Real Estate Information

If you own a home in Albuquerque, at some point you will probably decide to sell your home. No matter when that time may come, it's important to keep your home maintained to make sure it remains in good condition. Good maintenance habits are not something you can just start at the last-minute before you sell your home, they are something you should start now.

What are some of the most important home maintenance habits to get into?

Maintain Your Filters

If you have an AC system, it's important to keep up with changing the filters. When your filters are clogged, your system has to work harder to push air through the house, and this causes more wear on the system over time.

When buying a filter, pay attention to the rating of the filter you are using, as some are rated to last longer and need replacing less frequently.

Inspect and Clean Your Furnace or Boiler

Along with changing filters in your cooling system, it's also important to keep your heating and cooling system itself clean. Dust and condensation can build up over time, leading to degradation of the unit. Maintaining your cooling and heating system can extend its lifespan by years.

Check Your Water Heater

Water heaters are the unsung heros of home life. We just expect them to work forever unchecked. Then when they go out, it's time to panic.

As you no doubt guessed, you can save yourself some grief and get more life from your water heater with some simple maintenance. It's recommended that you check your water heater every year for issues.

Seals can fail and drains can clog, especially if you have hard water. If you notice even a minor leak or scale build up, have a plumber or water heater repair company take a look to make sure there isn't a bigger issue that could lead to a flooded basement.

Check Your Toilets and Faucets

Your toilets and sinks will be inspected when you sell your home, so make you inspect the plumbing fixtures every six months. If you do find any leaks, you can replace the faulty seal yourself. If the leak ends up being larger, then you may need professional help.

Vacuum Refrigerator Condenser Coils

Refrigerators are another appliance that most people don't think about checking. But the condenser coils on the back can collect dust, and this can affect performance. 

All you need to do is pull the fridge out and clean off the dust. Then you can also take the opportunity to clean behind it and the floor where it sits.

Clean Your Exhaust Hood

Exhaust hoods can get quite dirty, especially if you love to cook. That grease and grime can lead to a fire hazard, so you should make a habit of cleaning it and replacing the filter if it has one.

These are just a few of the things in your home you should keep maintained and in good order before you sell your home in Albuquerque. Visit our blog regularly for more real estate advice and tips on how to sell your home faster and for more money in Albuquerque.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1004 El Paseo Street NW, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $215,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2053 Square Feet

Camino Crossing! 4BDR/2.5BA/2CG. Light, bright & open! REFRIGERATED AIR & SOLAR PANELS! Huge great room opens for entertaining to the kitchen with breakfast nook, pantry, gas stove, tile flooring, granite countertops & beautiful cabinetry! Large secondary bedrooms and laundry room upstairs for convenience. Master suite features a garden tub, separate shower, dual sink vanity & walk-in closet! Gardener? Enjoy the established outdoor garden with fruit trees of Apple, Peach, Nectarine, Fig, Plum, Pear, Asian Pear, Jasmine among lots of other vegetables!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque, there's good news. Home prices are increasing, not only in Albuquerque, but in 94% of the major metro areas in America. Here in Albuquerque in the fourth quarter, appreciation climbed by 11%. This was higher than the average gain of 6.6% for the rest of the nation during that same period.

According to a report by the NAR, home buyers in general could more easily afford a mortgage due to lower mortgage rates, which on average was 3.76% for a 30-year fixed mortgage. When you combine those two factors, that means that more home buyers can afford to buy a home, even though prices are appreciating. That's a great combination for home sellers in Albuquerque!

First-time home buyers also have good news, as they also saw an expansion in affordability last quarter, according to the same report. The average monthly mortgage payment for first time buyers went down to $1,006, provided they had a 10% down payment.

The Albuquerque housing market forecast ending with the 3rd Quarter of 2021 is also positive. LittleBigHomes.com estimates that the probability for rising home prices in Albuquerque, NM is 82% during this period. If this Housing Market Forecast is correct, home values will be higher in the 3rd Quarter of 2021 than they were in the 4th Quarter of 2019.

The bottom line is that if you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque, now is as good of a time as any. But if you're not ready to sell, there's also a good chance that your home's value will continue to increase over the next couple of years, if predictions hold true. 

