Real Estate Information

Spring is springing here in Santa Fe!  It’s a wonderful time to visit and especially get outdoors in the perfect spring Santa Fe weather!  Check out this guided tour by a local company Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing www.outspire.com.  Here is a description of one of their “special” tours:

“Some places are just so special they deserve their own category.  Bandelier National Monuments’ archaeological areas, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks Monument and it's fantastic volcanic past, Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu with its sandstone mesas made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe, and the forested plateaus of the Pecos Wilderness fall into this category for us.  All our tours are hikes, but the ones to these places can be milder (or wilder).

As a professional guide service, Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing is approved and permitted by the USDA-Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Park Service. We are an equal opportunity service provider. Come hiking with Outspire--because sometimes the best inspiration comes from being outside!

On March 1, 2017 in Berlin, Germany Santa Fe was given yet another prestigious, well-deserved award from an organization that knows a pretty city when it sees one:  The National Geographic.

Santa Fe beat out 100 entries from 45 countries to win a “World Legacy Award” under the “Sense of Place”category.  The awards aim to highlight sustainable and global tourism and recipients represent the future of travel and sustainability.  The awards come as the United Nations declared 2017 "The International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development."

The “Sense of Place Award” was judged on organizations that enhance cultural authenticity, supports and protects historic monuments, archaeological sites, vernacular architecture, indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.

Tourism of Santa Fe Executive Director Randy Randall said, " This is an incredible international honor for Santa Fe to be singled out as number one in 'Sense of Place.' It is a testament to what makes Santa Fe so special and truly The City Different."

"National Geographic stands for exploration, conservation and stellar storytelling. World Legacy Awards celebrate the people, places and experiences that exemplify our mission in the global travel industry," said National Geographic Travel editor-in-chief George Stone in a statement.

If you have children in school and you plan on buying a home in Santa Fe, then you no doubt want to find the best schools before you move.  greatschools.org rates all the best schools in America, and 4 schools in Santa Fe got a 10 out of 10 rating, based on reviews and test scores. Here are those schools along with a link to search for homes near those schools.

Academy for Tech & Class
74 A Van Nu P.O. Rd Santa Fe, NM 87508
School website
(505) 473-4282
Search For Nearby Homes

Acequia Madre Elementary School
700 Acequia Madre Santa Fe, NM 87501
Facebook page
(505) 467-2003
Search For Nearby Homes

Atalaya Elementary School
721 Camino Cabra Santa Fe, NM 87501
Facebook page
(505) 467-2003
Search For Nearby Homes

Wood-Gormley Elementary School
141 East Booth St Santa Fe, NM 87501
Facebook page
(505) 467-2003
Search For Nearby Homes

Las Campanas has much to offer as a community.  One of the many qualities that stand out about Las Campanas in addition to its scenic landscape and spectacular golf courses is the food. Every year, TripAdvisor.com rates the top restaurants in America. Here’s some of the top restaurants from that list in Las Campanas.

Arroyo Vino

Arroyo Vino is both a restaurant and wine shop that prides itself on using fresh seasonal ingredients and products. They purchase ingredients from local farmers, as well as grow their own ingredients on-site in the 2-acre garden. The wine shop has an extensive selection of wines from around the world. Reviewers rave that the service is just as outstanding as the food.

Rawal's Raaga

Chef Paddy Rawal brings his authentic Northern Indian cuisine to Las Campanas with Rawal's Raaga. They also offer dishes that incorporate ingredients from the southwest, along with vegetarian options.  You also get to choose your level of spiciness. 

TerraCotta Wine Bistro

This casual food and wine restaurant is located in a 19^th century adobe building and offers globally-inspired cuisine, wine and beer.  TerraCotta is moderately priced and features menu items such as salads, paninis and desserts. 

These luxurious featured homes offer everything you can ever want in a Santa Fe home.  Take a look at all these fine homes have to offer!

43 CHURCHILL ROAD, Santa Fe

Here’s a beautiful custom home, set on over 2 acres of land on a quiet dead end street.  It’s the perfect recipe for private living just outside the city, with room for your horses.  The open floor plan with gorgeous great room is lit by the large passive solar windows.  Round it out with a chef’s kitchen complete with high end appliances and large patio, and you have all you need for entertaining guests.

Visit the property detail page for more information and photos.

1103 Piedra Alto, Santa Fe

Priced to sell at $100k below appraisal, this is your chance to own an architect-designed home in the luxurious Sierra del Norte foothills.  This contemporary multilevel home comes complete with guest quarters and a list of features including living room with Kiva fireplace, wet bar, master suite with California closets, and much more!

Visit the property detail page for more information and photos.

Spring is just around the corner, and typically the spring market is the hottest time of year for selling and buying a home in Santa Fe. Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan on buying or selling a home in Santa Fe this spring.

Sellers

Even though Spring is fast approaching, you need to make sure that your home is ready to sell. Remember that first impressions are lasting impressions. Take time to paint that room, replace that carpet, or de-clutter the basement. To get the most money out of your home, also remember that curb appeal is a must. And don’t overprice your home, as it could sit and you miss out on opportunities. Also keep in mind that upgrades can help a home sell faster as well.

