Real Estate Information Archive

Halloween is almost here, and no doubt your kids have already picked out the costumes and making arrangements to get the most out of the holiday. But as a parent, of course you want to keep them safe as they go out into the streets. Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Here's a few reminders to keep your kids safe in Albuquerque this Halloween.

Costume Safety

• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
• Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision
• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

The Labor Day weekend is almost here, and it's time to bring an unofficial end to summer. But first, we need to have some more fun. There's plenty of great ways to spend the Labor day weekend in the Albuquerque area. Here's a few upcoming events to put on your calendar.

Star Party
Aug 30th 2019, 06:00pm

Join Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and TAAS August 30th 6-10 pm for a free night of stargazing and guided constellation tours. View equipment provided, no experience necessary. Free hot cocoa, tea and snacks.

Red, White, Blues, and Brews
Sunday, September 1, 2019 at 12 PM – 8 PM
New Mexico Veterans Memorial

The second annual Red, White, Blues, & Brews is Chapter 1201's biggest event of the year, and it's FREE. The New Mexico Desert Kings are collaborating on our car show and The 377 Brewery will bring the drinks. Bring the family for a day of fun with bounce houses, food trucks, live music, a corn-hole tournament, and a raffle.

ABQ BioPark Aquarium: Shark Tank Tour
Aug 31st 2019, 01:30pm

Explore the top side of the tanks at the Aquarium. Your tour is led by an aquarist who will answer all your “biting” questions.

Labor Day Picnic
Sep 2nd 2019, 11:00am

Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Bernalillo County Fire Department, New Mexico Professional Fire Fighters Association & Central New Mexico Labor Council are hosting the 11th Annual Labor Day Picnic. Serving hot dogs, hamburgers and non-alcoholic drinks. Entertainment provided by local bands.

Have a Fun and Happy Labor Day Weekend!

The good times keep rolling in Albuquerque this month, with plenty of fun times for the whole family to enjoy. Here's a few upcoming events to plan for this month in Albuquerque.

NM Jazz Festival on ABQ Civic Plaza
Sat, Jul 13, 5:30 PM | Albuquerque's Civic Plaza

Presented in partnership with the City of Albuquerque, this 14th annual New Mexico Jazz Festival celebrates women, with performances by Leyla McCalla, hONEyhoUSe, and Marcia Ball.

Route 66 Summerfest
Sat, Jul 20, 5 PM

This free event includes the Old Route 66 Car Show, Mother Road Art Market, Kids Zone & Youth Central, food trucks and live entertainment throughout Nob Hill.

DISRUPT Festival
Sun, Jul 28 | Isleta Amphitheater

Rockstar Energy presents Disrupt Festival at the Isleta Amphitheater featuring The Used, THRICE, Circa Survive, Sum 41, Sleeping with Sirens, Andy Black, Memphis May Fire, Meg & Dia, Juliet Simms, and Hyro the Hero.

Kansas
Sat, Jul 20 | Isleta Resort & Casino

Rock legends Kansas bring their string of hits and classic rock to the Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.

9th Annual SmileFest
Sun, Jul 21, 12 – 7 PM | Cliff's Amusement Park

Laugh, ride & play all day. The 9th Annual SmileFest will be held at Cliff's Amusement Park.

The 4th of July is almost here, and it's time to start planning your celebration of freedom in Albuquerque next week. Albuquerue is a hot spot for Independence Day celebrations. Here's a few few ways you can celebrate freedom in Albuquerque and the surrounding area next week.

Freedom 4th Celebration

This free annual celebration at the Balloon Fiesta Field, Freedom 4th is headlined by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This annual free event will take place on July 4, 2019, from 3 to 10 p.m. Also featuring a beer garden with local microbrews, free children's activities, a food court, and several other performances culminating in the largest fireworks display in the state.

Music and Fireworks in Los Lunas

Starting with a parade at 9am at Lambros Loop to Don Pasqual Road. Then at 4pm enjoy the festivities at Daniel Fernandez Memorial Park. Free live entertainment from Nathaniel Krantz Band, Nosotros, The Gershom Brothers, The Black Pearl Band of NM, food (you can bring a picnic but no ice chests), and activities for the whole family. The fireworks display starts at dusk. 

Isotopes Baseball and Fireworks

Take the whole family to enjoy an all-American game of baseball followed by a fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day.  Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the game starts at 6:35 p.m. with the minor league Isotopes playing the Las Vegas Aviators. 

