Albuquerque HOA's. Good or Bad

by Tim Fish

I think you know the answer - It depends on what you want in your community. Some prefer the freedom to do whatever they want to their home. Why, just about 4 blocks away from my home someone decided to paint the stucco on their home pink. I kept telling my wife that it must be a primer and that they were getting ready to paint it another color...it's been about three years and it still remains pink. Soooo, I guess they meant to do that. And where no HOA's exist, they are more than welcome to do such a thing as long it does not interfere with city ordinance. But one can't help to wonder if they are just trying to irritate their neighbors.

Then there is the exact opposite of that. Some communities that require and enforce an HOA won't so much as let a resident keep the trash cansin plain view from the street. These communities are sometimes run by ex-military types who have nothing better to do than crack skulls around the neighborhoods in a golf cart and enforce rules that the home owners pay for (at least that's how I picture it in my head). I guess the only way to keep your neighbors from painting their homes purple and pink is to pay some random third party that essentially makes money for enforcing rules set up by the homeowners? Oh, and to maintain the common area in front of the community (translation: pick weeds once a month in the rocks surrounding the neighborhood.)

Of course these examples are fairly extreme and I'm poking fun at each, but you get the point. The only thing you need to decide in this situation is whether or not you enjoy the freedom to do pretty much what you want to your home or not. There are definitely pros and cons of each and you should do as much research as you can with you realtor.

So, whether you are looking at Tanoan homes for sale in a uniform community or looking at North Albuquerque Acres homes for sale in more of a diverse community, Albuquerque has a home for you and The Albuquerque Real Estate Group can find it!

by Tim Fish

Albuquerque Homes- Interest Rates are STILL low!

Interest rates are still amazing! I just helped a first time home buying couple purchase one of the homes for sale in Albuquerque Acres West and they were able to secured a 30 year fixed mortgage at 3.75 with no points! I couldn't believe it when the escrow officer went over their loan papers and began to discuss the terms of the loan. My immediate response was "How many points did you have to buy to to buy that down?" and the buyers looked at me like I had two heads. "None" they replied. I'm sure my jaw hitting the table erased any doubt they may have had about making the right decision in buying a home at this time. I saw the buyer's remorse jump right out the window.

At the risk of sounding like a salesman, right now is still a great time to buy. Again, interest rates are low, home prices are correcting and inventory is high. Sellers are ready to entertain any offer and get their homes sold and on with their lives. Some are even more than happy to write a check at closing.

So, if you are thinking about buying a home in Albuquerque, get movin'! The good ones are going and there are plenty of them. These interest rates can't last forever!

Call or email The Albuquerque Real Estate Group if you have any questions. We are more then happy to help!!

505-385-9303
Tim@TimFish.com

by Tim Fish

Albuquerque Homes for sale - National refinance stats different in New Mexico!

HI! Well once again the broad brush stroke doesn't apply as much in New Mexico!

I was reading the paper yesterday and found out that the national average on down payments for home loans was over 20%! Wow that sure does knock some buyers from this already stressed real estate market.

Fortunately, for some people searching for Albuquerque homes for sale, whether you are a seasoned buyer looking for homes for sale in North Albuquerque Acres or a first time home buyer looking at Albuquerque uptown homes for sale, there are programs that can be found which offer down payments as low as no down payment, and $500 down payment! FHA still offers loans with a minimum down payment as well.

The important thing here is to do business with a seasoned, local, mortgage company.

I would be happy to offer any assistance needed and offer viable mortgage company options for you and your friends!

by Tim Fish

Albuquerque Foreclosure Stats

Hi! It seems Albuquerque Foreclosures are on the move. The Brokers at the Albuquerque Real Estate Group were recently informed that rate of foreclosure activity was up 180% in the month of November. Now that is not the number of people actually in foreclosure, but includes all people that are late in their payments.

So, is this an indication of increased foreclosure activity? Who knows? But what it does highlight is the fact that there is still way too much financial pressure on Albuquerque families.

Many owners that are delinquent on the mortgage payments, or soon will be delinquent, simply do not know who to call to find the proper procedures for selling their homes. Some believe that simply ignoring the issue is acceptable and the bank then will foreclose on their home and it will be done. Is this the wise way to handle this situation? No!

