ACCESS with electric gate. Metal Roof! 3BDR/3BATH featuring a beautiful ADDITION in 2010 for kitchen, sitting room & master suite! Oversized kitchen features beautiful cabinetry, granite countertops, huge pantry & tile flooring! Master suite features his/her vanities, large walk in closet, jetted tub, sep shower, skylights, gas fireplace! Detached 2Car garage with pit, crane, sink & storage; horse barn & shop w/electricity & chicken coop! Gorgeous yard to entertain family & friends! Fruit trees, grapes, grass, shrubs & covered patio!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Many Albuquerque homeowners find kitchen remodeling a costly project. The fact that COVID-19 has given people more time at home means that many are considering remodeling their homes.

Some homeowners choose IKEA kitchens to save money on kitchen projects.

The savings can eventually add up to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, but is it worth it? This is a personal decision, but there are a few things to know about an IKEA kitchen.

Designing an IKEA Kitchen

The initial design process of an IKEA kitchen poses one of the biggest challenges. In the store, you can have a designer assist you with the design. A nearby IKEA can simplify things, and you will avoid the risk of your mistakes derailing your project. But if you live in Albuquerque, you will no doubt have your kitchen shipped, as the closest store is in Phoenix.

If so, there is an online planning tool available.

The concept of an IKEA kitchen is the same as that of their furniture. Aside from being budget-friendly, things are packaged and delivered so they can be assembled right away. The work may be possible without a contractor.

One of the most important things to remember when using the design planner is to measure, measure, and measure again. It is important to consider things like window openings, outlets, and door swings.

As soon as you have your measurements, you can start planning the layout of your kitchen. This simply means putting everything where you will need it and thinking about how everything will flow.

Are the Cabinets High-Quality?

Cabinets, particularly custom cabinets, can be extremely expensive. It is significantly cheaper to buy cabinets at Ikea.

IKEA cabinets are primarily made of particleboard, which is then covered in laminate. Solid wood is a preferred choice for some people. Again, that's completely up to you.

As IKEA cabinets aren't available in custom sizes, if you have an odd space or something doesn't quite work out, you may need to use a filler piece.

Another important part of planning your kitchen is the 3D planner. You can think of it as a puzzle.

Cabinets can be equipped with features such as internal organizers, and drawer dampeners can give your cabinets a soft closing. Below the counter are the base cabinets. It is available in two depths, with the standard depth being 24 inches. Above the countertops are wall cabinets. Wall cabinets typically have a depth of 15 inches.

The tall cabinets come in handy if you need additional storage, which is somewhat like a free-standing pantry. Their height is 80 or 90 inches, and they sit on the floor. Base cabinets can either have exposed legs or toe kicks.

What About the Countertop?

Although you can buy cabinets at Ikea, you might want to look elsewhere for countertops. You can choose either laminate or veneer.

Putting it Together

As always, your IKEA kitchen will not be assembled when it arrives. A contractor can assemble them for you or you can do it yourself. You should have your kitchen delivered instead of picking it up, and you may find that if you have a larger kitchen, you have more than 100 boxes.

The way you put everything together and install the components correctly is crucial to the durability and quality of your IKEA kitchen. Think about having someone help you if you're unsure of your skills.

In addition, if you do not plan on changing your kitchen layout or shape, you could be limited in your IKEA kitchen choices. This is simply due to the modular design of IKEA kitchens and the lack of customization possibilities. If you are going with IKEA, a straight-line kitchen is the best option.

Whether or not an IKEA kitchen is worth the cost savings depends on your preferences, the layout of your kitchen, how handy you are, and what your budget is.

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!

7508 CALLE MONTANA NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

5 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 3011 Square Feet

Beautiful 5 bedroom Stillbrooke home in highly sought after planned community! Main level features grand open floorplan w/gorgeous custom staircase; spacious great room opens onto breakfast nook & kitchen w/granite countertops, island & breakfast bar. Cathedral ceilings & Clerestory windows makes this home bright & light. Flexible floorplan could be 2 living areas: office & 5 bedroom plus loft, OR formal dining, greatroom, 5 bedrooms & loft/media area. Master suite on main level has backyard access, spa like en suite & huge walk-in closet. Also, a secondary bedroom on main level. Upstairs features a huge loft/media room, 3 more very large bedrooms, & additional full bathroom. Lovely landscaped backyard w/water feature & fully walled for privacy. New carpet 2019, & updated SS appliances.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy

We wish all of you the very best this Memorial Day weekend as we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

Here are some Memorial Day events planned in Albuquerque this weekend.

