Real Estate Information

We take appliances for granted until they break. Then our entire day goes down the drain. A repair can be expensive and time-consuming. However, sometimes you can do the repair yourself. Here are 5 repairs you can do yourself, and two you shouldn't.

Replace the Thermostat in The Dryer

In most cases, the thermostat is the problem with a dryer that won't heat up. A new thermostat can be purchased at most hardware stores for under $80, a considerable savings over a dryer repair, which generally costs around $180. In your dryer manual, you'll find the location of the thermostat, and you can watch a YouTube video if you need further guidance if needed.

Clear the Drain in the Dishwasher

If your dishwasher isn't draining, it's likely that there is a clog. You can clear this up with a shop vac. You may be able to avoid costly dishwasher repairs by plugging in the vacuum hose, operating the vac for a few minutes, then testing the dishwasher again.

Replace the Fan in the Freezer

It could be a bad freezer fan that's causing your freezer not to keep things cold. This fan circulates the cold air throughout the freezer. If it's broken, cold air won't reach those areas. A new fan costs about $85 at your local hardware store. It can be replaced in a few minutes by unscrewing and connecting it, and then replacing it. You've just saved a lot of money.

Clean Coils in the Refrigerator

Dirty coils can cause your fridge to lose its cooling capacity. You can find them under or behind the unit, and they can accumulate a lot of debris, dust, and pet hair. If that happens, the coils can freeze up, rather than cool the inside. Clean coils by unplugging the fridge and sliding it out, then vacuuming, dusting, or wiping them down. Plug it back in and give it an hour to cool back down to its normal temperature.

Unclog the Burner in the Gas Stove

Gas stoves that have trouble lighting or emit a gas smell might be the result of a clogged burner. If gas and electricity are working properly, you may just have to fix the burner. Once the gas is shut off to the stove, use a small brush and cleaning solution to scrub out the burner head. Restart the gas and the burner should light right up. 

When to Call a Pro

The fixes above are easy. But here are two things that definitely need a pro.

Repairing the Icemaker Broken on the Fridge

In the event that your ice maker unexpectedly stops working when still connected to water, the compressor is most likely to blame. In some cases, icemaker repair can cost up to $300. Icemakers are among the most expensive components of a refrigerator, and often require some major work to the refrigerator itself. This will need a pro, as things can easily be made worse if the repair is done wrong. 

Repair the Microwave

It is best to contact an expert if the microwave you own is more expensive and needs to be repaired. Do not attempt to make repairs yourself. Those devices can leak microwave radiation when not properly sealed, so call a pro for help before you start fiddling around. Or just buy a new microwave if it's old enough and a replacement will cost the same as repair.

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!

7508 CALLE MONTANA NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

5 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 3011 Square Feet

Beautiful 5 bedroom Stillbrooke home in highly sought after planned community! Main level features grand open floorplan w/gorgeous custom staircase; spacious great room opens onto breakfast nook & kitchen w/granite countertops, island & breakfast bar. Cathedral ceilings & Clerestory windows makes this home bright & light. Flexible floorplan could be 2 living areas: office & 5 bedroom plus loft, OR formal dining, greatroom, 5 bedrooms & loft/media area. Master suite on main level has backyard access, spa like en suite & huge walk-in closet. Also, a secondary bedroom on main level. Upstairs features a huge loft/media room, 3 more very large bedrooms, & additional full bathroom. Lovely landscaped backyard w/water feature & fully walled for privacy. New carpet 2019, & updated SS appliances.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Some would say that pizza is the perfect food. And who are we to argue? If you own a home in Albuquerque, you have access to some of the best pizza in the Southwest. You’ll find just about any kind of pizza incarnation to satisfy your tastebuds. So get ready to get a facefull of fresh cheese and chargrilled dough. Here are 7 of the best pizzas in Albuquerque.

1. Golden Crown Panaderia Neighborhood Bakery

Several unusual crust options that make this pizzeria unique make it a special place to dine. Make a new pie creation with a choice of blue corn, New Mexico green chile, or peasant crust, and discover new varieties.

2. Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria

Among the city’s best pizza places, only Amore is certified Neapolitan. The flour crusts are super fluffy, chewy, and smothered in the finest Italian ingredients.

The classic Margherita pizza can be mixed up a bit with a New Mexico version - tomato sauce, crushed Hatch red chiles, Italian salami, and house-made mozzarella.

