Reason #2 to move to Albuquerque

Sunshine

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     One of the greatest aspects of living in Albuquerque, NM is the great weather, and most of all, the sunshine. With the annual average sunlight currently at 76%, Albuquerque is one of the sunniest cities in the US. In a state where the population is no stranger to all four seasons having perpetually great sunny weather offers many benefits. Possibly one of the greatest benefits of sunny weather is it enables the population to be more physically active. With Albuquerque's direct access to many outdoor activities, it's no wonder its populous spends a great deal of time being physically active outside. Additionally, adding sunlight to your daily routine ensures that you receive the proper amount of vitamin D, which most Americans are deficient. According to Sydney Epstein a writer from Inspire, "Staying warm in nice weather helps keep you alert and improves your memory.". On top of all there is to say about the wonders of sunshine, living in a climate that is warmer and dryer can improve lung and heart health, in fact, many people move to Albuquerque solely because of this health benefit! 

Reason #1 to Move to Albuquerque, NM!

Low Cost of Living

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     Possibly the top reason to move to Albuquerque, NM is the low cost of living. When considering a new living destination cost of living should be at the top of your list of must-haves. New Mexico's income tax rates are divided up by four brackets ranging from 1.7% being the lowest and 4.9% being the highest possible income tax rate. Some states do not charge income tax, however, these states make up for it in other ways such as high property and sales tax rates. New Mexico sits in the lower quarter of property tax rates, making it one of the lowest in the US.  Also, the average cost of utilities per month is roughly $138, and the average gallon of gas will only cost $2.32! Albuquerque is a unique place that combines unbeatable clean air and beautiful landscapes but also a fun and fulfilling nightlife where the average cost of a meal out for two is only $37 and two tickets to a movie costing $21. Whether it is property or income taxes or entertainment and adventure, you can do it for less in the Land of Enchantment! 

Moving With Your Dog

Moving with Your Dog: How to Make it a Smooth Transition

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Image via Pixabay

 

You love your dog. Some would argue that the bond between dog and human is akin to that we have with our own children. So it makes sense that when you are looking for a new home, you take his or her needs into account. When you’re shopping for a new house or condo, use these helpful tips to ensure you make the best purchase for your little family.

 

Tell Your Agent About Your Dog

Your real estate agent wants to know as much about your life in order to find you the perfect home. Let them know about your dog and they will pay special attention towards homes that are pet friendly. Many neighborhoods have dog runs and walking trails perfect for your daily strolls and socialization. Ask about these amenities and how often they’re available in the areas you are looking at.

Also, while you have your agent’s ear, ask them about local pet ordinances, HOA rules and regulations regarding pets, and whether or not any changes to ordinances or regulations in the future. As a responsible dog owner, it’s your job to stay on top of what to do and what not to do.

 

Location, Location, Location

Your dog needs to be let out to use the restroom 3-5 times a day, depending on its age and size. If you plan on going home at lunch breaks to let him or her out, you’ll need to find a place close enough in proximity that you can make it there and back before your break is over. A place that is too far away will just make it that much more difficult to organize your life around the needs of your pet.

If you do choose a place that is too far for you to get to and from during a standard lunch break, you’ll need to find a reliable dog walking service or doggy daycare to facilitate your pup’s needs.

 

Is It Safe?

When you have a dog, they’re going to act kind of crazy once and awhile. Just about everyone who’s had one has dealt with the stress of them darting out the front door. Choosing a low-traffic area will help protect your dog in these instances. Your neighborhood should also have a low speed limit for the streets around your house or condo.

Not all dogs need a fence, but it’s never a bad idea. Even if you go outside with your dog to supervise, a fence is what keeps them from darting out into the street when they spot that squirrel. If you find a home sans fence but want that extra safety, budget the cost of constructing one into your home buying budget.

