Real Estate Information

The holiday season is about to officially begin, and there's plenty of events coming up in Albuquerque this month to help you get in the spirit. Have fun and find unique gifts that can only be found right here in Albuquerque. Here's a few events to put on your holiday fun calendar this month.

University of New Mexico Crafts Fair

Fri, Nov 22
Student Union Bldg, The University of New Mexico

All art is hand made. This event is open to student artists and artists in the Albuquerque community to sell their work. Students and the community are invited to shop for unique gifts for Christmas.

Placitas Holiday Fine Arts And Crafts Sale

Sat, Nov 23 – Sun, Nov 24
3 Canon del Apache, Placitas, NM

The Placitas Holiday Sale is one of the most popular arts and crafts fairs in New Mexico. Some of the finest Artists and Artisans will be selling their crafts at The Placitas Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Sale, held every year the weekend before Thanksgiving in the Village of Placitas, New Mexico.

Turkey Trails ABQ

Sat, Nov 23, 8 – 10 AM
Tingley Beach | Paseo del Bosque Trail, Albuquerque, NM

Turkey Trails is a Thanksgiving themed run that is perfect for the whole family. The fun includes great swag (designer shirt, custom medal), chip-timing, live results and awards, free photos, costumes, free kids dash, great post-race food, and plenty of fun activities. Grab your friends and family you are not going to want to miss this one!

20th Annual Rio Grande Holiday Show in Albuquerque

Sat, Nov 30, 10 AM
Expo New Mexico

Kick-off your holiday shopping while supporting artists! You'll find the most memorable and original gifts, whether it’s a whimsical piece of pottery, a handmade leather belt, one-of-a-kind jewelry or a striking piece of fine art. It’s no surprise that this festival takes the turkey when it comes to New Mexico’s Thanksgiving Weekend traditions.

Winterfest 2019

Sat, Nov 30, 3 – 7 PM MST
Civic Plaza | 401 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM

This a free event to start off the holiday season on Civic Plaza. There are lots of great local vendors for all your Christmas shopping needs. Santa Claus will be making a stop for kids to talk to. It is also the grand opening of the Holiday Ice Qube Skating Rink Season.

Looking to sell your home for the right price in Albuquerque? Let us help you sell your home in Albuquerque and get the right price. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

2612 Espanola Street, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $170,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1140 Square Feet

HUGE LOT with BACKYARD ACCESS and custom gate in the NE Heights! Conveniently located close to Uptown, Trader Joe's, shopping, restaurants & parks! 3BDR/1.5BA/1CG featuring a large open great room with huge picture window and tile flooring! Remodeled kitchen with new soft-close cabinetry & crown molding, Quartz countertops! Beautiful shade tree in the front yard and oversized backyard with plenty of room for pets, backyard access, custom metal gate and covered patio for Summer BBQs!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

If you own a home in Albuquerque, perhaps you would appreciate a little help from that wonder of technology you carry around all day to help you make the most of your home. As they say, there's an app for that. Here's 5 apps that will help you take better care of your investment.

iScape

If you’ve got outdoor spaces that you’d like to improve, iScape is the app for you. This app uses your phone’s camera to allow you to drag and drop elements like trees, plants, fences, water features, etc. and visualize how it all fits together in your specific yard.

Happy Plant

This app is a very simple solution to a very common problem. If you frequently forget to water your plants, use Happy Plant to serve as a smart reminder system! There’s also a cool feature which creates time-lapse videos of your plants surviving, thriving, and growing.

HomeZada

This app is like six apps rolled into one. HomeZada helps Albuquerque homeowners with everything from managing remodel projects to keeping track of home-related financials and much more. As they put it, HomeZada is, “A personal finance solution that is a digital hub of all the important information about your largest financial asset – your home.”

Letgo

We all have too much stuff, right? Whether it’s stuff we don’t need, stuff we haven’t used in years, or stuff we don’t even remember getting, the Letgo app is here to help. Simply snap a pic of something you no longer want/need, list it on Letgo, and you’re done.

AroundMe

This app is endlessly helpful whether you’re new to the Albuquerque area or visiting somewhere you’ve never been. AroundMe basically gives you all the information you need about various businesses near you in Albuquerque. A straightforward concept, but a very handy resource when you need it.

