Real Estate Information Archive

Whether you're looking for the perfect entry level home or want to step into the perfect mid-priced home, these HOT new Albuquerque listings are ready for you to move in.  Our homes sell fast, so act now to see these fantatic listings!

Feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173 to get more information and schedule a viewing of these fine homes. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

6500 PONDEROSA Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

Gorgeous backyard featuring a POOL and large deck for lots of outdoor living space for relaxing weekends, swimming, gardening, summer BBQs, and entertaining family & friends! Traditional Mossman home 4BDR/3BA tri-level featuring hardwood floors, built-in bookcase, wood burning fireplace, formal dining & living room plus a separate family room overlooking the deck and backyard! Light, bright & open kitchen has nostalgia charm, well kept with lots of cabinets, Quartz countertops and sunny bkfst nook. Updated baths! Updated evaporative cooler, sliding door & some windows! New carpet! Beautiful backyard oasis with grass, trees & shrubs! Great location close to schools, parks, parks, shopping, Whole Foods, transportation, and easy access to Uptown and Downtown!!!

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1129 WALKER Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM

Darling and updated!! Fantastic NE location!! Newer electrical, plumbing, insulation, sheetrock, floors, cabinets, fixtures, appliances, furnace/combo unit, refrigerated air, windows, water heater, stucco and metal roof! Basically a cute newer house! Backyard access with the Tandem garage. Huge fenced yard for kids or animals. nothing needs to be done to this house to move in. Easy maintenance, lock and leave.

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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.

During a period of expansion, there is always a recession, which is often referred to as a pause in the economic cycle. Even though recessions end, they still cause damage along the way. In addition, they affect the Albuquerque real estate market and interest rates.

Low unemployment, manufacturing growth, income security, and steady or climbing interest rates are all signs of a healthy economy.

Recessions can happen suddenly or gradually. During a recession, unemployment is high for several months. Uncertainty may cause people to spend less, so business earnings decline. When companies tighten their budgets, jobs may be lost in manufacturing.

How Does a Recession Affect Mortgages and Interest Rates?

In an economy with less spending, money does not flow as freely. In times of recession, the Federal Reserve often adjusts interest rates to minimize economic disruption. This can stabilize the markets and increase consumer confidence, which can encourage more spending.

Mortgage and loan rates are then set using the adjusted interest rate.

When the economy is struggling, people are less likely to spend and prefer to save, so loans aren't as in demand. Home prices during a recession will often decline.

What Happened During the Great Recession?

Because of the housing crash that triggered it, the Great Recession lasted from 2007 to 2009, and it had a huge impact on mortgages and the housing market.

The price of homes fell quickly across the country, while employment soared. The average homeowner owed more on their mortgage than their home was worth. Many homeowners faced foreclosure.

That’s not always what happens during a recession, though. In most modern recessions, house price appreciation has stayed relatively steady, and year-over-year growth in home sales has only declined a bit.

Home prices and the sales of existing homes don’t inherently go down because there’s a recession.

What typically happens is that the housing market can benefit during a recession. Monetary policy is loosened to stimulate the economy, leading to lower mortgage rates. This increases homebuying power, and homes become more affordable if people are willing to spend.

You Could Refinance

If there were a recession and mortgage rates went down because of it, in theory, if you had an existing mortgage, you could use it as an opportunity to refinance. Of course, to refinance you have to be approved by a lender.

That can be more difficult during a recession both because of economic factors and things happening in your personal finances.

What About Buying During a Recession?

While it can seem scary, buying a home during a recession can be a good long-term financial decision if you’re in the position to do it.

You may face less competition among buyers, lower housing prices, and lower interest rates. Since there’s diminished consumer confidence during a recession, you’re not likely to face the bidding wars that homebuyers are dealing with.

Of course, you’d have to have a steady income and be confident that it would stay the same for the foreseeable future.

In the end, recessions come and go. Understanding how they affect Albuquerque home values  and mortgages will help you ride the next one more smoothly.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

4501 ATHERTON Way NW, Albuquerque, NM

Exquisite custom Tuscan home-in the gated community of Oxbow North. Impeccable hand crafted cabinetry throughout, travertine tile with inlay, gourmet kitchen with Wolf Appliances and Sub-Zero Refrigerator. Commercial grade radiant heating system (plus central forced air).Two master suites, 3 custom fireplaces, tiled balcony with breathtaking views of the city and mountains. Surround sound in great room and loft area, 4 car tandem garage..and so much more. Enjoy your next memorable home.

