Tag Archives: buy a home in albuquerque

How to Search for a Home During COVID

access_timeOctober 19, 2020personSusan Feil

Are you looking to move but concerned about safely searching for a home during the COVID-19 pandemic? These times are definitely different than anything we could have imagined. However, with these careful steps, we are able to aid you in searching for a new place to live safely in the Albuquerque area!

How Has Looking for Home Changed Due to COVID-19?

Like many other things that COVID-19 has impacted and altered, searching for a home is no different. Looking for a home during the pandemic will require tenacity and the willingness to be adaptable in everything but your budget.

Home tours have definitely changed the most, and the market has now skewed more in favor of sellers. This transition can lead to bidding wars, as the number of available homes remains low in comparison to the number of buyers looking to take advantage of historically low interest rates. More safety precautions, such as masks and social distancing, have also been put into effect to keep the home buying process as safe as possible.

House tours have changed to improve safety

A woman views a house virtually while searching for a home during COVID-19.

One of the best parts about looking for a home is getting to tour all of the listings that are out there. Unfortunately, that is one thing that COVID-19 has impacted. There have been changes in how buyers are allowed to view homes they are interested in. Potential home buyers are now able to tour and view homes virtually to keep themselves safe.

While it’s still possible to view a property in person, it may have to be in a smaller group you had originally planned when you started searching for a new home. If you would prefer to tour a home via Zoom, many agencies are offering that as an alternative as well.

Be prepared for a bidding war

There are a lot of buyers in search of additional space to accommodate those spending more time at home. But the limited number of homes available creates a higher demand for homes than are obtainable on the market.

While you may feel like you are staying on top of new homes coming onto the market, sometimes a more personable approach can make the difference in securing your new home. Writing a personal letter to the seller may help by letting them know what living in this home would mean to you as the buyer.

Wear masks and keep your distance!

Be sure to contact your Realtor when you’re interested in touring a new home. In order to keep both buyers and sellers safe, masks will be required to comply with state mandates, and you may be asked to wear gloves.

We inform you not to alarm you, but to make you aware of the changes that have occurred as a result of the pandemic. Some things, such as the addition of requiring masks and social distancing when touring homes, have been made to improve safety measures not only for the seller, but the buyer as well.

Have Additional Questions About Searching for a Home During COVID?

Searching for a home during the COVID-19 pandemic can be a confusing and scary time for all. However, we are here to help! Contact us today for all of your questions regarding buying and selling in the Albuquerque area during this unprecedented time. We are ready to help you find your dream home safely!

10 Steps to Buy a Home in Albuquerque in 2020

access_timeJanuary 7, 2020personSusan Feil

Real estate conditions look good for 2020—mortgage rates are low, prices are stable, values are high, and there are lots of great homes for sale, especially in the Albuquerque area. It’s a great time to buy a home, so it’s no surprise many would-be buyers have decided to make 2020 the year they finally buy!

Is your 2020 New Year’s Resolution to buy a home? Here are 10 simple steps to get you started.

Step 1: Track your spending

First things first. Take a look at your finances. Analyze all the details of your income and spending to determine how much you make versus how much you spend. When taking a closer look at your spending, you might find that you’re spending more in certain areas than you thought—or paying for things you don’t need or have forgotten about.

Step 2: Figure out how much you can afford

While you’re looking at your spending, try and figure out how much you might be willing or able to spend on your mortgage. Don’t forget to include other expenses such as utilities and regular maintenance. If your perusal of your spending found some areas you can cut down on expenses, even better.

Step 3: Get serious about saving

If you aren’t already putting money regularly into a savings account, it’s probably time to start. Though there are a number of loan options in this day and age that don’t require a full 20% down payment, most do require some amount of upfront cash—plus closing costs.

Pro tip: Did you cut down on some monthly expenses? Take the money you were previously spending on that old magazine subscription and put it into your savings account instead. You won’t even miss it!

Step 4: Start talking to lenders

Once you’ve started sorting through your finances, the next step is to get a professional involved. Start by inquiring at banks or credit unions you already work with to see what types of loan options they might be able to offer you. You may also want to ask around for local recommendations, too.

Step 5: Get prequalified

Once you start talking to lenders, they’ll likely want to get you prequalified for a loan. Even if you’re not quite ready to jump into the home search just yet, getting prequalified can be quite helpful. Not only will it ensure that you can qualify for a loan (and there are no red flags), it will also show you how much you qualify for—and even break down your monthly mortgage costs at various home prices.

