Eco Lifestyle and Home News – April 2017
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
April 2017 marks fourth edition of Eco Lifestyle and Home Newsletter in its new email only format for 2017. 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: Growth
- Real Estate Market Update
- Money Matters
- Santa Fe Real Estate News
- Taos County Real Estate News
- Taos Ski Valley Real Estate News
- Home Decor Insights
- Calendar of Event Links for Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Taos County & all around New Mexico
- Entertainment Links for Santa Fe & Taos County
Lifestyle
Growth
Personal growth includes the following activities:
• improving self-awareness
• identifying or improving potential
• improving self-knowledge
• building employability or human capital
• improving or learning new skills
• enhancing lifestyle or the quality of life
• becoming a self-leader
• building or renewing identity/self-esteem
• improving health
• fulfilling aspirations
• developing strengths or talents
• initiating a life enterprise or personal autonomy
• improving wealth
• defining and executing personal development plans
• spiritual development
• improving social abilities
So how do we go about realizing what’s truly important to us? How do we open that magical door that will show us the way to personal growth and success?
- Explore your inner world: look at what the baggage, habits, emotions, and environment are that are keeping you from your goals.
- Establish clear objectives: goals should identify what areas you want to change, how you will change them, and the ultimate outcome you want to achieve.
- Take action: specify steps you need to act on the world in the present and to give alternative actions that counter your old baggage, habits, emotions, and environment.
- Develop the 3 P’s: Patience, change takes time. Persistence, means you must keep vigilant in your journey to change. Perseverance, is the ability to overcome setbacks and maintain motivation and confidence in the face of periodic failures and disappointment.
Sometimes growth is like a radish, quick process from sprouting to harvesting and other times it is like asparagus, where it will take a couple of seasons before you will harvest the results.
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Real Estate Market Update
February Housing Market Continues On Pace to Make 2017 Another Record-Setting Year
From Real Estate Association of New Mexico,
Release date March 22, 2017
February sales numbers and median prices reported to the REALTORS Association of New Mexico (RANM) show increases over those reported in February 2016.
“New Mexico’s housing market is off to a great start this year, with 1,212 sales reported for February. While down slightly from the numbers reported for January, this number represents nearly a 2% increase in sales from February 2016,” according to Victoria Murphy, 2017 RANM President. “Thirteen reporting counties showed an increase in sales numbers from 2016.”
“Median prices also continue to rise, with February’s median price of $180,125 over 6% higher than February 2016’s median of $169,500,” reports RANM CEO M. Steven Anaya. “An increase in the number of sales statewide and an increase in median prices, also results in an increase in volume; February 2017’s volume of $272,793,680 is 7.5% higher than that reported in February 2016.”
February 2015
# of Sales: 1,085
Median Price: $165,000
Volume: $215,642,464
February 2016
# of Sales: 1,189
Median Price: $169,500
Volume: $253,744,421
February 2017
# of Sales: 1,212
Median Price: $180,125
Volume: $272,793,680
February’s numbers bring the 2017 year-to-date figures to 2,491 sales (6.6% higher than YTD 2016) and median price to $181,900 (7% higher than YTD 2016).
Murphy adds, “The recent increase in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, while not directly tied to mortgage rates, has prompted economists at the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (NAR) to predict mortgage interest rates will also increase. A possible increase in interest rates may urge many buyers to submit those offers sooner in order to secure an affordable mortgage. Interest rates are not likely to be significantly higher in the next few months.”
“Low inventories continue in many areas throughout the state. This, coupled with potential rising interest rates means, if you are a buyer, you may find your options somewhat limited as the year continues,” notes Anaya.
Money Matters
From Mortgage Daily News ~by: Jann Swanson
“Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index increased in February for the second month and was at its highest level since data collection began in 2010. Housing inventory remains very tight, especially for existing homes, which had the smallest inventory in January since tracking began in 1999. This scarcity has sustained upward pressure on home prices. At the end of 2016 the major home price indices recorded the strongest annual appreciation since 2013 and the early January releases indicate the trend is continuing.”
Further, the inventories are leanest at the lowest tier of home prices, weighing against first-time homebuyers. Because listings are not keeping pace with demand for starter homes, prices for lower-tier homes are also appreciating at a much faster pace than prices for higher-end homes.
“Tight inventories and home price gains are good news for homebuilding. In January, single-family starts rose modestly as multifamily activity fell sharply. Homebuilders remain upbeat; the builder confidence index rose 4 points in February and 6 in March.”
