Eloise's Blog

Next Generation Homebuyers

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:34:11 -0600

I spent last evening and the better part of today at a Summit for early childhood education in Santa Fe (invited in my capacity as a business owner) . On the surface the summit seemed to have noting whatever to do with real estate, but in a profound way, it did. The New Mexico Summit on Early Childhood Investment brought together business and community leaders to create awareness and support for early childhood development. I saw this intervention as a benefit to the next generation of home buyers.

Research has shown that early investment in childhood developoment, produces healthy, educated productive adults. As a matter of fact, is is being seen as the best investment any society could make. One quote: Quality early education for at-risk children can produce an annual rate of return as high as 16% - higher than most stock portfolios. Children, given a great start in life create the most skilled employees now and in the future , because parent of well children are not distracted by concerns about their well-being, and children given a great start are most likely to grow up to become capable, educated, responsible members of the workforce. My aha moment was: these children born today with the best prospects for success will be the next generation of homebuyers. Neglected, they are likely to become instead, costly casualties looking for handouts and incapable of providing for their basic needs.

So I left the summit wondering why it has taken so long for us to recognize what needs to be done. and a commitment to be counted among the individuals working towards providing good nutrition, health care, enlightened parenting and quality education for children 0 to 5 years.

As one of speaker explained, the status quo creates a moral problem with practical implications. The current state of neglect of early childhood development with its social and economic consequences is immoral. The practical solution lies in understanding the fundamental cause of the maladies, recognizing what needs to be done and doing it.

To find out more about how we can encure that the babies born today can grow up to be great clients, go to www.partnershipforsuccess.org.

Eloise Gift
www.EloiseGift.com

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

For First-time Home Buyers

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:16:21 -0500

Buyers and sellers of real estate always have numerous questions, as they should. Buying or selling a house is the single largest financial transaction most individuals are likely to undertake in a lifetime.

Questions relate to traditional concerns that include pricing, marketing, funding and financing, negotiations, property condition and preparation, repairs, and escrow. more recently, as if we did nor have enough that needed explaining, current economic conditions have added additional terms and conditions that need definition and explanation. Clients are now asking about inventory, days on the market, short sales, foreclosures, and stimulus (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funds.

And since as real estate service providers, we are always seeking new and improved ways to communicate with and educate our clients, we are happy when we get our hands on some new tool or training materials that will help us in this endeavor. I am happy to have received recently, a link to a delightful, short video on YouTube, compliments of Keller Williams, that helps explain the availability of a great government incentive for first-time home buyers. Learn who qualifies for the new tax credit: New Tax Credit- Who Qualifies?

Eloise Gift

Your Gift For Real Estate-Your Gift For All Seasons

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

This Week in Albuquerque, NM

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:22:33 -0500

Albuquerque has another name. The city has been fondly called the Duke City for years and now another name is becoming popular - The "Q." It has one advantage. It is easier to spell.

So what happened in the Q this week? Many of us in the real estate business are feeling hopeful about the market and are pleased that first-time home buyers in particular seem to be taking advantage of the large inventory and continuing low rates and other available incentives.

Of course, the housing market is only a barometer of the overall economy, so what indicators in the Q this past week are leading to positive real estate outcomes? Here are some.

The Q is still a popular destination for tourists, retirees, and job seekers.
Our stimulus package increased to more than $3 billion.
New Mexico's unemployment rate is well below the national average.
The weather was fantastic all week and Homeland Security held its first Advisory Meeting in the Q with Secretary Napolitano, Atty General Holder and other VIPs from Washington, DC.

The Q may just be inching its way up from the #2 spot on Kiplinger's Top Ten Cities.

Eloise Gift
June 5, 2009
www.eloisegift.com

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Moderating Land of Enchantment

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:23:22 -0500

Hello Members of Land of Enchantment Group,

I have not been able to pay as much attention as I would like to this group that we started back in 2007. I would like to invite someone to carry the torch. I plan to continue to post and participate but am unable to do as much as I would like. Please let me know if you are willing.