Learn More!

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.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

There is a lot of work to be done to make your Albuquerque house feel clean and tidy, regardless of whether you're preparing it for showings or just want it to look good. It can feel as though maintaining a clean home is a full-time job, particularly when you have a family.

You probably know someone whose house is always clean and you've wondered what their secret is. Here are some they may use.

Stop the Marathon Cleaning Sessions

Most of us put household chores off and try to do everything at once, so we think we can never keep up. Maybe clutter accumulates all week, but then you tackle it on Saturday.

That's fine, but you might develop a negative feeling about cleaning because it's always frustrating to deal with a job of this scale.

Cleaning your house a little at a time can change your habits so that it becomes a part of your routine instead of a one-off dreaded chore.

Concentrate on things you can do right now that will make a difference over time but may seem small at the time. That way, you won't feel overwhelmed. Over time, you'll stop thinking of these small tasks as cleaning if you integrate them into your daily routine. You'll just think of them as a normal part of your day.

Try the 20/10 Rule

You can stop being a marathon cleaner with the 20/10 rule.

Throughout the week, you use a timer to train yourself to do brief cleaning sessions. Set the timer for 20 minutes, for example. You focus on cleaning something during those 20 minutes. Then, you give yourself a 10-minute break to do whatever you want, and once that ends, return to cleaning.

Make the Beds Everyday

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to make your bed every day. It will make you feel more in control of your life and home. You should keep it up even when you don't feel like it.

Making your bed immediately improves your sleep. Knowing that at least one thing in your house is neat will make you feel calmer.

Put Things Away As Soon As You’re Done Using Them

It sounds simple, but think about how many things you use throughout the day without putting them back. We do it unconsciously all the time. For example, maybe instead of putting something back in the drawer, you leave it on the countertop for the time being.

Clothes are another example. Instead of hanging them up, you start throwing them on the floor or your bed, so try to change that habit.

These things add up.

If you consciously promise yourself you’ll put everything back after you’re done using it, you’ll notice a difference in your home.

Do One Room At a Time

When you do clean, focus on one room at a time. It gets overwhelming to tell yourself you have to clean the entire house.

When you focus on one room at a time, it can be encouraging and help keep you motivated because you can accomplish something.

Have a Schedule

One way that people often find success in having a consistently clean home is by having a schedule. You can come up with something that works for you, but one way to do it is to separate tasks by day and do the same ones on the same day every week.

For example, maybe Monday is for dusting and laundry, and Tuesday is for vacuuming and bathrooms. You can go from there, but as you’re doing more frequent cleaning, things have less of a chance to become big messes.

Finally, aim to do a load of laundry a day. That means washing it, folding it, and putting it away. Laundry can create piles and messes all over your home if it gets out of hand, so taking control of those before they become problematic will keep floors and other areas tidier.

Maybe you come up with a routine for the load you do every day. For example, you could put a load in in the morning before leaving for the day. You put it in the dryer as soon as you get home, and you put it away before bed.

With these tips, before you know it, you’ll be the one with the spotless home that everyone else envies.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

7113 NAPOLEON Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Welcome to this beautiful Twilight home in the heart of highly desirable Lomas Encantadas! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath gem has so much to offer. Enjoy the Chef's Kitchen with upgraded Kitchen-Aid appliances plus a gourmet Wolf gas range and convection oven and beautiful granite. The backyard oasis has incredible mountain views, a fire pit, and extended covered patio with custom pull-down shades. A NEW Tankless Water Heater (2022), refrigerated air, tile roof and xeriscaping keep this one low maintenance! Relax in your oversized master suite, cozy up by the gas fireplace, or just enjoy the views. This one is ready for you!

Learn More!

 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.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Overpaying for a home is an issue Albuquerque home buyers are experiencing right now. Markets across the city and country are incredibly hot. Housing supply is low, and demand is high. In many cases, buyers find themselves in bidding wars when they attempt to buy a house.

You are more likely to overpay for a house if you are involved in a bidding war.

You'll spend more on everything if you overpay for a house, including the down payment, closing costs, and the interest you pay over the years.

How do you know if you may be overpaying? You must pay attention to the following red flags and signs when making a decision, regardless of your emotions.

The Listing Price Is Different From Comps in the Area

It's a possible red flag if the listing price of the home you're interested in is out of line with the sales of comparable properties in the area.