Pork and Brew BBQ Cook-Off

From July 5–7, 2019, the Annual Pork and Brew will return to the Santa Ana Star Center about 30 minutes north of Albuquerque. Over 50 competitors will gather from around the United States to cook-off for the chance to go to the national BBQ competition held in Kansas City each year.

Rio Rancho Fireworks

20 minutes north of Albuquerque, the city of Rio Rancho puts on this fireworks display for the 4th. It's a great alternative if you live on the west side of Albuquerque if you want to avoid the crowds of the Freedom Fourth event.

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

The summer fun continues in full force in Albuquerque in June. Celebrate summer with movies, festivals, dancing, live music, and the amazing food of the Southwest. Here’s a few upcoming events in Albuquerque that you can look forward to.

31ST FESTIVAL FLAMENCO INTERNACIONAL DE ALBURQUERQUE

June 9, 2018 - June 16, 2018
National Hispanic Cultural Center and Rodey Theatre on UNM Campus

The finest flamenco artists in the world come to the University of New Mexico every June for Festival Flamenco Internacional de Albuquerque, an 8 day flamenco extravaganza. The event celebrates this ancient Spanish-Gypsy art form that expresses the full range of human emotions. The festival has been drawing students and patron for over 30 years to the University of New Mexico, establishing it as the center for flamenco in the US.

HEIGHTS SUMMERFEST

June 9, 2018
North Domingo Baca Park, 7521 Carmel Ave NE, #605, Albuquerque, NM 87113

Start the Summerfest season at North Domingo Baca Park.  The City of Albuquerque will be hosting an evening full of sweet and savory treats, local beer, wine and spirits in the Microbrew Garden. You can shop from artisans in the market, and the kids will enjoy free activities. Then top it off with live music from The Squirrel Nut Zippers!

DOWNTOWN GROWERS' MARKET

Recurring weekly on Saturday
Robinson Park, Central & 8th Ave, Ste. 209, Albuquerque, NM 87102

This family friendly market is a weekly event on Saturday at Robinson Park. One of the largest and longest running markets in the state of New Mexico, it features endless local produce, prepared food, live music, arts and crafts, and fun activities. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to keep the market an Albuquerque tradition.

Check back on our blog every week for more real estate advice and local articles about living in Albuquerque. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for up to date real estate news for Albuquerque and surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1625 Los Alamos Avenue SW, Albuquerque, NM  $489,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 2775 Square Feet

Beautifully situated in Coveted Albuquerque COUNTRY CLUB NEIGHBORHOOD! Near parks and bike paths, and just blocks from downtown. Warmth and Charm exudes thru-out. Don't miss out on this one! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Memorial Day is fast approaching, so now is a good time to plan for the weekend if you haven’t already done so. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, giving us even more to celebrate. Albuquerque is the perfect place to both remember our veterans and enjoy the freedoms they fought for. Here’s a few events we can look forward to this Memorial Day Weekend in Albuquerque and the surrounding area.

Memorial Day Ceremony at New Mexico Veterans' Memorial Park

This special Memorial Day ceremony at New Mexico Veterans' Memorial Park features patriotic music and guest speakers. The ceremony takes place from 10am – noon on Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Ceremony in Rio Rancho

This remembrance ceremony will honor both those service members and first responders from the community.  The ceremony for service members begins at 11am at the Veterans Memorial Park, featuring speeches from the mayor and military personnel.  There will be a dedication ceremony after the ceremony for the new Metro Area First Responders Monument.

New Mexico Philharmonic Concert at the Zoo

The New Mexico Philharmonic brings it’s "Hooray for Heroes" concert to the Albuquerque Biopark Zoo. You can eat your picnic in the grass while enjoying American favorites along with the Jackie McGehee Young Artists' competition winners. The concert takes place on Saturday, May 26, at 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. There will be pre-concert entertainment for early birds and military discounts.

Albuquerque Blues and Brews

Round out the Memorial Day weekend with Blues and Brews, featuring top blues bands and non-stop samples from local craft breweries.  Have a great time with raffles, games, a cocktail bar and much more. All this happens on Sunday from 2pm – 6pm.

