Real Estate Information Archive

Albuquerque, with its unique blend of Southwestern charm and modern living, offers homeowners a great opportunity to increase their property value through strategic upgrades. Whether you're looking to sell or simply enhance your living space, certain home improvements have been shown to offer a significant return on investment.

French Doors

Adding French doors is one of the top recommendations for Albuquerque homes. They not only bring an element of elegance but also invite natural light and create a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. Homes featuring French doors have seen a median list price well above the city's average.

Lighting Fixtures

Lighting can redefine a space, and in Albuquerque, upgrading to modern fixtures is a valuable move. Stylish pendant lights, chandeliers, and track lighting can elevate the aesthetic of your home and are a sought-after feature in the real estate market.

Open Concept Kitchen

An open concept kitchen is another upgrade that can significantly boost your home's value. By removing barriers between the kitchen and living areas, you create a welcoming space that's perfect for entertaining and everyday living. This design trend is highly popular among buyers and correlates with a higher median list price.

Outdoor Features

Outdoor living spaces are increasingly important to homeowners. In Albuquerque, features like bike paths, fire pits, and large covered patios are not only enjoyable but can also increase your home's sale-to-list ratio. A well-designed outdoor space can make your property stand out in the competitive market.

Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient improvements are not only good for the environment but also for your wallet. Upgrades like a modern air conditioning unit can be a decisive factor for buyers looking for a sustainable and cost-effective home.

Gourmet Kitchen

A gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances and finishes can be a game-changer. It's a luxurious addition that appeals to homebuyers who see the kitchen as the heart of the home, often resulting in a higher sale price.

Additional Living Space

Expanding your living space, whether it's through an addition or by finishing unused areas like basements, can significantly increase your home's value. More space means more functionality, which is always a plus in the real estate market.

Fresh Paint and Flooring

Never underestimate the power of fresh paint and new flooring. These updates can revitalize your home's look and feel, making it more attractive to potential buyers. They are also relatively cost-effective ways to increase property value.

In conclusion, Albuquerque homeowners have a variety of options when it comes to upgrading their homes to boost value. From aesthetic enhancements like French doors and modern lighting to functional upgrades like an open concept kitchen and energy-efficient features, the right improvements can make a significant difference in your home's market appeal and price. 

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!

Building a deck in Albuquerque can be an exciting project that enhances your outdoor living space and adds value to your home. However, it's not a task to be taken lightly. There are several critical factors to consider to ensure the success of your deck-building project. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.

1. Understanding Local Building Codes and Regulations

Before you begin, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the local building codes and zoning regulations in Albuquerque. These rules can affect the size, height, and placement of your deck, as well as the materials and construction methods you may use. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid any legal issues and to guarantee the safety and integrity of your structure.

2. Choosing the Right Materials

The choice of materials will significantly impact the cost, durability, and maintenance requirements of your deck. While wood is a traditional option, it requires regular upkeep to prevent decay and weather damage. Alternatively, composite materials offer a low-maintenance solution with higher upfront costs but longer lifespan and less maintenance over time.

3. Budgeting for Your Project

A clear and realistic budget is vital for any construction project. Costs can vary widely based on the size, materials, and design features of your deck. Remember to account for both materials and labor, as installation can often equal the cost of materials themselves. It's also wise to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.

4. Planning for Functionality and Aesthetics

Consider how you plan to use your deck. Whether it's for entertaining, dining, or relaxation, the deck's design should cater to your lifestyle. Additionally, the aesthetics of the deck should complement your home's architecture and the surrounding landscape. A well-designed deck can become a seamless extension of your living space.

5. Hiring the Right Contractor

Selecting a skilled and reliable contractor is crucial. Look for licensed, bonded, and insured professionals with a solid track record and positive reviews. Obtain multiple quotes and ask for a portfolio of previous work to ensure their style and quality align with your vision.

6. Considering the Climate

Albuquerque's climate can be harsh, with intense sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Select materials and finishes that can withstand these conditions to ensure the longevity of your deck. Additionally, consider the orientation of your deck to maximize shade and comfort during the hotter months.

7. Long-Term Maintenance

Think about the long-term upkeep of your deck. Some materials may require more frequent staining, sealing, or repairs. Weigh the initial costs against the ongoing maintenance to determine the best option for your lifestyle and budget.

8. Enhancing Your Deck with Features

Adding features like built-in seating, planters, or lighting can increase the functionality and appeal of your deck. However, these additions also add to the cost and complexity of the project. Plan these features carefully to ensure they fit within your budget and design goals.

In conclusion, building a deck in Albuquerque requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. By taking the time to research and prepare, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that you'll enjoy for years to come. Remember, a well-constructed deck not only offers a place for relaxation and entertainment but also adds significant value to your property. 

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

1539 Avenida De Las Americas, Santa Fe, NM 87507

Wonderful opportunity to own this charming townhome in Santa Fe. Freshly updated, filled with natural light & high ceilings, features a wonderful open living and dining area. The kitchen offers newer Stainless appliances, ample cabinet space that opens to the living room with a kiva fireplace. Step outside to a covered patio, for alfresco dining, relaxation, and room for a raised bed garden. Second bedroom provides flexibility as a home office or a guest room on the second level. Enjoy the private balcony that opens from the 2nd bedroom/flex room. Mini Split-system heating and cooling units throughout the home will keep you comfy year-around along. Two designated parking spaces. This is a MUST SEE HOME. What a Gem!

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!

