Guide to Las Cruces Real Estate and Las Cruces Homes

5 Tips on Keeping Your Las Cruces Home Clean

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:50:45 -0700

There is nothing that makes a house less attractive than a mess. Clutter and dirt is a surefire way to make anyone stressed out. How do you keep it away, though? Here are some things I’ve figured out over the years that seem to work for me.

1. Baby steps is the secret. It takes as much time to make a mess as it does to clean it, so doing things immediately is the key to maintaining a clean house. You will be surprised how good it feels to finish a task from beginning to end. End, as in, the real end, where there is no evidence of what you did, other than the finished product, like a full, warm belly and a happy family from a good dinner.

2. Make it fun. Put on some music in the background while you’re mopping the kitchen. Watch television while you fold laundry. Talk to a friend on the phone while you’re cleaning your room. Be creative with this one!

3. Have a daily cleaning spree. As a REALTOR, I am very busy with clients during the day, and when I get home in the evening, the only thing I want to do is relax. So I do. I relax for a while, and then have a cleaning spree. I use a timer and spend 7 minutes in each room getting as much as I can done. Sometimes, I don’t even need the whole seven minutes. Racing against the timer gets things done fast, and it kind of turns it into a game for me, making it more fun. The faster I clean, the more time I have to relax, and the cleaner everything is, the easier it is for me to relax.

4. Carry a basket from room to room. Put the things that don’t belong in the room you’re concentrating on in the basket. Then, when you move on to the next room, you can put those things away where they belong. Doing this helps you avoid running back and forth in between rooms and saves a lot of time. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how much time this saves.

Great Ways to Add Color to Your Home

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:55:25 -0700

Easy Ways to Add Color to Your Home
Why stick to boring beige when you can pump up your pad with a kaleidoscope of color?

A splash of cobalt on the walls will make white cabinetry and framed photos pop. Instantly! Balance out the brightness with accents on the warmer side, like a mod orange vase or fresh veggies in a centrepiece bowl.

Home offices are all about efficiency, so their colors should be anything but sleepy! Keep the energy level up with a combo of high-contrast hues like apple green, orange, and espresso. Multicolored file folders and a funky chair cushion add even more eye-catching appeal.

Create an inviting entryway with a rich tone like orange that begs to be noticed the moment you walk through the door. Painting the opposite wall another warm shade like deep yellow creates depth (hint: adding a wall mirror enhances the effect). Also, play with patterns. A scrolled rug and floral furniture complement the color scheme without overpowering it.

Who knew books and tchotchkes could make such a stylish statement? Grouping similarly hued objects brings focus to a cluttered bookcase. Stagger your boldest colors on key shelves, like the top, bottom, and middle, leaving neutral space in between. You can also create this look on a windowsill, console table, or nightstand.

Your home is such a wonderful place to call your own and express your personality, color is a great way to do that. It's easy, and low cost! Go to a home improvement store and start collecting paint swatches you can see what colors look good together and start exploring what color scheme you would like in your home.

For more tips for home owners, Real Estate News, Local news and events, and much more more, check back with our blog and our website at www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

3 More Factors for Resale Value

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:23:20 -0800

This week we're wrapping up our discussion on resale value and things that you should consider when buying a new home in Las Cruces, NM. First we examined views and lots. Then last week we looked at size, bedrooms and bathrooms, closets, garages and laundry rooms. Here are the final three things that we encourage your to consider when thinking about the future resale value of your new home.

The Kitchen

Family activity centers around the kitchen, so this is the most important room of the house. Larger kitchens are better, and they should be provided with modern appliances. Obviously, the dining room and breakfast nook should be located adjacent to the kitchen. In newer houses, the family room should also be extremely close to the kitchen.

There should be easy access to the back yard, as there will be occasions for barbecues and outdoor entertaining. In addition, it should be a short trek between the garage to the kitchen so hauling groceries in from the car does not become a horrendous chore.

Fireplaces

The only room where you absolutely have to have a fireplace is the family room. A fireplace in the living room may be nice, but you pay extra for it and will probably rarely use it. At best, it serves as a focal point of the living room, but does not add much in real value.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools do not provide as much added value as they once did. Safety issues about families with younger children have become more publicized than in the past, so families with small children tend to avoid homes with pools. As a result, having a pool may actually reduce the number of potential homebuyers when you try to resell the home.

Buy a home with a pool for your own enjoyment, not as an investment.

Since we are on the subject of swimming pools, here is a word of advice: If you want a pool, buy a home that already has a pool. Paying a contractor to install one for you is like throwing money away. You will never get a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment.

This wraps up our seriese on factors to consider when thinking about future resale value. Let us know if we missed something or if you disagree with any of the points we made.

3 More Considerations for Resale Value

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:07:50 -0700

Last week we talked about how your view, lot and landscaping affect the resale value of your Las Cruces home. This week we pick up the conversation with 3 more things that you should consider when buying a new home.

House Size

In each residential neighborhood, houses will vary in size and rooms, but they should not be too different. If resale value is an important consideration, you should not buy the largest model in the neighborhood. When determining market value, the homes nearest to yours are most important. If most of the nearby houses are smaller than your house, they can act as a drag on appreciation.

On the other hand, if you buy a small or medium house for the neighborhood, the larger homes can help pull up your value. This is one of those times where determining your "wants" versus your "needs" can be extremely important. Buying what you need in a more prestigious neighborhood may provide more financial reward than getting what you want in a less desirable neighborhood.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Three and four bedroom houses are the most popular among homebuyers, so if you can stick in that range you will have more potential buyers when it comes time to resell. Five is okay, too, as long as you do not have to pay too much extra for the additional bedroom.

There should always be at least two bathrooms in a house, preferably at least two and a half. One bathroom with a place to wash up for day-to-day visitors, one for the master bedroom, and at least one to be shared by the other bedrooms.

Closets, Garages, and Laundry

Walk-in closets are extremely desirable for the master bedroom. For the rest of the house, just be sure there is plenty of closet space. Don't forget space for linens and towels.

Garages add to the resale value and you should always make sure to get at least a two-car garage. Lately, three-car garages have become desirable in some areas of the country.

The laundry facilities should be located somewhere convenient on the main floor of the house, but not in a place it will create an eyesore. Think about whether you want to walk up and down stairs when carrying loads of laundry.

What did we miss? Are there other things that you think impact the value of your home at resale? Tell us below.

A Trip to the Gila Cliff Dwellings

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:39:08 -0700

When you live in Las Cruces you have access to so much. One of our favorite areas is the Gila Wilderness where you find the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

About 700 years ago the Mogollon (muguhYON) people lived in the cliffs high above the Gila River. They hunted and fished, grew corn, beans, and squash. They used native yucca for food, sandal material, needles and even soap and shampoo.

The dwellings that remain are within the rugged Gila National Wilderness, the first wilderness area established by the US Government. The national park is only 43 miles from Silver City, but takes about two hours to drive because the road winds through spectacular scenery.

Once you make the drive to the Cliff Dwellings, you can stop at the Visitors' Center or proceed to the parking lot at the trailhead. Looking up over your shoulder, you'll get your first glimpse of the magnificent cliffs with the dwellings sitting there reflecting the sun. A rocky one-mile trail rises about 180 feet amid ponderosa pines, cactus, pion, junipers and Douglas fir. It crosses a series of footbridges and is reinforced by log steps in some areas. The trail is not wheelchair or stroller-accessible.

Take a walking stick. Especially if you're not a seasoned hiker, you'll appreciate it on the steep part of the trail and on the smooth but uneven rocks near the dwellings themselves. The hike is not particularly strenuous and benches are available in case you do tire. Try to arrange your trip to the ruins when guides are available, twice a day. They will greatly enhance your experience with the information they can provide about the dwellings and the people who lived there. A guided-trail booklet is also available.

