Real Estate Information Archive

When you sell a home, you want it to look it's best. Buyers will judge a home almost instantly based on how it look son the outside. That's why having great curb appeal is so important to a successful home sale. The good new is that you don't have to spend a ton of money to make your home stand out. Here's a few ideas that will help you spruce up the curb appeal on your home and get more money from the sale.

Replace Old Hardware

Replace old hardware, such as door knobs and house numbers, with fresh new fixtures.

Makeover the Mailbox

If your mailbox is next to your home (not across the street), then you can spruce it up to compliments your home. Pick a box that reflects your home's trimmings. You can paint the post or surround it with flowers.

Add Planters

You can place various potted plants on the front steps and patio, complimenting you garden.

Outdoor Lighting

Low voltage lighting along paths and walkways is a striking way to add flare to your home.

Reveal the Architecture

Don't go overboard with plants and landscaping that can hide your home. Keep your landscaping back from the home to let it shine.

Pressure Wash the Exterior

This is a quick and easy makeover that will make your home shine.. A pressure washer can be rented at most hardware and home improvement stores, and are easy to operate.

Display a Wreath

Welcome buyers with a beautiful seasonal wreath on the front door.

Lay Out a Path

You can use pavers to make a curved walkway and add unique flair to your yard.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint can liven up any home, especially if the current coat is fading or chipped, or the color is outdated.

Add Window Boxes and Shutters

Adding colorful shutters with window boxes with matching paint will brighten up any exterior. You can also add colorful flowers to make it stand out even more.

Line Up the Porch Chairs

If you have a porch large enough for a few chairs, make sure they're lined up. If you don't have matching porch chairs, it would be worth investing in a set.

These are just a few ways you can spice up the exterior of your home and drive a higher price on your home for sale.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

2228 Cebolla Creek Way NW, Albuquerque, NM  $397,000

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 partial) / 2345 Square Feet

Fantastic Del Webb gated community! Premium lot, wood tile flooring, plantation shutters, garage door screens, artistic landscaping, upgraded light fixtures & appliances, private courtyard w/OJstom gate & stucco wall are just a few!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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If you're planning to buy a home in Albuquerque, or already live here, no doubt you want your home to reflect the spirit of the Southwest. The Southwest is home to unique artwork and décor found nowhere else. What area some of the essentials you need to make your home a Southwestern haven?

Wall Art and Decor

Adding a Southwestern rug or art to a bare wall is a great way to add rustic beauty to any room. You might try mounting tapestries or rugs with rustic wooden rug hangers that clamp to protect the rug. Your room acoustics will also be softened with rug hangings, especially in rooms with tile floors.

You can also mount terra cotta Kokopellis and gecko lizards, wrought iron suns, rabbit fur mandellas, framed Southwestern paintings and laser-cut metal designs finished in rustic hues.

Southwestern Pottery

For any Southwestern home décor, pottery is a must. You can put pottery anywhere – tables, bookcases, floors, cabinets, you name it. Southwestern pottery tends to get expensive, so you may want to go with Mexican pottery. Mexican pottery is almost the same quality as Southwestern potter in may cases, and it works great with your southwestern décor.

Rugs, Blankets & Throws

You can add a great range of colors to your home with Southwest rugs and blankets, as they come in a variety of striking colors, sizes, and textures. Like pottery, imported rugs and blankets can be more affordable that ones made in the Southwest. You can display them on a wooden kiva ladder for a striking affect. These ladders look like the ones used in the ancient civilizations of the Southwest. You can use blankets and throws as table rugs, on furniture, or as a colorful tablecloth.

Lamps & Lighting

You can use lighting to enhance your Southwest scheme. You can use laser-cut Southwest themed lamps, or chili pepper light strings for a warm glow. Or you can replace switch plates with ones that have a Southwestern theme.

Accessories

You can round out your Southwestern decorating with all sorts of accessories. The options are only limited by your imagination. You can use candles, throw pillows and bedspreads, or a chili pepper canister set in the kitchen. The possibilities are endless.

