michele's musings . . .

Favorite app . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 08:47:05 -0800

. . . Evernote! I have played with EN for about a year and half . . . but I have only been using it religiously since August 2012 :) In August I participated in an online 30-day paperless challenge hosted by Evernote -- I even won a free portable scanner! Since then I have been a daily user of Evernote for everything, it keeps me organized; super organized both personally and professionally!

The best way I can describe Evernote to you, is to tell you to think of it as a digital file cabinet that is full of notebooks ad notes. The stack of notebooks in Evernote is equivelent to a file cabinet. Each notebook is a drawer in the file cabinet. A note is equal to file in each drawer. Tags are a way for you to identify notes and be able to cross reference into more than one category.

At first, figuring out the best way for you to set up Evernote may be a little overwhelming, but once you get a system going, you are just unstoppable! I have friends that I have introduced to Evernote who can testify to this!!! I've helped to create a complete junkie out of one person I know.

Why I love Evernote . . .

It lets me organizing everything
everything is located in one place
I always have everything with me (on my MAc, iPad, & iPhone)
easy to use
I can share my notes with others; even if they don't have an Evernote account

Here are just a few of my favorite uses for Evernote . . .

client information
blogging
website pages
business plan
marketing plan
bio's
taxes stuff
OCMA
medical info
legal papers
schedules
projects/ideas
recipes
family book
journaling
hobbies

Best of all, a basic account with Evernote is free! However, I do recommend the you pay for the premium account once you get the hang of it, because you are then allowed several extra features!

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

How many words are your photos really worth?

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:03:01 -0800

So, why do real estate professionals continue to use poor quality photos, unrealistic photos, or just lack of photos? I am always amazed at the variety of photos that listing brokers use for marketing their listings. Photos can tell a potential buyer so much about a house. I have known buyers to rule out looking at a home just because of the photos! Below you find a few photos that have caught my attention for one reason or another (all these photos come from different listings that I have found online for homes in the Alamogordo area that are listed around the $300,000 price range) . . .

Are you showing off the the laundry room and it's amazing cabinets or the laundry that is still in the dryer? Can you believe this photo was used to for a $300,000 listing? I don't know about you, but I think this photo lacks attention to detail . . . something this listing deserves.

Really? Dirty dishes in the sink? Not to mention the current owners medicines to the left of the sink. These are small items that should not be in a listing photo!

Not in focus, come on people take another photo! We are in the age of digital cameras, take more than one photo in case one is not focused! Even better go back and take them over! Most of the photos for this listing were not in focused . . . sad!

Another laundry room. I understand that this is a place to store your cleaning items, but potential buyers don't want to see your jumbled mess; makes me think that there is not enough space to properly store these items. I also find the time stamp a bit distracting . . . its all about attention to detail in the photo.

So, what do you think of these photos? Do they make you want to know more about the home for sale?

Sellers it is important to talk to your listing broker about photos. Who is going to take them? When are they going to be taken? How are they going to be used to market you home? With 90% of buyers starting their home search online, photos are the key element in getting your home shown and may be your only shot at making a good first impression.

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Reduced! 1602 Park Alamogordo, NM 88310

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:53:01 -0800

NEW PRICE

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description

$95,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,517 sqft

Location

1602 Park Ave
Alamogordo, NM 88310
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Michele D Sims

Affinity Real Estate, LLC
(575) 434-9700 ext.110
michele.sims1@gmail.com
http://www.MicheleSims.com

Listed by: Affinity Real Estate, LLC

Our recent listings

NEW PRICE
RV Parking
Move-In Ready!!!
Reduced
Live Here . . .

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Seller is Negotiable . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:11:44 -0800

Really!?! This morning as I was reviewing listings within our MLS, I was amazed at how many listings had the comment in remarks "seller is negotiable". Who doesn't already know that? Most buyers never start off wanting to offer full price. Even if a seller receives a full price offer, that is not what they put in their pocket, as they have to determine who pays what fees that are necessary for a closing to happen.

