Eco Lifestyle And Home News – February 2017
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
February 2017 marks the second 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: Loving Kindness
- Real Estate Market Update
- Money Matters …….
- Santa Fe 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 & around New Mexico
Lifestyle
Loving Kindness
February is the month of love, and Valentine’s Day is the day we celebrate all forms of love: love for our significant other, for our family, friends and animal companions. So this month’s Lifestyle editorial is centered around Love.
Loving kindness is a state of mind that can be cultivated in each of us. If our thoughts help determine our reality, then when we cultivate loving kindness, we increase our sense of well-being and joy.
Meditation is about training the mind and heart to live in a way that allows us to be truly happy with our life as it is right now.
The practice of loving kindness meditation can lead to shifts in people’s daily experiences of a wide range of positive emotions, including love, joy, gratitude, contentment, hope, pride, interest, amusement and awe. Loving kindness meditation has been shown to increase social connectedness, consciousness and social action.
Anyone can practice loving kindness meditation by sitting quietly and contemplating thoughts of kindness. Start with sending thoughts of loving kindness to yourself, using simple phrases such as: “May I be peaceful. May I be joyful. May I be happy. May I be free from suffering. May I have mental happiness. May I have physical happiness. May I have ease of well-being.” You can add your own phrases.
Then turn your thoughts to a benefactor who you feel deep gratitude, and say, “Just as I wish to be filled with loving kindness, so may you be filled with loving kindness.” And continue sending them blessing using the phrases above, “May you be….” etc. Next, turn your thoughts to a beloved friend or family member and continue with your thoughts of loving kindness. Afterward, turn your attention to a neutral person and send them blessings. Finally, turn your thoughts to a difficult person, sending them thoughts of loving kindness. This simple meditation practice can be done daily. (For more detailed instructions on Loving Kindness Meditation, visit TheJourneyWithin.info)
It is easier to send thoughts of loving kindness to people we care for, and much harder to do for difficult people in our lives. But when we realize that any unskillful action comes from greed, ignorance, or fear, we can neutralize our feelings for difficult people and open up our hearts to become more compassionate. Cultivating loving kindness is a lifetime practice, which is why it is called loving kindness meditation PRACTICE, as you are provided with a lifetime of opportunities … well, too, practice!
Sending blessing of loving kindness to all of you! And thank you for reading my Eco Lifestyle And Home newsletter. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Real Estate Market Update
Below, Nick Chavez discusses home sales in Santa Fe. What I find interesting is that land sales are also up. It looks like it is time to buy a lot and build your dream home! Lot prices are just starting to climb as more come available, and since all the foreclosed lots were sold in 2014.
“Overall city and county of Santa Fe home sales were up by 16 percent with 388 units sold this quarter compared to 336 in the fourth quarter of 2015. The city median home price jumped 13 percent, from $300,250 in the fourth quarter of 2015 to $339,928 this quarter. County home prices dropped by about 10 percent this quarter compared to 2015 – from $449,500 in the fourth quarter of 2015 to $402,500. However, county home sales rose by 20 percent. The overall volume of home sales reflected the jump in both city and county home sales rising from $161.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 to $189.9 million this quarter.” ~ Nick Chavez
Money Matters
Don’t take your house off the market
by Francis Phillips
If your home is for sale and you are thinking of taking it off the market because this is a slow time for sales, don’t! You will miss the great opportunity you have right now.
The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The National Association of Realtors (NAR), revealed that the inventory of homes for sale had dropped to a 4.3-month supply. Historically, less than a 6 month supply is a seller’s market, 6-7 months is a neutral market, and more than a 7 month supply is a buyer’s market. The NAR report places us firmly in a seller’s market.
There are buyers who are ready to buy now but the supply of homes for sale is not keeping up with their demand.
Home prices are appreciating and buyers are looking now. Keep your home on the market and gain exposure at a time when there’s less competition from sellers who are waiting for the spring.
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. 12.12.2016.
Santa Fe Real Estate News
A lot has happened since last month for all of us. It seems 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: 0 Homes, DOM _, 0 Lots, DOM _
PENDING: 2 Homes, 0 Lots
LISTED: 9 Homes, Avg $605,766, 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 low in Aldea right now, there are 2 homes pending. Prices show a slight 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: 4 Homes, DOM 179, 0 Lots, DOM 0
PENDING: 13 Homes, 0 Lots
LISTED: 70 Homes, Avg $1,124,081, 87 Lots, Avg $125,000
Las Campanas is the only luxury master-planned community in Santa Fe. Stretching across 4,700 acres surrounded by pristine high desert, the community is comprised of exclusive neighborhoods. Las Campanas is also home to The Club at Las Campanas, where members can enjoy two award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, the 46,000 square foot Hacienda Clubhouse, a peerless Equestrian Center and the Fitness & Tennis Center, which includes a luxurious spa.
There are currently 70 homes for sale in Las Campanas.
- 30 Homes under $1,000,000
- 40 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 87 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.
- 29 Lots under $100,000
- 56 Lots over $100,000
Last year, 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 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
10 Home Decor Trends in 2017
Here are the top home décor trends from that list — called the Pinterest 100 for 2017 — that you’ll be seeing everywhere in 2017.
Trends shift quickly, color trends particularly. Wall paper is making a come back for some reason, although I am not sure why when you can create faux marble walls easily with paint to give a fabulous look. It is said that all white decor is out, at least for now and that navy blue is in. Also popular is wood tile, mostly because of the ease of cleaning, non scratching and it is just a great look. Cooper fixtures and accents are now the rage. I have always loved copper for its warmth & patina. Heated floors? Great for keeping one’s feet toasty, but is not quickly responsive for changing heat up or down on your thermostat. Acrylic decor, really??? I thought that was popular in the 80’s… Farmhouse style and the Pottery Barn look has been around forever and is considered real Americana. Modern night stands are making a comeback vs the farmhouse look… See for yourself and see how you fit into the trends.
- Marble Wallpaper
- Navy Blue Interiors
- Indoor Vines
- Copper
- Wood Tile
- Acrylic Décor
- Heated Floors
- Farmhouse Style
- Modern Nightstands
If you want to while away your time, Pinterest can absorb any free time, whether you are interested in home decor, food, fashion or standard poodles. There is always something to look at. It can be very inspirational and informative!
Pinterest »
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.
