Real Estate Information

Fall is here and nothing brings in the season more than Albuquerque's pumpkin patches and corn mazes. You can even make your experience more frightening with a haunted farm or corn maze, if you dare. Check out these fun farm attractions and make this autumn in Albuquerque one to remember.

Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch

Rio Rancho Event Center
3001 Civic Center Circle NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Admission:
Kids – $6.00
Adults – $8.00
Seniors/Military/1st Responders – $6.00

The Pumpkin Patch is located in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. It’s a family-friendly event open every day in October that features Fall fun such as a 20’ X 40’ corn pit, harvest maze, tricycle track, playhouses, a roping arena, pumpkin bowling, duck races, mud pie kitchen, putt-putt golf, football toss, cornhole, basketball shoot, Fall decor, and of course PUMPKINS! Plus, each weekend the Pumpkin Patch will also have a Petting Zoo and a Paintball Target Arena.

Attendees can select their very own pumpkins to purchase from the on-site Pumpkin Patch with over hundreds of choices including specialty pumpkins and gourds, varying in size, color, and shape. Also available for purchase are Fall decor items such as corn stalks, hay bales, and corn bundles.

Rio Grande Community Farm

1701 Montaño Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107

The Maize Maze is BACK for 2021! October 23rd and 24th

Rio Grande Community Farm is proud to announce that they will be hosting the Maize Maze again in 2021. This year’s event takes place on the weekend of October 23rd and 24th, with thier annual FarmStrong 5k and Fun Run, live music, a beer garden, food trucks, vendors, games, hay rides, Pick Your Own (PYO) Sunflowers, and more. This year they are delighted to partner with our neighbors at The AgriNature center, who will be hosting educational workshops.

McCall's Pumpkin Patch

2 McCall Ln, Moriarty, NM 87035

HAUNTED BARN

The McCall's old cattle barn and meat processing facility have been closed for years.... however, the rumor is that neighbors have seen activity around the barn late into the night and have heard strange sounds coming from animal, human???....

HAUNTED CORN FIELD - FIELD OF SCREAMS

The past does not die easily. This haunted cornfield is tormented by the ghosts of many of Farmer McCall's victims. Their desire is to have their story heard and, unfortunately for you, that often leads to new victims joining their ranks.

Come to the farm before your scheduled haunt time or stay late to enjoy food, music, entertainment and other haunted games and attractions.

Tickets for these activities may be purchased at the farm.

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.

Are you beginning to feel that you chose the wrong lender to buy your Albuquerque home?

For whatever reason, you may feel that the mortgage lender you chose did not suit you. Perhaps you selected the wrong loan officer. In mortgage lending, the reputation of the staff is crucial. There is nothing like a lousy loan officer to make a prospective borrower regret their choice of the mortgage company they're working with.

Consider these things when switching mortgage lenders.

You are not under any obligation to continue working with the loan company, even after you have submitted all your documentation and completed the loan application. If you want to pull the plug, you can do so whenever you like. Perhaps you assumed that the rate you locked in was stable, but market rates exceeded your expectations. Perhaps you feel like it's impossible to get in touch with your loan officer. Then why not turn around?

You should know that the lender cannot send your loan documentation, including pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and similar documents, directly to the new mortgage lender. You must apply directly with the new bank for a loan if you switch banks. Exactly like the first bank, the bank will give you everything you need for closing after you've completed your application. In addition, the documents are probably too old to be useful. The credit report and pay stubs must have been dated within 30 days. Switching midstream will delay the approval of your loan.

The old appraisal won't follow you as well, even if you paid for it earlier. It is the lender who now owns the valuation, even if you paid for it. This report will have the lender's name on the front, not yours. Occasionally, you can get a 'retype' appraisal, in which the lender's name is changed after the first appraisal, but that's unusual. A new mortgage lender will order a new appraisal from an appraisal management company.

There is a possibility that the rate they locked in at is now higher than the rates offered by other lenders. If you are looking for a better rate, your current lender may want the opportunity to quote you a new rate to retain your business. Getting the lowest rate may not be possible, but you will get close.

