Choices in Albuquerque Real Estate

Valencia County Commissioners Vote Against Agricultural Preservation!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:03:18 -0600

On January 21st, the Valencia County Commission voted 3-2 to approve a zoning change on 40 acres of irrigated Rio Grande Valley farm land from A-P (Agricultural Preservation) to RR2 (residential 2.5 acre minimum), despite a unanimous recommendation against the proposal by the Valencia County Planning and Zoning Board, and despite nearly unanimous opposition from neighboring property owners.

The zoning change request came from land owners John Whisenant, an Albuquerque real estate developer, and Elias Barela, a freshman State Representative. The deciding vote came from Valencia County Commissioner Georgia Otero Kirkham, Barela's first cousin. Kirkham refused to recuse herself on the vote, despite many requests that she do so in order to avoid voting on her cousin's proposal. She allegedly voted against at least one similar proposal made by Whisenant in the past, before her cousin Elias Barela became involved.

Kirkham also runs the local Stewart Title branch in Los Lunas, NM, the Valencia County seat. Her title company may derive substantial income from the sales of the proposed 15 lots (with or without new Valencia County homes in place on the lots). This rural property, used for agricultural purposes for generations, may soon be turned into a housing development.

Great new marketing idea in Albuquerque: Holiday Horse Property Extravaganza

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:48:02 -0600

Listing agents marketing horse properties in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico, are trying a new marketing ploy to try to get buyers out and about, falling in love with their listings. It's being billed as a "Holiday Horse Property Extravaganza," and features more than 30 listings all over the greater Albuquerque area, all with existing homes and existing barns, stalls, and other horse facilities.

The effort is structured as a two-day event, with high-end horse properties (priced over $1 million, and suitable for large-scale breeding/training operations) all open by invitation only on the afternoon of Saturday, December 3rd from noon to 4 p.m. On Sunday, dozens of properties, priced between $180,000 to $999,999 will be open to the general public from noon to 4 p.m.

For a complete list of properties, with details, pictures and maps, just visit www.ABQHorseProperty.com! You'll also be able to request an invitation to the Saturday event right there online, in case you are looking for a breeding/training facility and did not already receive your invitation!

There are properties available in Albuquerque itself, in the North Valley and South Valley, and even one on the West Side. Additional featured properties are located in Corrales and Placitas in Sandoval County, throughout the East Mountain areas like Edgewood, and as far out as Estancia and Stanley, and throughout Valencia County areas like Bosque Farms, Los Lunas, and Belen.

The event has gotten some great support from local media, with feature articles in both the Albuquerque Journal and the Valencia County News Bulletin.

Come on out and take a look at some of these fabulous horse properties--you and your horses will both be glad you did! Remember, just visit www.ABQHorseProperty.com. Or call tour organizer Laura Warden at 505-239-4796 for more information.

Equestrian Estate in Albuquerque, NM

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:46:20 -0500

Ideal Location for Serious Horsemen!

347 Lagunitas, Albuquerque, NM 87105 View Map

Completely turn-key, high-class horse property! Elegant home has HW floors, radiant heat, raised ceilings, hot tub, wonderful master suite, central vacuum, beautiful built-ins, Brazilian cherry-wood and rough-cut slate floors, automatic, solar-powered entry gate, industrial pro-panel roof. The entire 7.624 acres is lush and green, with abundant, huge shade tress. Block barn (approx. 40x60) has office, oversize foaling stall with camera monitor, additional 12x12 stalls, tack rm, phone, TV, power, auto-waterers, vet rack. Additional horse facilities include 6-stall shed row barn; enclosed, covered round pen; huge, 66 ton, 19' tall hay barn; 80x36 equipment barn, lighted roping arena with autmated, PRCA chutes. The entire property is pipe-fenced & cross fenced, with 8 padddock/.pasture areas and loafin' sheds. The entire property has MRGCD ditch irrigation rights plus an irrigation well, with auto-sprinklered lawn.

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

Details

Asking Price:

$1,495,000

MLS:

627718

Sq. Feet:

2756

Lot Size:

7.624 acres

Bedrooms:

3 +

Bathrooms:

2.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

3 car

Year Built:

1998

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Brian Warden

Dir 505-263-0665
Email | Website

Bosque Farms Community Fair: a Step Back in Time!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:32:33 -0500

Every year, the village of Bosque Farms, NM, hosts an old-fashioned community fair, the likes of which you might think haven't been seen since the days of Mayberry!

