Albuquerque certainly has many qualities that make people want to buy a home here.  And the one thing that stands out is the food! Albuquerque is a hot spot in New Mexico for fantastic cuisine. So we’ve put together a short list of some of the best places to eat in Albuquerque.  Here are some dining experiences you won’t want to miss out on.

Antiquity Restaurant

Antiquity stands out as an overall extraordinary dining experience.  Specializing in beef and seafood, they also offer chicken and pork dinners, fine desserts, along with local, domestic, and import beer along with 60 different wines.

Mas - Tapas y Vino

Those in search of the perfect tapas will find their search has ended when they dine at Mas - Tapas y Vino.  Mas serves more than tapas however.  They are a full-service restaurant that offers a new take on traditional Spanish cuisine. They focus on using fresh local ingredients in all of their dishes.

Vernon's Speakeasy

Who doesn’t love a good speakeasy?  The name alone says you’re going to have a good time. Succulent entrees like Coffee Braised Beef Short Ribs, Hatch Red Chile Pork Tenderloin, and Stuffed Quail will leave your taste buds leaping for joy.  And of course there’s the Black Diamond Lounge, which is a great place to have a fine cocktail and listen to live music.

There are so many great places to eat in Albuquerque. Check back on our blog every week for more great places to eat and things to do here in Albuquerque.

In the true spirit of Christmas I was fortunate enough to work in conjunction with the Roadrunner Child Development in making some wonderful children’s Christmas better. I salute Roadrunner Child Development for the amazing job they do in helping children to receive the care and guidance that they so richly deserve. What a privilege it was for me to meet these sweet children and the instructors that do such a great job as well.

Are you looking to buy or sell Real Estate in 2017?  Choosing the Best Local Real Estate Team is critical to your success!

5 Reasons to choose the Sandi Pressley Team:

To receive a personal consultation for your home, contact the Sandi Pressley Team directly!

Looking for the perfect Albuquerque area home? Sign-up for our free Preferred Email Listing Alerts and receive only the properties that meet your personal qualifications! Follow this link: PREFERRED EMAIL LISTING ALERTS

HOT HOME LISTING OF THE WEEK!

4840 Mcnary Court NW, Albuquerque New Mexico   $239,000

5 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms/ 2420 Square Feet

Ready to Close-Show and Sell! Meticulously maintained open concept quiet culdesac lot showcasing 5 BDRMS/3BATHS/2 car garage. This functional floorplan features stunning oak wood flooring in living, dining room & spacious kitchen. Kitchen overlooks family room offering a cozy fireplace. Rare find private in-law Suite on Main floor and other Master Suite on Upper level with oversized master bath; dual vanities, jetted tub, separate shower & walk-in closet + access to balcony to enjoy the beautiful views. Additional Amenities incl: Refrigerated Air, arch accents, hi ceilings, plant ledges bull-nose corners thru-out and so much more-Pride of Ownership! Lovely low maintenance landscaping both front and back-Perfect for summer BBQ's!NO PID! It is a MUST SEE!

Contact the Sandi Pressley team for additional details! 

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team

Here’s two hot properties that are ready for you to call home.  Whether you’re looking for architecture that reflects the Southwest, or something more contemporary, these amazing homes have it all!

11 Calle Cienega, Placitas, NM 87043

Here’s a stunning custom home in Placitas that reflects the best of Southwest style. Enjoy the unobstructed views and the great room with its raised ceilings and sculpted vigas.  This home really indulges in the style of the area with Saltillo tile floors, hand carved adobe accents, and Kiva fireplace.  Enjoy the outdoors on your private covered patios. 

There’s so much more to see, so visit the property detail page for more details and photos!

4840 Mcnary Court NW, Albuquerque, NM

This beautiful home in Albuquerque offers a more contemporary flavor, with an open concept layout that features oak flooring in the spacious living, dining, and kitchen areas.  This home also boasts an in-law suite on the main floor. Relax in your master suite on the upper level with oversized master bath.  This is a stunning find for the price, so don’t let it slip away!

There’s so much more to see, so visit the property detail page for more details and photos!

Not what you’re looking for?  Visit our Featured Listings for more outstanding homes for sale in Albuquerque!

In today’s Market in Albuquerque, some homeowners might be thinking about selling their home on their own.  This is known as For Sale by Owner (FSBO).  But there are a number of reasons why this may not be the best idea is you’re planning on selling your home in Albuquerque.

Here are 4 reasons why:

Buyer Exposure

It’s a fact that 94% of buyers search online for a home.  That’s compared to only 17% looking at the newspaper ads. Most real estate agents in Albuquerque have a marketing strategy that involves online marketing. Do you?

The Internet Gets Results

51% of home buyers find their home on the internet.  34% found it from a real estate agent.  A mere 9% found it from a yard sign.  Just putting up a sign in the front yard doesn’t work anymore.  A strong internet marketing strategy is essential.

