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Planning on Retiring in Your Albuquerque Dream Home? Read This First

If you’re well established in your career, you may already be thinking about retirement. If you’re nearing or have already reached it; we want to say congratulations! Retiring is an exciting part of life, one you’ve probably been looking forward to for a while.

Do you know where you’ll be retiring to? Ultimately, where you live out your retirement should complement the retirement lifestyle you want to have. Many retirees, as they advance in age, want to stay in their own home (instead of moving to an assisted living facility.)

This is called “aging in place.” It’s a wonderful option for homeowners who have the means to stay in their home. If you’d like to buy the perfect home to retire in, continue reading for some tips.

The Benefits to Aging in Place

In many cases, staying in your home as you age can be less expensive than moving to an assisted-living facility. Plus, you have the added comfort of being in the home you know. Your friends and community are still nearby to take an active part in your life.

If you’re planning on aging in place, here are four things to keep in mind as you search for your dream home.

Opt For a More Accessible Home

Single-story ranch style home.Whether it’s a cozy single-family home in an active adult community or a first-floor master bedroom in a ranch-style home, your retirement home should be easily accessible.

Explore your options by searching homes for sale in the Albuquerque area. There are a wide variety of housing options available here.

Keep Developing YourPlan

How thoroughly have you planned your retirement years? It’s not enough to make on plan and stick with it, you should evolve your plan as your situation changes.

If, you start to need more care as you age, your plan should change to reflect that.

Ensure Your Home is Safe

Living room with gray couch and blue pillows.Be sure the floors are easy to traverse, and free of clutter, and that everything is within easy reach in your dream home. Thoroughly check each room to be sure there aren’t any potential hazards.

As you get older, it’s also a good idea to install brighter outdoor lighting, secure handrails, and automatic hallway lights.

Work With an Experienced Realtor

When it comes to finding your dream “forever” home, you should work with a realtor who will prioritize your needs. Our mother-daughter team, The Feil Cabinet, is well experienced with buying and selling homes in Albuquerque for a variety of different people. Allow us to leverage our unique expertise to assist you in finding your dream home.

Get started today by searching for homes and looking at local neighborhoods. Please reach out to us if you have any questions, or simply need someone to chat with about your goals.

Finding Home in New Mexico: The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Albuquerque

Thinking of buying a home in Albuquerque but not sure which neighborhood is the right fit? Check out the top 5 neighborhoods in town to find your favorite and start searching for your dream home!

The Best Places to Live in Albuquerque

This city’s got a lot of great neighborhoods and communities, but in our opinion, there are a few that really stand out from the crowd. Here are our favorite five Albuquerque neighborhoods.

1. Albuquerque Country Club

best neighborhoods in albuquerque: albuquerque country clubAmazing amenities and unbeatable location make Albuquerque Country Club a local favorite. Spend a day on the 18-golf golf course. Enjoy some fishing at Tingley Beach. Visit the ABQ BioPark Zoo. Take a hike on the 16-mile Paseo Del Bosque Trail or explore the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens.

Plus, there’s a community junior Olympic pool, a fitness center, and tennis center. And with a location just minutes from Downtown, all the city’s best shopping, dining, attractions and entertainment are just minutes from home.

2. High Desert

best neighborhoods in albuquerque: high desert

Tucked into the rolling foothills of the sandia Mountains, High Desert homes boast some of the most breathtaking views in the city. An active HOA maintains the pristine natural beauty of the community and takes care of the upkeep of the neighborhood amenities, which include a community pool and spa. And though it’s quiet and secluded, High Desert is conveniently just minutes from shopping, dining, and the attractions of Downtown.

3. Ridgecrest

beautiful home for sale in ridgecrest, one of the best neighborhoods in albuquerqueIt’s not hard to see why Ridgecrest has been nicknamed “Parkland Circle”—the area is filled with grassy green lawns, lush parks, and breathtaking mountain views peeking through the trees. Just minutes from the University of New Mexico, Central Ave, and Old Town, Ridgecrest is a world of luxurious green living that’s still plenty convenient to the amenities, attractions, and opportunities of Downtown Albuquerque.

