Eco Lifestyle And Home News – December 2017
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
December 2017 marks twelfth 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: Giving
- Real Estate Market Update
- Money Matters
- 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
Giving
Once again the season of Giving is upon us where we celebrate the holidays with festivities, yummy food and sharing holiday traditions. We all have experienced the joy of giving: giving gifts, giving of ones time, giving financial donations and giving love to one another.
There is more to giving of things. I have just recently realized how powerful the gift of giving of honesty when it is also helpful.
I have noticed this past year in the news, that many people speak their mind, without thought of how it would affect other people. Anger, accusations and incomplete truths can run rampant along with irrational, misguided, uninformed, with fear based arguments. The crowd picks up on the energy and feeds more negativity. I have been at loss for comments to either set the “record straight”, or retort a quick remark, or match the negative energy with a “honest” comment.
But when I think of being honest and helpful, I have given pause for thought. I have had long mental discussions with myself as how best to respond to group negative comments.
How can I be helpful and honest? What can I say to make the situation better?
I am reminded of a saying from The Buddha:
- If it is not truthful and not helpful, don’t say it.
- If it is truthful and not helpful, don’t say it.
- If it is not truthful and helpful, don’t say it.
- If it is truthful and helpful, wait for the right time. – Buddha
There would be a lot fewer words spoken if this was everyone’s guide. I keep coming back to this quote and marveling at how challenging it is to follow this simple, yet profound instruction.
Consistently speak only what is truthful AND helpful will give gift of kindness now during this holiday season, as well as all year long.
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Real Estate Market Update
The U.S. Census Bureau today released its October 2017 new residential sales report, which boasted an average home sales price of $400,200 — the highest since March 2007’s average of $329,400.
The sales of new single-family houses in October 2017 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 685,000. This is 6.2 percent (+/- 18.0%)* above the revised September 2017 estimate of 645,000, and 18.7 percent (+/- 23.5%)* above the October 2016 estimate of 577,000.
The estimate of new homes for sale at the end of October was 282,000, which represents a 4.9-month supply at the current sales rate.
Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale says although the number of new homes for sale has moderately increased (+3,000), buyers won’t receive a break from excessive home prices in the immediate future. But she says the uptick in demand should rouse builders to construct more homes, leading to increased affordability down the line.
“The pick-up in new home sales should improve builder confidence and lead to more home construction, offering home buyers additional options and creating opportunities for current owners to trade into new homes, potentially unleashing existing home inventory,” said Hale in an emailed statement.
“The number of existing homes for sale according to realtor.com data are down 8 percent from a year ago in October and increasing availability of homes for sale would be welcomed by home shoppers.”
Other data from the Census Bureau and HUD:
- The average sales price was $312,800.
- The Northeast led the way in new residential home sales, with a 30.2 (+/- 89.3)* percent month-over-month increase. The Midwest experienced the second highest rate of month-over-month growth at 17.9 (+/- 41.5)* percent.
- The West and South shored up the end of the pack with 6.4 percent (+/- 38.6)*and 1.4 percent
(+/- 18.3)* growth month-over-month, respectively.
The Census Bureau and HUD use sample surveys to collect data for their home sales, which means this data is subject to sampling variability as well as the typical statistical variance. * The survey is based on a sample of houses pulled from building permits. “Sales” are defined as deposits taken or sales agreements signed, not necessarily closings.
Money Matters
Mortgage Daily News Reports:
Nov 27 2017, 10:36AM
It wasn’t supposed to happen after the banner month for new home sales in September, but sales of those homes rose significantly again in October, jumping 6.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 685,000 units. The seasonally adjusted results for September were the highest in 10 years, and the percentage gain over August, 18.9 percent, was the largest in nearly three decades. The back-to-back increases more than compensate for a somewhat lackluster summer, and put sales 18.7 percent above the 577,000-unit rate in October 2016. The original estimate for September of 667,000 was revised down to 645,000, but remained the highest thus far in 2017.
Prior to the release of the joint report from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Econoday said, “A big step back in October wouldn’t be a surprise, and given the strength of September, wouldn’t necessarily dim what is an increasingly positive outlook for the housing sector.” Analysts polled by the website had expected sales at an annual rate of 620,000. The results were well outside of the range of their estimates, 600,000 to 650,000 units.
On a non-adjusted basis there were 55,000 newly constructed homes sold during the month. Sales in September were estimated at 50,000.
The median price of a home sold in October was $312,800 compared to $302,800 a year earlier. The average sale price was $400,200, up from $352,200.
At the end of the reporting period there were an estimated 282,000 new homes available for sale. Production however is not keeping up with demand; those units represent a 4.9-month supply at the current rate of absorption, down from 5.2 months in September. Homes were on the market a median of 3.2 months after completion.
Sales in the Northeast rose 30.2 percent from September and were 64.7 percent higher than the previous October. The Midwest saw an increase of 17.9 percent for the month and 16.2 percent year-over-year.
The South posted a 1.3 percent gain month-over-month and sales were 14.0 percent higher on an annual basis. In the West sales were up 6.4 percent and 20.1 percent from the two earlier periods.