Have an Amazing Memorial Day Weekend!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

12201 Mountain Haze Road NE, Albuquerque, NM  $750,000

5 Bedrooms/ 6 Bathrooms (3 full, 3 partial) / 4438 Square Feet

Luxury awaits you in this fully renovated and remodeled home in the sought after neighborhood of Primrose! 5 spacious bedrooms each with own bath, as well as a 20x17 Casita with private entrance and 3/4 bath! Outdoor kitchen, fire pit, mature landscaping and raised flower beds will make your backyard BBQ's a blast!  

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

There’s one thing you should expect to find in a Southwest city like Albuquerque – amazing Mexican cuisine. Not only will you find some of the best Mexican dishes anywhere, but the best flavors the Southwest has to offer as well.  The epicenter of the explosion of flavors in Albuquerque’s restaurant scene is definitely the many great Mexican restaurants to be found here – over 200 of them to be discovered. 

To get you started on your journey through Mexico’s finest flavors, here’s the top 4 places to enjoy Mexican and Southwest cuisine in Albuquerque.

Padilla's Mexican Kitchen

A staple for Mexican cuisine lovers in Albuquerque for decades, Padilla’s authentic Mexican dishes are certain to please any pallet.  It may always be busy, but the service is fast and friendly.  All dishes are home made, including their mouth watering tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and fresh made Sopailla’s.

The Range Cafe

If not everyone in your party is in the mood for Mexican food, then The Range Café is the perfect solution.  Their motto is “ordinary food done extraordinarily well,” and that motto has been demonstrated since 1992 with an outstanding menu selection from both sides of the border.

Monroe's Restaurant

Another great restaurant in Albuquerque for those who like both Mexican and American dishes, Monroe’s even offers dishes for those watching their carbs and gluten intake.  They also offer a great selection of beverages including the unique agave wine margarita. Also make sure to try their famous chile.

Cocina Azul

Family owned since 2009, Cocina Azul has become of the best new Mexican restaurants and catering businesses in Albuquerque. Created from scratch, their recipes have been handed down through the generations.  Owner Frank Barela, Sr. has recreated all of the dishes he learned to cook as a child in his family kitchen.  You also delight in their award winning chile made only from green chile grown in Hatch, New Mexico.

Join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. And follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5243 Foothills Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $798,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3156 Square Feet

Gated community of the Wilderness! Casual elegance abounds in this Scott Patrick Gold Package custom home. Tons of features include Oversized great room w/stacked stone fireplace, wall of windows! Gourmet kitchen has custom island, pantry, gas cooktop, custom cabinetry, Sub Zero fridge, Wolfe double oven. Private Master Suite on its own wing! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If there’s one thing among many that people love about Albuquerque is all the great flavors to be found here.  Usually you think of Southwest or Mexican dishes when you think of New Mexico. But what about pizza? The fact is that Albuquerque has over 100 places to get a delicious pie, along with other Italian dishes and brews.  So get ready for an unforgettable pizza night in Albuquerque! Here’s the top 4 places to get pizza to start you off on your journey to flavorville.

Golden Crown Bakery

If you want more than just great pizza, Golden Crown combines a bakery to offer sandwiches and other baked goods. Being primarily a bakery means that your pizza crust is sure to be amazing, and the reviews prove it. Over the years, Goldne Crown has been featured in magazines such as Gourmet, Condé Naste Traveller, Budget Travel, Alibi, USA Western, IQ, Guia Azul, and Su Casa. They also feature espresso drinks and a variety of brews.

Saggio's

Family owned and operated, Saggio’s prides themselves on their upbeat nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to young and old, along with gourmet pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, salads, pastas and desserts. They also offer a great selection of beer and wine. Your dollar also goes farther at Saggio’s with their huge portions. It’s the perfect place for a large family pizza night.

Farina

Named the #17 Best Pizza Joint in the Nation by TimeOut Magazine, Farina offers a more trendy and hip environment for your next pizza outing. You’ll keep coming back for their artisan pizzas, house-made pastas, and fresh salads. Local art from some of Albuquerque’s best artists adds to the atmosphere. They also stay committed to using only fresh locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.

Old Town Pizza Parlor

Located in old town Albuquerque, the name certainly applies, as they’ve been an Albuquerque fixture since the late 1930’s. Today’s Old Town Pizza is a melding of traditions and a modern vibe, offering the perfect setting for your next pizza night.