4. The North Valley

lush vineyard and farmland in the north valley, one of the best neighborhoods in albuquerqueFollowing along the Rio Grande, the North Valley is arguably one of the lushest and most beautiful neighborhoods in town, home to vineyards, farm fields, cottonwood trees, and even horse stables. Many of the area’s oldest homes—and families—are located in the North Valley, as well as some of its priciest homes and largest lots.

It’s also home to some fabulous amenities, like La Ladera Park, Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center, and Vernon’s Speakeasy. And despite its sense of rural beauty and seclusion, the North Valley is still convenient to main thoroughfares, allowing it to maintain a low 20 minute average commute.

5. Ventana Ranch

beautiful outdoor patio on a home for sale in albuquerqueThis stunning planned community of stained stucco homes, stone yards, and lush desert vegetation is less of a neighborhood and more of its own private world of attractions and amenities. It’s home to Central New Mexico Community College, local schools and parks, affordable housing, miles of multi-use paths, and even a community center featuring a fitness center, pool, and other amenities.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Home in Albuquerque?

Are you thinking of buying a home in Albuquerque? Then it’s time to contact The Feils. As your guides to all things lifestyle and real estate throughout the Albuquerque community, we’re here to help you explore the area, discover its beautiful neighborhoods, and find the perfect place to call home.

What’s Your Style? 5 Popular Architectural Styles to Consider for Your Dream Home

Dream homes around the country have one thing in common: amazing architecture. From Greek Revival to Modern, we’re breaking down the most popular architectural styles in America to help you discover your own dream home.

A two-story Greek Revival plantation home with tall columns, wrap-around porches, and a grassy lawn.

1. Greek Revival Homes

Popular during the 1820s, ’30s, and ’40s, Greek Revival takes inspiration from the ornate temples of ancient Greek cities.

In America, you’ll find this architectural style sprinkled in cities throughout the country. Picture the magnificent columns and symmetrical design of historic Southern plantation homes, monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House itself, and you’re thinking of Greek Revival.

This architectural style exudes elegance and sophistication, which is why Greek Revival is one of the most popular housing styles in the United States. Many Greek Revival homes feature:

  • neutral exterior colors, particularly white
  • gabled roofs with a cornice
  • tall columns, either fluted or smooth

The Painted Ladies in San Francisco, a row of tri-colored Victorian houses with the San Francisco skyline in the background.

2. Victorian Homes

Fans of Full House will instantly recognize these colorful Victorian homes in San Francisco. The Victorian architectural style made its debut in America during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, popping up in small towns and big cities alike.

Victorian homes are often asymmetrical and ornate, and they typically include some or all of the following features:

  • bright, bold exteriors instead of neutral tones
  • elaborate trim and rooflines
  • towers with pointed roofs
  • bay windows

Two Tudor-style buildings, the one on the left with black timber in a criss-cross pattern and the one on the right with red timber in a criss-cross pattern.

3. Tudor Homes

In the late 19th century and early 20th century, homes started to take on the look of medieval European castles and inns.

The Tudor, or Tudor Revival, style is best recognized by the decorative timbers on the exterior of the house, but homes with this architectural style also feature:

  • steep gabled roofs
  • dormer windows
  • large decorative chimneys

A two-story brick Colonial house with dormer windows on the roof and two brick chimneys flanking both sides of the house.

4. Colonial Revival Homes

Arguably the most popular architectural style in the United States, Colonial Revival first came on the scene between the 1880s and 1950s. Dutch Revival and Georgian Revival are considered subcategories of the Colonial Revival style.

Like Tudor homes, Colonials often feature dormer windows and gabled roofs, but they can also have:

  • simple rectangular windows
  • symmetrical exteriors
  • covered center entrances

Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater House, a Modern three-story home with a stone chimney that is surrounded by trees.

5. Modern Homes

Also known as Mid-Century Modern, this architectural style was popular during the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s and valued simplicity over showy design. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater House is a great example of this popular home style.

Since Modern houses were also designed as a way to connect with nature, these properties tend to feature:

  • open floor plans that flow to outdoor spaces
  • large windows and sliding glass doors
  • ranch or split-level layouts

No Matter Your Style, We Can Find Your Dream Home

Have your heart set on a certain architectural style? We’ll help you find (or build!) your dream home with the look and feel you want. Contact us and let’s talk.