Bosque Farms has perhaps the oldest annual community fair in the country--- it's been a continuous event for nearly 70 years! Every summer, Bosque Farms residents get together for fun, entertainment, and some "show-off" time: there is a huge list of competitions available in which residents can demonstrate that "they're #1!" For generations, local kids have had the opportunity to show off their rabbits, sheep, poultry, and other farm animals; to win blue ribbons for baking, canned goods, art work, garden produce, or 4H projects while Mom and Grandma collect blue ribbons for their canning, baking, and needlework, and then compete in the rolling-pin throw! There are even trophies for the family entering the most exhibits!

This old-fahioned local fair also comes complete with family-friendly activities like a greased-pole contest, toad races, and a rodeo, chili contest, and talent show. Saturday morning always starts off with a great local parade, with prizes awarded to the best floats and mounted groups. The Bosque Farms Fair is a true slice of old Americana!

This year's Bosque Farms Fair will be held Thursday through Sunday, July 31 - August 3, 2008. Thursday evening includes registration, with events held Friday through Sunday. Most of the judging occurs on Friday, along with the talent contest. Saturday events include the community parade, and a long list of events and competitions, culminating in a family dance in the evening. The Bosque Farms 4H Horse show takes place on Sunday. You can view the complete schedule of events online, or just find out more information about Bosque Farms, New Mexico. Check it out and you'll see why we love living in Bosque Farms!

Go Green, Get Greenbacks Back!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:53:43 -0500

Here in Albuquerque, utility companies are encouraging consumers to go green in the most powerful way: by talking directly to our wallets! Yep, there are utility-sponsored cash incentives for doing things that are green and eco0friendly, at least in Albuquerque, NM!

Here are some examples:

PNM (Public Service Company of New Mexico) wants to help keep those old refrigerators out of the landfills, while simultaneously encouraging the use of more energy-efficient models. Their plan? a $30 rebate plus the free removal of the old refrigerator to PNM's state-of -the-art recycling facility, where almost everything can be recycled and kept out of the landfill.
PNM's natural gas customers can get a 25% rebate (up to a maximum of $500) for participating in the Insulation and Weatherization program. And, of course, the more efficient insulation will also save $$ in energy costs!
There's also a Home Lighting Discount Program that lowers the price of purchasing compact fluorescent bulbs, which use much less electricity than standard bulbs.
Participants in PNM's "Power Saver Program" for refrigerated air conditioners get an initial $25 check, and another $25 tahkn you check in the fall, all for allowing PNM to install an energy-saving device on the outdoor compressor of their air conditioner.
PNM has other offers in place, too. Just go to www.pnm.com/rebates for the complete list!

And it's not just PNM that's in eco-friendly mode these days. The Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Water Authority is offering rebates to customers for purchasing water-saving appliances, or for converting their yard to xeriscaping. For example, customers can get a $125 rebate for the installation of a 1.6 galon flush toilet to replace an older, less efficient model, and there are $100 rebates offered for purchasing wasing machines from a specified list, or for purchasing a new hot wwater recirculation pump. There are also rebates for installing multi-stream rotor heads for sprinklers, rain sensors, and rainwwater harvesting barrels. You can see a full list of the Water Authority's rebate offers at www.abcwua.org.

So, be good to the earth and to your pocketbook at the same time! Check out these rebates, and find ways to conserve.

717 Sol De Sandia SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:04:07 -0500

Stunning South Valley Horse Property

717 Sol de Sandia, Albuquerque, NM 87105 View Map

Price reduced on this beautiful Northern NM style home that is bright, airy and open, with spacious rooms, soaring ceilings, and too many upgrades to list! Huge great room with cozy wood stove, spacious master suite with french doors to peaceful and charming courtyard. Formal dining room would accommodate a big holiday meal, and there's a multi-purpose 20x20 family room/game room with a stunning bay window overlooking lush pastures kept green by a powerful irrigation well, and a custom-built barn; an ideal setup for horses or other livestock.

Details

Asking Price:

$369,000

MLS:

620790

Sq. Feet:

2446

Lot Size:

1.61 acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

2 car

Subdivision:

Padre Point Estates

Year Built:

1995

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Brian Warden

Dir 505-263-0665
Email

21 Violeta Place, Los Lunas, NM 87031

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:40:45 -0600

Stunning 3-Bedroom Close to Schools

21 Violeta Place, Los Lunas, NM 87031 View Map

This beautiful D. R. Horton home is within walking/biking distance from 3 new schools. (It's one of just a few with a 3 car garage. The high vaulted ceilings make this home feel larger than it is. The large greatroom opens to a large kitchen with lots of cupboard and counter space. The bright,open master bedroom is separate from the other two and has built-in bookshelves, a walk-in closet and a full bath. The second bedroom is large, with a bay window. All neutral decor throughout, and in good condition.