Step 6: Find an agent

Buying or selling, a real estate agent is an invaluable tool. Agents offer a wealth of knowledge, as well as tools and resources, that will help you find the right home in the right spot at the right price. Not to mention, your agent can make recommendations for local vendors (like inspectors or lenders), can handle all the communication between yourself and the seller, and will walk you step by step through the whole process to ensure nothing is forgotten or overlooked.

By the way: Sellers pay agent commissions, so as a buyer, using an agent is FREE. That’s right. Free.

Step 7: Determine wants and needs

Once you’ve sorted through the financial side of things, you can start thinking about the more fun side—the actual house you’ll be buying. Before you jump into the search, spend some time thinking about what you really want and need in a home. Separate needs (essential must-have deal-breaker features like beds, baths, yard, or location) from wants (things you’d strongly like to have but aren’t 100% required) from likes (bonus features).

Step 8: Start searching

Once you’ve got your list set, use a home search tool (we think ours is pretty exceptional because of how customizable it is) to set criteria based on your wants and needs. You likely won’t be able to get all your wants and needs, so start by searching for homes that only meet your needs. Based on your search results, you may be able to start adding in wants.

Step 9: Make adjustments

What if your search didn’t return anything or you just aren’t seeing a home you like? You might need to reevaluate something. Be careful that you don’t include too many absolute “needs”, and try to refrain from adding “needs” that might be fairly easily or inexpensively updated (like flooring or countertops).

Depending on your needs or preferred location, it’s possible you’ll need to evaluate your budget, too. That might mean cutting more expenses or even pushing back your timeline a bit to give you more time to save.

Step 10: Start the tours!

Now the buying really begins! Once you’ve got your budget and your criteria aligned, it’s time to get serious about searching. Your agent will likely schedule some tours, then circle back with you to get your opinion and work from there.

It’s helpful to take notes or photos as you tour, as homes can start to blend together after a bit, or you might not remember all the details after you leave. And don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the perfect home right away—home searching takes time!

Ready to Buy a Home in Albuquerque?

Ready to start your home search and buy a home in Albuquerque? We’re here to help! Contact the Feils today to learn more about how we can help you get to know the area and find the perfect home in just the right spot.

3608 Hannett Avenue is the Albuquerque Home You’ve Been Waiting for

access_timeOctober 31, 2019personSusan Feil

Imagine: cotton candy sunsets streaming across the sky, a private backyard oasis fenced off from prying eyes, a crackling stone fireplace inviting you inside—3608 Hannett Avenue is a dream come true.

If you’ve been on the search for a 3-bed, 1.5-bath Albuquerque home that has a prime location, recently updated features, and an affordable price tag, then you’re going to want to take a closer look at this listing. Like what you see? Give us a call, and we’d be more than happy to set you up with a private showing.

Cozy Great Room

Whether you’re relaxing after a night at work or entertaining friends and family, the great room is the perfect space! The stunning stone fireplace is just waiting to come alive with crackling flames, and the built-in wooden bookshelf is the perfect place to add a splash of character.

Plus, the great room flows directly into the dining room and kitchen, so it’s perfect for floating from space to space!

A Dreamy Kitchen

The cut-out granite bar in the kitchen acts as a welcoming entryway into the space, connecting it with the rest of the main floor. You’ll also find ample counter space and sunny views out the back window!

Although the kitchen is fantastic the way it is, it also has tons of potential for personalization. Refinish those cabinets, add a backsplash, and really make the space your own!

Flex Space Full of Possibilities

The sitting room at 3608 Hannett Avenue.

Just off the great room and the dining room, you’ll find a cozy room that opens up to the back porch. The previous owners used the space as a sitting room—but there are plenty of other possibilities, from exercise space to an art studio to a home office.

Sparkling Clean Bathroom

The modern and clean bathroom of the home.

The main bathroom of the home is sharp, clean, and modern, with a small sink area that uses the space efficiently and a row of vanity lights that keeps things bright!

Private Back Yard

While there are plenty of highlights to 3608 Hannett Avenue, the back yard might just be the best part. The back door leads directly out to a covered concrete patio, perfect for a cookout and some outdoor furniture. The rest of the yard is surrounded by a tall fence—half concrete, half wood—so you never have to worry about prying eyes.

The remaining yard space is offers a mix of verdant greenery and wood chips, so you’ll be able to fine-tune your green thumb, host a backyard bash, or even put in a fire pit—the choice is yours!

Prime Location

Aside from the features of the home, it also boasts a highly convenient location. Within minutes of your front door, you’ll find the University of New Mexico campus, Whole Foods Market, and Altura Park. Other major stops like Old Town and the Albuquerque Sunport are also just 10 minutes away!

Ready to See 3608 Hannett Avenue for Yourself?