Let us help you find the home of your dreams in Albuquerque. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

17 Pine Crest Road, Tijeras, NM  $525,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 half) / 3532 Square Feet

Exceptional Mountain Home with Sweeping Views!! This home offers peaceful, yet convenient mountain living. Featuring soaring ceilings & clerestory windows, a light bright open floorplan, grand staircase at entry, plus both a kiva fireplace & wood burning stove for those chilly evenings & cooled by 2 mini split a/c's. The chef's kitchen features gorgeous cabinets/counters/SS appliances with eat at kitchen island and sunny dining nook. Master retreat is privately situated on its own level with its own view balcony & spa like en suite that includes a freestanding soaking tub. Bonus Loft/Study area w/ 2nd view balcony. Enjoy outdoor living in the walled courtyard w/professional landscaping & deck. Tuff Shed 'Tall Barn' model stays. Village of Tijeras water.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Monday November 11 is the day we remember those who give of themselves for others and to thank our veterans for their service. Albuquerque is home to a number of Veterans Day ceremonies that pay tribute to our nation's heroes. Here's a few upcoming Veterans Day events coming up on Monday.

Veterans Day Ceremony at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial

New Mexico Veterans Memorial
1100 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

The event, sponsored by the Kirtland Chapter of the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), is free and family-friendly. Festivities begin with a musical prelude by the Dukes of Albuquerque. Command Sergeant Major Jerry Garcia of the New Mexico National Guard will give the Veterans Day Address. 

Main Event Salutes Military with Free Food & Fun on Veterans Day

Main Event Entertainment
4040 Pan American Frwy. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87107

Main Event is honoring the brave men and women that protect our freedom with an exciting offer this Veterans Day. On Monday, Nov. 11, the ultimate entertainment destination invites all active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel to visit their nearest center for FREE food and fun all day! All military personnel will receive 30 minutes of game play that can be used on more than 100 interactive video games. Honored guests can also enjoy a free entrée from a special menu selection.

15th Annual Veterans Day Brunch

Congregation B'nai Israel of Albuquerque
4401 Indian School Rd NE | Albuquerque, NM 87110

Brunch & Special Speakers. Only $12 in advanced or $15 at door. Featured Speakers Brooks & Vivian Stark - Faith, Family, and the Military. Let's Take a Moment to Thank the Veterans Among Us. As Always, Veterans can attend for free.

Honoring Our Veterans

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
2401 12th St. N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87104

Join Pueblo honor guards, dignitaries, and speakers on this day dedicated to honoring those who have served their country. We’ll also experience the traditional Gourd Dance of the Kiowa people, which features warriors and distinguished leaders. Special discounts and free Pueblo cookies and coffee will be available for all veterans.

Let us help you find the home of your dreams in Albuquerque. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

17 Pine Crest Road, Tijeras, NM  $525,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 half) / 3532 Square Feet

Exceptional Mountain Home with Sweeping Views!! This home offers peaceful, yet convenient mountain living. Featuring soaring ceilings & clerestory windows, a light bright open floorplan, grand staircase at entry, plus both a kiva fireplace & wood burning stove for those chilly evenings & cooled by 2 mini split a/c's. The chef's kitchen features gorgeous cabinets/counters/SS appliances with eat at kitchen island and sunny dining nook. Master retreat is privately situated on its own level with its own view balcony & spa like en suite that includes a freestanding soaking tub. Bonus Loft/Study area w/ 2nd view balcony. Enjoy outdoor living in the walled courtyard w/professional landscaping & deck. Tuff Shed 'Tall Barn' model stays. Village of Tijeras water.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Do you want a really good reason to own a home in Albuquerque? Besides being a fantastic location to live, when you own your home, it's what can be called a “forced savings plan.” When you make your mortgage payment, part of it is applied to the principle balance. Each month, you owe less on the home. The difference between the value of the home and what you owe is called equity.

If your home's value has increased since you bought it, then your equity increases. On average, home owners gained more than $65,000 in equity over the last 5 years. That's a lot of money!

When you compare spending habits to 10 years ago, we find that homeowners also are no longer tapping into that equity to buy expensive items. They were pulling out cash (equity) from an appreciating asset, and then spending it on rapidly depreciating items. That is not the case today.

The number of homeowners that currently have at least 50% equity in their home is astonishing. According to the Urban Institute, 37.1% of all homes in the country are mortgage-free. In a home equity study, ATTOM Data Solutions revealed that of the 62.9% of homes with a mortgage, 25.6% have at least 50% equity. That number has been increasing over the last five years.