The process of switching lenders is basically the same as the first time you did it. Do your best to work with the new loan officer and be patient.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

7416 Blue Holly Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113  $695,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (4 full, 0 half) / 3520 Square Feet

Beautiful family home in La Cueva and North Star distrist. Floorplan features 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, formal dining, breakfast nook, plus large bonus/game room with wine cooler and loft. Kitchen updated with granite countertops, island, double oven and pantry. Romantic mastersuite with gas fireplace, separate tub and large walk in closest. Tons of out door spaces includes a courtyard, two covered balconies, a covered patio and private parklike backyard with Gazebo that already has water and electric. Mountain views and located on a cul da sac finish out this lovely home.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

There's a home for every budget with our hot Albuquerque properties! Whether you're looking for your first home, wanting to upgrade, or looking for a more luxurious life, these fine homes are ready for your inspection. These homes are certain to sell fast, so make sure you schedule a showing today.

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.

7416 Blue Holly Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

Beautiful family home in La Cueva and North Star distrist. Floorplan features 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, formal dining, breakfast nook, plus large bonus/game room with wine cooler and loft. Kitchen updated with granite countertops, island, double oven and pantry. Romantic mastersuite with gas fireplace, separate tub and large walk in closest. Tons of out door spaces includes a courtyard, two covered balconies, a covered patio and private parklike backyard with Gazebo that already has water and electric. Mountain views and located on a cul da sac finish out this lovely home.

Learn More!

6601 TAUTON Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Welcome to this move-in ready home. Soaring ceilings , bright and open floorplan. Two living spaces separated by a 2-way fireplace with gas starter. Spacious kitchen, ample cabinetry, counter tops & Pantry. Newer dishwasher and refrigerator. Opens to a breakfast nook and sliding doors to covered patio outdoors. Formal dining room could be an office/hobby room or workout area. . Primary bedroom is in rear of home and is separated from 2 front bedrooms. Primary suite offers a bay window with seating, walk-in closet, oversized shower, separate garden tub & 2 sink vanity. Covered front porch & huge covered rear patio! New block wall added in Spring of 2021.

Learn More!

11200 ELENA Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

Welcome to North Albuquerque Acres This stunning, light-filled home is surrounded by Pines and forever views of the Sandias. Three balconies with views off to the mountains and city views. 2 spacious living areas, 5 large bedrooms, an office plus a second living area that can be used as a bedroom, gameroom, home schooling, it is a wonderful flex space. From the living room on 1st level enjoy magnificent views of the Sandias. Open kitchen offers ample cabinets and counter space, breakfast nook, and then onto the formal dining room with a fireplace.A Guest room is located on the 1st level and a full bath. The Primary suite is nicely separated from the other bedrooms. Oversized with space for a sitting area, more views of the mountains.

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.

Buying a home in Albuquerque brings you in contact with two terms, both related to getting a loan. Mortgage prequalification and preapproval are two methods. They may seem interchangeable, but they are actually quite different.

It's crucial for you to understand these terms so that you'll know what you can afford when looking for a home, and so that you'll demonstrate to a seller that you're serious.

Prequalification and preapproval are both steps to getting a mortgage, but if you have preapproval, you may not need a prequalification.

What is Prequalification?

Prequalification involves providing a lender with personal financial information. The goal is to help provide you an estimate of how much you can afford when you’re buying a home.

Prequalification information is usually self-reported. Your credit report is usually not verified during this process. You don't have to ding your credit report with a hard pull to get prequalified.

The prequalification letter shows you can afford the property. Having it will be helpful to your agent and sellers, but not quite as much as a preapproval.

What is Preapproval?

When it comes to buying a home, a preapproval carries a lot of weight. In order to get preapproved, you submit your finances and the lender verifies the information you provide by checking your credit report, your job and income, and your assets and liabilities.

When applying for a preapproval, you'll need details like your total monthly expenses, your W2s and pay stubs, and perhaps a copy of your mortgage statement if you own an existing home.

You receive a preapproval letter after submitting all the necessary documents. A lender will use this letter to explain how much you're approved for, along with types of loans they will give you and their terms.

Preapproval serves as an offer by the lender to you, which applies for a limited period of time. For example, you might have 90 days to buy a home based on your preapproval.

How Do You Get a Mortgage Preapproval?

To obtain a mortgage preapproval, follow these steps:

• Get your own credit score. The higher the score, the better. A score of at least 740 is ideal for the best offers.
• Check your credit report for errors and have any corrected.
• Calculate your debt-to-income ratio. To buy a home, you should aim to have a ratio of 36% or less. Your DTI is a ratio of your gross monthly income that goes toward paying debt.
• Gather the documents you’re likely to need to submit, such as your tax forms, employment details, and banking and account information. If you’re self-employed anticipate showing at least two years of income tax returns.