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

Sat, May 29, 1 – 5 PM

Pasando Tiempo Winery and Vineyards
277 Dandelion Rd, Corrales, NM

Join us for our Memorial Day Weekend Celebration. Saturday, May 29 1pm - 5pm Live Music (2pm-4pm) Food Truck Vendors Free Event

Memorial March ABQ

Sat, May 29, 8 – 11 AM

Tingley Beach
1800 Tingley Dr SW, Albuquerque, NM

Join us for the new MEMORIAL MARCH, a Memorial Day themed run that is perfect for the whole family. The fun includes great swag (designer shirt, custom medal). You also have the option to run virtually - run on the treadmill, in your neighborhood, or your favorite route at the park and on your own time, just make sure to follow CDC guidelines! Virtual runners will be able to add their time to the online results leader board with the rest of the great virtual running community.

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day!

When your garbage cans are out five minutes after garbage pickup, they complain. When a car is parked outside their house -- legally, of course -- they get mad. Everything is a big deal to them. Those people are the Nightmare Neighbors, and they need to be avoided at all costs. 

“Neighbors matter: more than three-quarters of Americans say neighbors factor into their decision when choosing a new home,” said mortgage company Ally. They surveyed more than 2,000 Americans on their favorite and least favorite characteristics in a neighbor. “More than half of Americans report having had what they'd classify as a ‘nightmare neighbor’ in the past,” and 67% of the respondents said that “prior unhappy neighbor experiences make them realize the importance of good neighbors.” 

When you are deciding on a new home in Albuquerque, how do you know who your neighbors are truly? You do these three things: 

Ask

Unless one of your neighbors has done something legally required to be disclosed, asking the seller about your neighbors may not get you a straight answer. In any case, a seller has little reason to reveal if he dislikes the person next to him or across the street. At the end of the day, they want to make the sale. Even though they have had problems with a neighbor, it doesn't necessarily mean you will. 

A real estate agent may be able to get some information from the selling agent, because they have a duty to you. Other neighbors may also be able to help you. Is there anyone outside? Say hello!

Spy

If you're buying a house, it's always a good idea to make multiple visits at different times of the day and on different days. You won't get enough information from one short visit about what it's like to live there. 

It's best to get out of your car and walk around. “Ideally, you should try taking a few different routes on your walks around the neighborhood and go at different times of day,” said The Zebra. “It takes time, but the amount of valuable information you’ll get from it is well worth it before making a decision this big.”

Research

If you are planning to move, the first thing you should do is check a site like Family Watchdog to see if there are any sexual offenders in the neighborhood. A reverse address search can be done on a site like Spokeo to check the addresses of individual houses in a neighborhood. With just a few clicks, you can learn a lot. Addresses lead to names, and names lead to police activity or court records. 

It's a goldmine of information about the people who live in the neighborhoods in which you're interested if you can get access to the Nextdoor community site. Some neighborhoods also have Facebook pages that might provide you with valuable insight. 

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!

7508 CALLE MONTANA NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

5 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 3011 Square Feet

Beautiful 5 bedroom Stillbrooke home in highly sought after planned community! Main level features grand open floorplan w/gorgeous custom staircase; spacious great room opens onto breakfast nook & kitchen w/granite countertops, island & breakfast bar. Cathedral ceilings & Clerestory windows makes this home bright & light. Flexible floorplan could be 2 living areas: office & 5 bedroom plus loft, OR formal dining, greatroom, 5 bedrooms & loft/media area. Master suite on main level has backyard access, spa like en suite & huge walk-in closet. Also, a secondary bedroom on main level. Upstairs features a huge loft/media room, 3 more very large bedrooms, & additional full bathroom. Lovely landscaped backyard w/water feature & fully walled for privacy. New carpet 2019, & updated SS appliances.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

The real estate market in Albuquerque has never been hotter, with homes still selling at record pace. That's why we're excited to offer 3 new listings just posted on our website. These affordable homes are perfect for first time home buyers as well as home buyers looking for an upgrade. Check these out now before they're gone!

Feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173 to get more information and schedule a viewing of these fine homes. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

13517 SKYLINE Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

$225,000

GREAT LOCATION close to foothills trails, shopping, parks, restaurants and easy access to I40! Southwest style 2BDR/2BA/2CG townhome! Private front courtyard with pergola covered patio, entertain family & friends and enjoy the best of NM weather!! Huge great room features Saltillo tile, gas fireplace, and raised ceilings! Large kitchen with eat-in space, Saltillo tie, lots of cabinets, pantry and granite countertops! Open patio and walled backyard for privacy!

Learn More!

6029 CREGGS Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

$310,000

Peaceful Living Awaits! Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac street, nestled up against the Petroglyphs for optimal serene suburban living, no homes behind you, this beauty will not disappoint! Backyard is a private paradise featuring a Sparkling Gunite POOL, covered patio, & low maintenance landscaping! Attractive Saltillo tile floors and cathedral ceilings in living areas. Two living areas, an open & bright kitchen w/adjoining dining, & half bath grace the main level. Three bedrooms including the Master Suite w/VIEW balcony & his/her closets, & two bathrooms on upper level. Close to library, hiking trails, & dog park.

Learn More!

4 CAMINO DE LA VINA VIEJA, Placitas, NM 87043

$425,000

Nestled in the foothills on an acre with incredible views! Beautiful 3BDR/2BA home with the master suite on its own wing! Updated windows and Pella Doors showcasing amazing views! Radiant heat! Skylights! Tile flooring! Great room features a wood beam ceiling, vigas, Kiva wood fireplace, and a wall of windows! Master suite features double doors, walk-closet, jetted tub & separate shower. Secondary bdrs & full bath on its own wing! Private well! New septic system installed soon! Incredible outdoor living space with lots of spots to relax & enjoy nature, sunset views from the covered porch, walled back courtyard with lots of room to entertain family & friends. Huge storage shed, partially fenced lot, potting shed over the bridge, solar powered gate, backyard access!!

Learn More!

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.

House flipping has become increasingly popular thanks to reality TV shows that show house flippers making nearly $50,000 in just a few weeks. You make a nice living doing it and help a lot of families find their dream homes (since you have helped fix them up). The only problem is that you must have the ability to do the job correctly. You cannot expect to paint the walls and sell the home for a million dollars. It takes a lot of hard work and research to flip a house. Here are five steps to help.

1. Research the Albuquerque Real Estate Market

There are certain markets that are better suited for flipping houses. For example, if you're only looking to start off with $10,000 for your remodeling budget, you probably should not start flipping houses that are previously listed for millions. This kind of strategy isn't recommended because you'll end up with less than what you began with. It's a general rule of thumb that the less cash you have to start with, the less the house should cost overall. That means that the first two questions that you need to answer are:

• How much cash are you starting off with?
• What market can you afford to work with?

You need to know where the neighborhood that you’re planning on working with sits on the scale of A to D. A neighborhood that is classified as “A” means that the homes are wealthier. A “D” neighborhood would be considered poorer and definitely working class. Each neighborhood has its challenges and benefits, so learn about your local market before buying your first home to flip.

2. Set a Budget and a Plan

If you enter this without a plan, you're setting yourself up for failure. It need not be extravagant or crazy, or even very detailed. It is imperative that you plan how much you'll spend on the flip and how much you'll make off of it. Try not to buy anything that has serious issues that you cannot fix within your budget. This is especially true for your first home, which you want to flip quickly and easily.

3. Find the Right House

Secondly, you will need to start looking for the right house. Here are again the benefits of neighborhood classification. You need to find a house that fits your budget without significant complications. Research the property first as well to verify structural soundness, the absence of infestations, and mold problems if any. If everything you do feels like a numbers game, it is. You need to find a house that's high enough for you to make money off of it, but low enough for you to feel comfortable with the price that you are spending.

