Eco Lifestyle And Home News – July 2017
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
July 2017 marks the seventh edition of Eco Lifestyle and Home Newsletter in its new email only format for 2017. We offer Real Estate & Lifestyle news in the email newsletter covering Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Taos County and beyond.
In this edition, we offer the following:
- Lifestyle: Success
- Real Estate Market Update
- Money Matters
- Santa Fe Real Estate News
- Taos County Real Estate News
- Taos Ski Valley Real Estate News
- Home Decor Insights
- Calendar of Event Links for Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Taos County & all around New Mexico
- Entertainment Links for Santa Fe & Taos County
Lifestyle
Success
Success is often defined as “The accomplishment of one’s goals. The attainment of wealth, position, and honors.” Where does happiness & joy come in? Does one have to wait to achieve the end goals in order to be successful? Is success the end of the game, something to be achieved in the future, just upon ones death bed or can one define success in the day-to-day accomplishments?
So what is success, how do we define success? Is success something we achieve by ourselves or is it something we experience while in relationship? Achieving ones goals is a key factor, but is lasting success is a part of the process along the way to achieving ones goals? If success is the end game and the process of achieving success is not filled with happiness and joy, what purpose does success serve?
I have been told that I have always wanted to “have my cake and eat it to”, and I suppose this is true. I want “it” now. I have never liked waiting. I want to create “it”, now. So I am choosing to be happy, now. I am discovering joy, now. And I am re-defining success, now, all along this journey alone and in relationship. If not now, when?
“The adventure towards any goal is what brings value to it. The path towards the goal is where your life unfolds and where success is truly meaningful. When you are in the process of working to achieve something, you are experiencing who you are and what you’re made of. Your character is being tested and molded.”
“When you become aware of the importance of every step in the process of achieving success, you are sending a message to yourself, as well as the entire universe, that you are not only here, but qualified and ready to overcome obstacles along the way. All of which are essential ingredients for happiness and true success.”
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Real Estate Market Update
low supply of existing homes available for sale which also slowed April through June sales velocity, resulting in a low number of days that a home remained on the market, a new low according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Total existing-home sales (completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops), fell 2.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million in April from 5.70 million in March. Despite the decline, sales remain 1.6% higher than a year ago and represent the fourth highest pace for the last 12 months.
Here are some stats to consider:
The data below shows the average asking price according to zip codes:
Money Matters
Jun 21 2017, 3:11PM
Mortgage rates have been locked in an exceptionally narrow range for most of the month of June, but especially over the past 5 days. Given that mortgage rates are determined by the bond market where trading levels move constantly throughout the day, it can be useful to consider what’s been happening with those trading levels. Long story short, they haven’t been remotely close to moving any higher or lower than the highs and lows seen last Wednesday.
In other words, Wednesday’s range set the boundaries of the current playing field for rates, and they haven’t left the field since then. In terms of actual changes in mortgage rates, we’re talking about a few tenths of a percent in either direction, and that’s in terms of EFFECTIVE rate (the actual interest rate plus the loan-related upfront costs). Rates themselves have been completely unchanged with lenders quoting conventional 30 yr fixed rates of 3.875-4.0% on top tier scenarios.
The absence of change continues to be a good thing given that rates remain very close to their lowest levels in more than 8 months. Only a handful of recent days have been any better. 4.0% is the most prevalently-quoted conventional 30yr fixed rate on top tier scenarios, though a few of the aggressive lenders remain at 3.875%.
Recommended Mortgage Lender
Francis Phillips, NMLS #193642, is Senior Mortgage Loan Originator with First Choice Loan Services Inc. in Santa Fe. He has served as director of business development for national mortgage companies. He and his mortgage partners have funded and built three homes for Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity. Contact him at francis.phillips@fcloans.com or 505.982.3400.
