Real Estate Information

Are you thinking about making your Albuquerque home a little smarter? With smart home technology, what was once the world of the future is today’s reality. With a single voice command, you can perform a vast array of functions, like turning on your lights, opening the garage door, setting the thermostat, or playing your favorite playlist.

This might sound like it’s complicated to set up. But if you follow these 3 steps, you’re smart home will be ready in no time.

1. Make Sure Your Internet Connection Is Up to Speed

Before you start investing in smart home gear, check your internet and make sure it's reliable, fast and has an unlimited data plan. You'll want a reliable internet connection and a high data cap (or none at all!) to get the best out of your smart home.

One smart device might not require a lot of data, but as you add more, the total can balloon—especially if you stream videos or perform other intensive tasks simultaneously.

2. Choose Your Voice Assistant

Before you start buying smart home gear, decide whether smart assistants are a good idea. Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant are all great in their own ways, but their integration with smart devices varies quite a bit. This means that you may need to select your devices based on their compatibility with the assistant.

Alexa

Alexa offers the most integration options of any of the assistants. So if voice control is important to you, Alexa can probably handle it. You can get Alexa on smartphones and Amazon Echos.

Siri

Siri has the fewest integration points, is only supported on a limited number of devices (Apple only), and is considered the poorest voice assistant of the three. Siri is available on iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and HomePod speakers, so it's best to be heavily invested in Apple's products already.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant is midway between Alexa and Siri. It offers fewer integrations than Alexa, but it is the best digital assistant for answering questions, thanks to Google’s impressive machine-learning ability. Google Assistant is available across a wide range of platforms, including the Google Home smart speaker.

3. Start Adding Your Devices

Once you have decided which assistant is the right one for you, start looking for devices that work with it. Examples of common devices include smart thermostats, video doorbells and smart lighting.

Smart Thermostats

Several benefits are provided by thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat:

• They learn your preferences, so you don’t have to adjust them much.
• They are very energy efficient. Typically, the Nest will pay for itself in energy savings after about two years. Beyond that it’s all extra money in your pocket.
• You can control them from your smartphone and adjust the temperature before you get home.

Nest isn’t the only maker on the market, but it was arguably the most talked about. It looks great, and it functions well. 

Video Doorbells

Video doorbells have become quite popular. You can see who’s there and even speak to them—even when you’re not at home. They’re also a great deterrent to package theft, which is becoming increasingly prominent. Ring makes a great video doorbell.

Smart Lighting

Another popular choice is smart lighting. In addition to the usual smartphone control and automation, smart lighting like Philips Hue comes in a variety of colors. The color and color temperature may be set pretty much to anything you want, which is great to set the mood. The bulbs also last a long time and do not consume lots of power, so they are good for the environment and your wallet.

Many more smart home options are available to explore, but this list should provide you with enough to get you started with a reliable and safe smart home. So, what are you waiting for? Get going and start enjoying the convenience and benefits of a connected home today.

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

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

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

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

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

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Pandemic or not, some of us just need more space. Whether you’re taking care of a growing family, or your current family just needs more room to roam, there’s a home in Albuquerque waiting for you. These featured homes from the Sandi Pressley team are perfect for anyone who needs more room or wants to upgrade their lifestyle.

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.

803 WARM SANDS Court SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

$599,000

Stunning Custom home (By Guererro)on a cul de sac in 4 Hills Village, upon entering you will notice the hardwood grand staircase. Home features 6 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, with Gourmet Kitchen, stainless appliances, granite counter tops, remodeled bathrooms, an amazing walk out basement (1200 sq ft) with a bedroom bathroom (pool table stays), storage, wet bar and so much more and entertaining areas. Spectacular views from master bedroom Balcony,(there are two other balconies as well), backyard w/rv access. There is new carpet, paint, surround sound, updated lighting, fans, all new hardware on the doors, oversized 3 car garage w new doors/openers. Schedule an appt now. 

Learn More!

13516 Deer Trail Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

$895,000

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.

Learn More!

11721 SKY VALLEY Way NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

$829,000

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

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.

One of the best ways to attract home buyers in Albuquerque is with a beautiful garden. When they drive up to your home, they'll be compelled to look further when they see the vibrant array of plants. However, what if you can't spend a fortune to create a huge garden? You still can have a beautiful garden with the right motivation, budgeting and understanding of your landscape's limitations and strengths.

Here are a few tips to help you create a garden on a limited budget that will help attract buyers:

Grow Your Own

Starting your garden from seed can save you a lot of money, as long as you have the patience to wait for them to grow. Seeds typically cost between $1 - $5 per packet, and you can grow many flowers from those packets. By contrast, a full-grown plant costs between $10 and $50. This demonstrates how easy it is to save money by sowing seeds.

Rock Up

You can probably find plenty of rocks in your yard to use in your garden. You can build a small border that will look natural. And if you don't have enough rocks, consider buying some for cheap.

Fairy Lights

At night, lights will really make your garden stand out. You can find solar-charging lights at reasonable prices for your garden. 

Upcycle Furniture

Do you have any old furniture that you could refurbish? Maybe you can get a piece or two from a thrift store? Rather than bringing in new furniture for your garden, you can fix up your old furniture.

Rusty metals can be removed from outdoor furniture easily, just use acidic ingredients such as baking soda or coca-cola to remove them with a rag. Old wooden benches could simply be sanded or have some of the slats replaced. 

Fill with Pots

Pots can add beauty to any garden. Pots are inexpensive and can be filled with your seedlings to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape. You can place them next to the front door to welcome buyers.

