Real Estate Information Archive

Granite countertops are an ideal choice for bath and kitchen remodels.  They’re always in style, durable, and take less maintenance. You may think that installing a granite countertop will be too expensive. Yes, the can be.  But you don’t actually need to buy the most expensive granite to get amazing results. Here’s what you should know about granite counters and how you can cut back the cost of installing one.

Costs

A granite countertop will cost between $2000 - $4500, which includes materials and installation. Typically granite is priced by the square foot, which can include delivery, installation, and simple edge finishes.  Extra costs will be incurred with further features such as decorative edge treatments and cutouts for sinks or stove tops. You also need to take into account plumbing hookups and disposal of your old countertop.

The grade of the countertop will affect the price as well. The grade is based on the availability of the stone, color, shipping and distinctiveness.  This doesn’t, however, always reveal the granite’s overall quality.

Saving Money

1. Shop around

Check big box stores, design studios, granite fabricators, and companies that specialize in prefabricated granite counters. Hiring an established company will yield the best results. Check online reviews and talk to family or friends who have had granite installed. When you have two or three companies selected, visit each one to talk about the project and see examples of their work. You can save hundreds of dollars just by carefully comparing and shopping around.

2. Buy the sink and faucet separately

Try to buy the sink, faucet and any plumbing separately so you can get the lowest prices on each item.

3. Use a remnant

Granite companies may offer discounts on smaller pieces of stone left over from other projects.

4. Go prefab

Prefabricated counters are already cut and polished, and are great for simple counters that don’t need many cuts.

5. Have the installer do final measurements

Have the installer take the final measurements and make a template which the final estimate will be based on. This will avoid making expensive mistakes.

Adding a granite countertop is a great way to make your home look better and raise the resale value of your home.

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!

11716 Easy Goer Road SE, Albuquerque, NM  $289,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 2600 Square Feet

Beautiful Southwest style home in Volterra. Light, bright and open floorplan with plenty of entertaining space!  Mountain views! The secondary bedrooms are large plus a loft and the utility room is upstairs for convenience! Mountain views! Beautifully maintained landscaped front and backyards!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Moving into a new home is an exciting time.  But it can be frustrating.  As you're getting to know your new place, you're going to be running into things that you didn't know about before you moved in.  But many surprises can be avoided if you ask the right questions of the seller. Sure, you may get details from the home inspection and disclosure, but why not talk to the people who have lived there already? Just make sure to ask these questions at the end of the selling process, as the seller might think their answers would make the sale not go through.

What Are Past Problems That Were Fixed?

Even though existing problems are disclosed in the seller's statement, it doesn't reveal what past problems may have been fixed.  Use the disclosure as a place to start when asking to learn what wasn't listed.

Switch and Valve Locations

The home inspector may not always show you where all the valves and circuit breakers are.  Especially if it's an older or larger home, just ask the seller where everything is and if there's anything special about their operation.

Ask About the Neighborhood

This may be a loaded question, but you'll usually get the best of both worlds and everything in between.  That's OK, because it can help you keep your move-in experience more enjoyable.  You'll know what to expect and hopefully help make new friends with your neighbors. 

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10 Caminito Trail, Placitas   $395,000

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms/ 2580 Square Feet

This amazing culdesac property features unobstructed views of the mountains and open floorplans with stunning raised ceilings.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Installing a new garage door isn’t probably the first thing that comes to mind, not until it gets damaged or fails to work. But even if your garage door works fine, it’s probably time to update it, especially if your home is a few decades old. Replacing a garage door, including the opener, can run around $2300.  Of course that number will vary depending on size and who installs it.

Here are some factors that will affect cost and what options are available.

Size

Standard garage doors are 8-10 ft wide, and 2-car garage doors are 12-18 feet wide. You will find garage doors in different heights and thicknesses. Of course, the bigger it is, the higher the cost.

Type

The more affordable doors include sectional or roll-up doors. One-piece or swing up doors, along with swing out and sliding doors will cost more.

Materials

Steel: Steel doors are durable and low maintenance, making them a popular option. Yet they are also heavy, hard on the opener opener and easily dented. Steel is one of the most affordable garage door materials, with two-car garage doors ranging from $750 to $3,500 depending on style and construction.

Aluminum: Lighter than steel, rust-resistant and ideal for wider doors. Aluminum is also affordable like steel, but is a poor insulator and easily bends. Aluminum two-car garage doors typically range from $1,500 to $2,000.

