Real Estate Information

If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque, there are clearly many options when it comes to who you work with. But when you take even a brief look at what The Sandi Pressley Team has to offer, the choice becomes clear.

Sandi Pressley has been the top Albuquerque Real Estate Agent at Coldwell Banker for 37 consecutive years. With over 44 years of experience, Sandi has assisted over 12,782 families in buying and selling homes in New Mexico!

But what do her clients have to say? Quite a lot! Sandi and her team have had hundreds of positive reviews over the years, and they just keep coming. Here are a few recent comments.

"Tori guided me through the process of purchasing my first home. She was always available to answer questions and view homes. She negotiated a deal on my current home, beating out the competition. She is an excellent communicator and provided much needed knowledge of the Santa Fe housing market. Highly recommend working with Tori!" - 12/2/2023 - Elyse Grant

"Tori was fantastic when assisting us in the house hunt and purchasing of our very first home. Our schedule was not easy to work with, yet Tori always made the time for us and every meeting with her she made us feel so important. Tori is a true expert in her field as well as the geographical location in which she works. We ended up finding out dream home and I am still flabbergasted to be sitting in this beautiful space right now as I write this review. Tori was a ray of sunshine during a stressful time for our family and we cannot thank her enough for her positive energy and professionalism." - 10/18/2023 - AmandaBillington

"I wanted to work with a top agent, and that was exactly what I got! The Sandi Pressley team was absolutely amazing. I have had many previous transactions with other agents and I’ve never had such a good experience before. When complications arose with the buyer, Sandi expertly fought for my best interest and negotiated a successful resolution. As a residential loan officer, I work with a lot of agents in the real estate industry and have processed 100s of transactions over my 20+ year career and I’ve never worked with such a well organized, professional and smooth running team that absolutely gives 100% effort to customer satisfaction. I would highly recommend Sandi Pressley and her team to any buyer or seller wanting to have a phenomenal experience." - 7/6/2023 - Vanessa A2023

"Sandi Pressley is not only NM's Real Estate Genius, but # 1 in many other ways as well. She is hugely successful due to multiple gifts, personal and professional acumen. She has incredible Joy, Exuberance, and Sparkle, she is happy and positive from beginning to end---even beyond closing! She has encyclopedic knowledge and memory of the plethora of real estate laws, regulations,, twists, and turns--which, when coupled with her instant recall, analysis, and pro-active swift decision-making skills--these place her in rarified company. She is thoughtful, a generous Philanthropist, a person of impeccable character and standards. Another sterling quality is the sincere high priority she has for her clients, she places their benefit as hers to guide, defend, and protect. This she gives freely and lovingly--behind professional acuity. We were and are fortunate, blessed, and grateful for Sandi Pressley's superb skills as she sold our real estate. She sold one above price another at full price--and best of all: BEFORE noon on the very first day they were on the market in a difficult-to sell-location She and her high quality team are remarkable in every way. Highest possible ratings!!!" - 3/23/2023 - floydvszqz

Want to read more about what The Sanid Pressley Team have done for thier happy clients over the years? Check out more reviews on our website. And then pick up the phone and give us a call at 505-263-2173. We can't wait to make you our next success story!

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

2904 El Tesoro Escondido NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

LUXURIOUS yet AFFORDABLE home on the golf course with amazing mountain views! This is a true GEM! Enjoy stunning morning sunrises while you peacefully watch the geese & cranes soar above. Light & bright with high ceilings & clerestory windows. Too many upgrades to list: NEW: HVAC, stucco, windows, cordless lift blinds with remote controls, LVP flooring, electrical rewire with 200 volt service & a completely REMODELED KITCHEN with custom-made cabinets, butcher block counters, & new appliances! Marble counters & a modern vanity in the primary bath, solid granite counter and tub in spare bath. Two big bedrooms & a bonus/office/workout room. Wrought iron courtyard security door with ring doorbell. W/D included! Great location with easy access to I-40; lots of conveniences and shopping nearby.