If you, or anyone you know is facing the possibility of foreclosure, whether you need to move a Sandia Heights homes for sale or Downtown Albuquerque condos for sale, call an agent or company that has taken a positive stance toward foreclosure. An agent that is certified to handle short sales would be a very good tool! Each mortgage company handles short sales differently. But there are some guidelines to get you through the maze. We would love to help. At the Albuquerque Real Estate Group we are all certified in the sale of distressed properties.

Please feel confident to contact me at Tim@TimFish.com . I can offer you options! I want to help!

by Tim Fish

Short Sales!!!! Is it worth it?

Now there is a question I hear on a regular basis! Whether you are searching High Desert Homes for Sale or Albuquerque Downtown lofts for sale, of course they are worth it! Sure it may take a little time but if the Listing broker knows what they are doing your answers may come quicker than you expect. Typically the banks are more flexible with their negotiations as the time on the market increases. Remember each type of mortgage has different procedures they follow. Knowing those procedures will help you.

The bottom line is this: use a broker that has been trained in the Short Sale process and your offer will stand a much better chance of success.

The Albuquerque Real Estate Group Brokers are all Certified Distress Property Experts. We would love to help you!

Remember, for more information on this topic or other real estate in Albuquerque questions contact TheAlbuquerqueRealEstateGroup.com

by Tim Fish

Albuquerque Home Market - No, Seriously..

I really don't care what you have read or what your neighbor or co-worker, who has no idea about the current Albuquerque Real Estate market says - The good homes are selling and they are selling FAST!!!

In the past month I have seen five (5) of my buyers find a home...go home and think about it...call their friends to see what they think...think about it again for a couple days...then decide to make an offer...call me only to find out that the home has been under contract for the past 2 days. If you are serious about buying a home and find it, BUY IT!! Interest rates are crazy low and inventory is high. What else needs to happen??

So, to all you home buyers out there, Albuquerque homes for sale are selling and the good ones are going fast! Our numbers continue to rise month over month. Thats a fact! So buckle down, find your home and buy it, because there are buyers out there who will beat you to it if you drag your feet. So here's some tough love - you can learn your lesson the hard way or you can listen to your real estate agent, get aggressive and buy your new home.

by Tim Fish

Albuquerque homes for sale - What's the Value of a price reduction?

I have been fortunate to have the conversation with several of my peers about the value of a $5,000 price reduction. The conclusion we arrived at really made sense to us and several of our Sellers!

To begin, let me point out that ABQ homes for sale in this market MUST be properly priced or simply should not be offered for sale. With that said, a $5,000 price reduction on an Albuquerque Home for sale would save the buyer a whopping $24 a month! That's equal to a lunch for two! Granted, that's a savings of $288 a year but we felt that there is a much more appealing offer that could be made.

Why not make the home EASIER TO BUY for a buyer by offering to pay $5,000 in Buyer's closing costs? Now this is real money! It could make the difference between a buyer's ability to buy a home now or the buyer having to wait to save an additional $5,000 for closing costs!




If you have any questions regarding this blog topic or real estate for sale, please contact us at:
TheAlbuquerqueRealEstateGroup.com

by Tim Fish

Albuquerque Homes for Sale - Competitive or Compelling?

I recall a day when sellers were asked to price their homes competitively. That is the seller was expected to price their homes in the range of other similar properties. Well, today the sellers should price their homes compellingly. What's the difference?

This market is the new normal. The fact is it is probable that some homes in your area may not sell! Now that's a new thought! What I'm saying is your home may not sell!

What can a seller do to price their home in Albuquerque for sale? First you must look at your competition. Not just in your neighborhood, but in your area. Find out just how many homes are on the market, how many have sold, and how many did not sell. Look at the low end for the area; can you afford to sell at that number?

Look at your time frame; when must you close in order to accomplish your ultimate goal? Now subtract 30-45 days from that date as this is the time it will take to qualify a buyer. Count the number of days from today til that date, this number represents the days you have to obtain an offer from a qualified buyer. Now look at the average days on the market for you area. Is this number higher or lower than the days you have to receive an acceptable offer. Price your home accordingly so that you don't become one of the homes that did not sell.

A knowledgeable real estate agent should assist you in the process. But remember, you control the price, condition and time it will take to sell your property.