So, WHY . . . WHY . . . WHY . . . is it necessary to write in the comment section that "seller is negotiable"? When I see that, it makes me think that the house is overpriced and the seller knows it, BUT who cares! They are thinking why not, let me see if I can get someone to pay me more! Or they are upside down and expect the buyer to bail them out!

I think it is time for real estate professionals to stop taking over priced listings! We are not doing anyone any due diligence by listing their home for more than it is worth; nor are we helping the local real estate market. Really!?! How many over priced homes does one market need?

Oh, also offering the selling broker a commission bonus if they bring you a full price offer is just plain old nuts! Really!?! Now you are encouraging other real estate professionals to encourage their buyers to purchase an over priced house! Why not just lower your price to make your selling price competitive with local market trends?

Stop the madness! Accept the market for what it is! If you cannot afford to sell your home today, then maybe you, the seller should look into other options, such as property management!

Think about it, the longer your home sits on the market the less you end up making; even if you end up with the price you insisted upon! You need to take into account those monthly payments you are continuing to make, as well as the insurance and maintenance.

Yes, we know "Sellers are Negotiable", but be realistic in your asking price! Make sure the market can support it.

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

1422 Juniper Alamogordo, NM 88310

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:22:34 -0700

Reduced

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$169,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2,308 sqft

Location

1422 Juniper
Alamogordo, NM 88310
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Michele D Sims

Affinity Real Estate, LLC
(575) 434-9700 ext.110
michele.sims1@gmail.com
http://www.MicheleSims.com

Listed by: Affinity Real Estate, LLC

Our recent listings

Reduced
Live Here . . .
Single Family Residential for $110,000 in Alamogordo, NM

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Time Capsule . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:54:00 -0700

I am not sure what I would do without the “Time Capsule“! I think it has to be one of the best things Apple has ever created! For those of you who are not familiar with Apple’s time capsule . . . it is an external device that automatically backs up everything on your Mac wirelessly.

This past Friday my Macbook Pro drank to much coffee and crashed and burned. I rushed her to the nearest Apple store (which is about 2 hours away); they opened her up and confirmed that too much coffee was to blame; and all was lost on my laptop. The cost of repairs was almost as much as a new one.

So, with much despair I made the tough decision of laying my very first Macbook to eternal rest. I ended up with a new shiny Macbook Pro that is smaller in size but not in speed or memory. Now how did I not lose a single bit of data from the old Mac . . .the time capsule!

I was able to transfer all the data from my old Mac to the new one . . . it was a very simple process, but a very slow process! Well worth the wait . . . as my new Mac has all my information as my old Mac. All my apps, docs, and settings are here. It is simply amazing and yet kinda scary at the same time! But right now the time capsule is my favorite thing ever! Even though my Mac died . . . all my information is alive and well, just inside a new shiny Macbook Pro!

You never know when tragedy will happen . . . be prepared . . . and make sure that your information is backed up! And if you are an Apple person, then I insist that you invest in a time capsule . . . it will be well worth the investment!

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

New Price @ 890 Sierra Verde Alamogordo, NM 88310

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:09:44 -0700

Live Here . . .

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood

$164,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,340 sqft

Location

890 Sierra Verde
Alamogordo, NM 88310
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Michele D Sims

Affinity Real Estate, LLC
(575) 434-9700 ext.110
michele.sims1@gmail.com
http://www.MicheleSims.com

Listed by: Affinity Real Estate, LLC

Our recent listings

Live Here . . .
Single Family Residential for $235,000 in Alamogordo, NM
Move-in Ready!!!
*** REDUCED ***
Summer Fun

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Apple . . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 12:57:59 -0700

Just over two years ago I bought my Macbook Pro and I am telling you it is the best computer I have ever had! I only wish I would of bought a Mac sooner! The reason I switched to Apple products because of their simplicity! Nothing better than opening the box, turning it on, and BAM you are up and running!

Yes, there was a bit of a transition period, but that involved more of getting my files moved over from the old laptop to the new Mac. I loved how docs in WORD format automatically switched into Pages, Numbers, and Keynote without me having to do a thing!