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!

Just listed! Whether you're looking for the ideal first home in Albuquerque, or you want to upgrade to a larger home, these listings have everything you're looking for! Both offer amazing views and great locations, along with tons of features.

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team today for your exclusive showing. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

Discover the perfect place to call home! You will be immediately greeted by the Sandia Mountains with picturesque views out of the office, living, kitchen, dining room and primary bdrm. This home has unobstructed views, an attached studio Casita equipped with: a full kitchen, 3/4 bath and ample closet space, perfect for a mother-in-law, Airbnb or rental and has a private entrance. The main home has 3 bd, 4 baths. 1 office is fully furnished with a custom wrap-around desk and a separate wine room or 2nd office. In 2014 the home was fully renovated; new roof, stucco, HVAC and the added sf of the casita. This home also has PAID SOLAR! There is a huge rooftop patio with gorgeous views, great for entertaining!!

Learn More!

2904 El Tesoro Escondido NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

LUXURIOUS yet AFFORDABLE home on the golf course with amazing mountain views! This is a true GEM! Enjoy stunning morning sunrises while you peacefully watch the geese & cranes soar above. Light & bright with high ceilings & clerestory windows. Too many upgrades to list: NEW: HVAC, stucco, windows, cordless lift blinds with remote controls, LVP flooring, electrical rewire with 200 volt service & a completely REMODELED KITCHEN with custom-made cabinets, butcher block counters, & new appliances! Marble counters & a modern vanity in the primary bath, solid granite counter and tub in spare bath. Two big bedrooms & a bonus/office/workout room. Wrought iron courtyard security door with ring doorbell. W/D included! Great location with easy access to I-40; lots of conveniences and shopping nearby.

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.

Buying a home is a complex process that requires careful preparation. Months before you begin your search, take steps to get ready. This article outlines the key steps for successfully purchasing your dream home in Albuquerque. Starting early and planning thoroughly are essential keys to success.

First step in buying a house: pre-approval

Before purchasing a home in Albuquerque, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval reveals your maximum affordable price range based on factors like your debt-to-income ratio, annual income, and credit score. Lenders usually require a minimum credit score of 620 for mortgage approval. If your credit score is below 620, it's best to wait, improve your credit, and get pre-approved later when you are in a better financial position to buy a home.

A lender will also ask for two years of W-2s to review your net income history, which is a key factor in mortgage approval. Additionally, avoid taking out large loans or closing bank accounts right before applying, as that may hurt your chances of getting approved. Once the lender has reviewed your income, debts, and assets, they can provide a pre-approval letter.

To find a lender, you have a few options: you can do some quick online research to find options, go to your own bank since they already know you well, or ask a local Albuquerque real estate agent for a recommendation, as they often have connections with lenders. Once you have contacted a lender, you can move on to the next step in the home buying process.

Choosing the right real estate agent

When finding the ideal home for sale in Albuquerque, choosing an experienced real estate agent like Sandi Pressley is crucial for making the process easier. Sandi and her team will guide you through the entire process, from finding a home to moving in. You can count on the Sandi Pressley team to make buying your first home a complete success. You can check out what all of her happy clients have said about working with the team.

When your offer gets accepted

Once your offer is accepted, you must make a good-faith deposit, separate from the down payment you provide to your lender. If this is your first time purchasing a home, consult with your lender about a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan, which allows you to finance a home with a down payment of just 1% to 3% of the purchase price after making the good-faith deposit.

Getting an inspection before closing is typically the next step in the home buying process, and most lenders require one.

Making it to the settlement

Once your offer is accepted, inspections and mortgage approvals will begin. Expect 40+ days for inspections, loan processing, and setting a closing date. This can be stressful, but an experienced agent and lender can make the process go more smoothly. Follow their guidance closely to ensure you can move into your dream home without issues.

If you want to learn more about how The Sandi Pressley Team can help make your home buyind dream a reality, contact us today!

