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All posts by Susan Feil

Find Your New Home in this Lush North Valley Retreat

Are you looking for a natural retreat within the limits of the city? When you live at this 5812 Padre Roberto Road NW estate, you’ll feel like you’re in a luscious garden sanctuary while remaining just minutes from the heart of Albuquerque.

Explore a little more about the amazing features in this breathtaking home, and let the Feil Realty team help you snag this hot listing!

Exterior Features

The walkway to the 5812 Padre Roberto Road NW home. As you pull into the long, paved drive of the 5812 Padre Roberto Road NW home, you’ll be greeted by a stunning entryway. Various plants and flowers adorn the top of the arch leading to the main outdoor entryway, and the dense trees surrounding the property provide both privacy and fantastic splashes of color.

When you stroll the backside of the property, you’ll find a  charming stucco-covered patio and courtyard. With an outdoor fireplace, beautiful stone landscaping fixtures, and an expansive garden space, the backyard is a truly impressive area to make your own and is perfect for all types of outdoor hobbies and entertainment.

The home also features a massive four-car garage, with plenty of space for storage, extra vehicles, or whatever else you may need the space for! Enjoy the wide-open spaces, lush vegetation and landscaping, and beautiful, modern outdoor features of this majestic manor.

Interior Features

The study in the 5812 Padre Roberto Road NW home.When you walk under the arch and into the front door of the home at 5812 Padre Roberto Road NW, you’ll see the breathtaking curved staircase that acts as the centerpiece of the entryway. To your left, you’ll find an intimate study with beautiful wooden bookshelves lining the walls, bringing a warm, natural feel to the room as a whole.

When you head to the right, you’ll walk into a small formal dining room that opens up to a luxurious and open two-floor living room area. Gaze up at the stunning cathedral ceiling and beam ceiling, and take in the full view from the open upstairs landing.

One of the living rooms in the 5812 Padre Roberto Road NW home. The gourmet kitchen is just a few steps away from this living area and features an electric stove, a double oven, and state-of-the-art appliances. After you enjoy a home-cooked meal, grab a drink at the wet bar, or relax in front of one of the five stone fireplaces in the home — including one in the beautiful master bedroom. You’ll never get sick of entertaining, lounging, and living in this warm and luxurious estate.

Amazing Location

An aerial view of the 5812 Padre Roberto Road NW home. Nestled on the edges of the city of Albuquerque, the homes at 5812 Padre Roberto Road NW offers a mix of city amenities and rural perks. The banks of the Rio Grande are just a short walk away from the house. Major natural areas like the Petroglyph National Monument and Cibola National Forest are also just a few miles away, so if you’re a fan of hiking, fishing, biking, or any other outdoor activities, then this area is perfect.

When you start to itch for some entertainment, head to Downtown Albuquerque, just a 15-20 minute drive away! Enjoy the vibrant local culinary scene, the diverse array of local and chain retailers, and tons of community events. When you live at 5812 Padre Roberto Road NW, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Interested in a Showing?

Have you been won over by the amazing features and unbeatable location of this majestic home? Schedule a showing today! The team at Feil Realty would love to show you around this stunning property or answer any questions you may have.

Contact us today, and let us help you snag this hot listing!

Find Your Dream Home at this Famous Masterpiece

Not many people can claim that their home was a location in an Academy Award-winning series, but the 1251 Bona Terra Loop NW Christian Liagre-inspired home in Albuquerque has the distinct honor of doing so. Not only is the architecture of the home renowned for its elegance and beauty, but the property was also a filming location for the series finale of the hit television show Breaking Bad.

Explore the stunning features, breathtaking architecture, and excellent location of this famous home, and find out why it’s one of the hottest listings on the market.

Interior Features

The living room of the 1251 Bona Terra Loop NW homeGorgeous glass doors, walls of bay windows, and intricate modern lighting fixtures dot the interior of the home at 1251 Bona Terra Loop NW. Bathe the pristine wooden and stone floors in warm natural light while you gaze out on the rolling hills in the distance.

Step in to the gourmet kitchen, and prepare a meal in the state-of-the-art kitchen, complete with modern appliances, double ovens, and a range hood. Enjoy the formal, detached dining room away from the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, then retire to one of the two livings areas, perfect for entertaining guests.

