Real Estate Information Archive

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

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

While summer is one of our favorite seasons of the year, it is also a hot one and can make it exceptionally challenging to keep our home cool. Balance that with keeping our expenses in check and it can make it even trickier. So, we thought it would make sense to share some tips on keeping your home cool in an energy friendly way.

Programmable Thermostats- These energy saving devices are second to none. It allows your family to feel comfortable during the day and while be up and about around the home but can be programmed to be lowered in the evenings and while you are out. These small, but very economical changes can save you thousands on your energy bill annually.

Heat Reducing Film- Many homes in Albuquerque make use of beautiful skylight windows and palladium types to take advantage of the gorgeous views we are afforded. While it sure is breathtaking, it also allows much excess heat into our homes, and by extension, stresses our A/C to work harder throughout our homes. Did you know that approximately 30% of ambient heat enters a home through the windows?! Window film can be used to keep the heat out, and the cold out in colder climates. It’s truly a win-win and reduces cooling costs.

Ceiling Fans- While hardly a new invention, they are a tried-and-true solution and today’s modern fans offer many aesthetically pleasing options with many amenities. The main point with ceiling fans is that you want to run your fans counter-clockwise during warmer months so that cooler air is pulled upwards- creating a much-needed breeze. It works with your Central Air or A/C units in directing the flow of the air. This allows you to run at a higher temp and conserve energy at the same time. Result- lower energy bills.

Open your windows at night- Sounds simple, right? However, it’s easy to forget when running your AC all day long to monitor the outdoor temperatures at night. Many times, they drop to very comfortable levels that would allow you to open windows and allow fresh, cool air into your home. Not only will it give your AC units a break and save on energy costs…it also gives your home a great blast a fresh air after days of recirculated air. Ahhhh…always a welcome breeze!

Grill! What’s better than lunch or dinner on the grill?!  Utilize your outdoor grill or kitchen to its energy saving potential. The more you utilize your outdoor space, the less you are heating up your indoor space. Plus its more fun to gather outside with family & friends for a meal and take in the beautiful scenery.

Do you have energy saving tips you’d like to add? We’d love to hear from you! Email us anytime.  Remember, to check out our Facebook page frequently for Homeowner Tips, Community Information, Real Estate Updates and all our New Listings! Like and Subscribe while you're there so you don't miss any new posts we share! 

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

12 DUSTIN COURT, PLACITAS, NM

Magnificent VIEWS of the mountains & mesas!! Featuring an IN-LAW/GUEST SUITE! A lower-level walk-out, and game room/media room! Lots of natural light, wood beam ceilings, open plan, separate study/office. NEW HVAC (2021)! SILICONE ROOF RESTORATION (2022)! The living room features cozy Kiva fireplace & wall of windows with mountain views! Formal dining room & butler pantry. Beautiful kitchen has SW style cabinets, island, built-in oven, gas cooktop, breakfast bar & nook with banco. The primary suite features a sitting room/office, fireplace, sauna, tub, separate shower, huge walk-in closet & covered patio with views! Secondary bedrooms with Jack-N-Jill bath! 3 car garage with paved driveway & cul-de-sac location. Natural landscape, 2 waterfalls, covered portals & private courtyard!

GET YOUR MORNING INSPIRATION WITH THE Sandi Pressley TEAM!

The month of July is filled with celebrations and summer fun, but we can’t forget to check off the items on our home checklist for the month. Here’s what you should be mindful of for the month of July:

1. Hang your flag. Show your Independence Day spirit for our country and 4^th of July celebration by displaying your flag. If you don’t have a flagpole or large flag to display, opt for smaller flags in containers in front of your home or porches and decks. Happy 4^th of July!
2. Check your safety devices. It’s so important to check your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors monthly. This includes ensuring the batteries are in good working condition and that you have one in each room of your home. You should also have a fire extinguisher on each level of your home. These should be checked for expiration dates to ensure they are always ready for use.
3. Clean your porch lights. Nothing will dull your porch experience light dirty lights. Take out the glass portion and wash thoroughly. Once dried, put them back in place and put in any lightbulbs that need replacing. For the exterior of the fixture, wipe down gently with a cloth. You’ll have a bright new experience!
4. Carefully check for any holes in your screens. This happens more often than you think. Whether screens pull away from the borders, or holes have been created in the larger part, this allows insects and other critters to enter your home. You can use a patching kit for smaller holes, or you may need to buy screening material and replace the entire screen for larger holes.
5. Make your windows sparkle and shine! Rain, dust, sand and more can wreak havoc on your windows…and it happens very quickly. Take time this month to wash windows and door glass inside and out. A vinegar/water solution works great, or you can opt for a store-bought glass cleaner. Voila, sparkle and shine and a whole new perspective when looking outside.
6. Maintenance of your pool. Besides normal water maintenance to ensure chlorine and bacteria levels stay where they should be, go the extra safety step to ensure children are safely kept away from the water when adults are not around. Drownings happen far to frequently and are very preventable with gates and safety locks. We all want an enjoyable summer in our pools with our family and friends, but also want to protect all our loved ones.
7. Extra care for our furry family members. Summer temperatures can be brutal for all of us, but we have to pay close attention to our pets. Make sure they have an ample supply of water throughout the day and areas to cool off frequently. You’ll also want to keep them off asphalt and cement as temperatures soar. Even when air temperatures are at 80 degrees, asphalt and cement can be at 120 degrees- which is far too hot for their sensitive paws.

