Real Estate Information Archive

Transforming your Albuquerque home into a luxurious sanctuary doesn't have to drain your bank account. With a few strategic choices and some creativity, you can elevate your living space's elegance without spending a fortune. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve that high-end look for less.

1. Paint Wisely: A fresh coat of paint can do wonders. Opt for neutral shades that provide a timeless and sophisticated backdrop for your decor. Warm whites for walls and crisp whites for trims can create a clean and inviting atmosphere.

2. Texture Play: Mixing textures can add depth and interest to your home. Combine smooth leather furniture with fluffy cushions, or pair a wooden coffee table with a metallic vase to create a dynamic look.

3. Statement Rugs: A large, well-placed rug can anchor a room and make it appear larger. Choose a design that complements your color scheme and adds a touch of luxury.

4. Smart Storage: Clutter is the enemy of luxury. Use stylish baskets and decorative bowls to hide everyday items and maintain a neat and orderly appearance.

5. Pillow Talk: Overstuffed throw pillows exude comfort and opulence. Use larger inserts than the pillow covers to achieve that plush, inviting look.

6. Elevate Your Curtains: Hanging curtains closer to the ceiling can give the illusion of height and grandeur. Opt for long, flowing drapes to enhance the elegance.

7. Update Lighting: Swapping out dated light fixtures for modern ones can instantly uplift a space. Consider pendant lights or chic lamps to add character and warmth.

8. Accessorize Wisely: Less is more when it comes to accessories. Choose a few impactful pieces, like a statement vase or a bold piece of art, to draw the eye and create focal points.

9. Furniture Proportions: Select furniture that fits the scale of your room. Avoid pieces that are too large or too small, as they can disrupt the harmony of the space.

10. DIY Elegance: Simple DIY projects, like adding molding or a tile backsplash, can give your home a custom, luxurious feel without the custom price tag.

11. Greenery and Florals: Incorporate plants and fresh flowers to breathe life into your rooms. They add color, texture, and a sense of luxury.

12. Scent-sational Atmosphere: A luxurious home isn't just about looks; it's also about ambiance. Use scented candles or diffusers to create a pleasant and inviting scent throughout your home.

Remember, creating a luxurious home is about making thoughtful decisions that reflect your personal style and attention to detail. With these tips, you can enjoy the luxury you deserve, all while staying within your budget. Happy decorating!

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

Beautiful 'Move in Ready' Home situated in the quaint community of Mountain Hawk! With 5 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms, this home is ideal for large &/or extended families, hobbyist, etc! Featuring efficient floorplan with 2 living areas; easy care tile & Mohawk laminate flooring thru-out; gourmet kitchen w/granite countertops; upgraded cabinetry; pantry; overlooking dining & family room. Privately situated on main floor, the primary suite is a true retreat w/spa like en suite. Upper level boasts a spacious loft plus 4 more bedrooms & full bath w/dbl vanity. Low maint' front & back yards w/covered & open flagstone patio, weed barrier, decorative rock/mulch, privacy fence, raised garden beds, security side gate, shed & more. Close to local amenities with easy commute to Santa Fe or Albuquerque.

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!

"You know what I love about fitness? I love fitness whole pizza in my mouth."

This old, eye-roll inducing joke still gets a laugh, even if only for the kernel of truth at its core. What makes it even more poignant: The weekend has arrived, and though you may have lofty plans to hit the gym daily or go on long hikes (or both!), you're probably more inclined to settle in with a pizza. Sound familiar?

Doing that cleaning you've been putting off can actually burn calories, so go ahead and enjoy some pie guilt-free - no need to feel bad about skipping the gym.

"Does housework count as a workout? The answer: Yes! There's a reason they call it housework," said Fitness Magazine. "You can burn serious calories during a marathon cleaning session."

This weekend, tackle these home cleaning tasks - with one home renovation project and two weekend chores added - while remembering to prioritize each activity based on your personal preferences and schedule.

Calorie estimates assume a 150-pound person. Adjust up or down by 20% for lighter or heavier weights. For example, vacuuming burns about 200 calories for a 150-pound person. So a 120-pound person would burn around 160 calories, while a 180-pound person would burn about 240 calories.

Vacuuming: According to Shape, vacuuming could help you reach your daily goal of 10,000 steps, depending on the size of your home. In just 30 minutes of vacuuming, you could burn around 119 calories.

