Are you selling your Albuquerque home this holiday season?

If so, make the most of the holiday spirit...but don't overdo it!  Here are 7 Tips for Staging your Home for successful Holiday sales:

Clean & De-Clutter. Holiday decorating can be fun and a delightful way to showcase your home. However, it is very important to clear your home of other decorating and clutter before beginning.

Complement your Color Palette. Before hanging those Christmas decorations and tinsel, make sure you are complementing the color palette of your home. Nostalgic decorations are always a must, but if they clash with the color in each or your rooms, you'll do yourself a disservice by decorating at all. 

A Charming Cozy Vibe is a great Seller!  Creating the right vibe for your holiday home is very important. Use local artifacts to create a cozy vibe that is also charming. Keep in mind the overall decorating of your home and keep consistent.

Go Easy on the Christmas Lights! Stay away from a Clark Griswold looking home...meaning No inflatable snowman and Christmas Lights that complement your home. Many home sellers make the mistake of putting up so many lights and other Christmas outdoor decorations that it makes their home look like something out of the movie! Instead, choose a solid color, simple strand of lighting that plays up your home's architectural style.

Be mindful of your Christmas Tree. Historically, Christmas Trees have always made a home full of holiday spirit, while creating a warm vibe. However, allowing your tree to drop needles all over the floor...or forgetting to water it so it looks like it's going to fall over, will create the opposite affect you're trying to create.

Keep Neutrality throughout. It's important to decorate in a way to attract all types of buyers. This may mean keeping the large, yard Navitity Scene in storage til next year. No matter what someone's religious preferences are, they aren't going to be offended by a Nutcracker.

For more Home Selling Tips visit our website or give the Sandi Pressley Team a call for a personal consultation!

Reference: HGtV.com  Photo Credit: Brian Patrick Flynn Story By:  Kara Wahlgren

6412 Baker Avenue NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico  $275,000!

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Baths/ 2,415 Square Feet

This home is a Slice of Paradise in NE Heights showcasing spacious & functional floorplan w/2 living areas offering a stunning floor to ceiling stone fireplace creating a tranquil ambiance.  Learn more about this stunning home by calling the Sandi Pressley Team!

Get your Monday Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

It's a phenomenal time to sell your Albuquerque home!  If you've decided to sell, make sure you've prepared your home for the market before advertising. You get one shot at making a great first impression and introducing your home to the market...so make it count!

Many home buyers today want to move-in their new home as quickly as possible. Making sure you've crossed all the 'T's and dotted all the 'I's will insure your home sells quickly and for top dollar.

Here are 6 great tips to get your home prepared:

1. Get a Home Inspection.  Why you ask? By being proactive and ordering your Home Inspection upfront, you'll be notified of any potential troubles that could make your potential buyers balk. You'll still need to disclose what the home inspection finds, but you'll have time to make repairs. 

2. Gather all your Warranties for items staying in the home. This gives your potential home buyers confidence in you and your home. Warranties should include any appliances, etc that will be part of your home sale.

3. Make all Minor Repairs! It's critical to walk through your home with an eye for detail. Each room should be evaluated for any minor fixes; including patching of holes or cracks, painting, floor replacement, windows, closets, outlets and more. Once you've identified all repairs to be made in each room, make the ones you can...and be ready to negotiate the others.

4. Clear out Clutter. You've probably heard this a dozen times or more, but it bears repeating. A cluttered home shows poorly and commands a lower selling point. 

5. Sparkle and Shine. Make sure you do a 'white glove' cleaning of every aspect of your home!  Remove all signs of pets, including deodorizing your home. 

6. Stage your Home to Sell! If you haven't thought of Home Staging, you may want to consider this service. Home Stagers are experts at presenting your home's best assets and hiding those that are not. They also create the best light and flow to showcase your home. 

For more Home Selling Tips, visit our website or give us a call for a personal evaluation.

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

3813 Tierra Vista Place NE, Rio Rancho, NM  $359,000!

4 Bedrooms/ 3 1/2 Baths/ 3420 Square Feet

Welcome to this Meticulously Maintained Home delivering 3400+ sqft of optimal living.

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team for more details!

Get your Monday Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

This Thursday, November 24th, people around the country are going to be gathering with family and friends around the table to enjoy their Thanksgiving Day feast.