Wood and composite wood: Solid wood garage doors are heavier than steel and aluminum doors, require upkeep and are more expensive. Composite doors are lighter and less expensive than solid wood, but not as durable as metal or synthetic materials. Wood or composite wood two-car garage doors range from $1,200 to $4,000.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass doors are light and available in many styles, along with being resistant to rot. Fiberglass is affordable, but can yellow with age and sometimes cracks in extreme temperatures, making them a less desirable option in climates such as in Albuquerque. These garage doors typically range from $1,500 to $2,000 for a two-car garage.

Vinyl: Vinyl garage doors are lightweight, low-maintenance and can take a beating, which makes them great for high-traffic homes. The down side is that vinyl can fade, and style options are limited. These range from $900 to $1,500.

Professional installation

In most cases, you should have your garage door professionally installed, as most homeowners don’t have the right equipment to install a door, and doors can be dangerous if installed incorrectly. Hiring a professional may cost up to $500, but is well worth the price.

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!

9400 Bear Mountain Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $689,900

4 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 partial) / 3451 Square Feet

Custom elegance abounds in this beautiful Tuscan style home with views of the Sandia Mountains! Oversized lot in gated community. Guest suite/office w/full bath on the main level. Gourmet kitchen featuring Subzero fridge, two ovens, gas cooktop, granite countertops, large island & bkfst nook and walk-in pantry. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Whether you own a home in Albuquerque or plan to buy one soon, the good news is that Albuquerque is filled to the brim with exciting things to do.  Albuquerque is an outdoor lover’s dream come true.  It’s also home to a world famous art scene.  Get ready to have a good time. Here’s a list of some of the top things to do in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Coming up in October 6-14, 2018, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a wonder to behold. Imagine all the colors as hundreds of hot air balloons take flight in the Southwestern skies. Spectators and pilots from all over the world come together every year for this amazing event.  Watch he mass ascensions every morning, then the 'glowdeo' in the evening.  There’s live music and performers strolling through the crowds. Certainly the perfect event for the whole family to remember for years to come.

Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque

Explora is an innovative place for the whole family to learn together. Explora is part science center and part children's museum that offers hands-on activities in science, technology, and art for people of all ages. Explora is located in historic downtown Albuquerque and is a short walk to restaurants, shops, and the nearby park.

Balloon Rides

You don’t need to wait until the Balloon Fiesta to enjoy the wonders of balloon flight.  You can take a balloon ride in Albuquerque just about any time with these balloon ride services.

Petroglyph National Monument

One of the iconic images of the Southwest is prehistoric rock art, known as petroglyphs. You can explore the thousands of images that have been found on the West Mesa volcanic escarpment, located along a 17-mile canyon outside of Albuquerque.

Unser Racing Museum

If you love racing, or appreciate automotive history, this is the ideal experience for you and your family. The museum covers the early days of racing to the latest technology, including a racing and interactive kiosks for all ages to learn more about racing in a fun, educational environment.

Of course this just scratches the surface of all the ways you can enjoy yourself in Albuquerque.  Join us every week for more information about Albuquerque and real estate news.

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

The 4^th of July is a time to have fun with friends and family, and our furry friends are part of that fun. You might be tempted to bring your pets to watch fireworks or give them yummy treats from the grill. But fireworks and festive foods can potentially be harmful for pets.  What can you do to make sure you and your pets have a good time and stay safe? Here’s a few tips from the ASPCA:

Keep pets away from alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can potentially poison pets. They can make them very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or induce a coma. Death from respiratory failure can happen in severe cases.

Don’t use sunscreen or insect repellant on animals. Ingesting sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. Insect repellants can cause neurological problems.

Keep them away from matches. Some matches contain chlorates, which can damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can irritate their skin, and can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression if ingested.

Keep your pets on their normal diet. Changing your pet’s diet even one time can give them severe indigestion and diarrhea. And older animals have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. Keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to your animals.

Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. If your pets ingest the luminescent substance in these products it won’t kill them, but excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still occur.

Keep citronella candles, insect coils and tiki torch oil products out of reach. Ingestion can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.

Never use fireworks around pets! Lit fireworks can cause severe burns, and ingesting unused fireworks have obvious health risks. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

Don’t bring pets to large crowded fireworks displays. If you attend a large fireworks display, don’t give into bringing your pets.  Leave them home to keep them from the noise.  If they do become scared from the fireworks in the neighborhood, at least they’ll be inside and safe from running away.

Be prepared in the event that your pet does escape. And keep your pets’ IDs up to date! Not only tag and ID outdoor, animals, but indoor pets as well. Indoor pets can escape, so make sure you can find them more easily.

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.

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

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

Buying a second home - many people dream of it.  Buying a second home is something of a rite of passage, like buying a car or getting married. It’s a great investment as well. It shows that you’re doing well financially and can afford to reward yourself. And since mortgage rates are still low, now may be a good time to take the leap.

