Eco Lifestyle and Home News – March 2017
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
March 2017 marks third 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: Emergence
- Real Estate Market Update
- Money Matters from Francis Phillips, of First Choice Loan Services
- 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
Emergence
Emergence has to do with relationships: the relationships among the parts, or the relationship of the system to its environment. Parts of a system that are related are also often referred to as a network or an ecosystem.
I love what Margret Wheatley and Deborah Frieze wrote in their article: “Using Emergence To Take Social Innovations To Scale.”
“In spite of current ads and slogans, the world doesn’t change one person at a time. It changes as networks of relationships form among people who discover they share a common cause and vision of what’s possible. This is good news for those of us intent on changing the world and creating a positive future. Rather than worry about critical mass, our work is to foster critical connections. We don’t need to convince large numbers of people to change; instead, we need to connect with kindred spirits. Through these relationships, we will develop the new knowledge, practices, courage, and commitment that lead to broad-based change.”
Emergence only happens through connections. “Act locally, connect regionally, learn globally.”
It is not our task to change the entire world all at once, but of reaching out to mend the part of the world that is within our sphere. What works best is the accumulation of acts, stepping forward, lending a helping hand and doing it over and over, like rain drops in a bucket until it spills over.
The term “spiritual emergence” has been used to refer to the awakening of the spiritual potential within an individual that initiates the unfolding and expansion of that individual’s way of being. It is a natural process of growth toward a deeper, more connected and expanded way of being, that usually occurs slowly throughout our lives until it is gently integrated. When this process occurs rapidly or becomes very intense, it can seem disruptive and out of context with everyday life, precipitating a personal crisis which is referred to as a “spiritual emergency”.
So when we look around our sphere of influence, we should ask of ourselves, “where can we best serve with our talents and our abilities to help make our community a better place and thus best contribute to the well-being of all living things.”
For a deeper understanding of how emergence can take place in our lives read Margret’s work: http://www.margaretwheatley.com/articles/emergence.html
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Real Estate Market Update
WASHINGTON (February 22, 2017) — From National Association of Realtors
“Existing-home sales stepped out to a fast start in 2017, surpassing a recent cyclical high and increasing in January to the fastest pace in almost a decade, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All major regions except for the Midwest saw sales gains last month.”
“Total existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, expanded 3.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.69 million in January from an upwardly revised 5.51 million in December 2016. January’s sales pace is 3.8 percent higher than a year ago (5.48 million) and surpasses November 2016 (5.60 million) as the strongest since February 2007 (5.79 million).”
“Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says January’s sales gain signals resilience among consumers even in a rising interest rate environment. “Much of the country saw robust sales activity last month as strong hiring and improved consumer confidence at the end of last year appear to have sparked considerable interest in buying a home,” he said. “Market challenges remain, but the housing market is off to a prosperous start as homebuyers staved off inventory levels that are far from adequate and deteriorating affordability conditions.”
Money Matters
We can condo – you can too!
There’s a common belief that condominiums are hard to finance. That’s not the case. There are special rules governing condo financing, but with very few exceptions, loans are available.
Condo projects can be divided into two categories: Warrantable and Non-Warrantable.
Warrantable condos meet the minimum eligibility guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. If you’re buying a primary residence or second home and meet program requirements, we have financing available. Buying an investment? As long as less than 50 percent of the complex is considered investment property, we can offer financing to qualified buyers.
For some lenders, Non-Warrantable means no loan. That’s not the case at First Choice. We offer portfolio Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) for Non-Warrantable condos.
What makes a project Non-Warrantable?
• It’s a condotel with a rental desk on-site
• It’s not complete – there’s on-going construction or planned future phases
• There’s a high concentration of investor-owned units – 50% or more are rented (applies if you are buying as a rental)
Local examples of Non-Warrantable condos include Quail Run and Fort Marcy Compound (condotels).
A few final reminders: When you seek a condo loan, allow 45-60 days to closing. Not only does the buyer have to be approved, the condo project has to be reviewed and approved. The HOA must complete a questionnaire so we can determine what kind of financing we can offer – or if we cannot finance the condo.
Be encouraged – we specialize in condo mortgages and have financed many properties. Call us to find out if the condo of your dreams is within reach.
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
Here in Santa Fe, there has been a 3.3% increase in home sales. The total dollar volume is up 6.44%. The average sales price is up 3.03%. There is a slight increase in new construction and lot sales. 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 have just listed 9 of the last and best remaining Aldea view lots. If you have ever considered building your Santa Fe dream home, now you have some amazing 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!
For more information visit the website: Aldea Lots For Sale »
Location Map of the Aldea Lots
Just Listed!!! 9 Aldea Lot For Sale
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: 1 Homes, DOM 243, 0 Lots, DOM 0
PENDING: 1 Homes, 0 Lots
LISTED: 10 Homes, Avg $606,290, 16 Lots Avg $86,562
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 1 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: 8 Homes, DOM 205, 0 Lots, DOM 0
PENDING: 13 Homes, 1 Lots
LISTED: 68 Homes, Avg $1,296,443, 90 Lots, Avg $134,984
There are currently 68 homes for sale in Las Campanas.
- 22 Homes under $1,000,000
- 46 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 90 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.
- 30 Lots under $100,000
- 60 Lots over $100,000
In, 2015, 62 resale homes were sold in Las Campanas. Sales are a bit down in 2016.There are 28 new homes are currently under construction in Las Campanas. Spec builders are investing once again in Las Campanas – and many are selling their homes before they completed!
- On homesites over $100,000: a full-equity golf or social membership at the Club at Las Campanas, which can be activated at closing, or taken as an option for up to 2 -years while you build your dream home.
- On home sites under $100,000: a $5,000 credit at the La Fonda Hotel for rooms, food and beverage, gift shop, and/or any services offered by the hotel.
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
Home decor Santa Fe style conjures up viga ceilings, plaster walls, saltillo Mexican tiled floors, heavy timbered wood furniture, colorful gates & doors and kiva fireplaces. The soft edges, pueblo style buildings with their uneven stucco exterior, graces the landscape here in New Mexico. Some of the best examples of the Santa Fe style can be found by doing a search on Pinterest.com.
I personally love Pinterest. It is a great place to collect ideas for every part of your life. Are you looking for organizational tips, decorating ideas, vacation destinations, cooking recipes, standard poodle pictures or anything else that might be of interest? Then Pinterest is the place to search and collect ideas. Pinterest asks for your sign up where you then can create different boards for public or private viewing. Most of my boards are public such as: lighting, furniture, small houses, bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor furniture etc. I also have secret boards organized by my own personal interest, such as cleaning tips or recipes. 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.