4. Renovate

Here comes the most important part of the process: the renovation. You'll be busy all day and night to flip the house since the faster you do it, the more money you'll earn. Make the house feel homey by adding special touches. Skim coat the walls to prolong their lifespan and give it a quality appearance. The more time you spend on your house, the more money you'll lose since you must pay taxes, bills, and insurance. Because of all that, you should finish the house right away.

5. Get Ready to Sell

Fortunately, the final step of the process is the easiest one, since now you just have to prepare to sell the home. It's in your hands to determine the price that you're willing to sell it for. You want to make sure the house is priced right, while still making enough money to cover the costs. An experienced Realtor, such as Sandi Pressley and her team, can help you get the highest price for your newly completed home flip.

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!

7508 CALLE MONTANA NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

5 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 3011 Square Feet

Beautiful 5 bedroom Stillbrooke home in highly sought after planned community! Main level features grand open floorplan w/gorgeous custom staircase; spacious great room opens onto breakfast nook & kitchen w/granite countertops, island & breakfast bar. Cathedral ceilings & Clerestory windows makes this home bright & light. Flexible floorplan could be 2 living areas: office & 5 bedroom plus loft, OR formal dining, greatroom, 5 bedrooms & loft/media area. Master suite on main level has backyard access, spa like en suite & huge walk-in closet. Also, a secondary bedroom on main level. Upstairs features a huge loft/media room, 3 more very large bedrooms, & additional full bathroom. Lovely landscaped backyard w/water feature & fully walled for privacy. New carpet 2019, & updated SS appliances.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

We take appliances for granted until they break. Then our entire day goes down the drain. A repair can be expensive and time-consuming. However, sometimes you can do the repair yourself. Here are 5 repairs you can do yourself, and two you shouldn't.

Replace the Thermostat in The Dryer

In most cases, the thermostat is the problem with a dryer that won't heat up. A new thermostat can be purchased at most hardware stores for under $80, a considerable savings over a dryer repair, which generally costs around $180. In your dryer manual, you'll find the location of the thermostat, and you can watch a YouTube video if you need further guidance if needed.

Clear the Drain in the Dishwasher

If your dishwasher isn't draining, it's likely that there is a clog. You can clear this up with a shop vac. You may be able to avoid costly dishwasher repairs by plugging in the vacuum hose, operating the vac for a few minutes, then testing the dishwasher again.

Replace the Fan in the Freezer

It could be a bad freezer fan that's causing your freezer not to keep things cold. This fan circulates the cold air throughout the freezer. If it's broken, cold air won't reach those areas. A new fan costs about $85 at your local hardware store. It can be replaced in a few minutes by unscrewing and connecting it, and then replacing it. You've just saved a lot of money.

Clean Coils in the Refrigerator

Dirty coils can cause your fridge to lose its cooling capacity. You can find them under or behind the unit, and they can accumulate a lot of debris, dust, and pet hair. If that happens, the coils can freeze up, rather than cool the inside. Clean coils by unplugging the fridge and sliding it out, then vacuuming, dusting, or wiping them down. Plug it back in and give it an hour to cool back down to its normal temperature.

Unclog the Burner in the Gas Stove

Gas stoves that have trouble lighting or emit a gas smell might be the result of a clogged burner. If gas and electricity are working properly, you may just have to fix the burner. Once the gas is shut off to the stove, use a small brush and cleaning solution to scrub out the burner head. Restart the gas and the burner should light right up. 

When to Call a Pro

The fixes above are easy. But here are two things that definitely need a pro.

Repairing the Icemaker Broken on the Fridge

In the event that your ice maker unexpectedly stops working when still connected to water, the compressor is most likely to blame. In some cases, icemaker repair can cost up to $300. Icemakers are among the most expensive components of a refrigerator, and often require some major work to the refrigerator itself. This will need a pro, as things can easily be made worse if the repair is done wrong. 