By doing a little math, we can see that 53.2% of all homes in this country have at least 50% equity right now. Of all homes, 37.1% are mortgage-free and an additional 16.1% with a mortgage have at least 50% equity.

As we can see, owning a home in Albuquerque is far different from renting. Owning a home means that your mortgage payment comes back to you in the form of equity in your home. That doesn’t happen with your rent payment. Your rent helps build your landlord’s equity instead.

Let us help you find the home of your dreams in Albuquerque. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

1800 Cooke Canyon Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM  $385,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (1 full, 2 half) / 2690 Square Feet

Mountain Views! This popular one story Pulte floorplan has 4BDRS/3BA plus separate office/study with French doors!! Light, bright and open featuring two walls of sliding doors opening to the outdoor living space, covered patio showcasing mountain views! REFRIGERATED AIR! Tankless Water Heater! Approx 19k in new engineered wood flooring! 11k Professionally landscaped backyard with grass, roses, shrubs! Gourmet kitchen has built-in stainless steel appliances, gas cooktop, huge teardrop shaped Island, granite counter tops, beautiful cabinetry, backsplash & walk-in pantry. Master suite has bay window, large shower, raised granite dual sink vanity & walk-in closet!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

It's time once again to set your clocks back this Sunday, Nov 3 at 2 a.m. But if you forget, your smartphone will probably remind you anyways.

When we set our clocks back, this is called "Regular Time." President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Uniform Time Act in 1966 that made Daylight Saving Time official. The law established daylight saving time from the last Sunday in April through the last Sunday in October. Several states, including New Mexico, are trying to change this practice. But for now, we still need to fall back

What will you do with your extra hour? Here are a few suggestions:

• Take a hot bubble bath.
• Organize your office.
• Call a friend to catch up.
• Make a scrapbook.
• Create a “family recipe book.”
• Look up funny videos on YouTube.
• Read your favorite blog.
• Straighten up your pantry.
• Go outside and take pictures of nature.
• Get an extra hour of sleep!

Or, if you're thinking about buying a new home in Albuquerque, you can use our home search tool and take an hour to really look over some of the great homes we have for sale. And then call us on Monday for more help finding the perfect home for sale.

Looking to sell your home for the right price in Albuquerque? Let us help you sell your home in Albuquerque and get the right price. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

2612 Espanola Street, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $170,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1140 Square Feet

HUGE LOT with BACKYARD ACCESS and custom gate in the NE Heights! Conveniently located close to Uptown, Trader Joe's, shopping, restaurants & parks! 3BDR/1.5BA/1CG featuring a large open great room with huge picture window and tile flooring! Remodeled kitchen with new soft-close cabinetry & crown molding, Quartz countertops! Beautiful shade tree in the front yard and oversized backyard with plenty of room for pets, backyard access, custom metal gate and covered patio for Summer BBQs!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Get ready to have a scary good time in Albuquerque this week. If you're looking for fun and safe ways to celebrate the holiday this week in Albuquerque, you'll be please with all the events coming up. Here's a few Halloween events to help you and your kids make this a week to remember.

Halloween in Old Town

Oct 31, 2019 | 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Historic Old Town
200 N Plaza St. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104

Enjoy a free, family-friendly evening with music, costumes and candy. Halloween in Old Town is a fun, safe place to trick-or-treat. Stroll through the plazas for candy from participating local merchants, enjoy music on the gazebo and get your face painted to complete your costume. 

Trunk or Treat at Balloon Fiesta Park

Oct 31, 2019 | 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM

Balloon Fiesta Park
9401 Balloon Museum Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
505-768-6043

This Halloween, kids and families are invited to Balloon Fiesta Park for the first ever Trunk or Treat event for monsters of all ages. Bring your bike and helmet or walk from trunk to trunk. A longer biking route will be available - those who dare to make the trek will be rewarded with treats!

Operation Great Pumpkin

Oct 30, 2019 | 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Cesar Chavez Community Center
7505 Kathryn Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
505-256-2680

This family friendly event is free for all ages. Carnival Games, a Haunted House, a Costume Contest and much more.

Boo at the BUGarium

Oct 31, 2019 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden BUGarium
2601 Central Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Boo at the BUGarium celebrates the wonderful world of arthropods with special interactive exhibits just right for Halloween: “Worm’s World”, “Spider Station”, “Build-a-Bug Table”.

