Real Estate Information Archive

Selling a home in Albuquerque always involves an inspection. But when the inspector reports something amiss in the plumbing, sellers either panic or simply shrug it off.

If there are issues with the property, an inspector is sure to find those. For the most part, buyers will not commit to buying a home until it's been thoroughly vetted by an inspector.

It can be a hassle to make repairs after an inspection, and it will certainly eat into your profits. But what kind of repairs could you potentially be expected to make?

Check the Contract

In order to avoid being forced into repairs you don't want to make, you should check your contract.

Generally, you shouldn't sign a contract until you clearly understand what it stipulates. This is especially true when it comes to repairs.

Thankfully, not everything that the home inspector suggests you fix must be fixed. Reports are not to-do lists.

There are three kinds of repairs: necessary, optional, and debatable.

Required Repairs after a Home Inspection

Prior to releasing funds to complete the purchase, lenders will require some repairs. Repairs are usually needed because of structural issues, safety concerns, and code violations.

An inspection may uncover mold or mildew that poses a safety risk. Unrepaired leaks in water mains and damaged plumbing systems can cause mold growth.

Bob Oates Plumbing recommends all clients perform routine plumbing maintenance on an annual basis after a water main breaks, because an undetected leak can lead to high water bills, mold, mildew, and rot.

If such problems are discovered during the home inspection, you will likely be responsible for fixing them.

A repair credit is often offered to buyers, allowing them to perform the repairs themselves. Taking this route means you won't have to supervise the repairs.

Repairs that are Not Required

Normal wear and tear or cosmetic damage is not the seller's responsibility.

In some contracts, the buyer will be restricted to requesting only the above-mentioned required repairs and cannot request cosmetic repairs. However, the seller is also liable for any issues or defects discovered during an inspection if state laws govern that matter.

To know which repairs you will be responsible for, you should understand your local ordinances.

Negotiable Home Repairs

Repairs that are negotiable fall somewhere between required and optional repairs. Market conditions affect how they're treated.

There is more flexibility for the seller in a seller's market. If the market is hot, the contract may specify that the buyer will buy the home "as is" or may request the buyer request a limited inspection only. The seller would not be obligated to pay for repairs if the contract stipulates such language.

Such strict rules would not be allowed in a normal marketplace.

Sellers are responsible for negotiating these repairs. Home warranties are offered by some, while others offer value-added incentives to buyers.

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.

Have you heard about Opendoor? If you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque, perhaps this company has crossed your path. Opendoor is capitalizing on the popularity of iBuyer technology. The term iBuyer refers to an instant buyer. IBuyers theoretically make the process of selling a home easier, faster, and sometimes cheaper.

What Is an iBuyer?

As was touched on, Opendoor is characterized as an iBuyer. Using technology, iBuyer companies offer instant offers on properties. Data and advanced algorithms are used by an iBuyer company to estimate the value of a property. Based on that information, they make an offer.

Traditionally, sellers do not have to market and sell their homes. iBuyer then takes ownership of the home, makes any necessary repairs or changes, markets it, and eventually sells it on.

Occasionally, the terms iBuyer and flipper are used interchangeably, but there often appears to be differences between the models. Flippers typically buy foreclosure homes or homes near foreclosure that need extensive renovations. The work will be done and then sold for a profit.

IBuyers tend to search for homes in good condition, and they'll likely pay fair market value. Repairs might be made, but most renovations are minor.

Where do they make their money?

Opendoor is a fee-based service. The iBuyers try to charge a commission fee that is comparable to that of a real estate agent. Fees are based on the time required to sell a property.

What Is Opendoor Specifically?

Opendoor is one of the largest iBuyers at the moment. A lot of credit goes to them for starting iBuying. Opendoor charges its customers a service fee.

When someone submits an offer request, Opendoor will provide the seller with all-cash offers within 24 hours. After entering your address, you can choose the features of your home and any upgrades you've made. After you accept the offer from Opendoor, they'll send a team out to conduct a walkthrough.