With thanks,

Eloise

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Looking for a Realtor

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:16:17 -0500

Hello everyone,

I am looking for a realtor in Alamagordo? Do we have anyone from Alamagordo on AR? Please caontact me.

Eloise Gift

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Stimulus Funds

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:44:11 -0500

The news media are full of chatter about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, more often referred to as the stimulus package, and how they are being used. Almost everyone has an opinion. Lawmakers in some states have rejected the funds. In others, they welcome whatever money is available with open arms. Most have a need to make the shortfall brought about by the worldwide economic downturn and are even critical of the way the money is being spent. A recent article in the local newspaper criticized the spending of money allocated for transportation because buses and trains were bought in Canada and in another state. The government had to justify the expenditure. The city bought buses and trains with earmarked for transportation in the same way it always has. We have known even before the first trains arrived last year, that the Rail Runner Express was manufactured in Canada. New Mexico does not build or manufactire buses and trains.

In our city, the mayor integrated ten implementation teams to track and bid on the available federal funds. I assume that all states except for those that are in the enviable position of not needing the funds, have made similar arrangements for their proper management and distribution. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have been selected to serve on one of the teams. I hope to be able to look back soon on a flourishing state and national economy with pride for having played a part in working with the governor of our state, the mayor of our city and the members of all the stimulus teams to help in the economic recovery and smooth transition from bad to better times.

Eloise Gift is Associate Broker at Keller Williams Realty in Albuquerque, NM. She was appointed by Mayor Martin Chavez to serve on the Stimulus Implementation Team for the City of Albuquerque. She can be reached directly at 505-363-5156 or at her office at 505-897-1100. You may network with her on facebook and linkedIn, orfollow her on twitter.

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Paradise East, Westside Albuquerque (December through February)

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:52:43 -0500

Paradise East is a part of the Wetside Community of Greater Albuquerque. During the last three months, 19 homes sold in Paradise East. Currently, no homes are under contract awaiting escrow in the are. Seventy-two are actively listed for sale.

The homes that sold were on the market for an average of just over 75 days and sold at an average of 96% of their listed sales price. The average listing price of the sold homes was $230,000. The average selling price was $221,000. Homes currently listed are at an average price of $313,000.

Market Trends in the Greater Albuquerque Area

This Paradise East sub market reflects somewhat the market of the entire Albuquerque area that is seeing a decreasing inventory even though the number of new listings entering the market have increased. The combined total for active detached, single family homes, condos and town homes is just over 6,000. That's good! Also good is that we had more closed sales in February than in January but there are fewer pending sales (properties with accepted offers awaiting closing). In January we had 324 closings and in February, 343 - significantly less than at the same time in 2008. And not every market is seeing sales activity. The busiest areas of the Albuquerque Southwest Multiiple Listing Service community for the month of February were City of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho followed by the Los Lunas, Belen, Bosque Farms area.

Conclusion

It is difficult to evaluate the trend of the market based on current statistics. More new listings entered the market in February than in January but inventory is down and time on the market has increased. Average price decreased, but the median increased. Some Southwest Multiple Listing Service areas are seeing little or no sales activity. The mixed messages may be the result of seasonal adjustments or market conditions, or a combination of both. We hope the arrival of spring will bring a more clearly defined trend and help us clarify the direction of the market.

Reference: The Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors - http://abqrealtors.com

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Market Update - Greater Albuque Area - February, 2009

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:41:54 -0500

Indicators for February's residential real estate market in the Greater Albuquerque Area were inconclusive as to whether the e. market was shifting upward or down. We had more new listings entering the market than in January but the inventory is decreasing. The combined total for detached, single family homes, condos and townhomes is just over 2,000. That's good! We had more closed sales in February than in January but fewer pending sales (properties with accepted offers awaiting closing). In January we had 324 closings and in February, 343; significantly less than at the same time 2008. Not every market area saw activity. The busiest areas for the month were City of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho followed by the Los Lunas, Belen, Bosque Farms area.