“Fannie Mae’s outlook for mortgage rates, housing activity, and mortgage originations changed little changed from its prior forecast. Total mortgage originations are expected to drop about 19 percent this year to $1.57 trillion, and the refinance share should decline 15 percentage points from 2016 to 33 percent. Single-family mortgage debt outstanding continued to recover from its dive during the housing crisis, rising 2.7 percent annualized in the fourth quarter from the prior quarter and 2.3 percent from a year ago.”
Recommended Mortgage Lender
Francis Phillips, NMLS #193642, is Senior Mortgage Loan Originator with First Choice Loan Services Inc. in Santa Fe. He has served as director of business development for national mortgage companies. He and his mortgage partners have funded and built three homes for Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity. Contact him at francis.phillips@fcloans.com or 505.982.3400.
First Choice Loan Services Inc. (NMLS# 210764), a Berkshire Bank Company (NMLS# 506896 / Member FDIC), is located at One Tower Center, Floor #18 East Brunswick, NJ 08816. First Choice Loan Services Inc. is registered or exempt from state licensing in the states it originates mortgage loans. Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. AZ BK #0918586. First Choice Loan Services Inc. is not an agency of the federal government and is not affiliated with your current lender. All loans are subject to credit approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are current, but are subject to change and may expire without notice. Other restrictions may apply. All applications must be submitted in writing. This advertisement is not a loan disclosure and all disclosures provided after applying should be reviewed carefully. This is not a commitment to provide a loan approval or a specific interest rate.
Santa Fe Real Estate News
Rather exciting news at the end of March, as I have received more interest in the available Lots in Aldea. This maybe a good time to buy a lot and build your home!
The real estate market is bouncing back with more interest and sales in Santa Fe. Listing activity has increased as well as inquiries from sellers and buyers.
I listed 9 of the last and best remaining Aldea view lots and 1 is already PENDING!!! And there is an offer on another of my Lot Listings as we go to press!
If you have ever considered building your Santa Fe dream home, now you have some amazing view lots in which to choose. Aldea is 90% built out and up until now, there have not been a lot of choices for view lots, as most have already been built on. I have a seller who bought up 9 lots some years back and has been waiting to release them when the market bounced back and buyers were willing to build again. Now you have a great selection of view lots in which to choose to build your dream home, before they are all gone!
For more information visit the website: Aldea Lots For Sale »
Location Map of the Aldea Lots
8 Aldea Lot For Sale – 1 PENDING SALE! And Another Lot has an Offer!
The Barranca Lots: 4 Amazing View Lots!
9 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.180 | MLS #201700363 | Listing Price: $100,000
7 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.180 | MLS #201700364 | Listing Price: $110,000
5 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.180 | MLS #201700365 | Listing Price: $110,000
3 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.210 | MLS #201700366 | Listing Price: $95,000
Avenida Frijoles 2 View Lots
134 Avenida Frijoles | Lot Size Acres 0.230 | MLS #201700371 | Listing Price: $85,000
136 Avenida Frijoles | Lot Size Acres 0.200 | MLS #201700370 | Listing Price: $80,000
Avenida Aldea View Lot
101 Avenida Aldea | Lot Size Acres 0.230 | MLS #201700369 | Listing Price: $85,000
Arroyo Privado View Lot
4 Arroyo Privado | Lot Size Acres 0.190 | MLS #201700368 | Listing Price: $85,000
Arroyo Privado Patio Home Lot
9 Arroyo Privado | Lot Size Acres 0.093 | MLS #201700367 | Listing Price: $57,500
Aldea Stats
2017 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 2 Homes, DOM 148, 0 Lots, DOM 0
PENDING: 3 Homes, 1 Lots
LISTED: 11 Homes, Avg $581,027 13 Lots Avg $3,846
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.
While the inventory is increasing in Aldea right now, there are 3 homes pending. Prices show an increase for homes and lots listed. Sales are up this year from last year in Aldea with 44 homes sold in 2016 vs 35 homes sold in 2015. 5 Lots sold in 2016 vs 4 lots sold in 2015.
Las Campanas Real Estate News
2017 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 14 Homes, DOM 216, 1 Lots, DOM 22
PENDING: 20 Homes, 3 Lots
LISTED: 59 Homes, Avg $1,288,789 97 Lots, Avg $131,975
There are currently 59 homes for sale in Las Campanas.
- 22 Homes under $1,000,000
- 37 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 97 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.