What about buying a home in Albuquerque? This is also a great time for Albuquerque home buyers, as this is a good time to buy a home before prices increase. Again, if prices continue to increase, that means your home equity will increase as well.

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Albuquerque, call Sandi Pressley and her team today. Their unmatched knowledge of the Albuquerque real estate market will help you benefit from this current market trend, and to make a solid investment to benefit from the growing Albuquerque real estate market.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

100 BROADWAY Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102  $150,000

1 Bedrooms / 1 Bathrooms (1 full, 0 half) / 730 Square Feet

Urban Living at it's finest! Loft is located in the historic Classroom Building(built in 1935) of the old Albuquerque High School. Large west facing windows flood the loft with natural sunlight. Original wood floors. Kitchen Island, all appliances convey. Open floorplan, 14 foot ceilings, original chalkboard. Full bath. 3 Lockers for storage. Laundry and elevator in building.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you plan to buy a home in Albuquerque and want to live the ultimate golf lifestyle, you'll love the homes for sale near Albuquerque's best golf courses. The golf clubs and courses in Albuquerque are some of the best in the nation, offering challenging greens to satisify the most avid golfer.

And as you can imagine, the homes in Albuquerque's golf course luxury communities have everything a person could want to get the most from the Albuquerque golf lifestyle.

Here's a few of the top golf courses located in Albuquerque, along with links to find your dream golf course home.

Tanoan Country Club

This stunning golf course features 27 holes, upscale dining and recreational amenities set against the beautiful backdrop of the Sandia Mountains. In addition to challenging courses, you can make good use of the 14 tennis courts, Junior Olympic-size swimming pool, toddler pool and diving tank, and a gorgeous clubhouse that serves as a welcoming centerpiece for member dining, hospitality and socializing.

Find Homes for Sale Near Tanoan Country Club

Sandia Golf Club

This Par 72 Championship Course features 7,752 yards of challenging greens. There's also a full size practice range with a double-tiered teeing area, a 10,000 square foot practice putting green, a practice chipping green with bunker, and a putting green to keep your golfing skills sharp. And after a full round of golf, you can relax and enjoy great food at the Pueblo style Sandia Golf Course Grill.

Find Homes for Sale Near Sandia Golf Club

Puerto del Sol Golf Course

Puerto del Sol is the only lighted golf course in Albuquerque's and features a lighted driving range. This outstanding 9-hole course includes ample greens and tree-lined fairways to keep your game challenging.

Find Homes for Sale Near Puerto del Sol Golf Course

The Canyon Club at Four Hills

Featuring an 18-hole championship golf course, the Canyon Club is situated between the Sandia Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande River valley, offering a stunning scenic backdrop. They also offer several sessions of junior golf camp throughout the summer so the whole family can enjoy the game. The Rio Grande Ballroom is the perfect setting for weddings and events.

Find Homes for Sale Near The Canyon Club at Four Hills

Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course

Nestled in Bear Canyon Arroyo, this 27-hole Northeast Albuquerque course is noted for its interesting topography and a course that's suited well for intermediate to advanced golfers.

Find Homes for Sale Near Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course

Of course, there are other fine homes for sale near the many spectacular golf courses and clubs in Albuquerque. Contact us today to help you find the perfect golf course home for sale today.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

100 BROADWAY Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102  $150,000

1 Bedrooms / 1 Bathrooms (1 full, 0 half) / 730 Square Feet

Urban Living at it's finest! Loft is located in the historic Classroom Building(built in 1935) of the old Albuquerque High School. Large west facing windows flood the loft with natural sunlight. Original wood floors. Kitchen Island, all appliances convey. Open floorplan, 14 foot ceilings, original chalkboard. Full bath. 3 Lockers for storage. Laundry and elevator in building.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Valentine's Day is just over a week away, so now is the time to make sure you make plans to make it a special day with that special someone in Albuquerque. The Valentine's Day fun starts this week in Albuquerque, with something to please any couple. So make sure to take note of these upcoming Valentine's Day events in Albuquerque and make this a holiday to remember.