They deduct the costs of repairs if they believe they are necessary. You only need to choose a closing date if you agree to the offer and terms.

What Are the Pros of Opendoor?

There are definitely some upsides to Opendoor. To begin with, it is simple. That’s the biggest benefit. Traditional methods of selling a house can be time-consuming and frustrating. An inspection, closing, and selling a house can take months. It is really possible to get an offer within 24 hours on Opendoor, and they also pay for the inspection.

What Are the Cons of Opendoor?

Opendoor has its downsides, as with anything.

First of all, it helps if you have some idea about the local Albuquerque real estate market. Selling a home requires you to make smart decisions that lead to a competitive offer from Opendoor. You might be better off working with a realtor in the traditional sense if you do not have this knowledge and experience.

It's also possible that you won't make as much money selling your home as you would if you sold it traditionally, especially if you live in a seller's market right now.

Also, Opendoor charges at least 7.5% for using the service, which is more than the usual commission paid to real estate agents. There is also a disclaimer that they could charge as much as 14%, whereas real estate agents usually charge just 6%. Fees are determined by how long it takes to sell your home, its features, as well as comparable homes in your area.

Furthermore, Opendoor determines the cost of any repairs based on its own inspection. You can negotiate repair costs if you sell your home conventionally.

Opendoor and other platforms like it may seem as if they're the future of real estate, but it's more likely to be a component of it. But working with a real estate agent will also remain a popular choice for buyers and sellers.

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.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

2625 HALCON Place SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105   $400,000

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2797 Square Feet

Country living in the South Valley at its best! Covered sun porch & front entry with rose bushes! BACKYARD ACCESS with electric gate. Metal Roof! 3BDR/3BATH featuring a beautiful ADDITION in 2010 for kitchen, sitting room & master suite! Oversized kitchen features beautiful cabinetry, granite countertops, huge pantry & tile flooring! Master suite features his/her vanities, large walk in closet, jetted tub, sep shower, skylights, gas fireplace! Detached 2Car garage with pit, crane, sink & storage; horse barn & shop w/electricity & chicken coop! Gorgeous yard to entertain family & friends! Fruit trees, grapes, grass, shrubs & covered patio!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

House flipping has become increasingly popular thanks to reality TV shows that show house flippers making nearly $50,000 in just a few weeks. You make a nice living doing it and help a lot of families find their dream homes (since you have helped fix them up). The only problem is that you must have the ability to do the job correctly. You cannot expect to paint the walls and sell the home for a million dollars. It takes a lot of hard work and research to flip a house. Here are five steps to help.

1. Research the Albuquerque Real Estate Market

There are certain markets that are better suited for flipping houses. For example, if you're only looking to start off with $10,000 for your remodeling budget, you probably should not start flipping houses that are previously listed for millions. This kind of strategy isn't recommended because you'll end up with less than what you began with. It's a general rule of thumb that the less cash you have to start with, the less the house should cost overall. That means that the first two questions that you need to answer are:

• How much cash are you starting off with?
• What market can you afford to work with?

You need to know where the neighborhood that you’re planning on working with sits on the scale of A to D. A neighborhood that is classified as “A” means that the homes are wealthier. A “D” neighborhood would be considered poorer and definitely working class. Each neighborhood has its challenges and benefits, so learn about your local market before buying your first home to flip.

2. Set a Budget and a Plan

If you enter this without a plan, you're setting yourself up for failure. It need not be extravagant or crazy, or even very detailed. It is imperative that you plan how much you'll spend on the flip and how much you'll make off of it. Try not to buy anything that has serious issues that you cannot fix within your budget. This is especially true for your first home, which you want to flip quickly and easily.

