Eco Lifestyle And Home News – September 2021
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
September marks the fifty-seventh 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 County and beyond.
In this edition, we offer the following:
- COVID-19 UPDATE
- Lifestyle: Well-Being
- Real Estate Market Update
- Money Matters
- 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
COVID-19
NM recommends masks indoors again — even for the vaccinated
from Taos News
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham echoed a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week that even vaccinated individuals should resume wearing face masks while indoors.
“In accordance with the latest official guidance from the CDC, [we recommend] fully vaccinated New Mexicans wear a face-covering in indoor settings out of an abundance of caution,” said Nora Sackett, press secretary for the governor, in an email.
Government officials in many other states are also pushing the recommendation to wear a mask again as the highly-transmissible COVID-19 Delta Variant causes case numbers to spike again across the United States.
Case rates rising
As part of its regularly scheduled pandemic updates, the New Mexico Department of Health held a press conference Wednesday (July 28) to inform the public about the state’s vaccination program and rising case rates.
The national COVID-19 case rate was 109 cases per 100,000 people from July 20–26, up from 67 the week prior. In New Mexico, case rates increased 38 percent, to 58 cases per 100,000 people over the same time frame.
“About 75 to 80 percent of all cases in New Mexico are now the Delta Variant,” said New Mexico Human Services Department Secretary David Scrase.
The Delta Variant is a highly transmissible version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The original virus, the Alpha Variant, accounted for 98 percent of all U.S. COVID-19 cases just 2 months ago, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The average daily case count in New Mexico increased 54 percent, to 222 cases per day, from July 20–26. There were 19 new cases in Taos County during that same time frame, bringing the total number of cases to 1,800, according to Town of Taos GIS Analyst Tim Corner.
“New Mexico does remain among the vaccine leaders in the whole United States,” said New Mexico Department of Health Acting Secretary Laura Parajón. “We have 73 percent of New Mexicans (18+) having received at least their first shot, and 65 percent of New Mexicans (18+) are now fully vaccinated.”
New Mexico has reported 208,487 cases and 4,397 deaths since the pandemic began in March 2020.
Bottom Line
Buckle up and hold tight, this pandemic is not over and we are not returning to “normal” any time soon!
Please be mindful that many people who have been fully vaccinated may have underling health issues such as pulmonary, respiratory and immune issues, therefore they should still take precaution in wearing masks, as well as continue with social distancing.
What We Know
- COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death.
- COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19.
- The Delta Variant is more infectious.
What We’re Still Learning:
- How effective are the vaccines against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19?
- Early data show the vaccines masks work against some variants but could be less effective against others.
- How well the vaccines protect people with weakened immune systems, including people who take immuno-suppressive medications.
- How long COVID-19 vaccines can protect people?
As we know more, CDC will continue to update our recommendations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
The Delta variant, which was first detected in India, now accounts for most of all infections in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And this highly transmissible variant may be responsible for more cases in the U.S. states. The Delta variant may be associated with more severe disease for those who have underling health issues such as pulmonary, respiratory and immune issues, and therefore have a higher risk of hospitalization.
Want to learn more about these recommendations? Read our expanded Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.
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
mental happiness,
physical happiness and
ease of well-being.”
– Loving Kindness Meditation
We all seek well-being. Cultivating well-being in our lives comes in many forms. For some, it comes from being in nature, spending time in ones art studio, playing with ones dog, spending quality time with friends and family, succeeding in business, being healthy etc.
Regardless of ones definition of well-being it all comes down to 3 things: mental happiness, physical happiness, and ease of well-being. It is really that simple.
Mental happiness gives us peace; peace from worry, peace from fear, peace from anger, peace from delusions, peace from grasping.
Physical happiness takes in all aspects of our physical well-being: enjoyment of health, freedom from physical pain and suffering, and harmony with our bodies, having plenty of nutrition and food.
The ease of well-being is a bit more complex to grasp. For me, “ease of well-being” means accepting what is, staying in the present moment, cultivating equanimity.
The thoughts of “joy”, “happiness”, “loving kindness” come to mind.
Experiencing well-being doesn’t have to come from the big successes in life. Well-being can be experienced in small fragments: noticing the watchful kindness in your dogs eyes, pausing to notice the sunset or experiencing the quiet of the sunrise, watching someone you love sleeping, savoring the taste of a meal.
If I waited for the big moments in life to be happy, joyful, or at ease, life might just pass me by without really noticing all the joy that is around me in the smallness of events.
So how do we cultivate more well-being? For me, it comes from a meditation practice that helps me be mindful. For others it might be through exercise, or playing a musical instrument, walking in nature etc. Finding well-being in the daily small events and really noticing them, celebrating them, pausing to experience them, is essential to cultivating a life of well-being.
May you cultivate physical happiness.