Average sales price continued its downward trend, but the median price showed a slight increase. The average sales price for single family homes was $209,515. The median was $184,900. The top selling price range for detached homes was $200,000 to $249,000, and for condos and townhomes $140,000-$159,000. The average number of days on the market increased to 96. We approximately a nine-month supply of homes listed for sale.

Content provided by: Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors, http://abqrealtors.com

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Albuquerque NM Southwest Mesa in the News

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:28:19 -0600

Body Count 13, the headline of the Albuquerque Journal screams in bold three-fourths-inch type. And in smaller type, making us breath a sigh of relief, There’s no Serial Killer on the Loose, APD [Albuquerque Police Department] Chief Says. But the unearthing of so many bodies next to a gated community on the edge of the southwestern expansion of the city is a worrisome mystery that continues to unfold. Two of the bodies have been identified as young women in their twenties who disappeared 2004-2005. The cause of their death and why they were buried in that spot is yet to be determined. The search continues. No one knows if more bodies lie hidden there. Local and national television news photographs showed a site that looks like a huge archeological dig. I needed to see it for myself.

Just over a year a go, I helped a client move into a gated community adjacent to vacant lands that are now the subject of this search. I called up my former client and we agreed to visit the site together. The directions are: south on Coors to Dennis Chavez, to right on 118th Street across from the neighborhood school being built according to LEED specifications. The gates swing open for me as I turn right from 118th street into my former client’s community. He is waiting for me. He climbs into the car and we return to 118th, turn right and in two minutes are at the excavation site. It is as I saw it on CNN--neat mounds of earth and trenches are spread over the fenced-off 100 acre area that a builder had started to prepare for residential construction. Some of the dig is quite close to the street. A van parked on the site has “Crime Lab” prominently written on its side. We park near a police car on the street and get out of our car for a closer look and to take pictures. The site is quiet. Today is Sunday. My client says that on weekdays diggers with shovels are all over the site. A few other people are are parked nearby and are taking pictures also.

One of the photographers is from the Albuquerque Journal and we talk about how unlikely it seems to have a crime scene in such a beautiful spot. The mesa stretches peaceful, serene and undisturbed as far as eye can see westward. Eastward and to the south, the Sandia and Manzano Mountains rise - today a blue-green backdrop for the city of Albuquerque. As the city expands westward in the only direction in which undeveloped land remains available, we have arrived at this place that as recently as five years ago was peaceful, pristine, undisturbed land conceivably ideal for the perfect crime or a permanent resting place. As things stand, New Mexico, geographically one of the largest states in the Union and in population one of the smallest, seems paradoxically blessed and cursed with an abundance of such spaces.

Almost one year ago, my client, a former real estate professional himself, relocated from another state and chose to buy a home in this newly developing area precisely for the beauty, the views and the nearby vast open spaces. Had it not been for the downturn in the community, building in this adjoining development would have continued without interruption and we would not have had to wait for for hikers to make the gruesome chance discovery. Findings, so far, indicate that disturbance at the site apart from that of the builder, date back four or five years, hence the APD’s determination that no serial killer is currently running loose. For the time being, residents are breathing a sigh of relief. A feeling of security is restored, but the discovery is unfortunate and disquieting. Residents of Albuquerque and indeed all of New Mexico are unhappy and saddened by the discovery. They hope no more bodies will be found, and impatiently await the solving of the mystery.

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Market Update -Greater Albuquerque NM Area

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:52:23 -0600

A few days ago the Southwest Multiple Listing Service (SWMLS) issued a press release on local market conditions. Except for their apparently more significant percentage drop in the price of single-family detached homes, their evaluation of the market was in sync with my4th quarter evaluation based on my personal experience, market observation, and SWMLS statistics. It was clear that our single-family detached home sales were at their lowest ever in terms of price, number of sales, and days on the market. My evaluation, less detailed, did not specify the percentage decrease. (I take it for granted that my readers will do that math.)

