Real Estate Information

If you plan to buy a home in Albuquerque, no doubt you would appreciate some insight into the many fine neighborhoods here. Niche.com is a website that rates, among other things, the best neighborhoods to buy a home in Albuquerque. These ratings are based on a wide range of criteria, including the quality of local schools, crime rates, housing trends, employment statistics, and access to amenities. Here are some of the top neighborhoods in Albuquerque according to Niche.com.

Nob Hill
#1 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Albuquerque
#1 Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals in Albuquerque
#1 Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family in Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a city rich in history, dating back hundreds of years. As such, if you're looking to buy a home here, you might come across a home for sale that's over 50 years old. There's certainly nothing wrong with buying an older home, as they offer styles and features from the past that may not be found in newer homes.

When you buy an older home in Albuquerque, there are some things to consider before making a decision to buy.

Plumbing

Many older homes have galvanized steel water piping. This kind of pipe was used originally in the 1970's because it was thought to have a longer shelf life. Now, after several decades, it's been discovered that these pipes can rust inside, leading to dirty water and blockage.

A specialized plumber can help you decide what needs to be repaired with this type of plumbing. New plumbing technology will give you cleaner water and reduce leaking.

Energy Efficiency

Older homes were not built to be as energy-efficient as they are today. Energy was cheaper back then, and insulation was not always used in home construction. If insulation wasn't installed or upgraded since the home's original construction, then you should assess how insulated your home is and make any needed upgrades.

Single-paned windows were also used in older homes, which can add up to a huge heat loss. If you're looking to buy an older home in Albuquerque that still has this type of window, you should decide if you plan to replace them, and how much that will cost if you do so. You may also see if you can negotiate having those windows replaced as part of the sale.

Floor Plans

Older homes in Albuquerque may not have as much floor space as newer homes. The bedrooms in older homes tend to be smaller, and master bedrooms were not as popular. 

If you're considering an older home, but want more open space, you can do so by adding additions, redoing your kitchen, or removing walls to add to your open floor plan. Of course, these improvements will cost a good deal of money. Make sure you factor in these costs when looking to buy an older home in Albuquerque.

Lead

All the way up to the 1970's lead paint was used in the interior of homes. The government banned lead paint in 1978. But even with that ban, lead paint was still used on occasion. Make sure that the house you plan to buy has been tested for lead. If a wall has been painted over, there still could be lead paint underneath the tops layer.

If the paint does test positive for lead, make sure it's removed and repainted by a professional. Professional painters are better equiped to deal with unhealthy paint and make sure it's removed in a manner that won't cause any health issues.

The Sandi Pressley Team wishes to thank all of our clients, friends, and family for making 2019 such an amazing year. We look forward to another great year with all of you in 2020. Have a very happy and prosperous new year!

If you need some help deciding on your new year's resolutions, here's a few ideas that might help:

• Get Healthy
• Travel More
• Quit Smoking
• Learn a New Skill
• Save More Money (Perhaps for a down payment on a new home?)
• Get Organised
• Stop Judging People
• Stress Less
• Learn a New Language
• Be More Adventurous

The Sandi Pressley Team wishes all of our clients, friends and family the happiest of holidays this week. We look forward to another great year and decade with you in 2020!

If you want to keep in the spirit of the season this week, here are some upcoming events in Albuquerque that will keep the holiday joy flowing.

Magic Hour at River of Lights in Albuquerque

Sat, Dec 28, 5 PM
ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden | 2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM

All ages are invited to experience the magic before the masses!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Fri, Dec 27, 7 PM MST
Santa Ana Star Center | 3001 Civic Center Cir NE, Rio Rancho, NM

Celebrating 35 years of touring, Chip Davis brings his annual Christmas concert tour to the Santa Ana Star Center.

Christmas at Buffet 66

Wed, Dec 25
Route 66 Casino Hotel | 14500 Central Ave SW, Rio Puerco, Albuquerque, NM

The award-winning Buffet 66 will be featuring holiday favorites and buffet classics on Christmas Day.

Happy Holidays!

Make sure to 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!