Costly Mistakes to Avoid After You Buy Your First Home

A single-level ranch-style house with a front porch, two-car garage, and well-maintained front yard.You’re smart. You’re doing your research about home buying and homeownership (like you are right now!), so you feel like you’re prepared to avoid common home buying pitfalls. But you’ll soon find that once you’ve moved in, there is a whole new list of common problems that plague unwary first-time homeowners.

To help you make the best buying and ownership decisions possible, we’ve outlined some of the the biggest blunders that first-time buyers make after closing on their home.

Investing in Too Many Upgrades

Not every home improvement project is worth the money or effort. Many first-time homeowners make the mistake of not considering a project’s return on investment, at least until it’s time to sell the house down the road.

If you want to know which home improvements are worth the investment, talk with a real estate agent or get a market report for your neighborhood. Give us a call and we’ll send one to you.

Ignoring “Minor” Maintenance Issues

Water dripping out of a long kitchen faucet and into the sink.As your home ages, seemingly minor issues may arise. But be careful: A dripping faucet, crumbling caulk, or slanting floors could spiral into much bigger headaches if you don’t take care of them quickly.

To avoid shelling out hundreds or even thousands of dollars down the road, tackle these maintenance issues as soon as you can.

We’re happy to provide local vendor recommendations if you need maintenance work. Just give us a call!

Choosing the Cheapest Repair Option

Quality comes at a price, especially when it comes to making repairs. Whether it’s picking up a cheap tool set or going with the lowest bid for a service provider, many first-time homeowners make the mistake of sacrificing quality for cost.

Contact us and we’ll be happy to recommend a high-quality local service provider.

Trying to DIY a Complicated Project

A large bathroom with white countertops, a white standing tub, white bidet, frameless glass shower, and orange walls.Some things can be done yourself. Think painting, hanging up shelves, or sprucing up the front entry.

But when it comes to stuff like plumbing, electricity, or structural engineering, think again. Hiring a professional will save you time and money — and keep you from starting a project you don’t know how to finish.

Need to talk to a contractor? Call us and we’ll give you recommendations.

Not Preparing for the Unexpected

A sudden job change, severe weather damage, or major maintenance problem can throw a wrench in your plans. Be sure that you budget accordingly for unexpected expenses as a homeowner.

We’re Happy to be a Resource

As local real estate experts, we have a wealth of information that can help you avoid many of these first-time home buying and homeownership mistakes. Contact us to learn more.

3 Key Reasons Why You Should Sell Your Albuquerque Home

As the year continues, you might be thinking back on your resolutions for 2018. For many homeowners, 2018 has one main goal: to sell their home. If you’ve been wanting to sell your home in Albuquerque, now may be a fantastic time to do so.

To help you keep up with your 2018 goals, we’ve done some research to present to you the 3 key reasons you should sell your home.

Albuquerque’s market favors sellers, making now a wonderful time to get the return on your investment you’ve always hoped for. Let’s dig in.

Spring Awakening

old town signSpring is a great time to sell your home because it’s when buyers are most motivated. Warm weather brings on “spring fever” in real estate, meaning that buyers see the rising temperatures as the perfect time to get out there and find their dream home.

Since Albuquerque has some of the finest weather in the country, almost any time of year is great for selling a home. However, the months leading up to spring remain as a beneficial time to sell.

A Seller’s Market

When low inventory and high demand combine in real estate, it’s known as a seller’s market. That’s exactly what’s happening in Albuquerque. The area continues to be highly sought-after by homebuyers, and it isn’t hard to see why. With excellent public schools, breathtaking natural scenery, and a wide variety of fun things to do, Albuquerque offers a high quality of life.

As a result of current market conditions, average sales prices are steadily increasing.

Fewer Days on Market

homeRemember that seller’s market? As the demand for homes in Albuquerque continues to rise, buyers are scooping up homes faster than ever!

As a result, the number of days a home typically spends on market has decreased. In Albuquerque, the median days on market in January was 22 for 2018. In 2017 it was 27.

