Moving into a new home in Albuquerque may have seemed like a daunting task before the COVID-19 pandemic. But now we have to take extra steps to make sure we stay safe and protect others as well when moving into a new home. 

If you can postpone your move, that would be ideal. But you may not have that luxury. And if you can move without a moving company, that's also ideal. But if you do need to hire movers, what steps can you take to move safely during this pandemic and protect everyone involved?

Before the Move

Contact your movers

Talk to your moving company about the safeguards they are implementing and best practices for moving day. Make sure you're both on the same page so that the move goes mor smoothly.

Buy all of your supplies in one go

You will want to limit how many times you go out to get supplies and how many stores you go to. Try your best to plan for what you need and get it all in one trip. You can use this packing calculator to get an estimate of what you’ll need based on the number of rooms and people in your house. Buy extra if in doubt.

Clean as you pack

Cleaning items before you pack has the dual effect of protecting yourself and others, as well as making less work when you unpack in your new home. Use disinfectant, and if you don't have any, make your own with a solution of one tablespoon bleach to one gallon water.

Finish packing at least 24 hours before the movers arrive

Coronovirus can last up to 24 hours on cardboard boxes. Even though your movers will be wearing gloves, it's an extra precaution to take to finish packing 24 hours ahead of the move and leave boxes untouched.

During the Move

Let your mover know right away if you or anyone in your family is experiencing coronavirus symptoms. 

Letting you movers know that someone is experiencing coronavirus symptoms won't necessarily cancel the move. But it will give your moving company the opportunity to put additional protocols into place to protect their workers. Also let them know if you or a family member are isolating due to exposure, as the same protocols will apply.

Provide hygiene products for your movers. 

Your moving company will most likely have all the hygien products the movers will need. But it won't hurt for you to have extra products on hand just in case, such as soap and paper towels by the sink, and hand sanitizer by the door. 

Don’t use free or recycled moving boxes. 

The virus can live on cardboard for as long as 24 hours, so picking up used boxes from stores or other sources outside your home is not a good idea. Your moving company may be able to provide new boxes, or you can purchase them yourself.

Postpone or cancel your move if you're high risk. 

If you are over 60 or have a pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular condition, you should reconsider moving if at all possible. 

If traveling for your move, plan accordingly. 

Need to book flights or hotels for your move? Make refundable reservations and/or only work with companies that offer free cancellations. Ask about cancellation policies before you book so that you don’t end up wasting money later on.

Above all, use common sense when you move and stay safe.

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!

9214 REDMONT Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109  $435,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2695 Square Feet

This beautiful light filled Family Home in a fabulous NE Heights location has been meticulously maintained! Two living areas, cathedral ceilings, bright kitchen with large breakfast area, plenty of cabinets and a pantry. Kitchen is open to the family room. The master suite is spacious and truly a retreat. Enjoy the views from the balcony! Wonderful home and gorgeous landscaped yard for entertaining.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

"I don't need to hire an agent. Why should I pay extra?" This is a statement many home buyers and sellers in Albuquerque have said over the years. Despite the fact that most people have no idea how to buy or sell a home by themselves, some still decide to take on the process on their own, without professional help.

You might think it's self-serving for us to say that you need to hire an experienced real estate agent to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque. Yet now more than ever, there are very solid reasons why you should hire a Realtor. Here are 3 of those reasons:

My services are free for buyers

Many home buyers in Albuquerque don't know that it’s the seller who pays all the real estate fees at closing. This includes not only their real estate broker’s commissions, but the buyers’ agent’s as well.

It is important to have professional representation when you purchase a home. Even if you think you can do it alone, you must remember that there are major steps to the purchase process, many people involved in the transaction, time restrictions, legal requirements and more to consider.

Not many things in life are free, so the fact that you can hire someone to represent you in one of the largest financial transactions you’ll ever be a party to, at no cost to you, is pretty compelling.

Not all FSBO sellers cooperate with brokers

When a FSBO seller agrees to pay a buyers’ real estate agent’s commission, the process is known as cooperating with brokers. Not all FSBO sellers are willing to do so. If you’ve decided to work with an agent in the purchase of a FSBO, ask the seller if he or she is willing to pay your agent’s commission.

