Eco Lifestyle and Home News – October 2023
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
October 2023 marks the 90th edition of 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 County and beyond.
In this edition, we offer the following:
- Lifestyle: Harvest
- Real Estate Market Update
- Santa Fe Real Estate News
- Taos County Real Estate News
- Home Decor Insights
- 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
Lifestyle
Harvest
Harvest, representing the culmination if the ongoing cultivation, is the final stage of accomplishment. During harvest we gather up what we have cultivated and assess what has been actualized.
What have we accomplished this year, what has become of the seeds we sowed back in January when we were embracing our renewal, setting a path of awakening?
Harvest, representing the culmination of the ongoing cultivation, is the final stage of accomplishment. During the harvest we gather up what we have cultivated and assess what has been actualized.
What have we accomplished this year, what has become of the seeds we sowed back in January when we were embracing our renewal, setting a path of awakening? What are the consequences of our monthly quests during this past 9 months?
For some of us we set goals to loose weight, eat more healthy foods, exercise more frequently, spend quality time with family, friends and our animal companions. We might have vowed to explore more metaphysical, philosophical or spiritual paths. We may have planned to spend more creative time, self nurture time or volunteer time.
Whatever the seeds we planted in early this year, how have we tended these seeds?
Are we ready to harvest the fruits of our labor or did we forget to tend our gardens of desire?
Cultivating a life of abundance, creativity, happiness, joy, ease of well-being will serve us all year long, if we tend to our thoughts and actions daily. It is often suggested that all we need to do is cultivate mental happiness, physical happiness and ease of well-being. If we tended this garden daily, we would reap the rewards at harvest time, celebrating the autumn harvest with abundance.
Harvest time for me is the start of the holiday season. Enjoy your autumn harvest!
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie & Sierra
Real Estate Market
With monthly housing payments at an all-time high, would-be buyers are waiting for homes to become more affordable. But slightly more homeowners are listing their homes this month, providing a glimmer of hope for buyers who want more to choose from.
What homebuyers are doing: Waiting for homes to become more affordable and for more of them to hit the market. Mortgage rates are sitting near a two-decade high and U.S. home prices rose 3% year over year during the four weeks ending September 17, pushing monthly housing payments to an all-time high. Soaring costs have pushed pending home sales down 13% from a year ago. The total number of homes for sale is down 16%, as many homeowners stay put to keep relatively low mortgage rates.
What home sellers are doing: A few more home sellers have jumped off the sidelines. New listings have stabilized, ticking up slightly since the beginning of September. They’re down 7% from a year earlier, but that’s the smallest decline since July 2022 (though it’s worth noting that new listings were falling rapidly at this time last year). It’s possible that some homeowners are taking advantage of rising home prices and low inventory, counting on being one of the only homes for sale in their neighborhood.
Where the Fed comes in: The Federal Reserve decided against an interest-rate hike at their meeting this week. But they also signaled that interest rates are likely to remain higher than anticipated into 2024 and 2025, which could keep borrowing costs–and mortgage rates–higher for longer. Buyers who are waiting for housing costs to come down may consider jumping into the market if they can afford to, because a meaningful decline probably isn’t coming soon.
Read the full article and data charts »
Santa Fe Real Estate News
Aldea Real Estate Stats
2023 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 18 Homes, DOM 32 | 3 Lots, DOM 142
PENDING: 1 Homes | 1 Lots
LISTED: 7 Homes, Avg $1,061,286 | 0 Lots, Avg 0
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.
Aldea Listings:
Santa Fe Real Estate Offerings
3 Esquila Road in Eldorado | Santa Fe, New Mexico
Residential Home| MLS #202338568 | Price: $535,000.00 |
Located in the coveted community of Eldorado, on a quiet street, this Santa Fe style single-story passive solar home includes an open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 car garage, radiant heat, air conditioning and is move-in ready!
The living room is graced with high ceilings adorned with vigas, a gas burning fireplace and windows on two sides. The adjacent kitchen and dining room are convenient for cooking and entertaining. The primary suite features dual closets, spacious bathroom with dual sinks, walk in shower and soaking tub. The second bedroom is is located across from the house bathroom with views on the patio side of the home. The 3rd bedroom is oversized which could be used as a media room, flex-space, exercise room, home office or art studio. A laundry room leads to the mud room/pantry storage area, just off the attached garage. There are 2 designated outside areas for relaxing & entertaining. This tranquil setting offers 360° breathtaking panoramic views: west sunset views to the Jemez mountains, eastern views of the Sangre de Cristos mountains and endless vistas to the south Sandia mountains in Albuquerque.
New Zone controlled 3 mini-split/ductless air conditioner/ heating, New refrigerator, Updated boiler for radiant floor heating system, New hot water tank, New septic system. Furniture package available.
The Eldorado community consists of miles of open land with approximately 2,776 developed parcels, and is a premier homeowner community in Santa Fe, New Mexico, known for its diverse, welcoming environment. Eldorado has many outstanding amenities and quality services: abundant 4,000-acre open preserve with local wildlife, extensive walking & bicycle paths, a community center, swimming pool, numerous sport courts, horse stables and dog parks. Whether you are seeking an active lifestyle or simply tranquil surroundings, you should schedule your home tour today, before it’s gone tomorrow.
