Real Estate Information Archive

Is the garage in your Albuquerque home starting to get out of control again? Or maybe it's always been a mess? Whether you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque soon, or you just need a bit more order in you life, organizing your garage can have many benefits.

Here are 5 easy steps to get the job done quickly and painlessly so you can enjoy your garage once again.

1. Plan of Attack

Don't enter alone. And use the buddy system, if for no other reason than you may get overwhelmed and lost in your own sea of debris. Friends, family, and the kids can all lend a hand to get the job done quicker and to help keep you on track. It's easy to get distracted rooting through the objects of your past.

The first goal of any garage organization is to create more floor space, so that's where you should begin as well. Get all the knick-knacks, the holiday decorations, and any other indoor-related storage out of there and into the attic. This area is for outdoor items only. Always keep this objective in mind: it will help you decide what stays and what goes.

2. Divide and Conquer

Give each helper a section to cover. This should help the garage organization run smoother. And don't be clingy. If you haven't used something in over a year, or if you forgot it even existed, it's time to say goodbye. Give your stuff to charities, thrift stores, or maybe even make a trip to the dump. Or, better yet, make a separate pile for a future garage sale, allowing you to reap all the awards of your excavation. (However, don't procrastinate on this chore either. It's easy to say you'll have a garage sale and not follow through so as to keep putting off the inevitable.) Then, divide up the remaining possessions into categories, such as sports items, seasonal décor, gardening tools, car maintenance, etc., to help with the next step.

3. Get Vertical

Once everything is cleaned and categorized, now it's time to rearrange. The best way to store your things is to make use of your vertical space.

• Get a pegboard for your tools.
• Put up some shelves for boxes.
• Heavy-duty hooks are great for shovels and rakes.
• Buy a magnetic strip for stray metal items, such as steel rulers or chisels.
• If you have bikes, skis, or ladders, put them overhead in the rafters (or if you have a drywall ceiling, once again, heavy-duty hooks are great for hanging these heavy-duty items).

4. Compartmentalize

Once you have as much as you can off the floor, it's now time to find additional storage. The easiest answer to this dilemma is a garage organizer.

• A multiple tier shelving unit is great for storing paint or varnishes.
• A cabinetry system for miscellaneous items is always handy.
• Maybe buy several Rubbermaid baskets to hang on the wall to help separate the recycling.
• Buy a crank to roll up that hose.
• Use garbage ties or bungee cords to keep your extension cords in line.
• Whatever the need, investing in some form of garage organizer helps to maintain the floor space you've just created.

5. Don't forget the little things

If you save glass baby-food jars, clear film canisters, or milk cartons (to be cut in half), you'll now be able to store smaller items, such as nails, screws, or tacks. If these small containers aren't see through, they can also be easily labeled with masking tape. Another alternative garage organizer is an inexpensive tackle box to help contain the confusion. But what if it's your bigger items that are getting in the way? What if it's the necessary tools, such as snow blowers, lawn mowers, or edgers creating the clutter? Then consider building an extra shed in the backyard or a lean-to against the outside of the garage in order to produce additional square footage.

Don’t Let It Happen Again

The main thing to keep in mind is never let it get to this point again. If you take these steps, you should be able to keep up with your garage organization in the future. This is not to say that you won't have some occasional maintenance, as in some sweeping, scrubbing, or washing. But by simply taking the time to arrange the space, at least you'll no longer dread entering into it.

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 ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

38 Villa De Paz Road, Corrales, NM 87048

Incredible Corrales casita on cul-de-sac w/amazing views of the Sandias, sunrises & sunsets!! Circle drive, private courtyard , RV PAD, veg garden, dog run, chicken coup, electric awnings, owned solar! Wood beamed ceilings, tile flooring, skylights, REFRIG AIR! Open living room w/lots of natural light, home theatre sys, kiva fireplace & pellet stove! Gorgeous kitchen features beautiful cabinetry, granite, island, Smart hub fridge, gas range. Office/bdr has its own courtyard entrance. Primary suite has patio access, jetted tub, sep shower, dual sink vanity & walk-in closet. 3CG with workshop area plus a bonus heated & cooled storage room w/sink. The Village of Corrales is home to rural living, Bosque trails, acequia paths, shops, restaurants, wineries, art galleries & farmer's market.

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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!