You won’t necessarily get a discount

Many FSBO buyers are under the impression that, since the seller doesn’t have to pay an agent’s commission, he or she will be willing to discount the price of the home accordingly. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Consider this: the typical FSBO seller is single and earns less than the area median income. He or she is less likely to offer help with closing costs than home sellers with agents, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Furthermore, the number one reason a homeowner chooses to go it alone when selling is to save the money they would’ve paid in commissions. They are not about to give this money to the buyer of their home.

To sum up, working with a real estate agent, especially someone who has decades of experience buying and selling home in Albuquerque, just makes sense.

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!

12906 ALICE Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112  $172,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1443 Square Feet

This wonderful townhome has newer carpet & fresh paint in 2019. Refrigerated Air, Custom Brick fireplace and Banco (hearth). The great room is wonderful for entertaining, and an enclosed atrium opening to kitchen (window) and great room, great for dining or planting. Oversized garage, enclosed courtyard makes this your next home. Close to shopping and fwy. Don't wait!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Most of us are stuck indoors for a while, and for our own good. No doubt you and your family have been finding ways to keep yourselves occupied and out of each other's hair. But there are certainly plenty of things you can do to pass the time that are interesting and productive.

What are some ways you can make your quarantine more interesting in Albuquerque? Here's a few suggestions.

Complete a puzzle. The bigger the better. Take out your old Rubik's Cube and bring back the memories.

Start a journal or blog. These are certainly interesting times to write about. But you can make it about anything you want. Go for it!

Practice that old instrument. Has it been a few years since you played that old guitar? Tune it up and start playing. Just try not to annoy the neighbors.

Write poetry. There are many things to write about here in Albuquerque. Maybe just a short haiku will do.

Learn a new language. Impress your friends by speaking a new language when you come out of quarantine. Download Duolingo, or a similar app, and teach yourself a foreign language.

Meditate. Try lying down with your eyes closed, palms up and while focusing on your breath. Or spend 20 minutes sitting crosslegged and repeat a soothing word to yourself in your head.

Write actual letters to family and friends. Yes, a good old-fashioned handwritten letter will lift their spirits, and yours. 

Learn calligraphy. YouTube can help. You can use your new skill writing those letters.

Put on a soap opera. Mute the sound. Create your own dialogue.

Go through your junk drawers and supply shelves. Organize and get rid of anything you don't need.

Bake those cake mixes you have sitting in the pantry. You know you have a least a couple of boxes. Learn how to make your own frosting if you don't have any.

Knit or crochet.

Try out at-home aerobics or yoga videos. Consider downloading a fitness app with workout playlists.

Take a bubble bath. A few candles and a glass of wine makes it even better.

Coloring books. You know you still love to color.

Go outside and draw. Do you have interesting things outside your home you can draw? Can you see the beautiful Sandia mountains? Test you drawing skills.

There's many more things you can do to stay busy at home. Come back to this blog every week for more ideas to help you deal with the virus, along with helpful real estate article and local Albuquerque news. Visit our other blog as well.

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

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

12906 ALICE Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112  $172,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1443 Square Feet

This wonderful townhome has newer carpet & fresh paint in 2019. Refrigerated Air, Custom Brick fireplace and Banco (hearth). The great room is wonderful for entertaining, and an enclosed atrium opening to kitchen (window) and great room, great for dining or planting. Oversized garage, enclosed courtyard makes this your next home. Close to shopping and fwy. Don't wait!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

"Spring adds new life and new joy to all that is." - Jessica Harrelson

During this difficult and unique time, we hope that you take this opportunity during the Easter season to reflect on the gift of life and love. We will get through this challenge together, and come out of it stronger than ever.

If you're looking for some idea on how to celebrate the holiday with your family while at home, here are some great ideas for the holiday weekend.

Easter Dinner Ideas

7 tips for making the most of the holiday while in quarantine

If you want a unique way to attend a church service, here's an opportinity to safely celebrate with others in Albuquerque while staying safe.

The parking lot at Calvary Church Albuquerque is being transformed into a drive-in theater for two live services on Easter Sunday, so you can celebrate Easter from the safety and comfort of your own car. With video on two huge screens and audio on Star 88, this Easter promises to be as unforgettable as it is unconventional.

Have a Safe and Happy Easter!

