Real Estate Information Archive

How do I get approved for a home loan? Who will help me find the right home in Albuquerque? Don’t panic! Here are the top four people you need to know when it comes to buying a home.

The Person Who Approves the Loan

One of the first people you’ll need to work with is a loan officer or lender. This is the person who helps you understand the ins and outs of getting a loan, as well as any requirements or conditions.

Before speaking with the loan officer, however, you may want to estimate what a monthly mortgage payment may look like, which you can do with a simple mortgage calculator. Your monthly payment will include homeowners insurance, property taxes paid into an escrow account, and, if you put down less than 20%, PMI or private mortgage insurance.

Remember: The bank will provide an initial number of what it thinks you can afford based on your gross monthly income. But it’s up to you to account for your own personal budget and living expenses.

Once you’ve spoken with the lender, it’s worthwhile to get a preapproval letter, which shows how much the bank would be willing to lend you based on your full financial picture. Without this letter, most sellers won't take you seriously and may not even accept your offer.

The Person Who Finds the Home

A real estate agent is usually the first person that most people speak to during the homebuying process. You need someone who understands the housing market in Albuquerque.

When you begin your home search, you might start with an online search. While these property listing sites provide formatted data on available properties, a REALTOR®, such as Sandi Pressley, will have access to the latest information and can provide any updates or correct misinformation found online.

A REALTOR® can work on your behalf or on behalf of the seller. When you’re buying a home, it’s important to work with a buyer’s agent, whose responsibility is to you, not the seller.

You should ask the agent all the questions that are important to you — how much other homes in the area recently sold for, how long those homes were on the market, and any other questions that might help you make an informed decision.

The Person Who Inspects the Home

Once you have found a home, made an offer, and signed the contract to buy, it’s time to hire a home inspector. The contract will specify how many days you have to get the inspection. The home inspector will come to check things like structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling, the condition of windows, walls, door frames, ceilings, the attic — basically anything that can be seen without going into walls.

The Person Who Checks Ownership of the Home

The title officer or title company checks the ownership of the home to make sure there are no potential disputes with previous owners, and, ultimately, will issue title insurance for the property. This insurance protects you and the lender if there are claims or lawsuits against your ownership of the property.

Each person has a distinct role in the homebuying process in Albuquerque, and being informed about exactly what you need from them helps make the process run smoothly. The key is patience — it’s all worth it when you get the new keys to your home!

Looking to find the perfect home in Albuquerque? Let us help you find the perfect home in Albuquerque. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

104 Sandia Mountain Ranch Drive, Tijeras, NM  $479,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 half) / 2608 Square Feet

Resort style living in the mountains with incredible views on approx 3.25 acres in Sandia Mountain Ranch!! Custom elegance featuring TPO Roof, Refrig Air, Sec System, Water Softener, Skylights, Private Elec Gate. Amazing outdoor living space featuring a huge raised deck for entertaining, relaxing in nature taking in the mountain views! Great room features wall of windows, wood beam ceiling, wood stove. Custom kitchen features cherry cabs, granite countertops, walk-in pantry, bkfst bar & nook. Master suite features his/her vanities, jetted tub, sep shower, two walk-in closets. Finished & insulated oversized 2CG!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you're deciding whether to build a fence for your property, be it a wood, wrought iron, vinyl or chain link fence, they can be expensive. So it's a good idea to decide what your needs are and if a fence is worth the cost. You need to consider the pros and cons of fencing your yard.

Since fences are so prevalent, the pros certainly outweigh the cons. Here's a few points to consider.

PROS

Privacy

Privacy is obviously the main benefit of having a fenced yard. Having a fence not only reduces the disturbance to your neighbors, but to your family as they play in the pool, garden, sunbathe, etc. Having privacy in your yard can play a vital role in making sure your time outside with family and friends is protected from prying eyes.

Safety

Safety is another key reason people decide to fence their yard. If you have a swimming pool, it's especially essential to have a fence that will protect your family. It's also a great way to keep out the critters you don't want in your yard, as well as letting your dog run free.

Noise Reduction

If you live near a busy street, noise may be an issue. Building an 8 ft high solid fence can reduce noise by up to 10 decibels. Acoustifenc is a product that has been used to reduce sound along highways and mass transit lines. You can now use it in residential settings, and it's reported to reduce noise by up to 5 percent, depending on fence height, elevations and noise frequencies.

Design Element

A well built fence can add a great deal to your home's overall appeal. Picket fences are a great example of how a fence can add to the attractiveness of a property, as well as define the property boundary.

The biggest cons in building a fence are often overlooked. Months or years after building a fence consumers may feel like they made the wrong decision.

CONS

Maintenance

A fence well cared for will add to the appeal of your home for years. But if you don't keep them up, they can deteriorate over the years, especially wood fences. Wood fences, specifically, require occasional cleaning, staining, sealing or painting and can warp and rot over time.