Alas! SWMLS transposed some numbers and ended up with a steeper percentage drop in prices than actual. SWMLS issued a correction for that error. However, the essential truth remained, that residential real estate prices have fallen. The percentage drop was just not as significant as SWMLS reported. In the Greater Albuquerque Area, we are having real estate challenges just like everywhere else across the nation and perhaps the world. It's just that up to now, our challenges are still not as severe as in some other areas.

In the meantime we hope we are seeing the worst that the market can offer. We continue to do our part towards contributing to the stimulation of the economy for a rebound in the shortest possible time. We want to say good-bye to economic doldrums. We are thinking jobs, money, earnings to buy necessities - food, shelter, health care, nice homes that we can keep for as long as we want to.

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Greater Albuquerque Market Report - 4th Quarter 2009

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:22:21 -0600

Overview

In the Greater Albuquerque Market, inventory is shrinking (thumbs up), number of days on the market has increased (thumbs down), volume of sales has declined (thumbs down), and average and median prices are the lowest of the year (thumbs down). Nevertheless average condo and townhome prices are their highest since 2001 (thumbs up) and for single-family detached homes, only 2006 and 2007 record higher average and median prices. (Not bad!)

Single Family Detached Homes

During the last quarter of 2008 in the Greater Albuquerque Area, 3,448 single family new listings entered the market, the lowest number of all four quarters. Similarly, the number of total active listings, 5, 237 was the lowest. Of these, 1, 545 went into pending (contracts written) and 1,389 closed at an average sales price of $218,900 and a median of $182,500. Of the homes that sold, the average number of days on the market was 75.

For single detached homes, the 4^th quarter saw the lowest sales, the lowest average price the lowest median price, the longest number of days on the market, and the lowest number of closed sales. In the 1^st quarter, we recorded 5, 943 total active listings with 5,244 new listings entering the market. The average sales price was $229,100, the median $188, and average days on market: 71.

Condos and Townhomes

For condos and townhomes, the picture was somewhat similar to that of single family detached homes. In the last quarter of 2008, 397 new condo and townhome listings entered the market. We had a total of 611 active and of those we sold 169. The average price was $160,000 and the median, $159,000. The number of days on the market was slightly higher than that of single detached homes: 79 days.

We had fewer condo and townhome listings entering the market than we did in the first quarter of the year. Fewer sold than in the first quarter (210) and the number of the days on the market (79) was the highest for all four quarters. The average price was slightly lower -- $160,000 compared to $162,600 in the first quarter and $167,000 in the second quarter, but definitely higher than in the third quarter when the average price fell to $155,700.

Prices rebounded slightly from the second and third quarters for condos but single detached homes registered a steady decline in prices (thumbs down), number of homes sold (thumbs down), number of days on the market (thumbs down), and in inventory (thumbs up).
Information courtesy of Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors http://abqrealtors.com

Eloise Gift
A Gift for real estate-A Gift for all seasons
www.eloisegift.com

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

9115 Ladron - Home on the Albuquerque High Mesa

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:55:14 -0600

9115 Ladron is a delightful property on the High Mesa of Northwest Heights in the city of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The home is pleasant, spacious, and full of light. It is surrounded by well-maintained parks and by schools built to green specification. Take a virtual tour of this lovely property that is waiting for you to make it your home. Take the Tour!