There are so many other highlights of this stunning Albuquerque property—want to see the rest for yourself? Just give the Feil Team a call, and we’ll set you up with a private showing!

In the market fora new home but not sure if 3608 Hannett Avenue is the one for you? Use our specialized search tool to see what else is on the market, and let us know if you have any questions!

Bring Some Spook to Your Summer with the Ghost Tours of Old Town

access_timeJuly 10, 2019personSusan Feil

Albuquerque has a rich history, reaching 300 years into the past…and a lot can happen in three hundred years. The Old Town Ghost Tours not only detail some of the most important happenings around Albuquerque, they also shed some light on a few of the spookiest stories in the city.

Interested in learning a little more about a darker side of local history? Here’s what you need to know about the Ghost Tours of Old Town.

The Details

Sure, you could take a regular tour of Old Town, but why not spice things up a little bit? The Ghost Tour takes you through dark back alleys, down the halls of historic buildings, and through hidden cemeteries, all in search of the concealed secrets and lost souls of the city.

Tours last for 105 minutes, and you’ll have a professional guide leading you by lantern light through each of the sites and stops. You won’t find haunted-house scares, like costumed ghouls jumping out or flashing lights and spooky soundtracks. What you will find is the fascinating, and sometimes unsettling, history of Albuquerque—with a paranormal twist. You can even rent ghost hunting equipment to bring along on the tour!

Ghosts in Albuquerque?

A man sitting on a bench with a ghost behind him.

Did you know that Albuquerque is actually known as a hot spot for ghost activity? It’s true: we’ve even got a few famous ghosts in the city!

There are less-threatening spirits, like Bobby Darnall, a six-year-old boy who passed away after an explosion in the Kimo Theatre. Rumor has it that he loves doughnuts and must be appeased every now and then—or else he may blow out light bulbs or mess with the theatre’s power.

But there are also a few more chilling specters that find a home in the city—like the Lady in Black, who haunts the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Old Town. People say that she often appears in the chapel pews, dressed in all black, sobbing, praying, or meditating. Some paranormal investigators even claim to have audio and photographic evidence proof of her existence.

Who knows who you’ll encounter on the Ghost Tour?

Sign up for Your Tour

Ghost Tours happen nearly every night of the year, excluding holidays and select days, and start at 8pm. Tickets should be purchased online at least 2 hours in advance, and prices are as follows:

Adult: $25
Seniors (55+), Military, EMT, Teachers, College students: $22
Students (13-17): $17
Youth (6-12): $10
Children 5 and under: Free

While the tour is certainly spooky, it’s rated PG, so feel free to bring the kiddos along! If you want to turn up the scare factor to PG-13, be sure to check out the Moonlight Ghost Tour, which happens at 10pm.

Find Your Home in Albuquerque

Aside from Ghost Tours, there’s plenty of things to do around Old Town and Albuquerque, from summertime concerts to history tours to weeklong fiestas. Life here is truly one-of-a-kind!

If you’re interested in finding your home in Albuquerque, the Feil Team is here to help. Take some time to explore the area, browse our buying resources, and give us a call when you’re ready to get started!

The Latest Featured Listing: A Pueblo Revival in a Coveted Neighborhood

access_timeApril 5, 2019personSusan Feil

Luscious green landscaping, iconic Pueblo Revival architecture, a full guest house, and over 4,000 square feet of room to roam—this home at 6504 Avenida La Cuchilla is the full package.

Located in the highly sought-after El Caballero Ranchitos neighborhood just off the Rio Grande and minutes from Downtown Albuquerque, this listing likely won’t stay on the market for long. Take a sneak peek at some of the amazing features, and schedule your private showing here today.

Stunning Landscaping

The front yard of 6504 Avenida La Cuchilla.

Perhaps the most striking part of 6504 Avenida La Cuchilla is the emerald green vegetation—colorful pops of flowers, verdant green lawn, and tree-lined perimeter. The yard is truly a flora-filled wonderland.

In addition to the rich plant-life surrounding the home, the front yard and back yard patios are also full of landscaping potential. Thanks to the fenced-in privacy and covered patios in the back, it’s the perfect space for entertaining. Just imagine rolling in your grill, setting up some outdoor furniture, and hosting the best barbecue of the spring!

Luxurious Kitchen

The kitchen at 6504 Avenida La Cuchilla.

Are you looking for a kitchen where you can perfect your favorite five-star recipe? One with enough granite countertop space to hold every course of your meal? One with state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances? The kitchen at 6504 Avenida La Cuchilla will check off all of your culinary boxes.