Details

Asking Price:

$144,000

MLS:

606565

Sq. Feet:

1414

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

Garage Size:

3 car

Subdivision:

Las Maravillas

Year Built:

2001

Contact Info

Brian Warden

Dir 505-263-0665
Email

Valencia County Prices Up for Homes in 2007!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 21:12:33 -0600

Average home sales prices in Valencia County, NM, appreciated quite a bit in 2007 over 2006. Statistics from the Albuquerque Metropolitan Board of Realtors indicate that average sales prices in Valencia County were up nearly $10,000 for single-family, detached homes, compared to the figures from the previous year.

As the chart indicates, the average sales price for 2007 was $184,803 in 2007, vs. $175,068 for 2006. The average listing price for these properties was $190,485, compared to an average list price of $178,499 in 2006.

These are not bad figures at all for home sellers in such Valencia County towns as Bosque Farms, Peralta, Los Lunas, and Belen! These rural homes and small town properties are continuing to have excellent appreciation! The figures also indicate that sellers are not having to negotiate down very much from their list prices, either. In fact, the average home sold for 97% of asking price!

A little less positive note is struck by the figures for days on the market, and number of actual homes sold, though. The average days on the market for homes closed in 2006 was 64, but in 2007 that figure went up to an average of 70 days on the market. Similarly, 2006 saw 834 closings of single-family residential properties in the area, but there were only 630 such sales in 2007. So there are fewer buyers out there, and it is taking longer to sell a home. It is increasingly important that sellers

Make sure the home is "staged to sell."
Get an accurate market analysis and price the property in line with its market value
Choose an experienced, agressive agent who can, and will market the property effectively.

Valencia County communities electing officials in March

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 20:58:15 -0600

All four of Valencia County's municipalities will be holding local elections in March.

The Valencia County News Bulletin reports that candidates for all offices must file declarations of candidacy on January 8th, with elections held on March 4th. Voters wishing to use absentee ballots for the election must complete absentee ballot applications and file them with the city clerk prior to 5 p.m. on February 29th. Completed absentee ballots will be accepted until 7 p.m. on March 4th. ANyone needing to register to vote must do wo with the county clerk by February 5th at 5 o'clock p.m.

Bosque Farms will be electing a mayor, two councilors, and a municipal judge. Current Judge Richard Wilke has announced that he will not seek re-election, but Mayor Wayne Ake and frist-term councilors Dolly Wallace and Robert Knowlton will all run for re-election. All Bosque Farms voters can cast their ballots at the Bosque Farms Rodeo Arena.

In Peralta, also, seats for the mayor, a municipal judge, and two councilors will also need to be filled. Current Judge Louis Burkhard has stated his intention to run, as has Councilor Nancy Burge.

In Los Lunas, NM, voters will be selecting councilors for District 1 and District 3. The existing District 3 Councilor, Cecilia Castillo, has announced her intention to seek re-election, as has District 3 Councilor Gerald Saiz.

Belen, New Mexico voters will also need to select two councilors. Current Councilor Rudy Jaramillo has stated that he has not yet decided whether he will run for a third term, while Councilor Jeff Trembly plans to seek re-election.

Great Horse Property near Albuquerque!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:54:10 -0600

Home for the family, and the horses, too!

930 Sandia Drive, Bosque Farms, NM 87068 View Map

Finally, a horse property where the people live well, and so do the horses! Under 20 minutes to downtown Albuquerque, too! This terrific family home features new laminate floors, carpet, paint, completely new baths, and minor kitchen redo. There are two large living areas, three generous bedrooms, and a small office. And for the horses, we offer a nice 3-stall barn with pipe-fenced runs, large tack room, and huge covered hay storage, all on a lush, green, Bosque Farms acre!

Details

Asking Price:

$269,000

MLS:

605294

Sq. Feet:

2127

Lot Size:

1 acre

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

1.75

Garage Size:

2 car

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Brian Warden

Dir 505-263-0665
Email

Just Been Memed by Brigita McKelvie!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 05:45:15 -0500

I've been memed. This is new to me,l so I hope I get it right. Thanks to Brigita McKelvie, I've got to put on my thinking cap!

As I understand it, I've got to come up with 5 things you don't know about me, so here goes:

1) I'm currently traveling in Europe to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary with my wife, Laura.

2) I've been known to appear onstage, singing and dancing, no less, in community theater musicals in Albuquerque.

3) I'm the proud ownere of five horses: a Quarter Horse, 2 paints, and 2 half-Arabians at the moment. Anyone like to buy a couple so I can downsize?

