Real Estate Information

Are you looking for the perfect romantic thing to do with your loved one this Valentine’s Day in Albuquerque? If you own a home in Albuquerque, you have the advantage, as there are so many things about this city that’s perfect for lovers – great food, clean air, and wide open spaces. So put away those chocolates and do something different this Valentine’s Day in Albuquerque. Here’s a few of the best things to do for couples to get you started.

Sandia Peak Tramway

This may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of romance, but when you’re holding hands at 10,000 feet overlooking the Sandia Mountains and the entire city, what could be more romantic? Sandi Peak Tramway is the longest tram in the country and runs every 20-30 minutes and is a 15 minute ride. You can then have a romantic lunch or dinner at Sandiago’s Grill at the Tram while you enjoy the beautiful view.

ABQ BioPark Botanical Garden

The botanical garden features desert and Mediterranean plants covering 32 acres, setting the perfect backdrop for a walk along the 1.5 mile winding scenic footpaths.  And for a cozier setting, you can go to the ABQ BioPark Aquarium, where the dim lighting and sharks will set the mood.

Balloon Ride

One thing that Albuquerque is certainly famous for is hot air balloons.  It’s the home of the largest balloon festival in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  Why not see for yourself what it’s like to fly free in the sky with your loved one? Companies like Air Carriage offer sunrise packages that are sure to thrill you both.

Albuquerque’s Old Town

Spend a few hours in the old west in Albuquerque’s Old Town.  You can stroll through the adobe nooks and old vigas, visit the Albuquerque Museum, enjoy a latte at Velvet Coffee, and shop the myriad unique boutiques in this historic district.

If these ideas don’t quite suit you, here’s some more ideas for spending the perfect Valentine’s Day in Albuquerque. Check back on our blog each week for more great local Albuquerque information and real estate advice.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8222 Sprenger Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM  $329,000

4 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (1 full, 2 partial) / 2300 Square Feet

Beautiful & impeccably well-maintained original owner property on oversized lot w/paved backyard access perfect for RV parking. Open floorplan featuring 4 bdrms,3 Baths-w/updated cabinets/counters. Back yard offers gorgeous & mature landscaping w/low-use drippers, fish pond w/water fall & steel shed.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you live in Albuquerque and are on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may have wondered if buying a home is attainable.  Perhaps you’ve wondered if merely owning a home may affect your benefits, making home owning nearly impossible. The fact is that many people living on SSDI and SSI benefits do qualify to buy a home, and it’s possible that you can as well. But as you can guess, there are obstacles to think about.

What are some of the challenges? As you know already, the benefits for SSI are low, and you will probably struggle to save for a home while trying to make ends meet.  And if you live on SSDI benefits, you may not be sure how long those benefits will last.  So when you go to apply for a loan, it may be difficult to prove you have a stable income.

Another factor to consider is that SSI rules limit how much income and assets you can have while receiving benefits.  So that creates a fine line between making or having enough to save for a home and keeping your benefits. Here’s the good news though:  the home is considered your primary residence, and not an asset.

All of this is not presented to discourage you from buying a home in Albuquerque. It may seem almost impossible to buy a home if you are on SSI or SSDI, but it’s not. There are a number of programs that can help.  For example, Fannie Mae offers loans for people with disabilities.  Here’s some examples:

• Fannie Mae loans for disabled individuals
• Individual Development Account (IDA)
• Habitat for Humanity
• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeownership Voucher Program

There may also be some nonprofits in Albuquerque that can help as well.

The bottom line is that if you are on SSI or SSDI and are considering buying a home in Albuquerque, give us a call at 505-980-2999 to see how we can help you find assistance.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10 Tres Amigos Road, Placitas, NM  $399,000

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 partial) / 2200 Square Feet

This stunning Placitas Custom Home offers a secluded .97 AC Sanctuary w/breathtaking views. Open & spacious floorplan featuring a dramatic entry way into a cozy living space. Warm & inviting property in a highly sought-after location. Fabulous access to hiking & biking.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are you looking for a new way to start the day in Albuquerque?  If your way of waking up is with a delicious cup of java, tea, or tasty pastry, then you’ll have plenty of ways to do that in Albuquerque.  This city is filled with unique places to have the perfect espresso or refreshing cup of tea.  Here’s a few of the best places to get coffee and tea in Albuquerque.