First Choice Loan Services Inc. (NMLS# 210764), a Berkshire Bank Company (NMLS# 506896 / Member FDIC), is located at One Tower Center, Floor #18 East Brunswick, NJ 08816. First Choice Loan Services Inc. is registered or exempt from state licensing in the states it originates mortgage loans. Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. AZ BK #0918586. First Choice Loan Services Inc. is not an agency of the federal government and is not affiliated with your current lender. All loans are subject to credit approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are current, but are subject to change and may expire without notice. Other restrictions may apply. All applications must be submitted in writing. This advertisement is not a loan disclosure and all disclosures provided after applying should be reviewed carefully. This is not a commitment to provide a loan approval or a specific interest rate.
Santa Fe Real Estate News
With Aldea build-out almost complete, the inventory of lots has dwindled to about 10 lots that are currently for sale. Homewise is almost complete with the construction of their homes on the lots they bought a few years back.
Resale of homes in the higher price range of $600,000 to $849,000 is dominating the market. With these 10 homes listed, 5 of the homes have been on the market for more than 90 days. Out of the 9 homes that have sold this year, only 1 property sold above $599,000. Watch this higher end market as this sales trend will determine much of the future sales in Aldea in this price range.
Currently, I have 8 of the last and best remaining Aldea view lots. 1 lot already SOLD!!! If you have ever considered building your Santa Fe dream home, now you have some amazing view lots in which to choose. Aldea is 98% built out and up until now, there have not been a lot of choices for view lots, as most have already been built on. Now you have a great selection of view lots in which to choose to build your dream home, before they are all gone!
For more information visit the website: Aldea Lots For Sale »
8 Aldea Lot For Sale – 1 SOLD!
The Barranca Lots: 4 Amazing View Lots!
9 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.180 | MLS #201700363 | Listing Price: $100,000
7 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.180 | MLS #201700364 | Listing Price: $110,000
5 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.180 | MLS #201700365 | Listing Price: $110,000
3 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.210 | MLS #201700366 | Listing Price: $95,000
Avenida Frijoles 2 View Lots
134 Avenida Frijoles | Lot Size Acres 0.230 | MLS #201700371 | Listing Price: $85,000
136 Avenida Frijoles | Lot Size Acres 0.200 | MLS #201700370 | Listing Price: $80,000
Avenida Aldea View Lot
101 Avenida Aldea | Lot Size Acres 0.230 | MLS #201700369 | Listing Price: $85,000
Arroyo Privado View Lot
4 Arroyo Privado | Lot Size Acres 0.190 | MLS #201700368 | Listing Price: $85,000
Arroyo Privado Patio Home Lot
9 Arroyo Privado | Lot Size Acres 0.093 | MLS #201700367 | Listing Price: $57,500
Aldea Stats
2017 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 10 Homes, DOM 113 | 1 Lots, DOM 88
PENDING: 2 Homes | 0 Lots
LISTED: 16 Homes, Avg $587018 | 10 Lots Avg $86,750
Aldea de Santa Fe consists of 345 acres, with 205 acres of perpetual open space with 13 miles of walking trails, basketball & tennis courts, community center, (which offers yoga classes, exercise equipment & gathering space for events), a local cafe, superbly located in the high-value northwest corridor of Santa Fe County, with easy access to Highway 599, all just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe.
While the inventory is increasing in Aldea right now, there are 5 homes pending. Prices show an increase for homes and lots listed. Sales are up this year from last year in Aldea with 44 homes sold in 2016 vs 35 homes sold in 2015. 5 Lots sold in 2016 vs 4 lots sold in 2015.
Las Campanas Real Estate News
2017 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 35 Homes, DOM 201 | 5 Lots, DOM 64
PENDING: 22 Homes | 84 Lots
LISTED: 65 Homes, Avg $1,381,858 | 84 Lots, Avg $140,682
There are currently 65 homes for sale in Las Campanas.
- 33 Homes under $1,000,000
- 32 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 84 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.
- 33 Lots under $100,000
- 51 Lots over $100,000
Las Campanas recently announced the release of the first new custom home neighborhood in over 10 years! Black Mesa, is their new 44 acre neighborhood consisting of 25 larger, estate sized mountain and golf view properties. The minimum size home in this section will be 2,500 sqft, with lots ranging from 1.02-2.58 acres. The property contains a centerline crest that rolls down in both directions off the roadway, creating dramatic unobstructed views.