Other highlights of the kitchen include the stone flooring and skylight that keep the Pueblo Revival theme consistent throughout the home, and the sink window that allow plenty of sunlight to flood the room.

Cozy Living Spaces

The sitting room at 6504 Avenida La Cuchilla.

With both a formal living room and a large family room—both with beautiful white stone fireplaces—you’ll have plenty of room to kick back and relax.

Whether you’re looking to sit quietly and enjoy the ambience of a New Mexico night or host a lively game night, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and soak everything in.

Expansive Office

Another highlight of the home 6504 Avenida La Cuchilla is all of the extra space to use creatively. The home includes an expansive office space, built-in desks and walls of shelves and cabinets.

If you’re looking to work from home, take up a new hobby, or simply spend time in thought, this office is perfect for all of your goals.

Full Guest House

The guest house at 6504 Avenida La Cuchilla.

Since the main home has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, there’s plenty of room for a guest or two. But you won’t even need it, thanks to the full guest house.

Located just off of the main house and attached to the garage, the guest house includes an extra bedroom, bathroom, and cozy fireplace. Whether you choose to rent out the space, offer it to a family member, or use it when guests come to town, it’s an incredibly convenient feature.

Ready To See It in Person?

When it comes to Albuquerque real estate, you won’t find many options as one-of-a-kind as the home at 6504 Avenida La Cuchilla. Don’t miss your chance to see it in person, and schedule your private showing today.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the area, give the experts at the Feil Team a call today!

Get Involved this Spring with These Albuquerque Events

access_timeApril 2, 2019personSusan Feil

Temperatures in the low 70s, warm sunshine and blue skies, blooming flowers and plant life—spring in Albuquerque is one of the best times of the year.

As the weather warms up around the city, so does the events calendar. With everything from free museum days to holiday celebrations, Albuquerque has an event for just about everyone.

Here are the can’t-miss events happening around the city this season.

Free First Wednesday at the Albuquerque Museum

The Albuquerque Museum is all about celebrating and educating visitors on the rich art and history of the city. The museum regularly hosts events like sculpture garden tours, walking tours through Old Town, and art workshops.

Don’t miss out on your chance to see all that the museum has to offer—totally free of cost—this Wednesday as part of the monthly First Wednesday event!

When: April 3rd

Aquarium Overnights

The Aquarium Overnights are your exclusive chance to see what happens at the ABQ BioPark Aquarium after dark! Think Night at the Museum, but at the aquarium (and minus the exhibits that come to life).

Learn a little more about the ocean species that call the aquarium home, participate in games and activities, watch themed movies in the theater, and even get up-close-and-personal with a few animals at the touchpool!

When: April 19th

First Sundays at the Museum of Natural History and Science

Once every month, the Museum of Natural History and Science opens its doors to New Mexico residents, free of charge.

Wander through the exhibits—including the current featured exhibit on the brain—and learn a little more about the unique history of the state and ecosystem!

When: April 7th

Earth Day Celebration and Children’s Seed Festival

With Earth Day happening later this month, the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden is ready to celebrate with the annual Earth Day and Children’s Seed Festival!

Activities at the event will include fun lessons on seed diversity, seed ball crafts and artwork, and special seed-themed trivia, perfect for guests of all ages.

When: April 20th

Water Planet Day

Hosted by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Water Planet Day is another event-filled and educational Earth-themed celebration.

Sit in on demonstrations from water organizations from all around the state, and learn everything from how to make a wind turbine to what it takes to create a working well model.

When: April 27th

Run for the Zoo

Celebrating its 34th year of operation, Run for the Zoo is your chance to get active for a good cause! The Run offers tons of events, including a half marathon, a 10K and 5K run, a 5K walk, and a 1 mile fun run, all benefiting the Albuquerque Zoo.

Once the races are over, the top male and female participants in each age group will receive medals. Plus, your race number gets you free entrance to the zoo for the day!

When: May 5th

Make the Move to Albuquerque

No matter what your interests are, you’ll always find a way to get involved around Albuquerque.

If you’re thinking of making a move to the Albuquerque area, give the Feil Team a call! From helping you through the real estate process to giving you info on the area, we can help you have a successful and stress-free relocation journey.

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

access_timeMarch 14, 2018personSusan Feil

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.

Explore Historic Old Town Albuquerque

access_timeNovember 10, 2017personSusan Feil

Albuquerque’s heart lies in its historic Old Town. An integral part of Albuquerque since the city’s founding in 1706, Old Town remains an important cultural hub. As Albuquerque’s first official neighborhood, this 300-year-old neighborhood is home to the oldest church in Albuquerque, the San Felipe de Neri.