3. Farina

Featuring a crispy crust and perfect charring, this pizza was made with responsibly-sourced toppings like creamy goat cheese, broccoli, and gourmet Parma ham that was made in-house at Farina’s charcuterie. 

You can get gluten-free bases there as well as creamy gorgonzola dipping sauce. 

4. Dion’s

Dion’s is a local landmark. Their ranch dressing is famous in and around the area. Order a large pepperoni pizza topped with green chile, and dip it in the ranch dressing.

5. Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza 

The first local microbrewery and original wood-fired pizzeria in the city, you can’t go wrong with a pie here.

There are a number of wood-fired pizzas available, from a Margherita to gourmet-inspired toppings like goat cheese, fiery shrimp or roast chicken. Ditch the standard and order the Motorino: alfredo sauce, spinach, artichoke hearts.

6. Brickyard Pizza

The Brickyard Pizza offers 25 beers on tap and huge slices of pizza – what more could one ask for? Personal pizzas and deep dish pizzas are all available.

Though they have a multitude of delicious menu items, they’re famous for their Blue Ribbon Special. For $4.75, you can get a huge slice of cheese pizza and a PBR.

7. Saggios

This pizzeria is run by a family that makes delicious pizzas with thick crusts and a nice and doughy base. It’s a great place for families with great value for money, and huge portions to fill hungry bellies.

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!

9519 OAKLAND Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

5 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 3631 Square Feet

Welcome home to this Custom John Mark home built in 2019 with all the bells and whistles. Nestled into 0.73 acres in this prime location, walk in to soaring ceilings & a magnificent floor-to-ceiling gas fireplace as the centerpiece to this open floorplan with bright, LED lighting. The gourmet kitchen features top-of-the-line Jenn-Air appliances, gorgeous granite countertops & a cleverly concealed oversized pantry. From the living room, slide open the 3 glass doors to enjoy the INCREDIBLE backyard. This property features: a heated pool with electric cover, separate spa/hot tub, outdoor kitchen, gas fire pit with circular seating, basketball court, soccer field, meticulously planned landscaping, an outdoor accessible 3/4 bath, and electric gate entry.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

When it comes to buying a home in Albuquerque, the competition is stiff. You will no doubt end up in a bidding war if you do find a home you want. You need to act quick to stay ahead of the competition. More money will always make your deal more appealing, but that’s not always an option.

One way to make your offer stand out is to write a personal letter.

There is a trend for sellers to accept offers by sending a heartfelt letter that explains why their home means so much to you. This method is growing in popularity throughout the Albuquerque real estate market.

In some cases, a letter can be off-putting, so be careful to strike the right balance if you submit it. If you’re worried about not being able to write a genuine, honest letter, you might consider another method to increase the likelihood of your offer being accepted.

Don’t Use a Template

You should always speak directly from your heart when writing an offer letter to a seller. If you are being fake or using a template, this is probably going to backfire, since most sellers are smart, perceptive people who will notice you are trying to flatter or flatter them too much.

Try to Find a Connection

You may identify and highlight some kind of connection the seller and you share. For instance, maybe you both have similar hobbies, or your families have a similar number of children. Do not force it if it’s not there.

There Are Times When a Letter’s Not Worth It

If the seller is an investor or builder, you shouldn't bother with the letter. They just want to make a profit, so they don't have any emotional attachment to the property. It might be best to offer them more money or an expedited closing to get their attention.

Appreciate Their Work and Improvements

Don't be afraid to mention the recent remodeling the seller has done in their home. Houses are a lot of work and the seller's probably put a lot of effort into it, so it's good to know others are aware of that.

Do not mention your plans to remodel even if you have some ideas in mind. It’s better for the seller to know that you will enjoy the spaces just as much as they did.

Don’t Be Desperate

Don’t appear desperate or needy. Sellers prefer positive emotions to negative ones. No one likes to feel uncomfortable. They should be pleased to pass their home onto new owners who will enjoy it just as much as they did.

Last, keep it short and to the point. Not only should you be telling the story behind why this is such an important house to you, but you should also include how you intend to use it. You don't have to go on and on to make an impression.

In your final paragraph, sum up all your key points to provide a takeaway from your letter.

You may not find it easy to write a personable and engaging letter to a seller, and it is not for everyone, but in certain instances it can make the difference in getting the house you want.