Now the best part. The dwellings were excavated and stabilized in a series of projects beginning in 1907 and you can actually enter some of the 40 rooms the Mogollon built out of a series of caves. Stroll through the same rooms they used for cooking, sleeping, worshipping and working. Then return to the Visitors' Center for books and photos to remember this very special place.
Actual hours vary depending on the season. Wear sturdy clothing and bring water. There is a nominal entrance fee.

Think About Future Resale Value When Buying

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:00:28 -0700

When you buy your next home in Las Cruces you should put a lot of thought into it. Don't just think about your needs and desires, think about what's going to happen when you try to sell it in the future.

Here are 2 things to consider when thinking about your resale value.

Buying a Home With a View May Not be Worth the Price

Homes with a pleasant view of the horizon often sell at a premium above similar homes without the view. However, if a view is important to you, buy it mostly for your own pleasure and not as an investment. Though you may place a considerable dollar value on the view, future buyers may not be so like-minded. It may take you longer to find a buyer when it comes time to resell the house. Or you may end up dropping your price to more nearly match other sales prices in the neighborhood.

In short, if you are buying a house with a view, try to pay as little extra as possible. Otherwise, you might not get your money back.

Lot and Landscaping Matter

Even though most real estate value is usually concentrated in the building, the lot is important, too. Obviously, it should be as level as possible. Assuming the property is in a typical neighborhood, the lot should be rectangular - no odd shaped lots or oddly situated lots.
Yard sizes are smaller in modern homes than in older homes, but there should still be a decently sized front and back yard. Do not buy a house where the entire back yard is taken up by a swimming pool, for example.

Do not purchase an over-landscaped property, either. You would normally pay a premium for that, which you may not be able to recover when you sell. You will get your best value if the house is moderately landscaped or under-landscaped for the area. You can always improve the landscaping during your ownership by improving the grass and adding bushes and trees. Just do not spend too much.

Next week we'll take a look at a few other things that affect resale value. Is there anything in particular that you'd like us to look at? Leave a comment below.

Brighten Your Mood With New Lighting

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:45:03 -0700

There are so many different types of lighting to choose for your Las Cruces home these days, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

Probably the most important thing to do when choosing new light fixtures is to determine what you are going to use the lighting for. Is this lighting you are going to read or work under? Are you looking for a spotlight for a piece of art or the perfect task light for your kitchen?

Knowing what you want to use the light for will make it much easier to decide what kind of light you need.

Ceiling lights are the most common lighting in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. A ceiling fan adds both light and air circulation, which is often a good idea.

Track lights give more of a spotlight look and focus light on a particular part of a room. They're popular above fireplaces or as a spotlight on artwork, and are also available in flexible tracks.

Fluorescent lights are popular in kitchens, garages and other work spaces because they add a lot of light without a lot of heat or using a lot of energy.
Lamps, either floor or table varieties, can add a concentrated beam of light where you need it, such as next to your favorite reading chair.

Choosing New Lighting

Picking new light fixtures is a balance between what kind of light you need and what your style is in the particular room. The good news is there are many, many different designs for all of these lighting types, so you should easily be able to find a style that suits your needs and your budget. Shopping for light fixtures can be a lot of fun, because there is such variety and the fixture you pick will help set the tone for the room you are lighting.

Installing Lighting

If you are replacing an existing light fixture, installing ceiling-mounted light fixtures is not that difficult, but take care if you are installing a completely new fixture. You'll have to measure correctly so that you cut your hole in the ceiling in the right place, and you also need to know what you're doing with the electricity so you don't hurt yourself.

Installing light fixtures is a fine project for do-it-yourselfers as long as you have some experience with electricity and know the proper safety precautions.

How Changing Jobs Can Affect Your Home Buying

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:32:27 -0700

For most people, changing employers will not really affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. However, for some home buyers the effects of changing jobs can be disastrous to your loan application.

We were reminded of this a few weeks ago when we worked with a gentleman who just relocated to Las Cruces, NM for a new, and better paying job in a new industry. Unfortunately, part of his new income is based on commission.

Commissioned Employees

If a substantial portion of your income is derived from commissions, you should not change jobs before buying a home. This has to do with how mortgage lenders calculate your income. They average your commissions over the last two years.

Changing employers creates an uncertainty about your future earnings from commissions. There is no track record from which to produce an average. Even if you are selling the same type of product with essentially the same commission structure, the underwriter cannot be certain that past earnings will accurately reflect future earnings.

Here are a few other scenarios where changing jobs would negatively impact your ability to buy a home.

Bonuses

If a substantial portion of your income on the new job will come from bonuses, you may want to consider delaying an employment change. Mortgage lenders will rarely consider future bonuses as income unless you have been on the same job for two years and have a track record of receiving those bonuses. Then they will average your bonuses over the last two years in calculating your income.

Changing employers means that you do not have the two-year track record necessary to count bonuses as income.

Part-Time Employees

If you earn an hourly income but rarely work forty hours a week, you should not change jobs. There would be no way to tell how many hours you will work each week on the new job, so no way to accurately calculate your income. If you remain on the old job, the lender can just average your earnings.

Over-Time

Since all employers award overtime hours differently, your overtime income cannot be determined if you change jobs. If you stay on your present job, your lender will give you credit for overtime income. They will determine your overtime earnings over the last two years, then calculate a monthly average.

Self-Employment

If you are considering a change to self-employment before buying a new home, don't do it. Buy the home first.

Lenders like to see a two-year track record of self-employment income when approving a loan. Plus, self-employed individuals tend to include a lot of expenses on the Schedule C of their tax returns, especially in the early years of self-employment. While this minimizes your tax obligation to the IRS, it also minimizes your income to qualify for a home loan.

If you are considering changing your business from a sole proprietorship to a partnership or corporation, you should also delay that until you purchase your new home.

However, there are many times that changing jobs won't negatively affect your ability to buy a new home in Las Cruces.

Salaried Employees

If you are a salaried employee who does not earn additional income from commissions, bonuses, or over-time, switching employers should not create a problem. Just make sure to remain in the same line of work. Hopefully, you will be earning a higher salary, which will help you better qualify for a mortgage.

Hourly Employees

If your income is based on hourly wages and you work a straight forty hours a week without over-time, changing jobs should not create any problems.

Turning Your Closet Doors into Something Special

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:50:37 -0700

Closet doors don't have to be bland or blah. You can make every closet door a work of art.

Closets are necessary in every home, but in addition to being functional they can also be beautiful, relaxing, and stylish. Here are few of our favorite ideas that we've seen in Las Cruces homes:

Classic bifold closet doors with a venetian blind design are popular, but if you'd prefer something more distinctive you can easily change or modify your closet doors to match your style.

Mirrored closet doors make a small room seem spacious and grand, and they make it brighter by reflecting any natural and artificial light. For the most dramatic effect, choose floor-to-ceiling mirrored doors.

Spice up plain closet door panels with different colors and textures. Multiple sliding panels also make closet space more accessible than fewer, larger panels.

Closet doors inspired by the simple geometric lines of Asian architecture are popular styles for all closet sizes. These sliding panels are easy to install and are available in different finishes, including both light and dark shades.

Personalize your closet doors by adding your favorite color. While paint is the easiest way to color up a door, adding tinted glass is a more elegant and stylish option. Other ways include adding picture frames, colored panels, fabric covered panels, or stencils.

Add character to your closet by choosing coordinating doors that match the architecture and design of the room and windows. Leaving space at the top of the closet or wardrobe is a great way to display books, baskets, plants, or other decorative items.

Hide an unattractive closet door with a heavy drape or curtain. This will add softness to the room and a curtain is easy to change when you redecorate.

See-thru panels on closet doors are a popular style option that will add light and texture to the closet. If your closet is perpetually messy, however, you may prefer darker tinted panels that don't reveal your wardrobe secrets.

If you like the look of mirrored closet doors but don't want oversized mirrors, choose more discreet designs that border the mirror with different colors or textures. This gives you the practicality of a mirror while still having space for additional design and personalization.