That's A Moray! Adults-Only Valentine's Day Dinner & Tour

Fri, Feb 14, 6 PM
ABQ BioPark Aquarium | 2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM

Bring your date for a special adults-only dinner and tour at the ABQ BioPark Aquarium. Tickets include admission, a three course meal and a guided tour of the aquarium discussing the romantic rituals of aquatic animals. Now that's a Moray!

Valentine's Day Dinner

Fri, Feb 14 – Sat, Feb 15
Turquoise Museum | 400 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM

What better venue to take your sweetheart to than the only castle in Albuquerque - The Turquoise Museum. Between 6pm and 7pm, you and your date can tour around the museum and experience the exhibits as they highlight the uniqueness of turquoise. At 7pm you will enjoy a deliciously prepared candlelight dinner from The Cooperage, serenaded by live music. A truly romantic experience awaits.

Valentine’s Day Sweets & Treats

Sat, Feb 8, 11 AM – 2 PM 
Cost Plus World Market | 3601 Old Airport Ave NW Suite B, Albuquerque, NM

Sample chocolate, berries, candies and bubblies, each one perfect for a romantic rendezvous, a quiet night in or a Galentine’s Day getaway. Plus, they'll share a unique recipe for a Valentine’s Day dessert everyone will love.

My Furry Valentine Pet Photos

Sun, Feb 9, 11 AM – 4 PM
Boofy's Best for Pets | 8201 Golf Course Rd NW C-2, Albuquerque, NM

All critters deserve to be loved, especially on Valentine's Day. Stop by for pet photos starring your furry sweetheart benefiting F.A.T. Katz. Any and all well-behaved pets and humans are welcome. $10

Valentine's Day D&B Albuquerque

Fri, Feb 14, 5 PM – Sat, Feb 15, 12 AM
Dave & Buster's | 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM

Bring your special someone out to Dave and Buster's for their Valentine's Day Special! Each couple will receive 1 appetizer, 2 entrees and 1 dessert, all of their choice, for the ultimate 3 course meal. You will also receive a free $20 power card to play games together. You can also add on 2 premium drink tickets.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

4809 MI CORDELIA Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM  $465,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2765 Square Feet

This spectacular Scott Patrick, updated one-story home is perched high in the desired Andalucia De La Luz community with park & walking trails. This spacious home has soaring ceilings, light filled rooms, a curved wall of windows providing sweeping views of the Sandias, & amazing Sunsets. Beautifully renovated Gourmet kitchen opens to a spacious dining & family rooms. This flowing floorplan is wonderful for entertaining. 4 spacious bdrms or 3bdrm plus an office. Luscious master suite with oversized dream custom closet. The landscaped private courtyard offers more views of the Sandias. Features include gas log fireplace, skylights, generous storage thru-out, good sized laundry room. Convenient access to Coors, Montano, I40 & Cottonwood. Curtains, Ring alarm system & camaras do not convey.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you plan to buy a home in Albuquerque, you should know about homeowner's associations. These are groups that control what you can or can't do with your home in a particular neighborhood. There are quite a few HOA neighborhoods in Albuquerque, so there's a chance that you will find a home that you like in one of these neighborhoods.

Before you buy any home in a HOA neighborhood, you should research all you can about that particular HOA association. HOA's can be a good thing, as they can make life easier and benefit the neighborhood, if they are run properly. But we've all hear the stories of the badly run HOA with the power-hungry troublemakers who just want to make life difficult.

What can you do to make sure that a particular HOA is right for your lifestyle in Albuquerque?

What is an HOA?

First of all, let's define what an HOA does. Simply put, it sets rules that are hopefully designed to make life in that neighborhood more pleasant for residents. It enforces those rules through various measures.

For example, an HOA may ban parking on the street. It will issue a warning, then a fee for those who violate that rule.

Residents pay a fee that funds the operation of the HOA and goes toward community repairs.

All of this may seem restrictive, but it can be a good thing for residents if operated correctly. An HOA can improve the quality of life in the community and make living there more enjoyable.

But an HOA is not for everyone, and not every HOA is managed well. So you should research as much as you can about any HOA before moving into the neighborhood.

Here are some things you should find out about any HOA.