Stay tuned for more home maintenance updates in the months to come, real estate round-ups, featured listings and more. If you’re considering listing or purchasing a home in the Albuquerque area, put our experience and expertise to work for you! Contact us here.

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

10516 SUPERNOVA STREET NW, ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Beautiful move in ready home! Fresh paint, flooring and extras, pride of ownership shines throughout! Bright open floor plan with 2 living areas, vaulted ceilings, kitchen is open to large family room. View the balloons and Sandia Mountains from your balcony. Attached 2 car garage plus a bonus garage/workshop in backyard with new epoxy flooring. This home is located in the perfect spot for everything fantastic that is located on the west side of town.

GET YOUR MORNING INSPIRATION WITH THE Sandi Pressley TEAM

Summertime is always a great time to sell your home, but it doesn’t mean you forego any attention to the details. You want potential home buyers to feel welcome and to be able to visualize your space as their own. But first and foremost, your home needs to make an amazing first impression.  Here are some tips to ensure you make a SPLASH when you enter the marketplace.

• Make curb appeal top of mind. Summer is a great time to showcase your landscaping, flowers, and outdoor features. Make sure your exterior is well cared for, weeded, plants watered, and your porch is inviting.
• Highlight your outdoor living space. If you have a patio, deck, pool, or backyard, make sure they are clean and well-maintained. Your outdoor area is a natural extension of your living space, so you don’t want to miss highlighting this extra area. Add some cozy elements such as cushions, lanterns, string lights, blankets, flowers and more to make it your own & inviting to your guest.  
• Address home repairs before listing your home. Buyers will be more picky in the summer when there is more competition. What that means to sellers is that you need to go through you home with a discerning eye. Room by room take notes on everything that needs to be fixed and start working at it. If you need larger fixes such as HVAC, roof, plumbing, or electrical, always speak with your real estate agent before making the changes. Many times they have resources at their disposal that can help you get the job done quicker, at a financially sounder price to meet your needs. Their partnerships in the market afford them special pricing and preferential treatment in home repairs. They will also ensure you are making the necessary improvements or upgrades needed to sell your home at the optimal price.
• Get your windows sparkling clean. Nothing brightens up a home and brings in natural light like clean windows. Give your windows a thorough washing, both inside and out, and let that sunshine in to really show off your home.
• Repaint, touch up and replace. A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels. Choose neutral colors that appeal to most buyers and complement your furniture. Touch up any scuffs or marks on the walls, doors, or trim. Replace any outdated or broken fixtures, hardware, and appliances.
• Replace linens. Summer is a hot season, so you want to make your home feel cool and comfortable. Swap out heavy blankets, curtains, and rugs for lighter fabrics and colors. Use cotton sheets, airy curtains and natural fibers to create a light, cool, and breezy vibe.
• Rearrange furnishings. You want to make your home look spacious and inviting, not cramped and cluttered. Remove any excess furniture or items that take up too much space or block the flow of traffic. Always try to arrange furniture to showcase the best features of your home and each room. Also try to create cozy conversational areas within each room.  
• Go green. Adding some plants and flowers to your home can bring some life and color to your space. Choose plants that are easy to care for and don’t need too much water or sunlight. Cacti are an excellent option, not only for our area, but maintenance in general!  Another great idea is to use fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables as décor in your kitchens and dining areas.

At the Sandi Pressley Team our incredible team works with you hand in hand to ensure your home is not only ready to make it’s debut to the market, but will bring in the qualified home buyers that you are looking for. Targeting the buyers that are looking for your type of home, in the neighborhood you’re in with the surrounding amenities.

When you’re ready to put your SOLD plan into action, let us know!

