Real Estate Information Archive

As modern society becomes more connected, many seek solace in nature, craving a space to unwind and rejuvenate. Outdoor living spaces are extremely popular and here to stay and are a natural extension of our indoor spaces, offering a seamless blend of comfort and natural beauty. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, creating an outdoor oasis that reflects your style and meets your needs is within reach. Today we'll explore the key elements and design considerations that will transform your outdoor space into a haven of tranquility and functionality.

Before diving into the design process, evaluating your outdoor space is essential. Consider its size, shape, and existing features that may impact your design decisions. Understand the sunlight exposure throughout the day, as it will influence the choice of plants, seating, and shading options.

Second, you'll need to determine the purpose of your outdoor living area. Are you looking to create a cozy conversation areas? A vibrant dining spot for entertaining guests or a meditation corner for quiet reflection? Defining your purpose will guide the selection of furniture, lighting, and accessories that align with your intended activities.

Next will be figuring out your furniture and the layout of the space. The right furniture can be the cornerstone of your outdoor living space. Opt for weather-resistant materials and comfortable seating options that invite relaxation. Consider the area's layout and flow, ensuring ample space for movement and interaction. Layering with cushions, throws, and rugs can add comfort and style.

Pay attention to lighting. Thoughtful lighting choices can elevate the ambiance of your outdoor space, extending its usability well into the evening. Experiment with various lighting fixtures like string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered options. Highlight focal points, pathways, and seating areas to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Embrace the beauty of nature by incorporating plants and greenery into your outdoor space. Choosing a mix of grasses, annuals, and perennials to ensure a vibrant and evolving landscape. Container gardens, vertical planters, or even a small herb garden can add a touch of nature even in limited spaces.

Remember to create privacy and shady spaces for tranquility in your outdoor living area. Utilize privacy screens, trellises, or decorative fencing for secluded spaces. Integrate shade options such as umbrellas, pergolas, or shade sails to provide relief from the sun. Blend functionality with aesthetics to create a cozy and intimate setting.

Be sure to consider incorporating entertainment options that will enhance your outdoor experience. Integrate a small outdoor kitchen, a BBQ grill, or a built-in fire pit for gathering and dining. Additionally, ensure there are power outlets or convenient charging stations for electronic devices, allowing you to stay connected while enjoying nature.

Designing your perfect outdoor living space is an exciting endeavor that allows you to embrace nature while adding a personal touch to your environment. By carefully considering the layout, furniture, lighting and integrating elements of nature, privacy, and entertainment, you can create a haven that reflects your style and encourages outdoor living year-round. So go ahead, get inspired, and transform your outdoor space into a true sanctuary of relaxation and connection with the natural world around you.

Your home is your sanctuary and private oasis. Utliize all your space to make it everything you've always wanted. If you've outgrown your current home, or need to downsize to a home that is more manageable for your current situation, let us put our expert skills to work for you to find the perfect home. Reach out to our team here. 

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

9200 SPAIN ROAD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Elegance in the NE Heights. Home is fully equipped with an attached casita, mini-split AC/heater, full bath, kitchen and a separate entrance; garage or private door. Casita can be used as an office, Airbnb or rental. As you walk in the home you will be captivated by the high ceilings, skylights and the spacious floor plan. The formal dining and a large living and family room is perfect for entertaining! The kitchen has ample cabinet space, granite and a stainless package that conveys. Home has 2 balconies, 2 fireplaces (one in the master). Master has double sinks, a large walk-in closet and a large make-up station outside of the bathroom. Dimmer switches on all light in bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms. The outdoor is an oasis with serene greenery/flowers; 2 Beautiful lawns and gardens.

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Organizing your garage can be daunting, but with a systematic approach, you can transform it into a clean and functional space. Here are the organizational steps you can follow to declutter and organize your garage:

1. Assess and Declutter:

- Start by assessing the contents of your garage and determine what you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.- Sort items into categories such as tools, sports equipment, gardening supplies, seasonal decorations, etc.

2. Set Up Zones:

 - Divide your garage space into zones based on the types of items you have, such as a workshop area, sports gear zone, storage area, etc.- Allocate space according to your needs and the amount of space available.

3. Invest in Storage Solutions:

- Evaluate what storage solutions would work best for each zone in your garage. Considerations may include shelving units, pegboards, cabinets, overhead storage, or wall-mounted racks.

- Purchase the necessary storage equipment to maximize space and keep items organized.

4. Establish a Floor Plan:

- Create a floor plan of your garage, considering the space available and the location of items within each zone.

- This plan will help you visualize and optimize the layout of your garage, making it easier to find and access items whenever needed.

5. Categorize and Label:

- Group similar items within each zone and label storage bins, shelves, or containers accordingly.

- Labeling all storage areas will help you effortlessly locate and return items.

6. Utilize Wall Space:

- Use the walls in your garage to hang tools, equipment, and other items.

- Install pegboards, hooks, or wall-mounted racks to keep frequently used items within easy reach.

7. Optimize Overhead Space:

 - If your garage has high ceilings, consider installing overhead storage racks to keep seasonal or less frequently used items off the floor.

- This will free up extra space below and maximize storage capacity.

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!

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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.

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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!

The holidays are here and many of us will be traveling to be with loved ones to share the joy of the season. While we’re all excited to get packed and be on our way, it is very important to make sure our home and property is secure while we are away. Here are some home safety tips to employ while you’re away to ensure you come back to a safe and sound residence.

Set timers on your lights- timers on indoor lights or programmable switches make it seem like someone is home and normal day to day functions are taking place. You can also utilize smart blubs that can be programmed right from your phone!

Install a security system- this doesn’t necessarily mean a pricey service; many camera systems are available for purchase and can be installed fairly easily and come with monitoring right from your phone. These systems will also send an alert to your phone if something is amiss.

Install motion sensors on outdoor lights- an easy way to scare off an intruder is for a flood light to come on when they enter the yard. Motion sensors on your outdoor lights will do just this and will avoid them even getting close to your home to cause potential damage.

Make sure all windows and doors are locked- this usually goes without saying, but always do a second check of windows and doors before leaving your home to make sure one of the family members haven’t opened a window or door you previously locked.

Stop your Mail- If you will be gone for longer than a day or two, make sure to have the post office stop your mail and hold it until you return.  Mail that builds up in your mailbox is a signal to intruders that your house is open for business.

Social Media Time Out- Even though you are all excited about your trip, resist the urge to post about leaving for your trip, where you are going, photos when you are on the trip, etc.  If you want to share your experiences and memories, wait until you are back home to do so.

Lastly, always let a trusted neighbor know your plans. That way they can keep an eye on your home and know when to expect you home in the event there is an emergency on the road or at home while you are away.

Have a wonderful, safe holiday season!

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