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Desirable Northeast Albuquerque Home For Sale

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:30:47 -0600

Would you like to live in a 2-story house? Could you use five bedrooms? Would a first-floor bedroom with a full bath make a difference to you? Is a pool important to your lifestyle? Do you enjoy a game of tennis now and then? Do you value peace and quiet? Do you want easy access to public transportation? If you answered yes to all these questions, this house is for you. Check out 7108 Canary Lane, MLS# 651195. in Northeast Albuquerque, about 5 minutes from the ski lifts to Sandia Peak. In a world that is increasingly busy for most, we are seeking simplified lifestyles that match our budget. That often means finding the ideal house for your budget in an ideal location. Look inside 7108 Canary, a desirable Northeast Albuquerque home. Video Tour

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Desirable Northeast Albuquerque Home For Sale

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:21:51 -0600

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Active Rain Surprised Me

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:16:29 -0600

Active Rain has never been a group to rest on its laurels. Ever since I signed up over two years ago, I have never failed to miss a few days or more without returning to find some new twist or development. I will have to say that Active Rain has always kept me on my toes, always a step behind, guessing what I'm up to and trying to figure out if I am doing things right. I've always felt as if I am playing catch up in learning what's what and feeling a little left behind, thinking everyone else already knew what I am just finding out.

Today has been the day of the biggest AR surprise yet! I arrive at the sand box to play with my friends and it's as if a line is drawn in the sand. I feel uncomfortable. Do i cross it or turn back and go home. I guess, when you play in someone else's sand pile you just have to expect that you play by their rules or stay away.

Active Rain, I love you. But since this is not just about Active Rain but also about Eloise Gift and her business and a community she has grown to like, I need some time to think about this latest surprise. Can people still comment? I really don't know what it is that I am being asked to buy. I need time to examine the goods. Am I the only rainer surprised? Is there a post that alerted us as to what was coming down the pike? How can I reconcile these latest developments with my commitment to Shift?

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Land of Enchantment also Land of Humor

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:54:29 -0600

With a winning float in the Tournament of Roses, The Land of Enchantment is also the Land of Humor. The truth is that New Mexico is a Land of many things - contrasts, diversity, myths, legends, comic strip characters, spirituality, UFOs (last year's float), road runners and coyotes. I had not seen a live road runner or coyote until I arrived in New Mexico. Until then, they only existed in comic strips and cartoons.

I'll never forget pointing out "those strange-looking dogs" in the distance, to my husband. "Those strange-looking dogs,' he replied, "are coyotes."

My first roadrunner sighting held me captivated until it disappeared from sight. Yes, they, also are strange. They are real birds that do prefer running to flying. Even though they have become commonplace, I still find them captivating. Someone told me that it is good luck to have a one cross your path and I would like to believe that is so. How could it not be? They are so oddly charmin. Those two characters - the wily coyote and the roadrunner were a perfect choice for the department of tourism's participation in the Tournament of Roses and their representation was worthy of the Bob Hope Award for humor.

Whenever you hear or see 'beep beep' think New Mexico and all that it stands for.
Eloise Gift
www.EloiseGift.com
A Gift for Real Estate-A Gift for all seasons
505-363-5156
Photograph - courtesy of NMDT

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Holiday Traditions in New Mexico

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 02:43:16 -0600

Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez participated in the lighting of a 13-foot menorah in Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque to mark the start of the first day of Hanukkah while a mariachi band played Jewish music. Mayor Chavez declared, I am proud to be the mayor of a city that does not tolerate diversity. Diversity should never be tolerated. It should be celebrated. This blend instead of a clash of cultures is the developing story of New Mexico, contributing to the quality of life and state's boast of being the Land of Enchantment. Happy Holidays

Traditions - My experience of the holidays in Albuquerque, New Mexico is that they are like most other places, a time to share traditions by getting together with family and friends, exchanging gifts and having festive meals together. In New Mexico, however, there is a difference. The rich cultural blend of native and other traditions provide make the holiday experiences more interesting, collaborative and enchanting. The culture of nineteen native pueblos and the constant infusion of ideas reflecting Hispanic, Jewish, African, Asian and European heritage continue to shape the way of life.

