Eco Lifestyle And Home News – January 2021
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
January 2021 marks the forty-ninth 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:
- COVID-19 UPDATE
- Lifestyle: Balance
- Real Estate Market Update
- Money Matters
- Santa Fe Real Estate News
- Taos County Real Estate News
- Home Decor Insights: Color Trends 2021
- Sierra Updates!
- 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
COVID-19
Update on COVID-19
COVID-19 is not going away soon. All around the country, places that opened up are seeing spikes in those effected by the virus. While New Mexico has opened up many businesses, we still need to wear face masks, practice social distancing, and wash hands for at least 20 seconds. I also urge people to wear disposable gloves while grocery shopping and touching surfaces outside your homes. We can not become complacent and start relaxing. Even if you catch the virus and have only minor symptoms, people are reporting lung damage and other horrible side effects many months later. Some people have got the virus twice and are permanently effected.
SANTA FE – Health officials at the state of New Mexico on Tuesday issued public health guidance to New Mexicans to ensure residents are able to safely navigate the holiday season amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed the lives of over 2,000 New Mexicans.
“This holiday season will not be what we’re used to,” said Health Secretary-designate Tracie C. Collins, M.D. “We all wish it could be. We’re all tired of the pandemic. We’d all love nothing more than to celebrate the holidays just as we always do, but the reality is that it’s just not safe. The best gift you can give your loved ones is keeping them COVID-free – so please celebrate the holidays safely with your own household members. Gathering for Christmas this year with friends and family from outside your own household is an extreme risk to the health and safety of yourself and your community.
“Remember: This is not forever,” said Secretary-designate Collins. “We are making progress, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But we have to stay strong. It’s not too late to cancel plans – no party is worth risking your life or the lives of your loved ones.”
“There are too many New Mexicans who will be missing treasured family members this holiday season because they were taken from us by COVID-19,” said Human Services Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. “We can replace Christmas celebrations – we cannot replace you.”
Secretary Scrase noted that despite New Mexico’s progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, there are counties where attending a mass gathering carries a 50/50 chance that someone at the gathering will have COVID-19 and could spread it to others, even without having symptoms.
“There is no zero-risk scenario for gathering with other people right now – even if you wear your masks, even if you keep your distance,” Sec. Scrase said. “Please don’t risk it. Please stay home this holiday.”
As a reminder, the state of New Mexico’s emergency public health order strictly prohibits mass gatherings, defined as a group of more than five individuals who do not regularly reside with one another. New Mexicans should stay home except for outings absolutely necessary for their health, safety or welfare. Persons arriving in New Mexico from “high-risk” states are required to physically separate from others in a residence or place of lodging for at least 14 days from the date of their entry into New Mexico or for the duration of their presence in the state, whichever is shorter.
HOLIDAY GUIDANCE AND SAFE ALTERNATIVES
- Do not travel to attend a holiday gathering – whether in New Mexico or out of state – to mix with another household, either of friends or family.
- Safe alternative: Traveling incurs unnecessary exposure risk. Celebrate the holidays at home. Wear a mask – covering both your nose and mouth – any time you leave the house, whether you are in contact or near other individuals or not.
- Do not gather for the holidays with non-household members.
- Safe alternative: Connect with friends and relatives over a video chat service. Share time at the table and holiday traditions remotely and safely.
- Do not spend unnecessary time shopping for groceries or gifts, and do not make unnecessary supplement trips to the store.
- Safe alternative: Order online or make arrangements for curbside pickup. Avoid as much person-to-person contact, and being in the presence of other individuals and especially groups, as much as possible.
- Do not host or attend a large gathering.
- Safe alternative: If you choose to host a gathering with individuals from outside your own household despite the risks, keep six feet of distance and wear facemasks. Consider setting up a table outside so as to minimize the person-to-person interactions indoors.
- Support local businesses
- Consider supporting local businesses by ordering takeout or delivery for smaller, non-traditional holidays meals, and by using safely distanced curbside pickup for any last-minute gift purchases. We can all go the extra mile in supporting small New Mexico businesses.
If you choose to attend a holiday gathering with others, you significantly raise the risk of not only contracting the virus yourself but spreading the virus to friends and loved ones.
If you insist upon taking unnecessary risks and attend or host a traditional holiday celebration, adopt the following safeguards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Wear a mask
- Strictly limit the number of guests in attendance.