Instead of a bland closet door, consider a heavy antique wooden door. This adds immediate bold character to your closet without needing additional decorations.

Make the most of your closet space by using over-the-door organizational tools. Shoe racks, hooks, hat racks, bars, and hanging shelves are all available for different sizes of closet doors.

Have you ever done anything special with your closet doors? Share your tips and ideas below.

Don't Buy that New Car

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:03:33 -0700

If you are thinking about buying a new house you need to think carefully about big purchases, like buying a new car.

We worked with a very nice couple this weekend who are ready to buy a house in Las Cruces. They were upset because they didn't qualify for as much as they thought they could afford. It turns out that two months ago they bought a new car. The wife had just received a huge raise at her job, and they started upgrading their lifestyle. First they bought her a new car (and she deserved it). Then they started thinking about moving into a new house.

Now they know that they had their priorities wrong.

When you consider buying a home, the first thing you must consider is, can you afford to buy the home that you want?

The price of the home that you can afford to buy is the amount that your lender says you are "qualified to borrow," plus the amount of your down payment. In today's environment, Affordability and Loan Qualification are based strictly on your income and your expenses.

The lender calculates the percentage of your total gross monthly of income (before taxes) vs. the amount of total recurring monthly expenses (your debts). Most lenders today will loan amount of money that will produce a total monthly debt that is about 36% of your monthly gross income. Remember the total debt is your new monthly mortgage expense ( principal, interest, taxes, insurance), plus all recurring monthly expenses (student loans, credit cards, and any other payments... like that new car)

Here is the car / any other major expense problem. Suppose you earn $3000 a month and you have an existing car payment of $300. If you buy a new car and that payment goes up to, say $400 then your debt-to-income ratio just increased significantly and the amount of mortgage you qualify for is reduced. Think ahead, if a new home is in your plans, buy the home first, and then consider other major purchases.

Since understanding all the steps involved in the Home Buying Process and Home financing process are crucial, we have created a website dedicated to this: BuyingAHomeInLasCruces.com with extensive information and resources. In addition you will find our Step by Step Guides to Home Buying and Home Financing. The first chapter in both guides deals with whether you can afford to buy a home, and how much you can afford, and you will find a great Affordability Calculator in our resources section. (Learn what you can qualify for. See what your mortgage payment would be. Change down payments and debts, and see what happens to how much you can qualify for.)

We are looking forward to hearing from you. We’d love the chance to assist you with buying a home in Las Cruces. In the meanwhile, use all of our resources linked above independently without hassle, and whenever you want any information or assistance Contact us.

Next time we'll pick up this conversation and talk about more things that you want to avoid if you are thinking about buying a new home.

How to Fix Water Damaged Floors

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:05:34 -0700

We find over and over that people tend to put off home repairs until right before they put their home for sale on the market. One of the most common repairs is due to water damage. Here are some helpful tips if you floor has been damaged by water.

Vinyl Tiles

Linoleum or vinyl tiles are some of the least expensive flooring solutions available and because they are among the easiest types of flooring to clean and maintain, they
are commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens. However, being used in wet locations such as these also increases the risk of the tiles suffering from water damage, especially if the water is not soaked up immediately.

One of the advantages of linoleum and vinyl tiles is the ability to replace the tile or tiles that are exhibiting damage; there's no need to tear up the entire floor.

Start by scoring the damaged tile with a utility knife or vinyl tile cutter. Use a scraper to get underneath one side of the tile and start prying it up. If the tile breaks, don't worry about it. Once you get the affected tiles out, scrape all the old adhesive off the floor and clean out all of the debris. Wash the floor down with warm, soapy water and a clean sponge. Let the floor try completely and double check for adhesive or debris.

Depending on the type of tile (self-adhesive or glue-down) you have, install it as directed. Use a roller to ensure the tile makes a good bond with the floor. If you are installing a glue-down tile, clean the edges of the tile, wiping up any adhesive that came through the seams.

Wood Floors

Face it, water and hard wood flooring don't mix. Over time, water can produce unsightly black or white stains on the floor. Here's how to fix water damage on a floor laid with real wood planks.

Use painters tape to outline the affected area. Remove the top layer of wax using steel wool, then change over to 80- or 60-grit sandpaper to remove the surface finish, gradually changing grits until you reach 100-grit paper. Sand the wood all the way up to the edges of the tape and clean up the debris when done.

Take one cup of hot water, add oxalic acid crystals (available from your local hardware store) and stir until the crystals dissolve. Continue adding crystals until they no longer dissolve. Apply the solution to the affected area and allow it to dry. Once dry, wipe up the crystals and apply another coat of the solution. Continue this process until the stain is completely gone. Follow the instructions and safety information on the bottle of oxalic acid crystals. Wear protective gloves and eyewear when using this product.

Stain and seal the affected area so it matches the color of the flooring around it.

Laminated flooring

Laminated flooring comes packaged with claims that it is water resistant, but don't let that fool you; if water sits on the flooring long enough, it will buckle. The biggest problem with repairing a laminated floorboard is getting it out. The boards are locked together in a tongue and groove fashion; in order to replace the area that's buckling, the floor needs to be pulled up from the nearest wall to the affected area.

Remove the quarter-round trim along the perimeter of the wall nearest the buckled area of flooring. Using a small pry bar will help make this an easier process. Since laminated floors are "floating" they do not get installed flush to the wall; there should be a small gap between the plank and the wall. Pull up the planks until you reach the affected area and clear away any water damaged planks. Make absolutely sure that there is no residual water left on the floor or under the foam sheet. If water
is present, place a dehumidifier near the area and allow it to fully dry before you lay the replacement planks.

Install the replacement planks and return the original, unaffected planks back to their spots in the installation sequence. Re-install the quarter-round trim and the job is complete.

Las Cruces Theatre

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:29:05 -0700

This week in Las Cruces we're making plans for the upcoming theatrr season, and if you love the theatre as much as we do you should join us. But let me warn you, it will take some time because this season is packed with exciting shows.

Here's a break-down of the 2011-2012 season by theatre according to a recent article by S. Derrickson Moore in the Las Cruces Sun News:

American Southwest Theatre Company at NMSU

Where: Hershel Zohn Theatre, NMSU campus
How much: $15, $13 seniors 65 and up, NMSU faculty/staff, $10 NMSU students, $5 high school students
Info: (575) 646-4515, theatre.nmsu.edu/astc/. For season tickets: www.ticketmaster.com

"Miss Julie," by August Strindberg, Sept. 23 to Oct. 9. Miss Julie, mistress of a country manor, struggles against the restlessness of her social station and her burgeoning passions.

"hard 2 spel dad," by Linda Daugherty and Mary Rohde Scudday, Oct. 21 and 22. Pamela and Zac navigate their way through the challenges and struggles of growing up with dyslexia.

"Once in a Lifetime," by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, Nov. 18 to Dec. 4. Three vaudevillians head to California to conquer Hollywood's newest advancement: talking pictures.

"Brighton Beach Memoirs," by Neil Simon, Feb. 24 to March 11. It's 1937 and 14-year-old Eugene Morris Jerome must face a demanding mother, liver for dinner, a house over-filled with relatives, and puberty.

"SHOUT! The Mod Musical," by Phillip George, David Lowenstein, and Peter Charles Morris, April 20 to May 6. Flipping through the years like a musical magazine of the '60s, this smashing revue tracks five groovy gals as they come of age during those liberating days that made England swing.

Plus: Benefits and special events:

"DIVAS!" 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20. The musical cabaret features Della Bustamante (Country Diva), Thea Cordova (Opera Diva), Carrie Klofach (Comic Diva), Janet Mazdra (Belter Diva) and Megan McQueen (Sassy Diva).

Rocky Horror Picture Show screening, 8 p.m. Aug. 26, $6, prop bags available for $4.
Mardi Gras, 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 18, New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum.

