Real Estate Information Archive

Finding the home of your dreams in Albuquerque can be an amazing experience. You can fall head over heels for a home the second you step into the living room, and just fall more and more in love as you walk through the rest of it. This can make you overlook some major flaws that you wouldn’t have if you hadn’t been blinded by your love of the home. While the house might be perfect on the surface, it might not be the house for you. Here are some tips on picking a home that you’ll love and is right for you.

Shop Within Your Budget

Speak to your lender and get a price limit that you can comfortably afford based on your income and current debts. Then only look at homes that are within that price range. This will keep you from falling in love that would overextend you and put the bank’s investment at risk.

Work With a Real Estate Professional

When you look on the internet, you run the risk of finding a home way out of your league. You’re more than welcome to look online, just make sure to stay in your price range. If you look at homes that are more expensive than you can afford you’re going to fall in love with the extras and space you’ll find there. Share your wish list with a real estate professional and let them preview homes for you.

Shop for the Size You Need

Buying a home that’s too big is a common mistake buyers make. While you might think that buying a home with the most space with the money you have is a good idea, remember the operating costs of heating and cooling and the hassle of keeping all those rooms clean. Plan out how many rooms you’ll need and stick to a home with that many rooms.

Shop for Your Lifestyle

Consider your lifestyle. If you’re single and travel often, you probably don’t want a home with lots of land to maintain, you’d probably want a condo or something on a smaller lot in a gated community. If you have kids, you’ll probably want something in a nice neighborhood with lots of parks nearby.

Keep Your Commute in Mind

While they offer the most comforts and space, many of the newest homes are built on cheaper land that’s farther from city centers. Keep the commute to work in mind when you’re picking a home or neighborhood.

Remember You Have to Live in the House

A home can look absolutely perfect on the surface, but be completely impossible to function in. Is there space for a table to put your keys? Is there a place where the kids can drop their backpacks after school? Does your office have enough space to work in? Are there enough bathrooms for everyone to use during that morning rush?

Don’t Let a Home’s Look Fool You

Affordable homes are often older or need a little work. You can often turn a so-so home into the perfect home with some minor cosmetic updates. No home is perfect, so don’t worry about by ugly wallpaper or paint, as it can be easily changed. The right house for you might not be the biggest, prettiest, newest house on the block, but it should be the house that fits the many needs of your household. When comparing homes remember to keep your wish list, price range, number of bedrooms needed, space and amenities that are needed, in mind. Once you move in you’ll see that that the perfect home is the one that suits you and your needs best.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

616 LA VETA Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

Fantastic, 3 bedroom home now available with 2 spacious living areas, cozy fireplace and lots of natural light. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite counters and all appliances stay! Modern bathrooms and updated kitchen make this home a gem. Beautiful hardwood floors and tile throughout. Large bedrooms. Front has lovely flagstone patio with rose bushes ready to bloom! Backyard is blank canvas for your dreams to become realized. Come see this home today, it wont last!

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

When it comes to selling and buying real estate in Albuquerque, reputation is everything. You need to know that you can count on your Realtor to make the best deal and take care of your needs from start to finish. Thanks to the internet, we can read the esperiences of many of the people that have had the pleasure of buying and selling a home with Sandi Pressley and her team. They have been so kind as to share thier experiences working with us. Here are just a few of the reviews that show why Sandi and her team have been the top real estate agents in New Mexico for decades.

mang64on Zillow | 2 months ago

"This is the second time we have worked with Tori as our realtor. I can't recommend her enough. She was very responsive to our questions and requests, she explains what is happening in every step of the process, and is very easy to communicate with in general. Everything she or her team does is timely and efficient and they all work well together so everyone knows what is happening and the process is seamless."

zuser20161009171930614on Zillow | 2 months ago

"We can’t speak highly enough of Sandi! We loved our house and needed to find a realtor who could also be passionate about our house in a way we did. We contacted a couple of realtors and we were thrilled to choose her!!! Home selling and moving process were super stressful but Sandi made what could have been a difficult process as seamless as could be. Sandi really listened to our concerns. Her professionalism, knowledge, honesty, integrity and hard work ethics (literally she calls you back in few min even at night) are very much appreciated and respected. She is super delightful and FUN but detail oriented, honest, and natural with people making it the perfect fit for our home selling journey."