Grow Upwards 

An effective trellis can make a big impact with your budget garden. You can plant roses or lilacs to make a stunning vertical display.

Gravel It 

Don't buy expensive paving stones or high-end gravel. You can create a chic garden with this durable product at an affordable price. It's modern, minimalistic and on-trend.

You can also purchase paving slabs to decorate the gravel if you so desire.

With just these few tips, you can help get your home ready to sell to Albuquerque home buyers. And the best part is that you won't have to spend a ton of money to make it happen.

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!

14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $399,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3000 Square Feet

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

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

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

1. Endless options

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

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

2. May be better for larger surfaces

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

3. Easy maintenance

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

4. No staining

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

5. Scratches and burns

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

6. Cost

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

7. Eco-friendliness

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

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

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

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

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

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

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are you wondering when would be the best time to sell your home in Albuquerque? The answer is a resounding “NOW!” The home selling season has never been stronger. Home inventory is lower than ever, meaning you will have less competition. And with an increase in buyers, it’s the perfect combination to make sure you sell your home fast and make the highest profit possible.

Right now, typical home value of homes in Albuquerque is $239,548, which is an increase of 12.5% over last year. The median number of days on the market for homes for sale in Albuquerque is only 57 days. This means that home sellers are selling their homes faster and making more money on the sale.

Home sales this fall outperformed last year’s numbers due to historically low interest rates, according to data from the National Association of Realtors showing a 20.2% increase in closings in October.

According to a report from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, US home prices climbed 7.8% from the third quarter of 2019 to the third quarter of 2020, the fastest year-over-year increase since 2006. 

Several factors have contributed to the increase in demand. People who work at home due to the pandemic, fearing that they won't return to the workplace, have sought larger home-office spaces, often by buying bigger houses. Low mortgage rates have encouraged people to buy, while the supply of available homes is still low. 

That means home sellers have it good until at least the end of the year if conditions hold. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors in 2020, homes sold for an average of $66,000 more than the purchase price, up from $60,000. 

But low inventory and an increase in buyers isn’t the only reason you should sell your home. Here are some other factors to think about.

Interest Rates Are Expected to Remain Low

Before the U.S. was infected with the coronavirus, economists and real estate professionals predicted mortgage interest rates would stay low for most of the year. The pandemic has caused interest rates to drop even further, and this decline has been predicted to continue well into 2021.

You Have a Starter Home

In areas such as Albuquerque, where home prices are rapidly rising and bidding wars are common, entry-level homes, frequently purchased by first-time home buyers, should see a lot of buyer activity for the remainder of the year.

You Need to Move

No matter why you need to move, you can still sell your home and find one that suits your needs. Selling your house may be a viable option if your income has decreased since losing your job. If that’s the case, you might be worried that you won’t be able to pay your mortgage.

The lack of inventory can help your home sell faster. A correctly priced home, or one whose asking price is close to its market value, should sell quickly while inventory is low.

Sandi Pressley and her team are ready to help you sell your home in this hot market. Call us today or visit www.valuemyalbuquerquehome.com to get a free home valuation.

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!

14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $399,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3000 Square Feet

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

When you decide to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque, you need to first decide who you’re going to have on your side to help you complete your transaction succesfully. Albuquerque real estate professionals come in three types - agents, brokers, and Realtors. So what really is the difference between them, and why does it matter?

There are overlaps between all three, but at the same time, distinctions.

Agents

A real estate agent is a person working in the field who has studied for and passed the relevant real estate courses. They are also licensed to practice in the state of New Mexico.

An agent represents either the buyer or the seller in a transaction. Some specialize in working with buyers, others with sellers, others do both.

An agent's job description includes collecting offers and counteroffers, negotiating, and assisting clients with the paperwork. Real estate agents are able to provide their clients with additional services that aid in tying up loose ends, such as arranging any necessary home inspections. They usually receive a commission on a successful transaction, so they receive a percentage of the sale price.

Brokers

A real estate broker is someone with more education than is required to become a real estate agent and has obtained their broker license. A real estate broker might need to complete courses in topics like insurance, taxes, and ethics. Brokers also learn topics like property management and real estate investments. The coursework is more in-depth compared to what agents are required to complete.

There are three types of brokers.

A principal or designated broker is a person who works in every real estate office. They make sure the legal compliance of the office. Additionally, they get a commission of the sales their agents make. Next, there’s a managing broker, who may have greater influence over the agents at the office. An associate broker works under a managing broker but usually doesn’t supervise others.

Real estate brokers can work for themselves. They can also hire agents who work under them.

After passing a broker's exam, you can continue to work under another broker, in which case you will be called an associate broker. This was briefly touched upon earlier.

Brokers and real estate agents share the same responsibilities. The main difference is that a broker may earn more money than an agent by having a team under their management.

Realtors

Realtor is a third term often used to denote an agent or broker. Realtors belong to the National Association of Realtors or NAR.

NAR members agree to adhere to NAR’s strict ethical guidelines. Besides agents, Realtors can also include other professionals in the industry. For instance, property managers and appraisers can be Realtors since it's a profession that originates from a group membership.

When you become a Realtor, you can use the trademark as part of your title.

This trademark has been assigned to Sandi Pressley since 1979. Sandi has listed and sold more homes than any other agent throughout New Mexico. Through her dedication and hard work, she has been able to help over 12,200 families buy or sell their property. Sandi has been the top realtor in Albuquerque as well as in the state of New Mexico for 35 consecutive years. Sandi and her dedicated team of real estate professionals stand ready to help you realize your real estate goals in Albuquerque.

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

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $399,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3000 Square Feet

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team