Las Cruces Community Theatre

Where: Las Cruces Community Theatre, 313 N. Downtown Mall
How much: $10 adults, $9 students, seniors & military, $8 each for groups of ten or more, $7 kids 6 and under. Season tickets: $50, Senior/Student/Military: $45
Info: (575) 523-1200, www.lcctnm.org

"Plaza Suite" by Neil Simon, Aug. 26 to Sept. 11, directed by Les Boyse. Three short plays tell the adventures of three couples successively occupying the same suite at the Plaza Hotel.

"A Thousand Clowns," by Herb Gardner, directed by Marcus Vickers, Oct. 14 to 30. Unconventional Murray, uncle and custodian of precocious nephew Nick, is tired of writing cheap comedy gags for Chipper the Chipmunk, a children's TV star. Murray finds himself unemployed. Lectured by his conventional brother and hounded by "the system," Murray is paid a visit by bickering, uptight social workers, and finds himself solving their problems as well as most of his own.

"Nuncrackers," musical by Dan Goggin, directed by Art Haggerton, Dec. 2 to 18. The Little Sisters of Hoboken are back, bringing us their annual Christmas pageant - and this year, it's being televised live from the basement of Mount St. Helen's Convent. The highlight of the pageant will be an original ballet based on The Nutcracker, along with a "Secret Santa" drawing by Sister Amnesia.

"Shadowlands," by William Nicholson, directed by Patrick Payne, Feb. 3 to 19. Famed author C.S. Lewis meets his American fan, Joy Gresham, whom he befriends and eventually marries. The story also deals with his struggle with personal pain and grief: Lewis preaches that one should endure suffering with patience but finds that the simple answers he had preached no longer apply when Joy suffers from cancer.

One-Act Play Festival, March 8 to 11. LCCT's annual one-act festival provides opportunities for new directors, new actors, and new works.

"Belles," by Dan Thornton, directed by Gail Wheeler, April 13 to 29. An intriguing play "in 2 acts and 45 phone calls" chronicles vivid characters and conflicts in the phone calls among the six Walker sisters who hail from Memphis, but now are scattered all over the country. Only Peggy still lives in Memphis, where she cares for Mama. When the play begins, Peggy is phoning her sisters to tell them that Mama is in the hospital.

"Piecemeal," musical by Howard Odentz, directed by Autumn Gieb, June 1 to 17. Described by critics as "imaginative, dark and funny," this musical comedy takes a new look at Mary Shelley's classic novel about the events leading to the creation of the Frankenstein monster. Igor, the hunchbacked son of the local undertaker, who yearns to be a doctor, crosses paths with Victor Frankenstein, who is expected to uphold family tradition and attend medical school, but would prefer to pursue a career in fashion. The two swap identities to get what they want, and complications ensue.

Black Box Theatre/No Strings Theatre Company

Where: Black Box Theatre, Downtown Mall
When: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays
How much: $10 regular and $9 students and seniors (over 65). Preferred Patron Package season ticket: $50 and $45. Info and reservations: (575) 523-1223,

no-strings.org

"The Iris Incident," by Amy Lanasa, directed by Mark Medoff, weekends Aug. 21 through 28.

"The 39 Steps," adapted by Patrick Barlow, from the novel by John Buchan, the movie by Alfred Hitchcock and an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, directed by Ceil Herman, Sept. 16 to Oct. 2. New York Times critic Ben Brantley called the play, "Absurdly enjoyable! This gleefully theatrical riff on Hitchcock's film is fast and frothy, performed by a cast of four that seems like a cast of thousands."

"Wait Until Dark," by Fredrick Knott, directed by Karen Caroe, Oct. 28 to Nov. 13. This masterfully constructed thriller moves from one moment of suspense to another as it builds toward an electrifying, breath-stopping final scene.

"Private Fears in Public Places," by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Ceil Herman, Dec. 2 to 18. Six people with six very separate lives are strangely linked by circumstance. Does Nicola still love Dan? Can Stewart be on the verge of an office romance? Will Imogen ever find true love? Does Ambrose have a secret life? And what on earth is Charlotte up to?

"The Sisters Rosensweig," by Wendy Wasserstein, directed by Nikka Ziemer, Jan. 20 to Feb. 5. "A captivating portrait of three disparate sisters reuniting after a lengthy separation and coming to terms with their differences, respect and love for one another. The laughter is all but continuous." -The New Yorker

"Becky's New Car" by Steven Dietz, directed by Ceil Herman, March 9 to 25. Have you ever been tempted to flee your own life? This play, according to Variety, "takes the audience on a smart, comic cruise through the perils of middle-aged longing and regret."

"Tick, Tick Boom!," book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, directed by Dale Pawley, May 4 to 20. A musical look at the courage it takes to follow your dreams, "Tick, Tick Boom!" is Jonathan Larson's autobiographical tale of a young composer on the brink of turning 30 and falling into oblivion.

In addition to all these shows, the 2011 White Sands International Film Festival is scheduled for August 25 - 28. Stay tuned for more information.

A Day Trip to White Sands

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:42:54 -0700

The White Sands National Monument is a must-see for any family in Southern New Mexico. The White Sands National Monument is a vast 275-mile white sand desert sitting just a short drive from Las Cruces. The scenic beauty of the white sands offers breathtakingly beautiful recreation your whole family will enjoy.

The White Sands National Monument is a vast desert of huge, undulating white sand dunes. Our family loves walking barefoot through the sandy dunes. Keep your eyes open for animals or even small footprints they leave behind in the white sands as your family explores the White Sands National Monument.

While your family is at the White Sands National Monument, you can enjoy hiking across the white sand dunes on four marked trails. These trails are not handicap accessible but are relatively easy to navigate. You can also park your car on various parking areas off the main road and give your family time to explore on your own. There is also an eight mile, two lane road that takes you from the visitors center at the front of White Sands National Monument and through the park.

At the visitors center, your family can enjoy a short, educational film about the history of White Sands National Park and its evolution over time. There are also numerous displays and exhibits covering the history, wildlife, and geology of the area. In the visitors center, your family can also visit the gift shop where disk sleds are available for purchase or rental, giving your family the opportunity for several hours of all-seasons funsledding down the white sand dunes.

White Sands National Monument is located adjacent to the White Sands Missile Range. Occasionally, the White Sands National Monument closes due to missile testing at the Missile Range. Call ahead before your family vacation to White Sands National Monument to ensure the site is open on the day of your visit.

White Sands National Monument is a simply stunning natural landscape that your family will remember for years to come. Include White Sands National Monument on your list of must-see attractions on your trip to New Mexico.

Our kids love jumping off the sand dunes at White Sands. If you've been there before, what's your favorite thing to do there?

Learn more about White Sands National Monument at our Guide to Las Cruces website.

Two Great Las Cruces Parks

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:50:33 -0700

Every community needs a great park. Luckily Las Cruces has several. My grandchildren have lots of energy, and it's great to take them to the park sometimes to let them run around and play. Our favorites parks to visit are Young Park and Apodaca Park.

Young Park

1905 East Nevada Ave
88001Las Cruces

Young Park is a 21.6 acre facility in Central Las Cruces, NM. It is located in the middle of a medium density residential subdivision with some commercial areas located across the park's east parking lot.

This is one of the largest, well-endowed parks in Las Cruces. It has both covered and open picnic tables, many of which have BBQ grills. There is also a large covered picnic area in the center of the park that overlooks the lake and is close to the public restrooms.

The park also has three playground areas located throughout. The playground equipment has ground rubber walkways leading to it and the steps of the equipment itself are covered in rubber to help keep the kids from slipping when its wet. The remainder of the ground below the equipment is covered in coarsely chipped wood. These help to dampen the jump and/or fall should they decide to put the laws of gravity to the test. Some play areas also have swing sets. In addition, you will find a covered wagon play area in the center of the park that has sand as ground cover.