Perhaps the seller priced their home according to the values of neighboring houses rather than based on what they're selling for.

The services of an experienced real estate agent, like Sandi Pressley and her team, who understands the current market can be very helpful in this situation.

There is more to a house than its value. In addition to considering the community and school district, there are many other things to consider. Ideally, your realtor should already be aware of these factors and will be able to negotiate on your behalf.

Homes in the same neighborhood should have similar prices. Although there may be differences based on factors like size, the features should be similar enough that you can use comparables as a guide.

Online Estimates Are Lower

Over the past few years, online valuation tools have become much more accurate.

You could be in danger of overpaying if you find online tools that value a home lower than the list price.

Keep in mind that everything needs to be viewed in context, so if the kitchen has been recently renovated, then the home could have a bit more value.

The Listing Price is Similar to Homes No Longer on the Market

This red flag can take a little more research to figure out but if you’re looking at a home with comps similar to sellers who have taken theirs off the market, keep this in mind.

Homes that have been removed from the market will be available to an agent. If the asking price on these unsold homes is similar to what you’re looking at, it could be overpriced.

It’s Been on the Market for a Long Time

If a home has been on the market a long time, you could be at risk of overpaying. A home that’s priced too high doesn’t get showings or interest and then doesn’t get offers. You need to think carefully about why other people might be passing on the home.

Of course, if you’re in the situation where you’re in a bidding war, it can be different. You might be at risk of overpaying simply because you’re caught up in the emotion and the competitive element. If you’re going well beyond your budget simply because you end up in a bidding war, it’s probably time to take a step back and reassess.

No matter the value of a home, if you pay more than what you can comfortably afford, then you’ve ultimately overpaid.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

7113 NAPOLEON Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Welcome to this beautiful Twilight home in the heart of highly desirable Lomas Encantadas! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath gem has so much to offer. Enjoy the Chef's Kitchen with upgraded Kitchen-Aid appliances plus a gourmet Wolf gas range and convection oven and beautiful granite. The backyard oasis has incredible mountain views, a fire pit, and extended covered patio with custom pull-down shades. A NEW Tankless Water Heater (2022), refrigerated air, tile roof and xeriscaping keep this one low maintenance! Relax in your oversized master suite, cozy up by the gas fireplace, or just enjoy the views. This one is ready for you!

Learn More!

 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.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Whether you're looking for the perfect entry level home or want to upgrade your lifestyle, these HOT new listings are ready for you to move in.  So make sure to act fast as they are sure to sell quickly!

Feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173 to get more information and schedule a viewing of these fine homes. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

3015 SOUTHERN Boulevard SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Immaculately clean like-new JEWELBOX! Must see to believe! Hurry before its gone! NEW since 2020: Roof, skylights, flooring, baseboards, paint, exterior and interior doors, windows, water heater, ceiling fans, light fixtures, garbage disposal. New stove being installed 3/29: stainless appliances. Comes with washer and dryer. 2 beds, 1 bath, 2 car garage with outdoor patio. Wheelchair accessible, near shopping, restaurants, hospitals, and local services. A quiet respite in the heart of the city: make it yours today!

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6924 DUSTY Drive NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Welcome to prestigious Lomas Encantadas! Enjoy the best of both worlds with this special home: like-new Hakes Brothers construction (built 2020) with the personal upgrades of a single owner. OWNED Solar Panels....Custom backyard with low-maintenance turf and GORGEOUS mountain views....water softener....reverse osmosis in kitchen...BRAND NEW upgraded laminate flooring THROUGHOUT (NO carpet!!)...CAT 5 home office wired...WOW! Enjoy 3 bedrooms plus an oversized office/bonus room, a Chef's Delight kitchen, and open floorplan all while being convenient to all of your daily needs (grocery stores, restaurants, etc.). Plus, the master bath feels spa-like with custom stone work and separate garden tub and shower. Come see this one today!

Learn More!

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.

Choosing a home for sale in Albuquerque may involve seeing some listings marketed with the term "as-is." When a home is sold as-is, it's appealing to sellers because they don't have to spend time or money fixing certain things. This is an effective option for those who wish to sell quickly.

Albuquerque home buyers will usually find the homes cheaper than similar properties.

Buying a home as-is can have its perks, particularly in today's competitive housing market, but you also need to understand what it means.

What Does As-Is Mean?