Now I have an iPhone and an iPad! I love how all three devices are able to connect through the cloud and share information! This allows me to have access to everything I need at a touch of a button! And YES I like to stay connected . . .

Life has been so much simpler with my Apple products for me!!! I can honestly say that I am an Apple fan for life!!!

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Favorite Color . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:41:38 -0700

Anyone that knows me or has been around me for any bit of time knows that "PURPLE" is my favorite color! Not sure why, but it is and purple things make me happy!

As long as I can remember I have have always liked the color purple and over the years I have enjoyed by surrounding myself with all things purple! As you can see from the photo that I have taken at my office . . . I love purple!

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

My Favorite . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:32:34 -0700

Everyone one has that one thing that they just cannot live without! I have several things that I love, that make my day, help make my life easier, wonder why didn't I think of that, and are just plain old fun! Since it seems everyone these days likes to share, I thought it would be great time to start sharing with you some of my favorites!

So stay tuned for things that I love . . . which could be anything from a new recipe, an amazing product, something that makes me laugh or just makes me go hhhmmnnn, etc. Let's have some fun, maybe one of my new favorites will become your new favorite! And remember just cuz' I love it doesn't mean you have to ;)

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Just Listed: 912 Hermoso El Sol Alamogordo, NM 88310

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:41:37 -0700

Single Family Home for sale in Alamogordo, NM

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features

$235,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Interior: 2,041 sqft

Location

912 Hermoso El Sol
Alamogordo, NM 88310
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Michele D Sims

Affinity Real Estate, LLC
(575) 434-9700 ext.110
michele.sims1@gmail.com
http://www.MicheleSims.com

Listed by: Affinity Real Estate, LLC

Our recent listings

Single Family Residential for $235,000 in Alamogordo, NM
Move-in Ready!!!
*** REDUCED ***
Live Here . . .
Summer Fun

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Day 114 . . . Carino's Italian Restaurant

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:17:47 -0700

Have you had chance to check out the new restaurant in town? I finally did last night! I have to say that Carino's Italian Restaurant was pretty good and everyone I know that has gone there has enjoyed it.

Our Alamogordo location has a main dining area, a bar, and the patio dining area. Last night we sat in the patio area; it was nice. I ordered the "Lobster Ravioli", my husband and our friend had the "16 Layer Lasagna", an our other friend had the "Skilletini". For desert we shared the "Italian Chocolate Cake", which was very rich and yummy! I am looking forward to going back and trying something else.

I have been told that Mondays are Family night, which means all family size meals are half price! Even better, on Wednesdays they have half price wine; if you order a bottle of wine and don't drink it all they will recork it for you, at no extra charge, for you take home. You will want to confirm with them about any of these specials. They also have curbside service 575.434.2617.

Carino's Italian Restaurant

Jon Henderson, General Manager

260 Panorama Blvd.

Alamogordo, NM 88310

575.434.2615

carinos3103@swxcuixine.com

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Step 3 of 9 : Finding a Lender in Alamogordo, NM

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:47:35 -0700

You are moving right along to being a home owner, finding a lender is just as important as the search for an Associate Broker / REALTOR®. You want a lender that you are comfortable with, as they are going to learn all about your financial business. It is always a good idea to ask family and friends for recommendations; as well as checking with who you currently bank with. I recommend working with a local lender. Some of the reasons why I recommend our local lenders are:

they are familiar with our local and state rules and regulations
they are easily accessible
often times they have fewer fees and are more competitive
you can meet with them face-to-face
you create a relationship with them
they can usually expedite the lending process
they are familiar with our local fees
they have knowledge our our current market conditions

Once you choose a lender, you need to get pre-qualifed. By being pre-qualified you are able to search for homes that are known to be within your price range; and a pre-qual letter can make a written offer stronger.