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

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

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

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

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

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

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

Here are 3 main factors to look at:

Pricing

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

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

Flexibility

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

Concessions

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

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

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

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

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

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

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

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

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

As our world is changing so rapidly with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, many people are wondering how long this will last and what impact it will have on the economy. As such, many who were thinking about buying a home in Albuquerque may think they should put that goal on hold. But should you suspend your home search now? The short answer is "no." Here's why.

Despite all the unsettling changes happening and the effect it's having on the economy right now, it will very likely be followed by economic expansion like we’ve seen play out in the U.S. economy many times over.

What are experts saying about an economic rebound? It starts with a forecast of U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to Investopedia:

“Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period. As a broad measure of overall domestic production, it functions as a comprehensive scorecard of the country’s economic health.”

Based on the GDP, three leading financial institutions state that the economy will see a projected sharp decline followed by a steep rebound in the second half of this year. A recent study from John Burns Consulting also notes that past pandemics have also created V-Shaped Economic Recoveries, and they had minimal impact on housing prices. This certainly gives hope and optimism for what is to come as the crisis passes.

Keeping this history in mind, many business owners are being optimistic about the economy making a strong return. A recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows that 66% of business owners feel that their companies will return to business as usual within a month of the passing of the pandemic. A solid 90% feel that within 1-3 months, things will be back to normal. 

From expert financial institutions to business leaders across the country, we can clearly see that the anticipation of a quick return to normal once the current crisis subsides is not too far away. 

With these things being considered, if you had been wanting to buy a home in Albuquerque, there's no reason to stop your progress on searching for a home.

One thing you can do to stay on top of your home buying process is to get pre-approved for a mortgage, which you can do from home. Getting pre-approved will hep you get a better idea of what you can afford so that you can move forward with confidence in buying a home in Albuquerque.

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

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5910 HANNETT Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $208,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1885 Square Feet

Terrific location close to Uptown, shopping, dining, parks, UNM! 3BDR/2BA/1CG! Versatile floor plan with 3 living spaces; combined living & dining space, separate hobby/office/bdr, plus large family room/den with cozy wood fireplace. NEW ROOF (2017-1018) Updated furnace (2017) Newer water heater! Lots of light, skylights, ceiling fans, separate utility room! Kitchen features new gas stove, lots of cabinets, tile floor, breakfast bar and is open to the dining room. Outdoor living space with covered patio and walled for privacy and storage shed.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Everything is changing in our lives, and the real estate market is no exception. They way buyers work with agents, lenders, and all of the people involved in buying a home in Albuquerque are changing to the virtual world. But through it all, one thing is not changing: the need for people to buy homes. Buying a home can drive the local economy here in Albuquerque.

Everyone is being affected differently by the effects of this virus on the economy. If you're in a position to buy a home, you are a major economic force in your neighborhood in Albuquerque. Even though we don't know how long it will take for this pandemic to pass, there are still things right now to keep your search for a new home in Albuquerque going.

Every year the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares a report that notes the full economic impact of home sales. This report makes the following statement:

“The total economic impact of real estate related industries on the state economy, as well as the expenditures that result from a single home sale, including aspects like home construction costs, real estate brokerage, mortgage lending and title insurance.”

That means that when you buy a home in Albuquerque, you make an impact on the local economy. While it fulfills your need for a having a roof over your head, it also generates income for appraisers, loan officers, the title company, your real estate agent, and anyone else who contributes to the process of buying a home. These people also have teams that they work with that benefit from the purchase. And when you buy a new construction home, that impact almost doubles. According that same report, the economic impact of a home sale in New Mexico is $66,912. That's a lot of people in Albuquerque who benefit from just one home sale.

When you buy a home in Albuquerque, you become an economic driver. Even if you're not ready to buy a home right now, there are things you can do to keep your own process moving forward so you’re set when the time is right for you. Contact us today to keep your home buying process on track.

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

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5910 HANNETT Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $208,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1885 Square Feet

Terrific location close to Uptown, shopping, dining, parks, UNM! 3BDR/2BA/1CG! Versatile floor plan with 3 living spaces; combined living & dining space, separate hobby/office/bdr, plus large family room/den with cozy wood fireplace. NEW ROOF (2017-1018) Updated furnace (2017) Newer water heater! Lots of light, skylights, ceiling fans, separate utility room! Kitchen features new gas stove, lots of cabinets, tile floor, breakfast bar and is open to the dining room. Outdoor living space with covered patio and walled for privacy and storage shed.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Since we all need to stay away from each other for a while, one great way to cope with this new reality is to get outside and exercise. And the great thing about Albuquerque is that we have many great trails to help us stay healthy and away from other people for a while. The beauty of these trails will help you reduce stress as well. What better way to spend your time?

