Real Estate Information Archive

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! 

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When it comes to buying a home in Albuquerque, the biggest factor in whether or not it’s possible boils down to income.  And of course, depending on where you live, income and cost of living can vary drastically.  A new study by GOBankingRates endeavored to reveal what the minimum salary would be needed to buy a medium priced home in each state.

The great news is that New Mexico, and by extension Albuquerque, came out as one of the most affordable states to buy a home. GOBankingRates arrived at this conclusion based on the average mortgage payment for each state along with the average APR on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.  They then assumed that no more than 30% of monthly income would be spent on housing.  For New Mexico, that figure came out to only $40,960!

Other neighboring states turned out to be quite a bit higher.  You would need to make $55,680 a year to own a home in Nevada. Arizona is higher as well with $50,880.  If you bought a home in Colorado, you would need to make at least $73,600. So it really goes to show that if you plan on buying a house in the Southwest, your dollar goes farther in Albuquerque.

GoBankingRates has this advice,

“Before you buy a home, it’s important to find out if you can afford the monthly mortgage payment. To do this, some financial experts recommend your housing costs — primarily your mortgage payments — shouldn’t consume more than 30 percent of your monthly income.”

Historically, Americans have spent 21% of their income to own a medium priced home.  Today that figure is down to 15%! This all demonstrates that now is a great time to own a home in Albuquerque.

If you're looking to buy a home in the Albuquerque area, feel free to contact us to help you find the right home for your budget and income. You can also search for your dream home now using our convenient home search tool. And make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest real estate updates for Albuquerque and the surrounding areas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

15 Calle Cobre, Placitas, NM  $498,000

5 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 partial) / 3200 Square Feet

Exquisite Placitas property nestled on 2.25 AC w/stunning views. Custom home offers functional open floorplan w/radiant heat, soaring ceiling w/viga& latillas, kiva FP, nichos&surround sound thru-out main floor. Back yard offers large deck w/breathtaking views-Perfect for entertaining. 

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

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

Are you looking for a new way to start the day in Albuquerque?  If your way of waking up is with a delicious cup of java, tea, or tasty pastry, then you’ll have plenty of ways to do that in Albuquerque.  This city is filled with unique places to have the perfect espresso or refreshing cup of tea.  Here’s a few of the best places to get coffee and tea in Albuquerque.

Trifecta Coffee Company

Known as the first combined coffee roaster, coffee bar, and bakery in Albuquerque, Trifecta also features roasts from around the world, including coffees from Latin America, Mexico, South America, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. The coffee is not the only great thing about Trifecta.  Their pastries area all the rage, with blueberry scones, apple cake, and quiché of feta and artichoke.  The atmosphere is relaxed, as are the people who work here. All this adds up to Trifecta being a favorite morning spot in Albuquerque.

Espresso Fino

This family owned espresso bar features locally roasted coffees that are certified organic fair trade. Located in downtown Albuquerque, you can enjoy your brew in the charming atmosphere inside the shop, or get some fresh air in their sidewalk seating. All three owners, Greg, Nina, and Pablo are talented baristas, assuring a perfect brew with every visit. A downtown Albuquerque gem for sure.

Prismatic Coffee

If you find yourself in the sawmill district of Albuquerque, make sure you stop by Prismatic.  Not only can you get an outstanding cup of coffee, but they feature stroopwafels, a waffle cookie from the Netherlands. The owners and baristas take pride in what they do and it shows. This is not the coffee you find at the big chains.  They highlight the quality and care of fine coffee roasting. And of course you’ll find their passion translates to great customer service.  And if you need a little help deciding what you want, their unique flavor wheel can help you chose the perfect brew.

Humble Coffee Company

In addition to having some of the best coffee in Albuquerque, Humble Coffee also features breakfast burritos which are a big hit with customers. If you’re a tea drinker, then you’ll also find this to be a great place to sit and sip your favorite selection.  The vibe is hip and modern, yet charming. You can relax inside and take advantage of free wi-fi, or enjoy the outside patio.

Looking for more great places to start your day in Albuquerque? Check out the top coffee shops in Albuquerque.  And make sure to visit our blog every week for more great things to see and do in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5243 Foothills Trail NE, Albuquerque, NM  $825,000

3 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms (2 full, 2 partial) / 3156 Square Feet

Amazing views of the Sandia Mtns & Rio Grande Valley in this beautiful gated community. Scott Patrick Gold Package custom home features oversized great room w/stacked stone fireplace, wall of windows, and much more! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Where has 2017 gone? 2018 is fast approaching, so it’s time to get ready for the party! There’s a number of great New Year’s Eve events coming up this Sunday night in Albuquerque.  Get ready to have a great time and bring in the New Year in style with these events!