Selling a home can be challenging, especially if you decide to sell your home in Albuquerque on your own, otherwise known as a For Sale By Owner or FSBO. Yet now more than ever, enlisting the help of an agent to help sell your home is critical to the success of the sale, as well as your safety.

Here are a few reasons why you should use an experienced real estate agent when selling your home in Albuquerque.

1. Safety

Real estate agents in Albuquerque, such as Sandi Pressley and her team, are particularly aware of safety issues when selling a home during this pandemic. Not only will they take precautions to protect your health, but to also protect your belongings. They can regulate the number of people who view your home at one time, as well as assure sanitation before and after the showing. If needed they can arrange virtual tours. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has issued standards that agents will follow to make sure your home sale is as safe as possible.

2. Powerful Online Marketing

Studies are showing that after the COVID-19 outbreak, the number of people who searched for homes online rose to 93%, and that number keeps growing. Your listing is networked through multiple online resources, making your home for sale visible to anyone in the world. Do you have that capability?

3. Negotiations

If you sell your home in Albuquerque on your own, you will have to negotiate with various individuals to complete the sale, including the buyer, the buyer's agent, inspectors, the appraiser, and more. Real estate agents are experts at negotiating with these individuals. They make sure that those negotiations result in a smooth and fair transaction.

4. Is the Buyer Qualified for a Mortgage?

When a buyer is interested in your home, the first important step is to make sure they can afford it. If you sell your home as a FSBO, you can't tell if a buyer is pre-approved for a mortgage, unless they tell you. Real estate agents are experienced in asking the right questions and making sure that you are presented with a buyer who's ready to make deal.

Also, keep in mind that the mortgage market is changing rapidly, with so many families out of work. What a person qualifies for in regards to mortgages can change daily. You need an agent who works with lenders daily and can make sure your buyer can complete the sale.

5. FSBOing is More Difficult Legally

Are you familiar with all of the mandatory disclosures and regulations that are needed to complete a home sale in Albuquerque? Again, your agent deals with legal issues daily and can help you avoid your own legal issues.

6. You Net More Money When Using an Agent

You might think you'll save money by not using an agent to sell your home. But in reality, the opposite is true in most cases. In fact, studies show that you may make less money selling your home as a FSBO. Your agent will also bring more buyers to the table, which can end up in a bidding war and netting even more.

In the end, it just doesn't add up to sell your home on your own. You can rely on Sandi Pressley and her experienced team to make sure that your home sells quickly and for the best price possible. Contact us today to discuss your options.

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

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

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

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

Making showings difficult

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

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

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

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

Keeping a mess

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

Failing to make repairs

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

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

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

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

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

A home inspection is a requirement of real estate transactions. Professional home inspectors examine properties and identify problems a potential buyer should consider. It is possible to visit a home inspection if you are a prospective buyer. In either case, you'll receive a report of the inspection's findings.

It can be devastating to buy a home in Albuquerque only to find that it has structural problems that aren't fixable or are extremely expensive to fix after you buy the home. An inspection can help you avoid that potential disaster. Before buying a home, make sure the property has been inspected. Any major problem you discover can be discussed with the seller.

Although the two are sometimes confused, an inspection is not the same as an appraisal. An appraisal estimates the value of your property. Appraisals do not identify specific problems, but mortgage companies normally require them. Inspections are not required, but they are important.

Buyers and sellers must also conduct inspections. An inspection by a buyer occurs after you've made an offer, but before closing. Depending on what you find, you might need to renegotiate. A seller's inspection occurs before a home is listed for sale. Sellers might choose to do this to ensure their home is in a good condition before putting it on the market.

What Do Inspectors Look For?

Home inspections cannot cover everything, and there are certain parts of a house that may require an additional inspection.

A home inspection involves assessing the mechanical systems and structural integrity of a home. Windows, doors, ceilings, and walls are all assessed. Inspectors take a close look at major appliances, check the heating and air system, and examine the plumbing and electrical systems. Inspections aren't there to determine if you're getting a good deal.

Inspectors aren't interested in cosmetic issues unless they are also safety concerns.

The Report

You may see that an inspector completes a report using a checklist, or they may include paragraphs outlining problems. Any inspection is likely to uncover some issues unless the house is brand new.

How Does an Inspection Affect the Sale of a Home?

Buyers and sellers may renegotiate or end a potential deal if an inspection reveals potential issues.

In the event that a potential buyer walks away due to the inspection, you will have to put your home back on the market. An under contract or pending home that returns to the MLS can be a red flag for some buyers.