 

Take Their Size Into Consideration

The bigger the dog, the more space he or she needs. Your Great Dane may be as lazy as you are, but being cooped up in a one-bedroom condo all day will still be a tight fit. Large dogs need enough room in the house to wander as well as a spacious yard to enjoy.

If you have a miniature dog, you may want to forgo a place with stairs that will be difficult for them to get up and down. A spill down the stairs can have nasty consequences, including head injury or internal trauma. Look for a home well-suited for your dog’s size and abilities so he or she is comfortable and safe.

 

Getting Your Dog Acclimated to the New Home

Once you’ve found the perfect place for you and your dog, you’ll want to gently introduce them to their new home in a way that reduces stress. Your dog is going to need time to adjust to their new surroundings, but with your help they can soon come to love your new abode. Mostly, it will take patience on your part.

Don’t over-assure your dog. Treat him or her as normally as you would in the old house. Stick to routines you have always had to help them realize not much has changed. Finally, as you see them grow comfortable and confident in their new environment, use positive reinforcement-- whether it be through treats or affection-- to show them you’re happy with their progress.

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Picking a home that fits your needs as well as your dog’s needs will reduce the stress of moving. Use your real estate agent’s expertise to find an area where dog-friendly amenities are nearby. Choose a place nearby so you can easily get there to let your dog out if needed. If you can’t find a place that close, a dog-walking service or doggy daycare can assist. You want to find a home in a low-traffic area with a fenced in yard to ensure safety. Your home’s size should correlate with his or her size. Finally, use patience and positive reinforcement as your dog acclimates to your new home for the smoothest transition possible.

 

Article provided by Medina at DogEtiquette.info

Moving with Your Dog: How to Make it a Smooth Transition

New Condominium Listing

66 Calle De La Noche, Albuquerque, NM 87109

The 505abqhome team has a great new listing in the heart of NE Albuquerque. This condo features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, two car garage, new washer and dryer, tall ceilings, and a beautiful view of the Sandia Mountains from the master balcony. This home is perfect for a buyer who wants a well kept home in a nice neighborhood, but also, needs a low maintenance home with plenty of utility. For questions about this listing, or buying and selling another home in Albuquerque, NM give us a call! 

Relocating In Albuquerque

      Thinking about moving to the land of enchantment, or wanting to relocate over the winter break for things like schools, jobs, or lifestyle change? During the holidays is a great time for people to make the move! Whether your life is offering a change of pace or a change of scenery we can help you find the home you are looking for and sell the one your in! Let us take the hard work of buying or selling out of the equation so you can relax and enjoy the exiting change in your future! 

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Plant a Seed with Home Ownership!

   Just like growing a garden, owning a home takes care, attention, and patience. Much like planting a seed, owning a home can grow and blossom into something truly beautiful. Starting with a vision, the seed is planted and the home is purchased. Each day you pay close attention to feeding and watering your seed, creating a connection between yourself and your vision. As you live in your home you pay the same attention by adding your own touch and love to fill the home, and each day you and your home grow together, just like the seed. The sun rises and sets as you consistently give life to this vision, this seed, this home, and before you realize what has happened you are in the midst of a full bloom! Your seed has grown into a gorgeous flower, and your house has become a home where you have lived and grown. But as the cycle returns, you must make room for new growth. You trim back all the old to make room for the new, and the same with the home, you decide what changes to make in order to make room for new growth. Buying a new home, planting a new seed, and moving forward with the wisdom and beauty from before. 

The Time to Buy is Now!

   As you can see from the chart above, Mortgage interest rates are at an all time low since May of 2013! The huge drop in mortgage interest rates is resulting in an overall empowerment of potential home buyers! If you are thinking about buying a home, don't wait, the time to buy is now!  

Call now for a lender referral 

(505) 259-6650 Carole or (505) 553-4835 Shane

May 2016 Market Activity

If you are contemplating selling your home do not miss out on the summer selling season! Summer is one of the best times of the year to sell your home! As you can see from the Green Sheet above in the past year the Average Sale Price of homes has increased by +4.69%! Also see above that Active Listings in the area have dropped over the past year by -15.16%, making the demand for homes even greater! 

