Hummers are juicing up - 08/31/11 01:38 PM
Humming Birds around Albuquerque are juicing up in preparation for migration to warmer climates!  My wife and I really enjoy watching the tiny birds zip and zoom around the feeder.  At dark they normally settle down and share the sugar water before bedtime.  We have a birds eye view if you will as they dart about drinking from the flowers at our kitchen window box filled with colorful blooms.  Sometimes it's just the simple things in life that bring great pleasure ~

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I'd like to find a good topless bar - 08/31/11 09:21 AM
I had a really awkward yet funny situation arise just the other day.  I was working with a very pleasant couple who are moving to Albuquerque from Texas.  We were looking at about 15 homes this day alone so we were enjoying some good conversation between properties. My clients mentioned as we passed a particular Church that they were of that same denomination and so we conversed about this subject a bit more. After brief pause and just a few moments later the husband states  “I’d like to find a good topless bar”. I hesitated a moment then said something like … (116 comments)

Win a trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - 08/30/11 06:39 PM
Win a trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta October 1st - 9th 2011  
Enter To Win Here > www.itsatrip.org Valued at Over $2,650  
Must enter by August 31st 2011 The winner receives 3 nights in Sheraton Uptown, Rainbow Ryders will give you a free hot air balloon ride, three days admission to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with VIP passed to the Gondola Club Hospitality Suite, Admission to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and Diamond Club. Also enjoy 2 official International Balloon Fiesta jackets and a $200 gift card to be used to airfare, gas or shopping! … (7 comments)

What in the world is Xeriscape? - 08/30/11 09:48 AM
There is an odd word utilized here in the High Desert of Albuquerque NM known as Xeriscape. So What in the world is Xeriscape pronounced (Zeri-scape) you may ask.  The word actually comes from the Greek Xeros (Dry) and landscape.  A lot of people hear this word and then incorrectly pronounce it as Xero or Zeroscape.  Xeriscape is certainly not zeroscape in fact it can be quite pleasing to the eye.Here in the High Desert of Albuquerque where the altitude can be 6,000’ in the foothills area and 5,280’ (1 Mile) in the center of town. Night time temperatures drop quickly … (6 comments)

Help! A Schnauzer with Chicken Pox ?? - 08/29/11 09:02 AM
Help! A Schnauzer With Chicken Pox???I need input from all you pet loving owners in the Rain!  Ten weeks ago I groomed our Mini Schnauzer, Dixie, myself as I always do.  This time I used newly sharpened blades on both razors.  The next day we noticed she had a few tiny red bumps on her.  We thought it was razor burn and blew it off thinking it would go away.  Next week the pup is eating or drinking very little.  Covered in larger bumps that are easily seen with the necked eye from her rump to her ears.  Still no scratching … (12 comments)

Sometimes You've Just Got to Stop, Drop and Roll - 08/28/11 09:38 PM
Mike Cooper originally post this blog.  I found it so powerful and true I felt it needed to be re-blogged  Have a great day in the rain my friends.
Via Mike Cooper, Real Estate Agent-Broker, Winchester,VA (Cornerstone Business Group, Inc.):
Have you ever gotten up in morning and just had a strange premonition that it as going to be one of those days?   You know it's going to be one of those days when,
You see a "Sixty Minutes News Team" waiting in your office Your twin sister forgets your birthday You turn on the news and they are just playing emergency routes out … (2 comments)

Elusive Mountian Jay - 08/28/11 09:25 PM
I finally caught a decent shot of this beautiful elusive Mountain Jay.  While spending a few down days at the Toas NM cabin he and his Jay pals always eluded the snap of my camera. The last morning my wife and I had just about given up on getting a good photo of the brilliant colored birds. Out of the blue Mr.Jay hops up to feed on the deck railing even calling his feathered friends to come join in the alluring feast.  Needless to say we delayed our cabin departure till they had finished feeding and disappeared into the Carson National … (9 comments)

Osprey Raptor In Flight Over Jemez Wilderness - 08/26/11 09:22 AM
While tent camping in the Jemez (Pronounced Hemez) Wilderness this magnificent bird caught our eyes.  At first we thought Eagle!  As we followed her coming and going we realized she was an adult Osprey Raptor with a huge nest built in the highest tree to be found.  She had babies and was very carefully tending to their needs.  We later ran into a Forrest Ranger who also had been watching her and said she had nested there the past two years.  Sadly the NM wildfires burnt this entire area which is very near Los Alamos this spring.  We wonder about this … (14 comments)