Potential buyers might demand that the seller make necessary repairs as part of renegotiation. The seller may also issue a credit so the buyer can make the repairs by themselves.

Before agreeing to anything, a seller may hire their own experts to determine what the inspector found. Inspectors can make mistakes.

Hiring an Inspector

You should hire a good inspector when buying a home in Albuquerque. Choose an inspector who is certified by an organization such as the American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. To become a member of these organizations, you must pass exams, complete continuing education, and follow an ethics code.

Also, you might consider interviewing an inspector, who can share more information about their experiences. There are inspectors with specific expertise. A historic home inspector, for example, may be more appropriate for a home in an area such as Albuquerque.

Also, you can ask for references from past clients.

Last but not least, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to upwards of $500 for an inspection. This is typically paid upon completion of the service, and is not included in your closing costs.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

2528 BOSQUE ENTRADA Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

Welcome home to a slice of country living in the city! This impeccable 3 bed | 2 bath home is located in the much desired Bosque Del Rio neighborhood. Home features: freshly painted interior with an open concept kitchen, newly painted kitchen cabinets and new hardware, SS appliances, Quartz countertops, new fixtures, plantation shutters and window seats, 2 refrigerated air units, open and spacious living room. Outside is beautifully landscaped with low maintenance plants, trees and flowers; very relaxing! The Bosque trails are walking distance - where you will enjoy New Mexico living at its finest. Schedule your showing 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.

You are no doubt going to have a number of showings to potential buyers when you sell your home in Albuquerque. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lack of security for your possessions. It’s not uncommon for thieves to take advantage of home showings and open houses in order to get their hands on valuables.

Here are some tips to keep your home and valuables safe.

Get a few cameras

You can buy a few cheap cameras and install them in plain sight throughout your home. This way, you will be able to identify theft if it does occur. The obvious place to put these is at the front door to the home, as well as in places like the bedroom closet and the home office, where thieves tend to hide. If you don’t have the budget for a security system, you can even place some dummy cameras around the house, which can be bought at many dollar stores.

Remove temptations

Your stuff will be much harder for thieves to steal if they don't have easy access to it. It is a good idea to remove high-value items when strangers are going to be around, even if you cannot get rid of everything of value (TVs can stay). Therefore, jewellery, expensive collectibles, or important documents should not be left lying around. Be sure not to leave bank statements or any other financial information out, and make sure important items like passports and keys are not visible. Don’t hide anything in your top dresser drawer (a go-to spot for thieves).

Watch the medicine

Another important step is to examine medicine cabinets. Thieves have been known to target open houses to find prescription drugs.

Watch the kids

You can’t stop people from bringing their kids to open houses (nor would you want to if you’re in a family area), but that doesn’t mean you have to be thrilled about them traipsing through your house. Children who are unsupervised will probably touch items, especially if toys are accessible. Keeping access to toys or games limited will help, as will putting out a toy or game specifically for the purpose of attracting little hands.

Make sure you’re insured

As a precaution, it's wise to check with your insurance agent to make sure you're covered should something happen during an open house or showing. Working from room to room and taking pictures can help you provide documentation should you need it.

Showing your home to buyers in Albuquerque is a necessary part of the process of selling your home. But with some common sense and preparation, you can make the experience safer for all involved.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

Palm Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Sweeping Views of the Sandia Mountains, ready to build your custom 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.

In the process of buying or selling a home in Albuquerque, a real estate attorney may or may not be necessary, but how do you know?

If you are able to understand their role and what they do, you can determine if they are the right person for your team.

What Do Real Estate Lawyers Do?

What are the general duties of a real estate lawyer? Obviously, they handle transactions related to real estate, but what does that entail?

The attorney may review any contracts or other agreements you had with the seller related to the purchase, including your contract. Your lender documents, your title and transfer documents can also be reviewed by a real estate attorney.

An attorney might be present at the closing in some circumstances.

Both the buyer and the seller can benefit from legal advice from a real estate attorney.

A mortgage lender can also be represented by an attorney.

How Do You Know When to Hire an Attorney?

A home closing is considered a practice of law in some states, so an attorney must be present. This is not the case in New Mexico.