Expense

Fencing an an entire property, or even part of one, is expensive. The price can vary a great deal depending on materials and length, number of gates, and labor.  A wooden privacy fence now averages $17.31 to $23.13 per linear foot – that’s $2,596.50 to $3,469.50 for a 150-foot-long fence.

When determining whether to build a fence or not, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. Typically, the pros will outweigh the cons.

Looking to sell your home for the right price in Albuquerque? Let us help you sell your home in Albuquerque and get the right price. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8000 Oso Loco Road NE, Albuquerque, NM  $288,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 0 half) / 1879 Square Feet

Excellent opportunity to own in Far North East Heights neighborhood! This beautiful home is close to in shopping, bike paths and highly desirable schools. Open and bright floor plan with custom Southwest touches throughout; ledges; arched doorways and more. A custom Kiva fireplace with built-in Bancos grace the family room that opens to the sunny kitchen with breakfast bar; kitchen island; lots of cabinets and pantry for storage. Separate formal dining room. Master Suite w/access to patio and ample spa like en suite with walk-in closet that includes a custom closet system. Low maintenance front and backyard landscaping w/ lush shrubs and trees & cool covered patio for warm summer evenings.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Millions of Americans will remember to do their taxes just in time to sprint to the April 15 finish, fists stuffed with W2s and receipts. But if you're a homeowner, wrangling income tax paperwork, or other home records is a marathon, not a sprint. Even more than repainting your house's facade or mowing your lawn, keeping important docs organized year round is a crucial part of home maintenance — it can save you $ and protect you from the Tax Man.

Here's what could happen if you don't keep accurate records and back them up.

You'll Pay More Taxes Than You Should

Homeowners get access to various deductions and credits based on payments for owning, financing, and maintaining a home. If you don't maintain your records, you may miss out on some of these major tax benefits:

1. Real Estate Tax and Mortgage Interest Deductions. "A homeowner's biggest tax break generally comes from his or their monthly mortgage payments since, for most folks, the bulk of that check goes toward interest, and all that interest is fully deductible on Schedule A," says Kay Bell, tax analyst at Bankrate.com. Property taxes are also deductible.

What You Need: Your annual statement from your mortgage company, which usually includes property taxes. If you pay your real estate taxes directly, the bill from your local unit of government.

2. Home Improvement Deductions: Improvements made for purpose of accommodating disabled residents can be included in medical expense deductions. Energy costs for certain medical-related improvements may also be partially deductible. 

What You Need: Receipts and a letter from a doctor.

3. Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Installing new energy-efficient systems (that meet Energy Star guidelines) like insulation, a roof, windows, water heater, or furnace can earn you a credit to offset your tax liability. 

What You Need: Receipts and certification from product manufacturers.

4. Home Office Deductions: If you can deduct the costs of a home office , you will need to prove you paid those expenses. For example, if your home office takes up 10% of your home's square footage, you can deduct 10% of your home insurance and utility costs. But you need proof you paid those bills. 

What You Need: Bank statements, bill receipts, insurance receipts, your mortgage documents, and any other documents of related expenses. If you're self-employed, you'll be taking this deduction on Schedule C.

You May Have Trouble Selling Your Home

It's not just the IRS that requires paperwork. Ryan Fitzgerald, a REALTOR® in Raleigh, N.C., and owner of Raleigh Realty, recently ran into proof of ownership issues when a seller hadn't backed up his paperwork, nearly causing a delay in the sale of his property.

"The original deed was filed with the wrong county in North Carolina. The original bank was sold to another bank, and there were several refinances in between that caused confusion as well. The original paperwork could not be located by the purchasing bank, and since the original bank was no longer in business, the seller was freaking out about the sale not being able to go through," recalls Fitzgerald.

"The buyer's attorney needed to prove that my seller did indeed own the property outright, and could not do so without the original deed," he says. "This all could have been avoided if there were duplicate documents backed up."

What You Need: Your home's deed, or deed of trust if you have a mortgage that needs to be paid off.

Selling your home in Albuquerque? Get a FREE home valuation of your home today. Looking for the perfect home in Albuquerque? Our powerful home search feature will help you find the home of your dreams. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

326 Atrisco Drive SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105  $189,000

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 0 half) / 1570 Square Feet

Check out this incredible opportunity! Precious 2 BR Adobe with separate Casita! Lovingly restored, the main house boasts wood floors, newer water heater, newer metal roof and refrigerated air. With beautiful landscaping surrounding, the separate casita has a kitchen, full bath & combo sleeping/living area. This oversized lot - greater than a 1/2 acre - also boasts irrigiation from the Atrisco Ditch and great open space!! Both the main house & casita have a solid Air BnB rental history. Don't miss this one!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Buying a home in Albuquerque is a huge financial responsibility. Sure, buying a home is very exciting, but you need to also need to look carefully at your current and future plans before you take this important step in your life.

