Eco Lifestyle And Home News – December 2018
Eco Lifestyle And Home News – December 2018
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
December 2018 marks the twenty fourth edition of Eco Lifestyle and Home Newsletter produced by Kachina Mountain Realty. 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: Appreciation
- Real Estate Market Update
- Money Matters
- Santa Fe Real Estate News
- Taos County Real Estate News
- Home Decor Insights
- Aeowyn’s Dog Treats
- Calendar of Event Links for Santa Fe, Taos Ski Valley, Taos County & all around New Mexico
- Entertainment Links for Santa Fe, Taos County & around New Mexico
Lifestyle
Appreciation
This time of year, our thoughts turn to celebrations and appreciation for our friends, family, neighbors and business associates. It is the time of year when we celebrate all that we are grateful for.
Eco Lifestyle and Home News has been publishing its newsletter with conscious articles concerning lifestyle and real estate news in New Mexico, focusing on Santa Fe and Taos area market since 2013. Our contributors have changed over the years and have added so much value to the newsletter. We greatly appreciate all the content contributors who have written articles that relate to our monthly themes. The articles our content contributors write, inspire us in every edition. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child, and it also takes a “village” to write a newsletter that adds meaning in our lives.
We decided to produce a conscious newsletter that has information about some real estate but more about living, playing & working. We also wanted to include our professional friends’ expertise as it relates to home, health, well-being, & lifestyle.
The main idea is that we want to communicate quality of being and connect our spheres of influence with other like minds, through a variety of conscious activities & resources in our communities.
We hear from many of our readers just how grateful they are for the monthly newsletter. The feedback that our readers share, inspires us to continue to produce this monthly newsletter.
This month’s theme is dedicated to all of you, our content contributors and our readers. Thank you for making it possible to connect with you all on a monthly basis.
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Real Estate Market Update
Existing-home sales increased in October after six straight months of decreases, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Three of four major U.S. regions saw gains in sales activity last
month.
- Read the full news release.
- See the summary of October 2018 Existing Home Sales Statistics (PDF: 411 KB)
- View supplemental market data (PDF: 129 KB)
Existing-Home Sales data release for November 2018 is scheduled for Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
NAR Media Communications issues a news release on or near the 25th of each month with the latest existing-home sales figures. The releases include analysis and quotes by NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun regarding the sales volume, prices, inventory and interest rates.
The Existing-Home Sales data measures sales and prices of existing single-family homes for the nation overall, and gives breakdowns for the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast regions of the country. These figures include condos and co-ops, in addition to single-family homes.
Next release: Existing-Home Sales data release for November 2018 is scheduled for Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
Money Matters
There are many places to finance your home. It has been my experience that not all mortgage lenders are alike. Recently a potential buyer called me and was considering buying a home or continuing to rent. This is what they needed to know. ~ Dianne
*Things to consider:
- According to a study by GOBankingRates, it is cheaper to buy a home than rent in 38 states across the country.
- In six states the difference between buying & renting would account for less than a $50 monthly difference, leaving the choice up to the individual family.
- Nationwide, it is now 26.3% cheaper to buy.
Francis Phillips
Senior Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS 193642
(833) 433-7905
Direct: 505.690.7251
francis.phillips@fcloans.com
www.fcloans.com/fphillips
*Source: https://www.mykcm.com/2018/10/05/buying-a-home-is-cheaper-than-renting-in-38-states-infographic/ The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.
Santa Fe Real Estate News
According to the real estate pundits, the coming wave of residential sales in 2018, is in view lots with new construction. To prepare for this wave, it is a good time to buy a lot in anticipation of the real estate surge. There are very few and far between quality view lots for sale on the west side of Santa Fe and these the best!
Just Sold A Santa Fe House in Aldea!!!
Aldea de Santa Fe Courtyard Home –
3 Altura Vista
Single Family | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms 2,234sqft | Price: $536,000 | MLS# 201804578
Santa Fe Listing
Single Story Home For Sale in Vista Primera Santa Fe, New Mexico
7516 Kachina Loop
Single Family Home | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths – 1,694 sqft | Price: $349,999 | MLS #201803926
Located within the private, coveted and gated family community of Vista Primera, this charming single story, 1,694 sqft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, Pueblo style home reflects the traditional Santa Fe Style. The welcoming private entry front yard offers extensive landscaping and a soothing water feature.