Here are some great trails in the Albuquerque area for you to explore.

Sandia Foothills Open Space

The Sandia Foothills Open Space contains approximately 2,650 acres of steep sloped hills intersected by gravelly drainages at the base of the Sandia Mountains. Trailheads provide access to the Foothills trails as well as the Sandia Mountain Wilderness Area, managed by the US Forest Service. Recreational opportunities include hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Foothills overview map.

Rinconada Canyon Trail

7601 St Josephs Ave, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Nice, easy 2.2 mile hike (loop) back into a small canyon. The trail along the base of the north side of the canyon allows you to view a variety of petroglyphs. The escarpment and all the petroglyphs are a little ways back from the trail. At the furthest point, some are right next to the trail. Take water and sunscreen, look for little lizards and rabbits, along with turkey vultures soaring high.

Eye of the Sandias

Eye Of The Sandias Loop Trail is a 6.3 kilometer loop trail located near Albuquerque, New Mexico that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. The trail leads to a canyon between foothills with trees and shade if you continue going east from the parking area.  Dogs are also welcome on this trail but must be kept on leash.

Boca Negra Canyon

Atrisco Dr NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Located off of Unser Boulevard, ¼ mile north of Montaño Road, this canyon provides quick and easy access to three self-guided trails, (Mesa Point, Macaw, and Cliff Base) where you can view approximately 100 petroglyphs.

Piedra Lisa Canyon Trail

13225 Menaul NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

Piedra Lisa Canyon Trail is a 2 mile out and back trail located near Albuquerque that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. 

Michael Emery Trailhead

High Desert St, Albuquerque, NM 87111

Michael M. Emery and Trail 305 Loop is a 3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Albuquerque, New Mexico that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Popular with hikers & mountain bikers, this trail offers rugged scenery, shrubs & diverse wildlife.  

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

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

12906 ALICE Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112  $172,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1443 Square Feet

This wonderful townhome has newer carpet & fresh paint in 2019. Refrigerated Air, Custom Brick fireplace and Banco (hearth). The great room is wonderful for entertaining, and an enclosed atrium opening to kitchen (window) and great room, great for dining or planting. Oversized garage, enclosed courtyard makes this your next home. Close to shopping and fwy. Don't wait!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

When you buy a home in Albuquerque, the last thing you need to worry about is being scammed. Yet, mortgage scams are an unfortunate reality that has victimized thousands of people. Over 11,000 people reported being scammed when financing a home in 2018 alone. And to make matters worse, scammers are getting more and more creative about how they steal your money. Scammers are also notoriously hard to catch, as many operate outside the country.

Here are two of the main ways that scammers have stolen money from home buyers and how you can protect yourself.

Escrow Wire Fraud

How it happens: Someone sends you an email claiming to be from your title or escrow company. The email contains instructions on where to wire funds. There will usually be a fake website that looks like the real website of your title or lending company. The scammers will use other tactics to deceive you, such as making phone numbers, websites and email addresses appear familiar, but one number or letter is off, which is an easy thing to miss at first glance.

You then follow the instructions and wire the money. Except in this case, the money goes to an offshore account, and the scammers have your money. At this point, there is almost nothing that can be done to get it back, since it's not on American soil.

How to protect yourself: Protecting yourself is simple. If you get any email with instructions on wiring money, ALWAYS call your real estate agent. Never click on email or text links, or send money online, without verifying wire instructions with a live person on the phone from a number that you’ve called and verified.

Also beware of any email or text that requests a change to wiring instructions you already were given. Always confirm the escrow account number before wiring money, and call your settlement agent to verify the transfer of the funds immediately after you’re done.

Loan flipping

How it happens: Loan flipping is when a predatory lender persuades a homeowner to refinance their mortgage repeatedly, often borrowing more money each time. The scammer charges high fees and points with each transaction, and homeowners get stuck with higher loan payments they can’t afford after being duped into borrowing most of their home’s equity.

Seniors with memory impairment are especially vulnerable to these scams because they have significant home equity and may not realize they’re being taken advantage of. Predatory lenders convince homeowners they can help them find a better loan product or use a cash-out refinance to pay for home renovations to make their homes more accessible as they age in place.