4) I'm fluent in German, and once taught the language at the college level.

5) I recently read the enitre collected works of both Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud in the original German.

Now, I think, I'm supposed to nominate 3 more people to participate here. I'll pick on one member each from three of my favorite groups , which focus on Rural properties, the Land of Enchantment, and Christianity:

Andrew Mooers in Maine

Ashley Drake Gephart, here in Albuquerque

Chris Pollinger in California

Tag, your'e it! Have fun with your memes!

Rio Abajo Days: Fun for the whole family in Belen, New Mexico!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:44:02 -0500

For a weekend full of honest fun for the whole family, keep in mind Rio Abajo Days at the Valencia County Fair Grounds and Sheriffs Posse Arena in Belen, NM!

This true small town event features lots of excitement for participants and spectators, too.

The entire weekend of September 27-30, 2007 will see all kinds of events for the whole family to watch or participate in!

Some of the scheduled horse and rodeo activities include:

Roping
Bullriding
Barrel Racing
Junior Rodeo (come watch the youngsters ride a bucking sheep!)
Draft Horse event

Not horse-minded? Don't worry; you're not left out! There are loads of other activities, including:

An Arts and Crafts FAir
a Marathon and a 5K Fun Run
Bike Tour
Western Dance
Dutch Oven Dinner
4H Open House
Echoes of Legends Concert

So head on over to the Valencia County Fairgrounds and the Sheriffs Posse Arena in Belen for Rio Abajo Days next weekend!

Tour Placitas, New Mexico! A truly enchanting part of the Land of Enchantment!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:01:49 -0500

Placitas, NM is a truly enchanting community, with incredible views of some of the spectacular scenery that enables New Mexico to be truthfully termed the "Land Of Enchantment."

Placitas is a picturesque village of some 4000 residents, located in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Founded in the 1700's, Placitas was originally a large tract of land divided among 21 families, some of whose descendants still reside in the area. Many more New Mexicans have recently opted for the beauty, peace, and open space of the Placitas lifestyle, and Placitas today is one of the trendiest areas around Albuquerque.

Homes in Placitas tend to be Southwestern in style, and are available in a wide price range, from the $300,000 range to well over a million.

Take a minute for a virtual tour of a couple of examples!
My own listing at right provides a great example of the awesome views and dramatic Southwestern style of homes in Placitas. Located on top of a hill at 20 Calle Chamisa, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home perches on over 2.5 acres of New Mexico land. Just double-click the arrow for a virtual visit to this stunning home:
For those with even more expensive tastes, #1 Camino Alto in Placitas, NM demonstrates amazing custom design and details. Listed by Tracy Highspencer, of Century 21 Camco Realty, this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home of over 4000 square feet occupies a stunning 2.23 acre lot. Check out some of the incredible features of this home right here!

Interested in more examples of great Placitas homes? Check out the details of some of these other fabulous properties currently offered for sale:

11 Tres Amigos Court is a 3 BR, 2 BA, 2222 SF home offered by Dave Harper of Placitas Realty, for $439,000.
56 Camino de la Questa, at $369,000 for 3 BR, 2 BA, and an acre lot, is offered by Sandy Pressley, with Coldwell Banker.
63 Camino las Huertas is one of the most reasonable-priced opportunities to attain the Placitas lifestyle. This 1560 SF, 3 BR, 2 BA home on an acre is offered for $300,000, by Tony Bartolotta of Remax Alliance.

Need to see more? Click here for more information about Placitas, NM.

Or, check out all the wonderful Placitas homes listed for sale right on my website, www.ChoiceRealEstate.com. Just click here to search Placitas homes.

Ponderosa Paradise: Ten Acres, Tall Pines in the New Mexico Mountains near Albuquerque!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:46:31 -0500

Ten acres of Ponderosa Paradise in Tijeras, NM, just outside Albuquerque! Escape to the green side of the mountains and build your rural retreat or awesome estate nestled amidst the tall pines...

This amazing new listing offers ten full acres of gorgeous ponderosa pines, oak, pinon, and even a few alligator-bark junipers! Slightly sloping land amidst old growth woods provides several ideal building sites, including one with a view of Manzano Mountain. There's a good gravel road, phone and electric are there, and there are good wells in the area, so you can enjoy the mountain life without missing any of the conveniences. Easy commute to Albuquerque, too.

Click here for slide shows of Albuquerque area attractions.