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!

9519 OAKLAND Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

5 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 3631 Square Feet

Welcome home to this Custom John Mark home built in 2019 with all the bells and whistles. Nestled into 0.73 acres in this prime location, walk in to soaring ceilings & a magnificent floor-to-ceiling gas fireplace as the centerpiece to this open floorplan with bright, LED lighting. The gourmet kitchen features top-of-the-line Jenn-Air appliances, gorgeous granite countertops & a cleverly concealed oversized pantry. From the living room, slide open the 3 glass doors to enjoy the INCREDIBLE backyard. This property features: a heated pool with electric cover, separate spa/hot tub, outdoor kitchen, gas fire pit with circular seating, basketball court, soccer field, meticulously planned landscaping, an outdoor accessible 3/4 bath, and electric gate entry.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Even as hot as the home selling market is in Albuquerque, you still want your home to look fantastic so that you can get as much from the sale as possible. There are a number of important facets to staging a home. How you arrange your furniture is one of those. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to arranging your furnishings when you sell your home.

Dos

Plush Pillows

The pillows are a great place to start. Look for decorative pillows that are soft and plush. Down filled pillows will add a wow factor to any room. You can figure out how your pillows will shape by giving them a karate chop to the top edge.

Space Around Your Furniture

Leave space around your furniture to make your room more inviting. It can be helpful to create more conversational space by placing your furniture farther from the wall, if possible. The best placement for this is between 4-8 feet from the wall.

The Right Light

Lights should be purchased that are appropriately sized for a particular room. A light should complement the décor, much like a fine piece of jewelry will complement a dress. Investing in the right lighting will enhance a room’s ambiance.

Paint Colors Enhance the Look of a Room

Choosing the best color paint for your room can make or break it. A professional can help you determine the perfect shade that brings out the best features in your room.

An Appropriately-Sized Area Rug

The right area rug can bring your furniture together in a cohesive group. You should make sure your rug is at least large enough for the front legs of each piece of furniture in the grouping.

Don’ts

Over-Matching Furniture and Textiles

You should avoid over-matching furniture and textiles. Instead, try to make them relate. Choose pieces that have something in common, such as mood, material, history, color, motif or style.

Skimping on Drapery

When it comes to drapes, less is not more. It's recommended you should use fabric that's up to 3 times the width of your window. If you have fixed side panels, use fabric that's twice as wide as the window.

Isolate Rooms

Rooms should flow together. You can get this effect by linking adjacent spaces. Once way to do this is by carrying over an accent color or repeat a pattern from room to room.

Stopping Before the Layering Phase

This is another area where you can go overboard with matching. For example, if you have a patterned headboard in your room, you can repeat the pattern or color, but not both. Keep it subtle.

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!

9519 OAKLAND Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

5 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 3631 Square Feet

Welcome home to this Custom John Mark home built in 2019 with all the bells and whistles. Nestled into 0.73 acres in this prime location, walk in to soaring ceilings & a magnificent floor-to-ceiling gas fireplace as the centerpiece to this open floorplan with bright, LED lighting. The gourmet kitchen features top-of-the-line Jenn-Air appliances, gorgeous granite countertops & a cleverly concealed oversized pantry. From the living room, slide open the 3 glass doors to enjoy the INCREDIBLE backyard. This property features: a heated pool with electric cover, separate spa/hot tub, outdoor kitchen, gas fire pit with circular seating, basketball court, soccer field, meticulously planned landscaping, an outdoor accessible 3/4 bath, and electric gate entry.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

You need to be aware of contingency clauses when buying a home in Albuquerque. These clauses bind the contract by requiring certain requirements to be met prior to closing. If they aren’t met, then the contract can be terminated.

Some people describe these as if-then scenarios. For instance, if you sell your home you’ll buy someone else’s.

The buying process begins with a purchase offer you make to a seller. Your contingencies may be included in the purchase contract once your offer is accepted. 

Among the most common contingencies are the following.

Selling Your Current Home

The chain of sale clause is the most common contingency where your offer might be contingent on the sale of your current home.

If your home's not sold after a certain period of time, usually 30 to 60 days, your contract will end.

As long as you are buying your home during a down market, this strategy might work for you. However, if you're trying to purchase a home during a hot or competitive market, such as is occurring now, this might not be as feasible.