Are you wondering if you can write off your home improvements? Home improvements in Albuquerque can have tax implications, but only in certain situations. For taxes, a home improvement is defined as any work that significantly increases your home's value, extends its useful life, or enables new uses for the property. The specifics of when home improvements impact taxes are examined below.

Home Improvements vs. Repairs

The money you spend on your home in terms of taxes can be divided into two categories: improvements and repairs.

The cost of capital improvements made to your home can be added to the tax basis, which is the amount subtracted from the sales price to determine your profit. However, you can only benefit from this tax basis increase when you sell the home.

A capital improvement in this context refers to anything that adds value to a home, adapts it to new uses, or prolongs its lifespan, as mentioned previously. Examples of capital improvements include installing a new roof or central air conditioning.

While capital improvements don't need to be major purchases, installing small upgrades like storm windows or a home security system can also qualify. However, repairs cannot be added to your basis. Repairs may include painting your home or fixing gutters. If you make any improvements to your home, be sure to keep thorough records of everything in case you sell the property in the future.

Tax Deductions for a Home Office

One way to save on taxes and improve your home is to build a home office. You can claim a deduction for improvements when converting an area into a dedicated workspace, which many people now do as more work from home.

The cost of any home repairs that improve the part of your home used as an office can also be deducted, based on the percentage of your home that is used for business.

Likewise, if you rent out part of your home, you may be able to deduct the cost of improvements made to that rented area. For example, if you were to add a bathroom to the portion of the home you rent out, you may be able to deduct the full cost of that renovation.

Medical Modifications

If a health care provider suggests modifications to your home to help you or to allow you to provide care for your family member, such as an aging parent, the expenses of these updates may be deductible. Examples include adding a wheelchair ramp or modifying your doorways. If the improvement adds value to your home, on the other hand, it’s not deductible.

Upgraded Energy Systems

If your health care provider suggests home modifications to help you or allow you to care for a family member such as an aging parent, you may be able to deduct the costs of these updates as medical expenses. Deductible improvements include adding a wheelchair ramp or widening doorways. However, you cannot claim the costs as a medical deduction if the modification increases your home's value.

The residential energy property credit covers several home improvements that increase energy efficiency, including installing energy-efficient windows, doors, skylights, metal or asphalt roofs, insulation, and heating and air conditioning system upgrades.

Upgrading your home opens opportunities to lower your tax bill, but restrictions apply. If any part seems unclear, consult a tax advisor since rules vary annually.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

2109 Palenque Drive SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Lots of entertaining spaces in this beautiful 4BDR/3BA/3CG home! Open floor plan features a large living room with wet bar, cabinets & wine rack, formal dining room plus a huge loft/recreation room! One bedroom or office on the main level! Huge primary suite with room for sitting area, large walk-in closet, dual sink vanity, garden tub & separate shower! Spacious kitchen features lots of cabinets, large island, breakfast bar & nook with bay windows. Outdoor living space with pergola to relax, unwind and entertain family & friends. In the heart of Rio Rancho, excellent location close to parks, schools, shopping, Intel, Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, Cottonwood Mall!!

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!

As you spend your golden years here in your home in Albuquerque, your home may need to be adapted to accommodate lifestyle changes, accessibility and independence. Many people as they grow older are choosing to stay in their own homes. As such, you can make gradual adaptations in order to allow you to manuever through your home safely. It makes sense to plan ahead for these changes and start early. Making small renovations one at a time will help spread the overall costs.

Here are a few improvements you may need to do to your home in Albuquerque over the years.

Grab Bars

Having grab bars installed is a great way to limit falls and injuries. They are best installed where your floors transition to another level or may get wet. You should make sure you have a professional install them, as they need to be reinforced. An improperly installed grab bar can be pulled from the wall and cause injury.

Places grab bars should be installed:

• showers
• near toilets
• stairs
• room transitions

Home Entry

For the main entrance, you may want to install a ramp. The good news is that this doesn't have to take away from the curb appeal of your home. You can design a ramp from wood or concrete that will offer a gradual incline to the front door that also fits the aesthetic of your home.

Making Doorways Wider

If you need to use a walker or wheelchair, making your doors wider will make life easier. A contractor can widen a doorway in just about a day. Making a door 36 inches wide as opposed to the normal 24" or 32" allows for easier access, especially in tight spaces.

Floorplan Alterations

Having a more open floorplan to help you maneuver is important, especially when using a wheelchair. This will give you more open space to move around, as a wheelchair requires a square five feet to move freely. You can open up your living space by removing full and pony walls, creating cased openings, and relocating furniture and appliances to make sure paths are wide and clear.

If you live in a home with more than one floor, you may find yourself restricted mostly to the first floor. As such, you need to make sure that all the first floor has all the main rooms you need, such as a kitchen, bathroom and a space for a bedroom. If there is not a full bathroom on the ground floor, a contractor can create a full bathroom by adding a shower to an existing half bath or creating a new bathroom entirely. According to HomeAdvisor, a laundry room on the main level may even increase the value of your home.

Removing Thresholds

Removing floor thresholds between rooms can prevent tripping, which is the number one cause of injury for aging individuals. Many homes have a threshold between rooms where flooring changes. This can be alleviated by removing the threshold or installing a ramp that lets them move easily.

Shower Conversion

The bathroom can be a dangerous place due to slippery floors and tripping hazards. Even with the help of grab bars and grippy bath mats, it is important to remove tripping hazards. A popular option is to convert a bathtub into a shower without a threshold. This renovation can allow for ease of access especially for those in a wheelchair.

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!

11721 SKY VALLEY Way NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $829,000

6 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 4860 Square Feet

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!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team