For a quite night in, step into the expansive master suite for rest and relaxation, and draw a bath in the jetted tub. Other interior features include three crackling fireplaces,  stunning skylights, massive walk-in closets, and an inviting great room. With all of these luxurious elements, this 1251 Bona Terra Loop NW home will feel like your own private resort.

Exterior Features

The exterior of the 1251 Bona Terra Loop NW homeWhen you pull in to the long 1251 Bona Terra Loop NW drive, you’ll immediately be struck by the privacy and seclusion of this beautiful home. Take in the stunning angles and overhangs of the stucco exterior, complimented by the crystal-clear walls of glass doors and windows.

The landscaping all around the home features lush green grass and small trees, with natural flowers and plants dotting the perimeter. Follow the stone steps around to the fenced-in backyard, and take in a cool night on the charming covered patio. With an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and grill, as well as a pool and hot tub, the backyard of this 1251 Bona Terra Loop NW is perfect for entertaining guests or just enjoying a beautiful New Mexican sunset.

Unbeatable Location

The backyard of the 1251 Bona Terra Loop NW homeLocated just a stone’s throw from the banks of the Rio Grande, this majestic home offers one-of-a-kind waterfront views. The house is framed on the opposite side by the stunning peaks of the Cibola National Forest. If you’re a nature-lover, then this location is fantastic for hiking, fishing, and all sort of outdoor activities.

A twenty-minute drive from the heart of Albuquerque, the 1251 Bona Terra Loop NW home is the perfect blend of natural serenity and big-city perks. Enjoy the active food scene, local and chain retailers, and tons of community events in the nearby city.

Interested in Scheduling a Showing?

Are you looking to explore the gorgeous views and stunning architecture of this 1251 Bona Terra Loop NW home? Contact the team at Feil Real Estate if you have any questions or would like to set up a tour. We would love to help you snag this incredible listing today!

 

5 Tips Every Military Home Seller Should Know

Whether you’re retiring from the military and planning a move, or you’ve just received PCS orders to relocate, we’ve got your back. As a military homeowner, it’s always smart to have a game plan ready for selling your home on a timeline.

Here are five tips to help get you there!

Make a List of Things to Fix

Man applying plaster to a wall in his home.Before listing your home, go through each room and note any repairs or improvements that need to happen. Make sure you’re taking care of any damaged or malfunctioning appliances. Things like leaky faucets, broken appliances, and carpet damage are a huge turnoff to buyers.

You should also see what aesthetic improvements you can make! This includes things like repainting the walls, replacing tarnished door knobs, and switching out old faucets.

Use Listing Photos from Last Spring (If Possible)

Now that it’s getting colder outside and your grass, trees, and plants might not look so fresh, you may want to consider using exterior photos of your home from spring or summer when listing it. You want your home (and yard) to look as lush and verdant as possible.

Regardless of the time of year, high-quality listing photos pay for themselves. Professional photos will make your home look much more appealing than ones taken on your cell phone, and will invite potential buyers to come see it in person.

Research the Market

Woman smiling at a laptop as she researches the real estate market.The market has probably changed a lot since the last time you bought or sold a home. Before you list your home, take some time to thoroughly research your local real estate market.

Familiarize yourself with things like the current listing prices in your neighborhood, average turnaround times, and the type of housing for sale around where you live. Need a jumping off point for your research? We’ve got your back! We’d love to share some complimentary market reports and research tools with you.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere with Staging!

Now that it’s officially fall, take advantage of cozy fall staging to really welcome buyers into your home. As it gets colder outside, potential buyers will be feeling the cooler temperatures; imagine their relief when they step into your warm and cozy home after being outside in the cold.

Play up the cozy aspects of your home by lighting lightly-scented candles (like cinnamon or cloves, nothing too crazy!) or putting a pot of cider on the stove. Place throw blankets on furniture, highlight your fireplace or wood stove, and make sure to keep all your shades or blinds open to let in the natural light.

Get a Property Valuation

Two parents in military fatigues smiling as they hug their child.The most important step to selling your home within your timeframe is pricing it correctly! It may seem easier, but you really can’t rely on on online home value estimators. These automated systems use algorithms to price homes, and often rely on outdated or even incorrect information. Too often, we see sellers lose out on their hard-earned equity by using one of these tools—sometimes even missing out on thousands of dollars!

Instead, work with a Realtor with extensive experience buying and selling homes in your area. If you’d like a free property valuation, one that takes into account the specific qualities of your home and the surrounding neighborhood in real time, please reach out to us!

Ready for a Successful Home Sale?

As an active duty or retired military member, you deserve a real estate experience that’s custom-tailored to fit your unique needs. When you choose to partner with us, that’s exactly what you’ll get.

Give us a call today to get started!

3 Reasons Why Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is Perfect to Put Down Roots

Los Ranchos de Albuquerque represents the most charming parts of New Mexico. With the perfect balance of rural charm and its bustling local culture, Los Ranchos immerses you in the best that the Southwest has to offer.

Here are 3 reasons why Los Ranchos de Albuquerque should be the next place you put down roots.

1. Rich, Local Traditions

Farmers Market

Farmers Market

Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is known for its local traditions, amazing eateries, and its highly anticipated annual events.

In fact, because Los Ranchos is deeply connected to it’s agricultural roots, they are most famously known for its Growers Market, which has been going on for over 25 years and has been voted “The Best of the City.” People from all over New Mexico flock to this great event to experience the all the great crops and products from local farms and businesses.

The Growers Market truly captures the specific charm that only Los Ranchos can offer.

2. Great Weather and Beautiful Scenery

Clouds rolling over the Sandia Mountains.

Los Ranchos is known for it’s beautiful scenery and excellent weather! With the majority of the days being clear and sunny paired with New Mexico’s natural beauty, it can be hard to find much to complain about.

With an abundance of local farms and walking trails, the scenery doesn’t get better than that.

3. A Quiet and Close-Knit Community

Two children smiling over a plant.

Los Ranchos is a great community for those that both want a place to escape from the fast pace world but also remain connected.

While it’s a quiet community it also has a bustling local culture that will keep you engaged and thriving in close-knit environment.

Are You Ready to Explore Your Options With Us?

If you think Los Ranchos is perfect for you, then feel free to explore your options with us!

Browse some of our featured listings, learn more about the community, and even explore our luxury homes. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

How to Sell Your Home (While Buying a New Home)

It’s a common real estate predicament: selling the home you currently live in while trying to buy a new one. So… what’s the most efficient way to go about it?

All in all, it depends on your situation. Are you willing to buy a second home without having sold your first one? Or are you relying on the payoff from your current home for the down payment on your new one? Are you relocating? Upgrading? Downsizing? Your reasons for selling will most likely dictate how you’ll go about the process.

So, here are four things to keep in mind when you’re buying and selling a home at the same time.

It’s All About Timing

Group of people consulting a calendar.What works best for you? If you’re selling your home because you’re relocating to a new area, it might more more sense to sell your current home first before buying a new home in a new market.

However, if you have enough money saved up for a down payment, it may be easier to buy your new home first, then sell your old home once you’ve moved to the new one.

So Do Your Research

A great place to start is by researching the market. If there are a lot of buyers and not a lot of homes, this is called a “buyer’s market”, meaning the conditions are ideal for buyers. Oppositely, if there are a lot of buyers and not a lot of homes, the conditions favor sellers (a “seller’s market”). If you’re buying and selling in two different markets, you’ll have to research both.

If you opt to buy before selling, make an offer on the new home with a sale and settlement contingency. You can then request an extended closing.

And Consider Your Money, Money, Money

A pile of money next to a checkbook with a pen.Look closely at your bank account; what is it telling you?

The answer to your current question (Should I buy or should I sell first?) most likely lies within. Begin by meeting with your financial advisor or mortgage lender. You’ll want to look at three main financial factors: a) The amount of money you have in liquid cash, b) The equity in your current home, and c) The amount of the new loan you qualify for.

A big part of this is knowing the resale value of your current home. It’s also a good idea to have a pre-inspection completed on your home, so you can take care of any maintenance issues that might deter potential buyers down the road… and maybe even bump up your home value a bit.

Your Equity is Also Crucial

To find the equity on your home, take its current market value and subtract what’s left on your mortgage.

Need to know the current market value of your home? Use our home evaluation tool! Please reach out to us to learn more.

Work With the Right Realtor

Even if you’re not buying and selling a home at the same time, the right Realtor can transform your real estate experience. A great local agent has the expertise and resources you need for a streamlined, stress-free, and successful real estate transaction.

If you’re in search of an expert agent in the area, we have the experience, resources, and area knowledge to assist you in your upcoming home sale and/or purchase. Give us a call today to learn more.

Get Ready for Nine Days of Beautiful Balloons this October!

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air ballooning event in the country, taking place in the New Mexico city each fall. Held from October 6th to October 14th, you won’t want to miss this stunning event.

Enjoy nine days filled with hundreds of hot air balloons and thousands of people from across the country. Besides the hot air balloons, the accompanying dining, art, and music options are endless.

Nine Days of Fun

Hot air balloons.Included in your general admission ticket is visual access to all sections of the venue. Visit Main Street for souvenirs and sweets, while Artisans at Balloon Fiesta shows you the juried artists of the year.

The Chainsaw Carving Competition offers multiple competitive feats. The possibilities are endless!

Gorgeous Autumn Weather

The crisp southwest autumn is the perfect time of year for the festival. Be sure to dress in layers – you’ll want a jacket for morning and evening spectacles. The most photographed event in the world, the 360-acre park creates room for all, and a 46-year safety record ensures your peace of mind as you absorb all that the festival has to offer.

The park allows for bringing your own picnic lunch or enjoying the food at the venues. Be sure to bring that fancy camera, too, for the numerous photo opportunities during the event. Even amateur photographers can achieve great shots at the festival.

A New Mexico Tradition

Hot air balloons.

This event is hugely popular and widely affordable. In fact, preteens and under ride for free! With such affordable admission, it’s no wonder why this event is so widely known. To manage parking, the event has park and ride options for those attending as well as parking lots for those wishing to drive themselves.

Many locals recommend the park and ride option for ease of access and peace of mind. The best way to manage the impending traffic is to leave early and plan accordingly. Show up as early as you can, and plan to stay for more than just a couple days!

The events of the festival are very weather-dependent, and you don’t want random cancellations spoiling the trip for you. Be sure to take advantage of the nearby museum which explains all of the ins and outs of balloon aeronautic history.

Ready to Find Your Dream Home in the Land of Enchantment?

We’re here to help. Give us a call today to discuss your real estate options in beautiful communities like Santa Fe and Albuquerque!

Home Buying Terminology: A Cheat Sheet

Buying a home shouldn’t be rocket science. You find the perfect home, make an offer to the seller, pay a couple of fees, and bam! You just bought a home.

However, buying a home actually has a lot of moving parts which include a number of funny real estate terms you’ve probably never heard before. Are Realtors and real estate agents even speaking English anymore?

To help you out, we’ve come up with a cheat sheet so you’ll know exactly what we are talking about when we explain the home-buying process.

Pre-Approval

Two adults meeting over a stack of paper.If you meet with an agent before you begin looking for homes, they’ll likely recommend you get pre-approved for a mortgage. Mortgage pre-approval is the best first step to buying a home, because it essentially sets your budget for you.

Pre-approval involves sitting down with a lender to discuss your financial portfolio. This includes your credit score, borrowing history, outstanding debts, annual income, and any assets you have. After reviewing all of this, the lender gives you an exact number: that’s how much the bank is willing to lend you.

Not only is your budget set, home sellers will take you more seriously because they know you can qualify for enough loan to support your offer.

Earnest Money

Two parents sitting with a child who is opening a piggy bank full of coins.Defined loosely, earnest money is the money you pay to confirm a contract. When you’re buying a home, this is essentially a good faith deposit. It lets the seller know that you’re serious—serious enough to go ahead and put money down.

This money sits in a joint account (called an “escrow” account) held by both the buyer and seller. When the home purchase is finalized, the earnest money goes toward the buyer’s down payment.

Due Diligence

A few bills next to a checklist that has home-buying items on it.Due diligence refers to the period of time after the seller has accepted a buyer’s offer. This is the time when you as the buyer can schedule inspections, confirm financing, and make sure that buying this home is in your best interest.

Now’s the time to do some research! Have the home inspected by a professional to ensure nothing is wrong with it, consult public records to learn more about its past homeownership, as well as any environmental issues in the neighborhood, and work with your lender to make sure this is a good financial decision.

So…. Are Realtors and Agents the Same Thing?

Yes and no. The primary difference between REALTOR®s and real estate agents is the National Association of Realtors, also known as the NAR. The NAR is a professional organization of real estate brokers that abides by a specific Code of Ethics that all REALTOR®s are required to follow.

A real estate agent works under a brokerage, but is not necessarily a licensed NAR member.

Let’s Find Your Dream Home Together

Young couple being handed the keys to their new home.We’ll never hide behind big words when it comes to helping you find the home that’s right for you.

Give us a call today to begin your home-buying journey.

How to Sell Your Home During Back-to-School Season: A Complete Guide

As summer draws to a close, so dawns every parent’s favorite season: the beginning of another school year. This time of year can be hectic for every parent, but it may become especially overwhelming if you’re also trying to sell your home.

Don’t worry, though! We’re here to help. We’ve come up with a bonafide game plan to help you sell your home, handle back-to-school season, and maintain your sanity. Ready to learn more?

Here’s what you need to do:

Prepare a Fresh Start with Staging

Bright kitchen interior.The first step to staging a home is to create a blank canvas. After all, you want potential buyers to be able to picture their lives in your home. To do that, you’ll need to take down any personal artwork, decorations, or mementos—school accomplishments, artwork your kiddos may have made for you, personal school pictures, and anything else.

While this may seem like a bummer, it is essential to selling your home.

Get Some Extra Storage

Another essential part of staging your home is removing any and all clutter. This may seem impossible with all the new school supplies, clothing, and toys strewn about, but it’s doable—and necessary!

Consider investing in a storage unit to house excess furniture, summer toys, and old clothing, or even replace a bench, ottoman, or coffee table with one that doubles as a storage chest to house excess items.

Plan for Showings (but make it fun!)

Young girl swinging in the park.Guess what time is perfect for back-to-school shopping? House-showing time!

To get kids out of the house during showings, come up with a list of kid-friendly outings or activities you can take.

Consider going to the library, a movie theater, an outdoor park or nature center, or the mall to kill some time as your Realtor shows off your home.

Make a Showing-Prep Checklist

As your Realtor schedules your home for showings, try to request at least a one to two hour buffer for each one. Then, create a checklist for what you need to accomplish to get your home showroom-ready before each tour.

Have bags pre-packed for when you need to be out of the house for an extended period of time. Depending on your kiddos, you may want to have have extra diapers, toys, books, games, snacks, and anything else you may need (and keep your list of outings handy!).

Create a Cozy Atmosphere Before You Head Out

Cute living room with cacti on the table.Before grabbing the kids and making yourself scarce, be sure to create an inviting and warm atmosphere for your buyers. Here are some general tips for last-minute staging:

  • Open all the windows — pull back the curtains, raise the blinds, and let in the light!
  • Light a soft-scented candle (nothing too crazy) or put out a bowl of potpourri to cover up any odors.
  • Set some calm, instrumental music to play in the background.
  • Put out a bowl of treats for potential buyers to munch on as they tour your home.

Want to Sell Your Home Fast (and stress-free)?

Then you need to partner with a real estate agent who knows their stuff. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you sell your home for top dollar—without all the extra stress during this busy season.

Get Ready for Santa Fe’s 97th Annual Summer Indian Market

Beginning Tuesday, August 14th, and continuing through Sunday, August 19th, the Sante Fe Indian Market provides an eclectic mix of Native American arts, music, and dance. It is the largest juried Native arts show in the world.

With nearly 200 federally recognized tribes in the U.S. and Canada represented, the market gives visitors the opportunity to purchase art directly from the artists themselves. The schedule is bursting with all things Native American and we’ve picked a few that sound too good to miss.