Here is a list of a few of local lenders:

First National Bank

Theresa Murray

575.443.5273

theresa.murray@fnb4u.com

www.fnbmortgageloans.com

Bank' 34

Lee Ann Bain

575.443.2522

leeann.b@bank34online.com

Pioneer Bank

Debra VanWinkle

575.437.9075

dvwinkle@pioneerbnk.com

Otero Credit Federal Credit Union
Norma Esquero

Gabriel Bigas

575.434.8500

nesquero@oterofcu.org

BBVA Compass Bank
Lisa Howard
575.434.8711

lisa.howard@BBVAcompass.com

First Savings

Linda Rardin
575.437.0095

lindarardin@firstsavingsbanks.com

First American

Reney Marrujo

575.439.9800

marrujo@firstamb.com

While we have a great working relationship with these lenders, they are not affiliated with Affinity Real Estate, LLC or it’s agents. Selection of any lender from this list or elsewhere is at the discretion of the customer. Additional companies may be found in the local telephone directory and/or from the references of other customers/resources.

Coming Soon . . .

Step 4 of 9 : Knowing Your Needs and Wants

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

* REDUCED * 1837 Lamar Circle Alamogordo, NM 88310

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:59:13 -0700

*** REDUCED ***

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description

$79,500

Single Family Home

Main Features

23 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,120 sqft

Location

1837 Lamar Circle
Alamogordo, NM 88310
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Michele D Sims

Affinity Real Estate, LLC
(575) 434-9700 ext.110
michele.sims1@gmail.com
http://www.MicheleSims.com

Listed by: Affinity Real Estate, LLC

Our recent listings

*** REDUCED ***
Just Listed
Live Here . . .
Summer Fun
Single Family Residential for $110,000 in Alamogordo, NM

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Step 1 of 9: BUYING a Home in Alamogordo, NM

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:58:19 -0700

Have you dreamed of owning your own home, but just not sure where to start? My recommendation is that you commit to buying a home. You need to be prepared as well as committed to buying a home. You need to understand why you want to buy a home, because buying a home is a long term commitment and not something that can be returned once the sale is final.

There are many benefits to owning a home:

pride of ownership
creating your wealth by investing in your future
a fixed house payment
a tax deduction (see your accountant or tax professional for details)
improve your credit
You can make home improvements to increase your home's value
You can decorate to your personal taste
If something needs repairs, you can have it repaired to your standards
Repairs can be done your timeline, not a landlord's

Buying a home is always a good investment, but it is important to buy a home that meets your needs and stays within in your means. Once you have committed to buying a home, you then need a REALTOR® who can guide you through the home buying process.

Coming soon . . .

Step 2 of 9 : Finding a REALTOR® in Alamogordo, NM

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

For Sale - 890 Sierra Verde Alamogordo, NM 88310

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:33:02 -0700

Live Here . . .

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood

$169,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,340 sqft

Location

890 Sierra Verde
Alamogordo, NM 88310
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Michele D Sims

Affinity Real Estate, LLC
(575) 434-9700 ext.110
michele.sims1@gmail.com
http://www.MicheleSims.com

Listed by: Affinity Real Estate, LLC

Our recent listings

Live Here . . .
Just Listed
Summer Fun
NEW PRICE
Single Family Residential for $110,000 in Alamogordo, NM

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Day 113 . . . Carson & Barnes Circus

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:23:22 -0700

The "World's Biggest Big-Top Show" was here today at the Alamogordo Balloon Park on Le Valle Road. There was two shows 1:30 and 4:30 for the Carson & Barnes Circus. Thanks to 94Key I was able to to take my family to the 4:30pm show.

It has been years since I have been to the circus and this was my Derian's (my grandson's) first time to the circus. He loved it and I believe all the other children I saw their had a great time too. There was lots of laughter, cheers and applause; and lots of sticky faces! Everyone was enjoying the cotton candy, funnel cakes, lemonades, nachos, popcorn, etc.

The circus was complete with elephants, horses, dogs, camels, lamas, and great performances! Derian's favorite was Alex the clown on the trampoline and it was mine too! The trapeze artists always amaze me with their swinging stunts! The elephants are such incredible animals with their sheer size. They even introduced us to the newest edition to the circus - a five week old horse.

If you did not get a chance to make to the circus today, I do recommend that you try to the next time they are in town.