1. What are the rules?

Knowing the rules of an HOA in advance can save you a lot of headaches in the future. You should also find out what the penalties are for breaking those rules.

Here are some common things to think about:

1. Does the association allow a satellite dish?
2. Can you have pets? If so are there any restrictions?
3. Am I allowed to change the color of my home?
4. Can I display a flag or other such decorations?
5. Am I allowed to have a camper or other commercial vehicle parked in my yard?
6. Is it possible to have a fence installed?

Some HOAs may not allow some or all of these things. Decide in advance what you plan for your home and make sure it aligns with the rules of the HOA. If not, then weigh that into your decision to buy that home.

2. Can you rent your property?

If you plan to buy an investment property to rent out, this is a huge question. HOAs can restrict or outright ban renting out your home.

3. How are changes/decisions made in the neighborhood?

Changes and decisions in an HOA can be made in various ways. And this will affect your lifestyle. You should find out how rules are made and changed.

4. Verify that the home you are going to purchase is currently in compliance.

It is possible to buy a home in an HOA and then discover that the house is already breaking the rules. That means that you will have to make changes immediately or risk being fined or otherwise reprimanded.

5. Learn about the fees.

How much more will you be paying to live in the neighborhood? You should find out:

• How do the costs compare to other communities?
• What is the process required to increase fees?
• How big is the reserve fund of the HOA?
• When was the last time the fees increased? What about the time before that?
• What do your dues cover? Are there extra fees?
• How do special assessments work? How much do they tend to cost and how often do they occur?

There are more things you should know about an HOA before you move in. We can help you determine if an HOA fits your needs when buying your next home in Albuquerque.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1004 El Paseo Street NW, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $215,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2053 Square Feet

Camino Crossing! 4BDR/2.5BA/2CG. Light, bright & open! REFRIGERATED AIR & SOLAR PANELS! Huge great room opens for entertaining to the kitchen with breakfast nook, pantry, gas stove, tile flooring, granite countertops & beautiful cabinetry! Large secondary bedrooms and laundry room upstairs for convenience. Master suite features a garden tub, separate shower, dual sink vanity & walk-in closet! Gardener? Enjoy the established outdoor garden with fruit trees of Apple, Peach, Nectarine, Fig, Plum, Pear, Asian Pear, Jasmine among lots of other vegetables!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you plan to buy a home in Albuquerque and need to save money on furniture and home goods, you can always count on the thrift stores in Albuquerque to come to the rescue. You never know what treasures you'll discover if you look hard enough.

And if you need a way to clear out some of your possessions when you sell your home, they offer a fine way to give to those in need. Some even offer free pickup of larger items. Many thrift stores are connected with charities that help our neighbors in Albuquerque, providing solutions to many problems people here are dealing with. That makes shopping at Albuquerque area thrift stores is a win-win scenario.

Here's a few thrift stores in Albuquerque that are waiting for your discovery.

Thrift Town
3900 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

This family-owned thrift store features regular specials and even has an app to get coupons for more savings. Reviewers comment about the low prices for high quality items, which include housewares, clothing, decor, and much more. 

The Common Good Thrift Store
2902 Eubank Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

This upscale thrift store supports community programs and offers vocational development. They also offer pickup for furniture donations. You can buy a bag of books for just $5, and they offer high quality furniture at affordable prices.

Savers
2620 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

At Savers, you'll find a huge selection of housewares, from everyday dishes to fine China, accessories, books, electronics and much more. Proceeds go to support Clothes Helping ids, Inc.

Assistance League Albuquerque
5211 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

This charitable thrift store features a wide variety of quality, gently-used items, such as clothing, jewelry, shoes, books, sports equipment, electronics, paintings, furniture, home decor, dishes, and housewares.