Sellers who list their homes as-is make no repairs before closing. There are no guarantees that everything will work or even be in good condition. A seller's disclosure is also not required.

It is your responsibility as the buyer to fix a major issue you find in a property advertised as being as-is.

Disclosure requirements for an as-is seller still apply. This includes information about conditions such as lead paint.

A home described as "as-is" doesn't necessarily mean it's damaged beyond repair. Even if there are minor issues, a home may still be listed as-is.

The seller might be in debt, or they might be in a rush and not have time to wait for contractors to finish even cosmetic repairs.

What Factors Should You Consider Before Buying An As-Is House?

A few things need to be considered when purchasing something as-is.

There is a possibility that the house isn't livable in its current state. Perhaps you are willing to make the necessary repairs, but will your lender approve?

The livability of a property is a requirement for many types of loans. Such criteria are known as minimum property requirements (MPRs). An appraiser will assess a property to determine if it meets the MPRs.

Conventional loans aren't guaranteed or insured by the federal government. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also require many conventional loans to meet their requirements. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards allow for the purchase of homes with only minor defects. Structure issues must be the result of normal wear and tear, but the house still needs to be safe.

An as-is property could still be eligible for a conforming loan even if it has plumbing leaks, interior wall damage, or missing light fixtures, for example.

MPRs are stricter for government-backed loans, such as a VA loan.

Getting a Home Inspection

Inspections are required when buying a house as-is. They help you understand what the issues are so that you can budget accordingly.

An inspection is not an appraisal and usually isn’t required.

The value of a property is determined by an appraisal, which is usually required by a lender. You may decide to have a home inspection done.

Partial As-Is Homes

An as-is sale of a home doesn't mean the whole thing is for sale as-is. A seller might list a property as-is but only reference certain parts of it. A shed or garage, as well as a pool that has broken, are usually partial as-is features.

When the seller says "as-is", you must ask exactly what they mean.

Required Disclosures

Finally, when you buy an as-is home, you do not waive your right to disclosures. State and federal guidelines and regulations determine what sellers have to tell you about the property.

If a seller doesn’t let you know about a known problem required in your state, you may be able to sue for the repair costs or damages.

The only federal disclosure requirement currently is for lead paint. If you’re buying a home built before 1978, the seller has to tell you if it’s ever had lead paint.

Finally, working with a great agent can be an important asset if you’re thinking about buying a home as-is. A good agent understands local New Mexico and Albuquerque disclosure laws and can help you understand the specific implications of buying as-is in your situation.

Sandi Pressley and her team can help you feel more confident in your decision or decide when it’s best not to buy.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

7 RICHY Place, Tijeras, NM 87059

Peace & Quiet in Tijeras! This Single-Owner Home is ready for a new owner. New Roof 2019....soaring ceilings with tons of light...2 living areas.....and a beautiful, wooded 1/2 acre is yours to enjoy. 2-car garage features a separate workshop/hobby/storage area. Relax in the sunroom or the deck while watching the wildlife. Come see this one today!

Learn More!

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.

If you’re planning to buy a home in Albuquerque, you will no doubt have to decide between getting a 15 or a 30-year mortgage. It can be a tough decision, especially since you’re having to think about where you’ll be in your life that far in the future.

Here are some of the pros and cons of each:

The Pros and Cons of a 15-Year Mortgage

A 15-year mortgage fixes your monthly payment and interest rate for the life of your loan, as is the case with the 30-year mortgage. It’s an alternative to the 30-year mortgage, which is the more conventional option. With a 15-year mortgage, you can save a lot of money over the long-term if you’re willing to deal with the potential downsides.

The pros:

• A 15-year mortgage is cheaper in the long-run than a 30-year mortgage. The cost of a mortgage is based on the annual interest rate, and you’re only borrowing money for half as long with this option.
• Short-term loans are cheaper and are viewed as less risky by a lot of lenders, so they may offer a lower interest rate. Sometimes the rate difference can be anywhere from a quarter-point to an entire point when compared to a 30-year option.
• The Federal Housing Administration charges lower mortgage insurance premiums on 15-year loans.
• Some financial analysts and planners feel like a 15-year mortgage is a form of forced savings. Basically, you’re investing in a house instead of something like the stock market, but that house is likely to go up in value or appreciate.