Leading up to the big day, our thoughts are consumed with meal preparations, cleaning the home, watching parades, cheering for our favorite football team, or scoping out the deals for Black Friday. While all of these things have become part of the holiday tradition over time, it is important to reflect on why we celebrate Thanksgiving and what the holiday means to you.

The Pilgrims celebrated the very first Thanksgiving as a way to give thanks for the opportunities they had starting a new life in the American colonies. The holiday is now the one day that we set aside every year to give thanks for all the wonderful people, things, and opportunities we each have. What are you most thankful for this year? This Thanksgiving set aside some time to reflect on your blessings this year. Spend the day focusing on those you love most as you are gathered together around your delicious meal.

In this fast paced world, it is easy to forget that taking time to reflect is important. This Thanksgiving remember why we celebrate and why it is truly one of the most beloved American holidays. Beyond this Thursday, let’s make thankfulness a part of all our days and be always grateful for our loved ones, our homes, and the many other amazing aspects of our lives.

The Sandi Pressley Team wants to Thank all of our clients for the opportunity to partner with you on all your Real Estate needs and the trust you have placed in us year after year.

We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK:

11608 Zindandel Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM $1,500,000.

4 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms/ 6600 Square Feet

Exquisite European Custom Villa! Nestled in desired Sauvignon Gated community directly on Tanoan Golf Course & stunning mountain views. Learn more about this exceptional property by contacting the Sandi Pressley Team!

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

Part of determining where you will search for your new home depends upon the education being offered.  Albuquerque, NM is blessed to have top rated schools for your choosing.

Did you know that your homes school district also influences the value of your home?  Homes is great school districts value up to 70% more, than others!  Ninety-one percent of Home Buyers said school boundaries were important in their search, and 20% of those buyers said they would pay 6-10% more for a home in their desirable school zone!

If you're looking for a new home in Albuquerque, or are relocating to our fabulous area, take a look at these Top 5 Schools:

Desert Willow Family School 
3303 Monroe NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-888-1647

Homes for Sale in Desert Willow School district

College and Career High School 

525 Buena Vista Drive SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-224-4880

Homes for Sale in Albuquerque NM

Early College Academy I 
807 Mountain Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-247-3658

Homes for Sale in this District

North Star Elementary 
9301 Ventura NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
505-856-6578

North Star Elementary Homes for Sale

Hubert H Humphrey Elementary 
9801 Academy Hills Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111

Hubert H. Humphrey Elementary Homes for Sale

While Albuquerque has many more schools that are Top Ranked, these 5 have ranked for their Reading, Math and Science scores. Learn more about all the Albuquerque Schools by visiting our Home Buying Resources/Albuquerque Schools page.

Hot Property of the Week!

1909 Bold Ruler, Albuquerque, New Mexico $240,000.

3 Bedroom/ 2 Bathrooms/ 1,670 Square Feet

Original owner, Mediterranean Style, Vantage Home. (NO PID),Oversized master bedroom, professionally landscaped with mountain views, and free standing Pergola. Tiled counters, refrigerated air. Set up for solar panels. Walking trails, are abundant within the community, and easy access to Kirtland AFB, I-40 and shopping.

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team for more details!

Get your Morning Inspiration here!

Thank you to all the men and women who have served this country;  past and present.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

It's finally here after a long campaign season....Election Day 2016!

If you're new to the Albuquerque area, you may not know where your polling location is located. Have no fear, we have a complete list of locations determined by your physical address. Bernalillo County has 69 voting locations for its residents. 

What do you need to place your vote? 

You need to be a registered voter in Bernalillo County by Oct. 11, 2016.

• A resident of New Mexico
• A citizen of the United States
• Eighteen years old or older at the time of the next election
• Not legally declared mentally incapacitated
• A convicted felon who has satisfied all the terms and conditions of sentencing. A certificate of completion must be provided.

Interest rates on a home mortgage remain low. Home prices are rising but they are still below the level they were at before the market took a dive. If you qualify for a low or no down payment loan, you're still likely to have closing costs and other expenses revolving around a new home purchase.

Here are 6 tips to help you save enough to make owning a home more than just a dream.