May you cultivate ease of well-being.
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie & Sierra
Real Estate Market Update
Not a lot of houses on the market in Santa Fe. A few weeks back I gave a tour of the Santa Fe area and showed perspective buyers the different areas in Santa Fe. The scarcity of available properties is incredible, compared to years past. For another potential buyer we could not find anything suitable under $350,000 range. The housing shortage is most notable in under $400,000, while there are more availability of houses in the higher range.
Money Matters
Rates Stuck in The Middle
… “What does all this mean in plain English? Rates are low–much lower than most anyone expected at this point in the year. The key reason is “delta” and Fed’s patient approach to changing rate-friendly policies. The lingering concerns about the nature of the post-covid economy also make the list.”
“For what it’s worth, the Fed may have been nearly as patient without the delta variant. They’ve consistently said that there’s much to learn about the state of the post-covid economy after the new school year gets underway.”
“At the moment, economic data is mixed, depending on where you look. In many cases, numbers have returned in line with pre-covid trends. Residential construction (updated this week) is one example of this with a big drop at the outset of the pandemic and a now-resolved correction to long-term highs.”
Santa Fe Real Estate News
Aldea Real Estate Stats
2021 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 24 Homes, DOM 52 | 2 Lots, DOM 30
PENDING: 4 Homes | 1 Lots
LISTED: 1 Homes, Avg $459,900 | 1 Lots, Avg $100,000
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.
Summer is here and the listings have not yet picked up. Homes go pending within hours of being listed. Let me take you on a tour!
Current Listings: 1
Sold:
Las Campanas Real Estate Stats
2021 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 60 Homes, DOM 60 | 55 Lots, DOM 143
PENDING: 20 Homes | 5 Lots
LISTED: 34 Homes, Avg $2,4341,264 | 40 Lots, Avg $228,306
There are currently 34 homes for sale in Las Campanas
- 1 Homes under $1,000,000
- 33 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 40 Lots for sale in Las Campanas
- 6 Lots under $100,000
- 34 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
2021 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
*SOLD: 137 Homes, DOM 183 | 84 Lots, DOM 388
*PENDING: 78 Homes | 52 Lots
*LISTED: 65 Homes, Avg $766,156 | 193 Lots, Avg $251,262
* 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.
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
Homes Staged Sell Faster!
by Dianne
It’s just a true statement. I have worked with Debbie DeMarais, of Home Staging Santa Fe and highly recommend her services.
Recently I was on tour with clients in Las Campanas and we stopped in to see one of the newest developments of a completed home. The home was modern, clean design style, with large areas of glass that allowed the outside to flow into the house. In less than a minute in the home I asked the listing realtor if Debbie had done the staging and they said “YES, how did you know?” The staging was simple, not over decorated. It had the feeling we all could have moved in immediately. The decor supported the architectural design elements and did not over power the rooms. The rooms flowed together and showed Debbie’s attention to detail. Debbie’s ability to stage with a Sellers’ own furnishings or with her own beautiful and varied inventory sets her apart from any other stager in New Mexico.
Debbie staged a 12 year old home for one of my listings a few years back. Debbie was hired to not only stage the home, but to also coordinate all the repairs prior to staging. When the listing went “live” on the market, the home looked brand new and the staging of the furniture showed her impeccable taste that set the correct mood. There were over 40 people attending the first open house. . . and we went under contract in 9 days for a full price offer with many potential back up offers waiting in the wings. At that time, it was the most expensive home in the area and the average days on the market ranged from 34 -112 days. Debbie’s work made this all possible.
Debbie DeMarais
Certified Home Stager & Designer
HSR, CLIPP™, CCE, ASID Allied Member
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 2.5 year old silver standard poodle
August 1-31 2021
Summer has been cooler on the ranch in Taos this year. Lots of hazy skies (due to the fires in the west), afternoon rains, along with more wind for this time of year. I always long for autumn and this year even more so. Autumn is my favorite time of year so I anxiously await the crisp fall air. Regardless, it is still summer here and the blue full moon is a delight. Any time of year with Sierra is the best time!
I have bought Sierra a few fancy neck wear collars. It makes me smile and she does not mind humoring me. We also bought Sierra some wellies to wear if we have to walk on hot pavement. She prances like a deranged pony when wearing them, but if we have the occasion when she must walk on hot pavement, at least we can protect her feet. We also have snow muttluks for her to wear in very cold snow weather, which she has yet to try on.
I weigh & measure Sierra once a month, so here are her stats as of June 30, 2021: 14″ collar, girth: 24″, height to shoulder: 25″ weight: 34.5 lbs.
Sierra’s photos for the month of August 2021 Link »
Celebration of 2 years:
You really need to watch Sierra’s videos as they capture her spirit!
Here is the link to Sierra’ 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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