Real Estate Information

We all hear more and more on the news or from a neighbor that someone had a home invasion. We all may think, “no that will never happen to me.”  But the reality is that it can happen to anyone at any time. Here are some tips and tricks to help ensure that you and your family stay safe at night.

Install a Home Surveillance System. These might be expensive, but well worth the price. But you can get a camera and a recording unit setup for under $200.  Hidden home security cameras with nighttime vision are the most recommended, while readily visible ones can be easily destroyed. To help, you can tie most of these systems right into just about any device or devices you want. Now you can find out if that strange noise was simply a stray animal or someone lurking about your home.

Motion Sensor Lights. These are handy even when you’re just coming home from a late shopping trip. These can also be of great importance to home safety at night. It might help deter a break in from someone who is easily deterred.

Always Lock Up. This may seem obvious, but many people simply forget or don’t bother to lock up all the windows, doors and even garage doors, simply because they don’t think they are at risk. Sure the neighborhood is safe and you know your neighbors really well, but the threat most often comes from outside your neighborhood. So, make sure to lock up. It could mean lives.

Safety is never overrated, so be safe and check out these other great tips and tricks for nighttime safety for your home, and most importantly, your peace of mind. Be safe!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

8719 Springhill Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM  $299,000

4 Bedrooms/ 4 Bathrooms (3 full, 1 partial) / 3230 Square Feet

Lovely Brick Home in desired Richland Hills. Open & functional floorplan w/ soaring ceilings, cozy brick fireplace & stunning kitchen. Downstairs Suite with relaxing covered patio & oversized Master-baths & walk-in closets.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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Home safety is important, especially if you have a family. One thing most people overlook is electrical safety. Home electrical fires are estimated at around 51,000 fires a year, with nearly 500 deaths, over 1,400 injuries and $1.3 billion in damages. Naturally there are ways to reduce the risk to you and your family. Here’s a few tips to get you started.

• Outlets: When it comes to outlets it is always best not to overload them with extra adapters and power cords. Especially so in older homes that may not have a large enough power supply causing breakers to trip or overheat and very possibly cause major fires.
• Light Bulbs: When using light bulbs be sure to use a bulb with the correct wattage for the fixture you are using it in. A higher wattage bulb can cause the fixture to overheat and possibly cause the bulb itself to explode.
• Appliances: We own many more appliances now than used to be in the average home 50-60 years ago. Appliances from a simple clock to a computer generate heat. So be sure to give the appliance plenty of circulation space and never leave blankets, towels or anything that will cover them so that they do not overheat and cause an overload or short out an electrical socket.

Electrical fires can be such a dangerous and devastating occurrence that following some simple tips can save you or your family’s lives and your family’s livelihood. Here are quite a few more suggestions on how to minimize the possibility of an electrical fire in the home.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10001 San Francisco Road NE, Albuquerque, NM  $1,250,000

6 Bedrooms/ 6 Bathrooms (2 full, 4 partial) / 5750 Square Feet

This dream home is a slice of paradise at over 5800SF! Open concept floorplan showcasing arch accents,columns,gleaming tile, & hardwood flooring, and lush carpet. Renovated Spa-Like master bath offers many amenities including Steamroom.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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Pumpkins. A definite sign that fall is on your doorstep or is already falling much great gusto from your trees. Matching this cheerful end-of-summer New Mexico sensation with fresh homey décor ideas is an absolute must. For starters, an awesome pumpkin or two on your porch and strategically placed saucer pumpkins will add to the effect.

Don’t forget the trees outside shedding their spring and summer growth. Now is the best time to take advantage of their seasonal molting to brighten up your home with some gorgeous New Mexico colors, like leaf art. Let’s not forget the fun twigs and variety of berries and that become art pieces to make entertaining fall vases and fun DIY welcome wreaths.

Don’t forget that wood stove that’s been sitting quietly over summer. Bring out your best for the fall as New Mexico nights start getting cooler, giving you a reason to hang out around the warm and mesmerizing flames with friends or family remembering the good times, and looking forward to more to come.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

2012 Fraser Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM  $250,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (1 full, 2 partial) / 2020 Square Feet

Fabulous Energy Efficient Home by D.R. Horton built in 2012 features spacious and open floorplan. Features Higher Efficiency Furnace, Tankless Water Heater, Refrigerated Air, Granite Counter Tops, Custom Security Door and so much more. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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Halloween is almost here! A time of treats, crazy costumes for the kids and scaring each other silly. It’s also a time to remember a little caution and safety preparation can go a long way for our crazy little monsters of the night. Let us share some tips on safety for this year’s Halloween in Albuquerque.