13104 Desert Moon Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $624,900

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (3 full, 1 half) / 3330 Square Feet

Spectacular Mechenbier home in sought after High Desert! This move-in ready gem has a long list of amenities: Dual living Areas, Gorgeous high ceilings, 3 Gas Fireplaces, Open Kitchen with available gas or electric for the stovetop, and a downstairs Guest Suite all invite you to make this home.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If this is the first time buying a home in Albuquerque, no doubt you already feel the pressure of making wise decisions. This, after all, is one of the most important financial decisions you've made so far in your life. But don't worry, many people have bought a home before you ever thought about it, so we have a good idea of what to do and not to do. Let's take a look at some of the mistakes that first time home buyers have made and what we can learn from them.

Not Preparing Their Finances

Being financially ready to buy a home is really the first step in the process of buying s a home in Albuquerque. This is a step that should take place long before you start looking.

Make sure your credit score is accurate and strong enough to secure a lower interest loan. You also need to have a steady income and save enough for a down payment that will make a dent in the mortgage. You should also try to save money for an emergency fund that will cover unexpected expenses.

Next, you need to choose a good lender ad get preapproved for a lender. Finding a good lender is not always about who has the lowest interest rates. You need to make sure they're the right fit in other areas as well and educate yourself about the mortgage process. The more you know, the better chance you'll have of making wise decisions regarding your mortgage.

Getting Carried Away With Emotions

Have you ever played poker? Then no doubt you're familiar with the term "poker face." It means that you keep your emotions in check and don't give away your hand to the other players.

Buying a home is not so different. You need to keep your emotions at bay so that you can keep a clear head during the process. remember that this is a business transaction.

You especially want to keep that poker face during a bidding war. You may let your love of the home you want to buy in Albuquerque get the better of you, and then you're making bad decisions that you'll regret later.

Not Account for the Full Cost of Owning a Home

Remember that the purchase price of the home is just part of the total cost of owning a home in Albuquerque. Closing costs can be an unexpected surprise for first time buyers. Make sure that you discuss all the costs with an experienced agent like Sandi Pressley and her team. They can help you get a full perspective of all the costs you can expect when buying a home so that you're not caught off guard at the end of the process.

Not Looking "Under the Hood"

Like buying a car, a home can look pretty on the outside, but behind the walls there may be issues. Home sellers will make their home look as desirable as possible to win over sellers. And that's fine. But did they take care of hidden problems? This is why having a home inspected that you're serious about buying is such an important step. The money you spend on a good home inspector will save you a lot of pain and money later.

Make sure to 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!

13501 Cedarbrook Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $525,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (1 full, 2 half) / 3800 Square Feet

GORGEOUS Renovation in Peaceful Glenwood Hills! This turn-key home has it all! 3 Living Areas...3 Stone Fireplaces...Beautiful Beamed Ceilings....Tile & Stone floors throughout...Wet Bar...Atrium with tranquil water feature & goldfish pond...4 Bedrooms...Cedar Coat Closet...3 Car Garage...New Roof 2011...New Water Heaters 2017...New HVAC/Furnaces 2011. The amenities list is huge! Enjoy the oversized lot with both mountain & city views...backyard that's large enough to fit a pool...and additional gated parking for your travel trailer or toys.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

With just a week left until Christmas, there's not much time left to get in on the holiday fun in Albuquerque. There's a lot of fun holiday activities coming up over the next week, so get out there and make this the best holiday season ever! Here's a few holiday events to put on your calendar.

Holiday Pops!
Sat, Dec 21, 5 PM | Popejoy Hall

Bring the family to enjoy the NMPhil conducted by Jason Altieri for this holiday favorite featuring timeless holiday classics. They will be joined by the Manzano Day School Chorus, the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, and some special guests. The concert will also feature a traditional sing-a-long.

2019 Polar Bear Express at River of Lights in Albuquerque
Sun, Dec 22, 5 PM | ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden

Ride the nighttime train at the ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden as it takes you on a magical journey aboard the Polar Bear Express.

Toy Show
Sat, Dec 21, 5 – 8 PM MST | Exhibit/208

Exhibit/208's December group show celebrates the influence and inspiration of toys upon the process of creating art. Come experience this fun and adventurous exhibition with an opening reception Friday, December 13th, from 5-8pm. The show runs through January 4th.

ABQ Trolley Co: Trolley of Lights
Thu, Dec 19, 8 PM | Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town

Join ABQ Trolley Co. December 17th-24th as they take you on a journey to see Albuquerque's holiday lights. The Trolley of Lights departs from Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. Tours last approximately 75-minutes. Make sure to dress for 30 degree weather as this is an open Trolley, so bring blankets, long underwear, mittens, knit caps, wool socks, etc.