Here are some reasons why you might want to hire an attorney:

• In situations where a contract is unusual in any way, having an attorney at least look things over might prove beneficial. A lawyer is almost always beneficial in complicated situations.
• Having an attorney on your side can bring you peace of mind. It can help you feel more confident, and you can make sure all of your bases are covered.
• Buying a home in a special sale might require the assistance of a lawyer. An example is a short sale, a bank purchase, an auction, or an estate sale.
• If you're purchasing a home in a different state, an attorney might prove useful.
• Your family member owned a home you are selling, and you are the executor.
• If there are several severe issues with your house or if there is damage to the structure, you might need an attorney.
• You are trying to sell your property despite having liens against it.
• There is a divorce settlement attached to the sale of your home.

What Is The Cost Of Hiring a Real Estate Attorney?

A real estate attorney's fee will vary greatly depending on what services they're providing and who's paying for that portion of the closing costs.

In some cases, attorneys will charge a flat fee that will include certain services, and in others, they will charge by the hour.

You don’t necessarily need an attorney to buy a home in Albuquerque. It can be beneficial, however, to have someone review your contracts during this time if you can afford it.

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.

As you prepare to put your Albuquerque home on the market for sale, you should think about how to make it more appealing. Many home sellers will paint, add landscaping or make other small, affordable updates to attract buyers. Another affordable project that you can do now is installing new windows.

New window installation is something that many home buyers in Albuquerque look for when looking to buy a new home. New windows are energy-efficient, make a home look more attractive, and you get most of your investment back when the final contract is signed.

Energy Efficient Windows Are What Buyers Are Looking For

If your windows are old wood or aluminum style, most will see that as something that needs replacing. When buyers see projects, they are either not going to make an offer at all, or they might make a lowball offer exploiting it as an excuse to pay less.

If you want to sell your home fast, new windows might be the right move for you.

The moment the new windows are up, you can talk about how much more energy-efficient your home has become since the work was done. You might even go so far as to bring out your heating and cooling bills to back it up. If you have your windows installed a month before you post the "For Sale" sign, you may start to notice some differences.

New Windows Enhance the Look of Residential Properties

While some home buyers are interested in energy-efficient and functional home features, others are interested in how it looks at first glance. If you haven't replaced your windows in thirty years, you're likely to have chips, cracks, and broken glass.

When buyers pull into your driveway, they're going to check the roof, the siding, and the windows to see how well maintained they are. By replacing those old windows with energy efficient ones that match the rest of the home's exterior, it will help you sell the house more quickly. You won't have to spend any time haggling with the price because of the old ones.

How to Tell if It's Time to Replace Your Windows

Now that you know that installing new windows will help you sell your home faster, it's important to figure out when it's time for a window replacement.

There are several factors to take into consideration, including:

• Visible chips, cracks, or water damage to the window frames
• Excessive outside noise coming through the windows
• Feeling drafts leak in when the windows are closed
• Condensation between the layers of glass
• Cracked or broken glass
• Problems opening, closing, or locking the windows
• Cloudy glass
• Recent increases in your energy bills
• Older single-pane windows instead of double-glazed modern windows

After you find one or more of these points to be true, you should start researching what windows are available to replace the old ones.

When you talk with your window contractor, ask about style options as well. A home with new windows will be more energy efficient, but the new windows won't look right if you pick the wrong style. If you did not pick the right window for your home's existing look and structure, homebuyers will be less likely to be attracted by the overall appearance.

Often, home sellers decide to replace windows in homes before selling because they would rather spend some money to get the sale over with quickly. That's just one of the benefits, however. Even if your house didn't sell as fast as you wanted it to, you could still save money on your energy bill while you're still there. That's without mentioning how beautiful the new windows look to those driving by. Someone will eventually see the new energy-efficient windows that really complement your home, and they won't be able to resist making an offer.

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! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Owning a home in Albuquerque is an investment that, as we all know, will need repairs and improvements as the years go by. Many people prepare for the mortgage payment and other costs, but sudden repairs can catch anyone off guard. In fact, around 31% of homeowners don't set aside enough for home repairs.

What are some steps you can take to make sure you're ready for your next repair job or improvement project?

1. Always have a plan

Since there's many items on your to-do list as a homeowner, then logically you should make a real to-do list on paper or spreadsheet program to keep track of it all. Keep track of your regular maintenance items, such as filter replacements and gutter cleaning, as well as projects you want to take care of in the near future. Then make a list of larger updates you would like to do eventually.