3. Find the Right House

Secondly, you will need to start looking for the right house. Here are again the benefits of neighborhood classification. You need to find a house that fits your budget without significant complications. Research the property first as well to verify structural soundness, the absence of infestations, and mold problems if any. If everything you do feels like a numbers game, it is. You need to find a house that's high enough for you to make money off of it, but low enough for you to feel comfortable with the price that you are spending.

4. Renovate

Here comes the most important part of the process: the renovation. You'll be busy all day and night to flip the house since the faster you do it, the more money you'll earn. Make the house feel homey by adding special touches. Skim coat the walls to prolong their lifespan and give it a quality appearance. The more time you spend on your house, the more money you'll lose since you must pay taxes, bills, and insurance. Because of all that, you should finish the house right away.

5. Get Ready to Sell

Fortunately, the final step of the process is the easiest one, since now you just have to prepare to sell the home. It's in your hands to determine the price that you're willing to sell it for. You want to make sure the house is priced right, while still making enough money to cover the costs. An experienced Realtor, such as Sandi Pressley and her team, can help you get the highest price for your newly completed home flip.

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.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

7508 CALLE MONTANA NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

5 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 3011 Square Feet

Beautiful 5 bedroom Stillbrooke home in highly sought after planned community! Main level features grand open floorplan w/gorgeous custom staircase; spacious great room opens onto breakfast nook & kitchen w/granite countertops, island & breakfast bar. Cathedral ceilings & Clerestory windows makes this home bright & light. Flexible floorplan could be 2 living areas: office & 5 bedroom plus loft, OR formal dining, greatroom, 5 bedrooms & loft/media area. Master suite on main level has backyard access, spa like en suite & huge walk-in closet. Also, a secondary bedroom on main level. Upstairs features a huge loft/media room, 3 more very large bedrooms, & additional full bathroom. Lovely landscaped backyard w/water feature & fully walled for privacy. New carpet 2019, & updated SS appliances.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Even as hot as the home selling market is in Albuquerque, you still want your home to look fantastic so that you can get as much from the sale as possible. There are a number of important facets to staging a home. How you arrange your furniture is one of those. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to arranging your furnishings when you sell your home.

Dos

Plush Pillows

The pillows are a great place to start. Look for decorative pillows that are soft and plush. Down filled pillows will add a wow factor to any room. You can figure out how your pillows will shape by giving them a karate chop to the top edge.

Space Around Your Furniture

Leave space around your furniture to make your room more inviting. It can be helpful to create more conversational space by placing your furniture farther from the wall, if possible. The best placement for this is between 4-8 feet from the wall.

The Right Light

Lights should be purchased that are appropriately sized for a particular room. A light should complement the décor, much like a fine piece of jewelry will complement a dress. Investing in the right lighting will enhance a room’s ambiance.

Paint Colors Enhance the Look of a Room

Choosing the best color paint for your room can make or break it. A professional can help you determine the perfect shade that brings out the best features in your room.

An Appropriately-Sized Area Rug

The right area rug can bring your furniture together in a cohesive group. You should make sure your rug is at least large enough for the front legs of each piece of furniture in the grouping.

Don’ts

Over-Matching Furniture and Textiles

You should avoid over-matching furniture and textiles. Instead, try to make them relate. Choose pieces that have something in common, such as mood, material, history, color, motif or style.

Skimping on Drapery

When it comes to drapes, less is not more. It's recommended you should use fabric that's up to 3 times the width of your window. If you have fixed side panels, use fabric that's twice as wide as the window.

Isolate Rooms

Rooms should flow together. You can get this effect by linking adjacent spaces. Once way to do this is by carrying over an accent color or repeat a pattern from room to room.

Stopping Before the Layering Phase

This is another area where you can go overboard with matching. For example, if you have a patterned headboard in your room, you can repeat the pattern or color, but not both. Keep it subtle.