Tip #1 - Create a budget and expense report. Be specific about how much income you have each month and how much of it is being spent where. This will not only help you see where you might be able to make cuts, but will also help when you need to decide on a price range for your new home.

Tip #2 - Eliminate recurring service expenses, like gym memberships or cleaning services, that you aren't using or you might be able to do yourself to save some cash. A gym membership can add up to hundreds of dollars in a year.

Tip #3 - Cut out the java and other treats. Sure, we all like a good cup of coffee on the way to work but those trips can cost $30 - $40 a week or more if you add any food items to your stop. Your budget and your waistline will thank you!

Tip #4 - Eat out less or go earlier in the day. Dinners at restaurants are often more expensive than the same meal on a happy hour or lunch menu. Keep your leftovers and take them for lunch the next day. Living lean has become more and more popular in recent days.

Tip #5 - Consider getting a side job. What skills do you have that you can use on the side to make a little extra cash? Selling crafts on Etsy, working part time at the mall or even babysitting or mowing lawns can be great ways to earn a little extra each month.

Tip #6 - Be diligent about paying off debt. Start with your highest interest rate card first. Hit it hard and then move that payment to the next highest card. Rinse and repeat until all debts are paid.

It may feel like you're depriving yourself of the basics that make life comfortable to you but remember, there's a bigger purpose here. You want to be a homeowner and you want an affordable payment. Saving for the down payment or closing costs is a great start to ownership.

If you're ready to start your search, contact The Sandi Pressley Team today.

Have An Awesome Week!

Sandi's Hot Home Listing

4 Cinco Circle, Placitas

Price: $409,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Square Feet: 2,740

GORGEOUS SINGLE STORY Placitas custom home offers a private 2 acre sanctuary with breathtaking mountain views. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage, NM Pueblo home showcases spacious floorplan featuring a dramatic entry way into a cozy living space with Kiva fireplace and exposed vigas, T&G ceilings+wooden shutters throughout. Upgraded gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite countertops with beautiful backsplash accents. Private master suite with stunning Kiva fireplace and lovely Master Bath jetted tub, separate shower and large walk-in closets.

View This Listing

The one question we get asked more than any other is this: When is the best time to buy a home? It most often comes from first time homebuyers who are making the change from being renters to being owners. The answer is complicated and varies depending on your individual situation but let's take a look at a common situation as an example. Your readiness to make a commitment is likely the most important factor in the timing of a home purchase. You've already looked at your budget and determined that renting is costing you more than owning would. You have a down payment saved up and you're ready to take the leap. What's next? Here are some questions to ask to determine if it's time.

• Am I willing to work with a lender to determine my price range and ONLY look at homes in that range?
• Am I willing to research neighborhoods to find one that meets my lifestyle needs?
• Am I willing to compromise my desires to find a home that suits most of my needs?
• Am I prepared to make an offer when I find a home that fits my needs and is within my budget?

If you answered no to any of these questions, you may not be ready. Finding the right home is the easy part. Being prepared to jump, not so much. Prices are still at historic lows, rates remain very affordable. Now is a great time to buy a home. The real estate market has been tumultuous for years. Being fearful of making such a large financial commitment is understandable. Buying a home is a long term investment. Like the stock market, there is risk. If the market tanks again, you may lose equity and be forced to stay in your home longer than you expected. If you can be realistic about home ownership being a long term investment, you will eventually get a return on investment. However, you must be willing to:

• Keep your home updated and do repairs on a regular basis
• Be patient, return on investment can take a decade or more
• Buy in your price range

Once you asked yourself all the right questions and decided that you're willing to do what it takes, it's time to talk to your lender and a real estate professional. The Sandi Pressley Team is here to answer your questions.

Have An Awesome Week!

Sandi's Hot Home Listing

12105 Signal Ave NE, Albuquerque

Price: $945,000 Beds: 5 Baths: 4 Square Feet: 4,495

Sophisticated custom home with casita; Nestled in desired Primrose Pointe, showcases breathtaking MTN & City views!Built with Elegance & Luxury, the 4495 SF Award winning home offers the finest quality craftsmanship 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3 fireplaces, a 3 car garage and 2 spacious living areas, with wet-bar, travertine flooring and alder wood throughout! Gourmet kitchen with custom Alderwood cabinets, granite counters, island, stainless steel Subzero and WOLF appliances!  Tranquil Master suite with fireplace, sitting room and private patio.

