Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,

April 2018 marks the Sixteenth 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: Abundance
• 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

Abundance

“We can choose to approach life with an attitude of abundance instead of an attitude of scarcity. Abundance is a conscious choice that can promote happiness and lead to more positive outcomes.”

The abundance mentality flows out of a deep, inner sense of personal worth and inner security. The feeling is not about outward abundance, instead there is inner abundance! People with this mentality are generally positive, appreciative, and creative. Being more optimistic, they tend to focus on possibilities, alternatives and group accomplishments. This can be seen in the character of influential leaders, great teachers, and inspirational humanitarians.

Another element of abundance, possibly the most important element, is a sense of gratitude. Without gratitude for what you have who you are and where you are, you will end up blocking yourself once again from the natural flow of abundance. There is energy in the universe, one that shows us the natural flow in life. Your mind and heart need to be in harmony with that energy to truly enjoy abundance in your life.

Gratitude is necessary to keep your mind aligned with the thought that the supply of abundance is unlimited. It’s very easy to slip into the mindset of scarcity, fear or lack, rather than abundance; so it is essential to endeavor to prevent it from happening. The moment you feel yourself slipping back into the abundance mindset, say thank you out loud, for all that you have received and all that you are yet to receive.

The Law of Attraction can be summarized by the age-old belief that you draw to your life what you put out. In other words, your external circumstances, such as your abundance (or lack thereof), are reflective of your internal state – your thoughts, ambitions, and beliefs.

The keys to leading a successful, productive and meaningful life are;

• Abundance mentality
• Attitude of gratitude
• Prosperous choices
• Productive habits
• Commitment and action

A key component of finding abundance is learning to accept your current circumstances, weaknesses and failures. This may sound like a negative thought, but it’s actually the complete opposite.

When you learn to accept your current situation, you will also learn that you can change your mental state and situation over time. Try not to limit what you can do, but understand that sometimes your growth process will go slower than you intended.  

Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie

Real Estate Market Update

Permits Soaring

Money Matters

By Francis Phillips

Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership,” which revealed that “eighty percent of consumers either are unaware of how much lenders require for a down payment or believe all lenders require a down payment above 5 percent.”

Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”

Buyers often overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the same report:

“Consumers are often unaware of the option to take out low-down-payment mortgages. Only 19% of consumers believe lenders would make loans with a down payment of 5% or less… While 15% believe lenders require a 20% down payment, and 30% believe lenders expect a 20% down payment.”

These numbers do not differ much between non-owners and homeowners; 39% of non-owners believe they need more than 20% for a down payment and 30% of homeowners believe they need more than 20% for a down payment.

While many believe that they need at least 20% down to buy their dream home, they do not realize that programs are available that allow them to put down as little as 3%. Many renters may actually be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined with programs that have emerged allowing less cash out of pocket.

Myth #2: “I Need a 780 FICO® Score or Higher to Buy”

Similar to the down payment, many either don’t know or are misinformed about what FICO® score is necessary to qualify.

Many Americans believe a ‘good’ credit score is 780 or higher.

To help debunk this myth, let’s take a look at Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insight Report, which focuses on recently closed (approved) loans.

As you can see in the chart above, 53.5% of approved mortgages had a credit score of 600-749.

Bottom Line

Whether buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, knowing your options will make the mortgage process easier. Your dream home may already be within your reach.

Francis
Cell:   505.690.7251
Office: (833) 433-7905

Source: https://www.mykcm.com/2018/01/30/2-major-myths-holding-back-home-buyers/

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

Francis Phillips

Senior Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS 193642
(833) 433-7905
francis.phillips@fcloans.com
www.fcloans.com/fphillips

Mortgage rates move daily. Stay connected and informed! Visit: Mortgage News Daily »

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

Aldea Lots
According to the real estate pundits, the coming wave of residential sales in 2018, is in view lots with new construction. To prepare for this wave, it is a good time to buy a lot in anticipation of the real estate surge. There are very few and far between quality view lots for sale on the west side of Santa Fe and these the best!