The Nutcracker
Sat, Dec 21, 2 PM MST | Kimo Theatre

The Ballet Repertory Theatre presents the The Nutcracker. Enjoy an evening with your favorite Christmas characters, featuring mischievous mice, sweet dancing treats, and a sprinkle of sparkling snowflakes.

Christmas Bird Count
Sat, Dec 21, 7 AM – 6 PM MST
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

It's time for Christmas Bird Counts (CBC), Audubon's 120th year of CBCs. Join Valle de Oro NWR has been participating in the bird count for 7 years now. All skill levels are welcome to participate in this amazing community/citizen science endeavor. If you want to participate, please contact the Refuge's email [email protected] to receive more information.

Make sure to 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!

13501 Cedarbrook Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $525,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (1 full, 2 half) / 3800 Square Feet

GORGEOUS Renovation in Peaceful Glenwood Hills! This turn-key home has it all! 3 Living Areas...3 Stone Fireplaces...Beautiful Beamed Ceilings....Tile & Stone floors throughout...Wet Bar...Atrium with tranquil water feature & goldfish pond...4 Bedrooms...Cedar Coat Closet...3 Car Garage...New Roof 2011...New Water Heaters 2017...New HVAC/Furnaces 2011. The amenities list is huge! Enjoy the oversized lot with both mountain & city views...backyard that's large enough to fit a pool...and additional gated parking for your travel trailer or toys.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Certainly by now you've heard about video doorbells. Not only do they deter crime, they also catch hilarious clips to go viral on the internet. But most likely, you're interested in protecting your Albuquerque home and seeing who's at your door before you answer. And you can even answer the door if you're away from home. All things considered, it's a smart way to protect your family.

Before you buy a video doorbell, here's a few things to think about:

Resolution

Make sure the doorbell camera has at least a resolution of 1080p or higher. You want to have nice clear view of whoever is at your door. Because we all have seen those grainy convenience store videos on TV and wonder what the point was of even having a camera.

Night Vision

You also want clear vision at night. Not all cameras offer night vision, so make sure the one you purchase has this important feature.

Field of View

The field of view also makes a big difference in what the camera can capture. 180 degrees means that it sees in front and on the sides. A 90 degree camera can only see what's in front and a little on the sides. The wider view is obviously better.

Audio Features

Another great feature of video doorbells is being able to speak with the person at the door. This is especially handy if you're away from home and expecting an important package, as you can direct the delivery remotely.

Motion Detection

Try to get a camera that will let you define which zones react to motion. That way if you live on a busy street, it won't alert you every time a car drives by.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is the prefered choice for storing video footage. If someone does break into your home, then your footage of them is safe and ready for you to send to the police.

App Support

Check into the app support for the doorbell and find reviews if possible. If the app gets low ratings, it may not be the best choice. The last thing you need is to have a hassle with the app support.

Also, since these devices use your wi-fi, it's a good idea to place your internet router close to the door to make sure it has a strong signal. If that's not an option, then a signal booster located near the door will work.

Make sure to 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!

1820 34TH Street SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124  $169,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1348 Square Feet

One story 3BDR/2BA/2CG in the heart of Rio Rancho! Minutes from Intel, Cottonwood Mall, schools, parks and shopping! HUGE BACKYARD with views of the Sandia Mountains!! Tile flooring throughout!! NEW Water Heater! Oversized great room with cozy wood stove, open to the kitchen with lots of cabinets, long breakfast bar, gas stove & refrigerator. Master bdr features a walk in closet and private bath. Fenced backyard with open patio, mountain views and plenty of room for gathering family & friends!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Refinancing a mortgage is something that many homeowners in Albuquerque do at some point. There are a wide range of reasons why a homeowner would want to refinance their mortgage. Yet along with the benefits of refinancing come some risks and costs. The question you need to ask is, if in your case, do the benefits outweigh those risks. Here's a list of pros and cons of refinancing to help you decide if it's the right decision for you.

Refinancing Pros

Free Up Money

If you replace your mortgage with a rate-and-term refinance at a lower rate, you will pay less each month. You could save anywhere from $75 to several hundred dollars a month.

Pay Off Your Home Faster

A loan with a lower interest rate and shorter term means you can pay your home off faster, especially if you go from a 30-year loan to a 15-year loan. The down side of this is you may pay more per month, meaning you'll have less cash on hand.