Here are five questions to consider:

Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

How do you feel about your career? What about your family situation? So you see any of these things changing dramatically in the next few years?

If you plan on starting or growing your family in Albuquerqueor starting a new career, try your best to factor in those changes before you buy. You can't predict everything, but you can make good guesses that can help guide your decision.

What Will It Cost to Both Purchase and Own Your New Property?

There's more to the price of a home than just the initial purchase price.

A general rule of thumb is to keep your PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) costs below 28% of your gross monthly income, while your overall debt-to-income ratio should be no more than 36%.

If you are buying a bigger space than what you currently have, then you need to factor in increased heating and cooling costs. Also, plan for homeowner’s association dues if applicable. 

In addition to the funds you have for your down payment, don’t overlook the following expenses you’ll incur once you purchase your home: 

• Moving costs 

• Closing costs 

• Home repairs 

• Painting 

• New appliances 

• Fixtures

• Furniture 

It is recommend to open a separate savings account in addition to your down payment fund to save for these expenses.

What’s Your Credit Score?

Your credit score will make a huge difference in the overall cost of your home over the years. A higher score can save thousands of dollars over the course of your mortgage. And of course, a lower score can cost you a higher interest rate.

If you have any issues on your credit report, tackle them as soon as possible.

What About Home Repairs and Maintenance?

How much property in Albuquerque can you handle? Does the home have a pool or huge lawn, or landscaping? Will you maintain these elements, or will you hire them out to be maintained. Try to price all of this out before you buy to make sure you can afford it.

Location, Location, Location

Where you live can be just as important as what you live in. How far away is work, shopping, or other services you regularly use?

In addition to transportation costs, consider whether your food and utility costs will increase or decrease, and whether you’ll enroll kids in the local school district or opt for private schooling.

Selling your home in Albuquerque? Get a FREE home valuation of your home today. Looking for the perfect home in Albuquerque? Our powerful home search feature will help you find the home of your dreams. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

326 Atrisco Drive SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105  $189,000

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 0 half) / 1570 Square Feet

Check out this incredible opportunity! Precious 2 BR Adobe with separate Casita! Lovingly restored, the main house boasts wood floors, newer water heater, newer metal roof and refrigerated air. With beautiful landscaping surrounding, the separate casita has a kitchen, full bath & combo sleeping/living area. This oversized lot - greater than a 1/2 acre - also boasts irrigiation from the Atrisco Ditch and great open space!! Both the main house & casita have a solid Air BnB rental history. Don't miss this one!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Since 1979, Sandi Pressley has been making dreams come true in Albuquerque. In fact, Sandi is the #1 Top Producing Realtor for 33 consecutive years, not just in Albuquerque, but all of New Mexico! You only need to hear what her happy home buyers and sellers have to say about Sandi and her team to know why. Here’s a few of the hundreds of comments that people have made over the years about their extraordinary experience buying or selling a home in Albuquerque with Sandi Pressley and her team.

“Sandi and her team are the ultimate tools to engage when you are looking to make a move in real estate. We have used Sandi and team twice now, and would never consider anyone else. Sandi’s team is very honest, thorough and professional. Great recommendations for any modifications that need to be addresses, backed up with excellent (and reasonably priced) contract professionals to handle any aspects. “
- Kelly

“Very impressed with efficiency and professionalism of the entire team. “
- Ystesund

“Sandi and her team were knowledgeable, responsible, and a pleasure to deal with the entire way. I would recommend Sandi Pressley and her team to anyone needing to sell their home. “
- McDonald

“I have been working with Sandi for many years. I am so happy we closed on a property. So now to sell my property and buy one in town. So much to look forward to! Working with Sandi is like working with my sister!”
- Bilbo

“Sandi's team is phenomenal and we would not consider working with anyone else! Our agent Kat Jacob handled our listing and sale with excellence and we sold in 4 days. Thanks Sandi!”
- Church

“Sandi Pressley sold our home in the most satisfying real estate transaction I've ever experienced, and I have bought and sold twenty homes in my lifetime. She clearly established her competence during her initial meeting. The house sold to the second party viewing it. Neighbors down the street attempting to sell a similar home for several months immediately hired her to represent them. However the remaining very significant factor motivating this recommendation is the tremendously effective and service oriented team she employs to shepherd the seller through the settlement process. To repeat the words I said to her, she is a treasure. “
- Reilly

These outstanding recommendations only scratch the surface what people are saying about The Sandi Pressley Team.  Check out our testimonials to read all the great things Sandi’s clients have to say.

If you want to have the same amazing experience buying or selling your next home in Albuquerque, give us a call at 505-263-2173 to speak with Sandi Pressley and her team today!