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

2316 Agua Fria Drive NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Discover the perfect place to call home! You will be immediately greeted by the Sandia Mountains with picturesque views out of the office, living, kitchen, dining room and primary bdrm. This home has unobstructed views, an attached studio Casita equipped with: a full kitchen, 3/4 bath and ample closet space, perfect for a mother-in-law, Airbnb or rental and has a private entrance. The main home has 3 bd, 4 baths. 1 office is fully furnished with a custom wrap-around desk and a separate wine room or 2nd office. In 2014 the home was fully renovated; new roof, stucco, HVAC and the added sf of the casita. This home also has PAID SOLAR! There is a huge rooftop patio with gorgeous views, great for entertaining!!

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!

The security of a new home in Albuquerque goes beyond physical barriers. While homeowners prioritize visible precautions like sturdy locks and security cameras to establish safety, they often neglect cybersecurity measures that safeguard the home network. However, failing to secure the digital entry points into a home can leave it vulnerable to intrusion. Just as strong locks deter physical intruders, proactive cybersecurity deters hackers from exploiting weaknesses and gaining access. A truly secure home requires protection for both the physical property and the digital one.

To better secure your home network and protect your personal information, take these key steps: Change the default Wi-Fi name and password, keep your router software updated, disable SSID broadcasting, and implement additional practices like using a firewall, encrypting data, and enabling two-factor authentication. Taking these precautions will prevent unauthorized access, stop hackers from stealing private data for financial gain, and strengthen the overall cybersecurity of your home network.

Risks of having an unprotected home network

Your home network is vulnerable to cyberthreats like data theft, identity theft, and malware without proper cybersecurity. Any device on your network could be compromised. The growing Internet of Things (IoT), with connected devices like smart TVs, thermostats, and refrigerators, introduces new risks. The biggest is the lack of encryption—if an attacker accessed the network, they could steal credentials and data sent to and from devices.

New homeowners must implement key security measures to protect their home network from cyberthreats. The best practices include:

1. Getting a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an excellent way to protect your smart devices by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This prevents unauthorized access to your connection by hackers, software, and web browsers. Most VPN providers are easy to set up on routers or offer DNS features that allow installation on devices that don't natively support VPNs, like smart TVs and game consoles. A key benefit of a VPN is the ability to virtually relocate to other countries, granting access to region-restricted content. For budget-conscious users, an affordable monthly VPN subscription makes this essential cybersecurity tool very accessible, providing reliable protection without being costly.

2. Changing the default passwords on all your smart devices

Keeping the default passwords on your internet-connected devices poses a major security threat. Hackers can take control of your smart devices by gaining unauthorized access and stealing private data or using them for illegal activities like botnets. Botnets are networks of infected devices that hackers control to steal information, distribute spam, or launch cyberattacks. Consequently, changing the default passwords on all your smart gadgets is essential to improve your home's cybersecurity.

3. Installing antivirus software

Antivirus software provides crucial protection by detecting and eliminating malicious viruses like malware and spyware that infiltrate devices. Viruses can enter through email attachments, downloaded apps, web links in texts, or online ads. Once activated, malware damages system data, steals confidential information, spies on system resources, and slows performance. Antivirus software blocks and removes viruses and malware while warning users about dangerous websites, apps, attachments, and links. Installing antivirus software helps secure home networks and smart devices from cyberthreats.

With cyber-attacks on the rise each year, it is crucial for new Albuquerque homeowners to implement cybersecurity practices that protect their homes from threats. Simple yet effective measures like using a VPN, changing default passwords on smart devices, and installing antivirus software can help homeowners establish a sense of safety and cyber defense in their homes.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

1526 Vassar Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Welcome home to this precious house in the heart of the UNM corridor! Charming wood floors lead the way to the open living room plus light and bright kitchen featuring eat-in space and gas range. Featuring FOUR Bedrooms, this one has room for everything. 4th Bedroom also showcases a separate outdoor entrance for potential Air BnB use. Newer TPO Roof (2020) and Electrical Panel Upgrade (2021)...plus a HUGE yard situated on almost 1/4 acre ready for your ideas and projects. Enjoy the convenience of both an attached garage and a U-shaped driveway all while being close to UNM, Green Jeans and the new Whole Foods. Come see this today!