Appraisals

The appraisal contingency is a way for you as a buyer to be sure the property appraises for a minimum amount. If the property does not appraise for that amount, you can terminate the contract. The earnest money can be returned in most cases.

Inspections

There’s always a good reason for having a professional inspector examine a property before you move in. An appraisal, on the other hand, is required by lenders. An appraisal doesn’t look at the physical condition of a home as much as specific factors that affect its value.

An inspector evaluates structural and mechanical elements of a home and identifies anything that needs replacement or perhaps repair. These can be used in your negotiation.

There might be a clause in the contract that requires repairs be done by the seller if they are found, or you might renegotiate based on what an inspector finds.

It’s possible that you will agree not to have an inspection if you’re in a hot market.

Financing

Financing contingencies, or mortgage contingencies, can give you the time you need to get the financing you need for your home purchase. If financing cannot be obtained, then there is the possibility that you can end the contract without forfeiting your earnest money.

You may have a financial contingency in a contract, where you have a period of time to obtain financing. Then, you may have a certain amount of time to terminate or extend your contract. The contingency is automatically waived if the contingency is not met, and you have to buy the property even without financing.

It’s important to understand that contingencies can be essential when buying a home. However, you need to use them wisely because overusing them may cause your offer to be rejected. With multiple offers flying around, sellers tend to prefer buyers with less contingencies. Even if you’re not able to beat a competitor's offer, you can at least take out contingencies and make yourself a more attractive buyer.

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!

9519 OAKLAND Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

5 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms (3 full, 2 half) / 3631 Square Feet

Welcome home to this Custom John Mark home built in 2019 with all the bells and whistles. Nestled into 0.73 acres in this prime location, walk in to soaring ceilings & a magnificent floor-to-ceiling gas fireplace as the centerpiece to this open floorplan with bright, LED lighting. The gourmet kitchen features top-of-the-line Jenn-Air appliances, gorgeous granite countertops & a cleverly concealed oversized pantry. From the living room, slide open the 3 glass doors to enjoy the INCREDIBLE backyard. This property features: a heated pool with electric cover, separate spa/hot tub, outdoor kitchen, gas fire pit with circular seating, basketball court, soccer field, meticulously planned landscaping, an outdoor accessible 3/4 bath, and electric gate entry.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you're planning to buy a home in Albuquerque, earnest money is just one of the terms you need to be aware of. It is often overlooked by buyers, but not understanding it can cause roadblocks once you’re ready to make an offer.

The Basics of Earnest Money

Simply put, earnest money is a deposit that the buyer makes on the property to indicate that he or she is serious about buying it. The earnest money might range from 1% to 5% of the total purchase price.

After accepting the earnest money, the seller will take the home off the market. This will enable them to start getting things ready, such as inspections.

While you wait for your closing, your earnest money goes into an escrow account. The escrow account is held by either the seller's broker or title company, or by an escrow company.

The earnest money is kept securely until closing. Then, the earnest money is deducted from your total payment and applied to closing costs.

How Much Earnest Money Should You Offer?

The earnest money is typically between 1% to 5% of the total purchase price. However, there are many causes for variance. For instance, some cities might require you to pay a fixed amount while others may prefer a percentage.

It is not unusual for earnest money deposits to be very high in highly regarded housing markets. Your real estate agent will help you know what to expect in your area.

Earnest Money Is Not a Down Payment

Many buyers are confused by the idea of earnest money—it is not a down payment. Your down payment will be anywhere from 10-20% of your home's purchase price.

Think about the price of a house after adding your earnest money and down payment, and then figure out how much you need to pay for the house down payment and closing costs later. Your earnest money is usually due with your offer, while the down payment and closing costs come later.

Is It Refundable?

You should make sure your purchase agreement includes contingencies. These are situations in which you may walk away from a deal and still be able to get your earnest money back.

As an example, you might stipulate a contingency for appraisals that are lower than the sale price.

In a market that is highly competitive, you could agree to a nonrefundable earnest money deposit. That can be very risky since the seller may hold the money if your sale collapses.

The seller can keep your earnest money if you break the terms of your purchase agreement or decide that you do not want to buy a house anymore.

That is why hiring a skilled real estate agent is crucial, like the ones on the Sandi Pressley Team. They will make sure that you fully understand what is involved before you sign anything. Otherwise, you could end up forking over a lot of money you cannot afford.