Whenever I visit a pueblo, people invite me to return to celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve with them because each pueblo has pride in its unique traditions, all of which include light or bonfires. If the weather should permit, this is the year I will make it to one.

The Posadas, probably dating back to the arrival of the first Spanish settlers, and still celebrated in pockets in cities across the state, offer another opportunity to participate in a uniquely New Mexican Christmas tradition. Whether your are Christian or not, on Christmas Eve you can join the party re-enacting the Christmas story and accompany Mary and Joseph going from house to house seeking a shelter or you may choose to simply go to your church as Christians all over the world will do.

Farolitas or Luminarias-- Also on Christmas Eve, you can drive through neighborhoods to see a variety of traditional southwestern or modern light displays. Giving the landscape a distinctive southwestern appearance, farolitas or luminarias outline sidewalks, driveways, and rooftops. Some are hand-made -- assembeled with sand, paper bags and candles or they are modernized with electricity. It feels like walking through a wonderland to stroll streets decorated with these lanterns and in some neighborhoods like Nob Hill and Old Town, Albuquerque, we indulge tourists and locals alike who like to stroll these neighborhoods to in the enchantment of the glow of hundreds of of farolitas sometimes in combination with stringed electric lights.

Holiday Meals-- Cultural bonding is also reflected in the meals that grace holiday dinner tables. Whatever else you may have, be prepared for the unique New Mexico red or green chili flavor in dishes like posole and tamales and even wit your turkey. The holiday food table is a good place to start preparing for the ubiquitous question when dining out in New Mexico - red or green?

Whether it is a mariachi band playing Jewish music at an ethnically mixed celebration of the start of Hanukkah or the faint glow of luminarias that outline the rooftops of pueblo-style buildings in a neighborhood, expect diversity and the unexpected in New Mexico especially during the holidays.
www.eloisegift.com
A Gift for real estate- A Gift for all seasons

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Active Rain Connects East and (South)west

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:27:39 -0600

While buying art from a local potter in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I mentioned blogging on Active Rain and was surprised at the knowledgeable response from the artist. Not only did she know of Active Rain, she had a best friend back in Baltimore, MD, who was a regular blogger on Active Rain. Did I know her friend? Of course I did! Not personally, but through our on-line exchanges on Active Rain -- information I learned through her friend's posts and that she learned from personal interaction as a client of Margaret Rome.

I was so excited about this authentication of of six degrees of separation, only my non-stop, back-to-back engagements of the afternoon and evening kept me from rushing out to call or email Margaret in the city I had called home for some 10 years. So I was not surprised when my phone rang and Margaret in the morning and Margaret was on the other hand. Neither of us could believe the coincidence.

We are not surprised when we meet on line associates at business or technology gatherings. But to meet someone unconnected with the real estate industry who connects two AR members half way across the country speaks volumes about Active Rain and the possibilities of on line networking. Treat your on-line associates well. You never know where those connections may lead or with whom it will link you.

And by the way, Margaret, it was a pleasure to extend our acquaintance on the telephone.

Eloise Gift
www.eloisegift.com
A Gift of real estate - A Gift for all seasons
505-363-5156

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Mortgage Rates At 37-Year Low

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:28:28 -0600

This just in from my mortgage advisor--

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.19 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending Dec. 18, down from 5.47 percent last week and 6.14 percent a year ago.

The 15-year FRM averaged 4.92 percent with an average 0.7 point, down from 5.2 percent last week and 5.79 percent a year ago. The 15-year FRM has not been lower since April 1, 2004, when it averaged 4.84 percent.

Rates on adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were also down, with the five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid ARM averaging 5.6 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from 5.82 percent last week and 5.9 percent a year ago.