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!

Just listed! Check out our open house on 5300 Beebe Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111! These outstanding properties have just hit the market, so make sure you check them out before they sell.

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team today for your exclusive showing. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

Wonderful brick home,, on an amazing corner lot, with backyard access, rv pad, brand new Water Heater, newer Hi Efficiency furnace, roof in 2020. Newer windows, sola tube, security wrought iron, new new faucets, toilets. 2 living areas, views, minutes to shopping restaurants.

Learn More!

1526 Vassar Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Welcome home to this precious house in the heart of the UNM corridor! Charming wood floors lead the way to the open living room plus light and bright kitchen featuring eat-in space and gas range. Featuring FOUR Bedrooms, this one has room for everything. 4th Bedroom also showcases a separate outdoor entrance for potential Air BnB use. Newer TPO Roof (2020) and Electrical Panel Upgrade (2021)...plus a HUGE yard situated on almost 1/4 acre ready for your ideas and projects. Enjoy the convenience of both an attached garage and a U-shaped driveway all while being close to UNM, Green Jeans and the new Whole Foods. Come see this 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 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!

Homeowners who bought a home in Albuquerque after December 15, 2017 can deduct interest paid on the first $750,000 of their mortgage when itemizing their tax return. Other homeowners can deduct interest on the first $1 million of mortgage debt.

The following is a guide to what to know about the mortgage interest deduction and how it works.

The Basics

The mortgage interest deduction allows homeowners to reduce their taxable income by the amount paid in mortgage interest over the year. Homeowners with a mortgage can lower their tax bill if they keep records of interest paid. In general, interest on the first $1 million of a mortgage for a primary or secondary residence can be deducted. However, for homes purchased after December 15, 2017, the deduction applies only to the first $750,000 of mortgage debt.

What Qualifies?

If you’re deducting mortgage interest for your primary home, typically, the following will count:

• Your property can be a mobile home, house, apartment, condo, co-op, house trailer, or even a houseboat
• Your home has to be the loan’s collateral.
• The home needs to have sleeping, toilet, and cooking facilities.
• If you get a housing allowance from the military or through the ministry that’s not taxable, you can still deduct the interest for a mortgage.
• A mortgage you get to buy out the other half of your home in a divorce also counts.

If you have a mortgage on a second home, the following will qualify you:

• You don’t need to use the home throughout the year
• The house has to be the loan’s collateral
• If you rent out your second home, you need to be there for the longer of at least 14 days or over 10% of the number of days you rented it out

Points are prepaid interest you can get on a loan. You can deduct your points gradually through the life of your loan, or if you meet certain requirements, you can deduct them at the same time. The eight requirements you have to meet to deduct your points all at once include:

• The mortgage has to be for your primary home
• It’s an established practice to pay points in your area
• Your points can’t be abnormally high
• Your points aren’t for closing costs
• The down payment you make is higher than your points
• The points are calculated as a percentage of your loan
• The points are on your settlement statement
• You use a cash method of accounting on your taxes

If you paid a late fee that was not for a specific service related to your mortgage loan, you can deduct it. You can also deduct any prepayment penalty you incurred for paying your mortgage early as interest.

If you take out a home equity loan and use the money to buy, substantially renovate, or construct a home, the interest is tax deductible. However, if you use the loan for expenses unrelated to your home, the interest cannot be deducted.

What’s Not Deductible?

Most extra principal payments on your mortgage, homeowners' insurance, title insurance, and settlement costs are not deductible. Down payments, earnest money, deposits you forfeit, and interest on reverse mortgages are also non-deductible.