Buyers

Make sure you’re educated on the local market in Santa Fe and have everything prepared ahead of time, like a pre-approval on a loan, etc. Make sure you decide on a price range that you can afford, and keep in mind costs of maintaining a home in your monthly budget. Also it’s the little things that matter when making an offer, like having a larger down payment and being flexible on settlement date. Find out as much as you can about the sellers. In some cases, buyers have “won” a home because they wrote a nice personal letter to the seller saying why they loved the house.

At City Different Realty, we can help you with all the considerations with buying or selling a home. Call us at 505-216-6688 to see how we can help you buy or sell a home in Santa Fe today.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Santa Fe, you’re no doubt getting a lot of input from friends and relatives. Of course they’re looking out for your best interests. But they not be completely aware of your needs and the state of the real estate market in Santa Fe.

Here’s 3 questions to help pin down if now is the time for you to buy a home.

Why am I buying a home?

Sure this sounds like an obvious question, but it’s the most important. And this is not about finances. There’s hopefully a reason that has nothing to do with money. For example, many say it’s their child’s education, or wanting to live in a safer community. People also want more space for them and their family and control over that space.

So decide what owning a home really means to you, including the non-financial benefits.

Where are home values headed in Santa Fe?

The median Santa Fe home value is currently $310,900 according to Zillow. These values have gone up 2.6% over the past year and are predicted to rise another 1.5% by next year. The longer you wait, the more your new home will cost, if current trends hold.

What’s the projection for mortgage rates?

You need to consider more than prices. What you spend over time is dramatically affected by mortgage rates. The National Association of Realtors, Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and Fannie Mae have all projected that over the next twelve months mortgage interest rates will increase.

Only you and your family know if now is the right time to buy. But answering these questions will help. If you need more expert advice, you can count on City Different Realty to provide expert advice. Feel free to give us a call at 505-216-6688.

Santa Fe certainly lives up to its motto as “the city different”, especially in it’s events.  If you’re in the mood to do something different this month, then check out these upcoming events in Santa Fe!

OUT OF THE BOX: THE ART OF THE CIGAR
Tue-Sun 8am-5pm
Location: New Mexico History Museum

If cigar box art is your thing, then visit the New Mexico History Museum for this unique art exhibit that showcases artwork created during the golden age of cigar art labels from the 1880s to the early 20^th century.

“THE DYNAMICS OF LOVE AND JEWELRY DESIGN”
Feb 7 - Feb 28 | Daily 9am-8pm
Location: Sorrel Sky Gallery

This one man show features jewelry designer and silversmith Lawrence Baca.  It runs through Valentine’s season to Feb 28.  There’s also an artist’s reception from 5-7pm.

3 ELEMENTS JOURNEY TO ORIGIN
Daily 9am-4:30pm
Location: Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

This celebration combines the 3 elements of healthy living: hiking, meditation, and Yoga. You’ll be hiking through sacred lands and practice yoga, followed by lunch and meditation in a limestone art cave.

There’s always something different to do in Santa Fe.  Join us every week on our blog for more great ideas and reasons to buy a home in Santa Fe.

These top featured listings offer outstanding features at a great price.   Take a look at all these homes for sale in Santa Fe have waiting for you.

2198 MANUEL MEDRANO, Santa Fe

Here’s a wonderful pueblo-style home with plenty of room at 1758 sq ft and 3 beds.  The acid-stained concrete floors and natural lighting compliments the beautiful landscaping outside.  Radian heat, evaporative cooling, and a new roof add to the great value of this home.

View the property detail page for more info and photos.

27 E Old Agua Fria Road, Santa Fe

This is a perfect small home for a single resident or couple.  It’s set back off the road on over 3 acres for added privacy.  Newly updated features such as propanel roof, insulated windows, and all new electrical and lighting will save you money over the years.

View the property detail page for more info and photos.

Looking for something different? Then take advantage of our powerful property search tool to help you find the perfect home in Santa Fe.  Or better yet, just call us at 505-216-6688 and we’ll be happy to help you on your search for your new home.

Are you planning on selling your home in Santa Fe?  Then you have a few thing to consider when it comes to the appearance of your home.  Presentation really is everything.  You want to get the best price possible, so your home needs to look its best.  Here are some tips to consider.

Improve Your Curb Appeal

• Give your entryway a fresh coat of paint.
• Landscape the yard.  This will show buyers your home is well-maintained.
• Check all outside lights to make sure they work.
• Wash all windows.
• Clean out the garage. Get a storage unit if needed.
• Remove lawn ornaments you are taking with you to your new home.
• Replace worn out welcome mat.
• Power wash outdoor surface like siding, sidewalks, driveway.

Make Your Home Feel Like Their Home

• Clean everything and remove clutter.
• Give every room a purpose.
• Open windows to let natural light in.
• Fix everything that’s broken.
• Fresh paint and new carpet.
• Organize the kitchen.
• Empty all trash before a showing.
• Fix squeaky door hinges.
• Replace all burnt out light bulbs.

Doing all of this may take time and money up front, but will definitely yield a larger return.