Real Estate Information Archive

Moving into a new house in Albuquerque? Don't forget about the important tasks that need to be done before settling in. Aside from unpacking, there are a few more things to take care of. Here's a quick list of important tasks to take care of when you buy a new home in Albuquerque.

Change the Locks

Wanting new locks on the doors to your home is not a sign of paranoia, but rather a smart decision. It is difficult to determine how many people may have keys to your home, so it is advisable to take precautions. It is recommended to not only re-key the locks but also replace the hardware. This not only provides a nice update to your home, but also gives you peace of mind.

Don't forget to change your garage door opener code, too.

An In-Depth Home Tour

Yes, it is important to know the location of the water and gas shut-off valves, as well as the electrical box and water heater. Understanding how to use the sprinkler system is also crucial. Familiarizing yourself with these details and ensuring that other household members are aware can prevent potential disasters.

Seal off Rooms You Don't Use

This one may sound a bit odd. You just bought your new home, so why would you seal off any rooms? If you can, it may be a way to save some money. In the first few months of living in a new home, there are various financial challenges to consider. Moving expenses, purchasing new furniture, potential renovations, and the costs associated with activating utilities can all add up quickly. To mitigate some of these expenses, it is advisable to seal off rooms that won't be in use for a while, as this can help reduce heating and cooling costs.

Meet the Neighbors

It is advisable to proactively reach out to your new neighbors before they have a chance to do so. This can potentially lead to forming new friendships, especially beneficial for your children. Being friendly and sociable from the beginning helps establish a positive rapport.

Additionally, having welcoming neighbors can aid in your adjustment to the neighborhood, as they can provide information on local news, recommend the best coffee shops, and guide you to the most convenient routes to the elementary school.

Clean Your Carpets

When sellers move out of a home, a thorough cleaning should have been done, as it may be stipulated in the contract. However, unless specific cleaning tasks are specified, the house may not be as clean as desired. Even if the house appears tidy, the sellers may have overlooked cleaning the carpets. A proper cleaning of the carpets can extend their lifespan, enhance air quality, and eliminate allergens.

"Little do most of us realize that what we are seeing is only a tiny fraction of the soil that a carpet contains," said the National Carpet Cleaners Association(NCCA). "The visible grime we notice is only the tip of the iceberg; up to 85 per cent of the dirt the carpet holds is buried deep within the pile. And when you consider that a carpet can eventually trap its own weight or more in soil - as much as 150 pounds for an average-sized living-room - you'll agree it's no trivial matter."

Wipe out Drawers and Cabinets

This task is often overlooked, but it can result in the presence of germs or crumbs.

Change Fire Alarm Batteries

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) advises changing fire alarm batteries twice a year. To ensure you're not caught off guard, it's recommended to change them when you move into a new place. This way, you can avoid being startled by a loud alarm in the middle of the night shortly after moving in.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

Gorgeous, Restored, Nob Hill Adobe Home with top to bottom updates in 2020/2021! Some updates include TPO roof, stucco, windows, interior texture & paint, hardware & fixtures! Plus, remodeled designer kitchen features granite counters w/glass tile back splash, beautiful cabinets & hardware, SS appliances. Main living area includes original wood floors, a cozy fireplace & opens to dining, kitchen, & remodeled full bath. The spacious finished, heated & cooled basement is an ideal flex space that includes a full bathroom, utility/laundry room, & an electric fireplace, & surely to be a favorite gathering space. Enjoy the addition of a walk out deck, turf lawn, backyard side fences, & raised cinderblock walls out back.

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Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

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If you're looking to expanding your living space or the perfect place to build your dream home, we have just what you're looking for! These outstanding Albuquerque properties have recently hit the market, so make sure you don't let these opportunities get away! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team today for your exclusive showing. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

Gorgeous, Restored, Nob Hill Adobe Home with top to bottom updates in 2020/2021! Some updates include TPO roof, stucco, windows, interior texture & paint, hardware & fixtures! Plus, remodeled designer kitchen features granite counters w/glass tile back splash, beautiful cabinets & hardware, SS appliances. Main living area includes original wood floors, a cozy fireplace & opens to dining, kitchen, & remodeled full bath. The spacious finished, heated & cooled basement is an ideal flex space that includes a full bathroom, utility/laundry room, & an electric fireplace, & surely to be a favorite gathering space. Enjoy the addition of a walk out deck, turf lawn, backyard side fences, & raised cinderblock walls out back.