The North Central area of the park boasts its most prominent feature....the lake. The lake is a pretty good size and has a waterfall and two fountains. As with most public lakes, due to hygiene concerns, we wouldn't recommend taking a cool dip or fishing in it. If you do decide to fish there, it would be best to catch and release. Also, make sure you have a fishing license. Children under 12 do not need one in New Mexico. It sure is nice to hang out by the water and listen to the fountains when you live in the middle of a desert.

The park also has a very nice set of tennis courts on site. These courts appear to be in very good condition and nets are well maintained. The courts are surrounded in a large chain link fence and has stadium lighting.

Apodaca Park
801 E Madrid
88001 Las Cruces

Apodaca Park is a 3.1 acre facility in North-Central Las Cruces, NM. It is located just North of where Solano Drive intersects with Madrid Street, in a mixed use, residential and commercial part of town. The park shares its Northern border with the Las Cruces Country Club.

This is another one of the largest parks in town and has a wide range of things to do. It also has one of the most recognizable landmarks in town...... the giant wooden Indian at the South-West Corner. The park is covered in grass and a number of mature trees for lots of cool shade. It has two playground areas, baseball stadium / softball field, tennis courts, and a pool.

Playground areas are located at the northwest and southeast ends of the park. The playground equipment at the North-West end is of larger scale and seems to be geared for bigger kids. The playground equipment at the southeast end is smaller scale and would be easier for smaller toddlers to play on. The playground areas are similar to the the ones in Young Park with the rubber walkways and chipped wood. These safety precautions have saved my grandkids on more than one occasion.

Located at the far east end of the park is a very nice baseball stadium / softball field where the Las Cruces Vaqueros play. This is a lit field complete with covered stadium seating. The field also has features score boards, dug-outs and public restrooms. It is a very nice facility as you can see from the picture.

The park also boasts a 25 meter swimming pool which, can be separated into six lap lanes, as well as a separate shallow pool for the little ones. The pool has a covered areas on both sides with chaise lounge chairs for relaxing. The pool is located on the east end of the park and is open during summers to the general public for a small fee.

The tennis courts are located on the east end of the park beside the swimming pool. It is a fenced in area with two separate courts. The fences, nets and courts are in very good shape and appear to be fairly new. The tennis courts also have stadium lights for night play. The light controls are located in the South-West corner of the courts.

The park also has a few covered picnic areas scatter through-out. The roofs on these are metal so, if you might want to consider one of the park benches in the cool shade of the trees. There is so much grass area in the park that you may consider just bringing a picnic blanket.

Apodaca Park is located at the corner of a fairly busy intersection but, most of the playground equipment and other amenities are located in the park's interior, far enough in from the street that the hot pavement and exhaust are hardly noticeable.

You can tell a lot about a community by how invested they are in their parks. These two parks are examples of the great quality of living we have here in Las Cruces.

What are your favorite parks?

My husband and I have lived here for over 30 years, and decided to get together and make a list for you so that you can enjoy Las Cruces as much as we do. If you're interested in more things to do in Las Cruces, head on over to our Guide to Las Cruces page from the link below.

http://www.guidetolascruces.com/things_to_see_and_do.php

Did You See Your Electric Bill?

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:21:48 -0700

Here is OUR contribution: 10 Energy-Saving Tips

Summer brings certain things to mind: BBQ’s, festivals, parades, camping, fishing, swimming – any way to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful weather summer offers across the country. However, summer in Las Cruces means hot weather, which can run up your energy bill. To keep sky-rocketing energy costs from ruining your fun summer plans, follow these easy guidelines below to keep your energy costs down, and your spirits up!

10 Quick & Easy Energy-Saving Summer Tips

1. Limit fan use to only when you are in the room with them. Ceiling, oscillating and standing fans give you the feeling of being cooler without actually changing the temperature of the air.

2. Use compact fluorescents, which burn cooler than regular bulbs. Not only will you save year-round, up to $40 over the life of the bulb, and in the summer you'll reduce the heat generated into a room.

3. Use evaporative coolers and whole-house fans. Both are cost-effective methods of keeping a house cool without spending a lot.

4. If you have central air conditioning, keep your thermostat at 78 degrees. Each degree above 78 can knock off an additional six to seven percent off your cooling costs.

5. Get rid of hot air. Use an exhaust fan to blow hot air out of your kitchen while you’re cooking. The savings on your cooling costs far outweigh the electricity used by the fan. Also, take lukewarm showers and baths to avoid humid air, which holds more heat.

6. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees. This saves you money and is a safety measure if you have children in the house.

7. Hold off on doing laundry and dishwashing until nighttime to avoid generating extra heat in your home. Also, consider taking advantage of the warmer air and dry your laundry outside.

8. If you have a pool, turn off your filter overnight when the pool is not in use.

9. Use your microwave or smaller, countertop appliances for cooking instead of the oven or stove.

10. Close blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day. This keeps the strong sunlight from heating your home.

Summer Safety Tips

When possible, avoid outdoor activities during midday, when the sun's rays are strongest.

Keep perishable food cool on longer trips. When outside, keep the cooler in the shade and continue to replenish the ice!

Check for hazards in the yard during thunderstorms. Secure any unstable items on your house or in your yard that could be blown away or knocked over.

Do you have any more ideas or suggestions on how to save energy this summer? If so, we'd love to hear your thoughts in a comment below!

Surprises that Kill Your Deal Part 2

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:30:02 -0700

A few weeks ago we examined how appraisals can kill the deal. This week we thought we would share a few other surprises that could stop your home purchase.

Your lender demands home repairs

In this fussier climate, lenders may hold up a sale if the appraiser points out even minor repairs that need to be done. We know a lender from another state who once delayed a home purchase until window screens could be installed.

The screens, included in the purchase contract, were nowhere in evidence. The appraiser pointed out the omission, so the bank's rules compelled him to withhold the loan. Loan documents were delayed until the builder put up the screens and the appraiser signed off.

There's nothing new in lenders insisting that homes they finance be in shipshape, but a few years ago, a lender might let the buyer and seller agree to complete the sale and fix any minor problems later, paying for them out of the seller's proceeds held in escrow. Today's buyers and sellers are rarely given that kind of slack.

Pre-emptive action: To anticipate issues an appraiser might raise, scrutinize the home inspector's report for any potential problems with the property. Also, be certain all conditions listed in your purchase and sale agreement are met.

The home has baggage

Remember any boyfriends or girlfriends from your past for whom you fell for before realizing that he or she had deep "issues"? Homes can be like that, too. Some come with baggage.
Any surprises usually crop up when a title search is done to clear the way for your purchase.

For example, there's a chance, given all the financial turmoil these days, that someone besides your seller has a claim on the house. For this reason, many deals today are not clean and easy. For example you may see:

A bankruptcy — not uncommon these days — may have produced creditors who have filed claims against the home to get what's owed them.
Your seller may have argued with a contractor who did work on the house years ago. Contractors or suppliers with beefs against the owner can file mechanic's liens against the property, preventing it from being sold until the claim is settled.
Maybe the seller lost a lawsuit and failed to pay — or perhaps didn't know about — a court judgment worth thousands of dollars. You can't buy the home until the debt is satisfied. Ditto for unpaid child support or alimony.

Missing permits are another deal-stopper. Sellers occasionally complete do-it-yourself remodeling and think, "What the heck, I don't need those expensive permits." But they do. Typically, the real-estate agent listing the home makes sure all permits are in order. But sometimes this escapes notice.

Occasionally, buyers are shocked to learn that the boundaries of the property they're buying aren't correct. Maybe the seller built a carport, addition, shed or fence that crossed onto a neighboring property. No one's the wiser until your title search uncovers the error, but you can't buy the place until the error is corrected. The seller may have to tear down the structure or negotiate with the neighbors to buy or sell a few feet of land. These problems can set back your purchase or end it altogether.

Pre-emptive action: Buy title insurance. We've run into situations where errors have come out of the woodwork years later. With insurance, your claim to your home is protected. WARNING: If an insurer declines to insure the title of a home you want to buy, walk away from the deal.