To take a virtual tour of this stunning mountain property by double-clicking on the "play now" arrow below:

Choices Real Estate knows country property! For more information, contact me any time: Brian@brianwarden.com , or call 505-263-0665. You can also find lots more information on rural real estate by clicking on your area of interest below:

Albuquerque Area Country Properties

New Mexico Horse Properties

Country Real Estate throughout the US

New Mexico Real Estate Database

Homes in small towns nationwide

Visiting Albuquerque: Albuquerque Aquarium

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:36:37 -0500

Whether you live in Albuquerque or are just visiting, on of the places you just should not miss seeing is the Albuquerque Aquarium.

Located at 2601 Central, in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Aquarium is part of the Albuquerque Bio-Park. The Aquarium allows visitors to take a journey down the Rio Grande River, observing the denizens of the river, and then of coral reefs and the open ocean. Some of the highlights of the aquarium include sea horses, an eel tunnel, sea turtles, sharks, and manta rays.

Click here for a slide show presentation on the Albuquerque Aquarium.

To take a virtual tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, just double-click on the "play now" arrow below:

Spotlight on: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 20:34:50 -0500

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, as is appropriate for its name, is known as "Christmas City, USA." This thriving small city of about 72,000 is located in the Lehigh Valley is eastern Pennsylvania, within easy driving of all the sights and sounds of Philadelphia!

Bethlehem, itself, is a historic little city, first settled by the Moravians in 1741. By the time of the Revolutionary War, it had become a center for trades and industry, and is , even now, the international headquarters for Bethlehem Steel. Bethlehem is also home to the 1600-acre campus of Lehigh University, a private university of nearly 7000 graduate and undergraduate students, which was founded in 1865.

Like the rest of the Lehigh Valley, and its neighboring towns of Easton and Nazareth, Bethlehem boasts very affordable real estate prices. To show you what I mean, take a look at the photo at right. This stunning Victorian home offers over 1800 SF of living, with 4 bedrooms, and is priced under $244,000!

Local real estate experts Jill and Ron Fuhrer provide a real estate website that will be very helpful to those interested in checking out the home-buying situation in Bethlehem, as well as in Easton, Nazareth, and the rest of the Lehigh Valley. Sellers will find this site helpful, too, when they want to find out what their home is worth, or check out hot tips for sellers.

St. Louis for lovers of all things rural

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:07:49 -0500

I'm a country boy at heart, and as such, I love all things rural. So what would there be to interest me in St. Louis, Missouri?

The answer is, a lot!

St. Louis boasts an incredible number of resources for anyone wanting to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and has some of the most wonderful scenic areas and wildlife you'll find anywhere. While there are far too many options to mention in a short post, here are just a few:

The Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is a 4318-acre urban conservation area that includes a view of the confluence of the Missouri, Missippi rivers, with 800 acres of forest, a 110-acre island, 3300 acres of cropland, and over 6.5 miles of river frontage!
Edward "Td" and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park, also at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi has 1118 acres where plans include resortation of a natural floodplain emphasizing natural wetlands and vegetation, and excellent bird-watching
Creve Couer, a 320 lake right in St. Louis that allows sailing and fishing, and has wildlife areas along the south and west shores.
Rockwoods Reservation has over 1800 acres of rugged forest with springs and streams, hiking trails, and exhibits
Lone Elk Park is a 546-acre wildlife trail area full of bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer.

And of course, the St. Louis area offers loads of country real estate, from full-scale farms and ranches to charming rural homes on small acreage. And prices are very reasonable.

Here's an example. Take a look at the details for the stunning, 2700 SF home on nearly six acres that is pictured at right. This property is offered by broker Bob Mitchell, with ValueList Real Estate, for just $339,900. Sound interesting? Search for more such properties here.

ValueList is a real estate company that combines discount listing fees with full-service seller representation. One of the ways the company successfully does this is by combining various real estate services under one roof. For instance, ValueList also offers complete mortgage services throughout the St. Louis area.

930 Sandia Drive, Bosque Farms, NM 87068

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:26:23 -0500

Awesome, updated brick home plus great 3-stall barn, tack room, and hay storage for your horses!

Finally, a New Mexico horse property where the people live well, and so do the horses! Under 20 minutes to downtown Albuquerque, too! This terrific family home features new laminate floors, carpet, paint, completely new baths, and minor kitchen redo oredered and included at list price. There are two large living areas, three generous bedrooms, and a small office. And for the horses, we offer a nice 3-stall barn with pipe-fenced runs, large tack room, and huge covered hay storage, all on a lush, green, Bosque Farms acre!

3 Bedroom + study

2127 Square Feet

1.75 baths

2 car garage

New Carpet & laminate floors

New baths

Kitchen remodel

1 acre lot

3-stall barn w/ tack room

$295,000

MLS#516270

Historic Homes in Albuquerque a Hot New Market!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:48:40 -0500

According to yesterday's Albuquerque Journal, historic homes in downtown Albuquerque are a really hot new market.