With these few basics, you can bring all of the beauty and style of the Southwest to your home in Albuquerque.

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

6108 Eagle Eye Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM  $210,000

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 partial) / 1781 Square Feet

 Pride of ownership shows thru-out! Single story Pueblo style home delivers an open concept floorplan with tasteful updates thru-out; featuring 3BDRMS/2 Full Baths(Both with double sinks) & 2 Car garage! Backyard features covered Patio & ample space-Perfect for relaxing or Entertaining!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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It's no secret that it can get fairly hot during the summers here in Albuquerque. It's not like we can just run to a nearby beach to cool off. Most people who live in Albuquerque stay cool with the air from their AC. If you plan to move to the area, you probably know that air conditioning is especially desirable during the summer.

But the problem with leaving your AC running all summer is the high energy costs. In fact, AC units account for around 12% of home energy expenses, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Yet that doesn't mean you can't find ways to keep these costs lower.

What are some ways to reduce your energy costs?

Lessen direct sunlight.

Albuquerque can get plenty of sunlight during the summer months. And the hotter your home gets, the harder your AC has to work, raising your energy costs.

The easiest way to keep the sun out of the house is to close your drapes and blinds on all the windows during the day, and close the windows to keep out the warm air. You might also plant trees and shrubs on the west and east sides of the house.

And since nights are fairly cool in Albuquerque, take advantage of that cool air by opening windows at night and directing air in with fans in the windows. Fans take up much less energy and will bring the core temperature of the home down.

Let your AC unit rest.

Not every day is a scorcher. When the temperature get low enough to be comfortable, turn off the AC completely. This will give your unit a break and lower your energy costs.

Don’t touch the thermostat.

You might be tempted to set your thermostat to it's lowest level when temps go up. But that can make a huge increase in your bill. Try setting your thermostat to a consistent level of 78 degrees. This should be enough to keep both you and your energy bill cool.

Use ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans can be your AC unit's best friends. If you run your ceiling fans when you run the AC, you can even adjust the thermostats to 80 degrees, reducing your energy costs by 15-25%!

Keep the air filter clean.

Dirty air filters can affect the airflow in your AC, which makes it work even harder. And of course, this increases energy costs. Air filters need to be replaced or cleaned regularly every 90 days for optimal AC performance.

Keep cool for the rest of the summer in Albuquerque and save money!

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

12009 Modesto Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM  $750,000

4 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 partial) / 5000 Square Feet

Exceptional Custom Ranch Home on .89 Acre! Expansive Floorplan features both formal & informal living areas, with outdoor living that includes a newly refurbished pool w/built in hot tub, deck w/views & more! Enormous 29'x28' Den for indoor entertaining w/Wet Bar & fireplace. So much more! A MUST SEE!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Installing a new garage door isn’t probably the first thing that comes to mind, not until it gets damaged or fails to work. But even if your garage door works fine, it’s probably time to update it, especially if your home is a few decades old. Replacing a garage door, including the opener, can run around $2300.  Of course that number will vary depending on size and who installs it.

Here are some factors that will affect cost and what options are available.

Size

Standard garage doors are 8-10 ft wide, and 2-car garage doors are 12-18 feet wide. You will find garage doors in different heights and thicknesses. Of course, the bigger it is, the higher the cost.

Type

The more affordable doors include sectional or roll-up doors. One-piece or swing up doors, along with swing out and sliding doors will cost more.

Materials

Steel: Steel doors are durable and low maintenance, making them a popular option. Yet they are also heavy, hard on the opener opener and easily dented. Steel is one of the most affordable garage door materials, with two-car garage doors ranging from $750 to $3,500 depending on style and construction.

Aluminum: Lighter than steel, rust-resistant and ideal for wider doors. Aluminum is also affordable like steel, but is a poor insulator and easily bends. Aluminum two-car garage doors typically range from $1,500 to $2,000.

Wood and composite wood: Solid wood garage doors are heavier than steel and aluminum doors, require upkeep and are more expensive. Composite doors are lighter and less expensive than solid wood, but not as durable as metal or synthetic materials. Wood or composite wood two-car garage doors range from $1,200 to $4,000.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are light and available in many styles, along with being resistant to rot. Fiberglass is affordable, but can yellow with age and sometimes cracks in extreme temperatures, making them a less desirable option in climates such as in Albuquerque. These garage doors typically range from $1,500 to $2,000 for a two-car garage.

Vinyl: Vinyl garage doors are lightweight, low-maintenance and can take a beating, which makes them great for high-traffic homes. The down side is that vinyl can fade, and style options are limited. These range from $900 to $1,500.

Professional installation

In most cases, you should have your garage door professionally installed, as most homeowners don’t have the right equipment to install a door, and doors can be dangerous if installed incorrectly. Hiring a professional may cost up to $500, but is well worth the price.

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

9400 Bear Mountain Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $689,900

4 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 partial) / 3451 Square Feet

Custom elegance abounds in this beautiful Tuscan style home with views of the Sandia Mountains! Oversized lot in gated community. Guest suite/office w/full bath on the main level. Gourmet kitchen featuring Subzero fridge, two ovens, gas cooktop, granite countertops, large island & bkfst nook and walk-in pantry. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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Let’s face it – if you have kids, you have messy closets. The hustle and bustle of daily life usually doesn’t leave much time to organize. And living in a disorganized home can make you feel a bit out of control.

Organizing every closet in the house can be daunting.  But it you can get the family in on the project, you might be surprised at how much you can accomplish. What are some ways you can get your family to help?

Discussion

Talk about organizing the closets before you plan to start. It’s easier to get people to do things that they don’t want to do if you talk about it first and mentally prepare them.  And let your kids know that you’ll make the experience fun and rewarding for them. That will certainly put grease on the wheels, as it were.

Planning

Of course every project needs at least some planning to be successful.  Are the closets full of clothes your kids don’t wear anymore, or are out of season? Set  goals to clean out unwanted items and organize what’s left. Realistic goals are the key to success.  If you aim too high, it could lead to disappointment.

Rewards

Everyone wants rewards. Scheduling regular breaks is a great start.  You should also find a reward that keeps the family moving.  You know what your family loves to eat or do, so try to make that happen for them when they reach a goal. Keeping a positive and fun attitude will do wonders for keeping the project on the move.

Unwanted Items

You’ll certainly come across items you don’t need or want.  Don’t throw them away. Make a pile or put them in boxes to either donate or sell. If you have a Goodwill donation center nearby for example, you can get a coupon for usually 20% off an item bought from their stores, plus you can write it off your taxes. Of course there are a number of donation centers in Albuquerque you can give to. You can also try some consignment shops in Albuquerque to make some fast cash, such as 2 Time Couture and Your Other Closet.

Organizing your closets can actually be a rewarding experience for the whole family. It teaches your kids cooperation and organizational skills.  And it can be a fun time if you plan ahead.

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

9400 Bear Mountain Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $709,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 2775 Square Feet

Custom elegance abounds in this beautiful Tuscan style home with views of the Sandia Mountains! Oversized lot in gated community. Guest suite/office w/full bath on the main level. Gourmet kitchen featuring Subzero fridge, two ovens, gas cooktop, granite countertops, large island & bkfst nook and walk-in pantry. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you plan on selling your home in Albuquerque, one important question to ask is if your home is up to date or needs repairs.  A dated or worn down appearance can take away from the resale value.  However, the balance is that you want to avoid spending tons of money that won’t be recouped in the sale.  How do you decide what repairs or improvements are worth the investment? I f you come to the conclusion that your home needs improvements, then you need to pin down which ones will yield the highest returns.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking every improvement will increase the value of your home. Many projects will simply preserve the value, while others will help increase it.  So if you do those projects, the value won't be as adversely affected when you sell your home.

So to get down to it, what are the projects that get the highest ROI?

Outside Projects

Think about curb appeal. First impressions are lasting impressions as they say.  Basically any project that boosts curb appeal is worth the investment. Outside projects that can recoup the most money are garage door replacements, replacing a steel door entry, adding a wood deck, and siding and facade projects. Even if you just focus on the siding, it can improve the value of your home with minimal investment.

Kitchens and Baths

Potential buyers can spend the most time inspecting a kitchen and we all know why.  Many lives center around the kitchen and rely on its appliances. If your kitchen has the old yellow fridge and oven, they need to go. And don’t forget about the bathrooms.   They send a powerful message about your home, so you can expect a high ROI on a bathroom remodel.

The Little Things

Don’t have a lot of money to invest in a major remodel?  No problem. Focusing on the little things can also have a big impact on the resale value of your home. You can give your home a fresh coat of paint, trim trees and bushes, plant new bushes and landscaping. De-cluttering and cleaning your home only costs time. If you have an unfinished basement, you can put gray epoxy on the floor and paint the walls white. Never underestimate the power of improving the little things.

Every home is different, and so is every Albuquerque neighborhood. If you're not sure what improvements would be best to sell your home in Albuquerque, feel free to ask us. We know what sells a home in Albuquerque and what buyers are looking for.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5243 Foothills Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $798,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3156 Square Feet

Gated community of the Wilderness! Casual elegance abounds in this Scott Patrick Gold Package custom home. Tons of features include Oversized great room w/stacked stone fireplace, wall of windows! Gourmet kitchen has custom island, pantry, gas cooktop, custom cabinetry, Sub Zero fridge, Wolfe double oven. Private Master Suite on its own wing! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Pumpkins. A definite sign that fall is on your doorstep or is already falling much great gusto from your trees. Matching this cheerful end-of-summer New Mexico sensation with fresh homey décor ideas is an absolute must. For starters, an awesome pumpkin or two on your porch and strategically placed saucer pumpkins will add to the effect.

Don’t forget the trees outside shedding their spring and summer growth. Now is the best time to take advantage of their seasonal molting to brighten up your home with some gorgeous New Mexico colors, like leaf art. Let’s not forget the fun twigs and variety of berries and that become art pieces to make entertaining fall vases and fun DIY welcome wreaths.

Don’t forget that wood stove that’s been sitting quietly over summer. Bring out your best for the fall as New Mexico nights start getting cooler, giving you a reason to hang out around the warm and mesmerizing flames with friends or family remembering the good times, and looking forward to more to come.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

2012 Fraser Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM  $250,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (1 full, 2 partial) / 2020 Square Feet

Fabulous Energy Efficient Home by D.R. Horton built in 2012 features spacious and open floorplan. Features Higher Efficiency Furnace, Tankless Water Heater, Refrigerated Air, Granite Counter Tops, Custom Security Door and so much more. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Every year your house takes a beating. But no matter how bad the weather is, you shouls make sure to check a few things around the house once a year so that you don't have to pay for larger repair bills later. Here's a couple of things you can check right now that will help preserve your home and reduce costs.

Change the HVAC air filters

You should really do this one once a month. The dirtier your filters are, the higher your energy costs can be and lead to more expensive repairs down the road.  And this is an easy one to do. Just buy a replacement filter available at most hardware stores and just replace it. You should also have a professional check your system each year to make sure it's tuned up and in good repair.

Service Yard Equipment

Change the oil and filters on lawn equipment and install new blades if needed. Check the owners manual to perform any suggested maintenance. Drain the gas tank before storing equipment for the season, but don't drain it completely. Instead use a premium gasoline without ethanol but with a gas preservative. Just before you store it, fill the tank with this mix.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5909 Gorrion Street NW, Albuquerque   $199,000

4 Bedrooms/ 1.5 Bathrooms/ 1935 Square Feet

Single story home with open concept & functional floorplan with tasteful updates thru-out! Kitchen with NEW Tile countertops, ALL APPLIANCES CONVEY with property! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

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!!