Eco Lifestyle And Home News – February 2019
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
February 2019 marks the twenty sixth edition of Eco Lifestyle and Home Newsletter produced by Kachina Mountain Realty. We offer Real Estate & Lifestyle news in the email newsletter covering Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Taos County and beyond.
In this edition, we offer the following:
- Lifestyle: Happiness
- Real Estate Market Update
- Money Matters
- Santa Fe Real Estate News
- Taos County Real Estate News
- Home Decor Insights
- Aeowyn’s Dog Treats
- Calendar of Event Links for Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Taos County & all around New Mexico
- Entertainment Links for Santa Fe, Taos County & around New Mexico
Lifestyle
Happiness
Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting, wanting & regretting.
Make the most of the moment you are in NOW!
Here are some steps to find happiness:
Mindfulness – Be present: “Stress is caused by being HERE but wanting to be THERE.” ~Eckhart Tolle
Gratitude – Be thankful, cultivate appreciation & love
Wellness – Cultivate healthy mind, body, spirit
Compassion – practice kindness, understanding, awareness, thoughtfulness
Forgiveness – Let go: freeing yourself from anything that is no longer serving you.
Connection – Connect with self, nature, other beings, (animals, nature, people). Cultivate empathy.
Purpose – Find meaning by becoming involved.
Metta meditation is very simple, but a powerful tool in cultivating happiness.
Meditation Metta Blessing to Help Cultivate Happiness:
May you be free from suffering.
May you be free from greed.
May you be free from ignorance.
May you be free from fear.
May you have mental happiness.
May you have physical happiness.
May you have ease of well-being.
Meditation Instructions:
You progress from sending blessings to yourself, then repeat the blessing to a loved one, then repeat the blessing to family, then repeat the blessing to friends, then repeat the blessing to acquaintances, then repeat the blessing to strangers, then repeat the blessing to all beings- living, past & future beings and send metta to each of them.
Remember, all suffering comes from greed, ignorance and/or fear. So cultivating happiness will relieve suffering, worry, anger & fear.
Explore what is happiness? What makes you happy?
What are your obstacles to happiness?
Explore self-reflection and nurture body, mind and spirit.
Cultivate compassion with yourself and others.
Notice how we are all interdependent and start connecting with others.
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Real Estate Market Update
The Market is trending upward at the start of the Year.
Despite dropping sales in December nationally, Santa Fe is on a slight upswing.
“The resurgent housing market comes as the Santa Fe area struggles with a shortage of affordable homes and lack of inventory overall.”
“Home sales across Santa Fe County, including within city limits, saw an even higher median price of $420,000 in 2018 for single-family detached homes, which is $5,000 short of the all-time high in 2007 of $425,000, according to the real estate association.” ~ Santa Fe New Mexican
“Nearly every New Mexico county shows an increase in total sales this year as compared to 2017,” New Mexico Association of Realtors President Paul Wilson said in a news release.”
The median sales price in the U.S. last month was $257,700, up more than 4 percent from last year. Price gains have moderated in the past year, though they’re still climbing faster than the 3.1 percent increase in average hourly wages during the past year.
In New Mexico, the median sales price in November was $208,000. The year-to-date median has been $200,000 for six consecutive months, according to association CEO M. Steven Anaya.
So where are we headed? It remains to be seen, as there still is an inventory shortage of low to middle priced homes in Santa Fe & Taos.
Here is what’s happening in Santa Fe:
| Number of Properties on Market | 1,302 | |
| Number of New Properties on Market | 125 | |
| Average Asking Price | $515,015 | |
| Average Asking Price per Square Foot | 287 | |
| Average Days on Market | 290 |
Average Asking price per square foot: $280
Average Asking Price: $563,908
Number of Properties Listed in Santa Fe: 1,294
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Money Matters
Make a Good Home Better With a Renovation Loan
It’s hard to find the perfect home, and some homes need more help than others. Don’t walk away from a home you love in the neighborhood you want because it needs work. With a HomeStyle® Renovation mortgage, one loan finances the purchase and renovation.