Finally, make sure to shop around for the best offer from lenders. This will help you find the lender that’s right for you so you increase your chances of getting approved, but also so that you can save money on interest with better terms. 

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.

Normally people talk about spring as a good time to upgrade their Albuquerque homes, but did you know that fall can also be a great time? When it comes to presenting your home to potential buyers later, getting your house in shape now can make a huge difference. Especially if you intend to put your home on the Albuquerque real estate market during the peak selling season. As winter approaches, you can focus on indoor and outdoor upgrades that make your home feel more cozy and ready for the elements. 

Examine your front yard

When you are thinking of selling your home, agents recommend updating curb appeal - the way the outside of your home looks to potential buyers. If you wish to boost your curb appeal, you can hire a landscaper. However, there are also a few easy DIY tips that you can follow to take your home to the next level. Start by removing weeds from your landscaping and trimming overgrown areas and shrubs. To fill in bare spaces in your lawn, you can plant a rock garden, mulch, or low-maintenance plants. By updating your landscaping with perennials, you can make sure that your garden will be able to withstand the elements and bounce back as soon as spring arrives.

Upgrade your front door

After considering the state of your front yard, you can make easy upgrades that real estate agents swear by — giving your front door a wow factor. The easiest way to transform your front door from drab to wow is to paint it in a bright color like red, blue, or yellow. It won't take long for potential buyers to be intrigued by the front door and eager to step inside. Another way to update the outside of your home is to update your garage door.

Back to nature

While curb appeal is all about the outside of your home, staging is all about the inside. The purpose here is to get your home in order so that buyers can visualize themselves living there, with modern decor, neutral colors, and fresh furniture. Bringing natural elements indoors is also a trend this year. Any room in your house can be transformed by adding plants, and if you don't have a green thumb, opt for air plants, which are low maintenance and can be hung anywhere (since they have no roots). In addition to home furnishings, natural materials like bamboo and jute are also popular for home decor - think side tables, lamps, and rugs. Pillows or other fabrics in the living room or bedroom can be enhanced with linen and cotton.

When you plan on selling your house this year, you should bring natural elements inside, and pay attention to its curb appeal. You will be able to show off your home to potential Albuquerque home buyers in no time with a few decor upgrades and some TLC for the yard. 

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

7804 AVENIDA VISTA VENTANA NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114

Welcome home to this GEM in Ventana Ranch! Meticulously cared for, this 4 Bedroom + Office stunner is full of upgrades. Enjoy the oversized corner lot while swimming in your NEW heated, gunite pool with automatic cover. This home also boasts 2 living areas, gas fireplace, open kitchen with SS gas appliances, one downstairs bedroom, a large office/gym, plus 3 FULL bathrooms. With 3 additional bedrooms upstairs, this home is move-in ready. Close to trail access, and convenient to grocery stores, schools and more, enjoy the Ventana Ranch lifestyle today!

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.

Looking for a great way to celebrate the Labor Day weekend? There's plenty of ways to have fun the next week in Albuquerque. Here are some of the events to plan for.

New Mexico State Fair

Sep 9 – 19

Expo New Mexico

Since 1938 the New Mexico State Fair has been a favorite gathering place for New Mexicans to celebrate local food, competition, culture, creativity and our rich agricultural heritage. Located just five miles east of downtown Albuquerque at EXPO NM, the New Mexico State Fair has consistently been in the top 5 ranked fairs in the nation based on affordability, programming and weather.

New Mexico Wine Festival Albuquerque

Sat, Sep 4 – Mon, Sep 6

Balloon Fiesta Park

Albuquerque Wine Festival Brings together wineries from around the state in a relaxed setting, the Albuquerque Wine Festival is the place to be Memorial weekend. Find the wines you like through sampling, purchase a glass to enjoy on site and buy bottles to take home to enjoy later. Plus, enjoy a wide range of tasty foods, live music, and many vendors and art displays.

21st Annual AHEPA 501 Golf Tournament

Sat, Sep 4, 7:30 AM MDT

Los Altos Golf Course and Banquet Facility
9717 Copper Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM

HEPA 501 and The 100 Club is inviting you to join them on thier 21st annual golf tournament to support competitive scholarships for High School graduates and the initiatives of the 100 Club.