If you’re buying in a market that’s not very competitive, earnest money isn’t a requirement. It is however a good way to beef up an offer, especially if you expect there will be multiple offers on the house you want.

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!

1004 NOVAK Lane NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114  $898,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (3 full, 1 half) / 4235 Square Feet

North Valley Renaissance Custom Masterpiece! Situated in a gated community close to Rio Grande/Alameda. Highlights include a well thought out floorplan with both formal & casual living spaces. Exceptional features include wood beam raised ceilings; travertine floors; quality wood doors; wood trimmed windows; custom paint; floor to ceiling fireplace; & more! Well appointed Kitchen w/Wolf & Subzero appliances; Alderwood cabinets; gorgeous granite counters; kitchen island; large walk-in pantry; kitchen nook; & eat at bar. Privately located Master Suite offers portal access, luxurious en suite w/snail shower, jetted tub, ample walk-in closet w/built-ins. Three additional bedrooms-one could be In-law Suite. Large covered portal w/relaxing spa & cozy fireplace. See Feature Page for more details!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

The Sandi Pressley Team has just listed several fine homes for sale in Albuquerque, which is a breath fo fresh air in this tight market. But you need to act fast, as homes are selling at record pace. These homes offer plenty for both first time home buyers or those looking to step up into a home with more features and space. And make sure you check out other blog for even more newly listed homes for sale in Albuquerque!

Feel free to contact Sandi Pressley and her team at 505-263-2173 to get more information and schedule a viewing of these fine homes. You can also check out all of our listings on our Featured Listings page.

6917 LAS ANIMAS Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

$310,000

Lovely Meticulously Maintained Home! Move in ready! Located in the highly sought after Sandia High School District, beautifully established NE Heights neighborhood. This brick, single level ranch features a half circle drive at front of home, with garage on side; two living areas for both formal & informal gatherings; cozy stacked brick fireplace & wet bar in family room; bright sunny eat in kitchen w/breakfast nook, plus formal dining room; large laundry/mud room that includes a half bath; oversized garage w/workshop space; and so much more! Water Heater & Evap Cooler approximately 2 years old; 2017 Roof Shingles replaced! Pride of ownership prevails. Convenient to shopping, parks, and schools.

Learn More!

9104 SURREY Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

$549,000

This elegant 4-bedroom home, located in highly coveted Heritage East and La Cueva School District boast many great features including a gorgeous finished basement and a light bright floor plan!! Enjoy entertaining in the updated kitchen complete with granite counters, SS appliances and plenty of cabinet space. Owners Suite and bath is well equipped. Relax and enjoy outdoor living in your backyard oasis, lush green lawn, mature trees and covered patio. To many features to list. Move in ready!! This home is a must see!!

Learn More!

8716 GREENARBOR Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

$425,000

Location! Location! This Beautiful Home with room to grow, is situated in the highly sought after NE Heights/Desert Ridge & La Cueva school district. Featuring five bedrooms plus study; two living areas for formal and informal gatherings; built ins; & more! The open & bright kitchen features gorgeous granite countertops; lots of cabinets & storage; & high ceilings; & sunny nook with built in seating. Master suite on main level with access to backyard, a full en suite w/jetted tub & separate shower. Lush landscaping front & back. No HOA fees & move in ready!!

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.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque it’s good to know what to expect in real estate trends. The spring months are always exciting and interesting in the real estate industry, so what are analysts expecting us to see in the near future?

Increasing Mortgage Rates

It appears that mortgage rates could continue to rise, depending on how well the economy recovers. Rates have been rising for weeks, whereas earlier in the year, they were holding under 3%. With the expectation that rates will continue to tick upward throughout the year, borrowers are advised to lock in low rates now. 

According to Fannie Mae, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are expected to average 3.1% through the spring months, while they were averaging 2.9% in the first quarter of the year.

Many economists agree that as more Americans are immunized, there will be a larger economic recovery, thus a rise in mortgage rates.

Even with the slowdown compared to the hot market that has combusted the past year, there’s no major crash forecast. Prices could slow down a bit, and new homes might get built a bit more.

So that means if you plan to buy a home in Albuquerque, now is the time to act, despite stiff buyer competition.