Need Another Reason to Sell?

You have an expert team on your side. When you list your home with the Feil Cabinet, you’re enlisting the help of dedicated Albuquerque realtors who will stop at nothing to achieve your goals.

If you’re interested in selling your Albuquerque home, please reach out to us. We would love to provide you with a complimentary home evaluation, as well as market reports for similar properties in your neighborhood. We even have resources for staging your home and a timeline for selling it.

Any other questions about the Albuquerque real estate market? Please give us a call at (505) 235-9398. We’re always happy to help.

 

5 Reasons to Drop Everything and Move to Albuquerque Right Now

Let’s be real: there’s no place quite like Albuquerque. Centrally located, close to natural wonders and metropolitan attractions, and home to the best chiles in the world, Albuquerque continues to impress long after you’ve moved here.

There are so many reasons to love Albuquerque, it’s hard to pick our top 5. In addition to gourmet food, gorgeous homes for sale, and plenty of historic charm, Albuquerque has amenities to complement every lifestyle.

With over 22,000 acres of parkland, unique and interesting shopping, and picturesque scenery around every corner, what’s not to love?

Still in doubt? Here’s five key reasons why life is better in Albuquerque.

Some of the Cleanest Air in the U.S.

Sunflowers in the Albuquerque desert.Once you’re within city limits, you’ll be able to tell. Albuquerque has exceptionally high air quality, it’s obvious with every breath you take!

In fact, Albuquerque was ranked ninth in the nation for cleanest air, according to the American Lung Association.

Big-City Amenities with a Small Town Feel

Living in Albuquerque means having big-city amenities and small town charm right at your fingertips. Enjoy a wide variety of gourmet restaurants, exciting nightlife, and museums while still feeling a part of a tight-knit community.

Plus, traffic in Albuquerque is no big deal. It’s much calmer than the traffic of a major metropolitan area like L.A.

The International Balloon Fiesta

Row of hot air balloons on the ground.Because the weather in Albuquerque is regularly fantastic, it allows more time for exciting outdoor events throughout the year. Take, for example, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, also known as the largest hot air balloon fiesta in the world.

Every year, the skies of Albuquerque fill with gorgeous hot air balloons in every color imaginable. In addition to the balloons, the fiesta features a whole week of awesome events like laser light shows, chainsaw carving competitions, a rodeo, and live entertainment.

A Distinct Local Culture

Red chiles hanging from a post.New Mexican food is unlike any other.

People who live here long enough report feeling withdrawal-like symptoms when they leave, because you can’t food food like this anywhere else in the world.

Native American and Hispanic cultures blend seamlessly in Albuquerque, which you’ll see represented in historic places like Old Town, and even everyday mom & pop shops throughout the city.

Natural Outdoor beauty

Clouds rolling over the Sandia Mountains.Breathtaking mountain ranges, scenic desert vistas, and more are waiting in Albuquerque. The Sandias are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. Depending on the time of day, they are almost never the same color twice. Imagine living in a city that has such a gorgeous natural backdrop at all times!

Let Us Convince You

That Albuquerque is the best place to live. If you have any questions about life in Albuquerque, or the kind of homes for sale here, please reach out to us. We would love to connect you with even more resources about the area.

Do You Know What These Crucial Real Estate Acronyms Mean?

A man standing on a flat field and juggling apples.Acronyms are tossed around like crazy in the real estate world, which can be confusing to even the most veteran home buyers. But don’t worry — it doesn’t take long to learn the language.

Here’s a quick list of the most widely used home buying acronyms and what they actually mean. Of course, if you’d like to know even more real estate terminology, don’t hesitate to call us.

MLS: Multiple Listing Service

The multiple listing service is a massive database of available properties that is split up into hundreds of different regions. If you’ve ever heard someone refer to a home as “on the market,” it means that the home is available on the MLS.

Buyers can search for properties that are on the MLS by using a real estate agent’s website (like ours!), but that’s not the only way to find homes. Your agent can send you updates whenever new properties hit the market.

Want to get these email updates? Call us and we’ll set them up for you!

PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance

A wooden cutout of a house standing next to three stacks of coins, each taller than the next and with a sprout growing out of the top.Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance are the four parts of a mortgage payment. Initially, you will pay more toward the interest on the mortgage, but you will start to pay off more of the principal (the initial loan amount) the longer you stay in your home.

Want to see the estimated PITI for your next loan? Check out our handy mortgage calculator on our website.

FHA: Federal Housing Administration

The Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, is a mortgage insurer that offers a variety of home buying assistance programs to help people purchase homes that they otherwise couldn’t afford.

FHA-insured loans generally offer more flexible credit qualifications and a lower down payment. However, borrowers are required to pay for mortgage insurance.

Interest rates and terms depend on the FHA-approved mortgage lender you choose.

PMI: Private Mortgage Insurance

Speaking of mortgage insurance, many lenders require you to have private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you can’t put 20% down on your home. This insurance protects the lender in case you can’t pay off your mortgage.

HOA: Homeowners Association

A community pool with orange inflatable innertube floating on top.Want to live in a community with a pool or clubhouse? Chances are you’re looking for a neighborhood with an HOA, or homeowners association.

An HOA is responsible for maintaining common areas and any amenities, and it typically sets standards for how homes should look in order to keep property values up. In some cases, homeowners associations may even include Internet, cable, and lawn care with their HOA dues.

If you’re considering buying a home in a neighborhood with an HOA, check the association’s CC&Rs — Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions — to see what rules the HOA enforces.

We’ll Help You Speak the Language

Understanding real estate terminology is one of the best ways to start your research as a home buyer. Want to know the meanings of other commonly used terms? Give us a call!

Jumpstart the New Year: 3 Goals for Your Home

A 30-day calendar with the number 18 circled in red marker.We’re almost three weeks into the New Year, but it’s not too late to develop goals for 2018.

Now is the perfect time to jump right in and start fresh in your current home! Need ideas? Here are a few real estate goals that you can achieve this year.

Fix Those Pesky Maintenance Issues

Maybe it’s a leaky faucet. Maybe it’s a drafty window. Maybe it’s a clogged shower drain. You can probably think of one or two issues off the top of your head that you haven’t gotten around to addressing yet. The New Year is the perfect time to get those problems fixed.

Reclaim That New-to-You Feeling

The longer you live in your home, the easier it is to let the clutter build up in your closets, attic, or garage. Make 2018 your year to reorganize!

A well lit living room with a flat screen TV on the wall, a beige couch under a window, and a wooden table in the center.

Don’t try to tackle these massive home organization projects in a weekend. Instead, follow these tips to slowly but surely reduce the clutter in your home:

  • Sort through one room (or one storage space) at a time.
  • Separate the items you want to keep, donate, and toss out.
  • Expand your storage space with shelves or over-the-door organizers.

Sell Your Home in 2018

If you have been thinking about selling your home, why not start your research early? The more information you have, the more prepared you will be when you finally list your home. Here are a few ways to start:

  • Hire a home inspector to identify any major maintenance issues — Call us and we’ll provide recommendations.
  • Learn more about the local real estate market — Ask us for a report of recent home sales.
  • Find out what your home is worth — Contact us for a complimentary evaluation.
  • Start cleaning and decluttering your home — Get in touch for additional ideas.

We’re Here to Help You Achieve Your Real Estate Goals

We have all the information you need to know about the local real estate market and the home selling process. Contact us today and we’ll provide you with our best resources.

Why We Give to All Faiths

Young boy sitting on a train platform reading.As members of the Albuquerque community, we believe in the power of giving back. Donating to local charity organizations is a core tenet of our real estate mission, because it enhances our community. Whenever possible, we like to make financial donations to a local charity that has helped thousands of New Mexicans.

All Faiths is a behavioral health agency that seeks to empower New Mexicans by “creating pathways to prevent and transcend the effects of trauma and abuse.” We believe in the work that they do because they have directly benefited the lives of children and families throughout New Mexico.

Continue reading to learn about some of the reasons why we donate $500 from every closing to this incredible organization.

All Faiths

The organization began as a grassroots effort in 1955. Eight women of different faiths and backgrounds joined together to create a committee to opening a center for children in need.