The area bounded by Central and Mountain to the north and south, and by 6th St. and 19th St. on the east and west, features an eclectic mix of pueblo-style homes, brick and ston cottages, and even some new construction. And this is one of Albuquerque's hottest real estate markets. There are five registered historical districts, tow of which require city historical reviews before owners make any exterior modifications. Properties here range from real fixer-uppers to lovingly restored creampuffs, and residents love the variety of architecture, the shade trees, and the ability to walk to jobs, restaurants, and nightlife.

Most of these historic properties were built between 1910 and 1935, and boy, would the original owners of these homes be shocked at current property values! Even just a few years ago, homes in this area tended to sell in the $125 per square foot range, but nicely restored and updated homes are now bringing over $200 a square foot! Even fixer-uppers can go in the $165 per square foot range.

Diverse neighborhoods with a mix of old and new residents from all walks of life, the romantic cachet of owning a historic home, and tax credits available for restoration are additional pluses to historic downtown areas that are helping to boost property values. Residents love the charming features of these older homes, such as hardwood floors, solid wood doors and glass or brass doorknobs, built-in cabinetry, real plaster walls, and deep, clawfoot tubs, and many work hard to retain these picturesque features while updating mechanicals and adding master suites.

Get more information about Downtown Albuquerque and historic homes in the area:

For more information, contact me any time at brian@brianwarden.com .

Los Lunas, NM Parades for the 4th of July!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:22:51 -0500

Come on and join the fun as Los Lunas, NM, commemorates the 4th of July with a town-wide celebration of patriotism and small-town life! Bright and early on the morning of the 4th of July, hundreds of residents of Los Lunas, New Mexico, were on horseback and in their buggies, perched on top of floats, fire engines, motorcycles or bicycles, lining up to participate in this year's 4th of July parade. Main Street was closed down for miles as spectators thronged the roadway, complete with camp chairs, umbrellas and awnings for parade-viewing comfort. And, shortly after 9:00, the parade began.
You, too, can experience some of the parade fun via the virtual tour below. Just double-click on the arrow, and sit back and relax!

What's selling around Albuquerque? And where?

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:00:47 -0500

The greater Albuquerque real estate market had a pretty good month of May, according to the real estate sales figures recently released by the Albuquerque Board of Realtors. But where exactly are homes selling best? And in what price ranges?

The Greater Albuquerque Real Estate market actually consists of a number of areas:

Albuquerque itself
Corrales
Rio Rancho
Placitas
Bernalillo and Algodones
the East Mountains
Valencia County

Naturally, the city of Albuquerque itself posted the largest number of sales, followed by Rio Rancho, and then Valencia County. The table at right shows the actual number of single family homes in each area that closed during the month of May, 2007.

Sales by Area
Albuquerque	748
Corrales	7
Rio Rancho	150
Bernalillo/Algodones	3
Placitas	8
East Mountains	42
Valencia county	62

Certain price ranges, of course, have more sales than others. The median homes sales price for the month was $199,000 (up from a median of $185,000 in May of 2006.) That, in itslef, would indicated that homes between $100,000 and $300,000 would probably have the largest number of sales, and indeed, that was so. The graph and the table to the right of it each show the actual sales figures in various price ranges.

Homes Sold by Price Range
Price Range	Number
$1 - $99,999	20
$100,000-$199,000	494
$200,000 - $299,000	295
$300,000 - $399,000	119
$400,000 - $499,000	41
$500,000 - $999,000	44
over 1 million	7

Blue Ridge, Georgia: Small-Town Southern Hospitality Nestled in a Natural Wonderland!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:05:41 -0500

The tiny town of Blue Ridge, Georgia was once an elite health resort centered around the pure mineral waters that drew visitors to ride the train into town, have dinner, and then a lesurely stroll to the mineral springs. You can still ride that train today, and then meander along Main Street, enjoying specialty shops, restaurants, and art galleries amidst a small-town atmosphere that you may have feared had gone the way of the dodo!

The Blue Ridge Railroad Depot, now home to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, remains the center of downtown Bluer Ridge, along with the Blue Ridge City Park, which is the prime locale for community gatherings and festivals. The Chattahoochee National Forest and the Ocoee Whitewater Center provide outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities, along with magnificent scenery! Hike, ride, boat or fish amidst the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains!