Owning a home in Albuquerque can certainly be a rewarding experience. And sometimes it makes you want to pull your hair out. The inevitable home repairs will come along from time to time, testing your patience and your wallet. You might be tempted to take on these repairs yourself, or have a friend who knows what they're doing" handle it? But there are some repairs that are definitely best left to thepros. Here's a few examples for you to consider.

Electrical Repairs

Electricians train for years to master their craft. And for good reason - electricity is dangerous. We take it for granted because we use it every day, but electricity can kill if not handled properly. Plus, bad electical work can lead to fires. You might think calling in your relative or friend who's a "great handyman" to do the repair for you, but often that can cause more problems or dangers than it will solve. Electricians can be expensive, but that is because they've spent many years studying and training to get the job done safely for you and them.

Basement Makeover

Renovating your basement may seem safe enough. But if you make mistakes, it could lead to major damage and injuty. A basement is a very important part of a home's structure, so don;t take chances. Even if the damage isn't fatal, it could wind up costing you far more than you bargained for.

Fun with Plumbing

Plumbing issues. Not a whole lot of fun to deal with one every day, leaving you tempted to take care of it yourself. You might think too, that plumbing, along with simple electrical repairs will be a walk in the park, but a fix done wrong can cause serious damage. To your home and wallet. So try calling a plumber. Why else are there at least a dozen in every town?

Gas Appliances

When it comes to gas appliances it could literally be an explosive situation if an appliance is not fixed and reconnected correctly during a repair. Similar to electrical repairs, if not done right, you could cause a leak, which could create major health problems and even a fire or explosion in your home or worse. So when it come to your gas appliances, don't DIY. Call a professional.

When it comes to health, safety and caring for your home, erring on the side of caution is always the best option.

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.

Purchasing a home in Albuquerque comes with many expenses, including closing costs. Often, these costs come as a surprise to inexperienced homebuyers and drastically affect their budgets. In spite of the seemingly additional costs, with a little planning, you can prepare for the added expenses. Planning ahead when searching for a new home can make the process easier.

How can you prepare for closing costs when buying a home in Albuquerque?

How to Budget for Closing Costs

When it comes to saving for their closing costs, homebuyers need to start planning well in advance. Before looking for a house, you should start saving money. If an unexpected expense arises, you will have your funds ready so you won't be forced to borrow from family or take out loans to cover it. 

Generally, you should expect to pay 3-4 percent of the purchase price for closing costs when calculating your home buying budget. As an example, if you spent $200,000 on your home, you can expect closing costs to be between $6,000 and $8,000. Using this figure as a starting point can give you a good idea, but keep in mind that it can vary greatly, depending on the area you live in and the amount of the mortgage.

What's Included in Closing Costs? 

The three main areas where closing costs are incurred are mortgage origination fees, which comprise points and lender's fees; government recording fees; and charges from third parties, including adjustments for utilities, flood certifications, home warranties, and points for loan discounts. Several closing costs are negotiable, including lender's charges and government recording fees. Buying a house requires some specific closing costs, which you can find out from your mortgage lender.

There are a variety of closing costs that include the down payment, the settlement agent fee, escrow or title searches, and any other charges that are typically related to a home purchase. 

The majority of closing costs arise from paperwork required to process your mortgage application and handle the loan closing paperwork. In addition, you will be charged various service fees from your lender and unpaid agents. 

Factors That Affect Closing Costs

You will have to pay closing costs based on a variety of factors. As an example, your down payment is an important factor, but it isn't the only one. You need to take into account these additional factors as well:

The size of your loan: 

The loan origination fees as well as points will likely be higher if you are taking out a large loan. If you're planning on taking out a large mortgage, you should be prepared to pay an extra 2 to 4 percent for these fees. 

Where you buy: 

Closing costs are likely to be higher if you are buying in a high-cost area. Transfer fees and taxes tend to be higher in areas with high property values. When considering a new area, you should research it so you can make the right decisions. 

The type of home: 

Closing costs also depend on the type of property you purchase. In the instance of a newly built house, the lender will put aside money to pay taxes owed once the property has been assessed. In the case of an existing home purchase, you will likely have to pay these fees and taxes upfront. 

Buying a home has its share of closing costs, but they can be less daunting if you plan ahead and budget. It is best to start preparing for these costs before you get too involved in the process of buying a home, and once you know how many costs to expect you can seek professional advice.