New Heights Thrift Store
1016 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112

New Heights Thrift Store is a non-profit thrift store that benefits Eagles' Wings Youth Ranch. You'll discover all sorts of treasures, along with a friendly and helpful staff.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

1004 El Paseo Street NW, Rio Rancho, NM 87144  $215,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2053 Square Feet

Camino Crossing! 4BDR/2.5BA/2CG. Light, bright & open! REFRIGERATED AIR & SOLAR PANELS! Huge great room opens for entertaining to the kitchen with breakfast nook, pantry, gas stove, tile flooring, granite countertops & beautiful cabinetry! Large secondary bedrooms and laundry room upstairs for convenience. Master suite features a garden tub, separate shower, dual sink vanity & walk-in closet! Gardener? Enjoy the established outdoor garden with fruit trees of Apple, Peach, Nectarine, Fig, Plum, Pear, Asian Pear, Jasmine among lots of other vegetables!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Are you thinking about moving into a smaller home in Albuquerque? Many people choose to downsize, and for many reasons. One major reason to downsize is if you plan to retire to Albuquerque and don't need as much room as you had when you were raising children.

Now is a great time to consider if downsizing is the right choice, as home values have been steadily increasing for years. If you've owned your home in Albuquerque for a while, then you've no doubt built equity in it. That puts you in a great position.

Another strong reason that downsizing is a good idea right now is that mortgage rates are expected to remain low throughout 2020 at an average of 3.8% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan.

When you combine growing equity and low interest rates, it makes for an opportune time to consider downsizing.

Using Your Home Equity

For people who are looking to buy a bigger and better home in Albuquerque, the plan is to buy a home and gain equity by making mortgage payments for several years. Over time, home values generally increase, adding to that value. You then can take that built up equity and make a down payment on the larger home.

For those who want to downsize, it works a bit differently depending on your goals.

Some may chose to downsize for reasons other than retirement. Perhaps a younger homeowner may not need as much room if they are single. It may be a way to save money and simplify their lifestyle. The reasons can be quite varied.

If you've built equity in your current home, you may be able to make a huge down payment toward a smaller home, or perhaps even pay for it entirely. Either way, you're in the plus, with little or no mortgage payment.

Those who choose to put their equity toward a new home have the opportunity to make a substantial down payment or maybe even to buy their next home in cash. This is incredibly valuable if your goal is to have a minimal mortgage payment or none at all.

The Power of Low Mortgage Rates

If you still need to get a mortgage when you downsize, then now is the time to lock in the low rates while they last. You should also consider a shorter term loan, as you can pay it off faster. Loans with shorter terms have lower rates than 30-year loans, which makes them a better deal if you can afford the payments.

If downsizing is your goal, now is the perfect time to consider a transition to a smaller home in Albuquerque. With low rates and rising home prices, you're in an ideal position to make downsizing an economic boon.

Sandi Pressley and her team will be happy to discuss your goals, now matter if you want to downsize or upsize your home. Contact us today to find out how you can use your home equity and low interest rates to your advantage.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

9209 HENDRIX Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $185,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (0 full, 2 half) / 1058 Square Feet

Terrific location! So close to shopping, restaurants & transportation in the NE Heights! Foothill trails nearby! BRAND NEW ROOF! One story 3BDR/BA/1CG with NEW CARPET & NEW PAINT! REFRIGERATED AIR! Updated baths & windows, furnace and water heater! Updated kitchen has room for bkfst table, pantry, sliding door to the patio and all appliances stay! Master bdr/bath has new shower! Light, bright and open with a great floor plan! Large backyard with open patio and room to entertain, walled for privacy. Don't miss this little gem!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Using a storage unit when you buy or sell a home in Albuquerque is usually a helpful idea. You can pack away and store items that you want to move to your new home, but want out of the way during the showing phase of your sale. Then when you're ready to move to your new home, you can load up everything in storage and get it on the road. Here's a handy list of some of the best self storage facilities in Albuquerque to help you with your next move.

A-1 Self Storage

A-1 has 10 locations across Albuquerque and has been locally owned and operated for over 35 years. They offer a month-month lease that's perfect for moving. They frequently offer specials and are affordably priced. Customers rave about the friendly and fast customer service. 

Abe’s Storage
7801 Louisiana Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109

Abe’s Storage offers both climate-controlled and standard storage units at its facility off Paseo del Norte. The property is secured with fencing as well as 24-hour video monitoring. Units can be accessed seven days a week between 7 AM-7 PM. Abe’s Storage often runs specials, including half-off rent for the first two months. Reviewers are impressed with the cleanliness of this facility, as well as the friendly staff and excellent service. 