Recommended Mortgage Lender
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
Aldea Lots
Currently, I have 7 of the last and best remaining Aldea view lots. 2 lots have already SOLD!!! If you have ever considered building your Santa Fe dream home, now you have some amazing view lots in which to choose. Aldea is 98% built out and up until now, there have not been a lot of choices for view lots, as most have already been built on. Now you have a great selection of view lots in which to choose to build your dream home, before they are all gone! Prices will go up in Spring 2018, so buy now and save!
Builder package available for the Aldea lots, please inquire.
For more information visit the website: Aldea Lots For Sale »
Location Map of the Aldea Lots
7 Aldea Lot For Sale –Price Adjustment on 4 Lots!!!
The Barranca Lots: 3 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
Price Adjustment:
Avenida Frijoles 2 View Lots
134 Avenida Frijoles | Lot Size Acres 0.230 | MLS #201700371 | Listing Price: $82,500
Price Adjustment:
136 Avenida Frijoles | Lot Size Acres 0.200 | MLS #201700370 | Listing Price: $77,500
Price Adjustment:
Avenida Aldea View Lot
101 Avenida Aldea | Lot Size Acres 0.230 | MLS #201700369 | Listing Price: $82,500
Price Adjustment:
Arroyo Privado View Lot
4 Arroyo Privado | Lot Size Acres 0.190 | MLS #201700368 | Listing Price: $82,500
Aldea Stats
2017 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 19 Homes, DOM 99 | 2 Lots, DOM 122
PENDING: 4 Homes | 0 Lots
LISTED: 10 Homes, Avg $593,800|10 Lots, Avg $86,800
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.
In 2016, 46 homes sold. As of December 2017, only 19 homes have sold in Aldea. Prices show a listing increase for homes and lots available. Currently there are 10 homes on the market, 4 pending. Out of the 10 listings, 1 is a townhouse below $360,000. Our Winter sales are starting slowly with a low inventory. With the 4 homes pending, 1 is in the price range:$600,000. The high end market has been stagnant up until now. There are 4 active listings, 4 homes in the $500,000 range and 1 townhouse priced at $359,000. Recently sold: 1 home for $800,000, 4 homes in the $600,000, 4 in the $500,000, 3 in the $400,000 range, 6 in the $300,000 range and 1 in the $200,000 range.
Las Campanas Real Estate News
2017 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SSOLD: 80 Homes, DOM 168 | 17 Lots, DOM 45
PENDING: 13 Homes | 10 Lots
LISTED: 51 Homes, Avg $1,360,087 | 79 Lots, Avg $143,892
There are currently 51 homes for sale in Las Campanas.
- 22 Homes under $1,000,000
- 29 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 79 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.
- 32 Lots under $100,000
- 47 Lots over $100,000
Las Campanas recently announced the release of the first new custom home neighborhood in over 10 years! Black Mesa, is their new 44 acre neighborhood consisting of 25 larger, estate sized mountain and golf view properties. The minimum size home in this section will be 2,500 sqft, with lots ranging from 1.02-2.58 acres. The property contains a centerline crest that rolls down in both directions off the roadway, creating dramatic unobstructed views.
Overlooking the sweeping mountain vistas of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains, Las Campanas’ new Black Mesa neighborhood offers a unique collection of homesites boasting the largest lot sizes in the best section of the Las Campanas property with awe-inspiring mountain views and centrally located to their finest amenities: golfing and the Hacienda Clubhouse.
Let me take you on a tour and arrange a stay at Las Campanas!
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.
Visit the website for Santa Fe information: RealEstatePropertiesSantaFe.com
Taos Real Estate News
Real Estate Summary For Taos Area
“As we head into fall, this nine-month “Local Real Estate Market Stats Snapshot” report shows single-family home sales up in all local markets compared to the same period last year. Condominium sales, on the other hand, were down in all markets except Angel Fire when compared to the same period last year. Land sales have also seen a significant spike in activity in the Angel Fire and Taos markets compared to last year, and there are some new construction projects in both of these local markets. It is anticipated that local market conditions will remain constant through the end of the year.”
Here are some stats to consider:
Taos Ski Valley Real Estate News
Featured Listing
You Could Live Here!!!!
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. One KML homesite is already reserved. And only Four 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
Decorating for the Winter Holidays
From Houzz
“The ideal purchase is holiday decor that can be used for multiple occasions, however that’s not the only trick to maximize your holiday decorating this season.”
“Winter holidays is arguably one of the most popular decorating holidays, both inside and outside the home. Christmas lights and wreaths are popular additions to your exterior, while trees, ornaments, tree skirts, stockings and garlands are popular indoors.”
“Color makes a world of difference when it comes to these decisions. Picking items in simple tones that go well with the overall style of your house means that you might be able to whip out those candle holders for more than one holiday party, or even keep them out for most of the season. Choosing Holidays decorations that have more of a “wintry” feel.”
For ideas on celebrating the winter holidays, 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!
