Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,

June 2017 marks fourth 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: Consciousness
• 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

Consciousness

Consciousness is the quality or state of self-awareness, of being aware of an external object or something within oneself. It has been defined as: sentience, awareness, subjectivity, the ability to experience or to feel, wakefulness, having a sense of selfhood, and the executive control system of the mind.

Consciousness is not a fixed energy or quantity. Consciousness varies greatly from person to person, some people being much more aware, alert, wise, causal, loving, and happy in life than others. Consciousness of Self also varies in the same person in the normal daily cycle of sleeping and waking. Spirituality is all about the accumulation, conservation, and wise use of energy.

Consciousness is the ability or the amount of awareness of both Self and Other. This awareness can range from deep, dreamless sleep, to Cosmic Consciousness, which is total awareness of all that exists in all universes.

The term collective consciousness refers to the condition of the individual within the whole of society, and how any given individual comes to view themselves as a part of any given group. Collective consciousness represents the individual’s relationship to a larger group or structure, but marks the sameness among members of that group, which act to make that group a cohesive whole. Scientists believe that animals – including humans – have a collective consciousness.

Through our own individual awakening process and our collective consciousness, we have a chance/choice to make positive changes/choices. Present media theorists often link the notion of collective consciousness to signal the internet as a major intermediary in the creation of a truly global society.

Peter Diamandis speaks eloquently at Ted Talks, Ted.com, about our ability to rapidly make positive changes in our world in a short amount of time through our growing collective consciousness.

“…Perhaps the tremendous progress we’ve made over the last century by a series of forces are, in fact, accelerating to a point that we have the potential in the next three decades to create a world of abundance. Now I’m not saying we don’t have our set of problems — climate crisis, species extinction, water and energy shortage…. What gives me tremendous confidence in the future is the fact that we are now more empowered as individuals to take on the grand challenges of this planet. We have the tools with this exponential technology. We have the capital of the techno-philanthropist… We are living into extraordinary decades ahead.”  – Peter Diamandis

There are signs everywhere that we humans are accelerating to create a world with a deeper sense of moral, spiritual physical & mental commitment to solve the world’s problems and live life in abundance through our growing collective consciousness. How do we as individuals tap into this stream of consciousness? How will we take steps to be the change we want to pursue?

Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie

Real Estate Market Update

Housing Market Indicates New Mexico is on Pace for a Record-Setting Year

According to The Real Estate Association of New Mexico:

“Spring is generally the peak season for the housing market, and March housing trends get things off to a great start!”

“During March, 1,760 properties were reported as sold to the REALTORS Association of New Mexico (RANM), a 6.2% increase over the number reported sold in March 2016. A healthy March brings the first quarter 2017 total sales to 4,302 which is 7.7% ahead of first quarter 2016.“

“First quarter 2017 figures show nineteen reporting counties experienced an increase in number of sales from last year,” says 2017 RANM President Victoria Murph of Santa Fe. “Inventory is still tight in many areas, so homes that are priced right are selling quickly and sometimes with multiple offers.” RANM CEO Steven Anaya adds, “Median prices continue to rise – up just over 4% statewide for first quarter 2017 compared to first quarter 2016. Buyers are realizing they need to act quickly before prices and mortgage interest rates go up.”

2017 1st Quarter Sales: 4,302
Median: $182,500

2016 1st Quarter
Sales 3,994
Median: $175,000

2015 1stQuarter
Sales: 3,688
Median: $169,125

March 2017
Sales: 1,760
Median: $184,975

March 2016
Sales: 1,658
Median: $179,000

March 2015
Sales: 1,549
Median: $174,900

“While New Mexico’s unemployment numbers continue to put a damper on home ownership for some, the housing market in many areas of the state is holding its own,” says Murphy. “Property sales have contributed over $1.013 billion to New Mexico’s economy during the first quarter of 2017.” Anaya adds “This is the first time since RANM started keeping statewide statistics in 2008 that the reported first quarter volume has topped $1 billion.”

“The trends and numbers reported are only a snapshot of market activity. If you are interested in buying or selling, consult a REALTOR familiar with your market area; he/she can provide information on specific trends in your neighborhood.”

That’s all the news for now in this Sellers market!

Money Matters

Mortgage Daily News Reports:

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

I have received more interest in the available Lots in Aldea and in Las Campanas. This maybe a good time to buy a lot and build your home!

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 listed 9 of the last and best remaining Aldea view lots and 1 is 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 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, before they are all gone!