If you have any questions regarding the pricing of your home, or relocating to Albuquerque be sure to contact TheAlbuquerqueRealEstateGroup.com.

Thanks, Tim Fish

Albuquerque Real Estate negotiating POWER!

Here's something that will give sellers looking for Albuquerque homes for sale some bargaining power; prelisting inspections.

All of us want to save a dollar if possible but I have come to realize that the money we save on not accomplishing a prelisting inspection seems to cost the sellers more $ in the negotiation stage. In today's competitive real estate market market buyers are making lower offers and the often use perceived needed repairs as their bargaining chip.

As a wise seller, it makes sense to have your property inspected because:

1. Once you've made the repairs it reduces a prospective buyer's bargaining power based on unknown condition of systems, and,

2. You, as seller, have removed all surprises relating to unexpected repairs,and,

3. A home offered for sale with the warranty in place is more appealing than an unwarranted home.

Some of the Warranty companies offer a warranty during the listing period (before the home is sold) to the sellers!

If you have any questions on this topic whether you are looking for Corrales homes for sale or Glenwood hills homes for sale, remember to contact me at The AlbuquerqueRealEstateGroup.com

by Tim Fish

Nailing that Albuquerque Home Deal

When it comes to Black Friday, the best deals are snatched up quickly. There are often a very limited number of these "Great Buys". Sometimes people are camped out for days to make sure they are one of the few lucky ones who get to take advantage of this offer.

If only buying Real Estate in the big ABQ were the same. Well, actually it is in a way. Not the camping out for a bargain, but the best deals get snatched up first. My buyers recently purchased a home that had two offers on the property. While the other buyers were negotiating via counter offers my buyers made a solid offer right from the start and it was accepted. Funny thing was the seller of this property was in a three way bidding war on a property she wanted to down size to. Who would have thought? Multiple offers on homes.


What did these great homes for sale have in common? They were in excellent condition and were priced well. I love the phrase, "It's a price war and a beauty contest." Let's face it, there is a lot of inventory out there. Many homes to choose from. The beauty of seeing a lot of homes is that when you find a good deal, you usually know it. It's a bummer when other people feel the same way and decide to make an offer on the same home as you at the same time. It is happening quite often.

If you were at Best Buy when they opened their doors on "Black Thursday" (They opened on Thanksgiving night) and were lucky enough to get one of their advertised special deals on a flat screen T.V.,  would you not just snatch it up? You know it's a smoking deal because you have been pricing them for the past two months. There would be no time to think it over, look around for a possible better deal and come back next week. You would lose out. If it is a quality product at an excellent price, there will be someone else who will snatch up that deal.

By no means am I saying to go buy a home without careful consideration. My point is to do your homework, and online at our website The Albuquerque Real Estate Group is a great way to start. See enough properties that you can make an educated decision. When you do, be prepared to move on it. Chances are somebody else likes it too. We're here to find you that great deal and your perfect Albuquerque property.

by Tim Fish

Albuquerque homes for sale - something in the air?

Could it be all this Black Friday hype? Probably not. I'm putting my money on the fact that interest rates are still blowing the industry's mind. I am seeing my buyers lock in anywhere from 4.25% to 3.78% (credit and income area a huge factor here. Please consult our mortgage pro to see what you may qualify for). Those that have been in the business for several decades are having a hard time believing it. And yet, there are those that still want to wait it out for a lower rate....

I, personally, have seen a spike in my recent activity with buyers in particular. It was a bit confusing because, historically, this is usually the slower part of the Albuquerque Real Estate season. Homes for sale in ABQ tend to start slowing down sometime around September. Once the stats came in for the October sales it was clear that this was not a normal, slow, down- turn. Sales were actually up over 9% from September. Also, October sales have increased more the 24% in 2011 than from 2010. Are we actually recovering? I have no idea and if I did, I'd be making my money elsewhere if I knew for sure. What I do know is that homes are selling and the good ones (the well priced, shiniest pennies) are selling fast. Just ask three of my sellers who have missed out on their top picks in a few days time. That is not a fun situation to be in. The point here is (once again), if you think it's your home, buy it and buy it fast! The alternative is settling for number two.