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.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

9519 OAKLAND Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

5 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 3631 Square Feet

Welcome home to this Custom John Mark home built in 2019 with all the bells and whistles. Nestled into 0.73 acres in this prime location, walk in to soaring ceilings & a magnificent floor-to-ceiling gas fireplace as the centerpiece to this open floorplan with bright, LED lighting. The gourmet kitchen features top-of-the-line Jenn-Air appliances, gorgeous granite countertops & a cleverly concealed oversized pantry. From the living room, slide open the 3 glass doors to enjoy the INCREDIBLE backyard. This property features: a heated pool with electric cover, separate spa/hot tub, outdoor kitchen, gas fire pit with circular seating, basketball court, soccer field, meticulously planned landscaping, an outdoor accessible 3/4 bath, and electric gate entry.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Pandemic or not, some of us just need more space. Whether you’re taking care of a growing family, or your current family just needs more room to roam, there’s a home in Albuquerque waiting for you. These featured homes from the Sandi Pressley team are perfect for anyone who needs more room or wants to upgrade their lifestyle.

Feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173 to get more information and schedule a viewing of these fine homes. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

803 WARM SANDS Court SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

$599,000

Stunning Custom home (By Guererro)on a cul de sac in 4 Hills Village, upon entering you will notice the hardwood grand staircase. Home features 6 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, with Gourmet Kitchen, stainless appliances, granite counter tops, remodeled bathrooms, an amazing walk out basement (1200 sq ft) with a bedroom bathroom (pool table stays), storage, wet bar and so much more and entertaining areas. Spectacular views from master bedroom Balcony,(there are two other balconies as well), backyard w/rv access. There is new carpet, paint, surround sound, updated lighting, fans, all new hardware on the doors, oversized 3 car garage w new doors/openers. Schedule an appt now. 

Learn More!

13516 Deer Trail Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

$895,000

Perfectly situated with 180 degree views in Glenwood Hills. The frosted glass accented front door greets you and beyond is a wide, open floorplan, with tons of natural light, gas fireplace and wet bar making this home perfect for entertaining. Main level boasts a master suite, 2 spacious bedrooms, formaldining and well-appointed kitchen with breakfast nook and access to one of many patios. Upstairs is another master suite with jetted tub and double sinks, privatebalcony and a fantastic walk-in closet. The garden level is open to the patios and is perfect for rec room/office/gym. Want city AND mountain views this uniqueproperty offers panoramic, breathtaking city views with Mount Taylor in the distance! Hiking, biking and walking trails are just minutes away.

Learn More!

11721 SKY VALLEY Way NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

$829,000

Almost 5,000sqft in Prestigious Tanoan East with absolutely INCREDIBLE views!! Enjoy mountain views as you overlook the 6th Hole of Sandia and float in the pristine, HEATED pool, with a lot situated above the golf course for privacy. At night, view the twinkling lights of Albuquerque from your private balcony off the oversized master. Too many amenities to list! With room for everyone, this home boasts a finished basement complete with rec room, bedroom & bath. The luxury kitchen features granite countertops, newer appliances and open floorplan. Beautiful wood floors, oak staircase, 2 gas log fireplaces and more are ready to welcome you home.

Learn More!

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.

One of the best ways to attract home buyers in Albuquerque is with a beautiful garden. When they drive up to your home, they'll be compelled to look further when they see the vibrant array of plants. However, what if you can't spend a fortune to create a huge garden? You still can have a beautiful garden with the right motivation, budgeting and understanding of your landscape's limitations and strengths.

Here are a few tips to help you create a garden on a limited budget that will help attract buyers:

Grow Your Own

Starting your garden from seed can save you a lot of money, as long as you have the patience to wait for them to grow. Seeds typically cost between $1 - $5 per packet, and you can grow many flowers from those packets. By contrast, a full-grown plant costs between $10 and $50. This demonstrates how easy it is to save money by sowing seeds.

Rock Up

You can probably find plenty of rocks in your yard to use in your garden. You can build a small border that will look natural. And if you don't have enough rocks, consider buying some for cheap.

Fairy Lights

At night, lights will really make your garden stand out. You can find solar-charging lights at reasonable prices for your garden. 

Upcycle Furniture

Do you have any old furniture that you could refurbish? Maybe you can get a piece or two from a thrift store? Rather than bringing in new furniture for your garden, you can fix up your old furniture.

Rusty metals can be removed from outdoor furniture easily, just use acidic ingredients such as baking soda or coca-cola to remove them with a rag. Old wooden benches could simply be sanded or have some of the slats replaced. 

Fill with Pots

Pots can add beauty to any garden. Pots are inexpensive and can be filled with your seedlings to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape. You can place them next to the front door to welcome buyers.

Grow Upwards 

An effective trellis can make a big impact with your budget garden. You can plant roses or lilacs to make a stunning vertical display.

Gravel It 

Don't buy expensive paving stones or high-end gravel. You can create a chic garden with this durable product at an affordable price. It's modern, minimalistic and on-trend.

You can also purchase paving slabs to decorate the gravel if you so desire.

With just these few tips, you can help get your home ready to sell to Albuquerque home buyers. And the best part is that you won't have to spend a ton of money to make it happen.

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.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $399,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3000 Square Feet

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

There’s nothing better than granite countertops for your kitchen, right? That seems to have been the prevailing opinion for years now. But times change, and so do design trends. Now the new material of choice for kitchen counters is turning out to be quartz. It’s now the choice of homebuyers and renovators, as well as design shows and flippers.

If you're getting ready to redo your kitchen or are building a new home in Albuquerque, here are all the reasons to go with quartz.

1. Endless options

Quartz offers a wide range of choices, whether you're looking for something super sleek or want to achieve the look of natural stone without having to deal with the maintenance.

"One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance," said HGTV. "Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme. With quartz, the selection process is much easier."

2. May be better for larger surfaces

Today's trend in kitchens is an open space with a large island. But large slabs of granite to cover an entire counter are hard to find and expensive if they are found. For a large island or expansive counter, more than one granite slab will likely be needed. Quartz is engineered, so it can be made into large slabs. And if more than one slab is needed, seaming them together is, well, seamless because there is no need to carefully color-match natural elements together as you do with granite.

3. Easy maintenance

Granite needs to be sealed once a year, which is not a big deal for most people. But granite's requirement for daily care could push people toward quartz. "With quartz, cleaning the counter is easy. The quartz washes off with soap and water and looks as good as new. You also don't have to use special bacteria-preventing soaps.

4. No staining

A main consideration for many people when choosing countertops is stain resistance. Food and drinks including juice and wine can permanently stain granite. According to HGTV, "Some oils and acids can stain" as well.

5. Scratches and burns

Granite can scratch and burn, ruining the look. Quartz is scratch resistant and avoids discoloration from hot pots, though it is not advised to put them directly down on either surface.

6. Cost

Granite can be less expensive than quartz depending on whether it is of a high or low grade, but quartz is less expensive when it comes to exotic granite.

7. Eco-friendliness

"The only way granite ends up in your kitchen is if it's quarried and that uses a lot of energy. If you opt for a high-end slab from Italy, for example, there will be considerable transportation involved. Try using indigenous stone when possible or visit salvage shops for pieces that can be cut to fit your needs," said HGTV. "Since quartz is engineered, it can be more environmentally-friendly than granite if you use regionally manufactured stone and local fabricators. This cuts down on the distance the material needs to be transported."

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.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

13516 Deer Trail Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $895,000

6 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (3 full, 1 half) / 5893 Square Feet

Perfectly situated with 180 degree views in Glenwood Hills. The frosted glass accented front door greets you and beyond is a wide, open floorplan, with tons of natural light, gas fireplace and wet bar making this home perfect for entertaining. Main level boasts a master suite, 2 spacious bedrooms, formaldining and well-appointed kitchen with breakfast nook and access to one of many patios. Upstairs is another master suite with jetted tub and double sinks, privatebalcony and a fantastic walk-in closet. The garden level is open to the patios and is perfect for rec room/office/gym. Want city AND mountain views this uniqueproperty offers panoramic, breathtaking city views with Mount Taylor in the distance! Hiking, biking and walking trails are just minutes away.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

When you decide to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque, you need to first decide who you’re going to have on your side to help you complete your transaction succesfully. Albuquerque real estate professionals come in three types - agents, brokers, and Realtors. So what really is the difference between them, and why does it matter?

There are overlaps between all three, but at the same time, distinctions.

Agents

A real estate agent is a person working in the field who has studied for and passed the relevant real estate courses. They are also licensed to practice in the state of New Mexico.

An agent represents either the buyer or the seller in a transaction. Some specialize in working with buyers, others with sellers, others do both.

An agent's job description includes collecting offers and counteroffers, negotiating, and assisting clients with the paperwork. Real estate agents are able to provide their clients with additional services that aid in tying up loose ends, such as arranging any necessary home inspections. They usually receive a commission on a successful transaction, so they receive a percentage of the sale price.

Brokers

A real estate broker is someone with more education than is required to become a real estate agent and has obtained their broker license. A real estate broker might need to complete courses in topics like insurance, taxes, and ethics. Brokers also learn topics like property management and real estate investments. The coursework is more in-depth compared to what agents are required to complete.

There are three types of brokers.

A principal or designated broker is a person who works in every real estate office. They make sure the legal compliance of the office. Additionally, they get a commission of the sales their agents make. Next, there’s a managing broker, who may have greater influence over the agents at the office. An associate broker works under a managing broker but usually doesn’t supervise others.

Real estate brokers can work for themselves. They can also hire agents who work under them.

After passing a broker's exam, you can continue to work under another broker, in which case you will be called an associate broker. This was briefly touched upon earlier.

Brokers and real estate agents share the same responsibilities. The main difference is that a broker may earn more money than an agent by having a team under their management.

Realtors

Realtor is a third term often used to denote an agent or broker. Realtors belong to the National Association of Realtors or NAR.

NAR members agree to adhere to NAR’s strict ethical guidelines. Besides agents, Realtors can also include other professionals in the industry. For instance, property managers and appraisers can be Realtors since it's a profession that originates from a group membership.

When you become a Realtor, you can use the trademark as part of your title.

This trademark has been assigned to Sandi Pressley since 1979. Sandi has listed and sold more homes than any other agent throughout New Mexico. Through her dedication and hard work, she has been able to help over 12,200 families buy or sell their property. Sandi has been the top realtor in Albuquerque as well as in the state of New Mexico for 35 consecutive years. Sandi and her dedicated team of real estate professionals stand ready to help you realize your real estate goals in Albuquerque.

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.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $399,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3000 Square Feet

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are you ready to move into your ideal home in Albuquerque? Since the busy Spring home selling season is coming soon, now is the perfect time to find the home of your dreams. These homes are sure to go fast, so make sure you schedule a viewing today!

Feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173 to get more information and schedule a viewing of these fine homes. You can check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

8716 MADRE Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

$360,000

Precious Inman Patio-Home in highly desirable Canyon Run! Prime NE Heights location, location, location with so many recent updates: FURNACE (2020), HVAC (2020), WATER HEATER (2020), STUCCO (2019), GUTTERS (2019) plus fresh paint and beautiful floors. Featuring 2 living areas, a wet bar, and gas fireplace, this is comfortable living. Oversized Master Bedroom features tons of closet space plus a spa-like master bathroom with double-sinks and separate shower and garden tub. Enjoy your privacy in the backyard under an oversized patio, or spread out indoors with the beautiful sunroom. Updated counters in the kitchen plus newer stainless steel appliances make this home move-in ready.

Learn More!