Loan details include:
- Structural and non-structural repairs allowed – landscaping, additions, appliances, upgrades, kitchen, bath, & more!
- Renovations/repairs may cost up to 75% of the after-improved home value
- Maximum loan amount $484,350
Eligible property types:
- Single family dwellings: Primary residences, investment properties and second homes
- 2-4 units: Primary residences ONLY (must be owner-occupied)
- Borrower chooses the contractor(s) who must be registered, licensed or certified, and lender-approved
- Requires documented plans from contractor(s)
- All renovations or repairs must be completed within 6 months of closing
If you’re hesitating on a home because it needs work, contact me. Let’s see if a HomeStyle® purchase + renovation loan will make your dream a reality.
Francis
Cell: 505.690.7251
Francis Phillips
Senior Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS 193642
(833) 433-7905
francis.phillips@fcloans.com
www.fcloans.com/fphillips
First Choice Loan Services Inc. (NMLS# 210764), a Berkshire Bank Company (NMLS# 506896). One Tower Center, Floor #18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. First Choice Loan Services Inc. is licensed, registered or exempt from state licensing in the states it originates mortgage loans. AZ BK#0918586. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. Mortgage loans not offered in NY. To check license status, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. First Choice Loan Services is not an agency of the federal government. All loans are subject to credit approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are current, but are subject to change or expire. Other restrictions may apply. All applications must be submitted in writing. This advertisement is not a loan disclosure or commitment to provide a loan approval or a specific interest rate. 09.01.2018
Santa Fe Real Estate News
Santa Fe Listings
Single Story Home For Sale in Vista Primera Santa Fe, New Mexico
7516 Kachina Loop – Santa Fe
Single Family Home | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths – 1,694 sqft | Price: $349,999 | MLS #201803926
Located within the private, coveted and gated family community of Vista Primera, this charming single story, 1,694 sqft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, Pueblo style home reflects the traditional Santa Fe Style. The welcoming private entry front yard offers extensive landscaping and a soothing water feature.
You enter the front door by passing under 100 stars, into a small foyer that opens to a spacious living room with a wood burning kiva fireplace, complete with beam ceilings. The bright and open living/kitchen/dining area is perfect for entertaining. The sunroom, currently used by the owner/artist as a studio, would make a great home office, crafts room or a simply an oasis in which to read and watch the local bird activity.
The entire property is lovingly maintained and landscaped with low-maintenance drip system, mature trees, perennials and water features of both pond and a fountain. The back yard is reminiscent of a secret garden with an ample patio for BBQ’s – a great place for morning coffee and to watch the birds. Southwest ambiance abounds as you dine al fresco in the garden adjacent to a water feature with the seasonal sounds of visiting birds, setting the mood in this tranquil retreat, complete with mature landscaping in a serene natural garden setting.
A wonderful sense of seclusion and privacy is in store for you, in this exceptional home that artfully engages the feeling of a sanctuary with shade trees and a bubbling fountain inviting outdoor gatherings, while upholding the Santa Fe traditions of gracious living, at an affordable price.
Aldea Stats
2019 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 2 Homes, DOM 50 | 0 Lots, DOM 0
PENDING: 1 Homes | 0 Lots
LISTED: 3 Homes, Avg $535,300 | 5 Lots, Avg $78,800
Aldea de Santa Fe consists of 345 acres, with 205 acres of perpetual open space with 13 miles of walking trails, basketball & tennis courts, community center, (which offers yoga classes, exercise equipment & gathering space for events), a local cafe, superbly located in the high-value northwest corridor of Santa Fe County, with easy access to Highway 599, all just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe.
Las Campanas Real Estate News
2019 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed.
SOLD: 0 Homes, DOM 0 | 1 Lots, DOM 154
PENDING: 9 Homes | 4 Lots
LISTED: 45 Homes, Avg $1,462,555 | 64 Lots, Avg $142,883
There are currently 45 homes for sale in Las Campanas.
- 12 Homes under $1,000,000
- 33 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 64 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.