Before you jump into buying a second home, it’s important to ask “why?” Answering this question will help you see where your priorities are.

You Can Afford It

Of course, your finances are the first thing to look at when deciding to buy a second home. Most 2^nd home buyers are in their 40s or 50s and their children have left the house. They no longer have to stay in one place because of school, or work if they’ve retired. People tend to earn more or have more saved up by this point in life, giving them more financial freedom.

A Good Investment

A second home can be a great investment, but you have to do it right, as there are still risks. You should try to buy a home in an area that’s growing, which could improve the property value over time.

Comfortable Retirement

As we’ve noted, usually its individuals in their 40s – 50s that tend to buy 2^nd homes. By that age, many are thinking about retirement.  Buying a 2^nd property is an ideal way to plan for that phase of your life.

Let’s say you want to retire to a sunny and artistic city such as Albuquerque (assuming you don’t live here already). Why not search for a home in the area you want to retire? That way you’ll already have the home and it will have increased in value until then.

Tax Benefits

Paying taxes are a big part of owning a house, so it’s only logical we should talk about the tax benefits. And the good news is that you can write off the property taxes on a second home. And it doesn’t matter if it’s an investment, rental, or for your own use. You can also deduct interest, insurance, and depreciation against your home’s value.

Buying a second home may not be for everyone. But if it’s something you can do, take time to consider the advantages and disadvantages before you make the big move.

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!

2228 Cebolla Creek Way NW, Albuquerque, NM  $399,000

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 partial) / 2345 Square Feet

UPGRADES GALORE! Fantastic Del Webb gated community! Premium lot, wood tile flooring, plantation shutters, garage door screens, artistic landscaping, upgraded light fixtures & appliances, private courtyard w/OJstom gate & stucco wall are just a few! State of the art clubhouse, resort style pool, fitness center & sport courts!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Here’s a question – does the economy affect the housing market, or does the housing market affect the economy? That’s a good question to consider.  Our economy has been doing well for a while now. But still people have fears that 2008 will repeat itself. Are we headed for another recession, and if so, will the housing market be affected?  Economists and analysts are of the opinion that a recession is comin in our near future. This isn’t an opinion based on politics, but data analysis. Zillow Research recently reported on a Pulsenomics survey that took a look at the housing market by surveying market analysts and experts.  This report also indicated when the next recession could begin:

“Experts largely expect the next recession to begin in 2020.”

A recent survey of economists by the Wall Street Journal backs this up:

“The economic expansion that began in mid-2009 and already ranks as the second-longest in American history most likely will end in 2020 as the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to cool off an overheating economy, according to forecasters surveyed.”

Does this mean that we should worry about a housing crisis?  Not at all.

Here's how the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a recession:

“A period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters.”

As we remember, a recession is a slowing down of the economy, as happened in 2008. But a recession doesn’t always cause a housing crisis. As you may recall, in 2008 the housing bubble burst, causing the recession, not the other way around. In fact, during the previous five recessions home values appreciated.

According to the experts in the report, the top three probable triggers for the next recession are:

• Monetary policy
• Trade policy
• A stock market correction

A housing market crash came in 9th in this list. Those same experts also projected that home values would continue to appreciate in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Other experts agree that the housing market won't be affected by a recession:

Mark Fleming, First American’s Chief Economist, explained:

“If a recession is to occur, it is unlikely to be caused by housing-related activity, and therefore the housing sector should be one of the leading sources to come out of the recession.”

And U.S. News and World Report agreed:

“Fortunately – and hopefully – the history of recessions and current issues that could harm the economy don’t lead many to believe the housing market crash will repeat itself in an upcoming decline.”

In summary, a recession may be in our future, but it doesn't mean that there will be a housing crisis.

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!

11716 Easy Goer Road SE, Albuquerque, NM  $289,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 2600 Square Feet

Beautiful Southwest style home in Volterra. Light, bright and open floorplan with plenty of entertaining space!  Mountain views! The secondary bedrooms are large plus a loft and the utility room is upstairs for convenience! Mountain views! Beautifully maintained landscaped front and backyards!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

The 4^th of July is just around the corner, so now is a good time to plan how you and your family will enjoy the holiday in Albuquerque. And what better place to spend independence day than in Albuquerque, where you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the day. Here’s a few of the 4^th of July events you can look forward to in Albuquerque.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

What could be more American than baseball and fireworks? Come to Isotopes Park for baseball as the Isotopes will take on the Tacoma Rainiers followed by a fireworks display. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the game starts at 7:05 p.m. Then stay for a spectacular fireworks display after the game.