If you visit Blue Ridge, you may find you just don't want to leave! But that won't be any problem; there are plenty of real estate options in Blue Ridge, from year-round homes to vacation cottages. Doug Moore, a real estate broker with United Country Landmasters, specializes in properties in Blue Ridge and nearby Ellijay, GA. Chances are you won't believe the wonderful property values you'll find in Blue Ridge; for example, take a look at this cute little A-frame cabin for under $110,000! There's lots more available: peruse the many United Country Landmasters listings in the Blue Ridge area, or search the entire local MLS to find the perfect place! Before buying, you might want to read through some great tips on buying a home, to avoid some common buyer's pitfalls. For more information about the Blue Ridge area, don't hesitate to contact Doug by email, or give him a call at (706) 946-5263.

Athens, Georgia: Vibrant and sophisticated small city full of Southern charm!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:32:25 -0500

Athens, Georgia is a vibrant and sophisticated small city awash in Southern charm and hospitality, and located just below the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This university town of just over 100,000 residents boasts strong Southern heritage and almost limitless contemporary entertainment. A stroll through the picturesque restored downtown, or along the historic districts full of ante-bellum and Victorian homes will thrill history buffs, while Broadway fans will enjoy the dramatic productions and world-renowned musc scene. Outdoor enthusiasts love the Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail, the North Oconee River Greenway, and Sandy Creek Nature Center and Sandy Creek Park.

Athens is a truly affordable place to live, as well. While browsing Athens homes online, I discovered some wonderful properties at prices that most of us in the rest of the country would envy! For instance, as a horse property sepcialist myself, my eye was really drawn to the beautiful, 7 acre horse property pictured at left. It's a custom home of some 3000 square feet, sitting along a live stream, and asking under $300,000! Check out the Athens real estate scene yourself; you'll find many other equally attractive properties, for prices that won't cause pain in the pocketbook! Broker Michelle DeRepentigny of Success Realty has provided an informative website that will provide any information you need about homes in the Athens, GA area, as well as information about Athens schools, current interest rates, and even the ability to apply for a mortgage online. In answer to the queston, "Why the name 'Success Realty,'" Michelle responds, "To me, success is about giving excellent service in real estate back to my hometown and having a passion for what I do. The best feeling in the world is received from counseling a first time home buyer and seeing the look on their faces when they successfully purchase their first home! The next best feeling is being a part of their lives and their friend in the future!" Make sure to contact Michelle DeRepentigny and Success Realty at (706)543-1553 for more about Athens area real estate.

Interested in the latest news and happenings around Athens, GA? There is a great blog resource, All About Athens GA available right online that will keep you right up to date on all the latest news and events in and around Athens. Check it out, and visit soon!

Peralta NM Elects First Mayor!

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 21:41:53 -0500

The small, recently incorporated Valencia County town of Peralta, NM, has just elected its first mayor!

Peralta, which lies just south of Bosque Farms and north of Los Lunas, voted last March 6th to incorporate. Last Tuesday, residents elected Edward Archuleta as the first mayor of Peralta. The mayoral race pitted Archuleta against write-in candidate Juanita Burks.

At the same time, the field of six hopefuls for the town council positions was narrowed to four: Michael Leon Otero, Joseph K. Romero, Nancy Kinchen, and Christian Garcia. Louis A. Burkhard was also elected as Peralta municipal judge. He ran unopposed.

A date for the swearing-in of newly elected officials has not yet been set.

Congratulations to Peralta, New Mexico on its recent incorporation, and to Mayor Archuleta on his election!

Albuqueque Real Estate Market Report: A Snapshot on June 13, 2007

Brian Warden (Choices Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:25:35 -0500

A glance at the Albuquerque, NM MLS activity for the past 24 hours provides a great snapshot market report for greater Albuquerque area real estate. In the past 24 hours, the Albuquerque area MLS has seen the following activity:

As you can see, over twice as many new listings came ON the market as went OFF the market as "pending" sales going under contract, or as sales actually closing. If one adds the "back on the market" listings, which came back on the market because their sales failed to close, for whatever reason, the figures are even more dramatic. in fact, there are nearly 25% as many properties coming back on the market because they failed to close as their are properties actually closing.

There are over 50% more listings getting price reductions than listings going under contract.

Not available in this MLS graph are the "withdrawn" and "cancelled" listings. A quick check of the MLS today showed 13 withdrawn and 46 cancelled listings since yesterday, which indicated that more listings either expired or were withdrawn or cancelled than either closed or went into pending.

This has been the typical pattern around Albuquerque, NM for the past two months. The market has definitely been slowing, as more and more people are trying to sell, without the pool of buyers increasing proportionately.