Today, Old Town is a vibrant hot spot home to museums, locally owned shops and galleries, and delicious restaurants. Let’s take a quick tour.

All the Fun is Waiting in Old Town

When Old Town was first settled in 1706, settlers built historic adobe homes in a Pueblo-Spanish style. Newer architectural styles did not grace the streets of Old Town until the late 1800s, when the railroad brought more modern Victorian styles.

History

hot air balloons If you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating history of Old Town, peruse any of the wonderful museums here. The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History has both vast collections of native art and traveling exhibitions. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science will capture your imagination with its prominent dome planetarium.

Afterwards, walk through the Botanic Gardens to explore local foliage or go fishing at Tingley Beach. Fans of culture and history may have a hard time deciding exactly what to do in this cultural hot spot!

Here are some of our other favorite museums and attractions in the area:

The Turquoise Museum
Rattlesnake Museum
ABQ Bio Park
Tricentennial Tiguex Park
Tingley Train

Events and Music

From holiday celebrations to live musical performances and the annual Balloon Fiesta Week, Old Town Albuquerque has a lot going on. Every year, Albuquerque hosts the beloved Balloon Fiesta, which means a whole week of partying in Old Town!

A number of holiday events take place during the “colder” months (except it never really gets too cold in New Mexico), such as the Old Town Holiday Stroll.

New Mexican Cuisine

If you’ve been dying to try traditional New Mexican cuisine, you can’t do much better than Old Town. As soon as you wander into town, you’ll encounter the delicious smells of roasting meat and enchiladas. Treat yourself to a heaping plate of these wonders, or a sopaipilla stuffed with chiles and seasoned chicken.

Go Shopping!

There’s something for every budget waiting in the locally owned shops of Old Town. Whether you’re searching for fine-art, Breaking Bad memorabilia, or one-of-a-kind clothing, there’s a wide range of shops to peruse.

Eager to Call this Wonderful City Home?

There’s a reason so many homebuyers and visitors are flocking to beautiful Albuquerque. With fantastic natural wonders, excellent schools, and beautiful homes for sale, this is an excellent place to call home.

If you have any questions about the real estate opportunities in Albuquerque, or its surrounding communities, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have easy-to-use home search tools and other buyer resources to help you in your real estate journey.

Why Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage is Crucial

access_timeNovember 5, 2017personSusan Feil

So, you’ve decided to buy a home in the Albuquerque area. Congratulations! Investing in real estate is always a wise financial decision, and you’ve just chosen a wonderful area to invest in. Plus, buying your own home will bring you indescribably joy and security.

While the overall experience of buying a home is positive, searching for your dream home can be intimidating. You have to set a budget, determine what kind of features you need to have, schedule home tours, hire a realtor… and obtain a mortgage.

The majority of homebuyers use mortgages to purchase their home. There are different kinds of mortgages depending on your income and financial situation, but here’s the rundown.

A mortgage, quite simply, is a loan for the amount of money your home is worth. The amount of your loan depends on your credit report, annual income, and a whole host of other factors.

If you’re searching for a home in an area as competitive as Albuquerque, getting pre-approved for your mortgage is essential to buying the home of your dreams. Here’s why.

It Gives You a Competitive Edge

internet research If you’re pre-approved for a mortgage when you make an initial offer on a home, it lets the seller know that you’re serious. In competitive markets like Albuquerque, sellers often prefer pre-approved buyers.

Essentially, you’re given priority over other buyers. This means you’re more likely to buy the best home for you in a timely fashion.

It Helps Set Your Budget

Going through the pre-approval process with a lender is the ideal way to set your budget, because you’ll know firsthand how big of a loan you can get. To become pre-approved, you’ll sit down with a lending officer who will review your credit score, amount of debt, income level, and all other factors of your financial life.

Basically, the lender is reviewing your finances to determine if you can afford to buy the home. This includes monthly mortgage payments, which will vary depending on interest rates, as well as the big down payment.

Be Smart With Your Money

mortgage interest rate However, there are other things you should look atwhen deciding your budget. Take a hard look at your annual income, as well as your expenses. Try to determine how much money you’re comfortable spending per month on a mortgage payment. Our mortgage calculator can help with that.

You should also think about that down payment. Depending on what kind of mortgage you qualify for, which determine the down payment, you could be paying around 20% of your home’s value upfront.

When you sit down with a lender to become pre-approved, they can help you figure out what kind of mortgage is best for you.

Any Other Questions about Buying a Home?

Please reach out to us! We would love to sit down and talk with you about your mortgage pre-approval options, and your goals in real estate. Feel free to use any of our complimentary home-search tools and real estate resources.

If you ever have any questions about the home buying process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to help.