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6451 Isleta Boulevard SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

Yours to own, part of the green belt of Valley Farms area. 2.17 acres of agricultural land with irrigation well and water rights. Build your dream home, farm the land. Horses allowed. This is a rare opportunity to have land available.

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6412 Kalgan Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Welcome home to this incredible Kim Brooks beauty! Enter the foyer to see soaring ceilings and a fabulous floorplan (4th bedroom large enough to be used as a living area or bedroom). This beauty features a gas, diamond-plaster kiva fireplace, porcelain tile, wood-laminate floors, and incredible custom finishes including hand skip troweled walls and lighted niches. Gourmet kitchen includes gas range, SS appliances, and a long bar for all your seating needs! Enjoy the natural light pouring in through the skylights, and relax in the oversized master suite complete with en suite showcasing a separate garden tub, dual copper sinks, and tons of closet space. Outdoor space is an oasis on a 1/2 acre complete with mountain views, RV front-to-back drive, gas stub-out, desert landscaping & MORE

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Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Albuquerque, you’re no doubt already aware that buying a home involves more than just a mortgage payment. There are other costs included in the process of buying a home. It's important to be aware of those costs in advance so that you can make the best decisions during the process. 

Here's a helpful overview of what costs to expect when buying a home in Albuquerque.

1. Closing Costs

Closing on a mortgage is the last step in the process, often overlooked by homebuyers in terms of cost. At this stage, the loan is approved, the inspection is completed, and you are on the verge of receiving the keys to your new home.

When you complete your purchase, you will have a closing meeting where you will sign all the necessary paperwork and make payments for various costs.

The costs associated with purchasing a home encompass various elements. These include mortgage interest payments, taxes and insurance escrow payments, legal fees, lender application fees, recording fees, and title insurance.

Closing costs can average between 3-4% of the price of the home.

2. Property Taxes

When you own a home in Albuquerque, you pay property taxes. The bank doesn’t determine these. Instead, the county of Bernalillo does.

The county of Bernalillo's average effective property tax rate is 1.18% of the assessed value of your home. So for a home that costs $205,500, you would pay $2,419 per year.

3. HOA or Condo Fees

Homeowners in homeowners' associations or condo associations are required to pay a monthly or quarterly fee. This fee is used to cover various neighborhood services, including garbage collection.

The fees of an HOA can fluctuate due to potential increases or assessments for large projects, resulting in unpredictable costs.

4. Insurance

Homeowners insurance is a requirement for obtaining a mortgage loan. Typically, the premiums are already included in your monthly mortgage payment and are paid from your escrow account. This is similar to how property taxes are handled in many cases.

Premiums for homeowners insurance can increase each year, and it's important to note that standard policies usually often do not provide coverage for acts of God. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain additional insurance specifically for natural disasters.

5. Utilities

The cost of your utilities can be as much as your property taxes. In Albuquerque, the average monthly electric bill for residential customers is $144/month.

6. Appliances

When purchasing new construction or some used homes, it is important to note that appliances may not be included. This means that you will need to budget and plan accordingly to purchase these necessary items for your home.

When purchasing a new home, it is important to consider the appliances that may need to be purchased. While the seller may leave behind the dishwasher, refrigerator, stove, and possibly the microwave, it is not guaranteed. Therefore, it is advisable to budget for the purchase of a washer and dryer at the very least.

7. Landscaping

Managing your landscaping requires both time and investment in lawn equipment. However, there will inevitably be tasks that you cannot handle alone, such as removing hanging tree limbs or dead trees.

Hiring a professional for regular lawn care services transitions the expense from an occasional occurrence to a recurring monthly cost.

8. Maintenance

When you own a home, you take on the responsibility of all the maintenance tasks, which is a significant change from being a renter.

From the plumbing to the electrical wiring, a home is filled with numerous systems that require regular maintenance, occasional repairs, and, in some cases, replacement.

When purchasing an older house, it is important to consider the potential increase in maintenance costs compared to new construction. This includes maintaining the electrical system, HVAC system, roof, and plumbing.