Eldorado offers a well-regarded kindergarten through eighth-grade school as well as its own library, senior center, athletic room, outdoor pool, community garden, a 4,094-acre wilderness area, an arts and crafts association, annual spring studio tour, dog park, volunteer fire department, farmers market, grocery store, restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Like a small town, there is also a Fourth of July pancake breakfast, annual barbecue, ice cream social and many other popular social events.
Las Campanas Real Estate Stats
2023 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 49 Homes, DOM 107 | 18 Lots, DOM 288
PENDING: 10 Homes | 1 Lots
LISTED: 24 Homes, Avg $2,750,842 | 28 Lots, Avg $249,298
There are currently 28 homes for sale in Las Campanas
- 0 Homes under $1,000,000
- 28 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 28 Lots for sale in Las Campanas
- 2 Lots under $100,000
- 26 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
2023 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
*SOLD: 99 Homes, DOM 118 | 78 Lots, DOM 272
*PENDING: 37 Homes | 17 Lots
*LISTED: 72 Homes, Avg $907,607 | 159 Lots, Avg $281,324
* Areas tracked:
Lower North, Upper North, West North, Town of Taos, Taos Ski Valley, South West, South East
See map for areas »
Taos is very different than Santa Fe in many ways. With a population of 5,763 people and many surrounding neighborhoods, Taos is the 39th largest community in New Mexico. The greater Taos area is made up of several unincorporated areas and neighborhoods that separates out as if they were their own destinations or towns. Unincorporated areas around Taos have distinctive names that represent the ancient traditions of naming a place for a stream or topographic feature. Arroyo Hondo, Arroyo Seco and El Prado are all such places. These are not towns and have no political jurisdiction, they are simply places that help folks zero in on a very specific neighborhood. Within Taos itself are many such neighborhoods that may comprise no more than six “blocks.”
Selling real estate in Taos county is challenging for sellers, buyers and realtors, as the typical closing time for a property averages 90+ days, compared to under 30 days in Santa Fe. I have closed properties in Santa Fe under 20 days. There is a shortage of title companies which the realtors can work with in Taos. The back log of properties waiting to close often creates buyers to back out and leave the sellers in the same cycle for closing when the next offer comes in. Many buyers become frustrated as their lenders charge additional hold fees or back out all together. Below are some statistics that highlight the problem.
Pioneer Title
As of August 26, 2022, Pioneer Title has opened an office in Taos at 204 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Suite A, Taos NM 87571, telephone: 866-294-4100. It remains to be seen if closing times will shorten in the coming months, but it is progress for realtors as well as sellers and buyers in Taos County.
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.
Buyers 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. They 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
It’s Time to Decorate for Autumn
Ok, it’s time for pumpkins, fall leaves, warmer blankets & clothes, baking, making mulled wine and so much more.
Seasonal traditions are so important to me. It helps mark the passing of time with great anticipation. Autumn is my favorite time of year as the colors are spectacular. I look for the first signs of the changing light, the start of the leaves changing to the autumn hues, the crispness in the morning air and the clouds and cool breezes.
I love pumpkins especially all the varieties we see in the stores. I can never have too many pumpkins sitting around the house. I look forward to wearing boots, leggings and sweaters.I make several batches of Gløgg each year so we can sip hot mulled wine in the chilly evenings.
What do you love about Autumn? How do you celebrate the season?
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 4.6 year old female silver standard poodle
September 1-30, 2023
Sierra has visited 5 new vets in order for her to prepare for breeding this autumn. We have been starting to prepare with exams etc in anticipation of our breeder finding the perfect mate.
On Tuesday September 19, 2023, we drove to Los Lunas for Artificial Insemination. We will know in 30 days if Sierra is pregnant when we do an ultra sound. If Sierra is pregnant, in 50+ days we will do a radiograph to see how many puppies she will possibly have. We are very excited and are hoping for puppy announcement in the November. If she is pregnant, puppies are expected in mid November. We are waiting anxiously for good news! We are planning to keep a silver female puppy.
I weigh & measure Sierra once a month, so here are her stats as of September 2023: 14″ collar, girth: 24″, height to shoulder: 25″ weight: 35.0
Photos for the Month of September 2023 »
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!
Sierra’s Videos »
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.
As you probably already know, Sierra is the CFO (chief fun officer) at Kachina Mountain Realty. Sierra talks to you today about using your imagination in Sierra’s 5th video. When Sierra turned 2 years old on March 18, 2021, people asked what she sounded like now that she was older. While she does not have a lot to say right now, she is quick and to the point, as she starts her 2nd year as CFO, in Sierra’s 6th video. Currently Sierra is not recording videos at this time.
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 & 575.776.7576) & email. I return calls promptly, seven days a week!
Taos Office: 575.776.7576
Dianne & Sierra
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