2509 RIDGECREST Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

$375,000

Welcome Home to this beautiful brick home situated on a large corner lot close to conveniences. Great curb appeal with curved driveway, large covered porch & garage to the side of home. Featuring desirable split floorplan with spacious living spaces throughout including both formal & informal living & dining options; Two ample master suites for guest or in-law quarters; Fresh interior paint & carpet replaced in 2020; Huge family room w/efficient wood stove opening to the 207 sqft sunroom (not included in square footage); Kitchen features eat at bar plus sunny nook, & lots of cabinet space. Mature landscaping provides trees, shrubs and partial xeriscaping; open patio; & backyard access. **Square footage does not include the 207sqft Sunroom**

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14319 MARQUETTE Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

$399,000

Impeccably Maintained Home Ready for its new Owners! Nestled in the Foothills on a great corner lot, this home will not disappoint. Main level features two living areas, with both formal & informal dining options; a galley kitchen with dining nook; great guest bedroom next to a full bath; & closed in porch/sunroom ideal for home gym or game room. Upper level features a very roomy master suite & en suite, plus two additional bedrooms & full bath. Great curb appeal on a large corner lot & easy access to Hwy, close to hiking/biking trails, & conveniences.

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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 intend to sell your home in Albuquerque, painting your stairs will increase the value of your property and enhance its appearance. People often overlook their stairs when they are taking on home improvement projects. But it can be a very easy way to dramatically change the look of your home. Whether you want to give your stairs a makeover or just repaint the back deck, there's paint for every need.

Here's a quick guide to the types of paint that are best for freshening up your interior and exterior stairs. 

Outdoor Stairs

You need a highly durable paint for your outdoor stairs, as they are subjected to high traffic and the elements. You should try an acrylic exterior paint on your wood stairs. There is an acrylic paint made specifically for porches, floors, and exterior stairs. You should stay away from glossy finish paints, which can be slippery when wet.

Satin or eggshell finish paints are the best choice as they can resist dirt and stains while being easily cleaned without creating a slip hazard. For extra safety, you can add a non-slip additive to your paint for extra texture and slip resistance. 

Indoor Stairs

Indoor stairs often don't wear out as much as outdoor stairs, but they still get a lot of foot traffic. Try painting indoor stairs with 100% acrylic paint for easy cleaning. If you want to keep the steps dry during wet weather, you can use semi-gloss paint.

If you plan to paint your indoor stairs in different colors, you might also consider other paint finishes. For example, you could paint the risers and spindles in semigloss paint and use a lower luster paint for the railings and treads to increase safety.

Paint Design Ideas

Your stairs can be a great place for you to let your creative side shine when it comes to painting, since you can paint them in a variety of ways.

One classic approach to painting stairs is to paint the risers and spindles in a light color and the treads and railings in a dark one. This looks nice and adds visual interest to the steps. 

If you like the look of a classic stair runner, but you don't want the risk of tripping, you can paint a runner down the center of your staircase for a great visual effect.

Refinishing Stairs for a Fresh, New Look

Fresh paint is one way you can transform the look of your stairs and brighten the area around them. If you're thinking about refinishing your stairs, its essential to have all the right tools and paint. That way, you'll make your vision a reality. 

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.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

803 WARM SANDS Court SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123  $660,000

6 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (4 full, 0 half) / 4553 Square Feet

Stunning Custom home (By Guererro)on a cul de sac in 4 Hills Village, upon entering you will notice the hardwood grand staircase. Home features 6 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, with Gourmet Kitchen, stainless appliances, granite counter tops, remodeled bathrooms, an amazing walk out basement (1200 sq ft) with a bedroom bathroom (pool table stays), storage, wet bar and so much more and entertaining areas. Spectacular views from master bedroom Balcony,(there are two other balconies as well), backyard w/rv access. There is new carpet, paint, surround sound, updated lighting, fans, all new hardware on the doors, oversized 3 car garage w new doors/openers. Schedule an appt now. Please note hot tub does not convey!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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