All things considered, buying your first home in Albuquerque is the best decision you can make for your future. Making sure you have all the costs involved lined up will help make your dream a reality.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

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Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Location is the name of the game with these latest HOT properties from the Sandi Pressley Team! Whether you're looking for a truly uniques property or a home close to UNM, restaurants, shopping and more, these listings are the perfect match. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team today for your exclusive showing. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

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2115 Lead Avenue SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Location, Location, Location! You don't want to miss this charmer close to UNM, restaurants, shopping and more. Beautifully maintained wood floors greet you in this light-filled beauty. Enjoy the open kitchen with lots of cabinet storage and gas cooktop. Home features 2 bedrooms plus a study and a freshly renovated bathroom. This oversized lot gives you tons of options and includes both a water feature and garage. Stucco done in 2011 and all pipes and sewer line replaced in 2015. Come see today!

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Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

When you sell your home in Albuquerque, of course you have the right to be involved in every aspect of the sale. But you also need to be careful not to get in your own way.

Real estate professionals know all the ins and outs of selling a house and how to deal with buyers. Most home sellers understandably do not have that experience. It's very easy as a home seller to sabotage your own efforts without even knowing it.

Here are three of the more common mistakes that home sellers make, and how to avoid them.

Making showings difficult

There's a simple rule as home seller when it comes to showing a home - stand back and let the pros handle it.

Oh yes, you lived in that house for years and know every little nook and cranny, and every story about your home as well. But your insight is not what's going to sell your home. The agent you hired will use their years of experience and training to sell your home. After all, this is what they do and how they get paid. They want to sell your home just as much or more than you do.

In fact, you should not be present at all during a showing. Your presence alone is a distraction to the buyer. When a showing is scheduled, have a plan to leave your home during the showing.

And when it comes to scheduling showing, do your best not to turn down a showing appointment. You may think the buyer will just come at another time, but usually that's no the case. Every appointment you turn down is an opportunity to sell your home. Don't turn down an appointment unless it's absolutely unavoidable.

Keeping a mess

Is your home clean? Ask your agent and follow their advice. This may mean making some real effort to make sure your home is ready to show to buyers in Albuquerque. You may have to hire cleaners, or clean it yourself. Make sure you clean your home to the level it takes to sell. No matter how much effort you put into cleaning your home, it will be worth it when your home sells faster and for more money.

Failing to make repairs

If you are told by a real estate professional to make repairs on your home, do it. Sure, you may not want to shell out a lot of money on a home you won't be living in anymore, but you also have to make your home desirable to home buyers in Albuquerque.

The fact is that most buyers don't want to buy a home with issues. Moving into a new home is hard enough without having to deal with immediate repairs. And if your home needs too many repairs, you may get lower offers. In the end, it's easier for you to take care of any repairs before you put the house up for sale.

There are many things you might do as a seller to get in the way of selling your home. In the end, if you closely follow the advice of your agent, you should do just fine staying out of your own way.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

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Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

When you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque, one thing that can't be overlooked is curb appeal. First impressions are critical when selling a home. If it looks good outside, it will probably look good inside as well, inviting buyers to give it a closer look. What are some easy, sure-fire ways to enhance your home's curb appeal? Here are 6 ideas that you can do yoursef.

Paint Your Front Door

To make a great first impression on potential buyers, start with your front door. Choosing the right front door color can enhance your home's style and completely transform its appearance. Whether you opt for a classic black or charcoal, or a bold hue like bright red or yellow, a fresh coat of paint can refresh your home and make it stand out. Don't overlook the impact of a beautiful front door when it comes to selling your home.

Replace Your Mailbox

If your mailbox is rusty or unstable, it's time to replace it. Choose a color that complements your house and remember to position it 6-8 inches from the curb. Details matter.

Update Street Numbers and Door Hardware

Swapping out old street numbers and upgrading door hardware can have a transformative impact. It only takes 15 minutes and costs around $15. This simple upgrade can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home.

Give Garage Doors a Lift
 
Garage doors often lack detail and depth, dominating the view from the street. A simple solution is to add temporary or magnetic decorative hardware such as handles, hasps, and faux window panels. These accessories add interest and remain secure. DIY expert Jenna Shaughnessy suggests trying magnetic hinges and handles, available for $14 at homedepot.com. Another option is to paint the garage door to match the siding or opt for a contrasting shade, which can have a huge impact.