Risks of car accidents with children go up unfortunately on this night more than any other, so we have a few ideas on how to keep the children as safe as possible.

One way is to try incorporating reflective tape or stickers into bags and costumes, as well as using face paint, non-toxic of course, as an alternative to visually obstructive masks. The kids are certain to find it fun to get their faces painted! Also try giving the kids some glow sticks, glow bracelets and whatever fun little glowing things you can find for them. Not only will extra fun be added to their costumes, but will help with added visual for drivers.

The younger children, 12 and under should never be out alone without their parents or a trusted adult to supervise. Try too to remind the older ones to stay in areas that they are familiar with, are well lit and give them the idea that going trick-or-treating with friends would be more entertaining. They’re certain to go for that!

Have a peek at this link for a few more tips on safety this Halloween. More importantly, don’t let them forget to have themselves a scary fun time this Halloween in Albuquerque!  

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

9320 Modesto Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM  $1,325,000

4 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms (2 full, 3 partial) / 5285 Square Feet

Immaculate custom single level home in sought after North Albq.Acres. 2 car garage, laundry rm, 2BDRMs each w/private 3/4 Bath. In the West wing you will find another 2 car garage! Master Suite w/ ensuite is every homeowners DREAM. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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Imagine early morning in Albuquerque with the blue dusky sky wide open above you. So beautiful!  But that's not even what you've come to see. You're there for the great Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! 

The largest festival of hot air balloon festivals in the world. Boasting over 500 hot air balloons that will take to the sky in a mass lift off. You can’t wait for Albuquerque to blow your socks off.

Of course, the hot air balloon lift off isn’t the only activity available during this event. Albuquerque has many other events and activities planned and available to you, such as fireworks and balloon glows during the evenings, Pilot Presentations, Mariachi entertainment and off event ground tours of local historical attractions and much more.

Here is a link to the schedule for the 2017 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Time to relax, be amazed and have some fun!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

996 Lynx Loop NE, Albuquerque, NM  $595,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3215 Square Feet

Custom Home features INCREDIBLE VIEWS of the Sandia Mountains, Tram & City lights from large balconies and decks. Master Suite features cozy fireplace, tranquil balcony, mountain views, complimented by the Spa-like Master Bath.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Fall is almost here in Albuquerque and the temperature is getting a little cooler.  But that doesn't mean you have to lock yourself inside.  Why not spruce up your outdoor living area for fall so that you can enjoy the splendor of the New Mexico area? Here's a few ideas that might help get you started.

Upstairs Terrace

For those of you with a home that has an upstairs terrace, here's a great decorating idea.

Where to get it:

Wooden lounge set ($392, jossandmain.com)

Metal coffee table ($149, jossandmain.com)

Orange throw pillow ($27, jossandmain.com)

Here's a great idea for southwest themed accents for your porch swing, like this swing designed by Erin Martin that uses rope, metal rings, and wood.

Where to get it:

Round mirror art ($158, jossandmain.com)

Throw pillow ($59, jossandmain.com)

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

2012 Fraser Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM  $250,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (1 full, 2 partial) / 2020 Square Feet

Fabulous Energy Efficient Home by D.R. Horton built in 2012 features spacious and open floorplan. Features Higher Efficiency Furnace, Tankless Water Heater, Refrigerated Air, Granite Counter Tops, Custom Security Door and so much more. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Whether you already live in Albuquerque or plan to move here and you have kids in school, then there’s great news. According to GreatSchools.org, 48 schools in Albuquerque received an overall rating of at least 8 out of 10!  And 10 of those schools received perfect score of 10! GreatSchools.org rates schools based on test scores, parent reviews, and other important factors. You can see the full list of Albuquerque school reviews here.