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.

Many Albuquerque homeowners have been inspired by the looming climate crisis and the overall push toward sustainability to make eco-conscious improvements to their homes. Simply switching to refillable cleaning products is an easy way to go green. You can also buy organic mattresses from Essentia, or use beeswax wrap instead of plastic. The presence of organic mattresses in your home can reduce toxins, although these eco-friendly alternatives, such as chemical-free sleeping surfaces, won't be enough to gain eco-conscious buyers. 

The change to eco-friendly products does reduce your personal carbon footprint, but investing in green home improvements benefits the environment and your wallet, all while giving prospective buyers a positive impression of your home. 

Would you like to go green? Boost the resale value of your Albuquerque home with these seven sustainable tips. 

Efficient Heating

Over 30% of your energy expenses are attributed to heating your home during the winter. To reduce your utility bills by a half, you need to replace your outdated furnace or boiler with energy-efficient models. Thermostats can also be programmed for maximum efficiency all year round with modern heating systems. 

Water-Saving Fixtures 

Old toilets and faucets leak a surprising amount of water. Fixtures with faults are more likely to leak water and increase your water bill. Water-saving toilets, showerheads, and faucets can help you save money and water by reducing the use of water within your home. 

Kitchen Appliances 

Since cooking appliances consume the most electricity, it is no surprise to see your kitchen as the highest energy consumer in your home. In order to reduce the environmental impact of your home, you can easily swap out energy-consuming appliances for energy-efficient alternatives. Choose dishwashers, refrigerators, and microwaves with Energy Star ratings for the best eco-friendly appliances. 

Better Windows 

Unsealed cracks in old windows allow a substantial amount of air to enter your home, literally wasting your money when it comes to heating and cooling. Put in new windows that are designed to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You'll save money and be able to attract buyers with high-efficiency windows. 

Smarter Lighting 

It's time to retire fluorescent bulbs from your home's lighting. Lighting that's energy-efficient requires a lot less energy to illuminate your home. For maximum efficiency, use LED bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps. 

Water-Wise Landscaping 

Even though a lush front lawn looks healthy from the outside, it consumes a great deal of water. Lawn care costs homeowners a lot of money and in turn is a turn-off to potential buyers. Choose drought-tolerant plants that are easy to maintain and add curb appeal to your home instead. California Poppy, Yucca, and Lavender are just some of the greenery that is water-wise. 

Insulation

A house that is not properly insulated won't benefit from new windows and cooling systems. Don't forget to insulate an unused attic space and seal windows and doors properly. For the best results, hire a professional energy auditor who will provide a comprehensive inspection of your home. 

An eco-friendly home is easily attainable if you have the right information and preparation. Invest in energy-efficient appliances and systems by replacing old ones. Consider investing in more substantial changes such as a landscape renovation once you have made simple changes. Home improvements that are green will save you money in the long run as well as make your property more attractive to potential buyers. 

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.

Just listed! Whether you're looking for the ideal first home or need to expand your living space, these fine homes will make the perfect choice. These homes are certain to sell fast, so make sure you schedule a showing today.

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.

11520 WOODMAR Lane NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

Wonderful opportunity in Prestigious Tanoan! This single-story gem is packed with amenities galore...Renovated bathrooms, updated flooring, owned solar and more! This comfortable 4-bedroom home enjoys 2 large living areas complete with fireplace & built-ins. The master bedroom has an oversized en suite bathroom with gorgeous tile work, dual sinks, and large walk-in closet. The second bedroom features an attached bath, and additional 2 bedrooms share a convenient Jack & Jill bath. And get ready to enjoy the beautiful NM weather in multiple outdoor living spaces: there's a spacious, private courtyard, multiple patio spaces, and yard. Welcome home!

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208 MADISON Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

Nob Hill, UNM, downtown!! Close to shopping, restaurants, breweries, transportation! Updated 3BDR/2BA home with private front courtyard, light, bright and open living/dining area with lots of windows, wood floors, wood burning fireplace! REFRIG AIR! Versatile floor plan with 2BDRS/1BA on its own wing! 1BDR & BATH on it's own wing! Updated kitchen and baths! Kitchen features lots of cabs, gas stove, built-in microwave, tile flooring! Separate laundry room! Huge backyard with backyard access, deck and large storage shed!

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.