This can be a weekend project if you use fast-drying exterior semigloss paint, like Sherwin-Williams SnapDry Door & Trim Paint. ($91, sherwinwilliams.com). Some door finishes may require a coat of primer first; ask at the store if you're not sure. Save this project for mild, dry weather—not humid or rainy—so the paint can dry properly.

Create a Grand Entrance

To enhance your home's curb appeal, consider adding structures such as an arbor, trellis, gate or columns with planters at the beginning of the path to your front door. This will frame your entrance and make it more inviting. A display of hydrangeas can add a fresh and lively touch, creating a welcoming atmosphere that entices visitors to explore.

Do a Thorough Cleaning

Cleaning your home's outdoor living space, like the porch and patio, can also do wonders for your curb appeal. Power-wash or hose down your exterior, driveway, and sidewalk. Sponge down your porch furniture with warm water and a little dish soap.

With just a bit of effort, you home will be ready to hit the Albuquerque market and make a great impression on buyers.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

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Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

When obtaining a home loan in Albuquerque, selecting a lender is the first step. A lender can refer to all parties involved in the loan process from the borrower's perspective, but in actuality, they do not handle all aspects.

Mortgage servicers may take over the loan after closing and handle day-to-day administration until it is paid off. Mortgage lenders can be a group of investors or a financial institution that provides funds to borrowers for purchasing or refinancing homes.

Some lenders service their loans, but most are too small to make a profit doing so, which is where a loan servicing company becomes part of the situation.

The Role of a Mortgage Lender

Mortgage lenders are responsible for the origination of loans. This process involves working with homeowners to select a loan, taking their application, and processing the loan. Additionally, the origination process includes underwriting the loan, creating the necessary documents, funding the mortgage, and ultimately closing it.

After your loan closes, the administration is needed on an ongoing basis until it’s paid off. This administration is known as servicing.

When you obtain a mortgage, the lender may transfer it to another company for loan servicing. This transfer may occur without prior notification, but the loan documents should indicate whether it will occur.

What Is a Mortgage Servicer?

Mortgage servicers are responsible for taking over tasks that lenders may leave unfinished. As a borrower, it is important to note that the servicing of a loan includes payment processing, which means that you are paying the servicer directly. Additionally, mortgage servicing involves keeping track of loan balances and interest payments. It is worth noting that your servicer will provide you with tax forms that show how much interest you have paid each year.

The servicer is responsible for managing your escrow accounts, which includes collecting and paying your homeowners' insurance and property taxes. In the event of a loan default, the servicer initiates the foreclosure process.

Additionally, servicers can provide loss mitigation services to help borrowers avoid foreclosure. If you wish to cancel your mortgage insurance and have a loan servicer, you must go through them to make the request.

Mortgage servicers can report the payment history on loans to credit bureaus, so if you think there’s been an error, you will contact this company rather than your lender.

Finding the Servicer on Your Mortgage

It's common to have multiple servicers throughout the life of a home loan. To find out who your servicer is, check your mortgage statement or contact your original lender. Another option is to use the Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS), which allows you to search for your loan online using your property address, name, or Social Security number.

When a mortgage is transferred to a servicer, the terms of the loan remain the same. The only difference is that you may receive a new account number and your payments will be sent to a different entity than your original lender.

When it comes to mortgages, your servicer can greatly impact your experience as a borrower. A good servicer will have reliable customer service and be easily accessible for any questions or concerns you may have. Unfortunately, you don't have the option to choose your servicer or switch to a different one. Your only option is to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or work with a lender that services its own loans if you're unhappy with your servicer.

Finally, when applying for a mortgage, lenders must provide a Mortgage Servicing Disclosure Statement. This statement informs you whether the lender plans to service the loan themselves or transfer it. It is a legal requirement for lenders to provide this information.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

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Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you're looking to increase your Albuquerque property value and appetite of potential buyers, investing in a quality kitchen design is the perfect way to do so. It's important to spend money on what appeals to the majority - doing so can truly make all the difference in transforming a house into a home.