Underwater Pumpkin Carving

Oct 31, 2019 | 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

ABQ BioPark Aquarium
2601 Central NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104

Watch divers in the Shark Tank carve pumpkins, sea turtles snack on  bits and curious fish swim through spooky eyes and triangle noses.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween in Albuquerque!

Looking to sell your home for the right price in Albuquerque? Let us help you sell your home in Albuquerque and get the right price. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

2612 Espanola Street, Albuquerque, NM 87110  $170,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (1 full, 1 half) / 1140 Square Feet

HUGE LOT with BACKYARD ACCESS and custom gate in the NE Heights! Conveniently located close to Uptown, Trader Joe's, shopping, restaurants & parks! 3BDR/1.5BA/1CG featuring a large open great room with huge picture window and tile flooring! Remodeled kitchen with new soft-close cabinetry & crown molding, Quartz countertops! Beautiful shade tree in the front yard and oversized backyard with plenty of room for pets, backyard access, custom metal gate and covered patio for Summer BBQs!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Real estate prices in the Albuquerque market are expected to rise at a steady pace throughout 2019. In fact, Albuquerque home values have gone up 4.2% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 2.6% within the next year. If you're considering moving to Albuquerque, there are a few creative ways to cope with rising housing costs and get into your dream home sooner rather than later.

Consider Nearby or Adjacent ZIP Codes

The old adage in real estate is “location, location, location,” but often the location is the very thing that makes certain ZIP codes so pricey. When looking into a desirable area, consider the nearby or adjacent neighborhoods to scout for more affordable finds. The good news is that if your house is near a pricier area, home prices are expected to remain strong or even rise as demand for the area increases.

Purchase a Foreclosure or Fixer-Upper

Purchasing a foreclosure or home that needs a little work is a smart move if you want to buy into a more expensive neighborhood and stay in your price range.

Fixer-uppers can yield significant discounts in major urban areas, as much as 40% to 50%, according to research conducted by realtor.com, but inventory may be low, and the competition may be fierce.

Consider a Roommate

If you can afford a home but are concerned about what the monthly payment will do to your lifestyle (and budget) consider renting out rooms in your house to a long-term roommate or on housing-share apps.

This way, your housing payment gets covered and any extra can go toward paying down the mortgage, paying off student loans, or maintaining your lifestyle.

Try a Starter Home Before Thinking of a Forever Home

Think about what you really need in a first-home purchase as opposed to what you fantasize about having. With so many first-time buyers now delaying home ownership until their early 30’s (when a family and kids comes along), many skip the notion of the starter home and leap right into the forever home - often at a cost.

Starting small allows buyers to start putting housing payments into equity, not rent. Should property values rise, after a few years a buyer would then be able to upgrade into something bigger or more practical for their lifestyle.

Also keep in mind that just because you qualify for a loan amount, it doesn’t mean you have to borrow the maximum. When shopping for homes, be sure to find something that sits comfortably in your budget once you factor in insurance, taxes, home maintenance, and even discretionary funds.

While these tips may not land a first-time buyer in their ideal neighborhood straight away, equity (the amount of your house that you “own”) builds over time and works in favor of the buyer. Remember: With time and patience, many may be able to cash in on the equity in their first home and move into their ideal square footage or location.

Looking to find the perfect home in Albuquerque? Let us help you find the perfect home in Albuquerque. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

7 Chamisa Road, Placitas, NM  $468,000

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 half) / 2500 Square Feet

Southwest Style custom home on incredible 2 acre lot with stunning views. Exquisite tile & woodwork throughout. Well appointed kitchen with SS appliances, granite counters, large pantry and island. New Carpet in 2019, new Paint in bedrooms and entry 2017, Refrigerated air, raised ceilings, open floor plan, skylights and lighted niches make this home perfect for entertaining. Private master suite has private balcony access, double sinks w/jetted tub, separate shower and a huge walk-in closet. Backyard has covered patio, water feature, fire-pit and mature landscaping. Over-sized 3 car garage, water softener, central vac system, upgraded sinks and faucets, brand new septic in 2013, the list just goes on!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Not sure where to get your pumpkins this year in Albuquerque? Sure, you can probably get yours at the supermarket. But that's nowhere near as fun as going out to a patch full of huge pumpkins and picking them yourself. There are some great pumpkin patches in the Albuquerque area where you can get the full autumn experience. Here's a few pumpkin patches to check out.