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Clean it up . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Tue, 01 May 2012 09:56:21 -0700

Do you want to buy a home, but you have been told that because of your current credit score you do not qualify? Yet, no one explained to you what you need to do to improve your credit score. Or maybe you know your credit is not the best and you want to improve it so you can purchase a home in the future.

Lenders can help you by giving you some advice on what you need to do to clean up your credit or you can hire someone who works with you on improving your credit score. Bob Harrington at Credit Repair New Mexico may be able to help you. Bob recently visited with us here at Affinity Real Estate; he explained to us how he works with clients to help them improve their credit scores and/or possibly clear up any issues that may need to be resolved.

If you are ready to take control of your credit, I recommend that you give Bob a call and see what he can do for you.

Credit Repair of New Mexico

Bob Harrington

575.621.2286

bharringtonlc@gmail.com

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Not Your Traditional Real Estate Professional . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:46:10 -0700

I am not your traditional real estate professional and that is just one of many reasons why I chose to hang my license at Affinity Real Estate in October 2007. Affinity provides me with a positive work environment that contributes to my success.

To me a traditional real estate professional is one who is does things they way they have always done them. You know, they take a listing, put it in the MLS, a sign in the yard with flyers, a print ad or two, maybe an open house, and then they what for the buyer to come along . . . In today's market and with tech savvy buyers and sellers, real estate professionals need to do more than the traditional marketing.

Some of things that I do that make me a non-traditional real estate professional are:

working at Affinity Real Estate, which is a non-traditional real estate office
Tech Savvy - technology is my friend, I use it for marketing, staying in touch with clients and other real estate professionals; allows me to work from any location
Social Media - is used to keep current real estate information in front of clients, potential clients, friends, family, and the community
Marketing Plan - that I follow in order to make sure your home gets the most exposure
Professional Photographer - is used to take photos of all my listings

I am always thinking outside the box, looking for new ideas. I am open to suggestions (within reason and the law)! It is my goal to be the one you think of for all your real estate needs in Alamogordo.

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

How does your garden grow?

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:41:58 -0700

We moved to Alamogordo, NM just over six years ago; and when we told people we wanted to have a garden in our yard, every said good luck. But what they really thought was that we were crazy, because most of them did not believe we could have much of a garden. Well, I am here to tell you that YES you can grow a garden here in Alamogordo! This will be our seventh season of gardening and we ( I should say my husband) has an amazing garden!

Our back yard is a has a veggie garden, a herb garden, a flower garden, and as of today a baby turtle garden. Now to get a fire pit and fruit tree. Currently we have garlic, onion, spinach. mixed lettuces, radishes, carrots, ten different types of tomatoes, big jim peppers, jalapeño peppers, poblano peppers, cayenne peppers, zucchini, eggplant, melons, squash, lemon cucumbers, and pinto beans in our veggie garden. Our herb garden has strawberries, rosemary, mint, sage, thyme, oregano, parsley, cilantro, chives, sorrel, and basil.
The flower garden has an olive tree and a variety xeric flower plants.

The newest addition to the garden is the turtle garden that we did today. We have three baby box turtles that needed a safe haven outside. They needed to be protected from our dogs or us from stepping on them. We also wanted them in a contained place so we can keep track of them, unit they are big enough to roam free with the older box turtles.

Why do we garden? There are several reasons why: fresh produce organically grown, it helps the environment, great exercise, a great feeling of accomplishment, and it makes our back yard a beautiful place to be 😊 So, how does your garden grow?

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Hello Pinterest . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:18:49 -0700

About a month ago there were a lot of blogs concerning the copyright issues and PINTEREST and their terms of use. I have to admit that after reading several blogs, I decided that I had to delete my PINTEREST account, even though I was a bit hesitant. I enjoyed PINTEREST and how you could share with others; I even received several ideas from all of the different pins.

Pinterest has since changed their terns of use and after careful consideration I have chosen to get back to pinning on PINTEREST ; and I am very excited. Of course I will be taking a different approach to my pinning and will make sure that I when I pin something, the source will be included.