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

1011 WATERFALL DRIVE NE, RIO RANCHO, NM

Beautiful Move-in Ready Gem! Situated in the heart of the lovely community of Northern Meadows, this four-bedroom home with approximately 2529 square feet has plenty of space for everyone. Featuring Professional Stucco, Exterior Paint, & Interior Paint all NEW in 2023! Multiple living spaces on the main level, ideal for entertaining. A fully equipped kitchen w/island opens to the family room which will be a favorite gathering area. All bedrooms are neatly tucked upstairs on the second floor that includes a bonus/recreation room. Primary suite boasts a spa like ensuite & private balcony overlooking the backyard with two covered patios to enjoy outdoor living. The finished garage includes a secondary refrigerator. Refrigerated air and so much more. This one is a must see!

START YOUR DAY INSPIRED WITH THE Sandi Pressley TEAM!

It’s National Home Buyer’s Month and today we’re going to look at the top features buyers are looking for in a home right now. As homeowners look to update or improve their homes, possible for a sale down the road, it’s important to not only look at your current needs, but what will be a selling point to home buyers. It’s what will ‘add value’ to your home at the sale. Below are the Top 10 Features most wanted today:

1. Laundry Room- 87% of today’s buyers put this at the top of their list. Even if you have a small space, a fresh coat of paint, shelves & a hanging unit, along with a folding table can create a lovely area.
2. Exterior Lighting- Maximizing our outdoor living space is a natural extension of our overall square footage, and a beautiful way to incorporate our stunning outdoor landscape. The use of great exterior lighting not only beautifies the area but gives way to greater hours being spent outdoors. PLUS, what a way to accent the area for buyers!!
3. Energy-Star Windows- More and more home buyers are putting the focus on energy savings. Investing in Energy efficient windows is one of the best returns on your investment you can make. Whether YOU plan to live in the home for years to come, or you’re looking to sell, this is a GREAT investment.
4. Patio- Whether you have a small or large yard, home buyers look for a yard with a patio and this is one investment that will not only pay off, but does add that outdoor living space to your home as well. This doesn’t just need to be a cement patio either…have some fun!  Patio’s today come in all shapes, sizes, and elements. They can become a true work of art in your yard.
5. Walk-in Pantry- I don’t know about you, but I think this is every homeowner’s and buyers’ dream. An organized pantry for food, oversized countertop appliances, stock-up food purchases, wine fridge and more. The time it saves each and every day from looking for items to putting things away is worth it on its own. Personally, I’d put this at the top of my list!
6. Side-by-Side Kitchen Sink- Are you surprised? Most people are ready for that statement to say Farmhouse kitchen sink, however, most buyers are looking for side by side’s as they feel they are far more functional.
7. Energy Star Appliances- This really goes without saying. As we are all conscience about money saving, and the effect of our choices on the environment, we look for energy-saving appliances wherever and whenever possible. Upgrading these in your home is an excellent return on investment if you plan to convey the appliances with the sale of your home.
8. Full Bath on the main living area. Many floor plans include a half bath on the main floor/living area. Today’s home buyers are actually looking for a full bath on the main level, making it much easier and accessible for overnight guests.  If you are looking to update your home, considering a full bath on the main level could be a game changer when it comes time to sell. It would certainly separate your home from others on the market.
9. Hardwood Flooring- Not surprising at all. This has been, and remains, one of the highly-sought-after flooring elements in a home and a home buyer top 10 for a long time. One big tip- buyers like the real deal. Laminate and vinyl varieties won’t garner the same reaction that actual hardwood will. While they are more durable and lasting, actual hardwood is still the gold standard.

10.Full front porch! Who says the days of sitting on your front porch and chatting with the neighbors is in the past?!  Today’s home buyers are still yearning for the wonderful front porch nostalgia of yesteryear. Now we’re not talking about the ‘old-time’ façade, although we still love that era, todays front porch is functional, beautiful in design, and has stunning curb appeal. Plus, it gives you another natural extension of your living space and neighborhood entertainment area.

Excited to get started on your HOME BUYING journey? We’re excited to partner with you!  Call or email us today to get started.

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

12 DUSTIN COURT, PLACITAS, NM

Magnificent VIEWS of the mountains & mesas!! Featuring an IN-LAW/GUEST SUITE! Lower-level walk-out game room/media room! Lots of natural light, wood beam ceilings, open plan, separate study/office. NEW HVAC (2021)! SILICONE ROOF RESTORATION (2022)! The living room features cozy Kiva fireplace & wall of windows with mountain views! Formal dining room & butler pantry. Beautiful kitchen has Southwest style cabinets, island, built-in oven, gas cooktop, breakfast bar & nook with banco. The primary suite features a sitting room/office, fireplace, sauna, tub, separate shower, huge walk-in closet & covered patio with views! Secondary bedrooms with Jack-N-Jill bath! 3 car garage. Paved driveway & cul-de-sac location. Natural landscape, 2 waterfalls, covered portals & private courtyard!