- 29 Lots under $100,000
- 35 Lots over $100,000
Las Campanas recently announced the release of the first new custom home neighborhood in over 10 years! Black Mesa, is their new 44 acre neighborhood consisting of 25 larger, estate sized mountain and golf view properties. The minimum size home in this section will be 2,500 sqft, with lots ranging from 1.02-2.58 acres. The property contains a centerline crest that rolls down in both directions off the roadway, creating dramatic unobstructed views.
Overlooking the sweeping mountain vistas of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains, Las Campanas’ new Black Mesa neighborhood offers a unique collection of homesites boasting the largest lot sizes in the best section of the Las Campanas property with awe-inspiring mountain views and centrally located to their finest amenities: golfing and the Hacienda Clubhouse.
Let me take you on a tour and arrange a stay at Las Campanas!
$1,000 Gift Card Offer
When you choose me to be your Real Estate Agent/ REALTOR®, I will give you a $1,000 Gift Card to the place of your choosing upon successful closing of your Las Campanas Developer Homesite in Las Campanas in 2018*.
A gift card allows my buyers to use it for the purchase of goods or services. It is a thank you from me to you, for trusting me with the most important transaction: the closing of a Developer Homesite in Las Campanas.
- *Offer cannot be combined with any other offers
- *Offer does not apply to past transactions
- *Offer not valid or assignable to third-parties
Pulte Homes in Las Campanas
$500 Gift Card Offer
When you choose me to be your Real Estate Agent/ REALTOR®, I will give you a $500 Gift Card to the place of your choosing upon successful closing of your Pulte home in Las Campanas in 2018.*
A gift card allows my buyers to use it for the purchase of goods or services. It is a thank you from me to you, for trusting me with the most important transaction: the successful search, negotiation and the buying of your new Pulte home in Las Campanas in 2018.
- *Offer cannot be combined with any other offers
- *Offer does not apply to past transactions
- *Offer not valid or assignable to third-parties
Marketing Properties, Not Just Listing Properties
If you are thinking of selling your property, why not list it with a realtor who will market the property, not just list it in the MLS? By actively marketing your property, the property gets the most exposure to other realtors and to the general public through online blogging, email campaigns & the typical MLS exposure.
Call me, Dianne, 505.603.9300, to discuss your property needs, or for a tour of Lots & Homes in Aldea, Las Campanas and the Santa Fe region.
Visit the website for Santa Fe information: RealEstatePropertiesSantaFe.com
Visit the Kachina Mountain Realty company main website: KachinaMountainRealty.com
Taos Real Estate News
Experience the Quintessential Authentic Taos Adobe Compound
Main House & Casita: 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Kitchens | 2,024 sq.ft. Interior living spaces | 1,107 sq.ft. exterior living spaces
TCAR MLS#: 101801 | SFAR MLS#: 201802629
Priced to Sell: $380,000
The main dwelling is a charming 1,574 sq.ft. single story territorial style home with 18” thick walls and traces its history to about 100+ years old. Well maintained and lovingly remodeled with modern conveniences, this property possess the following features: city water & sewer, natural gas, granite countertops, stacked washer/dryer, thermopane windows, multiple skylights, forced air heat, gas–log Jøtul stove for additional comfort and ambiance. Diamond plaster walls throughout, with nichos, vigas /wood ceilings, Saltillo tile, wood plank & stone floors, custom arched wood doors, antique style lighting fixtures, and eat-in country kitchen where culinary delights will create memorable experiences.
Southwest ambiance abounds as you dine al fresco in the 563 sq.ft. 15’ deep recessed portal (covered patio with skylight) adjacent to a water feature “stream” with the seasonal sound of a flowing acequia, setting the mood in this peaceful oasis, complete with mature landscaping in a serene natural garden setting. Separate fenced outdoor spaces include an additional south facing portal with yard, a north side portal at the entrance of the home, and an east side yard with a storage shed, useful for gardening or recreational equipment and is included. There are plenty of possibilities to customize this landscape by adding a greenhouse, small orchard, vegetable/flower garden, children’s play area or simply enjoy the graciousness of this very adaptable bucolic setting.