If you are a PINTEREST user too, then be sure to check out my boards http://pinterest.com/michelesims1/

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Not your traditional office . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:55:17 -0700

Affinity Real Estate is locally owned and operated; the owner / Broker Karen Krupovage opened the doors in September of 2005. The goal was and still is to create a company that excels in customer service and in always doing the right thing. We are a group of real estate professionals who pride ourselves on providing the best our profession has to offer to our clients and the community. Our philosophy is: "It's all about YOU!" At Affinity we look after your best interest, not ours!

Affinity is not your traditional office and we like it that way. Some of the ways that make us untraditional are:

Small Office - which allows for a group of real estate professionals that work well together and toward the same goal; we have healthy competition within our office; non-competing owner / broker
No receptionist - when you call our office you will get a real estate professional that answers the phone; no waiting on hold or being disconnected while you are transferred
Accessible - you can reach any of us by the office phone, our cell phones, text messaging, and emails
Personal Care - because we are a small office, we help each other and each other's clients like they are our own
Marketing - we provide unique marketing plans for our sellers; we think outside the box;
Social media - is used to connect with others; to stay up to date with the community; to share what we are doing as real estate professionals
Independent Brokerage - we don't rely on name recognition, we rely on our good reputation with our clients and the community
Community - we are involved with our community as a group and individually

To learn more about Affinity Real Estate visit our website or our facebook page and see how being a non-traditional office works for YOU!

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

Earth Day - Are you doing your part?

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:58:19 -0700

Happy Earth Day! Today is the day that worldwide events are held to increase awareness and appreciation of our earths natural environment. I think it is important for all of us to be aware of how our actions impact our earth. It is not just about what we do on one particular day, but what you do on a daily basis

Here are a few of the things that my family does at my house to be green:

Turn off lights and ceiling fans in rooms you are not in
We use a programable thermostate
Use cloth napkins and real plates (no paper plates in my house)
Use natural cleaning products
Compost kitchen scraps
plant a vegetable and herb garden
recycle aluminum cans, paper, cardboard, and plastic

I am sure there are few things I am forgetting . . . What other things do you and your family do to help save the earth?

Hope to see you next Saturday, 28 April 20121 at the "Alamogordo Earth Day" at the Alameda Park Zoo.

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

New Mexico is a Non-Disclosure State . . .

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:09:07 -0700

what that means is the "Otero County Association of REALTORS®" does not make SOLD information publicly accessible; nor is it automatically shared with public online real estate search engine sites. Our SOLD information is only shared with our members of our association.

. . . what does that mean to you?

Whether you are a buyer and/or a seller, you have peace of mind that the final information from the purchase and/or sale of your home is not displayed all over the internet.
It also means that when buyers and sellers are searching online the information that you may find on some search engines is not a hundred percent accurate. You must realize that the information that you find on the different search engines is only as good and accurate as it can be, because of the source of information. It is best to know where and how the different search engines gather their information that they share on the web.

When buying or selling a home it is best for you to consult with your real estate professional about the true picture of the current market conditions in your area!

If you want to know how the Alamogordo, NM Real Estate Market is doing call / text / email me today! I would love to share the facts with you about our market!

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®

NEW PRICE @ 1444 Post Alamogordo, NM 88310

Michele Sims, Affinity Real Estate, LLC, Michele Sims (Alamogordo, NM ) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:04:04 -0700

Seller is motivated with a $10,000 price reduction! Now is the time to see this home!

1444 Post

MLS# 143493

$ 90,000

3 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

1791 Square Feet (approximately)

Built in 2005

Located near Holloman AFB; this 3 bedroom 2 bath home is available today! There are 2 living areas and a built-in desk area in the hallway. Large kitchen which is connected to the dinning room. All appliances convey, including the washer and dryer. Master bedroom has 2 closets.Desert landscaping; a blank canvas ready for you to personalize. De-activated title and home is on a permanent foundation.

Call / text Michele today to view this home @ 575.491.6673!

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* This blog is written and maintained by Michele Sims.

** The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my brokerage.

*** This information is demed reliable, but not guaranteed

**** Statitical data comes from Otero County Association of REALTORS®