Investing in high-quality, symmetrical cabinetry can greatly enhance the value of a home. Thoughtful color selection and layout are also key factors to look for when selecting kitchen cabinets. Attention to these four elements will ensure buyers appreciate the appeal of your property.

1. Quality

Do: Choose quality hinges and runners, including soft-close drawers, and custom-made cabinetry.

Don't: Go for large fillers and ill-fitted modular cabinetry.

Creating a modern kitchen design without breaking the bank can be achieved by minimizing the number of cabinets throughout. An open layout featuring ample natural light lets you maximize on both style and cost savings for your kitchen remodel. Keep your cabinet count to a minimum when designing your dream space and stay within budget.

Note: When renovating your home for resale, it's important to consider the cost and value of each addition. While internal organizers can be a great addition to your kitchen for personal use, they may not be the best investment if you're solely focused on increasing your property's value. The cost of these accessories can add up quickly, and you may not see a return on your investment when it's time to sell. Keep this in mind when making renovation decisions.

2. Symmetry

When renovating your kitchen to sell, it's important to keep in mind that simplicity is key. The eye is naturally drawn to appreciate symmetry and repetition, so it's best to keep your cabinetry simple and appealing. Elegance has a way of being understated, and this will appeal to the majority of buyers.

Do: Keep the wall cabinetry sizes the same where possible. Drawers look nice when they are large and expansive - if you have multiple sets, keep them the same size, with the same proportion of drawers.

Don't: Add multiple cabinets in varying sizes. Try to keep the look and feel consistent in the whole space.

3. Light, Bright Spaces

When it comes to buying a home in Albuquerque, many buyers are looking for an open and airy space. A white kitchen is a popular choice because it creates the illusion of a larger space. Additionally, white is a universally appealing color that allows buyers to easily reimagine the space to fit their own personal style.

Do: To create an open and bright space, opt for white cabinetry and a darker bench top for contrast. Keep backsplashes neutral and introduce texture instead of color. A neutral and elegant space will attract more potential buyers.

Don't: Darker cabinetry can make the space feel closed, which may not be desirable for potential buyers. While a strong color may suit personal taste, it may not be appealing to everyone. To attract more potential buyers, white cabinetry is the most popular choice, even though it may not be the most daring option.

4. An Open Layout

Designing your kitchen to have a sensible and open layout is pivotal to increasing property value when you're renovating to sell. 

Do: Have a large open-plan space with a kitchen island if possible. Buyers often want to multitask in the kitchen. They want to cook, have their kids do their homework and socialize in it.

Don't: Place your kitchen in a small and poky room. The kitchen is now often the hub of the house, and buyers want to see a kitchen that is interactive and sociable.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

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Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Kitchen remodels are a costly yet popular project among Albuquerque homeowners. With the ongoing pandemic forcing people to spend more time at home, many are considering remodeling their kitchens. To save money, some homeowners opt for the IKEA kitchen route. While it can save thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars, it's important to know certain things about an IKEA kitchen before making a decision.

Designing an IKEA Kitchen

Designing an IKEA kitchen can be challenging, especially if you don't live near a store location. Fortunately, there is an online planning tool available for those who plan to get their kitchen shipped. While going to a store location can simplify the process and help you avoid potential mistakes, the online planning tool can be a helpful alternative.

An IKEA kitchen is designed to be budget-friendly and easy to assemble, much like their furniture. The items are packed and shipped in a way that allows for self-assembly without the need for a contractor. When planning and using the design planner, it is crucial to remember to measure accurately and double-check your measurements.

When planning your kitchen layout, it is important to consider the location of outlets, window openings, and door swings. These factors will impact the placement of appliances and cabinets. After taking measurements, you can then begin to plan out the zones of your kitchen and how everything will flow. Proper planning will ensure a functional and efficient kitchen space.

Are the Cabinets High-Quality?

Custom cabinets can be very expensive, but IKEA cabinets offer a more affordable option. However, it's important to note that IKEA cabinets are made from particleboard and covered in laminate, which may not be preferred by those who prefer solid wood.

Additionally, since IKEA cabinets don't come in custom sizes, a filler piece may be necessary for odd spaces. The 3D planner tool offered by IKEA is a helpful tool for planning your kitchen, as it allows you to visualize how the puzzle pieces of your cabinets will fit together.