The delightful 450 sq.ft. casita is located over part of the main home with its own private exterior stair access with a pleasant 218 sq.ft. viewing deck overlooking the treetops and the lovely Ranchos pastures, where you can peacefully enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets or a cup of coffee as the sun rises. Rent the self-contained romantic attic apartment casita or use as a personal guest space or office/studio. Amenities include: covered parking, gas-log heat stove, wood plank floors, cozy kitchen, stacked washer/dryer, large skylights, new porcelain fixtures, a sit-in tub with shower, wainscoting and plenty of charm.
This enclave is a perfect investment opportunity for full time or vacation living, excellent location for vacation rental or investment property rental. Several of the rooms in the main house open to the portals with exterior doors and would make an excellent home office or art studio. Ample parking is provided for residents and their guests. Live in one, rent the other or use as a home office, guest house or art studio, the options are flexible and endless! Property has a great rental history.
This quiet neighborhood compound is conveniently located within walking distance to Ranchos de Taos historic district, close with shops, restaurants and is rich in history. Just 4 miles north to the town of Taos, there are more restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, 15 minutes to Taos Pueblo, 25 minutes to Taos Ski Valley, 5 minutes to the Taos country club & golf course, 15 minutes to the Gorge on back roads, this enclave is also convenient to traveling south to Santa Fe & beyond.
View lots of photos: visit the property»
Selling & Buying Real Estate in Taos
If you have been thinking about selling your home, now is probably a good time. Inventory is low and the demand for quality homes is up.
Recently, I have received inquiries from out of town buyers who are researching homes in the Taos area. These buyer profiles are looking to live in a safe community, with a country atmosphere, small homes, with flexible spaces. They are wanting to move to the area, but can’t find the properties that offer amenities that don’t include huge HOA fees. They want walking trails, localized eateries, a small grocery store, community activities and a sense of neighborhood. The are either downsizing their home and retiring or wanting a second home. They are wanting to go smaller, but the quality of their lifestyle and home features are upscale. “Does such a community even exist?” they ask. In the coming months, I will be featuring such a community.
Home Decor Insights
Design Trends for 2019
January is the month to reboot, start afresh and plan for the new year. With our snow still on the ground and temperatures still very cold, we move slowly into February. So what will be the new design trends to look forward to this coming year? Many pundits have formed a list and I am adding some of them here with my take on design trends.
I can’t help but add, whatever brings you happiness, whether it is “in” or “out”, you should be ones guiding your own design style.
What’s In?
- Sustainability – Less is more!
- Biophilia – the relationship between humankind & nature, natural materials, plants, & lots of daylighting.
- Floral Fabrics & Wallpaper – This is not to my personal taste, for sure.
- Rich jewel tones with an edge – deep saturated colors are always exciting to me!
- Boldly patterned backsplashes in kitchens.
- Four-Poster Beds – I have always loved my four-poster bed with curtains. It’s like climbing into a tent-like retreat each night.
What’s Out?
- Eclectic Clutter – with the lifestyle brand guru, Marie Kondo, Konmari is definitely in & clutter out.
- Gendered rooms & colors – universal color palettes, textures & shapes for gender neutral are in.
- Ikat & Geometric trellis patterns are now considered dated.
- Cool grey tones are out in favor of stark white & warmer neutrals….
- Accent walls of color – How is this not a good thing? I will never know.
- Quartz countertops – I prefer granite or stainless steel any day, personally.
Read more of What’s In and What’s Out »
For ideas on decorating with spring in mind, check out Pinterest and explore a whole new way to spend your time online and check out my Pinterest page: KachinaRealty Happy pinning!
While you are surfing the “net” check out Flipboard for a variety of news and lifestyle reading.Aeowyn’s Dog Treats
Aeowyn is our 15.2 year old apricot standard poodle, retired service dog, Comet Studios visionary, Kachina Mountain Realty office receptionist and CFO (Chief Fun Officer).
Aeowyn is the inspiration for this dog treat recipe book. Her enthusiasm and her keen intense interest while we cook, has greatly encouraged our recipe development. While she loves to watch us cook, she prefers to taste test everything. We have confined her taste testing to vegetables, fruits and dog treats. She prefers not to share her treats or her toys, being that she is our “only” dog.