You enter the front door by passing under 100 stars, into a small foyer that opens to a spacious living room with a wood burning kiva fireplace, complete with beam ceilings. The bright and open living/kitchen/dining area is perfect for entertaining. The sunroom, currently used by the owner/artist as a studio, would make a great home office, crafts room or a simply an oasis in which to read and watch the local bird activity.
The entire property is lovingly maintained and landscaped with low-maintenance drip system, mature trees, perennials and water features of both pond and a fountain. The back yard is reminiscent of a secret garden with an ample patio for BBQ’s – a great place for morning coffee and to watch the birds. Southwest ambiance abounds as you dine al fresco in the garden adjacent to a water feature with the seasonal sounds of visiting birds, setting the mood in this tranquil retreat, complete with mature landscaping in a serene natural garden setting.
A wonderful sense of seclusion and privacy is in store for you, in this exceptional home that artfully engages the feeling of a sanctuary with shade trees and a bubbling fountain inviting outdoor gatherings, while upholding the Santa Fe traditions of gracious living, at an affordable price.
Aldea Lots
The Barranca Lots: 1 Remaining View Lots!
PENDING
7 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.180 | MLS #201700364 | Listing Price: $97,500
Aldea Stats
2018 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 32 Homes, DOM 74 | 2 Lots, DOM 451
PENDING: 3 Homes | 1 Lots
LISTED: 8 Homes, Avg $545,112 | 4 Lots, Avg $72,,000
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.
Las Campanas Real Estate News
2018 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 51 Homes, DOM 133 | 23 Lots, DOM 34
PENDING: 8 Homes | 2 Lots
LISTED: 44 Homes, Avg $1,480,408 | 72 Lots, Avg $145,464
There are currently 44 homes for sale in Las Campanas.
- 13 Homes under $1,000,000
- 31 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 72 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.
- 31 Lots under $100,000
- 41 Lots over $100,000
Black Mesa
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!
$1,000 Gift Card Offer
When you choose me to be your Real Estate Agent/ REALTOR®, I will give you a $1,000 Gift Card to the place of your choosing upon successful closing of your Las Campanas Developer Homesite in Las Campanas in 2018*.
A gift card allows my buyers to use it for the purchase of goods or services. It is a thank you from me to you, for trusting me with the most important transaction: the closing of a Developer Homesite in Las Campanas.
- *Offer cannot be combined with any other offers
- *Offer does not apply to past transactions
- *Offer not valid or assignable to third-parties
Pulte Homes in Las Campanas
$500 Gift Card Offer
When you choose me to be your Real Estate Agent/ REALTOR®, I will give you a $500 Gift Card to the place of your choosing upon successful closing of your Pulte home in Las Campanas in 2018.*
A gift card allows my buyers to use it for the purchase of goods or services. It is a thank you from me to you, for trusting me with the most important transaction: the successful search, negotiation and the buying of your new Pulte home in Las Campanas in 2018.
- *Offer cannot be combined with any other offers
- *Offer does not apply to past transactions
- *Offer not valid or assignable to third-parties
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
Visit the Kachina Mountain Realty company main website: KachinaMountainRealty.com
Taos Real Estate News
Real Estate Summary For Taos Area
Experience the Quintessential Authentic Taos Adobe Compound
Main House & Casita: 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Kitchens | 2,024 sq.ft. Interior living spaces | 1,107 sq.ft. exterior living spaces
TCAR MLS#: 101801 | SFAR MLS#: 201802629
Priced to Sell: $380,000
The main dwelling is a charming 1,574 sq.ft. single story territorial style home with 18” thick walls and traces its history to about 100+ years old. Well maintained and lovingly remodeled with modern conveniences, this property possess the following features: city water & sewer, natural gas, granite countertops, stacked washer/dryer, thermopane windows, multiple skylights, forced air heat, gas–log Jøtul stove for additional comfort and ambiance. Diamond plaster walls throughout, with nichos, vigas /wood ceilings, Saltillo tile, wood plank & stone floors, custom arched wood doors, antique style lighting fixtures, and eat-in country kitchen where culinary delights will create memorable experiences.