I’ll say it again, it’s important to be prepared when buying a home. For this reason, we’ve provided you with a free simple 10 step guide to the buying process.

Simply visit the link below for more information on how to get it.

http://www.buyingahomeinlascruces.com/home_buyers_guide_intro.php

Don't Forget About Your Roof

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:56:04 -0700

When we think of home repairs and remodeling, we don't usually remember the roof. But if your roof's in bad shape, nothing else matters. The value of your home is severely influenced by a roof that needs fixing.

What You Can't See Can Hurt Your Roof

The problem with roofs is that it's not easy to know when it's time to repair or replace it. By the time you do know, it's usually too late, and you're stuck with big problems. I have encountered a few instances while helping clients sell their home where the faulty roofs created some unwanted troubles. Make it a habit each fall and spring (perhaps when you set your clocks?) to do a roof check. Look for the following:

Your shingles are missing, curling, cupping, broken or cracked.
There's leakage in your attic after a storm, or after ice build-up.
Exterior or interior paint begins blistering or peeling.
There are stains on your interior ceilings and walls.
You notice dark, dirty-looking areas on the roof.
Your energy costs go up drastically, indicating that heat is escaping through your roof.
Pooling or ponds of water won't drain from your flat roof, indicating poor drainage or low areas.

Inspect the underside of your roof from the attic with a flashlight. A couple of pinholes are normal, and the shingles will usually swell the holes shut when the roof is wet. But you should take note of holes that look bigger.

When in Doubt, Seek Professional Help

If you're not sure what you're looking for, contact an inspector. Never go on your roof to inspect or repair it - the risk isn't worth the money you'd save.

Looking for a roofer when you're desperate for one can lead to hasty, unwise decisions. Be sure to shop around first, and select a licensed, insured roofer who guarantees all work. Being proactive about roof repairs or replacements now can save you lots of stress later.

Roofers in Las Cruces:

G. Bishop Roofing
www.gbishoproofing.com/

Professional Roof Repair by Cottonwood Construction
www.roofrepairlascruces.com/

Progreen Superior Coatings & Roofing
www.progreenlc.com/

C D General Contractors
www.cdgeneralnm.com/

Do you have any personal experience with roof problems? If so and you'd like to share, leave your story in a comment below.

If you’re interested in more ways you can avoid big problems like a faulty roof, we’ve provided you with a free seller’s guide. Even if you aren’t selling your home, this guide is helpful to you because it can give you ideas you possibly haven’t thought of yet on how to improve your home and your life.

To access your very own free seller’s guide, visit and follow the directions at:

http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com/login.php?reffer=http://www.sellingahomeinlascruces.com/sellers_guide_book.php

I Love Las Cruces, Everyone Does, Do You?

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:33:41 -0700

Las Cruces has just received another prestigious recognition!

Forbes Magazine ranks Las Cruces No. 14 on its "Best Small Places for Business and Careers" list.

Besides all of the awards and recognitions from national organizations, I want to express my feelings about living in Las Cruces.

The Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers rankings are based on:

past and future projected job growth,
business and living costs,
income growth, education
projected economic growth.
Quality of life areas such as crime rate, cultural and recreational

Las Cruces' metro area, has made the Forbes list four times before. Las Cruces, NM has a positive and growing economy. It provides a great, low cost opportunity for businesses to relocate their offices, establish new facilities, and to open new businesses. There are extensive training and educational facilities for the readily available workforce, and a low cost of living. All of this plus a lifestyle that offers wonderful arts, culture, and recreational opportunities.
See all of the awards Las Cruces has gotten for these important qualities.

I personally would like to add my feeling about life and lifestyle in Las Cruces:

Las Cruces is the best place to live, raise children, work, and retire.
We are: "Unique" ... "A perfect location" ... "An ideal climate"...
"A Dream Town"

Join me and see "Enchanting Las Cruces" – How can you not love Las Cruces?

If you are from out of town and would like our great relocation package
just click here.

Our Guide to Las Cruces and Relocating to Las Cruces Websites will provide you a look at the Las Cruces Lifestyle.

Las Cruces can be found nestled between the majestic spires of the Organ Mountains and the fertile green belt of the Rio Grande's Mesilla Valley.
You will find that Las Cruces has beautiful year round weather, with 350-days of sunshine, 4- distinct seasons.
We pride ourselves on our Multi-Cultural history, diversity, and traditions.
Las Cruces is home to many year round arts & cultural events, sporting attractions, and outdoor recreation.
we still have that friendly, Southwestern, small town feeling. Las Cruces is the perfect place to live!

As always, this is Evelyn Bruder, I want you to know that I am available to assist with any of your Las Cruces problems or questions - Real Estate or Not.

This is a shameless request.
If you are reading this then the bar below is familiar to you, and I hope that you will:

Add a comment about what you love or dislike about Las Cruces.
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Innovative Education in Las Cruces

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:12:25 -0700

As a parent, I know how important education is to a child’s life. We all know that teenagers especially need a little extra guidance. If put in the right environment, it’s wonderful to see your young one grow and flourish into an independent, compassionate adult. I’m glad to see that Las Cruces has provided such an environment at the Early College High School.

Early College High School isn’t just a school; it’s an opportunity!

Las Cruces is home to the first early college high school in New Mexico. What’s an early college high school? It’s a joint effort between the university and the public school system aimed at reducing dropout rates by engaging students in the college process early. This engagement includes small class sizes and real-world applications in coursework. The best part is that students graduate with both a high school diploma and an associates degree.

However, the benefits don’t end there. The school is actually more affordable to run and build as costs were reduced through partnerships with NMSU and DACC. For example, the district doesn’t have the additional expense of building a gym or library because students will use university facilities instead.

Last year the early college high school opened to about 120 Las Cruces freshmen at its temporary location at Doña Ana Community College. Eventually the school will be located in the Arrowhead Research Park at New Mexico State University.

ECHS will cost around $18 million and serve 500 students, compared to the new high school under construction on Dripping Springs, which will have between 1,500 and 2,000 students, and cost around $110 million, resulting in a total cost per savings of 16 percent per ECHS student.

Within the next 4 years, the school will boast a maximum of 500 students in the 65,000 square-foot facility. It will feature state-of-the-art technology, a cafeteria and multipurpose center, a student commons area and administration offices. Students will also benefit from and continue to use facilities at NMSU and DACC.

The Early College High School is the first in New Mexico to take advantage of New Mexico House Bill 33. Instead of spending $18 million to build the school, Las Cruces Public Schools will lease the building for six years, paying 4 percent interest on the certificate of participation bonds, and make no lease payments until the campus opens in August 2011. In the sixth year, the school will buy out the lease for the principal amount of $18 million, paying off the loan with future bonds.

It was The Bridge of Southern New Mexico that launched the project. The Bridge was created through an education committee initiative of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce that formed the Regional Education Initiative, which led to community discussions regarding school attendance and graduation rates.

This joint effort between the business community and the school systems demonstrates that in Las Cruces, your education matters, and when the right people get together to address an issue, action is taken.

Do you have any other ideas as to how the education system could be improved? If so, please leave a comment below.

If you have young ones and are interested in learning more about the schools in Las Cruces, feel free to visit http://www.lascrucesschools.com/.

Surprises that Kill Your Deal

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:16:43 -0700

Think the keys to your new dream home are as good as yours, do you? Not so fast. In this tough financial climate, some unexpected issues might scuttle the deal.

When a seller wants to sell a home and finds a buyer who wants to buy it, you'd think they'd have a deal. What could go wrong?

These days, plenty. In this tough financial climate, there are both longstanding pitfalls and a crop of new ones. At best, these can cost you time or money. Or both. At worst, the home you want could slip from your grasp.

The appraisal kills the deal

Even after you and the seller have agreed on a price, the appraiser — the expert assigned by the bank to authenticate the home's value — can ruin everything.