For more information visit the website: Aldea Lots For Sale »

8 Aldea Lot For Sale – 1 SOLD

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

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: 6 Homes, DOM 107  | 1 Lots, DOM 88
PENDING: 4 Homes | 0 Lots
LISTED: 14 Homes, Avg $630,742 | 11 Lots Avg $84,681

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 increasing in Aldea right now, there are 4 homes pending. Prices show an 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: 28 Homes, DOM 203 | 2 Lots, DOM 54
PENDING: 20 Homes | 8 Lots
LISTED: 60 Homes, Avg $1,350,673 | 90 Lots, Avg $132,940

There are currently 60 homes for sale in Las Campanas.

• 28 Homes under $1,000,000
• 32 Homes over $1,000,000

There are currently 90 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.

• 39 Lots under $100,000
• 51 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!

xxxx

Taos Real Estate News

The *Taos County region is a completely different real estate market than Santa Fe. Here are some stats that really show a totally different economy, sales volume and market conditions:

The market rose again in April.  Total closed transactions rose  8%; dollar sales rose 17%.  For the 2017 year to April 30, total closed sales rose 12.5%; dollars rose 14%.

Single-family homes are the largest active market of the total market.  Through April, single-family homes were 62% of total transactions, and 78% of dollar sales.  72 homes sold  in 2017 vs. 56 during the same period in 2016, an increase of 29%.  Dollar sales are $22.5 million vs. $18.4 million, a gain of 22%.  The single-family home market is definitely increasing this year!

Land sales in April were down 54%, from 13 to 6.  Dollar sales were down 59%.  Year-to-date unit sales are up from 29 to 30 (3%); dollars are down 14%

Condo first quarter unit sales in April rose from 4 to 5, but dollar sales were down 15%.   For the year to April 30, unit sales are down from 17 to 12 (-29%); dollars are down 32%.

Multi-family property sales in April were in the single digit, 1 vs. none last April.  Year-to-date sales are 1 vs none for the same period last year; dollar sales are up $405,000.

Commercial sales in April were in the single digit, 1 vs. 1 last April; dollar volume was down 1.  Year-to-date unit sales are 2 vs. 2 last year; dollar sales are UP 152%.

The pace of single-family home sales continues to be steady. We are predicting that the year will finish with substantial gains over 2016.  Last year started out strong, but slowed as the year progressed, finishing down slightly compared to 2015.  “Several factors combined to constrain sales: buyer preoccupation with politics and the U.S. elections; a very limited inventory of good homes for sale; the impact of the oil price collapse on Texas and Oklahoma.” says some in the know.

Buyers are ready to focus on personal goals such as buying a vacation or retirement home, or investing in income property.

If you have been thinking of selling your home, now might be the time!  The inventory is low, and prices are rising.  If you or someone you know is looking to purchase a home, let me take you on a tour of available properties. Call me for a free consultation and market analysis.

TOTAL MARKET (all categories of property) — 2017 vs. 2016

April 2017

# of Closed Sales:        INCREASED from 29 to 31   (6.9%)

Dollar Sales:                 INCREASED from $7,362,000 to $8,611,900  (17.0%)

Year-to-date April 30, 2017

# of Closed Sales:        INCREASED from 104 to 117   (12.5%)

Dollar Sales:                 INCREASED from $25,203,300 to $28,697,200  (13.9%)

* Greater Taos Valley including Taos Ski Valley (excluding Angel Fire, Black Lake, Chama and Red River).

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. 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

Summer is Here! How are you going to celebrate the season?

Get ready for the indoors to take over the outdoors this summer!

The number one trend this year is a seamless transition from your home to your outdoor space using outdoor rugs, ottomans, couches, lounging furniture, side tables, and layered blankets and throw pillows.

The backyard and portal has become an extension of your indoor space. Outdoor living rooms are perfect for our New Mexico summers, with warm days and cooling nights. Creating an outdoor gas or wood fire pit, has become the latest home decorating trend.

One way to bring the indoors out is adding colorful fabrics, throws and  pillows.

Stores are offering more and more options for cozying up your backyard. 

On the fabric side, some of the favorites this season include soft New Mexico blues and turquoise.

Another trend places outdoor rugs that section off areas for entertaining. The outdoor rugs give a finished look to the “room”.

Low maintenance xeriscape planting helps you spend more time entertaining and relaxing and less time working in the yard.

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 »

All things Santa Fe »

Taos Ski Valley »

Taos County »

New Mexico Events Calendar »

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 »

Taos County »

New Mexico »
 

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.