You want me to do WHAT? - 08/26/11 09:08 AM
Last fall I had a couple from California that built a new home with me as their buying agent. It would be December when the home was complete and they would make their move to Albuquerque.   We playfully bantered back and forth via emails and phone calls that my wife and I would help them move in when the time came.The long distance home construction and closing went smoothly.  At 10:00 on a Friday night I get a call from my happy home-buyers they were about 30 minutes away from their new home.  I’m thinking they want me to meet them … (15 comments)

Keeping In Touch Does It Work? - 08/25/11 09:20 AM
Keeping In Touch Does It Work? You bet! It works great with our clients and friends here at Albuquerque Homes Realty.My motto has always been to stay in touch with clients and they will remember you when buying, selling or referring time comes again. Here are a few simple ways we stay in touch.  We keep all clients in our data base and without fail they will receive a hand written note in their yearly birthday card.  This includes their children too, kids grow up and buy homes.  Our buyers get an annual home anniversary card with a note always recalling … (10 comments)

Beautiful Owl Killed ... Why!! - 08/25/11 08:50 AM
My wife and I enjoyed afternoon strolls with friends down a dirt arroyo watching this amazing Burrow Owl and her mate for weeks.  This pair seemed to know we were no threat allowing us to stand and watch while taking photos.  They nested in the dirt arroyo wall and raised a family.  Taking turns one owl would take care of the babies, standing guard while the other would fly to find food and stretch it's wings.  Our hearts sank one afternoon when we found the body of this awesome bird killed for no reason at all.    We had been in awe of a huge Albino Owl and … (24 comments)

Getting The Look From Our Schnauzer - 08/24/11 10:14 AM
Dixie our two year old Mini Schnauzer normally gets under the bed while the vacuum cleaner is running.  On this particular day she opted for the bedroom chair, sitting there giving my wife the look of hurry up mom!  It was just too good not to grab the camera and get the photo.  Hope you enjoy "The Look" as much as we did.

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Albuquerque Road Runner - 08/24/11 10:01 AM
Road Runners are odd little critters.  Darting here and there always on the go!  They love to catch and carry around lizards, mice etc before finally devouring them.  One morning my wife and I were having breakfast on the patio three jumped off our roof to scouted the vines and bushes for their meal of the day.  This is rare as they are normally loners.  Fact for you.. Road Runners are New Mexico's state bird. 

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Fear Is One Step Away From Courage - 08/23/11 02:59 PM
This post by Tom Arstingstall is so very true we have to step out and away from our fears, have faith and courage to move forward. Most often when we face our fears, open the doors placed before us the journey on the other side is rewarding and enriches our lives.  Had to re-blog and share.
Via Tom Arstingstall - Tromler Construction General Contractor in Placerville (Dry Rot and Water Damage - 916.765.5366):
Have you ever stood still in fear of not knowing what to do? Afraid of what may happen, not knowing what is ahead if you move forward, and … (5 comments)

The aromatic roasting of NM chile has now begun. Red or Green? - 08/23/11 09:58 AM
If you live in the Albuquerque or any surrounding NM area you know the state question is red or green meaning do you want red or green chile on your food.  If you want both… the answer is Christmas!  Hatch NM is the chile capital of the world although chile is grown statewide.  This year’s drought has created even hotter than usual chilies and higher prices.  The aromatic roasting of NM chile has now begun but is expected to only last a few weeks due to the draught and shortage of chile.  So get it while you can!Chillies are certainly a … (15 comments)

Amazing Moon Rise - 08/22/11 10:18 AM
Albuquerque NM is known for it's awesome moon rises and sunsets.  This moon is quiet outstanding with the proof in the photo.  As we watched the east sky in anticipation of this huge May moon the sky began to brighten then this beautiful moon peeked over the Sandia Mountain.  As it rose we were speechless and in awe of it's beauty.
 
 
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Bottoms Up At Bosque del Apache - 08/22/11 09:55 AM
My wife and I took this photo while walking around Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge.  These two ducks were in perfect sync as they dove for small fish and played in the safe waters of Bosque del Apache.  We named this picture 'Bottoms Up".  Hope you enjoy and make it a great day~

 
 
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Hand me the remote while your up - 08/19/11 07:55 AM
Had to take this picture of our beloved Schnauzer kicking back on the sofa and pillow while the big overhead fan keeps her cooled off.  While all kicked back it was as if she was saying excuse but could you Hand me the remote while your up!  You know like she couldn't be bothered.
 