Overlooking the sweeping mountain vistas of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains, Las Campanas’ new Black Mesa neighborhood offers a unique collection of homesites boasting the largest lot sizes in the best section of the Las Campanas property with awe-inspiring mountain views and centrally located to their finest amenities: golfing and the Hacienda Clubhouse.
Let me take you on a tour and arrange a stay at Las Campanas!
Marketing Properties, Not Just Listing Properties
If you are thinking of selling your property, why not list it with a realtor who will market the property, not just list it in the MLS? By actively marketing your property, the property gets the most exposure to other realtors and to the general public through online blogging, email campaigns & the typical MLS exposure.
Call me, Dianne, 505.603.9300, to discuss your property needs, or for a tour of Lots & Homes in Aldea, Las Campanas and the Santa Fe region.
Visit the website for Santa Fe information: RealEstatePropertiesSantaFe.com
Taos Real Estate News
The *Taos County region is a completely different real estate market than Santa Fe. Here are some stats that really show a totally different economy, sales volume and market conditions:
The market rose again in April. Total closed transactions rose 8%; dollar sales rose 17%. For the 2017 year to April 30, total closed sales rose 12.5%; dollars rose 14%.
Single-family homes are the largest active market of the total market. Through April, single-family homes were 62% of total transactions, and 78% of dollar sales. 72 homes sold in 2017 vs. 56 during the same period in 2016, an increase of 29%. Dollar sales are $22.5 million vs. $18.4 million, a gain of 22%. The single-family home market is definitely increasing this year!
Land sales in April were down 54%, from 13 to 6. Dollar sales were down 59%. Year-to-date unit sales are up from 29 to 30 (3%); dollars are down 14%
Condo first quarter unit sales in April rose from 4 to 5, but dollar sales were down 15%. For the year to April 30, unit sales are down from 17 to 12 (-29%); dollars are down 32%.
Multi-family property sales in April were in the single digit, 1 vs. none last April. Year-to-date sales are 1 vs none for the same period last year; dollar sales are up $405,000.
Commercial sales in April were in the single digit, 1 vs. 1 last April; dollar volume was down 1. Year-to-date unit sales are 2 vs. 2 last year; dollar sales are UP 152%.
The pace of single-family home sales continues to be steady. We are predicting that the year will finish with substantial gains over 2016. Last year started out strong, but slowed as the year progressed, finishing down slightly compared to 2015. “Several factors combined to constrain sales: buyer preoccupation with politics and the U.S. elections; a very limited inventory of good homes for sale; the impact of the oil price collapse on Texas and Oklahoma.” says some in the know.
Buyers are ready to focus on personal goals such as buying a vacation or retirement home, or investing in income property.
If you have been thinking of selling your home, now might be the time! The inventory is low, and prices are rising. If you or someone you know is looking to purchase a home, let me take you on a tour of available properties. Call me for a free consultation and market analysis.
TOTAL MARKET (all categories of property) — 2017 vs. 2016
April 2017
# of Closed Sales: INCREASED from 29 to 31 (6.9%)
Dollar Sales: INCREASED from $7,362,000 to $8,611,900 (17.0%)
Year-to-date April 30, 2017
# of Closed Sales: INCREASED from 104 to 117 (12.5%)
Dollar Sales: INCREASED from $25,203,300 to $28,697,200 (13.9%)
* Greater Taos Valley including Taos Ski Valley (excluding Angel Fire, Black Lake, Chama and Red River).
Taos Ski Valley Real Estate News
Featured Listing
Homesites Available
The Kachina Mountain Lodge (KML) project has been thoughtfully master planned to include five Euro-alpine Wilderness Eco-Homes, a three-unit Eco-Townhome Lodge and unique regenerative Permaculture Landscaping that includes demonstration greenhouses for growing food year-round.