A little background: Your lender needs to know that the home you're buying is worth what you're paying. Banks are touchy on this subject at the moment. They own nearly 1 million foreclosed homes and stand to inherit millions more from defaulting borrowers. Your lender wants to be sure your new home won't be added to this pile.

What's your home worth?

Appraisers arrive at a home's value in part by comparing recent sales of nearby homes. Falling prices, foreclosures and short sales in the neighborhood make these comparisons tough.

Your sale can suffer if the appraiser doesn't know the neighborhood. Some federal rules meant to prevent lenders and appraisers from getting too cozy have unintentionally increased pressure on appraisers, which has led to inaccurate appraisals.

Occasionally, though, the buyer enjoys a silver lining: In our experience, a small portion of sellers agree to drop the price after a low appraisal.

Pre-emptive action: Choose an agent with deep experience in the neighborhood. Here in Las Cruces, the Evelyn Bruder Dream Team is exactly the bunch to help you. They can work with the appraiser to show them the errors and the appraiser may revise the home's value to the price that a buyer and seller can agree on.

It’s important to be prepared when buying a home. For this reason, we’ve provided you with a free simple 10 step guide to the buying process.

Simply visit the link below for more information on how to get it.

http://www.buyingahomeinlascruces.com/home_buyers_guide_intro.php

Are you interested in other things that could kill your deal? Next week's Wednesday Morning Coffee will look at another problem that you can pre-empt.

Cleaning & Caring for Your Home's Exterior

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:15:21 -0700

Cleaning and repairing your Las Cruces home’s siding once every year will pay off in the form of a long life and value for your home.

With proper care and a little regular maintenance, your home’s exterior could be trouble-free for 50 years and more. I know an elderly man who has lived in his home for about 40 years and has had it cleaned every two or three years. The home still looks brand new and beautiful! Cleaning the exterior of your home removes dirt and mildew that may shorten the life of that exterior. A clean house protects your investment, too. A good first appearance on a home can add as much as 5% to 10% to the value of the home.

Cleaning wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, brick, fiber-cement siding

All types of siding benefit from a good cleaning once every year to remove grit, grime, and mildew. The best way—whether you have wood, vinyl, metal, stucco, brick, or fiber-cement—is with a bucket of warm, soapy water (1/2 cup trisodium phosphate—TSP, available at grocery stores, hardware stores, and home improvement centers—dissolved in 1 gallon of water) and a soft-bristled brush attached to a long handle. Divide your house into 20-foot sections, clean each from top to bottom, and rinse. For two-story homes, you’ll be using a ladder, so keep safety foremost.

Cleaning an average-sized house may take you and a friend every bit of a weekend. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. If you don’t have the time—or the inclination—you can have your house professionally cleaned for $300-$500. A professional team will use a power washer and take less than a day.

When confronted with selling a house that needs a little bit of exterior TLC, I highly recommend Engel Coatings&Siding. This is the company to call to get the job done. Trust me, I have seen some dirty houses, but after Engel gets finished with them, the transformation has always been impressive. It makes my job in helping you to sell your home as quickly as possible at the best possible price easier.

You can rent a power washer to do the job yourself for about $75 per day, but beware if you don’t have experience with the tool. One year my husband and I learned this the hard way. Power washers force water through a nozzle at high pressure, resulting in water blasts that can strip paint, gouge softwoods, loosen caulk, and eat through mortar. Also, the tool can force water under horizontal lap joints, resulting in moisture accumulating behind the siding. A siding professional has the expertise to prevent water penetration at joints, seams around windows and doors, and electrical fixtures. We are no experts, so the damage we caused afterwards was frustrating. Ever since then, we either call a professional or use the brush and water method.

Inspect for damage

Right before you clean is the ideal time to inspect your Las Cruces home for signs of damage or wear and tear. A house exterior is most vulnerable to water infiltration where siding butts against windows, doors, and corner moldings. For all types of siding, look for caulk that has cracked due to age or has pulled away from adjacent surfaces, leaving gaps. Reapply a color-matched exterior caulk during dry days with temperatures in excess of 65°F for maximum adhesion. As we all know, there is no shortage of days like those here in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Other defects include wood siding with chipped or peeling paint, and cracked boards and trim. If you have a stucco exterior, like most houses in Las Cruces do, be on the lookout for cracks and chips. For brick, look for crumbling mortar joints. Repair defects before cleaning. The sooner you make repairs, the better you protect your house from moisture infiltration that can lead to dry rot and mold forming inside your walls.

Repair cracked stucco

Seal cracks and small holes with color-matched exterior acrylic caulk. Try pressing sand into the surface of wet caulk to match the texture of the surrounding stucco. Paint the repair to match.

Take time to inspect and clean your house's exterior, and you’ll be rewarded with more time to concentrate on equally important priorities. If you’re considering selling your home or not, it’s always nice to know how to maintain your house to where you can always be happy and comfortable.

For more tips and tricks on the subject of making a quick and painless sale, we would be happy to share our e-book containing 450 ideas on how to sell your house for the best price possible.

Use this link to request your copy.
http://www.sellingahomeinlascruces.com/450_ideas_ebook_offers.php

FSBO Risks

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:16:50 -0700

Yes!

There are plenty of risks if you get involved in a For Sale By Owner in Las Cruces, and this applies to both the seller and the buyer.

Selling a home without a licensed Las Cruces Realtor is a lot more challenging than most owners think. One of the most valuable roles that your Realtor plays is negotiating issues on your behalf without letting emotions get in the way. Our experience in the Las Cruces real estate market tells us that most sellers are just as emotional as the buyers.

And buying a FSBO home in Las Cruces is not easy either. Buying a FSBO home is also a complex transaction, involving many events and services that need to be coordinated, and involve an element of risk. Put these two unrepresented parties together and you have a recipe for disaster.

For sellers, before you put your Las Cruces home up for sale, the first thing that needs to be done is to make sure there are no liens on the property that would preclude you from selling your home, or at minimum, affect the bottom line. As a seller you must then obtain all of the state required documentation and disclosures and fill them out truthfully and properly, as these disclosures must be given to the buyer.

Misrepresenting your home's size, condition or amenities even by accident can result in a lawsuit, and just about always ends up as a lost sale. Any marketing materials must be clear and accurate. Unfortunately, we live in a litigious society where people sue for just about anything they can think of.

Something else to think about is the experience that a Realtor can bring to the table. Realtors have to pass a test in order to become licensed. When you look for a Realtor, you want someone who knows all the ins and outs of a transaction, and can help through the rough spots. When you sell your home by yourself, you are actually hiring the most inexperienced person to represent you. Even if you have bought and sold several homes before, the laws change and continue to do so. What was acceptable even five years ago is not appropriate now.

And what about that interested buyer that pulls up to your home in the nice new Escalade? They look qualified, but are they? Buyers may come to you with a pre-qualification letter, but as Realtors we know that it is the pre-approval letter that matters. Most anyone can get a pre-qualification letter. Generally, no assets are even checked before those letters are issued. That is just one example of how experience will help.

Some buyers look ONLY for FSBO's, thinking that they can take advantage of an uneducated seller. The offer that you receive on your home has to have all of the necessary elements included or it is not a valid offer. All contingencies must be spelled out and have due dates- that even includes inspections.

The bottom line is that experience is the most important thing you need if you are buying or selling a home in Las Cruces. Even if you are thinking of selling or buying by yourself, you should at least interview one good Realtor who can make the case as to why they can help.

Have you ever tried to sale your home yourself? Share your stories with our readers by leaving a comment.

For all of your Real Estate needs
The Evelyn Bruder Team is here to assist you.
Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Cyberstar
Visit our comprehensive one-stop website: Homes For Sale In Las Cruces, Search Las Cruces MLS - see all home for sale, Contact Us

A Look at Closing Costs

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Tue, 31 May 2011 09:19:03 -0700

Qualifying and being approved for a mortgage are only part of the financial responsibility of buying a home in Las Cruces. There are a host of closing costs that, as a buyer, you should expect. Affordability is a topic on the minds of today's buyers, so researching each of the following costs, large and small, is important.