Join us twice a week on our blog for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. And follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10465 Chandler Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM  $260,000

3 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 partial) / 2200 Square Feet

Pride of Ownership shows thru-out in this meticulously cared for beautifully kept home. 3 bedroom home features 2 master bedrooms each with a full bath. Beautiful backyard with backyard access and rv pad.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Easter is coming up soon, so that means it time to think about how to spend the day on Sunday, April 1.  Why not start out the special day with a delicious brunch? The flavors of the Southwest are a great way to start a Sunday, even if you don’t celebrate the holiday. And many restaurants in Albuquerque are offering brunch specials for the holiday.  Here’s a few of the many great deals you’ll find for Easter Sunday brunch in Albuquerque. Make sure to make reservations as soon as possible as tables can fill up fast.

Council Room

Come to the Sandia Resort and Casino in Albuquerque for brunch favorites like French toast BLAST, pan-seared chicken breast, green chile meatloaf sandwich, grilled ham steak, salmon fillet, and prime rib au jus. You’ll start out the special brunch with garlic shrimp skewers, short ribs street tacos, and duck confit.

El Pinto

If local flavors are your idea of a great Sunday brunch, then El Pinto has a great brunch lined up for you. The brunch menu features Eggs Benedict with eggs and pork loin on a green chile biscuit with a red hollandaise sauce.  Or enjoy green chile cheese biscuits smothered in green chile white gravy with a side of chorizo.

Hotel Andaluz

In addition to a delicious brunch featuring pastries and muffins, fresh fruit, a paella station, steak and eggs, huevos Benedictos, crab, a crepe station, and goat cheesecake, you can have fun with an egg hunt and music from a New Mexico Marimba Band.

Pueblo Harvest Cafe

For you late risers, Pueblo Harvest Café is serving an all-day breakfast that includes scrambled eggs and bacon or sausage, along with entrees such as Pepper boneless short ribs, cod filets, slow-roasted pork loin, or carne adovada, along with a carving station with glazed ham, roast beef and assorted mustards and chutneys.

These are just a few of the many great ways you can spend Easter Sunday in Albuquerque.  Here’s a list of other restaurants offering Sunday brunch specials. Be sure to check back on our blog every week for more great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque. And follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5005 General Bradley Street NE, Albuquerque, NM  $309,000

4 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 partial) / 2400 Square Feet

Fantastic NE Heights Location! Exceptionally well cared for home with great curb appeal, back yard pool, and views of the Sandias. Formal living room and a cozy Den that includes a wood burning stove insert, large eat-in kitchen includes NEW Stainless Steel appliances, plus a separate formal dining for those special occasions. Lots of built in storage throughout. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are you planning to buy a home in Albuquerque and have kids in school? Then no doubt you want to find the right home near the best schools in Albuquerque.  You certainly don’t want to end up regretting buying your home if it turns out that the school you live near isn’t right for your child.

You may think that your real estate agent can show you all the best schools in Albuquerque. But they can’t. Fair housing laws have been enacted that prevents agents from recommending schools.  Why? It was discovered that some agents in recent years have been labeling schools as "bad" to swing the sales of homes toward more affluent neighborhoods. So it’s a good thing that agents in general aren’t allowed to recommend schools. That means that you as a parent should research the best schools in Albuquerque for your children. After you find a school you think would best suit your children’s needs, then your agent can help you find the right home near that school.

There are at least 3 questions you should ask when finding the right school in Albuquerque.

What school will you child attend?

Sure this may seem obvious, and that’s why some people forget to ask it. There are dozens of schools in the Albuquerque Public School district, so that means you have a lot of schools to choose from. Their website has a great deal of information about schools in Albuquerque that should be useful in finding a good school.

What are the numbers?

Even though numbers don’t provide a complete perspective, they are a great place to start. You can find helpful ratings and scores on websites such as GreatSchools.org and Niche.com. They use test scores, reviews, and other factors to rate the best schools in a given area.

What about reputation?

If you know people in the area you want to move to in Albuquerque, ask them what they know the schools in the area. You might even meet with the principal of a school to get an even closer look, presuming you can make such an arrangement. See if they can give you a tour of the school with your child present.  Look at class sizes.  Is the library well stocked? What does your child think about the school? These are great indicators to look for.

Finding the right school and the right home for sale in Albuquerque is worth the effort.  Once you do find a great school for your child, let us help you find the right home near that school.  Our powerful search tools can help you find homes for sale near the schools of your choice in Albuquerque.  Also make sure to take advantage of our Home Buyer Listing Alerts to get automated alerts of homes as they hit the market. And you can always feel free to call us at 505-980-2999 to speak with an experienced agent.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

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

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

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

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team