Looking for a Fabulous Garage

Are you in the Market for a fabulous Garage with a Home attached!  That's what house hunting with my husband is like.  I suppose a lot of men are like this and truth be told I love a fabulous garage too.  Especially if its filled with fabulous cars.  There are more than 90 homes currently Active in SWMLS with 4 plus garage spaces in all price ranges.   I would love to show you some!

Seller's Hint:  Don't neglect the garage when you are preparing your home to market.  Tiding up will go a long way.  Getting rid of that extra stuff now not only will make your garage more spacious it will make the move easier.  If you can't actually coat the floor with one of the many products currently on the market at least clean it and make sure the door is free of grimy hand prints on both sides.

Listing Information:  Photo 1, Re/Max Select  Photo 2, Coldwell Banker Legacy

Most Luxurious Homes Currently For Sale

Contrary to what many people may think especially those transferring here from other metropolitan areas;  Albuquerque has many choices when it comes to luxury real estate.  Million dollar plus homes can be found in almost any area of Albuquerque and the surrounding communities such as Corrales, Placitas, East Mountains and of course the North Valley is home to many amazing properties.  Contact Carole Today to preview some of these amazing homes.

Great News! Home Prices Increasing

...or maybe not if your a buyer who's been sitting on the fence, time to get moving

Photo by Jim Gross

Photo by Jim Gross

March 24--The pace of sales and median price for single-family homes in New Mexico in February increased compared to a year earlier, reflecting a continuing recovery in the state's residential market, according to the Realtors Association of New Mexico.

The number of homes sold last month increased 7.4 percent, from 1,083 sales in 2015 to 1,163 this year. The busiest counties for home sales in February were Bernalillo, up 17.2 percent; Sandoval, up 11.1 percent; Santa Fe, up 1.1 percent; and Dona Ana, up 24.2 percent.

The median sales price last month increased 3 percent statewide from $165,000 in 2015 to $170,000 in 2016, the highest in seven years. Median means half of the homes sold for a higher price and half for a lower price.

In the four most active counties for home sales, the median price climbed 3.4 percent to $181,000 in Bernalillo; shot up 14.7 percent to $184,500 in Sandoval; rose 14.4 percent to $352,245 in Santa Fe; and edged up 4 percent to $155,000 in Dona Ana.

As always, real-estate markets are local and vary considerably around the state, said Steven Anaya, CEO of the Realtors Association. Thirteen counties reported sales increases over February 2015 and 15 counties reported an increase in median price.

"Local job markets and general economies continue to play a big role in every housing market," said Anaya. "Any area where you see any kind of job growth, we generally see good sales volume," he added.

"A good start to the year for the housing market is always good news for New Mexico -- not just for us, but home sellers and the New Mexico economy in general," said Patricia Fell, 2016 RANM president. Monthly volume totaled $249.8 million, up 16 percent from last year's figure of $215.4 million.

Nationally, home prices are rising three to four times faster than wages, said Anaya. And while credit conditions are easing somewhat, the silver lining for the housing market has been low mortgage rates.

"New Mexico is looking forward to a slow but steady growth in the housing market this year," said Fell. "Year-to-date figures have grown gradually each year from 2009's seven-year low of 1,438 sales. The year-to-date median price is the highest since 2009 when the median reported was $174,000.

While inventory is limited and some sellers have been entertaining multiple offers, especially in the $200,000 range, Anaya and Fell expect that to change once the peak selling season begins and homeowners put their properties on the market.

Nationwide, sales of existing homes fell 7.1 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.08 million, the National Association of Realtors said Tuesday. For existing homes, the median home sales price was $210,800 in February, a 4.4 percent annual increase from a year ago, while the number of listings fell 1.1 percent from a year ago.

Article from Acquire Media Published in Albuquerque Journal 3/24/2016