Down Payment:

This amount ranges depending on the cost of your home, but many financial experts recommend a down payment be at least 20 percent of the total cost of the house. The reason is that it often helps eliminate "PMI - Private Mortgage Insurance". If you cannot reach the 20% needed to eliminate this insurance, ask your lender what it will add to the monthly payment.

Private Mortgage Insurance:

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, "PMI is extra insurance that lenders require from most homebuyers who obtain loans that are more than 80 percent of their new home's value. In other words, buyers with less than a 20 percent down payment are normally required to pay PMI." PMI protects your lender if you default on a loan, something that weighs heavily on the minds of lenders in today's economic climate.

Credit Report and Score:

Before you even think about buying a home, you need to verify the accuracy of your credit report and score. You may access your credit report three times a year for free at annualcreditreport.com, but you generally must pay to view your credit score. This costs around $20 - $30.

Home inspection:

It is imperative that you get a home inspection. Even newer homes may have hidden budget busters, such as termites, mold, or shoddy electrical work. Chances are your offer, unless you are buying "as is", has a clause that allows you to back out of the deal if the home inspection comes back unfavorably. A home inspection takes a few hours, during which you should be present, and costs around $300 to $500. We also seriously recommended that if the inspector finds any potential red flags, you have enough extra time before the inspection deadline, and extra money set aside, to schedule additional inspections from certified experts such as HVAC, plumbing, electricians, etc. This is especially important to consider when buying a distressed home such as a foreclosure where the homeowner isn't present to provide information about the condition of the home.

Loan Origination and Points:

You may have agreed to pay "points" in order to get a lower interest rate. Think of this as pre-paid interest. For each point purchased, the loan rate is typically reduced by 1/8%. An origination fee is what you might have to pay the lender to write and process your loan. This can be up to several thousand dollars. When considering if the lower interest rate is valuable, ask yourself how long you will be in the home. The general rule of thumb is that if you plan on staying in the home longer than 6 years you will make the money you pay to lower the interest rate back. Ask your lender for specifics according to your potential mortgage.

Appraisal:

An appraisal protects your lender from investing in a property that is over-priced. That means if the home appraises for $200,000, but the seller wants $225,000 ... you will only be able to get financing for $200,000. An appraisal also helps you to know the real market value of the home you are interested in. In New Mexico we generally see appraisals costing between $500-600 each.

And Finally:

Finally you will have the title company closing costs which are about $250 and the mortgage title policy which is about $130.

The good news? Your lender will provide a "good-faith estimate" of your expected settlement costs. These are only a few of the many costs associated with closings. Planning ahead for these expenses is important, and it is another reason to examine whether or not you can truly afford to buy a home at this time.

Tips for Building a New Home

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Thu, 26 May 2011 17:27:31 -0700

Designing a new home in Las Cruces is part art, part science. It takes both to make a house that's energy-efficient, uses less material to build, and connects with its building site - what we call "green building."

But, beauty is skin deep and sometimes "green" is, too. A truly green home is green from the inside out; the "green" can't be separated from the "home." Sure, you can make any Las Cruces home more energy-efficient, but that's usually just cosmetic surgery. Loading up a house with energy-saving gadgets helps a little, but a green home in Las Cruces is born that way, starting before the design was just a twinkle in the architect's eye.

If you're thinking of bringing a new green home into Las Cruces, here are five simple ways to make sure you conceive one that has green in its DNA.

Tip #1 - Face The Sun

In Las Cruces your building site gets more sunshine from some directions than from others. Using the free energy from the sun means putting your windows where they can gather sunlight.

Properly placed, windows that direct solar energy into a home can contribute significantly to winter heating - and add joy and comfort as well.

If you think that will affect how living spaces are arranged in your design, give yourself ten points - you've already begun to see the relationship between environment and design.

Tip #2 - Shade It

Those same sun-facing windows, of course, might also be a liability in the Las Cruces summer, when your air conditioner is struggling to expel that excess heat from the home.

The "gadget" response to this is expensive window glass that reflects some of the heat energy, but solar shading is a better solution.

The difference in the sun's angle above the horizon in winter and summer allows overhangs and other simple shading devices to block the harshest summer sun while admitting the winter sun. Warm sun in the winter, cool shade in the summer - and less energy used... perfect!

Tip #3 - Shape It

Geometry makes some house shapes more energy-efficient than others.

A circle encloses the greatest amount of area in the least perimeter, right? And while you're probably not going to build a circular house, a square's an efficient shape, too. The less exterior wall area you have, the less opportunity your hard-won energy has to trickle out.

That's not to say you can skimp on insulation - that's a critical component - but start with less wall area in your new Las Cruces home and you'll be way ahead.

Tip # 4 - Against The Wind

As much as Las Cruces sunlight brings warmth into your home, Las Cruces wind can draw it out. "Wind chill" affects houses, too.

Windows are the biggest culprits, so place those away from the winter winds (often the west or northwest side). The windiest side is also a great place for utility rooms, garages, closets, and other spaces where sunlight and comforts aren't important.

Shielding a home from winter winds isn't a new idea. Just take a drive out in the country and see how many old farmhouses are built on the east or southeast sides of thick stands of trees. You might not have a forest on your property, but a little earth-berming and some evergreen landscaping can have the same effect.

Tip #5 - Get Small(er)

This one's easy - a smaller house uses less energy. And done right, a smaller home can be even more livable than a larger one.

Most homes today are filled with underused and wasted space. Thinking hard about how your home supports your daily life can reveal areas that you rarely use, but heat and cool anyway. Saving space in your Las Cruces home is very green!

If you're going to deliver a new Las Cruces home into the world, make sure it welcomes the sun, uses energy wisely, and isn't bigger than it needs to be.

Be Thrifty Not Stubborn

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn & Associates Real Estate) — Wed, 25 May 2011 09:54:45 -0700

While being thrifty always saves you money, being stubborn could end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Here's how, and where:

Trying to time the market
I've mentioned this one before but it bears repeating: Las Cruces home buyers, get OFF the sidelines! Don't be too fixated on price. Prospective Las Cruces buyers need to remember that home prices are just one factor in how much a home will cost per month. The other consideration is mortgage rates, and they're on the rise, potentially counteracting any savings on the other end.

Not researching loan options
Las Cruces borrowers, get with the program! A Zillow Mortgage Marketplace survey reveals that we're spending twice as much time researching a car purchase as we are home loans; 31% of us are spending just two hours or less. That's about the same amount of time we spend researching vacations.

That's just crazy, considering that your home is the single largest investment you're going to make in your lifetime. Take the time to get as many loan quotes as possible and save yourself hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Sites like Zillow Mortgage Marketplace allow you submit a loan request - without having to share any personal information - and then compare personalized quotes, inclusive of all fees, from hundreds of vetted lenders nationwide.

Refusing to slow down
Here, I'm talking about changing your driving habits! What you may not know is that fuel economy is directly proportionate to how hard you accelerate and how steady you are on the accelerator.

Not only can rapid acceleration and aggressive braking lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and 5% around town (according to the U.S. Government), but the Department of Energy estimates for that for every 5 mph you increase your speed over 60 mph, you're paying an additional 21 cents per gallon. Racing to/from your job every day? It could be costing you hundreds more per year than it should.

Not buying anything unless it's on sale
The problem is this: we're blowing a lot of money on things that ARE on sale that we had always been comfortable living without, but suddenly "want" - from horse back riding lessons to harbor tours and more. You see this happening most predominantly on the social buying sites/flash sales.

For all of your Real Estate needs
The Evelyn Bruder Team is here to assist you.
Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Cyberstar
Visit our comprehensive one-stop website: Homes For Sale In Las Cruces, Search Las Cruces MLS - see all home for sale, Contact Us