Currently, I have 7 of the last and best remaining Aldea view lots.  2 lots have already SOLD!!! If you have ever considered building your Santa Fe dream home, now you have some amazing view lots in which to choose. Aldea is 98% built out and up until now, there have not been a lot of choices for view lots, as most have already been built on. Now you have a great selection of view lots in which to choose to build your dream home, before they are all gone! Prices will go up in Spring 2018, so buy now and save!

Builder package available for the Aldea lots, please inquire.

For more information visit the website: Aldea Lots For Sale »

7 Aldea Lot For Sale -Price Adjustment on 4 Lots!!!

The Barranca Lots: 3 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

Price Adjustment:

136 Avenida Frijoles | Lot Size Acres 0.200 | MLS #201700370 | Listing Price: $77,500

Avenida Aldea View Lot

101 Avenida Aldea | Lot Size Acres 0.230 | MLS #201700369 | Listing Price: $82,500

Arroyo Privado View Lot

4 Arroyo Privado | Lot Size Acres 0.190 | MLS #201700368 | Listing Price: $82,500

Aldea Stats

2018 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed 

SOLD: 8 Homes, DOM 124  | 0 Lots, DOM 0
PENDING: 5 Homes | 1 Lots
LISTED: 8 Homes, Avg $590,375 |9 Lots, Avg $87,000

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

2018 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed.    

SOLD: 10 Homes, DOM 122  | 3 Lots, DOM 0
PENDING: 5 Homes | 11 Lots
LISTED: 49 Homes, Avg $1,306,944 | 65 Lots, Avg $145,470

There are currently 49 homes for sale in Las Campanas.

• 19 Homes under $1,000,000
• 30 Homes over $1,000,000

There are currently 65 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.

• 26 Lots under $100,000
• 39 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

Taos Real Estate News

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

Spring has just arrived and we can see it all around us with new buds on the trees that are showing signs of new color, seemingly coming back to life after a dormant winter cycle. The warmer days and daylight savings time, means that soon we will be spending more time outside in our patios dining and entertaining or just hanging out in the garden.

Spring brings us out in the open, so it is time to dust off the outside furniture, clean up the yard and get ready to refreshen the outdoor decor.

 

 

 

Here are some decor tips to consider this spring:

• How about a change of of color in your patio? Flower plantings can add color. Or consider even artificial flowers to add some interest until the frost season is completely over.
• Add new pillows to your seating.
• Add a colorful table cloth to your outdoor dining table.
• Add outdoor dining lights. LED fairy lights add a sense of magic to your space.

 

For ideas on small homes, 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 14 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.

Carrot Peanut Butter  Treats with Dried Bananas & Dried Apples

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of peanut butter
• 2 cups of grated carrots
• 1 cup potato flour (or any flour)
• 1 cup flax seed meal
• ½ cup (4 oz) dried apples
• 1 cup dried unsweetened bananas
• 1 cup wheat germ
• ½ cup flax seeds
• 2 cups of chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger

*Parchment paper for rolling out the dough, pizza cutter, ruler for cutting straight lines & a dog to snoopervise.

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: grated carrots, peanut butter, apple cider vinegar & coconut oil in a bowl. Add the chicken broth.
3. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl: potato flour, flax seed meal, dried bananas, dried apples, wheat germ, flax seeds & ginger. Stir in the wet ingredient mix & add in the chicken broth, more maybe needed to keep mixture together. Divide into 4 balls.
4. 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 dough in parallel strips to create a checkerboard of 1” squares. Use a ruler to help cut straight lines.
5. Bake 25-35 minutes slightly brown. 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 bit crumbly, due to the potato flour & 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 in the refrigerator up to 4 weeks.
 
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.

Aeowyn sits waiting to taste test 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 »

All things Santa Fe »

Taos Ski Valley »

Taos County »

New Mexico Events Calendar »

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 »

Taos County »

New Mexico »
 

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!