Inventories Could Increase

The past year has been frustrating for home buyers and would-be homebuyers. It has been near impossible to find homes available, and when something comes on the market, it will often sell within just a few days or just an hour.

Today, however, more people have been vaccinated, so there will be less fear of catching COVID-19 from people coming into their home.

Although inventory levels are expected to rise, there could remain a shortage of options, particularly in some markets.

Millennial Movement

More than five million millennials will turn 30 on this year, and they are now the biggest segment of buyers in the real estate market. In 2018, millennial homeownership was at record lows, but that looks like it may be changing.

Around 86% of younger millennials and 52% of older ones are buying first homes, and some are buying luxury properties that are well beyond what you think of as a starter home.

Millennials will likely continue to dominate the market in 2021. According to a survey from the National Association of Homebuilders in the fourth quarter of 2020, 27% of millennial respondents intend to buy a home in the next 12 months, a significant jump from only 19% previously.

The Online Trends Are Growing

The popularity of real estate services online continues to grow, and that will probably not change regardless of the pandemic's state.

It has become increasingly possible to buy or sell a home without leaving the comfort of your current location. Virtual showings, the use of fully virtual agents, or mobile or online closings are just a few ways technology made real estate easier this past year.

What does all this mean for home buyers and sellers in Albuquerque? Whether you plan to buy or sell your home, now is the time to act. For home buyers, you’ll want to get your mortgage rates locked in before they rise any further. For home sellers, there’s never been a better time to sell your home, with stiff buyer demand raising prices and making homes sell fast. Talk to Sandi Pressley and her team soon to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque today!

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!

1004 NOVAK Lane NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114  $898,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms (3 full, 1 half) / 4235 Square Feet

North Valley Renaissance Custom Masterpiece! Situated in a gated community close to Rio Grande/Alameda. Highlights include a well thought out floorplan with both formal & casual living spaces. Exceptional features include wood beam raised ceilings; travertine floors; quality wood doors; wood trimmed windows; custom paint; floor to ceiling fireplace; & more! Well appointed Kitchen w/Wolf & Subzero appliances; Alderwood cabinets; gorgeous granite counters; kitchen island; large walk-in pantry; kitchen nook; & eat at bar. Privately located Master Suite offers portal access, luxurious en suite w/snail shower, jetted tub, ample walk-in closet w/built-ins. Three additional bedrooms-one could be In-law Suite. Large covered portal w/relaxing spa & cozy fireplace. See Feature Page for more details!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

It is early spring and already temperatures are rising here in Albuquerque. No doubt you need to get some fresh air and stretch your legs, and there is no better way to accomplish that than walking or running through some of Albuquerque's beautiful hiking trails. It's much more than good exercise. You'll discover the wonder of volcanic terrain, a trail system suited for all abilities in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, and trails built on volcanic soil in the Cibola National Forest.

Here's a few of the top places to hike in the Albuquerque area:

The Sandia Mountain Foothills

It's easy to get to the Sandia Mountains from Albuquerque. There are 2650 acres of open space available. These are all the trail access points. Some of the trails include the following:

• Foothills Trail 365
• Embudito Trail 192
• Lower La Luz Trail
• Grassy Hills Loop

The Sandia Mountains / Cibola National Forest

Cibola National Forest in the Sandia Foothills boasts clear marked trails that are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. You can find a full list of trails at SandiaHiking.com/trailguide and fs.usda.gov. All of these trail-heads are accessible from the Sandia Peak Scenic Byway (Highway 528).

Some of the best trails in the Cibola National Forest are:

• Cienega Canyon Picnic Site & Interpretive Trail
• La Luz Trail
• The Sandia Crest Trail
• North Crest Trail
• 10k Trailhead
• Tree Springs Trailhead

The Rio Grande Bosque Trails

There are approximately 16 miles of paved paths in Rio Grande Bosque Trails. If you prefer a trail a little more off the beaten path, you can venture off on one of the dirt trails that connect to the paved pathways. A number of dirt trails connect with each other to offer a different adventure each time you visit.

West Mesa Hiking

Explore the volcanic features of the west side of Albuquerque that are home to the ancient Petroglyph National Monument. Access the ancient region while also getting a view of the modern city that lies below. It is estimated that 24,000 images were carved into these rocks, so you'll have a vast journey of exploration in the monument area. You can view these drawings from 3 of 4 trails.