The cons:

• You’re going to have a higher monthly payment when compared to a 30-year mortgage because you’re paying off your entire loan in half the time. You may not be able to afford this.
• If your aim is to get a 15-year mortgage, you may ultimately be able to afford less house because of the payments.
• If you’re making a higher house payment each month, you’re going to have less liquidity and cash reserves and less money to put toward savings or other investments.

Pros and Cons of a 30-Year Mortgage

The pros:

• Your monthly payments are lower. This is essentially the biggest upside of a 30-year mortgage. You may have more flexibility in your budget with lower payments simply because you’re stretching your payments out over a longer period.
• You have some flexibility in how you repay a 30-year loan. For example, if the opportunity arises, you can pay more, but you don’t have to.
• You may qualify for a more expensive home, so your home may grow more with your needs over time.
• Tax laws let you deduct mortgage interest from your taxes. When you first get a home loan, most of your payments go toward interest, so that can be a substantial deduction.
• Since the payments are smaller, it’s easier to qualify for a 30-year mortgage.
• You have more money each month to put toward other goals, including saving and investing.

The cons:

• Lenders tend to charge a higher interest rate on 30-year mortgages because they’re spreading their risk of you not repaying over a longer period of time.
• You’re going to pay much more in interest over the life of your loan.
• With a 30-year loan, you’re building equity in your home at a much slower pace.
• With a 30-year loan, you’re putting yourself more at risk of borrowing more than you can really afford.

Overall, you can see the pros and cons of each are significant. There’s no right answer as to which is the better option. It depends on your financial situation and your goals and priorities not only now, but into the future.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

4501 ATHERTON Way NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Exquisite custom Tuscan home-in the gated community of Oxbow North. Impeccable hand crafted cabinetry throughout, travertine tile with inlay, gourmet kitchen with Wolf Appliances and Sub-Zero Refrigerator. Commercial grade radiant heating system (plus central forced air).Two master suites, 3 custom fireplaces, tiled balcony with breathtaking views of the city and mountains. Surround sound in great room and loft area, 4 car tandem garage..and so much more. Enjoy your next memorable home.

Learn More!

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.

If you're getting a bit tired of the hustle and bustle of city life, then these latest homes for sale in Albuquerque and Sandia Park are the ideal solution. They offer country living and amazing scenery, along with being outstanding homes. So make sure to act fast as they are sure to sell quickly!

Feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173 to get more information and schedule a viewing of these fine homes. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

2528 BOSQUE ENTRADA Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Welcome home to a slice of country living in the city! This impeccable 3 bed | 2 bath home is located in the much desired Bosque Del Rio neighborhood. Home features: freshly painted interior with an open concept kitchen, newly painted kitchen cabinets and new hardware, SS appliances, Quartz countertops, new fixtures, plantation shutters and window seats, 2 refrigerated air units, open and spacious living room. Outside is beautifully landscaped with low maintenance plants, trees and flowers; very relaxing! The Bosque trails are walking distance - where you will enjoy New Mexico living at its finest. Schedule your showing today!

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76 SANDIA CREST Road, Sandia Park, NM 87047

Welcome to this charming mountain cottage surrounded by mature pines, native flowers and landscape. Freshly updated home. Stylish Kitchen with maple cabinetry, beautiful granite. Stainless appliances. Antique cupboard/pantry in kitchen will stay. Newer luxury vinyl flooring. Dining with views of soaring pines in the backyard. Enter home through a bright sunroom/mudroom that could be used as an office with south and east facing windows and views. Enjoy the open great room flooded with natural sunlight and warmed by a wood burning stove. Both bedrooms are separate for privacy. Possible 3rd bedroom on the back of the home in the basement. Deck on the back of the house is covered to enjoy NM evenings and stargazing. Community water. Septic inspection has been completed. 

Learn More!

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.

If your Albuquerque home is old and in disrepair, getting it ready for the market can be tough in many ways. As is, you may be able to sell it, but at a much lower price than what you wanted.

'Band-Aid solutions' are temporary solutions; they may not provide the ideal or permanent solution that a kitchen renovation would, but they are intended to be done more quickly and be less expensive. 

When it comes to getting your home ready for company or selling your house, you have a few options for making it look good without spending a lot.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper

For those who don't want to commit to a particular look for decades - or who do not want to take down a permanent wall covering - peel-and-stick wallpaper is the perfect option. The use of graphic patterns, florals, or even faux wood grain can create a focal point or transform a room. 

Peel-and-stick backsplash

For backsplashes, peel-and-stick works too, and it's not just for renters looking to add a little style to their rented space.