Southwest ambiance abounds as you dine al fresco in the 563 sq.ft. 15’ deep recessed portal (covered patio with skylight) adjacent to a water feature “stream” with the seasonal sound of a flowing acequia, setting the mood in this peaceful oasis, complete with mature landscaping in a serene natural garden setting. Separate fenced outdoor spaces include an additional south facing portal with yard, a north side portal at the entrance of the home, and an east side yard with a storage shed, useful for gardening or recreational equipment and is included. There are plenty of possibilities to customize this landscape by adding a greenhouse, small orchard, vegetable/flower garden, children’s play area or simply enjoy the graciousness of this very adaptable bucolic setting.
The delightful 450 sq.ft. casita is located over part of the main home with its own private exterior stair access with a pleasant 218 sq.ft. viewing deck overlooking the treetops and the lovely Ranchos pastures, where you can peacefully enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets or a cup of coffee as the sun rises. Rent the self-contained romantic attic apartment casita or use as a personal guest space or office/studio. Amenities include: covered parking, gas-log heat stove, wood plank floors, cozy kitchen, stacked washer/dryer, large skylights, new porcelain fixtures, a sit-in tub with shower, wainscoting and plenty of charm.
This enclave is a perfect investment opportunity for full time or vacation living, excellent location for vacation rental or investment property rental. Several of the rooms in the main house open to the portals with exterior doors and would make an excellent home office or art studio. Ample parking is provided for residents and their guests. Live in one, rent the other or use as a home office, guest house or art studio, the options are flexible and endless! Property has a great rental history.
This quiet neighborhood compound is conveniently located within walking distance to Ranchos de Taos historic district, close with shops, restaurants and is rich in history. Just 4 miles north to the town of Taos, there are more restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, 15 minutes to Taos Pueblo, 25 minutes to Taos Ski Valley, 5 minutes to the Taos country club & golf course, 15 minutes to the Gorge on back roads, this enclave is also convenient to traveling south to Santa Fe & beyond.
View lots of photos: visit the property»
Selling & Buying Real Estate in Taos
If you have been thinking about selling your home, now is probably a good time. Inventory is low and the demand for quality homes is up.
If you been looking to buy a home, you are probably frustrated with the lack of quality homes on the market at any price point.
I receive inquiries almost daily from out of town buyers who are researching homes in the Taos area. These buyer profiles are looking to live in a safe community, with a country atmosphere, small homes, with flexible spaces. They are wanting to move to the area, but can’t find the properties that offer amenities that don’t include huge HOA fees. They want walking trails, localized eateries, a small grocery store, community activities and a sense of neighborhood. The are either downsizing their home and retiring or wanting a second home. They are wanting to go smaller, but the quality of their lifestyle and home features are upscale. “Does such a community even exist?” they ask. In the coming months, I will be featuring such a community.
Home Decor Insights
The Holidays are finally here. I wait all year for October to begin. While October is my most favorite month, November & December are the months for celebrating with the holiday spirit.
It is time now to put away all the autumn decorations and set out your winter holiday decorations inside and out. Cool days and chilly nights are now officially here as the temperatures start to dip into single digits.
I was tempted to go all white this year and forgo the real Christmas tree and all the ornaments. I am in the mood for simplicity and with this in mind, I have decided on centering our home decorations on a Milagro Tree.
Milagros are small metal religious charms. The word milagro means “miracle”. Milagros are religious folk charms that are traditionally used for healing purposes.
“As part of a religious ritual or an act of devotion, milagros can be offered to a symbol of a saint as a reminder of a petitioner’s particular need, or in gratitude for a prayer answered. They are used to assist in focusing attention towards a specific ailment, based on the type of charm used. Milagro symbolism is not universal; a milagro of a body part, such as a leg, might be used as part of a prayer or vow for the improvement of a leg; or it might refer to a concept such as travel. Similarly, a heart might represent ideas as diverse as a heart condition, a romance, or any number of other interpretations. Milagros are also carried for protection and good luck.”