Mopping: Your floors probably need it, and the best news is that this task will burn about 150 calories in an hour!

Cleaning the bathroom: We hope your bathroom cleaning does not take an hour, but you could clean three bathrooms in that time, burning 180 calories—enough for a sweet treat after dinner!

Scrubbing the tub: Scrubbing away stubborn soap scum in the bathtub for 15 minutes provides a great arm workout and can burn over 90 calories, making this unpleasant chore more motivating.

Gardening: Spending an hour in the yard cleaning up flower beds or preparing the space for cooler weather ahead can burn about 250 calories. All the bending, kneeling, and leaning involved in yard work provides a great calorie-burning workout.

Get the windows sparkling clean: Health stated that washing the inside and outside of your windows for 30 minutes burns around 100 calories.

Painting the walls: Add a splash of color to your home this weekend by painting for an hour - you'll burn approximately 270 calories in the process.

Grocery shopping: Considering a one-hour grocery store trip can burn 350 calories, you may want to rethink having your groceries delivered or using the market's pre-order/load up service.

So there you go! You can have a clean house and improved health by following these tips.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

Beautiful Home located in the highly desirable gated community of Sara's Meadow! Featuring a bright & open floorplan, cozy fireplace in great room that opens to the adjoining breakfast nook & kitchen with double sliding doors & picture window providing abundant natural light. All kitchen appliances, washer & dryer convey! Primary Suite suite offers a separate slider door for backyard access; ensuite with soaking tub/shower combo & ample walk-in closet. Separate living area can be used for hobbies, exercise space, TV room, etc. Second bedroom has its own walk out patio. Ceramic tile thru-out except bedrooms, raised ceilings, custom window coverings, & more. Wagner heating & cooling system & water heater approximately 2 yrs old. Low maintenance yards. Close to trails, shops, & restaurants!

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!

Many people in Albuquerque may find their homes to be a sanctuary, but for some, it can be quite the opposite. Your home could potentially be making you sick in various ways. Here are some of the most common ways your health could be impacted if your own house is the culprit.

Is the Humidity Too High?

When the humidity in your home exceeds 60%, it creates an ideal environment for mold to thrive. High humidity levels can even lead to mold growth behind your walls. It is important to note that mold can have detrimental effects on your health, such as causing chronic sinus conditions and potentially damaging your nervous system.

When a house is too humid, it can attract dust mites, leading to sleep disorders, allergies, and stomach problems. Conversely, if the home is not humid enough, it can cause respiratory irritation. A humidity level below 40% is considered too low.

To maintain proper humidity levels, you can use a humidity monitor and ensure it stays between 40-60%. Running fan vents while cooking or showering and opening windows for ventilation are also effective. If necessary, a dehumidifier can be used.

Excessive Dust

Cleaning your house goes beyond just making it look nice. It is important to keep your home free of dust due to the potential health effects it can have. Dust can contain dust mites, which can be irritating to both the eyes and nasal passages.

Dust mites can compromise the immune system and gradually diminish its strength. Additionally, dust has the ability to accumulate outdoor pollutants, including harmful pesticides and herbicides that pose a threat to our nervous systems.

To reduce dust, vacuum regularly and ensure the vacuum filter is clean. Consider adding a HEPA filter to your HVAC system and avoid wearing shoes indoors. Wash bedding, drapes, and stuffed animals frequently.

Heating and Cooling Systems

HVAC systems can be a source of illness due to the presence of bacteria and mold in the ductwork caused by water accumulation from cooling. These contaminants can lead to coughing, allergies, asthma, and headaches.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to have air ducts professionally cleaned every few years. Additionally, regular servicing of your heating system will improve its cleanliness and efficiency.

Damp Areas

Damp areas in your home, such as basements and bathrooms, can be detrimental to your health. Mold, mildew, and bacteria can contribute to "sick building syndrome." Any presence of water or condensation in your home increases the risk of mold-related health issues.

To ensure the integrity of your house, inspect the exterior for gaps, leaks, and holes. Confirm that your gutters effectively redirect water away from your home. Regularly examine drains and plumbing fixtures. Additionally, monitor indoor humidity levels as they can indicate condensation problems.