East Central Self Storage
10801 Central Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87123

East Central offers a wide range of storage options with over 21 different sizes of units to choose from. Entry to units is provided every day between 7 AM to 9 PM and 24-hour access upon request. A special discount of 10 percent off is offered to all active duty Military, AARP members, and AAA customers. They also pride themselves on their tight security practices.

Fort Knox Self Storage
6650 Edith Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87113

With extra wide lanes that provide easy access to their units, Fort Knox focuses on providing convenient storage solutions. They offer advanced security measures with with video surveillance monitoring, keypad gate entry, and security patrols at night and on weekends.

Jen’s Self Storage
300 Menaul Blvd NW Albuquerque, NM 87107

Jen's offers 19 different sizes of temperature controlled units that make a great option for students attending the University of New Mexico.  It offers high-tech security features including cameras, digital keypad access, bright lighting, and perimeter fencing. Clients comment about the superb customer service and the way the staff is dedicated to helping every need. 

North Coors Self Storage
615B Coors Blvd NW Albuquerque, NM 87121

North Coors is an affordable self storage solution as they don't charge administrative fees, so you just pay the posted rental amount. These units are secured by an on-site manager, 24-hour surveillance of the property, and nighttime security patrols. 

Southwest Self Storage LLC
700 98th St SW Albuquerque, NM 87121

This family owned and operated storage facility in has been serving Albuquerque for 15 years. Customers rave about the clean, affordable, and secure storage experience. There are always specials, including 5 percent off for all active Military, Veterans, school employees, and customers over 60 years old.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

9209 HENDRIX Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111  $185,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (0 full, 2 half) / 1058 Square Feet

Terrific location! So close to shopping, restaurants & transportation in the NE Heights! Foothill trails nearby! BRAND NEW ROOF! One story 3BDR/BA/1CG with NEW CARPET & NEW PAINT! REFRIGERATED AIR! Updated baths & windows, furnace and water heater! Updated kitchen has room for bkfst table, pantry, sliding door to the patio and all appliances stay! Master bdr/bath has new shower! Light, bright and open with a great floor plan! Large backyard with open patio and room to entertain, walled for privacy. Don't miss this little gem!!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

There's some important news for veterans looking to buy a home in Albuquerque with a VA loan. There's been a big change to VA home loans this year. The good news is that veterans will have more borrowing power, but there will be higher fees.

This change went into effect on Jan 1 as part of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. This act extends disability benefits to more Vietnam War vets that were exposed to Agent Orange. It also eliminates VA loan limits to vets who have full entitlement to VA loans. Yet it does increase the VA funding fee for all borrowers except National Guard and Reserve members. For National Guard and Reserve members, the fee decreases slightly.

These VA funding fees are a one-time fee that's paid by the borrower instead of mortgage insurance. This is done in case the borrower defaults on the loan, then the VA repays the lender a portion of the loan.

Keep in mind that removing the loan limit doesn't mean you can buy a mansion. The loan still needs a down payment and you still have to meet the lender's credit requirements.

The removal of the loan limits only applies to new loans that started after January 1, 2020.

VA funding fee to increase

The VA funding fee is based on your down payment and if you've had a VA loan before. If you haven’t, it’s a “first use” loan, and if you have, it’s a “subsequent use” loan. You can pay the fee upfront or roll the cost into the loan.

The fee for first-use, zero-down loans is 2.3% of the loan amount in 2020, up from 2.15% for active-duty military and veterans in 2019. The fee for subsequent use loans will be 3.6% of the loan amount, up from 3.3%. These fees will stay in place for two years, return to 2019 levels from 2022 through Sept. 30, 2029, and then drop further after that.

There are other changes made to VA loans due to the new act. Starting in 2020, the fees will be the same for the main branches, National Guard and reservists. Currently, National Guard and Reserve members pay slightly higher fees.

In addition, active-duty service members who have received a Purple Heart are now exempt from the funding fee.

Shopping for a VA loan

You will find that VA loans are not offered by all lenders. And lenders that do offer them vary in their level of experience with them. Sandi Pressley and her team can help you find the right VA lender for your home purchase in Albuquerque.

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. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

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