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Wise Old Tree - 08/19/11 07:27 AM
Each fall my wife and I escape the metro life of Albuquerque and head to Sedona Arizona.  We always enjoy the solitude the quaint area and beautiful Mother Nature offer.  On our first trip to Sedona we found this tree dubbing it "Wise Tree".  It's quiet amazing how trees, scrub and cacti can survive rooted in the red rock.   Amazing and in some odd way comforting to us as we scamper up and around the now familiar Arizona rocks. 
 
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Friendly Dragon Fly - 08/19/11 06:34 AM
The beautiful Dragon Fly has graced our Albuquerque  back yard pond for the past several weeks.  He doesn't seem to notice  as we tinker around the fish pond or work in the near by flower gardens.  Sometimes it's the simple things in life that make us stop and say thank you. 
 
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Sun Drenched Monarch Butterfly- Albuquerque - 08/18/11 11:11 AM
This beautiful Sun Drenched Monarch Butterfly danced around our Albuquerque backyard this morning and finally settled on our large Butterfly Bush...Imagine that! The morning sun was shining through his wings making his colors even more stunning. Don't forget to spread your wings today and let the light shine through. 

 
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My Buyers Kids are Beasts - 08/18/11 10:48 AM
My Buyers Kids are Beasts. A couple of years back I had a serious online lead I followed up with and bingo we were off and running with my online shopper doing some serious searching.Each morning I would have a long and detailed email from him expressing about the homes he had saved and how the wife and kiddos were excited about making the move from Indiana to Albuquerque.  All of them were ready to escape the bitter winters and looking forward to riding around with top down in the 300 days of sunshine we enjoy.In each email he always mentioned … (9 comments)

Red Hot Poker Plant or Torch Lily / Wordless Wednesday - 08/17/11 02:21 PM
These beautiful Red Hot Poker Plants or Torch Lily's bloom in mid to late summer here in Albuquerque New Mexico. You do not see these everywhere but always an eye catching treat when you do.  The hummingbirds absolutely love these things! The striking colors easily live up to their common name.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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My Buyers Loaded Up a 30 Pack of Beer for the Tour! - 08/16/11 10:59 AM
My Buyers Loaded Up a 30 Pack of Beer for the Tour!Back in the early days of my Real Estate career I had connected with a couple via my website from Kentucky, we emailed back and forth with homes to see and ultimately hotel itinerary.   I was geared up and ready for a tour of about 20 homes all in the nearby Sandia Mountains.  These folks were looking for mountain properties and I was going to help them find their dream home.  I arrive at their hotel at 9:00am and we greet each other as though we were long lost friends. … (11 comments)

August Full Moon - 08/15/11 12:12 PM
Just last night as my wife and I enjoyed some down time just sitting on the back patio, listening to the water fall, the crickets and the simple serenity of silence we noticed the eastern sky beginning to light up and slowly but surely this beautiful moon gracefully rose above the majestic Sandia Mountains and up through the few clouds that dotted the horizon.  Sometimes we just need to be still and enjoy these simple things in life!

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I sold my client an Albuquerque home she never stepped foot in. - 08/15/11 09:54 AM
I recently received a call from a very nice lady who I had met once before she was ready to make a move to Albuquerque from Illinois she requested I be her Realtor. Of course I was more than happy to oblige so we started discussing her very specific criteria and I set up a custom search for her.  Then she tells me,  “John, I won’t have the opportunity to come to Albuquerque to see homes everything will need to be done via the phone and Internet.”  Now I have worked with many clients who found homes via the Internet and … (35 comments)

Hummingbirds Need Rest Too - 08/14/11 11:03 AM

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Three Way Tug Of War! A Schnauzer Play Date - 08/14/11 10:54 AM