The home officially opened in 1956. During this first year, around 138 children were served. During the 2015-2015 year, the All Faiths Children’s Safehouse served more than 1,100 children who had been victims of abuse.

Children’s Advocacy

Two children smiling over a plant.At its center, All Faiths is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. They do this by working as an advocacy group on behalf of children throughout New Mexico who may be suffering from trauma or abuse.

All Faiths accomplishes its goals by offering a number of different services to children and families and needs. They offer family wellness courses, investigation, outpatient treatment and therapy, counseling, and community based behavioral health.

In addition to these services, the All Faiths organization strives to continually improve its services offered. In part, All Faiths serves children and families by partnering with other agencies dedicated to children’s advocacy.

Doing Our Part

We support All Faiths because we believe that all children have the right to a safe and happy childhood. In addition, we agree with their mission statement and the work they do to improve the lives of children in New Mexico.

There are a number of fantastic charity organizations in New Mexico, but we felt most compelled to donate to All Faiths because of the sensitive work they do. They have a holistic approach to children’s advocacy, and offer custom solutions to children of differing backgrounds.

If You Have Any Questions…

Please reach out. We would love to chat with you about the many reasons we donate to All Faiths. You can also read more about their mission on their website.

6 Ways to Save for Your Down Payment

A 20% down payment is a significant chunk of change. But with enough time to prepare and a little bit of creative budgeting, you’ll be able to save up for your new home sooner than you think. Follow these helpful budgeting tips to get started!

Break Down Your Budget

Closeup of the black and white number keys on a basic calculator.While it’s never a bad idea to start saving for a down payment, it’s an even better idea to analyze your budget before you consider a home purchase. This will help you set realistic expectations and concrete goals.

First, make a list of all of your necessary monthly expenditures — rent, power, water, phone service, student loans, etc. Add these expenditures up and subtract them from your monthly take-home pay. Then, look at everything that is left over and consider what to cut back.

After you’ve taken a look at your spending, determine what home price range (and, consequently, a 20% down payment) you could comfortably afford based on your current monthly budget. Our handy mortgage payment calculator might help!

Set a Concrete Savings Goal

Once you have an idea of how much money you’ll need to put down toward your new home, set a timeline for your savings. For instance, if you need to save up $20,000 for a down payment and want to move in five years, consider setting a savings goal of $335 per month.

Use a finance app like Mint to track your spending and your savings. Apps like these may also provide you with your credit score, which is essential to receiving the mortgage you need.

Get Prequalified for a Mortgage

A calculator sitting next to a paper document, which is signed at the bottom.Setting goals based on your current spending is a great place to start. To take the next step to buying your new home, meet with a lender about prequalifying for a mortgage.

Prequalifying for a mortgage will let you know how much financing you may qualify for — and how much you’ll need to save for your down payment. When you talk with a lender, ask for the maximum amount of financing that’s available to you based on your credit score and financial history. This may open up a lot of options when you’re searching for homes.

Not sure how to find a reputable mortgage broker? Give us a call and we can connect you with a trusted local lender.

Find Creative Ways to Save Money

If you’re having trouble meeting your savings goals for the month, even after you’ve carefully budgeted for the essentials, find ways to cut out superfluous spending or think of ways to earn a little bit of cash on the side. For example, you can:

  • Sell gently used clothing and household items at a yard sale
  • Substitute a movie streaming service for cable TV
  • Collect your loose change in a jar and cash it in every month
  • Use coupons while shopping at the supermarket
  • Use browser extensions like Honey to save while shopping online

Celebrate Your Accomplishments

A young woman holding colorful shopping bags in her hand over her shoulder.Saving for a down payment is no easy task. Every time you reach a major milestone, be sure to congratulate yourself!

Obviously, don’t spend all of that money in one place, but feel free to treat yourself to something special to reward yourself for your hard work.

Consider Home Buying Assistance Programs

Are you still having trouble saving for a 20% down payment? It might be worth looking into home buying assistance programs, such as FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans.

How Can We Help You Achieve Your Goals?

We are always available to discuss your home buying plans. Connect with us and we can provide you with the resources and advice you need.