If you’ve been following the news — especially here in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho — you’ve probably heard about programs for first-time home buyers (you qualify if you haven’t owned a home in the past 3 years). These include FHA and MFA financing, Federal Stimulus Tax Credits and the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) tax credit loan program. If you’re wondering how they all relate to one another, or how you may qualify for one or more of them, have a look at my latest article on the topic…
YES! A buyer’s agent is the real estate professional who represents your–and only your–interests when buying a home. As your buyer’s agent, I am your advocate for all the steps in a real estate transaction. I will help you in your home search, negotiate with the seller’s agent, and resolve issues that come up during the escrow period. Best of all, enlisting the help of a buyer’s agent doesn’t cost you anything. Learn more about why you should use a buyer’s agent…
WOW! Is our market ever recovering! And fast!
In Septmeber ‘09, for single-family homes in the Greater Albuquerque market:
- Sales were up 10.17% over the previous month and up 9.44% over the same month last year
- Pending sales were up 30.74% over the same month last year
- The average days that a home was on the market is the lowest (67) since September 2008
Inventory (the number of homes for sale) was down 16.58% as compared to September ‘08. Typically, as inventory decreases, prices increase (that old supply & demand thing….). And the number of new listings was 8.46% below September ‘08.
If you are considering purchasing a home in this area, this is a great to do so before prices rise!
(All data obtained from the Southwest Multiple Listing Service and deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)
How do you get a home loan? What type of loan should you get? What can you expect when you talk to a lender? What is the difference between lender “prequalification” and lender “preapproval”? What are “points”? Here are the ABCs of getting a home loan… Read more…
You’ve looked at homes and found the one you want. Now what? What purchase price should you offer the seller? What other terms should you consider including in your offer? Here are some things to consider…
Read more…
Forbes predicted it – and it may be starting to happen! Forbes predicted that the Albuquerque area would be the number 1 recovery market in the country. If things continue as they are now, Forbes may be proven right. The Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors (GAAR) has published their June Monthly Market Report showing complete market statistics. Things are looking up here! Get the facts….
Read more…
There was a lot of variation in the local market sales data for single-family homes between the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2009. For example, average sale prices in northeast Albuquerque increased in the 2nd quarter by 7%, while they decreased by 5% in southwest Albuquerque. Read on if you’d like to see a chart showing average sale price changes for Albuquerque areas and nearby cities…
Thinking of buying a home in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho or another nearby city? According to Kiplinger and US News, that’s a very smart decision! US News ranked Albuquerque number 1 in the country in their 2009 Best Places to Live study. And Kiplinger ranked Albuquerque number 2 in their 2009 Best Cities study. Read more…
If you’re a first-time home buyer, or if you haven’t bought a home in a long time, and are looking to buy a home in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho or surrounding areas, you may want to read through my article on The Home Buying Process. It gives you info and tips about steps in the buying process.
If I can be of assistance to you in your home search or if you need a qualified buyer’s agent, please feel free to contact me anytime.
A question I am frequently asked by people looking to buy a home in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho areas (Bernalillo and Sandoval County) is: How much will my property tax be and how is it calculated? If you’re wondering about this, here’s an article I wrote to help explain the calculations… If you find it useful, let me know with a comment here on my blog.
Especially in this buyer’s market, every seller needs an “edge” to get their home sold for top dollar in the shortest period of time. Often, just a few minor changes can help buyers choose your home over the others they see. Here are some tips you should consider when selling to optimize your home’s appeal to buyers...