However, if you would like to receive Aeowyn’s Dog Treat Recipe e-booklet, please send me an email for your free copy.
Banana & Yam Treat Crisps
Tempting banana & yams are combined with sweet cinnamon, nutritious rice flour, oatmeal, wheat germ, sunflower seeds & sesame seeds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 cup rolled oats, uncooked
- 1 cup wheat germ
- 4 tablespoons finely raw sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons ground sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ripe medium banana
- 2 yams, cooked
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
*Equipment needed:
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter & ruler
- A dog to “snoopervise”
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. In a smaller bowl mash the banana & cooked yams, add in olive oil & chicken broth. Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined, kneading with hands. Add more liquid if needed. Divide into 4 balls.
- Roll out dough ball between parchment paper, 1/8” consistent thickness in rectangular shape to fit baking sheet. Discard top parchment paper, use for next baking tray. Transfer rectangular shaped dough with the bottom parchment paper to baking sheet. Use pizza cuter to cut dog treats in 1” checkerboard pattern. Use a ruler to help cut straight lines.
- Bake 25-30 minutes slightly brown, not burnt. The crisps are chewier than other crisps. If you prefer a softer treat, bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.
This recipe uses 4 baking sheet/trays.
These treats are a soft thin treat & are very tasty. Recipe makes enough treats to fill a little more than 3 quart storage container with some to share with dog friends & keep in tins around the house. You can keep the dog treat crisps up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container or in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 weeks
*“The parchment paper makes the rolling easy, with no mess & cutting the crisps with the pizza cutter is super fast. I love these crisps because they are thin & I get to eat more. More is always better than less. After all, more is more!!!!” ~ Aeowyn
These treats are very tasty. “ The parchment paper makes the rolling easy, with no mess & cutting the crisps with the pizza cutter is super fast, which means I can eat the treats sooner. I eat the whole batch within a month in time for the next issue’s new recipe.” ~ Aeowyn
Aeowyn loves watching me make her dog treats. She “snoopervises” the whole process from start to finish. She tests every batch after the treats are removed from the oven and cooled.
Posing with her treats is the least favorite part of the process, as she is anticipating eating all of them at once. She can get rather bored with the photo shoots unless she is rewarded for her patience.
So far she has never rejected a recipe. Her favorite treat is the one she just ate!
Calendar of Events
New Mexico has long been a center for arts, culture, classes and gourmet food. With such a strong art market, there are hundreds galleries to explore and experience, along with a wide selection of thriving restaurants. Our Museums feature culture, history and traditions of the region and the world. Santa Fe, Taos County and beyond have something scheduled every day & night of the week, all year long.
Santa Fe »
Entertainment
If there’s one thing you can count on when spending time in New Mexico, it’s the treasured experiences and wide selection of entertainment: music venues, great sporting events, theatrical and musical entertainment as well as year-round festivals.
From festivals, music concerts and dance performances to theatrical offerings by local and touring groups, the performing artists work hard to keep its locals and visitors entertained by both New Mexico performers and acclaimed stars from around the world.
Santa Fe »
About Kachina Mountain Realty
I am passionate about real estate development. I consider myself a “Dream Maker”, and strive to help my clients manifest their dreams and lifestyle goals.
I believe that, “…the dreams which accompany all human actions should be nurtured by the places in which people live and work”.
To promote this possibility, I encourages my clients to develop and share their dreams and lifestyle goals as part of the process of selling, buying or investing in property.
I have over thirty years of business experience as an executive producer, web architect, social media marketer, business developer, architecture assistant, real estate marketing developer and real estate consultant.
I am a licensed real estate qualifying broker for Kachina Mountain Realty & an accredited ACRE® real estate consultant. I have worked in the Santa Fe & Taos real estate market for years. I specialize in working with buyers and sellers who are looking for a solid real estate investment.
Contact me, Dianne McKenzie, for your real estate transactions & let me help you manifest your dreams!
I am readily available by cell phone, text, (505.603.9300) & email. I return calls promptly, seven days a week!