When it comes to cabinets, there are a variety of features available to enhance their functionality. Internal organizers can be added to help with organization, while drawer dampeners offer a soft close. Base cabinets are located beneath the counter and come in two depths, with the standard depth being 24 inches. Wall cabinets are installed above the countertops and typically have a depth of 15 inches.

If you want additional storage, which is somewhat like a free-standing pantry, there are tall cabinets. They sit on the floor and are available in two heights—80 or 90 inches.

You can decide between exposed legs and toe kicks for your base cabinets.

What About the Countertop?

While IKEA does offer countertops, it's important to note that their options are limited to laminate or veneer. If you're looking for a wider variety of materials or styles, it may be beneficial to explore other retailers.

Putting it Together

When your IKEA kitchen arrives, you will need to assemble the different pieces and components yourself or hire a contractor. It is recommended that you have your kitchen delivered instead of picking it up. If you have a larger kitchen, you may receive more than 100 boxes.

It is crucial to correctly install all components of your IKEA kitchen to ensure its durability and quality. Proper installation requires putting everything together accurately. If you lack the necessary skills, it is advisable to seek assistance to avoid any mistakes.

If you have an unusual kitchen layout and don't intend to remodel it, your options for an IKEA kitchen may be limited. This is because IKEA kitchens are modular and not easily customizable. The best option for an IKEA kitchen is a straight-line layout.

Whether or not an IKEA kitchen is worth the cost savings depends on your preferences, the layout of your kitchen, how handy you are, and what your budget is.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

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Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Home staging is a crucial aspect of the selling process, as it leaves a lasting impression on potential Albuquerque home buyers. Homeowners often worry about the expenses involved in staging their homes, but there are several cost-effective strategies that can help maximize the impact of their staging efforts. These include DIY projects, repurposing existing items, and prioritizing key areas. By implementing these budget-friendly tips and tricks, homeowners can stage their homes without depleting their resources before making a sale.

Embrace DIY Projects

Staging your home on a budget can be achieved through do-it-yourself projects like painting, refinishing furniture, and creating artwork. A fresh coat of neutral-colored paint can instantly refresh a room, while new hardware and a fresh finish can give an old dresser a modern look. By taking on these projects yourself, you can save money and still achieve a professionally staged appearance.

Repurpose and Rearrange Existing Items

To stage your home on a budget, start by taking inventory of your furniture, accessories, and decorative pieces. Consider repurposing items to create a more appealing space. For example, move a decorative mirror from the bedroom to the living room to make the space appear larger and brighter. Use decorative pillows from the guest room to add color and texture to your living room couch. Get creative with your existing items to save money and give your home a fresh, new look.

Prioritize Key Areas

When staging a home on a budget, prioritizing key areas is crucial. The living room, kitchen, and master bedroom are the most important spaces as buyers spend the most time there. To make these rooms inviting and functional, decluttering, rearranging furniture, and adding strategic accessories are essential.

To make the living room comfortable and encourage conversation, arrange the seating accordingly. In the kitchen, clear the countertops of unnecessary items and highlight the ample storage space available. In the master bedroom, create a calming and inviting atmosphere by using cozy bedding and minimizing distractions.

Rent or Borrow Furniture and Accessories

If your current furniture and accessories are not enough for staging your home, renting or borrowing items is a good option. Home staging companies offer rental services for furniture and accessories at a lower cost than buying new ones. You can also ask your friends or family if they have anything you could borrow for a short period.

Incorporate Affordable Accessories

When it comes to home staging, small and affordable accessories can have a significant impact. Fresh flowers, decorative throw pillows, and stylish area rugs are just a few examples of items that can instantly elevate a room's appearance without breaking the bank. Look for budget-friendly options at discount stores, online retailers, or even local thrift shops to achieve a polished look without spending a fortune.

Staging your home on a budget is possible without compromising quality or style. You can achieve this by using DIY projects, repurposing existing items, prioritizing key areas, renting or borrowing furniture, and incorporating affordable accessories. These cost-effective strategies can help you create a beautiful and inviting space that appeals to potential buyers. By maximizing the impact of your home staging efforts while minimizing your investment, you can achieve a successful and profitable sale.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

Learn More!

Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates.

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team