Needless to say, the market is confusing. All the better reason to consult an experienced real estate broker. It is very tricky right now and we are here to help. Give The Albuquerque Real Estate Group a call. We are more than happy to help you find a home, whether it be Ventana Ranch homes for sale, High Desert homes for sale or anything in between. We can do it! :)

by Tim Fish

Albuquerque Acres West - Featured Lisiting

If you surveyed a hundred different people as asked them what their idea of the "Perfect home" was, you would most likely get 100 different answers. To some people it would be an eight bedroom home complete with guest house and olympic sized swimming pool, another might say the home has to have solar panels, mostly recycled materials and with a "Green" certification rating, and yet another could say the perfect home is one with a manageable payment.

When working with buyers we at The Albuquerque Real Estate Group listen to what are clients are asking for. We will ask them what their "Must haves" are and then their "Like to's" are for Albuquerque homes for sale. Of course we are not miracle workers. We can not provide the five bedroom home on an acre lot, with views of the mountains, in La Cueva school district for under 200K. I would have already bought it! The truth is we are patient and will try our best to find the perfect home for our clients, if it's out there.

The Albuquerque Real Estate website is such a useful tool in a search for a home. It helps buyers see what is out there and compare areas and prices. Sometimes the perfect home comes along early in a buyers search but they have not seen enough homes to know that.

Funny that first time home buyers and retirees often have the same idea of what they want in a home. A small home, one that does not need work, and a manageable payment. Retirees will often have another stipulation and that is they want a single story. We just might have the perfect home for either of you. It's our feature home of the week. It is 7160 Elk Creek. Three bedroom, single story, pitched tile roof, open bright floor plan, refrigerated air, walking distance to La Cueva or the North Domingo Baca Community center found within the Albuquerque acres west homes for sale. Senior Citizens have a place to go as well as nearby parks for a family with a young child.

Enjoy our featured listing video!




Let us at The Albuquerque Real Estate Group know if you would like to see this or any other homes for sale.

- LZ

Not as Red Hot as you may think.

I recently included a listing with the many Albuquerque Homes for sale. It is a nice 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 story home that was in great shape and very clean. It could use a few updates but over all it was in good shape and had great bones. I would even say it was "turn key". The neighborhood was also in great shape. It was just one of those smaller, unique, cozy areas that could be found in the Albuquerque real estate market.

The day the sign went up, a woman who has been looking closely at the area, was fortunate enough to catch the handy man at the property and asked it she could view the property. The handyman agreed and the lady walked through the property and liked what she saw. She then called her Realtor who, in turn, called me.

To make this long story short (as it should be) the woman and her husband wrote an offer. It was a good offer and my seller countered the price and a few technical things. The buyer then countered back and their original price. Then came my warning to my seller -

Just because a home gets one offer the first couple of days does not mean the buyers will come flooding in right behind them. It is a very easy trip to get in and many people fall for it. The first offer is usually the best and, as the saying goes, one in the hand is ALWAYS better than two in the bush, especially in this market. I don't know how many times I have seen people deny the first offer in hopes for another, larger offer...and it never comes. I have seen people almost beg the initial buyers to come back with their offer 6 months later. Its not pretty.

Bottom line - If you get an offer on your home and it is where you want to be in terms of price (not a low-ball offer), do not fool around too much with counters. Lock that offer down and get on with it! Thankfully my sellers were smart enough to do so! :)

by Tim Fish

How's the customer service in your life?

What is one thing that successful companies have in common? Good customer service. Apple, Nordstrom, the Ritz-Carlton are all known for excellent customer service. If you have ever been in an Apple store there are "Geniuses" waiting to answer your every question and spend all the time in the world with you. Then they promise to help you answer any questions you have after you make the purchase. Nordstrom's associates will personally follow you from one department to the next to help you complete an outfit from top to bottom. Cesar Ritz founder of the Ritz-Carlton empire is known for his "The customer is always right."



The most expensive purchase people ever make is their home. I would say that it makes sense to demand excellent customer service from realtors. Buyers and sellers have choices when it comes to choosing a realtor.

I understand that the most important thing going on in my sellers lives when selling Albuquerque Homes for sale is the sale of their home. They want to feel connected to me and updated on all activity, such as showings, feedback, other homes sold in the area etc. How about above and beyond? Several times we have helped sellers de-clutter their homes, provided moving boxes, assisted in yard sales, watered yards, and even baby sat while they painted.