In addition to religious and ritual applications, milagros are often found as components in necklaces, earrings and other jewellery.
Many people collect the small metal charms traditional in Hispanic cultures known as milagros or “miracles,” so we thought a festive tree decorated with milagros would be a welcome addition to holiday celebrations.
While I am not a religious person, and prefer to think of myself as a Buddhist, the idea of the Milagros (miracles) has peaked my interest for this holiday season. Besides, who doesn’t want to cultivate miracles in ones life?
For ideas on decorating with autumn in mind, check out Pinterest and explore a whole new way to spend your time online and check out my Pinterest page: KachinaRealty Happy pinning! 
While you are surfing the “net” check out Flipboard for a variety of news and lifestyle reading.
Aeowyn’s Dog Treats
Aeowyn is our 15 year old apricot standard poodle, retired service dog, Comet Studios visionary, Kachina Mountain Realty office receptionist and CFO (Chief Fun Officer).
Aeowyn is the inspiration for this dog treat recipe book. Her enthusiasm and her keen intense interest while we cook, has greatly encouraged our recipe development. While she loves to watch us cook, she prefers to taste test everything. We have confined her taste testing to vegetables, fruits and dog treats. She prefers not to share her treats or her toys, being that she is our “only” dog.
However, if you would like to receive Aeowyn’s Dog Treat Recipe e-booklet, please send me an email for your free copy.
Sweet Potato Cranberry Treat Crisps
Ingredients:
3 medium large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups rice flour (or you can use any flour)
- 1 cup rolled oats, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ -1 cup of water +/- adjust as needed
*Parchment paper & rolling pin for rolling out the dough
- Ruler to help cut straight lines
- *Pizza cutter
- A dog to snoopervise
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Cook the sweet potatoes for about an hour.
- Place dry ingredients in a bowl. Add mashed sweet potatoes. Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Add water as needed to combine the ingredients. Divide into 4 balls. Refrigerate the dough to cool, if necessary.
- Roll out dough ball between parchment paper, thin 1/8″ -1/16” thickness in rectangular shape to fit baking sheet. Discard top parchment paper. Transfer rectangular shaped dough with the bottom parchment paper to baking sheet. Use pizza cuter to cut dog treats in 1” checkerboard pattern.
- Bake 35-45 minutes until no longer soft, slightly brown, not burnt. The crisps should be crunchy. Remove from oven and place upside down to remove parchment paper while hot.
Roll out dough ball between parchment paper, 1/8” consistent thickness in rectangular shape to fit baking sheet. Discard top parchment paper & save for next baking tray. Use pizza cuter to cut dough in parallel strips to create a checkerboard of 1” squares. Use a ruler to help cut straight lines. This technique makes the process super fast. Don’t move the squares—leave them in place on the parchment paper and place on baking sheet.
Bake 35 minutes, slightly brown. Remove from oven, remove parchment paper and cool. This recipe uses 4 baking sheet/trays. These treats are chewy because of the dried apples & are very tasty. Recipe makes enough treats to fill a 3 quart storage container. Recipe makes enough treats to fill a little more than 3 quart storage container with some to share with dog friends & keep in tins around the house. You can keep the dog treat crisps up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container or in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 weeks.
*“The parchment paper makes the rolling easy, with no mess & cutting the crisps with the pizza cutter is super fast. I love these crisps because they are thin & I get to eat more. More is always better than less. After all, more is more!!!!” – Aeowyn
These treats are very tasty.
Aeowyn loves watching me make her dog treats. She “snoopervises” the whole process from start to finish. She tests every batch after the treats are removed from the oven and cooled.
Posing with her treats is the least favorite part of the process, as she is anticipating eating all of them at once. She can get rather bored with the photo shoots unless she is rewarded for her patience.
So far she has never rejected a recipe. Her favorite treat is the one she just ate!
In this photo, Aeowyn is wearing ToeGrips to help her walk on slippery floors. This product is a miracle as now she can freely move about the house and office without slipping!
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 thirty 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!