Too Many People to Deal With

Most FSBO home sellers don’t realize at first all the people they have to deal with.  You have the buyer, the buyer’s agent, the buyer’s attorney, home inspectors, and appraisers. That can be overwhelming if you don’t have experience in selling a home.

FSBOs Have Become More Difficult

There’s far more paperwork involved in buying and selling a home than there used to be.  That’s why the percentage of people selling by FSBO has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20 or so years.

So before you take on the challenge of selling your home by yourself, give us a call and let us help you decide if an experienced Albuquerque real estate agent can help you sell your home.

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

4 Cinco Circle, Placitas, NM 87043  $399,000

3 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms/ 2740 Square Feet

Gorgeous single story custom home on private 2 acre sanctuary.

Learn more by contacting the Sandi Pressley Team

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

If you’re looking to buy a home in the Albuquerque area and are looking for a community that’s both far from everything and close to everything, then Placitas is the place!  People are drawn to Placitas for many reasons. The weather, the tranquility, the hiking – there’s something here for everyone.

Buying a home in Placitas means you’ll be close to both Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, as well as only 50 miles from Santa Fe.  That’s what makes this such a great bedroom community. You can have the best of both worlds here.

Living in Placitas put’s you within arm’s reach of great food and shopping.  There are a number of great restaurants locally, as well as a much larger selection of places to dine and shop in Albuquerque.

What really draws people to live in Placitas is the stunning landscape and outdoor activities due to being located at the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, along with biking trails closer to town.

For more reasons to move to Placitas and to search for homes for sale, visit our Placitas Real Estate and Information page.

Here’s a preview of some of the great homes you’ll find for sale. 

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

15 Calle Cobre, Placitas, NM 87043  $498,000

5 Bedrooms/ 3 Bathrooms/ 3200 Square Feet

Exquisite Placitas property nestled on 2.25 AC w/stunning views.

Learn more by contacting the Sandi Pressley Team

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

It's the holiday gift buying season and the Albuquerque area has a vast array of gift ideas for fantastic area attractions and venues!  Consider replacing a traditional gift with one of these amazing spots for a great family experience.  All 5 have been included in the 25 Best Things to do in Albuquerque, by VacationIdea.com!

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway

Located on the Eastern edge of Albuquerque, in the foothills of Sandia, is North America’s longest Aerial Tram!  Experience breathtaking views riding high above the terrain. Learn more at http://www.sandiapeak.com/.

Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

Visit this extraordinary museum where high-flying adventure waits! Learn about Balloon flight, the founders of the museum and the incredible history of balloon flying. Find more information at their website: http://www.balloonmuseum.com/

Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

Give your family the joy and education of Albuquerque’s spectacular Museum of Art and History! Founded in 1967, the museum offers a culture rich heritage; local, regional and national themes throughout, as well as live performances, workshops and more. Learn more about the complete offerings at their site:  http://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/albuquerque-museum

Explora in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Bring science into the spotlight at this family-friendly center in Old Town! Featuring over 250 phenomenal hands-on exhibits and displays- including presentations for further explanation.  E exhibits include such fascinating topics as a High-Wire Bike, Experiment Bar- comes complete with white lab coats and a great arts and craft area, theater and gift store. Explore the fabulous Explora here: http://www.explora.us/en/

ABQ Trolley Co.

Visit the most exciting sites in Albuquerque about ABQ Trolley!  Sightseeing tours and historical fact gathering merges with a beautiful, custom made, open air Trolley.  Fun for every age!  Learn more at: http://www.abqtrolley.com/

Learn more about Albuquerque & Things to Do by visiting our website!

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

901 Adobe Road NW, Albuquerque, NM  $495,000

4 Bedrooms/ 2.1 Bathrooms/ 2700 Square Feet

STUNNING Adobe Hartenberger Custom Home with Beautiful Mountain Views and Nestled on a .68 lot!

Learn more by contacting the Sandi Pressley Team

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

Are you selling your Albuquerque home this holiday season?

If so, make the most of the holiday spirit...but don't overdo it!  Here are 7 Tips for Staging your Home for successful Holiday sales:

Clean & De-Clutter. Holiday decorating can be fun and a delightful way to showcase your home. However, it is very important to clear your home of other decorating and clutter before beginning.

Complement your Color Palette. Before hanging those Christmas decorations and tinsel, make sure you are complementing the color palette of your home. Nostalgic decorations are always a must, but if they clash with the color in each or your rooms, you'll do yourself a disservice by decorating at all. 

A Charming Cozy Vibe is a great Seller!  Creating the right vibe for your holiday home is very important. Use local artifacts to create a cozy vibe that is also charming. Keep in mind the overall decorating of your home and keep consistent.