RobertSpeakeon Zillow | 5 months ago

"Sandi's team did an exceptional job of selling my property, from listing to closing. A special shout-out to Becca Moore who did the all-important job of finding the right buyer for my unusual property with 2 houses on it. She understood that it could be sold to both investors and homeowners and promoted it in both markets. Another shout-out to Althea Beecher, who worked out my buyer's allowances with the buyer's agent so that they were affordable for me. The entire process took 5 months, which was reasonable for an unusual property like mine. Thanks, Sandi and your great team!"

efaria71on Zillow | 5 months ago

"Tori is extremely knowledgeable in the current market and is always available for questions. She works rigorously to full-fill her clients needs and requirements. She is extremely kind and patient and will go the extra mile. Tori communicates well and is focused on detail. She is a professional in her field and is a master when it comes to closing the deal. It was a pleasure to work with Tori throughout the entire real estate purchase process. I highly recommend her services to anyone!"

Karen Ungaron Facebook | a year ago

"We had the pleasure of working with Sandi and her team to sell our home in Albuquerque. We interviewed four top realtors and she won our confidence hands down. We are so happy we did so as she has never disappointed us. She created a beautiful photo presentation online and gave us a slick brochure to pass out. Sandi and her team pay very close attention to detail and presented us with a weekly report of viewings. We were always in the loop of the current status and plan, and never had to wonder what was going on. Her "dream team" is knowledgeable, eficient, thorough and very tenacious. They encountered a long list of obstacles over an extended escrow period, and overcame each one of them. It is easy to see why Sandi has been Number 1 for many years."

Contact us today to start your own extraordinary experience buying or selling a home in Albuquerque!

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

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!!!

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

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!!!

Learn More!

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.

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.

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

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!

Learn More!

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 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.

Most of us have probably spent more time in our homes in Albuqerque over the past couple of years than we have in the past 10 combined. Maybe more. If that's the case with you, you're probably getting a bit tired of your surroundings. Maybe your home is in a rut, with an ugly living room, a cluttered kitchen, or just outdated everything. It may be so bad that you want to move.

But before you throw in the towel on your haggard home, why not take a second look at your abode and think about making some easy changes that will bring the love back. And when you're done making things more appealing, if you're still not satisfied, you're home will be more ready to sell to Albuquerque home buyers.

Here are 9 easy ways to make you love your home again.

1. Rearrange your furniture.

This is an easy one, but has a big impact. Maybe you can use a home deisgn app to help you before you lug your furniture around. Sometimes, all a tired living room needs is a little refresher, and that can often be achieved without spending a dime. Check out HGTV for some tips.

2. Clear up the clutter.

Clutter is so easy to let get out of control, and it can make a huge difference in how you feel about your home and life. Organizing can help to bring order to your space and your mind, reducing messes and stresses.

3. Get a new TV.

If you still have an old tube TV because you thought flat screens were too expensive, your day has arrived. If you haven't been shopping for flat screen TVs lately, you'll be surprised by how inexpensive they are now. You can get a larg screen for only a few hundred dollars these days. Do a little comparison shopping and you'll be watching HI-Definition movies and TV in no time.

4. Pick one room to overhaul per quarter.

Pick one room every few months to overhaul. Schedule a weekend scrubbing, swapping out linens, painting, changing light bulbs or whatever else is needed for an easy and cheap update. By the end of a year, you're whole home will be overhauled.

5. Use your spare change.

Change out your throw rug, window coverings, or accessories. Designating a special spot to collect leftover coins at the end of the day will give your family purpose, and before you know it you'll have a "Freshen Up Fund."