Get Cash

Albuquerque homeowners who want to get money for remodeling or other important matters can get what's called a cash-out refinance. This is a loan that let's homeowners with at least 20% equity in their home refinance for a larger amount and get the difference in cash.

Lock in a Fixed Rate

If you have a loan with an adjustable rate and you want to lock it into a lower rate so that it doesn't rise, you can get a fixed-rate loan. The rate may be higher than what you have now, but it will not rise in the future, giving you more financial predictability.

Refinancing Cons

It Costs Money

Remember the fees you paid on your original mortgage? You will have tp pay them again for a refinance. This includes origination fees, an appraisal, title insurance, taxes and other fees. If you are refinancing to save monthly costs, you should calculate how long it will take to make up the difference between your monthly savings and the refinance costs.

Prepayment Penalty

You may have to pay your current lender extra to pay off the loan early. If that amount is too high, you might want to just stick with your current loan.

Total Costs Can Increase

The interest and fees over the life of a new 30-year loan can increase. This could also offset the advantage of refinancing.

Make sure to 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!

1820 34TH Street SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124  $169,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1348 Square Feet

One story 3BDR/2BA/2CG in the heart of Rio Rancho! Minutes from Intel, Cottonwood Mall, schools, parks and shopping! HUGE BACKYARD with views of the Sandia Mountains!! Tile flooring throughout!! NEW Water Heater! Oversized great room with cozy wood stove, open to the kitchen with lots of cabinets, long breakfast bar, gas stove & refrigerator. Master bdr features a walk in closet and private bath. Fenced backyard with open patio, mountain views and plenty of room for gathering family & friends!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

The holidays are now underway, and there's plenty of ways to celebrate the season in Albuquerque this month. Whether it be enjoying the sparkling lights of the Christmas trees or finding the perfect gift, there's something for the whole family to enjoy coming up this week. Here's a few events to put on your calendar to help you get in the spirit of the season.

2019 Festival of Trees - Weekend of Wonder

Fri, Dec 6 – Sun, Dec 8
Albuquerque Convention Center

Open to families of all ages, all proceeds go directly to CTHF to support children with physical disabilities. Polar Express Night, Saturday December 7th from 6p.m. – 9p.m., is a family-night viewing of the classic Christmas movie. Complimentary coffee, hot cocoa, children crafts, live entertainment and pictures with Santa provided.

Twinkle Light Parade
Sat, Dec 7, 5:15 PM
Nob Hill, Albuquerque, NM

The Twinkle Light Parade will proceed west on Central Ave. through Historic Nob Hill from Washington St. to Girard Blvd. Central Ave. will be closed to traffic beginning at 2 p.m. to prepare for the parade. Plan to arrive early, shop, then grab your spot to view the parade as it will draw thousands of spectators.

Holiday Nature Crafts in Albuquerque
Wed, Dec 4, 12 AM
ABQ BioPark - Zoo

Bring your whole family to River of Lights and visit the Education Building to make beautiful gifts inspired by nature. All craft materials will be provided. No admission is required.

2019 Winter Spanish Market
Sat, Dec 7, 10 AM – 5 PM
1701 4th St SW, Albuquerque, NM

Experience authentic 400 year old traditions and innovative Spanish Colonial style artwork made by New Mexico artists. This Hispanic festival includes art, local music, food, demonstrations and more. Interact personally with extraordinary artists, learn about their traditions, and take home a special purchase to add to a collection or give as a gift.

Old Town Holiday Shop & Stroll and Tree Lighting
Fri, Dec 6, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Old Town Albuquerque

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Historic Old Town for the annual Old Town Holiday Stroll. Live entertainment will fill the streets in anticipation for the traditional lighting of the Old Town Christmas tree. Be sure to take advantage of discounts and specials offered during this jolly event by local businesses, restaurants, and museums in the area. 

Make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

2612 Espanola Street, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $165,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1140 Square Feet

HUGE LOT with BACKYARD ACCESS and custom gate in the NE Heights! Conveniently located close to Uptown, Trader Joe's, shopping, restaurants & parks! 3BDR/1.5BA/1CG featuring a large open great room with huge picture window and tile flooring! Remodeled kitchen with new soft-close cabinetry & crown molding, Quartz countertops! Beautiful shade tree in the front yard and oversized backyard with plenty of room for pets, backyard access, custom metal gate and covered patio for Summer BBQs!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team