Doing this will not only help you remember regular items to keep up, but you can prioritize repairs that will save money down the road. This list will also come in handy when you want to look back at repairs on particular items over the years to see if they justify replacement. And when you go to sell your home, the buyer will appreciate knowing when those items were taken care of.

2. Add to your emergency fund

Setting aside money for repairs is always a good idea, especially if you don't live in a new home. Having an emergency fund can help you take care of unexpected situations, or if you lose income. And you don't have to aim for the stars to start with. Setting aside as much as you can will add up over the months and years. There are also apps for your phone that can help set money aside.

3. Act quickly when it comes to repairs

Take care of a repair as soon as it pops up. Don't wait for the problem to get worse. For example, a leaky faucet can rot the subfloor. Fixing a faucet is far easier than replacing a floor.

4. Know your financing options

Sometimes a repair may exceed your cash on hand. Make a plan to take care of these larger repairs, such as borrowing from a bank or family member. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are also financing options.

5. Consider doing it yourself

Younger homeowners tend to do projects themselves rather than hiring a pro. This can save hundreds on a project. But there's a risk in making huge mistakes that can cost more in the end. Make sure you can handle a project before you DIY.

6. If you go pro, do your research

There's nothing wrong with hiring a pro. But make sure that you research the pros in your area and get several estimates. Ask questions, such as how they intend to do the job, what the estimated timeline is, whether they’re insured and how much experience they have with projects like yours. Don’t simply go with the cheapest contractor to save Money. Yes, they could be the best person for the job, or you may wind up spending more to fix their mistakes.

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

Your front yard speaks volumes about your home. If your front yard is rough, messy, and unkept, buyers will naturally leave the field while driving to the next property on their list. Don't let that happen by ensuring your front yard is lush and as beautiful as the inside of your home.

Are there areas in your front yard you should focus on? Where do you begin? Here are the steps you should take to revitalize your front yard if you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque:

1. Cut the grass.

Buyers don't want to trudge through tall grass. The lawn, however, should still look green, alive and lush. The lawn mower needs to be out once a week, if not every other week, to keep it short. Water so that the sun won't dry out the grass and make it yellow or brown. A professional landscaper can maintain the right balance of edging and growth so the lawn looks perfect for potential buyers.

2. Plant more shade trees.

If you want to really add some shade, plant more trees in the front yard. You can deflect the unnatural glare of the sun with shade trees and cool the house if they're planted close to windows. The moisture will also keep the grass green. You can plant trees that are shorter so they will grow full by the time the new owner buys the house. However, it's important that they are strong and can handle the climate.

3. Install outdoor lighting.

Landscape lighting is a good way to illuminate the house at night and showcase parts of your yard. Depending on where you place the lights, the house will look very appealing at night to buyers who may not have time to shop during the day. In addition to illuminating a path between the curb and your front door for easier navigation, outdoor lighting also helps to emphasize the beauty of your landscaping, which heightens the beauty of your home.

4. Add flowers for more color.

If your front yard is lush and green, you should add more color to make it more appealing. Flowers are a great and easy way to make the yard more appealing, as are shrubbery with different blooms. Perennials are the best for this because they last for more than one year, which requires less upkeep on both the seller and the buyer. They are available in a variety of colors and types, so the yard can be adorned with any number of them while still requiring less care.

5. Keep everything clean.

Furthermore, it is also important to keep all other parts of the house clean. Anywhere dirt can accumulate - siding, porches, front doors, driveways - should be cleaned regularly. Buyers don't want to see dirt and mess, so take a broom, a power washer, and take an hour on the weekend to clean everything up. Need a power washer? A professional powerwashing service costs as little as $293.

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!

13504 DESERT ZINNIA Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $1,050,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (4 full, 0 half) / 4556 Square Feet

Highly Sought after High Desert Contemporary Southwestern Beauty. Custom built for Original owner. Well Situated on .86 acre lot to maximize the spectacular Mountain and City views! Incredible floor plan features 4 spacious en-suite bedrooms all with private bathrooms, Dual Masters, with the largest one on main level. Gorgeous, sunny kitchen with quartz counter tops, opens onto bright, light breakfast nook and family room. Complete with kitchen island, double ovens. Soaring ceilings throughout - with walls of windows to enjoy the views from every room. Approx 1500 sqft of wrap around decks/patios on front and back of home can be accessed from all bedrooms. Gorgeous serene courtyard with water feature. Spectacular low maintenance landscaping front and back! Newer TPO top of the line roof.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team