One-year Treasury-indexed ARMs averaged 4.94 percent with an average 0.5 point, down from 5.09 percent last week and 5.51 percent a year ago. (Provided by Janet Lee)

Is this enough to get buyers off the fence? It can't get much better than this. If buyers will move in, the sellers in turn, will be able to move on and reinvest in properties they want.

www.eloisegift.com

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Rail Runner to Santa Fe Up And Running

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:17:57 -0600

The long awaited connection of the Albuquerque-Santa Fe Rail Runner Link opens today, completing the dream to link Belen, Los Lunas, Albuquerque and Santa Fe with public rail transportation. With the completion of this last link in the Rail Runner line, public transportation and north- south travel in Central New Mexico has taken a giant leap.

The VIP inaugural trip for the Albuquerque-Santa Fe link was Monday, December 15. For the next three weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) the Rail Runner will be FREE to ride. Trains will depart the 550 station in Bernalillo at 6:52 am, 12:04 pm, 5:02 pm, 8:18 pm and 10:01 pm and depart the Santa Fe Depot at 8:10 am, 1:20 pm, 6:20 pm, 9:28 pm, and 11:15 pm.

I understand that the ride is enjoyable and interesting. I am not surprised. For me, it is always enjoyable to jump in the car and hit the highways leading out of Albuquerque. In any direction, the landscape is a treat. From now on that treat will be heightened with my car parked at the railway station. Come and experience the fun.

Weekday trips on the Rail Runner include 9 trains to Santa Fe and 8 return trains.

Train Schedule
Fares

Fare and Schedule Information provided by Albuquerque Government: www.abq.gov
Picture compliments of Albuquerque Government : www.abq.gov

Eloise Gift
A Gift for Real Estate- A Gift for all Seasons
www.EloiseGift.com

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Albuquerque Westside Market Report

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:46:31 -0600

Paradise Hills Civic Association Area

Overview ─ The real estate Market trend in the Paradise Hills Civic Association (PHCA) area positively reflects that of the rest of the Greater Albuquerque Area. Albuquerque is not as adversely affected as most cities across the country and reportedly, is among the top ten most promising housing markets, In adddition, the PHCA community is part of Northwest Albuquerque that, according to the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors, was one of the highest selling areas during the last quarter,

Market Activity ─ Since July 1, 83 homes were sold in the Paradise Hills Civic Association area. Currently, 118 homes are listed for sale and 13 homes are under contract, awaiting closing.

Of the 83 homes sold, 9 had 2 bedrooms, 46 had 3 bedrooms, 27 had 4 bedrooms and 1 had 5+ bedrooms. The average square footage for these homes was 2047 and the average in October (the month with the latest available official statistics) the average price of homes throughout the Greater Albuquerque area was $220,000.

The average listing price of the 13 homes under contract (pending) is $195,377. The average square footage is 1761, and the average time on the market, 75 days.

The homes actively for sale include 11 2-bedrooms, 61 3-bedrooms, 44 with 4 bedrooms and 2 2ith 5 or more bedrooms. The average price is $272, 902 and the average number of days on the market is 90. They range in size from an average of 1215 square feet for the 2-bedroom group to 2210 square feet for the 5+ bedroom group.

If your home is one of those that has been on the market beyond the average number of days for those sold or pending, you may want to review with your realtor, possible additional steps to your more attractive to potential buyers. As we approach this festive season of the year, Charles Dickens' phrase from A Christmas Carol, is relevant to our times and current market. It may be said of the market, that it is best of times and the worst of times depending onyour perspective of buyer or seller.

We have a large inventory along with interest rates that are among the lowest in recent memory. On the other hand, we have to deal with the challenges of the economic downturn and failing lending institutions. Finding financing in the currrent market can be challenging. Despite all this, it is encouraging to remember that on Westside Albuquerque isconsidered a hot-selling area. The statistics show it!

Eloise Gift
A Gift for real estate - A Gift for all seasons
www.newmexicohomesbyeloise.com
www.eloisegift.com

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Open in Albuquerque And You Are Invited!