Galloping Grace Pumpkin Patch

The Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, is home of the annual Galloping Grace Pumpkin Patch. It's open daily in October from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and features a multi-acre patch with pumpkins, a mini corn maze, a roping arena, duck races, a corn pit, a harvest maze, tractor races, and other activities for younger kids. There is also a country store and fall decor for sale. The patch supports the Galloping Grace Youth Ranch in Rio Rancho, where any child can ride horses and learn about ranch life and responsibilities.

Maize Maze at Rio Grande Community Farm

Pick pumpkins and learn at the Rio Grande Community Farm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October while explore its seasonal Maize Maze and pumpkin patch. This eight-acre maze also includes activities such as pumpkin painting and harvest fun. On the Saturday before Halloween, the Fall Festival and FarmStrong Fun Run will take over the farm as a fundraiser for local charities.

McCall's Pumpkin Patch

You can spend the whole day having fun at McCall's Pumpkin Patch in Moriarty, New Mexico. You'll enjoy hayrides, pedal karts, a huge corn maze, and a giant slide for the kids. For a little fun with history, explore the western town and the miner's shack, and go mining for gemstones. Visit and pet the animals, check out the goat bridge, cheer on your favorite at the duck races, and clap to the music played by the hillbilly band. After all this fun, don't forget to select your pumpkin to take home.

Wagner Farms in Corrales

Wagner Farms is a must for fall. Located in Corrales, the farm offers fresh roasted chiles, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and a place to pick out a pumpkin or two. And don't forget the hayrides, a one-acre corn maze, an apple orchard, a vineyard, and a petting zoo. Kids can let off steam on the hay bale structures and enjoy the games in the children's play area. Have fun into the evening with night mazes with harvest bonfires. 

Wagner's Farmland Experience in Los Lunas

Wagner's Farmland Experience in Los Lunas has the same type of family fun as the attraction in Corrales, but you can enjoy two corn mazes here in addition to the farm animals and fall activities. Starting in late September, Wagner's transforms the farm into an exciting pirate adventure which is open every night of the week. There is also a u-pick flower and vegetable patch alongside the pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and every Saturday night, the farm hosts a haunted night in the mazes.

Looking to find the perfect home in Albuquerque? Let us help you find the perfect home in Albuquerque. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

104 Sandia Mountain Ranch Drive, Tijeras, NM  $479,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 half) / 2608 Square Feet

Resort style living in the mountains with incredible views on approx 3.25 acres in Sandia Mountain Ranch!! Custom elegance featuring TPO Roof, Refrig Air, Sec System, Water Softener, Skylights, Private Elec Gate. Amazing outdoor living space featuring a huge raised deck for entertaining, relaxing in nature taking in the mountain views! Great room features wall of windows, wood beam ceiling, wood stove. Custom kitchen features cherry cabs, granite countertops, walk-in pantry, bkfst bar & nook. Master suite features his/her vanities, jetted tub, sep shower, two walk-in closets. Finished & insulated oversized 2CG!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

How do I get approved for a home loan? Who will help me find the right home in Albuquerque? Don’t panic! Here are the top four people you need to know when it comes to buying a home.

The Person Who Approves the Loan

One of the first people you’ll need to work with is a loan officer or lender. This is the person who helps you understand the ins and outs of getting a loan, as well as any requirements or conditions.

Before speaking with the loan officer, however, you may want to estimate what a monthly mortgage payment may look like, which you can do with a simple mortgage calculator. Your monthly payment will include homeowners insurance, property taxes paid into an escrow account, and, if you put down less than 20%, PMI or private mortgage insurance.

Remember: The bank will provide an initial number of what it thinks you can afford based on your gross monthly income. But it’s up to you to account for your own personal budget and living expenses.

Once you’ve spoken with the lender, it’s worthwhile to get a preapproval letter, which shows how much the bank would be willing to lend you based on your full financial picture. Without this letter, most sellers won't take you seriously and may not even accept your offer.

The Person Who Finds the Home

A real estate agent is usually the first person that most people speak to during the homebuying process. You need someone who understands the housing market in Albuquerque.

When you begin your home search, you might start with an online search. While these property listing sites provide formatted data on available properties, a REALTOR®, such as Sandi Pressley, will have access to the latest information and can provide any updates or correct misinformation found online.

A REALTOR® can work on your behalf or on behalf of the seller. When you’re buying a home, it’s important to work with a buyer’s agent, whose responsibility is to you, not the seller.

You should ask the agent all the questions that are important to you — how much other homes in the area recently sold for, how long those homes were on the market, and any other questions that might help you make an informed decision.