How to protect yourself: Elderly homeowners in Albuquerque who have cognitive issues should involve a trusted relative or friend in any key financial discussion, especially about tapping home equity. If you’ve recently completed mortgage refinance, it’s usually not in your best interest to do another transaction right away.

If predatory lenders are actively seeking you out and you haven’t requested their help, that’s another warning sign that something is off. Work only with known banks or lenders, and question all fees and penalties presented to you. Lenders are required to provide loan estimates and closing disclosures that list all fees and third-party costs, so make sure to review these documents carefully, or have a trusted adviser do this.

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

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

12906 ALICE Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112  $172,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1443 Square Feet

This wonderful townhome has newer carpet & fresh paint in 2019. Refrigerated Air, Custom Brick fireplace and Banco (hearth). The great room is wonderful for entertaining, and an enclosed atrium opening to kitchen (window) and great room, great for dining or planting. Oversized garage, enclosed courtyard makes this your next home. Close to shopping and fwy. Don't wait!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Get ready to get your green on this weekend and have some good old Irish style fun in Albuquerque. There's a great selection of St Patrick's Day celebrations coming up this week. Here's a few of those events to put on your calendar.

St. Patrick's Day Party

Sun, Mar 15, 11 AM – 3 PM
The Banquet Rooms at ABQ PartySpace
300 Menaul Blvd NW #200, Albuquerque, NM

Our annual St. Pat's Party with Celtic harp, Irish sing along, Irish step dancers, pipers, the Duke City Ceili Band and Ceili dancing! Featuring corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, soda bread and soft drinks. (Beer and wine available for purchase.) Limited seating: Get dinner tickets by March 11 at www,irishamericansociety-nm.com

St. Patrick's Day D&B Albuquerque

Tue, Mar 17, 7 – 10 PM
2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM

On St. Patrick's Day, Dave and Buster's is the place to be! Have the classic Irish dish of corned beef and cabbage, green drinks, game cards and all the St. Patty's day accessories you could want.

St. Patrick's Day/Anniversary Celebration

Sat, Mar 14, 11 AM – 11 PM
Quarter Celtic Brewpub
1100 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM

Join Quarter Celtic Brewpub for a full day of festivities. Bag pipers, live music, Celtic dancers, Celtic fare and plenty of beer!

St. Patrick’s Day Irish Music Session with Duke City Céilí Band

Tue, Mar 17, 2 – 4 PM
High and Dry Brewing
529 Adams St NE, Albuquerque, NM

Join High and Dry Brewing this St. Patrick’s Day for a live traditional Irish music session with the Duke City Céilí Band. This free event benefits Reading Works, a non-profit organization that helps adults gain the basic reading and literacy skills they need to succeed.

St. Patrick's Day Party

Tue, Mar 17, 3 – 4 PM
Kirtland Family Housing
1012 Golden Smoke Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM

Wear your green and join Kirtland Family Housing at the town center for some St. Patrick's Day fun. Make a craft, eat some yummy snacks, and enter your luck at the drawing for an exciting prize!

St. Patricks Day Blues & Jazz Benefit Concert

Tue, Mar 17, 4 – 8 PM
UNM Continuing Education
1634 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM

This benefit concert is to raise money for the New Mexico Jazz Workshops present & future Youth Honor Jazz Band. Live event performances will include the guest of honor Doug Lawrence, a multi-Grammy award-winning saxophone artist with the Count Basie Orchestra. Special guest performances by local sensations Hillary Smith and Wendy Beach. Also a host performance by Joey C & The Jazz All-Stars.

Have a Safe and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

2319 PENN Avenue SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106  $269,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1938 Square Feet

Across from the park! Covered front porch! Beautiful 3BDR/2BA, approx 1930sf Pulte home featuring open floor plan with great room, kitchen, dining & side patio access for entertaining family and friends! Great room features gas fireplace and raised ceiling! Kitchen has granite countertops, decorative backsplash, island, walk-in pantry & tile flooring. All appliances stay! Master suite features oversized shower, dual sink vanity, tile flooring, walk-in closet, linen closet and side patio access! Great location across from Portrait Park and close to Netflix, Alb Studios, shopping, restaurants, Sunport Intll Airport, Kirtland AFB, Downtown and Uptown!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team