New Year's Eve Dinner at Gruet Winery

Get ready for an extraordinary 4-course dinner paired with Gruet’s vintages.  It’s the perfect way to start off the evening of festivities. Dinner prices range from $90 - $180 per person.

Capricorn Pre New Year's Eve 2018 by Famous Hip Hop Radio

Why not start the party early? Come to the American Legion Post 13 on Saturday night and get your groove on with Uncle Frank’s Birthday. $20 at the door.

Hotel Andaluz's New Year's Eve Black & White Ball

Bring in the new year with elegance at Hotel Andaluz. The Tracy Whitney Quartet will entertain in the lobby from 8 to 11 p.m., followed by a dance party featuring a DJ from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The countdown to midnight features a balloon drop and Champaign toast to 2018.

New Year's Eve on Civic Plaza

If you want to celebrate the New Year for free with the family, come join your fellow Albuquerque neighbors at Civic Plaza.  There will be activities such as ice skating, food trucks, concessions, and holiday tunes.

Have a safe and happy New Year 2018!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8314 Calle Picaflor NW, Albuquerque, NM  $850,000

4 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 4710 Square Feet

Exquisitely appointed single story custom home offers an exclusive & tranquil environment nestled on 1 Acre Sanctuary. Open concept floorplan featuring a dramatic entry way into inviting living area, 3 car garage, hardwood flooring, and so much more!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

The holidays are right around the corner.  Are you tired of buying the same old gifts every year? Albuquerque is the perfect place to find thos perfect southwestern gift items and unique fashions. You can find just about any type of handmade and Native American made crafts and gifts here – antiques, apparel, books, culinary specialties, furnishing – you name it. You can see the full list of great places to buy that perfect gift here.

Here’s a few stores that might peak your interest.

The Candy Lady

Featuring hand-made candies made from secret family recipes for over 26 years.

The Old Town Hat Shop & Accessory Boutique

Looking for the perfect hat for that special someone? You’ll find hats from a large variety of brands, along with the studio of ParaTi Hats.

Treasure House Books & Gifts

Do you know a bookworm who loves learning about the Southwest? Treasure House has all the books you could want about the history and culture of New Mexico.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10001 San Francisco Road NE, Albuquerque, NM  $1,250,000

6 Bedrooms/ 6 Bathrooms (2 full, 4 partial) / 5750 Square Feet

This dream home is a slice of paradise at over 5800SF! Open concept floorplan showcasing arch accents,columns,gleaming tile, & hardwood flooring, and lush carpet. Renovated Spa-Like master bath offers many amenities including Steamroom.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Albuquerque boasts a great variety of restaurants.  But if you’re looking for a great breakfast in Albuquerque, then you want to find a restaurant that specializes in the morning feast.  To that end, here’s a few of the top places to get a great breakfast in Albuquerque.

The Grove Cafe & Market

The Grove sets no limits on what time of day breakfast is served. With fresh, all day breakfast selections, you can satisfy your breakfast cravings whenever you want. Top is off with gourmet coffee, mimosas, cupcakes or cookies. They also do Sunday brunch.

Standard Diner

What’s more classic American than eating breakfast in a former service station?  The unique atmosphere blends seamlessly with the great menu, featuring all your reliable breakfast favorites and a few new surprises.

Golden Crown Bakery

What’s better than fresh baked breakfast delights? And if you want to come back for lunch, they feature feature amazing pizzas and empinadas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10 Cinco Circle, Placitas, NM   $550,000

5 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms (1 full, 4 partial) / 4015 Square Feet

Enjoy the extraordinary views from this spacious home, featuring 5 bedrooms, 2 living areas, and more.  Treat your guests to the upstairs bed with en suite bath.  Entertain in style with the spacious kitchen that opens into the great room.  

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Summer is here and it's time to look forward to some fun events coming up in Albuquerque this July. Here's what we have to look forward to.

14th Annual Pork & Brew BBQ State Championship

July 1-3, 2017 | Saturday-Sunday 11am-7pm | Monday 11am-5pm

New Mexico's original food festival returns to the Santa Ana Star Center with a wide variety of BBQ delights.

Freedom 4th

July 4, 2017 | 3-10pm

Come celebrate Independence Day at Balloon Fiesta Park where there will be free face painting, inflatables, and more fun for the kids. Also enjoy the Microbrew Garden, with local beer, wine and spirits, along with a massive food court of more than 30 food vendors.

Route 66 Summerfest

July 22, 2017 | 3-10pm

Come to historic Nob Hill on Saturday, July 22 from 3-10 p.m. for the biggest Summerfest of the year.

Have a fun and fantastic July in Albuquerque!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8100 Via Alegre NE, Albuquerque   $675,000

4 Bedrooms/ 3.5 Bathrooms/ 3330 Square Feet

One of a kind custom Mediterranean/Tuscan home with tons of features and amazing oversized garage for all of your cars & toys+workshop area!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team