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 01:52:18 -0600

Open houses are conducted throughout the year in the Greater Albuquerque Area of New Mexico. Even in winter? you ask. And the answer is, Yes, because even when it is cold, our dependable, warm, bright sunshine makes it pleasant to be outdoors. I am expecting sunshine this weekend. I am not on vacation, I am showing houses, and you are invited. I even made a video tour especially for you; so come on out and see some of the lovely inventory we have here in the Southwest. I look forward to seeing you at one of these lovely homes in Albuquerque, this weekend.

A Gift for real estate - A Gift for all seasons

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Happy Thanksgiving

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:53:49 -0600

Here's wishing everyone a peaceful Thanksgiving in harmony with your world, your family and your friends.

I am thankful for my family and friends, for life, health, the many wonderful people I get to work with daily in real estate, and the beautiful city in the great state of the Union of the USA on our gorgeous little green planet, earth.

Flickr Photo

Happy Thanksgiving from Albuquerque New Mexico, The Land of Enchantment!

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

The Housing Market - Flat, Lower or Higher In 2009?

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:25:10 -0600

As a New Mexico realtor, prior to one year ago, the question I was asked most frequently was what is my home worth? Now the question is more directly, about the recovery of the market. My response is repeatedly: the market will recover; it always has. The follow-up question is: when?

I don't trust my crystal ball to make such predictions. But now I have a prediction from an authoritative source - the Keller Center at Baylor University's Hanakamer School of Business in Texas. Researchers there conducted an online interview of 840 economists about the housing market and related topics. Their findings led to a consensus about the recovery of the real estate market. Housing prices are likely to stop falling by the end of 2009, say nearly three-fourths of economists in a recent survey.

Of course, that's great news for everyone, buyers and sellers alike. But especially for buyers, other questions arise. For example, will interest rates go lower, stay the same or rise? I don't trust my crystal ball on this one either, and the researchers have not reported on that topic yet.

─With thanks to the Keller Center Research Report
Baylor Business

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156

Green Mixer in Green Building

Eloise Gift, New Mexico Real Estate (Gift Realty NM) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:48:03 -0600

I watched 7601 Journal Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico being built. It was impossible not to notice it. It stood out even at the framing stage and I was not surprised to hear that when finished, the building had received LEED Certification. In my Active Rain post back then, I said the building had won the highest LEED certification. The plaque on the lobby wall, however, states that the building is LEED Certified. Gold, The highest certification is platinum. The second highest is gold.

I have been wanting to see the inside of the building ever since it was completed but none of the opportunities I had seemed to work until this evening when I attended the "Green Mixer" hosted by Nancy Salem of the New Mexico Business Weekly, What better place to hold a green mixer than in a green building?

One of the architects on the Dekker, Perich Sabatini design team spoke to us about green initiatives and features of green buildings. She described specific features of 7601 and everyone got to go on a tour the building. It was already dark when we could not see well the mountains to appreciate the architects' skill in sighting the building so as to benefit from the Albuquerque mountain views, so I have decided to go back during the daytime especially now that I know that. Dekker et al are very accommodating and don't mind people walking in for a tour.

What are the features of this green building? Our speaker said, and it as obvious, lots of natural light from large low-e windows set differently on the north side of the building than on the south; a tight envelope that allows minimum leakage of air; and recycled building materials on walls and in floor covering, The building also has low emission of volatile organic compounds (no "new building" smells when they moved in.) Cooling vents are in the floor.

Asked, what is the status of building green in Albuquerque, New Mexico today? Our speaker told us that Dekker, Perich, Sabatini do not design single family houses. (A pity!) But their 40% portion of the 85,000 square foot building space is fully staffed with designers working on multi-family housing, schools, hospitals, and commerci, buildings. LEED certified buildings are becoming more common.

Eloise Gift, CRS
Gift Realty NM
Your Gift For Real Estate - Your Gift For All Seasons
www.eloisegift.com
505-363-5156