Each wilderness Eco-Home possesses a distinct character that welcomes the natural warmth of a sunny south exposure and breathtaking mountain views through generous passive solar curtain wall glass. Architecturally designed with a Permatecture philosophy to be environmentally conscious, hand-hewn and sturdy, KML’s authentic euro-alpine wilderness residences contain many sustainability features, fire-wise details and the timeless qualities of whimsy, elegance and permanence.
Conceived as the first sustainable development project in Taos Ski Valley, KML homes will be heated by active and passive solar sources, including regenerative annualized geo-solar. All KML homes also offer easy ski-in/ski-out access.
This project is fully approved and entitled for construction. Two KML homesites are already reserved. And only five competitively priced to-be-built homes remain available for sale to investors who would like to get involved with Taos Ski Valley’s exciting development opportunities. All homesites include creative flexible designs that are already approved by the Village of Taos Ski Valley!
Visit the website for floor plans and detailed information. Kachina Mountain Lodge »
Home Decor Insights
July means barbecues, potato salad, coleslaw and grilled ribs. The summer heats up and outdoor dining & entertaining is perfect for the Santa Fe lifestyle. Summer days are warm, but the evenings cool down.
July decorating & lifestyle magazines are all about the outdoors. For Pottery Barn its about the the coastal locations. In Santa Fe its about the opera, outside markets, music on the plaza. In Taos, its more about rafting on the river, hikes in the mountains with the cool mountain breeze.
Dining outside whether at home on ones portal or in the numerous restaurants, it is all about the outside experience. What are you doing in your home to make your home environment an oasis?
Check out Pinterest and explore a whole new way to spend your time online and check out my Pinterest page: KachinaRealty Happy pinning!
Calendar of Events
New Mexico has long been a center for arts, culture, classes and gourmet food. With such a strong art market, there are hundreds galleries to explore and experience, along with a wide selection of thriving restaurants. Our Museums feature culture, history and traditions of the region and the world. Santa Fe, Taos County and beyond have something scheduled every day & night of the week, all year long.
Santa Fe »
Entertainment
If there’s one thing you can count on when spending time in New Mexico, it’s the treasured experiences and wide selection of entertainment: music venues, great sporting events, theatrical and musical entertainment as well as year-round festivals.
From festivals, music concerts and dance performances to theatrical offerings by local and touring groups, the performing artists work hard to keep its locals and visitors entertained by both New Mexico performers and acclaimed stars from around the world.
Santa Fe »
About Kachina Mountain Realty
I am passionate about real estate development. I consider myself a “Dream Maker”, and strive to help my clients manifest their dreams and lifestyle goals.
I believe that, “…the dreams which accompany all human actions should be nurtured by the places in which people live and work”.
To promote this possibility, I encourages my clients to develop and share their dreams and lifestyle goals as part of the process of selling, buying or investing in property.
I have over twenty-nine years of business experience as an executive producer, web architect, social media marketer, business developer, architecture assistant, real estate marketing developer and real estate consultant.
I am a licensed real estate qualifying broker for Kachina Mountain Realty & an accredited ACRE® real estate consultant. I have worked in the Santa Fe & Taos real estate market for years. I specialize in working with buyers and sellers who are looking for a solid real estate investment.
Contact me, Dianne McKenzie, for your real estate transactions & let me help you manifest your dreams!
I am readily available by cell phone, text, (505.603.9300) & email. I return calls promptly, seven days a week!
Top Producer for the 2016 year!
I received an award for “Top Producer” for 2016 from Chris Landers of Equity New Mexico. I am very grateful to all my clients who trusted me with their business.
While the Equity New Mexico real estate office on Aldea Plaza has closed, Kachina Mountain Realty is ready and available for tours and information. KMR will be opening an office later in this new year. In the meantime, as always, all real estate information and printouts of listings for Aldea, Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Taos County and beyond are still available, just free for the asking. I can email you PDF listings per area, any time, once requested. Even better, I can take you on a tour of the properties you would like to visit. I represent Buyers and Sellers. Call me for a consultation today.
