Wednesday, January 6, 2010
New Year, New Location
In case all 2 of my readers (thanks, Mom!) have been wondering about my blog plans for 2010, I will continue on ... but in a new location from my company website. I've actually posting on both this blog and that one all along, but time to simplify! See you there...
Monday, December 21, 2009
Home Remodeling and Design Show
If you're planning to attend the Great Southwest Home Remodeling and Design Show (Jan. 16th & 17th), I'll probably see you there, since we've officially used up every second of the 5-year lifespan of our kitchen counter resurfacing. The scratches are now mocking me -- maybe it's time for granite??
Mark your calendar now so you don't miss out on the over 250 booths showcasing the latest products and local services. The show will be at Rio Rancho's Santa Ana Star Center. Last year we researched upgraded windows, and finally got them in for these cold winter months!
Show times are: Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday: 10 am - 4 pm. Admission Price is $8 for 2 adults with coupon, $4 for singles. Kids under 12 are free, and parking is FREE.
P.S. -- This will be my last post in 2009. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Until next year...
Monday, December 14, 2009
Get in the Holiday Spirit!
Head to the Rio Grande Botanic Garden to get a quick holiday fix at the annual River of Lights.There are hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights on display! Proceeds from the event help support BioPark projects and programs. It is open daily from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 30. (closed Dec. 24 and 25).
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Annual Luminaria Tour
Albuquerque’s annual Luminaria Tour will be Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24. Tour buses leave from the Convention Center starting at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $7.00 with children under five free. The tour covers the Country Club area and Barelas.
Early ticket purchase is available through several radio stations. See www.cabq.gov/transit/special-events/luminaria-tour for more information.
Early ticket purchase is available through several radio stations. See www.cabq.gov/transit/special-events/luminaria-tour for more information.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Home Sales Increase 11% in October
Sales of single family detached homes in metro Albuquerque increased during October, defying the traditional seasonal slowdown. The 731 detached homes sold during October were an 11% increase over the 661 homes sold during September. October sales were up 43% from October 2008 and more than double the 324 homes sold in January, the period of slowest sales during the current cycle.
The October sales were the second highest of 2009, behind only July, and third highest since August 2007. The average detached home sold during October remained on the market for 71 days, the shortest sales period of the year.
There were 900 homes with the sale pending during October, a 56.5% increase over October 2008. This performance indicates that sales should remain strong for November, even as the seasonally cold weather slows activity from previous months.
For townhouses and condominiums, October closed sales and pending sales showed an even better year over year improvement than did the detached homes, up 46% and 78% respectively.
Sales of homes priced between $100,000 and $199,000 dominated the metro region during October. This price group accounted for 446 sales or 61% of the October total.
The average price for a detached home was $209,614 during October, essentially unchanged from September, and up 1.7% from April. Average and median prices dropped from October 2008 for detached homes, townhouses and condominiums.
During October, a total of 4,938 active listings were available around the metro Albuquerque area, down 17% from a year earlier. October was the first month since April 2007 showing active listings at fewer than 5,000. With the continued reduction in listings, metro Albuquerque is becoming less of a buyers market, especially for more affordable homes.
The October sales were the second highest of 2009, behind only July, and third highest since August 2007. The average detached home sold during October remained on the market for 71 days, the shortest sales period of the year.
There were 900 homes with the sale pending during October, a 56.5% increase over October 2008. This performance indicates that sales should remain strong for November, even as the seasonally cold weather slows activity from previous months.
For townhouses and condominiums, October closed sales and pending sales showed an even better year over year improvement than did the detached homes, up 46% and 78% respectively.
Sales of homes priced between $100,000 and $199,000 dominated the metro region during October. This price group accounted for 446 sales or 61% of the October total.
The average price for a detached home was $209,614 during October, essentially unchanged from September, and up 1.7% from April. Average and median prices dropped from October 2008 for detached homes, townhouses and condominiums.
During October, a total of 4,938 active listings were available around the metro Albuquerque area, down 17% from a year earlier. October was the first month since April 2007 showing active listings at fewer than 5,000. With the continued reduction in listings, metro Albuquerque is becoming less of a buyers market, especially for more affordable homes.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Yeah, We're Pretty Great
Albuquerque is again distinguished as one of America's Best Cities, this time by Outside Magazine. The article cites our incredible number of sunny days, easy access to trails, rivers and mountains, and stability in housing market and economy. It celebrates our fifth-lowest unemployment rate among major U.S. cities and low cost of living. And most exceptionally, it notes that Albququerque has more green space per capita than any other city on their list!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Buying Foreclosed Property
Foreclosures are just a fact of life in our country's current economic situation. On the bright side (and you know I love a bright side!), that may mean a great deal for an interested buyer. There are a few things to keep in mind before you jump on that "bargain."
A foreclosed property may not have been lived in for many months, meaning there may be a good deal of deferred maintenance to take care of. A thorough inspection is essential for your own knowledge, but the bank is extremely unlikely to be interested in fixing or updating the property. Though the list price may be aggressively low, don't neglect to factor in your repair costs before you make an offer.
As the home may be priced lower than market value, know that you're likely to have competition for the property. Be sure to ask your Realtor for comparable sales in the area to assess true market value. If you offer over list price, keep in mind that the appraisal will need to substantiate the price. It's ALWAYS strategically smart to include your preapproval letter from your lender with your offer.
Happy bargain hunting! As always, I'd love to help you in your search.
A foreclosed property may not have been lived in for many months, meaning there may be a good deal of deferred maintenance to take care of. A thorough inspection is essential for your own knowledge, but the bank is extremely unlikely to be interested in fixing or updating the property. Though the list price may be aggressively low, don't neglect to factor in your repair costs before you make an offer.
As the home may be priced lower than market value, know that you're likely to have competition for the property. Be sure to ask your Realtor for comparable sales in the area to assess true market value. If you offer over list price, keep in mind that the appraisal will need to substantiate the price. It's ALWAYS strategically smart to include your preapproval letter from your lender with your offer.
Happy bargain hunting! As always, I'd love to help you in your search.
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