Lack of Ventilation

It is common for people to tightly seal their homes to save on energy bills. However, indoor air tends to be dirtier than outdoor air, making ventilation necessary. Opening windows and doors occasionally when weather permits is one way to achieve this. Additionally, using fan vents while cooking or bathing can help pull air outside. Another option is installing an air-to-air heat exchange for mechanical ventilation.

Toxic Products

The products used in your home may contain indoor pollutants that can stick to surfaces. These pollutants can be found in carpeting, manufactured wood, upholstery, and cleaning supplies. To reduce exposure to toxins, it is important to read labels and be mindful of the products you bring into your home.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

75 Woodland Drive, Tijeras, NM 87059

True Adobe Custom home by Terry Taggert on approximately 5.5 acres with post and beam, 1-2' thick adobe walls, passive solar design. Featuring paid for solar panels, & wood stove to make this home truly energy efficient. Panoramic views from several 'floor to ceiling' windows! Beautiful brick flooring; Chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances & maple cabinets. Primary suite features walk in closet and updated 3/4 bath. Fenced in dog area. Huge detached garage appx 600 ft. can easily hold three cars also has a workshop area. In addition there is an Another heated and insulated huge garage appx 1225 ft. that makes a perfect Barn for ALL animals and horses, Or perfect for working on cars storing ATVs, etc. With over 5 acres of level land it is perfect for all animals and horses.

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

Autumn is almost here in Albuquerque. That means it's time to start getting your home ready for the colder month.  Doing a round of simple fall maintenance chores now can save you time, money, and stress when the cold weather comes.

Here are five fall home maintenance activities to start thinking about this weekend.

Clean your gutters

Depending on how many trees you have near your home, you may need to check and clean your gutters more than once to keep your home safe from flooding. This will ensure that they are ready for the fall and winter season.

Check your chimney

Make sure your chimney is clear before you make your first fire of the season. "Creosote buildup causes chimney fires," said Family Handyman. "You should have your chimney professionally inspected or cleaned after every 70 fires. If you burn wet wood (which you shouldn't), have it inspected or cleaned every 50 fires. Don't remember the last time you had it cleaned by a pro? A quick way to tell if your chimney needs cleaning is to run the point of your fireplace poker along the inside of your chimney liner. If you find a 1/8-in. layer (or more) of buildup, call a chimney sweep."

Check your roof

Storms, wind, and rain over the past year could have caused damage you haven't noticed. You definitely don't want to wait for the weather to get nasty to find out you have a leak. If you're not comfortable on a ladder or just want a professional eye, a pro roofer will typically charge you under $100 to check it out.

Seal it up

There are three important reasons to make sure your home is air tight:

• Keeping moisture out
• Keeping critters out
• Keeping warm air in.

Critters can enter homes during the fall to seek warmth and protection.  Walk around the exterior looking for ways small animals can enter your house and seal them off. A mouse can wriggle through an opening as small as a dime, so look carefully for those small holes.

Sealing up holes and cracks can also make your home more efficient so that it takes less effort and money to keep warm in the winter. All you need in most cases is weather stripping and caulking.

Disconnect garden hoses from faucets

When the temp gets close to freezing, you should disconnect your hoses. This simple task can potentially save you a lot of heartache later. Leaving them attached can cause water to back up in the faucets and in the plumbing pipes just inside your exterior walls. If the temperature drops below freezing, that water could freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or pipes. Make this an early fall priority so a sudden cold snap doesn't sneak up and cause damage.

These simple tips can save you a lot of headaches during the winter months. Have a happy fall season 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!

5108 WILD PLUM Way NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120  $839,000

4 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 5184 Square Feet

Stunning Custom Home in desirable, gated neighborhood! On a quiet cul-de-sac this luxurious home has a fantastic layout perfect for entertaining. Chipped edge Travertine tile downstairs, lighted niches, viga ceilings and tile accents on the walls/ceiling are just few of the features this home has to offer. Kitchen is a chefs dream with granite counters, Wolf gas cooktop, pot filler, warming drawer, 2 dishwashers, 2 sinks and a wine cooler that holds 88 bottles! Master suite has balcony with access from bedroom and private sitting room. Two-way fireplace, bidet, california closets (in all rms), jetted tub and a steamer in the shwr make this a perfect retreat. Theater room with projector, recliner chairs, movie posters and popcorn maker all convey! So much more you have too see to believe.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team