Below is a snapshot of our current Albuquerque MLS inventory:

As you notice, we currently have 6312 residential listings in inventory. This may not sound at all alarming, given the much larger current inventory in places like Phoenix, say. But keep in mind, as recently as February, we had only about 2500 residential listings on the market! This is a huge increase, without a correspondingly large increase in the number of buyers looking. This means properties are taking much longer to sell.

It is more important than ever for sellers and listing agents to do everything possible to make sure a home is:

in top condition
competitvely priced
easy to show
effectively marketed, especially online

For more information about current market conditions, check out our Albuquerque Real Estate website, or contact me any time, at Brian@BrianWarden.com.

Choices in Albuquerque Real Estate

Valencia County Commissioners Vote Against Agricultural Preservation!

Great new marketing idea in Albuquerque: Holiday Horse Property Extravaganza

Equestrian Estate in Albuquerque, NM

Ideal Location for Serious Horsemen!

347 Lagunitas, Albuquerque, NM 87105 View Map

Details

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Bosque Farms Community Fair: a Step Back in Time!

Every year, the village of Bosque Farms, NM, hosts an old-fashioned community fair, the likes of which you might think haven't been seen since the days of Mayberry!

Go Green, Get Greenbacks Back!

717 Sol De Sandia SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

Stunning South Valley Horse Property

717 Sol de Sandia, Albuquerque, NM 87105 View Map

Details

Property Amenities

Contact Info

21 Violeta Place, Los Lunas, NM 87031

Stunning 3-Bedroom Close to Schools

21 Violeta Place, Los Lunas, NM 87031 View Map

Details

Contact Info

Valencia County Prices Up for Homes in 2007!

Valencia County communities electing officials in March

All four of Valencia County's municipalities will be holding local elections in March.

Great Horse Property near Albuquerque!

Home for the family, and the horses, too!

930 Sandia Drive, Bosque Farms, NM 87068 View Map

Details

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Just Been Memed by Brigita McKelvie!

Rio Abajo Days: Fun for the whole family in Belen, New Mexico!

For a weekend full of honest fun for the whole family, keep in mind Rio Abajo Days at the Valencia County Fair Grounds and Sheriffs Posse Arena in Belen, NM!

Tour Placitas, New Mexico! A truly enchanting part of the Land of Enchantment!

Placitas, NM is a truly enchanting community, with incredible views of some of the spectacular scenery that enables New Mexico to be truthfully termed the "Land Of Enchantment."

Take a minute for a virtual tour of a couple of examples!

Ponderosa Paradise: Ten Acres, Tall Pines in the New Mexico Mountains near Albuquerque!

Ten acres of Ponderosa Paradise in Tijeras, NM, just outside Albuquerque! Escape to the green side of the mountains and build your rural retreat or awesome estate nestled amidst the tall pines...

To take a virtual tour of this stunning mountain property by double-clicking on the "play now" arrow below:

Visiting Albuquerque: Albuquerque Aquarium

Whether you live in Albuquerque or are just visiting, on of the places you just should not miss seeing is the Albuquerque Aquarium.

To take a virtual tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, just double-click on the "play now" arrow below:

Spotlight on: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania!

St. Louis for lovers of all things rural

930 Sandia Drive, Bosque Farms, NM 87068

Awesome, updated brick home plus great 3-stall barn, tack room, and hay storage for your horses!

3 Bedroom + study

2127 Square Feet

1.75 baths

2 car garage

New Carpet & laminate floors

New baths

Kitchen remodel

1 acre lot

3-stall barn w/ tack room

$295,000

MLS#516270

Historic Homes in Albuquerque a Hot New Market!

According to yesterday's Albuquerque Journal, historic homes in downtown Albuquerque are a really hot new market.

Los Lunas, NM Parades for the 4th of July!

What's selling around Albuquerque? And where?

The greater Albuquerque real estate market had a pretty good month of May, according to the real estate sales figures recently released by the Albuquerque Board of Realtors. But where exactly are homes selling best? And in what price ranges?

Sales by Area

Homes Sold by Price Range

Blue Ridge, Georgia: Small-Town Southern Hospitality Nestled in a Natural Wonderland!

Athens, Georgia: Vibrant and sophisticated small city full of Southern charm!

Athens, Georgia is a vibrant and sophisticated small city awash in Southern charm and hospitality, and located just below the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Peralta NM Elects First Mayor!

Albuqueque Real Estate Market Report: A Snapshot on June 13, 2007

A glance at the Albuquerque, NM MLS activity for the past 24 hours provides a great snapshot market report for greater Albuquerque area real estate. In the past 24 hours, the Albuquerque area MLS has seen the following activity:

Below is a snapshot of our current Albuquerque MLS inventory: