Your personal home-buying schedule doesn’t have to correspond with the real estate market! In fact, buying during the “off season” can yield tremendous advantages.

The “off season” differs depending on your specific location, but always refers to the period of time during a calendar year when both inventory and competition are low. Usually, this corresponds with the weather conditions in a particular area.

If you’re buying a home, you may just want to begin looking for your dream home during this period of market inactivity. Here’s why:

There’s Less Competition

During the off season there are typically far fewer active buyers looking for homes, as most buyers prefer to look for homes when the weather is great or their kids are out on summer vacation. If you’re searching during the off season, you won’t feel as much pressure from other buyers looking at the same homes as you.

This gives you plenty of time to tour homes, think about them, and come to a decision about whether or not you want to put an offer down.

But the Same Great Inventory

While inventory does decrease during the off season, you can still expect to encounter a great selection of homes for sale in your area. Home selling tends to correspond less with the weather or the time of year and more with an individual seller’s situation.

After all, sellers usually have unique reasons (like relocating for work or searching for a bigger home) for selling their home that aren’t related to the weather or the season.

So no matter the time of year, there will always be homes for sale.

You’ve Got More Room for Negotiation

As the buyer, you have the upper hand during the off season. Fewer buyers often mean more desperate or eager sellers. And many times, sellers whose homes didn’t sell during the busier seasons will drop their price to appeal to more buyers.

This eagerness to sell gives your more power in your negotiations. By working with your Realtor, you may be able to get the seller to agree to a lower price, or possibly even some upgrades or repairs.

Your Realtor Won’t Be as Busy

Not that your Realtor shouldn’t always make time for you, but during the hectic busy season, it can be tough! During the off season, real estate agents usually have fewer clients — meaning they have more time to dedicate to you and your needs.

However, when you choose to partner with us, you can expect a superior level of customer service—any time of year. Give us a call today to get started on buying your dream home.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!)

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

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.