Trifecta Coffee Company

Known as the first combined coffee roaster, coffee bar, and bakery in Albuquerque, Trifecta also features roasts from around the world, including coffees from Latin America, Mexico, South America, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. The coffee is not the only great thing about Trifecta.  Their pastries area all the rage, with blueberry scones, apple cake, and quiché of feta and artichoke.  The atmosphere is relaxed, as are the people who work here. All this adds up to Trifecta being a favorite morning spot in Albuquerque.

Espresso Fino

This family owned espresso bar features locally roasted coffees that are certified organic fair trade. Located in downtown Albuquerque, you can enjoy your brew in the charming atmosphere inside the shop, or get some fresh air in their sidewalk seating. All three owners, Greg, Nina, and Pablo are talented baristas, assuring a perfect brew with every visit. A downtown Albuquerque gem for sure.

Prismatic Coffee

If you find yourself in the sawmill district of Albuquerque, make sure you stop by Prismatic.  Not only can you get an outstanding cup of coffee, but they feature stroopwafels, a waffle cookie from the Netherlands. The owners and baristas take pride in what they do and it shows. This is not the coffee you find at the big chains.  They highlight the quality and care of fine coffee roasting. And of course you’ll find their passion translates to great customer service.  And if you need a little help deciding what you want, their unique flavor wheel can help you chose the perfect brew.

Humble Coffee Company

In addition to having some of the best coffee in Albuquerque, Humble Coffee also features breakfast burritos which are a big hit with customers. If you’re a tea drinker, then you’ll also find this to be a great place to sit and sip your favorite selection.  The vibe is hip and modern, yet charming. You can relax inside and take advantage of free wi-fi, or enjoy the outside patio.

Looking for more great places to start your day in Albuquerque? Check out the top coffee shops in Albuquerque.  And make sure to visit our blog every week for more great things to see and do in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5243 Foothills Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $825,000

3 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 partial) / 3156 Square Feet

Amazing views of the Sandia Mtns & Rio Grande Valley in this beautiful gated community. Scott Patrick Gold Package custom home features oversized great room w/stacked stone fireplace, wall of windows, and much more! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

In 2017, Sandi and her team closed out a successful year in Albuquerque real estate to rave reviews on Zillow. In fact, out of 78 reviews of The Sandi Pressley Team on Zillow, 27 were from last year alone! The team also was rated 4.9 out of 5 stars, an impressive score for sure.  And according to Zillow, her team also sold a total of 262 homes during 2017.  With those impressive numbers, it’s easy to see why The Sandi Pressley Team is taking the lead in the Albuquerque real estate scene.

It takes a special group of people to be this successful.  Her clients mention their appreciation for everything from the marketing, quick response time, knowledge, and professionalism demonstrated by Sandi and the team. And the great reviews come from both people buying and selling homes in Albuquerque. Here’s a sample of what people are saying:

From people selling a home in Albuquerque:

“We are extremely impressed with Sandi Pressleys team. From the pictures to the advertising top notch. We were impressed with the response time of all involved in selling our home. A special thanks to Sharahi Santos our realtor. She was there for us and went above what one would expect.”

“Working with Sandi was an excellent experience. She has her own team of workers that are great at what they do; they are assigned to different tasks to make sure everything is done on time and done well. Sandi's team was amazing and not only met my expectations but surpassed them. If you want your   home sold quickly and without a lot of fuss, call Sandi Pressley!”

“We were very impressed with Sandi and her team.  Sandi was extremely professional and very knowledgeable about our neighborhood's market.  Her team was great to work with; always professional and responsive. Because of the efforts from Sandi and her team, we received multiple offers and negotiated   an offer above asking price within 48 hours of listing.”

From people buying a home in Albuquerque:

“I have bought and sold over 20 properties in two states over 50 years and Sandi Pressley stands tall above all the realtors I've used.  She returns all my calls and is supported by the most efficient and wonderful team.  Just the Finest !”