With panoramic views of Albuquerque and four miles of paved trails, the Paseo De Las Mesa Trail offers a variety of hiking options, including trails that branch from one another and intersect one another to offer different levels of hiking experience.

There's a ton of hiking adventures awaiting you in the Albuquerque area, so get out there and enjoy the view!

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!

1261 MONTERREY Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $539,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3007 Square Feet

Stunning custom Tuscan style home in a highly sought-after Rio Rancho location. With beautiful Mountain and City views!! This luxurious home has a fantastic layout perfect for entertaining. Grand iron Double Entry Doors. Beautiful beamed ceiling also boasts gorgeous marbled tiled barreled ceilings. Kitchen is a chefs dream with granite counter tops, pantry, SS appliances and huge island. Large Owners suite has balcony access, fireplace and a spa like bath equipped with a jetted tub. This home has to many amenities to list, come see for yourself!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you want to buy a home in Albuquerque, one of the options you might come across is rent-to-own. It may sound like a great deal at first, but as with anything, there are pros and cons. The real question boils down to if it’s the best way for you to go in order to own a home.

Here are some important things you should know before you get into a rent-to-own agreement.

The Basics

While rent-to-own properties can be appealing, there are also risks involved.

This type of agreement basically tells you that you’re going to rent a house for a certain amount of time until you gain ownership. The time you rent can range from a couple of months to a few years, depending on your contract.

A company or an individual can be the owner of a property.

A predetermined amount of each rent payment is retained by the seller. That money will go toward the equity at the time of sale.

A lease-purchase agreement and a lease-option agreement are both categorized as rent-to-own agreements. When you follow the lease option agreement, you can opt to buy the home after the time you agree upon. On the other hand, with a lease-purchase agreement, you have a legal obligation to buy the house.

The Process

While every process might have its own unique elements, some of the things to anticipate in a rent-to-own transaction include:

• An agreement will first specify a purchase price, which may be based on the current value of the home, or perhaps on the estimated future value. Perhaps a buyer and seller agree to a price during negotiations, while the purchase price is decided when a lease expires.
• Your monthly rent payment then becomes a part of your contract. Since a portion is being set aside toward your future purchase, the rent payment will likely be more than comparable rent prices in the neighborhood.
• The seller can require you to cover the entire cost of maintenance, so when you enter into one of these agreements, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.
• The seller usually collects a one-time fee that isn't refundable, and some sellers will apply it to the equity balance. The fee is usually calculated based on a percentage of the sales price of the house.
• Your contract will dictate a specific lease term.
• At the end of your lease term, if you intend to purchase a house, you’ll have to obtain financing. So there will be a closing date.

The Pros of Rent-to-Own

For buyers, the upsides of rent-to-own agreements include:

• By progressively accumulating your down payment, you’re avoiding having to come up with a large sum upfront.
• There will be no competition from other buyers when you are ready to buy.
• It is not necessary to qualify for a mortgage right away, so you can build your credit score over a period of time.

The Cons of Rent-to-Own

Rent-to-own deals might sound great, but there are a lot of downsides to them.

• Because you are being forced to set aside a down payment, you will pay more rent than you would for a comparable home. On the other hand, you could rent a home at a lower price and then put a portion of your own income into a savings account.
• If your deal doesn’t work out, you still have to pay the option money, which is not refundable.
• There is a good chance that you will be forced to pay all the maintenance and repairs on a home that you do not yet own.
• You might end up with a purchase price in your agreement that is much too high if the home’s value goes down.
• A foreclosure is one example of situations beyond your control that could cause you to lose your equity in the home.

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of your personal financial situation and determine what is best for you.

The traditional route rather than rent-to-own can be more advantageous as a home buyer in Albuquerque, especially if you have good credit.

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!

1261 MONTERREY Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $539,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (3 full, 0 half) / 3007 Square Feet

Stunning custom Tuscan style home in a highly sought-after Rio Rancho location. With beautiful Mountain and City views!! This luxurious home has a fantastic layout perfect for entertaining. Grand iron Double Entry Doors. Beautiful beamed ceiling also boasts gorgeous marbled tiled barreled ceilings. Kitchen is a chefs dream with granite counter tops, pantry, SS appliances and huge island. Large Owners suite has balcony access, fireplace and a spa like bath equipped with a jetted tub. This home has to many amenities to list, come see for yourself!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team