Buyers need special treatment too. There is no set schedule for me. I work ALL the time. One thing that sets me apart from most other realtors when dealing with North Albuquerque Acres homes for sale or any home in Albuquerque is that I answer my phone. Day or night. At the Albuquerque Real Estate Group we have gone to film homes that do not have good pictures or virtual tours so that potential clients can have a better feel about what a property really looks like. I recently hosted a house warming party for a client. It was so much fun and my buyer could not wait to share me with her friends.

We get that consumers have choices. My standard line to buyers is "In the end, I want you to be happy with me and happy with your house." My goal with sellers is to sell their home for the most amount of money I can, with the least amount of stress to them. The Albuquerque Real Estate Group would love to be thought of as the Ritz-Carlton of Real Estate.

Have you looked lately?

I heard it said that wealth is made in times like these. Why? I believe it is because many people are able to sense change and capitalize on that change! Okay, so what's going on right now? Where is the change?

Have you looked lately at the factors involved when you purchase ABQ homes for sale. No? Well check this out:

1. Albuquerque Home prices have continued to drop until just recently. Now it seems to be tapering off. Prices up to $300,000 seem to be stabilizing a bit. The new norm seems to have arrived!

2. Interest rates have continued to drop as well and today rates are between 3.75% and 3.9%! What? These rates haven't been heard of for 40+ years!

When you combine these two factors properly it means that Albuquerque homes are renting for more than the payments!!!

I've been actively involved with homes sales for 39 years and I have noticed one thing; there is a peak with every high trend, and there is a low for every declining market. I don't know if this market can go any lower in value and interest rates. Either one may go up at any moment.

Should you buy now? Absolutely buy now, don't wait for the pricing to go lower because the rates may go up!

by Tim Fish

Tijeras Real Estate and East Mountain Property

Looking for homes on the East side of the Sandia Mountains is always an adventure! The entire area really makes you forget that you are only 20-45 minutes away from from the heart of Albuquerque. A majority of the homes in this area are surrounded by beautiful pine and piñon trees with several aspen sprinkled throughout. During the fall season these aspen turn bright orange and golden yellow! There is actually an area within the East Mountain named "Firecraker Canyon" due to the one week out of the year that mother natures puts on an amazing show of colors! At times you could swear that you are looking at a painting. If this area were to be filmed (and I am sure it as) it would be easy to believe that special effects were involved.


Locating East mountain homes for sale in Albuquerque can be a challenge but that is a good thing! When people decide to move to this side of the mountain there main objective is to get away and get secluded. The different areas within the mountain include Paako, Sandia Park, Tijeras and Edgewood. If you continue to travel East you will find yourself in the town of Moriarty.

There are several local places to eat and drink within these separate communities. The people you will find here are friendly and very proud to live on the "east side". The different style of homes found vary from (but not limited to) Pueblo, Northern New Mexican and, of course, Log Cabin. Be sure and visit Tijeras homes for sale, Paako homes for sale, Sandia park homes for sale and other Albuquerque Homes for sale at www.TheAlbquerqueRealEstateGroup.com. Enjoy the Video!

by Tim Fish

Nob Hill Albuquerque Homes

I love showing Nob Hill homes for sale! It is one of my favorite places in Albuquerque. The homes are great to see mainly because the people of Nob Hill have done so great things to the homes without ruining the "feel" for these older casa's. It is not uncommon to see homes that have updated kitchens, bathrooms and HAVAC systems all without losing the charm of the home. If you're lucky, you may even find a basement, which is pretty rare in ABQ! And many of the front and backyards are amazing with all the lush and mature foliage that comes with an area this seasoned.



Now, the best part of this area, in my opinion is Nob Hill on central. There are several little, quaint, one of a kind shops. From fine jewelry to tattoo and piercing shops, this area has it all ad is very colorful! And the eating and drinking is one of the top in Albuquerque. Whether you are in the mood for fresh, homemade breakfast pastries, wood oven pizza chased down with a handcrafted ale or maybe fish-n-chips with two fingers of high end highland scotch, Nob Hill has you covered!!