GET YOUR MORNING INSPIRATION WITH THE Sandi Pressley TEAM!

One thing is for sure, there will always be clothes to wash! Our washer and dryer sure do get a workout and keeping them in top working order is a must. Did you know that you should clean your washing machine once a month?  This not only ensures that the machine itself will last as long as it should, it also ensures that your clothes will be as clean as possible.

It may seem counterintuitive to have to ‘clean your washer’, but over time as the washer itself is cleaning clothes of gunk and grime, that dirt is also building up within the washer along with detergent residue. Your unit can also build up mold and mildew due to the moist and humid temperatures associated with cleaning and often time the room they are housed. This can lead to odors in the machine and ultimately, on your clothes.

So let’s dig in and talk the steps necessary to clean your washing machine properly. If that’s the case, the process is super simple as the washer does all the work. Just follow the instructions from the company.

If you do not have a clean cycle, you’ll want to do the following:

1. Identify the top of washing machine you have. A HE Front & Top Loader will require one approach, while a Non-HE machine requires something slightly different.
2. Decide on the type of cleaner you will use: White vinegar, bleach, or a commercial cleaner. If you’re looking for a non-toxic cleaner, white vinegar will be your choice. Some manufacturers, however, will recommend using a bleach or commercial cleaner, so it is important to check your guide books. You’ll also want to check your guide books for recommended amounts of cleaner to use. **Never mix cleaning solutions! You’ll use one of the solutions and only one.

Steps to cleaning a HE Top or Front Loading machine:

        1.  Choose the “clean” cycle. If your machine doesn’t have this, select the hottest water setting. In some cases, this may be the setting for whites or heavily stained clothes

1. 2. Choose the added rinse cycle if it’s available.
   
   3. Fill the bleach dispenser with your cleanser choice.
   
   4. Fill the tub to the highest level (this will probably be automatic with the clean cycle) and run the machine.
   
   5. If you don’t have a second rinse cycle, run the rinse cycle again manually.

Once you’ve finished the clean cycle, you’re then going use a vinegar dipped cloth to wipe down & thoroughly clean the gasket that seals the door (mildew & mold loves to creep in here), the drum, soap dispensers, and the entire outside of the machine.

Doing a weekly wipe down of your washing machine will also help prevent excess buildup and keep your clothes looking and smelling much cleaner, and again preserving the longevity of your machine.

For more homeowner tips, real estate information, and community highlights, be sure to check our blog frequently and visit our Facebook page.

HOT LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1 SKY MOUNTAIN ROAD, PLACITAS, NM 87043

Welcome home to this architectural gem nestled in peaceful Placitas. With natural light pouring in, you will notice the timeless details of gorgeous beamed ceilings, stamped concrete floors, antique vanities, and stunning antique, solid-wood doors throughout this exquisite property. Featuring SIX kiva fireplaces throughout, and radiant heat floors, you will surely stay cozy yearound. The kitchen showcases abundant storage, oversized pantry, and butcher block counters and is open to the dining room to make entertaining a breeze. Enjoy coffee in the heated sunroom while taking in the panoramic views of the Sandias. Master Suite is enormous, and also features striking views, a beautiful en suite and unbelievable closet full of storage solutions.

GET YOUR MORNING INSPIRATION WITH THE Sandi Pressley TEAM!

Offering a strong job market and ever-growing economy, with a great blend of cultural diversity and gorgeous landscapes, the housing market is flourishing in Albuquerque. While many parts of the country experienced a slowdown, Albuquerque continues to be competitive and fast paced. Here are the current stats for our area:

MEDIAN SALES PRICE:  $338,000.

MED PRICE PER SQ/FT:  $194

UP 3/2% (YoY)

SALES TO LIST PRICE RATIO: 100%

**There has been a steady rise in home values over the past year with the average home vale now at $310,836. - up 5/2%.

This healthy market shows homes selling quickly in an average of 22 days, with an average of 2 offers per home and many others with multiples. The supply of homes in Albuquerque is still below the need of buyers searching for homes, which means Sellers…it’s a GREAT time to list your home!

If you live in the Albuquerque area you already know how special it is and why it is an awesome place to call HOME! If you’re looking for an amazing city and community to live, let me tell you, you’ll find nothing like our city! Fantastic landscapes and natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, cultural dining experiences that are second to none, excellent schools, arts and culture, and entertainment galore.

How can we assist you with your real estate goals? Whether you’re buying or selling, put the experience, knowledge, and expertise of the Sandi Pressley team to work for you!

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.

Learn More!

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!

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.

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

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

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

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