Go Easy on the Christmas Lights! Stay away from a Clark Griswold looking home...meaning No inflatable snowman and Christmas Lights that complement your home. Many home sellers make the mistake of putting up so many lights and other Christmas outdoor decorations that it makes their home look like something out of the movie! Instead, choose a solid color, simple strand of lighting that plays up your home's architectural style.

Be mindful of your Christmas Tree. Historically, Christmas Trees have always made a home full of holiday spirit, while creating a warm vibe. However, allowing your tree to drop needles all over the floor...or forgetting to water it so it looks like it's going to fall over, will create the opposite affect you're trying to create.

Keep Neutrality throughout. It's important to decorate in a way to attract all types of buyers. This may mean keeping the large, yard Navitity Scene in storage til next year. No matter what someone's religious preferences are, they aren't going to be offended by a Nutcracker.

For more Home Selling Tips visit our website or give the Sandi Pressley Team a call for a personal consultation!

Reference: HGtV.com  Photo Credit: Brian Patrick Flynn Story By:  Kara Wahlgren

6412 Baker Avenue NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico  $275,000!

3 Bedrooms/ 2 Baths/ 2,415 Square Feet

This home is a Slice of Paradise in NE Heights showcasing spacious & functional floorplan w/2 living areas offering a stunning floor to ceiling stone fireplace creating a tranquil ambiance.  Learn more about this stunning home by calling the Sandi Pressley Team!

Get your Monday Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

It's a phenomenal time to sell your Albuquerque home!  If you've decided to sell, make sure you've prepared your home for the market before advertising. You get one shot at making a great first impression and introducing your home to the market...so make it count!

Many home buyers today want to move-in their new home as quickly as possible. Making sure you've crossed all the 'T's and dotted all the 'I's will insure your home sells quickly and for top dollar.

Here are 6 great tips to get your home prepared:

1. Get a Home Inspection.  Why you ask? By being proactive and ordering your Home Inspection upfront, you'll be notified of any potential troubles that could make your potential buyers balk. You'll still need to disclose what the home inspection finds, but you'll have time to make repairs. 

2. Gather all your Warranties for items staying in the home. This gives your potential home buyers confidence in you and your home. Warranties should include any appliances, etc that will be part of your home sale.

3. Make all Minor Repairs! It's critical to walk through your home with an eye for detail. Each room should be evaluated for any minor fixes; including patching of holes or cracks, painting, floor replacement, windows, closets, outlets and more. Once you've identified all repairs to be made in each room, make the ones you can...and be ready to negotiate the others.

4. Clear out Clutter. You've probably heard this a dozen times or more, but it bears repeating. A cluttered home shows poorly and commands a lower selling point. 

5. Sparkle and Shine. Make sure you do a 'white glove' cleaning of every aspect of your home!  Remove all signs of pets, including deodorizing your home. 

6. Stage your Home to Sell! If you haven't thought of Home Staging, you may want to consider this service. Home Stagers are experts at presenting your home's best assets and hiding those that are not. They also create the best light and flow to showcase your home. 

For more Home Selling Tips, visit our website or give us a call for a personal evaluation.

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK!

3813 Tierra Vista Place NE, Rio Rancho, NM  $359,000!

4 Bedrooms/ 3 1/2 Baths/ 3420 Square Feet

Welcome to this Meticulously Maintained Home delivering 3400+ sqft of optimal living.

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team for more details!

Get your Monday Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!

This Thursday, November 24th, people around the country are going to be gathering with family and friends around the table to enjoy their Thanksgiving Day feast.

Leading up to the big day, our thoughts are consumed with meal preparations, cleaning the home, watching parades, cheering for our favorite football team, or scoping out the deals for Black Friday. While all of these things have become part of the holiday tradition over time, it is important to reflect on why we celebrate Thanksgiving and what the holiday means to you.

The Pilgrims celebrated the very first Thanksgiving as a way to give thanks for the opportunities they had starting a new life in the American colonies. The holiday is now the one day that we set aside every year to give thanks for all the wonderful people, things, and opportunities we each have. What are you most thankful for this year? This Thanksgiving set aside some time to reflect on your blessings this year. Spend the day focusing on those you love most as you are gathered together around your delicious meal.

In this fast paced world, it is easy to forget that taking time to reflect is important. This Thanksgiving remember why we celebrate and why it is truly one of the most beloved American holidays. Beyond this Thursday, let’s make thankfulness a part of all our days and be always grateful for our loved ones, our homes, and the many other amazing aspects of our lives.

The Sandi Pressley Team wants to Thank all of our clients for the opportunity to partner with you on all your Real Estate needs and the trust you have placed in us year after year.

We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK:

11608 Zindandel Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM $1,500,000.

4 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms/ 6600 Square Feet

Exquisite European Custom Villa! Nestled in desired Sauvignon Gated community directly on Tanoan Golf Course & stunning mountain views. Learn more about this exceptional property by contacting the Sandi Pressley Team!

Get your Morning Inspiration with the Sandi Pressley Team!