The Person Who Inspects the Home

Once you have found a home, made an offer, and signed the contract to buy, it’s time to hire a home inspector. The contract will specify how many days you have to get the inspection. The home inspector will come to check things like structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling, the condition of windows, walls, door frames, ceilings, the attic — basically anything that can be seen without going into walls.

The Person Who Checks Ownership of the Home

The title officer or title company checks the ownership of the home to make sure there are no potential disputes with previous owners, and, ultimately, will issue title insurance for the property. This insurance protects you and the lender if there are claims or lawsuits against your ownership of the property.

Each person has a distinct role in the homebuying process in Albuquerque, and being informed about exactly what you need from them helps make the process run smoothly. The key is patience — it’s all worth it when you get the new keys to your home!

Looking to find the perfect home in Albuquerque? Let us help you find the perfect home in Albuquerque. And make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more 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!

104 Sandia Mountain Ranch Drive, Tijeras, NM  $479,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 half) / 2608 Square Feet

Resort style living in the mountains with incredible views on approx 3.25 acres in Sandia Mountain Ranch!! Custom elegance featuring TPO Roof, Refrig Air, Sec System, Water Softener, Skylights, Private Elec Gate. Amazing outdoor living space featuring a huge raised deck for entertaining, relaxing in nature taking in the mountain views! Great room features wall of windows, wood beam ceiling, wood stove. Custom kitchen features cherry cabs, granite countertops, walk-in pantry, bkfst bar & nook. Master suite features his/her vanities, jetted tub, sep shower, two walk-in closets. Finished & insulated oversized 2CG!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Whether you're familiar with fine wines, or you're just starting your wine tasting adventures, Albuquerque's wine tasting rooms offer the perfect opportunity to explore award winning wines of the area. New Mexico has an ideal climate for producing fine wine, and it's a centuries-old tradition. If you're in the mood to try something new, here's a few of the top wineries and tasting rooms in the Albuquerque area to help you find the perfect vintage.

Camino Real Winery

Open weekends for tours and tastings, their grapes here are grown in the countryside of Tome, south of Albuquerque. They also offer a selection of New Mexico craft beers.

Casa Abril

Casa Abril produces wines using Spanish and Argentinian grapes of Tempranillo and ​Malbec varieties. The grapes are grown in rural Algodones, located between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Casa Abril continues the Spanish traditions brought to New Mexico centuries ago.

Casa Rondena Winery

Nestled in the heart of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. Wines are crafted from the grapes grown right on the winery's grounds and range from dry whites to Syrahs and reds. You can taste their award-winning wines in the tasting room and enjoy a stroll through the grounds, or have a glass on the patio.

Corrales Winery

This family owned winery produces award winning Muscat Canelli dessert wine with their own grapes. Other wines are produced from New Mexico grapes to become Rieslings, Mariachis, and Cabernets. Found in the heart of the historic village of Corrales, the area is one of the oldest wine growing regions in North America. Visit the winery and stay on to shop in the village, which features fine arts and crafts.

Gruet Winery

Take a taste of five Gruet wines and you'll get a souvenir glass to bring home. Or you may choose a tasting of reserve wines and receive a souvenir Riedel/Gruet champagne or wine glass. Tours are available for up to 30 people, and even larger groups can be accommodated if split into more than one group. Its grapes are grown in southern New Mexico near Truth or Consequences, which has ideal growing conditions for grapes. Gruet produces nine different sparkling wines, two Chardonnays and two Pinot Noirs, both with regular bottling and reserve bottling.

Milagro Vineyards

The winery produces Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah wines from their own grapes. The fine wines are made from Vinifera grapes and finished through handcrafting with traditional techniques in French oak casks.

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HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

104 Sandia Mountain Ranch Drive, Tijeras, NM  $479,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (2 full, 0 half) / 2608 Square Feet

Resort style living in the mountains with incredible views on approx 3.25 acres in Sandia Mountain Ranch!! Custom elegance featuring TPO Roof, Refrig Air, Sec System, Water Softener, Skylights, Private Elec Gate. Amazing outdoor living space featuring a huge raised deck for entertaining, relaxing in nature taking in the mountain views! Great room features wall of windows, wood beam ceiling, wood stove. Custom kitchen features cherry cabs, granite countertops, walk-in pantry, bkfst bar & nook. Master suite features his/her vanities, jetted tub, sep shower, two walk-in closets. Finished & insulated oversized 2CG!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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