- Talk with guests ahead of time to set expectations for safely celebrating together.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and items between use.
- If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
- Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
- If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils. Encourage guests to bring their own food and drink.
- Instruct guests to monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days after the event.
- Self-isolate after the gathering with others – symptoms can develop over the course of 2 weeks; even if you do not feel sick, or feel sick immediately, you can spread the virus
Making Face Masks For Family, Friends & Clients
Face masks will be with us for the next year or more, so why not have several on hand. Some people are wearing face masks as part of a fashion statement, with coordinated face masks to work with their clothing. Others are buying very expensive tech face masks, which can look very hip. Our face masks are very simple. Recycled 2 layers of cotton fabric with 1 layer of non woven interfacing, a nose bridge, and adjustable/replaceable elastic around the ears.
Read about our face mask making »
What are your needs? How can we help you?
Resources & Links:
CORONA VIRUS
| Santa Fe Information: | New Mexico Information: |
| Santa Fe Information » | https://nmhealth.org» |
| https://www.santafenewmexican.com » | https://www.hhs.gov |
| Taos Information: | US Centers for Disease Control: |
| https://www.taosnews.com » | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html» |
| https://holycrossmedicalcenter.org» | https://www.coronavirus.gov |
| https://www.taoscounty.org» | https://www.epa.gov |
Lifestyle
Balance
What is a well-balanced life? What would a balanced life look like? How does one achieve balance in the midst of all our responsibilities?
The answers evolve out of finding equilibrium. In equilibrium, there is an absence of reactivity, where one can respond to situations appropriately with ease.
When you find balance, you are in the state of equanimity. When you reach a state of equanimity, you feel calm, grounded, clear-headed, and motivated in the midst of all the turmoil, stress or activity. There is an evenness of mind. Equanimity is something that you are not born with, but something you can cultivate and apply in your day-to-day life. Developing mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation, takes practice, awareness and deep understanding.
Equanimity plays a major part of unconditional love. When we cultivate a balanced life, being in a state of equanimity, we no longer get to the point where we withhold our kindness or compassion from anyone. It doesn’t matter whether we like people or dislike them, whether they are skillful or unskillful, whether we know them or do not know them, whether we admire them or not, whether they’re similar to us or wildly different. The barriers that separate us from others dissolve when we recognize another person’s basic humanity — their deep-rooted wish to be happy, their even more deep-rooted wish to be free from suffering. It is our compassion then that keeps us in a balanced state; compassion for ourselves compassion for our family, friends, clients, our communities, strangers and all living beings.
One way to cultivate equanimity is to cultivate a meditation practice. Meditation trains & calms the mind, so that the “normal” reaction to stress is a response, not a knee jerk reaction. Another way to cultivate balance is to take a break from your routine and go for a long walk, clear your mind of thoughts and just walk and notice, without judgment. Be present for the experience. Calming the mind can lead to balance.
Here are a few other suggestions to cultivate balance in your life:
- Take care of yourself. Cultivate mental happiness, physical happiness & ease of well-being, daily.
- Develop healthy eating, healthy living, healthy thinking.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Take time alone.
- Expand your awareness, learn new ways to nurture your well-being.
- Prioritize in all areas of your life: work, life, & play.
- Minimize toxic behavior, toxic situations & toxic people.
If you start cultivating balance in your life, you’ll find that this experience of equanimity is a very positive and vibrant state of being.
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Real Estate Market Update
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK for 2021
From the Santa Fe Housing Report
“Santa Fe remains an attractive destination, not only for tourists, but those looking for a sustainable climate, diverse housing, world class cultural amenities, outdoor recreation and art in a well-established sense of place. Housing affordability remains a key concern moving forward even with a record-setting pace of multi-family units coming on line. Elected officials have voiced the need for more affordable housing with plans to create more housing through regulatory changes and funding. Santa Fe, like the rest of the nation, will enter 2021 with economic uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic’s looming presence.”
“The housing market will continue to see-saw as waves of coronavirus infections pop up throughout the country. The Santa Fe Housing Action Coalition welcomes critical housing data to guide its work moving forward. With record low housing inventories and interest rates, it may be an ideal moment for Santa Fe to strategically foster a regulatory environment that can spark a robust, economic housing boon.”
Money Matters
Mortgage rates sink to 2.66%
Mortgage rates again dropped to a new low, marking the 16th time they have sunk to a low record in 2020 and underscoring the unprecedented year for rates.