“We would 100 percent recommend Tori Ducket to anyone in the market to buy a house. We got to know her professionally and now we even call her a friend! She takes very good care of her clients and treats everyone so well!”

“This is the second time I have worked with Arny; I have now bought one home through him and sold one as well.  I am highly recommending him to anyone looking for a realtor -- whether you are buying or selling.  He listens well, is very prompt in all correspondence, is respectful and professional   and offers sage advice.  Equally important, Arny has the full support of Sandi's entire team which may be the best in the business.”

The evidence is clear – if you plan to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque, then The Sandi Pressley Team is your best choice. If you want to learn more about how Sandi and her team can help you with your next real estate transaction, give us a call at 505-980-2999 or 505-263-2173 today!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10001 San Francisco Road NE, Albuquerque, NM  $1,250,000

6 Bedrooms/ 6 Bathrooms (2 full, 4 partial) / 5750 Square Feet

This dream home is a slice of paradise at over 5800SF! Open concept floorplan showcasing arch accents,columns,gleaming tile, & hardwood flooring, and lush carpet. Renovated Spa-Like master bath offers many amenities including Steamroom.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Where has 2017 gone? 2018 is fast approaching, so it’s time to get ready for the party! There’s a number of great New Year’s Eve events coming up this Sunday night in Albuquerque.  Get ready to have a great time and bring in the New Year in style with these events!

New Year's Eve Dinner at Gruet Winery

Get ready for an extraordinary 4-course dinner paired with Gruet’s vintages.  It’s the perfect way to start off the evening of festivities. Dinner prices range from $90 - $180 per person.

Capricorn Pre New Year's Eve 2018 by Famous Hip Hop Radio

Why not start the party early? Come to the American Legion Post 13 on Saturday night and get your groove on with Uncle Frank’s Birthday. $20 at the door.

Hotel Andaluz's New Year's Eve Black & White Ball

Bring in the new year with elegance at Hotel Andaluz. The Tracy Whitney Quartet will entertain in the lobby from 8 to 11 p.m., followed by a dance party featuring a DJ from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The countdown to midnight features a balloon drop and Champaign toast to 2018.

New Year's Eve on Civic Plaza

If you want to celebrate the New Year for free with the family, come join your fellow Albuquerque neighbors at Civic Plaza.  There will be activities such as ice skating, food trucks, concessions, and holiday tunes.

Have a safe and happy New Year 2018!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8314 Calle Picaflor NW, Albuquerque, NM  $850,000

4 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 4710 Square Feet

Exquisitely appointed single story custom home offers an exclusive & tranquil environment nestled on 1 Acre Sanctuary. Open concept floorplan featuring a dramatic entry way into inviting living area, 3 car garage, hardwood flooring, and so much more!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

The Sandi Pressley team would like to wish all of our past, present, and future clients the very best of the holiday season. We thank all of our clients over the past year for allowing us the pleasure and privilege to help you fulfill your dream of owning a home in Albuquerque.

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

2032 Calle Pajaro Azul NW, Albuquerque, NM  $750,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3600 Square Feet

Custom Single-Story Spanish inspired Dream Home! Stunning open concept floorplan showcases 3 living areas. Lush 1 acre property bordered by cottonwoods & calm outdoor living w/covered patios overlooking Horse Stables & Park-like grounds!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

The holiday season is in full swing in Albuquerque, but there’s still about 2 weeks left to enjoy the season’s celebrations.  If you’re looking for a new and special way to create holiday memories this year with friends and family, then these events in Albuquerque will be sure to make the 2017 holiday season one to remember.

Bugg Lights

Through December 30, 2017

A tradition for over 40 years, the Belen Harvey House Museum has been dazzling Albuquerque with over 300,000 lights in this festive display.  You’ll also find all the other trappings of the season, such as nativity scenes, 100 Christmas trees, food, crafts, music and more. Donations are accepted to help local non-profit organizations in Albuquerque.

Holiday Nature Crafts at River of Lights

December 13 and 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Why not make your own decorations this holiday season?  Bring your family to BioPark for a free Holiday Nature Crafts session in the Education building.  You can also enjoy the holiday model railroad and the Pal Bear Express. Best of all, the event is free!