Repair the Microwave

It is best to contact an expert if the microwave you own is more expensive and needs to be repaired. Do not attempt to make repairs yourself. Those devices can leak microwave radiation when not properly sealed, so call a pro for help before you start fiddling around. Or just buy a new microwave if it's old enough and a replacement will cost the same as repair.

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!

7508 CALLE MONTANA NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

5 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 3011 Square Feet

Beautiful 5 bedroom Stillbrooke home in highly sought after planned community! Main level features grand open floorplan w/gorgeous custom staircase; spacious great room opens onto breakfast nook & kitchen w/granite countertops, island & breakfast bar. Cathedral ceilings & Clerestory windows makes this home bright & light. Flexible floorplan could be 2 living areas: office & 5 bedroom plus loft, OR formal dining, greatroom, 5 bedrooms & loft/media area. Master suite on main level has backyard access, spa like en suite & huge walk-in closet. Also, a secondary bedroom on main level. Upstairs features a huge loft/media room, 3 more very large bedrooms, & additional full bathroom. Lovely landscaped backyard w/water feature & fully walled for privacy. New carpet 2019, & updated SS appliances.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Some would say that pizza is the perfect food. And who are we to argue? If you own a home in Albuquerque, you have access to some of the best pizza in the Southwest. You’ll find just about any kind of pizza incarnation to satisfy your tastebuds. So get ready to get a facefull of fresh cheese and chargrilled dough. Here are 7 of the best pizzas in Albuquerque.

1. Golden Crown Panaderia Neighborhood Bakery

Several unusual crust options that make this pizzeria unique make it a special place to dine. Make a new pie creation with a choice of blue corn, New Mexico green chile, or peasant crust, and discover new varieties.

2. Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria

Among the city’s best pizza places, only Amore is certified Neapolitan. The flour crusts are super fluffy, chewy, and smothered in the finest Italian ingredients.

The classic Margherita pizza can be mixed up a bit with a New Mexico version - tomato sauce, crushed Hatch red chiles, Italian salami, and house-made mozzarella.

3. Farina

Featuring a crispy crust and perfect charring, this pizza was made with responsibly-sourced toppings like creamy goat cheese, broccoli, and gourmet Parma ham that was made in-house at Farina’s charcuterie. 

You can get gluten-free bases there as well as creamy gorgonzola dipping sauce. 

4. Dion’s

Dion’s is a local landmark. Their ranch dressing is famous in and around the area. Order a large pepperoni pizza topped with green chile, and dip it in the ranch dressing.

5. Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza 

The first local microbrewery and original wood-fired pizzeria in the city, you can’t go wrong with a pie here.

There are a number of wood-fired pizzas available, from a Margherita to gourmet-inspired toppings like goat cheese, fiery shrimp or roast chicken. Ditch the standard and order the Motorino: alfredo sauce, spinach, artichoke hearts.

6. Brickyard Pizza

The Brickyard Pizza offers 25 beers on tap and huge slices of pizza – what more could one ask for? Personal pizzas and deep dish pizzas are all available.

Though they have a multitude of delicious menu items, they’re famous for their Blue Ribbon Special. For $4.75, you can get a huge slice of cheese pizza and a PBR.

7. Saggios

This pizzeria is run by a family that makes delicious pizzas with thick crusts and a nice and doughy base. It’s a great place for families with great value for money, and huge portions to fill hungry bellies.

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!

9519 OAKLAND Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

5 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 3631 Square Feet

Welcome home to this Custom John Mark home built in 2019 with all the bells and whistles. Nestled into 0.73 acres in this prime location, walk in to soaring ceilings & a magnificent floor-to-ceiling gas fireplace as the centerpiece to this open floorplan with bright, LED lighting. The gourmet kitchen features top-of-the-line Jenn-Air appliances, gorgeous granite countertops & a cleverly concealed oversized pantry. From the living room, slide open the 3 glass doors to enjoy the INCREDIBLE backyard. This property features: a heated pool with electric cover, separate spa/hot tub, outdoor kitchen, gas fire pit with circular seating, basketball court, soccer field, meticulously planned landscaping, an outdoor accessible 3/4 bath, and electric gate entry.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team