Kick Off Party

Two Native American peoples comparing clothes for sale at a traditional pow wow.If you can make it for the entire four day event, absolutely check out the Indian Market Kick Off Party on Thursday from 7 to 10pm. There will be a DJ and a sneak peek of the EDGE Contemporary Art Show.

Located in beautiful downtown at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, this party is sure to set the tone for a weekend filled with colorful art, music, and fashion.

The Kick Off Party is free and open to the public.

Friday Fun

Whether you arrive early or later in the day on Friday, there is no shortage of events peppered throughout the afternoon and evening sure to stir the inner artist in you. These include the Best of Show Ceremony and Luncheon and two showings of award-winning art.

All events are conveniently located at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center and require a ticket.

The Plaza Comes Alive

Native American child dressed in traditional dance regalia at a pow wow.The height of the market is on Saturday and Sunday with a plethora of exciting things to see and do. With almost 1,000 Native American Artists filling the Sante Fe Plaza, it’ll be hard to break away from the beauty of these traditional and contemporary creations.

The market will also have music and dance performances throughout the day to enjoy. For the fashionista, there is a gala featuring textile based artists and jewelry designers on Saturday at 6pm.

On Sunday the party continues with a Native American clothing contest and the haute couture fashion show.

Ready to Call Santa Fe Home?

Along with the amazing Indian Market, Santa Fe is a hotbed of arts, culture and outdoor adventures. If you’re interested in becoming part of this incredible city, give us a call. We would love to help you make this town your Southwestern oasis.

Home Buying 101: The Service Providers You Need for Your Home Purchase

When it comes to buying a home, there are more things to consider than you may realize. After all, it’s a lot more complicated than walking into the grocery store to buy a gallon of milk!

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases the average person makes. As such, you can expect there to be a lot of preparation, negotiation, and paperwork involved. In addition to obtaining a mortgage and signing the paperwork, there are a number of other tasks that need to be completed before you can open the doors to your new home.

Here’s a quick crash course in Home Buying 101: what service providers you need to hire while purchasing your new home.

Mortgage Lender

Man and a woman speaking with a bank lender holding pens.Ideally, you should start talking to lenders before you even begin looking for homes—and get pre-qualified for a mortgage as soon as possible.

Pre-qualification involves reviewing all of your finances, including income, expenses, and savings, with a lender.

Then, the lender will do some math and let you know exactly how much the bank is willing to loan you.

Home Inspector

Before you purchase the home, you absolutely must schedule a home inspection! This usually happens after you negotiate a price and sign the initial Purchase and Sale Agreement with the seller.

The home inspector will carefully go through every room of your new home (including basement, attic, and roof) to ensure everything is in proper working order. If the inspector finds any major issues, you can negotiate with the seller to get them fixed.

The average home inspection costs around $315, but it may end up being higher depending on the size of your home as well as any other add ons. For a larger home greater than 2,000 square feet, it may cost upwards of $400 or $500.

Appraiser

Woman at a computer explaining a home appraisal.After the home inspection comes the appraisal. Your lender requires an appraisal because they want to protect their investment by making sure the home is worth at least as much as they’re lending you.

The appraiser will take a close look at key features in the home and compare them to the features in other homes (and what those homes have sold for). If the appraiser values the home at less than the sales price, the bank will lower the amount of your mortgage to match it. If this happens, you have several options.

Depending on the contract you signed with the seller, you may be able to get your deposit back and walk away. You can also dispute the appraisal by talking with your Realtor about property values. Another option is to negotiate the price with the seller.

Title Company

Title insurance promises peace of mind when buying a home. Basically, when you purchase title insurance, a title company will come in and ensure the seller actually owns the home and the title is valid. This protects you down the line, in case any issues come up regarding past taxes, contracts, or prior mortgages with the home’s title.

It’s also a good idea to purchase owner’s and lender’s title insurance to protect yourself and your lender from any issues with claims to the title of your property.

The cost of title insurance depends on the size of your mortgage and your location.

Have any Questions? We’re Here for You

For even more information on how to navigate the purchase of your home, including all the fees, paperwork, and legal jargon, give us a call today. We’re always here to help.