Star Wars with the Cops

December 16, 2017, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM @ Premiere Cinemas

Celebrate the release of Star Wars: The last Jedi with the Rio Rancho Police Department’s first-ever “Star Wars with the Cops” event.  There will be a costume contest and trivia contest.  There will be a special screening of the movie at 9:30.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5243 Foothills Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $825,000

3 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 partial) / 3156 Square Feet

Amazing views of the Sandia Mtns & Rio Grande Valley in this beautiful gated community. Scott Patrick Gold Package custom home features oversized great room w/stacked stone fireplace, wall of windows, and much more! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Buying a home – what an exciting time! But don’t get carried away with all the excitement. Now more than ever, you need to think carefully about your decisions.  It’s easy to get emotional about a home you fall in love with.  Many times people will let their emotions take over and not ask the important questions that need to be asked before buying a home. And that can lead to some major buyer remorse.

What are the most important questions to ask when buying a home? Here’s a few to consider.

What Is the Home’s Market Value?

This is a very important question since it will determine the amount you’ll offer for the home.  You need to know what the market value is to make a solid offer.  But also remember that there’s no magic formula for making an offer.  But the market value is certainly the biggest factor in making a decision.

How Much Did the Seller Pay For the Home?

Many people will buy a home just to flip it for a huge profit.  Some may have made improvements to the house that will increase the value, but that’s always the case. Knowing how much the previous owner paid will give insight into whether or not the home is overpriced.

How Long Has the Home Been on the Market?

You can sometimes tell the motivation level of a seller by how long the home has been listed. Sure, it’s also the agent who can affect this factor.  Your agent can look to see how many times the home has been relisted and the pricing history.

Click here to find more important questions to ask when buying a home. And always feel free to call or contact Sandi and her team for expert advice.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1743 Black Gold Street SE, Albuquerque, NM  $255,000

4 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 2269 Square Feet

4 beds PLUS LOFT!! Extended patio and beautifully landscaped backyard with grass and shrubs and sprinkler system!  Refridgerated air, security system, newly painted, stacked stone front exterior, water heater new in 2016.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Despite what people may be saying, the dream of owning a home is definitely still valid.  Sure it may not be as easy to buy a home these days.  Factors such as student loan debt, rising home prices and a fewer available properties make it a challenge. Because of this, on a national level home ownership rates have declined to around 64%.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t cities that are the exception to this trend. Realtor.com performed a study of the cities in America where homeownership rates are growing faster.  The great news is that Albuquerque ranked #7 on their list! They analyzed data from the last Census and compared homeownership rates between the first 3 quarters of 2014 to the first 3 quarters of 2017.

Albuquerque was hit pretty hard during the recession.  But the area’s climate and amazing scenery, along with low home prices and location near Santa Fe make it a very desirable place to buy a home.  This has especially become true for people looking for the perfect retirement location.

People moving here to retire are drawn to the low prices in the area.  New homes hover in the $250,000 range, making it very affordable to live here.

If you’re looking for the ideal city to move to, why not look at what Albuquerque has to offer?

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8314 Calle Picaflor NW, Albuquerque, NM  $850,000

4 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 4710 Square Feet

Exquisitely appointed single story custom home offers an exclusive & tranquil environment nestled on 1 Acre Sanctuary. Open concept floorplan featuring a dramatic entry way into inviting living area, 3 car garage, hardwood flooring, and so much more!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

This week we look forward to showing gratitude for what we have.  It’s a time when people all across the country come together and show how much we appreciate each other.  It’s also a time when people reach out to help those in need.  Do you have time to help out? If you have a few hours this coming week and want to help make Thanksgiving a day to remember for those in need, here are a couple of organizations in Albuquerque that you can offer your time to.

Joy Junction

Operation Turkey

Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

2032 Calle Pajaro Azul NW, Albuquerque, NM  $750,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3600 Square Feet

Custom Single-Story Spanish inspired Dream Home! Stunning open concept floorplan showcases 3 living areas. Lush 1 acre property bordered by cottonwoods & calm outdoor living w/covered patios overlooking Horse Stables & Park-like grounds!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team