Carrera marble will look amazing, classic subway tile will give your kitchen a classic feel, and weathered quartz will give your kitchen a natural feel. You can put it up in no time, and take it down just as quickly when you're ready for something new.

Floating floor

Floating floors, which are floors that go over another floor, are somewhat more maintenance-intensive than peel-and-stick materials, but they are still easier than other flooring options. You may be able to do it yourself on your own, and very affordably, if you have some skill and inclination to DIY.

Additionally, both natural hardwood and engineered wood floor planks-not to mention cork, ceramic tiles, and vinyl—are now also available in floating versions, which can be easily assembled by aspiring homeowners.

Peel-and-stick countertops

Using a PVC vinyl base, peel-and-stick countertops can make your home look more updated at a fraction of the cost of traditional countertops. These countertops are not best for high-traffic areas due to their durability (or lack thereof), but they can serve as a temporary makeup makeover for spaces you don't own, don't use often, or can't afford to renovate yet.

So yes, you can update your Albuquerque home on a budget and in little time, with just a bit of peel-and-stick.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

4501 ATHERTON Way NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Exquisite custom Tuscan home-in the gated community of Oxbow North. Impeccable hand crafted cabinetry throughout, travertine tile with inlay, gourmet kitchen with Wolf Appliances and Sub-Zero Refrigerator. Commercial grade radiant heating system (plus central forced air).Two master suites, 3 custom fireplaces, tiled balcony with breathtaking views of the city and mountains. Surround sound in great room and loft area, 4 car tandem garage..and so much more. Enjoy your next memorable home.

Learn More!

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.

Would you like some assistance in buying a house in the rural areas around Albuquerque? One of the least-known programs of the USDA is its mortgage program.

There is a mortgage assistance program available to eligible buyers in rural areas, which could apply to areas around Albuquerque. A USDA loan is issued through the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The loan program is intended to improve quality of life and economic conditions in rural areas. Rates are relatively low, and no down payment is required. Other USDA programs are also available.

How Does a USDA Home Loan Work?

USDA offers three different loan programs, though loan guarantees are the most common.

A USDA-backed mortgage is backed by a local lender that participates in the program, similar to a VA-backed loan. If you put down little or no money down on a mortgage, you can still get a low interest rate, but you will still have to pay mortgage insurance.

The second program is a direct loan from the USDA. The mortgage can be obtained by low- and very-low-income applicants, and the interest rate can be as low as 1% with subsidies.

Loans and grants that provide homeowners with outright cash to make repairs or upgrades to their homes are called home improvement loans and grants. There are also packages that combine a grant and a loan.

Do You Qualify?

A home loan guarantee has income limits which vary by location. Your household size is also taken into account. USDA-backed loans can only be used for owner-occupied primary residences.

You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and your monthly payment must be 29% or less of your income. Your payments must include interest, taxes, and insurance. The total of your monthly debt payments cannot exceed 41% of your income, but USDA may allow a higher ratio if your credit score is above 680.

In order to qualify, you need to demonstrate dependable income for at least 24 months, and you need a good credit history. No accounts can have been in collections within the past 12 months.

You will receive streamlined loan processing if your credit score is at least 640. Borrowers with a score below that will face tougher underwriting standards.

If you want a USDA loan, you must demonstrate that you have a great need for housing. It means that you do not have what's characterized as a safe or sane dwelling. Traditional lenders won't offer you a loan, and you might have an adjusted income that's at or below the local low-income limit.

Direct USDA loans are usually issued for properties measuring 2,000 square feet or less, with market values below the loan limit in the area.

USDA loans can only be used to finance homes in rural areas or at the edge of suburbs. You can find out if a home qualifies for USDA funding by going online. All you have to do is enter the address of the home.

In order for you to qualify for USDA loans, your adjusted gross income cannot exceed 115% of the median income where you live.

A USDA loan, like a conventional loan, requires an appraisal before it can be approved, but the purpose of each appraisal is different.

When it comes to conventional loans, lenders want to make sure they aren't giving a loan greater than the property's value. An appraisal for a USDA loan not only ensures the value of the home is appropriate for the loan amount, but also makes sure it complies with USDA requirements. To qualify, the house must be in good livable condition. It must, for instance, have a functional heating system.

There is help for those in rural areas to buy a home in the Albuquerque area. Check out this option and feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team to find a home that qualifies.

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