- 35 Lots under $100,000
- 62 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!
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
Taos Real Estate News
The *Taos County region is a completely different real estate market than Santa Fe. Here are some stats that really show a totally different economy, sales volume and market conditions:
Total Market:
Sales Volume: Down 6%
Home Sales: Down 3%
Pending: Down 20%
Inventory: Down 7%
Residential Single Family Homes:
- Average Sales Price is $317,600, 231 homes sold
- Price is Up 4% over 2015
- Price is Down 29% from the height of the market in 2008
- Price is Up 19% from the low of the market in 2012
- 46% of the listings sold are between $201,000 – $400,000
- Increase in sales between $701,000 – $800,000
- Bank Owned Properties: 30 units sold with 20% increase over 2015
- Average sold price was $195,035 (88% increase over the average price in 2015 $103,718)
- Absorption Rate: The % of inventory (active listings) to sold listings by price.
- <$100,000 has the least amount of inventory with big activity and has only a 2 month housing supply
- >$201,000 – $500,000 has an average of 8 month inventory
- >$501,000 days on the market increase with the absorption rate that is nearly 2 years
- >$801,000: 36 current listings with only 1 sale in 2016
Residential Condominiums:
- Activity has remained steady for the past 3 years
- Average sales price is $212,864
- Units sold : 67
- Greatest activity is between $200,000 – $300,000
- Inventory Down
Land <5 acres: Residential Sites
• Average DOM (days on market): 456
• Average sales price is $63,176
* Greater Taos Valley including Taos Ski Valley (excluding Angel Fire, Black Lake, Chama and Red River).
Taos Ski Valley Real Estate News
Featured Listing
Homesites Available
The Kachina Mountain Lodge (KML) project has been thoughtfully master planned to include five Euro-alpine Wilderness Eco-Homes, a three-unit Eco-Townhome Lodge and unique regenerative Permaculture Landscaping that includes demonstration greenhouses for growing food year-round.
Each wilderness Eco-Home possesses a distinct character that welcomes the natural warmth of a sunny south exposure and breathtaking mountain views through generous passive solar curtain wall glass. Architecturally designed with a Permatecture philosophy to be environmentally conscious, hand-hewn and sturdy, KML’s authentic euro-alpine wilderness residences contain many sustainability features, fire-wise details and the timeless qualities of whimsy, elegance and permanence.
Conceived as the first sustainable development project in Taos Ski Valley, KML homes will be heated by active and passive solar sources, including regenerative annualized geo-solar. All KML homes also offer easy ski-in/ski-out access.
This project is fully approved and entitled for construction. Two KML homesites are already reserved. And only five competitively priced to-be-built homes remain available for sale to investors who would like to get involved with Taos Ski Valley’s exciting development opportunities. All homesites include creative flexible designs that are already approved by the Village of Taos Ski Valley!
Visit the website for floor plans and detailed information. Kachina Mountain Lodge »
Home Decor Insights
Spring weather is more unpredictable. Spring weather can bring late snowfalls and cold winds and warm weather. Locals are prepared for sudden changes in the weather at this time of year.
The gardens are in bloom in Santa Fe, with the tree blossoms falling like snow petals. It is time to start thinking of planning your garden, starting veggies seedlings indoors and thinking about your outdoor spaces for the summer months ahead. We have 2 months to prepare for summer outdoor entertaining lifestyle that Santa Fe encourages with its warm days and slightly cooler nights.
Outdoor spaces take on a whole different meaning as the season warms up and we turn our direction to the outdoors. Want to add mood lighting, or a ceiling fan in your portal? Perhaps a outdoor floor rug and cozy seating? Take a look at Pinterest for ideas and start collecting your photo collection now!
Check out Pinterest and explore a whole new way to spend your time online and check out my Pinterest page: KachinaRealty Happy pinning!
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 twenty-nine 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!
Top Producer for the 2016 year!
I received an award for “Top Producer” for 2016 from Chris Landers of Equity New Mexico. I am very grateful to all my clients who trusted me with their business.
While the Equity New Mexico real estate office on Aldea Plaza has closed, Kachina Mountain Realty is ready and available for tours and information. KMR will be opening an office later in this new year. In the meantime, as always, all real estate information and printouts of listings for Aldea, Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Taos County and beyond are still available, just free for the asking. I can email you PDF listings per area, any time, once requested. Even better, I can take you on a tour of the properties you would like to visit. I represent Buyers and Sellers. Call me for a consultation today.