“The housing market is poised to finish the year strong as low mortgage rates continue to field homebuyer demand and refinance activity,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.
The rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage — the most common home loan — fell to 2.66% this week, down from the previous low of 2.67% reached last week, according to Freddie Mac, a government agency that guarantees millions of mortgages. A year ago, the rate was more than a percentage point higher at 3.74%.
Current homeowners are the most likely to reap the benefits of low rates, experts said, while homebuyers — especially first-time ones — contend with low housing inventory.
Benchmark Mortgage
Santa Fe Real Estate News
Aldea Stats
2020 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 43 Homes, DOM 47 | 1 Lots, DOM 1015
PENDING: 5 Homes | 0 Lots
LISTED: 4 Homes, Avg $764,200 | 1 Lots, Avg $65,000
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.
It’s winter and the active listings are slim. However, the largest home in Aldea has just come on the market, 4,527 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 5 baths for $966,200. This home has had an extensive remodel and needs to be seen. Let me take you on a tour!
Current Listings January 1, 2021:
Tessera Real Estate Stats
2020 Stats: Sold, Pending, ListedSOLD: 13 Homes, DOM 14
PENDING: 1 Homes
LISTED: 1 Homes, Avg $631,000
Located in the hills of northwest Santa Fe and an adjacent neighbor to Aldea, Tessera features stunning mountain views, generous dedicated open space and an extensive trail system. Built to exacting standards and quality, the to-be-built homes at Tessera are ideal for those who enjoy customizing their home finishes to suit their personal taste.
Las Campanas Real Estate News
2020 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 77 Homes, DOM 94 | 49 Lots, DOM 208
PENDING: 17 Homes | 6 Lots
LISTED: 32 Homes, Avg $1,901,696 | 54 Lots, Avg $184,117
There are currently 32 homes for sale in Las Campanas
- 3 Homes under $1,000,000
- 29 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 54 Lots for sale in Las Campanas
- 19 Lots under $100,000
- 29 Lots over $100,000
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.
Taos Office: 575.776.7576
Visit the website for Santa Fe information: RealEstatePropertiesSantaFe.com
Visit the Kachina Mountain Realty company main website: KachinaMountainRealty.com
Taos Real Estate News
2020 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
*SOLD: 206 Homes, DOM 157 | 79 Lots, DOM 520
*PENDING: 76 Homes | 35 Lots
*LISTED: 44 Homes, Avg $804,121 | 175 Lots, Avg $232,447
* Areas tracked:
Lower North, Upper North, West North, Town of Taos, Taos Ski Valley, South West, South East
See map for areas »
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.
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.
Call our Taos Office: 575.776.7576
Home Decor Insights
Written by Jacqui Palumbo, CNN
It’s the first time an achromatic shade (gray) has been selected, and the second time two colors have been chosen. In 2016, the pale pink and blue hues, Rose Quartz and Serenity broke the norm when they were presented as a gradient.Therapeutic implications
Debbie DeMarais
505-699-4989 | homestagingsantafe.com
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.
Sierra
CFO, (Chief Fun Officer)
Our 1.10 year old silver standard poodle
December 1-31, 2020
Part of Sierra’s job includes bunny patrol! Sierra loves her view and her new found hobby. She has growled at the coyotes outside the window where she endlessly watches over her “domain”.
With all the wide open spaces on the ranch where the cows roam freely, we have fenced in an area where Sierra can chase her ball. She loves running and catching her ball!
I weigh & measure Sierra once a month, so here are her stats as of November 30, 2020: 14″ collar, girth: 24″, height to shoulder: 25″ weight: 32.5 lbs.
Sierra December link to Photos »
You really need to watch Sierra’s videos as they capture her spirit!
Here is the link to Sierra’s Videos »
Sierra’s 1st video explains who she is and her new role at Kachina Mountain Realty. In Sierra’s 2nd video she talks about Dianne’s role at Kachina Mountain Realty in the era of COVID-19. In Sierra’s 3rd video, Sierra talks about selling and buying real estate during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sierra’s 4th video she talks about how staying safe in the era of COVID-19.
Sierra’s web page: www.diannemckenzie.com/sierra
More photos will be continually posted on her own web page, so check back monthly, as we chronicle her life with us!
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!
Taos Office: 575.776.7576
Dianne & Sierra
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