Freedom Fourth

One of the largest Independence Day gatherings in the state, this annual celebration at the Balloon Fiesta field is a free event for all to enjoy.  The festivities start at 3pm and go till 10pm, featuring a beer garden highlighting local breweries. The family will have a great time with free children's activities, a food court, and several other performances, all leading up to the largest fireworks display in the state.

Rio Rancho Fireworks Event

Just a short drive from Albuquerque is the city of Rio Rancho where you can enjoy a fantastic fireworks display without the huge crowds of the Freedom Fourth event. It will be held at the Loma Colorado Park with parking at the high school, the Rio Rancho Aquatic Center, Loma Colorado Library, and Loma Colorado Park, for $5 per vehicle. Proceeds will benefit the Rio Rancho High School booster club.

The stadium opens at 6 p.m. and the fireworks show starts at 9:15 p.m. There’s also going to be live music, concessions, and activities for the kids. Admission is free, and remember to bring chairs and blankets.

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.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

9400 Bear Mountain Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $709,000

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

Custom elegance abounds in this beautiful Tuscan style home with views of the Sandia Mountains! Oversized lot in gated community. Guest suite/office w/full bath on the main level. Gourmet kitchen featuring Subzero fridge, two ovens, gas cooktop, granite countertops, large island & bkfst nook and walk-in pantry. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Let’s face it – if you have kids, you have messy closets. The hustle and bustle of daily life usually doesn’t leave much time to organize. And living in a disorganized home can make you feel a bit out of control.

Organizing every closet in the house can be daunting.  But it you can get the family in on the project, you might be surprised at how much you can accomplish. What are some ways you can get your family to help?

Discussion

Talk about organizing the closets before you plan to start. It’s easier to get people to do things that they don’t want to do if you talk about it first and mentally prepare them.  And let your kids know that you’ll make the experience fun and rewarding for them. That will certainly put grease on the wheels, as it were.

Planning

Of course every project needs at least some planning to be successful.  Are the closets full of clothes your kids don’t wear anymore, or are out of season? Set  goals to clean out unwanted items and organize what’s left. Realistic goals are the key to success.  If you aim too high, it could lead to disappointment.

Rewards

Everyone wants rewards. Scheduling regular breaks is a great start.  You should also find a reward that keeps the family moving.  You know what your family loves to eat or do, so try to make that happen for them when they reach a goal. Keeping a positive and fun attitude will do wonders for keeping the project on the move.

Unwanted Items

You’ll certainly come across items you don’t need or want.  Don’t throw them away. Make a pile or put them in boxes to either donate or sell. If you have a Goodwill donation center nearby for example, you can get a coupon for usually 20% off an item bought from their stores, plus you can write it off your taxes. Of course there are a number of donation centers in Albuquerque you can give to. You can also try some consignment shops in Albuquerque to make some fast cash, such as 2 Time Couture and Your Other Closet.

Organizing your closets can actually be a rewarding experience for the whole family. It teaches your kids cooperation and organizational skills.  And it can be a fun time if you plan ahead.

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!

9400 Bear Mountain Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $709,000

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

Custom elegance abounds in this beautiful Tuscan style home with views of the Sandia Mountains! Oversized lot in gated community. Guest suite/office w/full bath on the main level. Gourmet kitchen featuring Subzero fridge, two ovens, gas cooktop, granite countertops, large island & bkfst nook and walk-in pantry. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you’re planning to buy a home in Albuquerque and can afford a higher payment, then a 15-year mortgage is an ideal way to pay off your mortgage faster and save thousands of dollars in interest. Of course, to make it work you need to have enough income to cover the payments, along with your other expenses. Despite the advantages of a 15-year mortgage, many home buyers tend to stay away from them when they realize the payments are about 50% higher than a 30-year mortgage.

As with any mortgage, there’s pros and cons.  What are the pros and cons of a 15-year mortgage?

Pros

• Owning your home faster. Knowing that your home is paid off gives you security.
• Builds equity. Since you’re paying off the principal balance faster, you can build more equity.
• Save money. 15-year loans have a lower interest rate, since there’s fewer years of risk for the lender. You also save money on interest because the loan term is shorter.

Cons

• Higher payments. You have to make sure that you can handle the higher payment, along with taxes and other expenses for the entire 15-year term. 
• Locked up equity. The equity you’re building is locked up in the home. The only way to use it is to sell the home or refinancing.
• Missing other opportunities. Higher payments means you may not have enough money to take advantage of other financial opportunities, such as investments or matching your employers contribution to a retirement account.
• Lower quality home.  Since you aren’t stretching your payments over 30-years, you won’t qualify for as high of an amount as you would with a 30-year loan.

To sum up, a 15-year loan is an ideal way for those who can afford the higher payments to save money and own their home more quickly. But if you’re not entirely sure your finances are stable, then you should avoid a 15-year mortgage.

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