6. Change out your wall art.

Do you have a decent printer? Why not change out your wall art with some new masterpeices. With a computer and a printer, the options are limitless.

7. Clean it up.

Organize the gang on a Saturday morning to clean the baseboards, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. Sprucing up these often-dusty and grimy areas can really freshen up a space. 

8. Take care of little issues that you've been ignoring.

Fix little issues like toilet paper holders that have come out of the wall and crooked pictures that raise your ire every time you walk by them. Take a good look at your whole house and make a list of the things you've been overlooking.

9. Paint your old kitchen cabinets.

Painting your kitchen cabinets may be a lot of work. But you won't regret it when you're done. And you may just love your kitchen so much again you'll choose to fix up some other stuff.

It doesn't take a fortune or an army of contractors to make your home feel new again. 

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

12 DUSTIN Court, Placitas, NM 87043

High atop in Placitas with magnificent sunrise & sunset views of mountains & mesas!! Lots of natural light, wood beam ceilings, open plan, 3 living areas, sep study/office plus In-law/guest suite! REFRIG AIR! Living room features cozy Kiva fireplace & wall of windows w/mtn views! Formal dining room &butler pantry. Beautiful kitchen has SW style cabinets, island, built-in oven, gas cooktop, bkfst bar & nook w/banco. Private master suite features a sitting room/office, fireplace, sep shower, huge walk-in closet & covered patio with views! Secondary bdrs w/Jack-N-Jill bath! Lower level walk-out living room/game room/media room! 3CG. paved driveway & cul-de-sac location. Natural landscape, 2 waterfalls, covered portals & private courtyard to enjoy the beauty and nature of Placitas!

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.

Considering selling your Albuquerque home in the near future? Due to the hot market, most homes are selling quickly. Even so, your home needs to look amazing to get the best price.

Making improvements to the exterior of your home is one effective way to achieve this. Here are some top tips to get the outside of your home in great shape.

Paint the House

Selling a house can be made easier with a great paint job. Potential buyers tend to avoid houses with old or outdated paint. These days it is more important than ever to make a good first impression. When potential buyers aren't impressed with the outside appearance of your home, they'll be less likely to view it.

If you have recently painted your home, you might want to consider updating the trim to give it a fresh, new look without having to complete a complete painting project.

Clean It

Good old soap and water and a long-handled, soft bristle brush is a good way to remove dirt and grime from your siding. Try spraying it off first, then scrub it if needed with a solution of 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate—TSP, (available at grocery stores, hardware stores, and home improvement centers) dissolved in 1 gallon of water.

Power Wash

Use a power washer if TSP doesn't remove the dirt. During your power washing, you might as well clean your walkways and driveway as well.

Front Door

It can make a huge difference to freshen up your front door. The process can be as simple as a good scrubbing, or as complex as a complete painting. A new door will be a great investment if the whole thing needs to be replaced.

Check Eaves and Downspouts

Cobwebs, wasps nests, and grime love these areas.

Stain the Fence

Have you noticed that your wooden fence is looking weathered? If you really want to kill some time, you can stain it yourself. For a more professional look, you may want to rent or buy a sprayer.

Wash the Windows

Do some work on those windows with those restless teenagers of yours. Even if you don't have teenagers, this is a wonderful way to get fit. Cleaning is most effective when you use dishwashing liquid and a squeegee.

Landscaping

The appearance of your home's exterior is largely influenced by your lawn. Even though you might spend a lot of time and effort on the house itself, you might lose all the effect if the lawn is unkempt. Taking care of your lawn starts with regularly mowing it. To give your lawn an extra boost, you can plant flowers, weed, and edge it. You should give your bushes and hedges a good haircut. (People appreciate nice haircuts these days.)

During this pandemic, your home is an investment that protects you. Even if you don't intend to sell your Albuquerque property, giving it some attention and love can be a very worthwhile investment.

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