To claim a mortgage interest deduction, first look for Form 1098, which your lender will send in January or early February. This form details your total mortgage interest and points paid for the year, and your lender also sends a copy to the IRS. You will receive a Form 1098 if you paid at least $600 in mortgage interest, including points, during the tax year.

When you file your taxes, itemizing deductions is necessary if you want to claim more than the standard deduction.

Itemizing your taxes takes more time, but if your standard deduction is less than your total itemized deductions, you should itemize to lower your tax bill. Use Schedule A to calculate your itemized deductions. Tax software can also guide you through the itemization process.

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!

Just listed! Our lates HOT Albuquerque properties offer tons of features for the price. Both are located in great communites that feature a great variety of ammenties including trails, shops, shopping & restaurants!

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team today for your exclusive showing. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

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!

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!

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.

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!

Few experiences match the stress of moving houses. Packing up a lifetime of belongings and adapting to a new living space can overwhelm even the most organized person.

According to the US Census Bureau, 8.4 percent of Americans moved in 2021. Though this rate represents a slight decline from previous years, it confirms that a considerable number of people relocate annually. For most movers, the transition process proves extremely challenging.

However, strategic decluttering before a move can ease the transition and restore order more quickly. This is easier said than done, as research by Maid Brigade indicates Americans already devote 300 hours per year to home cleaning. Faced with decluttering, the job of sorting through belongings and cleaning is bound to get messy before it gets better.

To help you out with all this, here are a few tips for decluttering effectively before moving houses in Albuquerque and beyond.

#1 Start Early, Plan Strategically

To avoid last-minute stress when moving, begin decluttering well in advance. Break the process into manageable tasks on a realistic timeline, starting early enough to thoughtfully assess belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard.

Start by decluttering the rooms or spaces in your home that tend to accumulate the most clutter, like attics, basements, and closets. These often neglected areas harbor forgotten items that can either be repurposed or discarded.

As you walk through each room, make two lists: one of essential items for your new home and another of items you no longer need. This strategic sorting will set the stage for an efficient, organized move.

#2 Embrace the KonMari Method

The KonMari Method, popularized by organizing consultant Marie Kondo, advises keeping only possessions that bring joy. When decluttering, hold each item and evaluate your feelings about it. If something no longer sparks joy or has a useful purpose, consider letting it go.

The KonMari Method focuses on the emotional attachment we have to our possessions. By only keeping belongings that spark joy, this minimalist approach helps create living spaces that feel uncluttered and uplifting. Using the KonMari Method can be transformational, empowering people to declutter their homes and welcome more positivity into their lives.

Homes & Gardens recommends involving the whole family when decluttering using the KonMari Method so that everyone feels heard and valued; otherwise, the process will fail to achieve its intended purpose.

#3 Donate and Recycle Responsibly

When decluttering, reflect on how your choices affect the environment. Rather than throwing out items still in good shape, look into donating them to local charities or shelters. Clothing, furniture, and household goods can frequently find new homes with people in need.

Additionally, items that cannot be donated should be recycled as a priority. Recyclable materials like electronic devices, old appliances, and others should be disposed of responsibly to minimize environmental impact.

#4 Digitize Documents and Memorabilia

When moving houses, paper clutter is often a problem as stacks of old documents, photos, and memorabilia consume precious space. Digitize important documents and sentimental items to streamline your move and reduce clutter.

Create digital copies of paperwork, photographs, and other mementos by investing in a scanner or using smartphone apps. Digitizing these documents reduces physical clutter and ensures you can easily access essential information during and after the move.

To preserve sentimental memories without taking up physical storage space, consider digitally archiving items like children's artwork and letters in an online scrapbook.

In conclusion, decluttering before moving is crucial for simplifying the relocation process and starting fresh in your new home. Sticking to the tips above will help make the moving experience more manageable and less stressful.

When decluttering, remember that it involves more than simply getting rid of possessions; it's about creating a space that reflects your current priorities and lays the foundation for an organized, uplifting future in your new home.

HOT ALBUQUERQUE LISTING OF THE WEEK

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