Here are the top 3 schools from the list, all rated 10:

Eisenhower Middle School
11001 Camero Ne, Albuquerque, NM 87111
Facebook Page

S. Y. Jackson Elementary School
4720 Cairo Ne, Albuquerque, NM 87111
Facebook page

Hubert H Humphrey Elementary School
9801 Academy Hills Dr Ne, Albuquerque, NM 87111
(505) 880-3744

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

9320 Modesto Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM  $1,325,000

4 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms (2 full, 3 partial) / 5285 Square Feet

Immaculate custom single level home in sought after North Albq.Acres. 2 car garage, laundry rm, 2BDRMs each w/private 3/4 Bath. In the West wing you will find another 2 car garage! Master Suite w/ ensuite is every homeowners DREAM. 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Albuquerque boasts a great variety of restaurants.  But if you’re looking for a great breakfast in Albuquerque, then you want to find a restaurant that specializes in the morning feast.  To that end, here’s a few of the top places to get a great breakfast in Albuquerque.

The Grove Cafe & Market

The Grove sets no limits on what time of day breakfast is served. With fresh, all day breakfast selections, you can satisfy your breakfast cravings whenever you want. Top is off with gourmet coffee, mimosas, cupcakes or cookies. They also do Sunday brunch.

Standard Diner

What’s more classic American than eating breakfast in a former service station?  The unique atmosphere blends seamlessly with the great menu, featuring all your reliable breakfast favorites and a few new surprises.

Golden Crown Bakery

What’s better than fresh baked breakfast delights? And if you want to come back for lunch, they feature feature amazing pizzas and empinadas.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

10 Cinco Circle, Placitas, NM   $550,000

5 Bedrooms/ 5 Bathrooms (1 full, 4 partial) / 4015 Square Feet

Enjoy the extraordinary views from this spacious home, featuring 5 bedrooms, 2 living areas, and more.  Treat your guests to the upstairs bed with en suite bath.  Entertain in style with the spacious kitchen that opens into the great room.  

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

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According to report released by Down Payment Resource, 61% of first-time homebuyers purchased their homes with a down payment of 6% or less.

The trend continued among all buyers with a mortgage, as 73% made a down payment of less than 20%.

An article by Chase points to a new wave of millennial homebuyers:

“We teamed up with Google to help us better understand what customers are searching for and how the home buying landscape is evolving. We found that millennials and first-time homebuyers are making a big splash in the market, and affordability remains top of mind.”

Among millennials who purchased homes, David Norris, Loan Depot’s Head of Retail Lending, said:

“It’s clear from the survey results that Millennials have a lot of anxiety built up about the home buying process.

There is good news, however, as there’s more flexibility than most Millennials think regarding how to qualify for a loan and what’s needed for a down payment.”

Are you one of the many millenials looking to buy a home this year?  If so, we can help.  Call the Sandi Pressley team today to see how we can help you fulfill your dream of owning a home today!

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

996 Lynx Loop NE, Albuquerque, NM  $595,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms (2 full, 1 partial) / 3215 Square Feet

Custom Home features INCREDIBLE VIEWS of the Sandia Mountains, Tram & City lights from large balconies and decks. Master Suite features cozy fireplace, tranquil balcony, mountain views, complimented by the Spa-like Master Bath.

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Every year your house takes a beating. But no matter how bad the weather is, you shouls make sure to check a few things around the house once a year so that you don't have to pay for larger repair bills later. Here's a couple of things you can check right now that will help preserve your home and reduce costs.

Change the HVAC air filters

You should really do this one once a month. The dirtier your filters are, the higher your energy costs can be and lead to more expensive repairs down the road.  And this is an easy one to do. Just buy a replacement filter available at most hardware stores and just replace it. You should also have a professional check your system each year to make sure it's tuned up and in good repair.

Service Yard Equipment

Change the oil and filters on lawn equipment and install new blades if needed. Check the owners manual to perform any suggested maintenance. Drain the gas tank before storing equipment for the season, but don't drain it completely. Instead use a premium gasoline without ethanol but with a gas preservative. Just before you store it, fill the tank with this mix.

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

5909 Gorrion Street NW, Albuquerque   $199,000

4 Bedrooms/ 1.5 Bathrooms/ 1935 Square Feet

Single story home with open concept & functional floorplan with tasteful updates thru-out! Kitchen with NEW Tile countertops, ALL APPLIANCES CONVEY with property! 

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team