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I closed so why can't I have my keys? Protect your loan approval - 08/14/11 10:28 AM
When working with buyers especially new buyers I typically educate them about the process of buying a home such as how to get pre-qualified, what to watch for while home shopping, avoiding weird floor plans, money pit projects, negotiations, the inspection process etc.  I also emphasize how critical it is to protect their loan approval.  Case in point:
I recently worked with a client who was purchasing his first home and soon located the perfect bank owned home. The offer was presented with a strong qualification letter we blazed through the offer-acceptance, finalized inspections and well on our way to closing.
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Do Albuquerque Homes have Feng Shui? - 08/12/11 10:00 AM
Do Albuquerque Homes have Feng Shui?  Sure! 
After 11 years of showing homes all over Albuquerque and surrounding NM areas I am of the opinion that each home has some Feng Shui.  Have you ever walked into a home and instantly felt calm, at home or relaxed?  That’s Feng Shui at work.  There are colors that calm us.  There are floor plans that fit certain types of personalities and make that particular person feel immediately at home.  It may be a smell  that entices us that helps us remember a childhood fragrance that comforted us.  It’s all Feng Shui at work.On … (10 comments)

Albuquerque Home For Sale. 10519 Country Manor PL NW Albuquerque NM 87114 - 08/11/11 06:23 PM
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Home Styles Found In New Mexico - 08/11/11 09:03 AM
Here is a simple guide and desription to some different Home Styles Found In New Mexico
An update to this post can be found at
New Mexico Home Styles Southwest:  This style of Albuquerque NM Luxury homes is very versatile for today's living.  Usually offering an open plan with no seperated formal living or dining rooms.  Today's buyer trends prefer the openness of a spacious kitchen and great room.  Usually opening to the patio area this design is great for easy entertaining or relaxing.  More and more semi custom builders and custom builders are incorporating built in BBQ's into the patio areas.  This style … (3 comments)

How important is it to update a home? - 08/08/11 11:45 AM
How important is it to update a home?   It should be very important for several reasons. Number one this is that your home it's your castle, your casa you need to do it for your own enjoyment. Your home is a place to retreat, relax and enjoy your family and friends.  Updates can be very affordable to very expensive and you may not get every penny back that you put into you projects but keep in mind when it comes time to sell your home the updates will easily outshine others that have not been.  Properly maintaining your home and updating … (14 comments)

Silent Sunday. Northern New Mexico Lake Trout - 08/07/11 10:50 PM
Just wanted to share this stealthy and beautiful Northern New Mexico Lake Trout.  These shots were taken just below Wheeler Peak the Highest Mountain Peak in New Mexico.  A Pristine Mountain Lake and an 8 Mile Hike.



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Do I Qualify to Buy an Albuquerque Home? - 08/04/11 03:05 PM
The very first question an Albuquerque Home buyer should be asking is Do I Qualify to Buy an Albuquerque Home?  Having not only the answer but also a supporting letter from a lender should be priority #1. When a buyer makes an offer on a home, the seller’s first question will be are they qualified? Your letter shows your ability to support your offer.The very best way to discover if you qualify as a buyer is to speak directly to a local and reliable mortgage professional. I have several preferred lenders I work with and gladly refer because I know first … (5 comments)

A Typical Albuquerque Morning! - 08/02/11 09:11 AM
A Typical Albuquerque Morning in the beautiful “Land of Enchantment”

 
 
I slowly woke this morning to the familiar sound of a hot air balloon firing its propane burners just over my rooftop. Now this isn’t a sound that startles you unless you happen to be very close but certainly one we all become accustomed to as part of the Albuquerque Lifestyle.  As I cleared my sleepy head I looked up through the eyebrow window in our bedroom and sure enough there she was floating along just a few hundred feet off the ground as she gently drifted along … (16 comments)

Pecos New Mexico Passionate Purple Flowers - 08/01/11 10:04 PM
These passionate purple flowers from Pecos, New Mexico were in abundance during a weekend hike to the beautiful High Country.  Not too sure what they are called but the color and texture is stunning, one is fully openend the second on its way.  If anyone knows what these are please share in the comments.
The town of Pecos, NM and the Pecos wilderness is an easy 1.5 hr drive from Albuquerque.
Hiking and Photography is just another one of many Albuquerque Lifestyle options.


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John_mccormack Ambassador_large

John McCormack- AlbuquerqueHomes.com

Albuquerque, NM

More about me…

Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com

Address: 5916 Legends Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87120

Office Phone: (505) 980-4576

Cell Phone: (505) 980-4576

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John McCormack is the Owner/Broker-Realtor® at Albuquerque Homes Realty. Serving Albuquerque and Rio Rancho home buyers and sellers since 2000.



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