Single family homes can range from The $180k's to around $380k. Most homes in the Nob Hill area are flat roof, single story adobe style homes. The most recent home development here is "The Place in Nob Hill". These are newly completed condominiums that can go as high as $500k...

For more homes for sale in Albuquerque, please visit The Albuquerque Real Estate Group.com!

by Tim Fish

10 for Balloon Fiesta - The Albuquerque Real Estate Group

One of the most fun things about my job when selling homes for sale in Albuquerque New Mexico to out-of-town clients is sharing some of Albuquerque's traditions. One of our biggest is the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. I have complied what i think are the top ten reasons to take advantage of the extraordinary event -

Top 10 reasons to attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.


10. Largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Over 600 balloons representing 20 countries. Begins Oct. 1 and ends Oct. 9.

9. This is the 40th Balloon Fiesta held in Albuquerque. This tradition started in 1972 with 13 balloons.

8. Mass Ascension. This begins at 7:00 am although you need to be there much earlier. You can take advantage of the "Park and Rides" which are located all over the city and a bus will drop you off at the site.

7. It is said to be the most photographed event every year. Pictures do not do it justice. However, there are photo contests held every year in several different categories. This year Nikon is giving away special prize packages.

6. Family friendly atmosphere. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and kids. Outside food is permitted.

5. Balloon rides. Rainbow Ryders offers a unique experience of flight like you have never felt before. All seats are first class!

4. The Balloon Glow. At night the special shapes such as the dairy cow, wagon train, and Darth Vader are illuminated at the same time. Fabulous!!

3. Fireworks!! This happens after the Balloon Glow. Need I say more?

2. Green chile breakfast burritos. They make it easier to get up so early. There are plenty of other food vendors too. Try a huge turkey leg or a fried twinkie.

1. If you are from out of town, you might just visit and fall in love with Albuquerque. If you want to move here we can help. Visit us at The Albuquerque Real Estate Group.

I love selling ABQ Real Estate!!

By Tim Fish

Ridgecrest Albuquerque Homes for Sale

Ridgecrest Real Estate is located south of the charming and historic Nob Hill district. Close to shopping and dining, this area is also close to the university as well as downtown Albuquerque. There are several styles of homes to chose from whether you are looking for a ranch style or pueblo, you will not be disappointed. The prices range from $100K to the mid 300K's.

While Selling Albuquerque Homes for Sale I have found that many people enjoy living close to the University of New Mexico, students and professors alike. There are activities taking place all year long. The football stadium and the Pitt, which hosts the Lobos Basketball team are close by for sports fans. Feel like a night at the theatre? Pope Joy Hall is a wonderful venue that musicals such as Grease, Rent, and Wicked have appeared. Currently the Blue Man Group is scheduled.



There are lots of parks. You can barely go a couple blocks with out coming across one. If you golf, you will be happy to know there are two golf courses within easy reach. You can be at the airport within ten minutes. Okay, more like 15 minutes (I drive too fast). Overall, the Ridgecrest - Nob Hill area has held its values very well. If you wonder what this area has to offer, check out homes at The Albuquerque Real Estate Group.

by Tim Fish

Homes in Albuquerque Acres West

Location! Location! Location!! If you are looking for a reasonably priced homes for sale in ABQ with the highest rated schools in New Mexico, look no further! This area of homes along the Paseo Corridor has it all. Shopping, restaurants, parks and more.

You can easily spend up to a million on a home in this area. At the same time, there are homes that start at about $200,000. What do they both have in common? Schools that are rated as being the top schools on several online school ranking sites. North Star Elementary, Desert Ridge Middle, and La Cueva High Schools have HUGE parent involvement as well as awesome teachers, staff, and Principals.



Real Estate in this area ranges from patio homes, to "Mcmansions" and everything in between. There are sprawling brick homes that look like they came from somewhere back East, and typical pueblo flat roof homes that are native to New Mexico. There are really several different styles seen in this area. Gated communities such as Desert Ridge Trails, Quivera Estates, and Ocotillo just add to the choices.

This is a great community to live in that is really close to just about everything you could possibly need in the way of shopping, dining and recreation. Almost every home is within walking distance to a park or one of the schools. Many are walking distance to a store or restaurant as well.

For more information on homes in this area contact The Albuquerque Real Estate Group.

by Tim Fish