View This Listing

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Albuquerque is a city of rich history and cultural diversity. Celebrate our community’s past by honoring those whose ancestors have lived in the area for long before we became a nation. Head to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (2401 12th Street NW) on Monday, October 10th, for the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration. The event takes place all day from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Songs, dances, and stories will be performed by students of the Native American Community Academy (NACA) to honor and share their heritage with all guests of the museum. The students of NACA have worked hard putting together their performances in order to express what it means to them to be indigenous. Learn more about the people that have inhabited this land since ancient times and celebrate the future of this rich community.

Schedule of Events

9:00 am - American Indian Development Associates, Inc. Opening Remarks

10:00 am - NACA Student Presentations

12:00 pm - Bird Dancers (San Felipe)

1:00 pm - Radical Poets Presentation

1:30 pm - NACA Student Presentations

2:30 pm - Sweet Nations Sisterhood Jingle Dress Dancers

3:00 pm - Bird Dancers (San Felipe)

4:00 pm - Pre-Columbian Seeds Dry/Wet Preservation Demos Presented by the IPCC Education Department

This great educational event is open to all. The cost is FREE with the regular $8 museum admission. Be sure to check out all of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center during the event. This fantastic museum presents the history, art, and culture of the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico.

Bring the family down to the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration for all the fun!

Visit our blog and website frequently for more Tips on fantastic upcoming events!

Featured Home Listing of the Week!

6 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms/ 5135 Square Feet...$1,195,000

ONE OF A KIND PROPERTY! Exquisitely Appointed SINGLE LEVEL MULTIGENRATIONAL Custom Home! Nestled in desired Black Farms Estates, this 1.14 acre EXCLUSIVE dream home offers Elegance, Luxury & stunning Backkyard!   View this incredible listing

Get your Monday Morning Inspiration with Sandi Pressley!

Having a home inspection is a given when you are selling a home. You can prepare for your home inspection by taking a few steps. This will help the seller avoid bumps along the road to the closing table and helps the buyer avoid complications as they go through the buying process.

A competent inspector should be called in to inspect any home for sale. This inspection protects the buyer from future issues and protects the seller from potential lawsuits for known defects. The inspector will be looking for material defects in the home and reporting these defects to the buyer and seller, giving them the opportunity to negotiate repairs or price changes based on repairs needed. Often, sellers think they can just leave during their home inspection. This is far from accurate and taking these steps can help your inspection go smoother from the beginning.

Tip #1 Clear areas the inspector may need to enter. This includes attic scuttle entries, furnace areas, hot water heaters, crawl spaces and your electrical box.

Tip #2 Have the power on. Inspectors will be testing all major mechanical appliances including all those mentioned above.

Tip #3 Don’t forget about other appliances. A good inspector should test all appliances like the ice maker, dishwasher, microwave, water softener and trash compactor.

Tip #4 Replace garage door opener batteries and make sure the door(s) are clear and can be opened. The inspector will open and close the garage door(s).

Tip #5 If you have a well and/or septic system, the inspector will be running tests. For the septic system they will need to open the tank. Ensure the inspector has access for that. They may also take a water sample if you're using a well.

Tip #6 Here are some other things a competent inspector will check:

• Toilets
• Faucets
• Electrical receptacles
• Windows
• Roof
• Basement
• Fireplaces

Tip #7 Don't try to hide things. A good inspector will know what signs to look for to ensure nothing is being kept from the inspection. In fact, a hidden items found during inspection may even raise red flags with the inspector.

Preparing for your home inspection may seem overwhelming. Following these tips above can help your inspection go smoothly and put the buyer at ease that the home they've made an offer on will be a good investment.

Have An Awesome Week!

Sandi's Hot Home Listing

12095 Irish Mist Rd NE, Albuquerque

Price: $1,750,000 Beds:5 Baths: 7 Square Feet: 7,037

Elegant Tuscan Estate! Exquisitely Appointed Custom Home with amazing VIEWS located in Primrose.One of a kind floorplan showcases EVERY UPGRADE you would desire. Finest quality of craftsmanship throughout. In this dream home you will feel like you are in Italy. Impeccable travertine, hardwood & carpet flooring.

View This Listing

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!