Eco Lifestyle and Home News – July 2022
Eco Lifestyle And Home News – July 2022
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
July 2022, marks the 75th 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 County and beyond.
In this edition, we offer the following:
- COVID-19 UPDATE
- Lifestyle: Healing
- Real Estate Market Update
- Santa Fe Real Estate News
- Taos County Real Estate News
- Home Decor Insights: Summer is Starting!
- Sierra Updates!
- 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
COVID-19
The End of COVID-19 Updates
NMDOH will not host a COVID-19 update unless something drastically changes with the pandemic, now endemic. We’d love to believe this is the last of COVID-19, but if there’s one thing that is evident in the past year, it’s that we’ll likely never be rid of the coronavirus. We’ll simply have to live with it.
The next step for the Virus is hard to predict, if only because the virus has a mind of its own. New cases and deaths are falling, but other omicron variants are lurking in the world. If history is any guide, the virus will morph. The wisest among us will remain wary and remember the smart practices that kept hundreds of thousands safe. We knew what to do because public officials were driven in their zeal to make sure we understood. Let’s hope neither leaders nor the public become complacent in the coming weeks and years.
Please be mindful that many people who have been fully vaccinated may have underling health issues such as pulmonary, respiratory and immune issues, therefore they should still take precaution in wearing masks, as well as continue with social distancing.
What you can do
Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available to you.
If you are fully vaccinated, you can return to many activities that you did before the pandemic — without wearing a mask, except where required by a rule or law. However, if you are in an area with substantial or high transmission of new cases in the past week, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public.
If you haven’t had the COVID vaccine, you can take many steps to reduce your risk of infection.
What We Know
- COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death.
- COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19.
- The Delta Variant is more infectious, but Omicron is worse.
What We’re Still Learning:
- How effective are the vaccines against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19?
- Early data show the vaccines masks work against some variants but could be less effective against others.
- How well the vaccines protect people with weakened immune systems, including people who take immuno-suppressive medications.
- How long COVID-19 vaccines can protect people?
As we know more, CDC will continue to update our recommendations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
Want to learn more about these recommendations? Read our expanded Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.
Resources & Links:
CORONA VIRUS
| Santa Fe Information: | New Mexico Information: |
| Santa Fe Information » | |
| https://www.santafenewmexican.com » | https://www.hhs.gov |
| Taos Information: | US Centers for Disease Control: |
| https://www.taosnews.com » | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html» |
| https://holycrossmedicalcenter.org» | https://www.coronavirus.gov |
| https://www.taoscounty.org» | https://www.epa.gov |
Lifestyle
Healing
To set right; repair.
I have been a “follower” of Louise Hay since the early 1980’s. She is one of the first teachers to advocate the power of positive thinking. Her books on daily affirmations, recordings and movies have always inspired me. More than 50 million copies of “You Can Heal Your Life” have been sold throughout the world. Louise offer tools and insights to help you heal your life. If you are not familiar with her work, you must check out her websites: http://www.HealYourLife.com & http://www.louisehay.com
“Through Louise’s healing techniques and positive philosophy, millions have learned to create more of what they want in their lives–more wellness in their bodies, minds, and spirits.”
From Louise Hay’s website:
How to Heal
How you can heal your life or heal your body has been a constant human quest throughout time. Some people choose natural healing or holistic healing paths incorporating alternative healing methods such as healing herbs or crystal healing, while others choose faith healing using healing scriptures or healing hands.
Alternative Healing
Regardless of the healing program chosen, the restorative healing process is complicated by the lack of knowledge regarding the interaction between spiritual healing and physiological healing, leading many to seek holistic healing via alternative healing methods at natural healing centers.
What is Healing?
After all, what is healing? Healing refers to correcting a problem, and knowing exactly what needs to be healed can go a long way towards self-healing. Sometimes the healing power of a caring, reiki healing touch can lead to a natural healing, similar to a shaman healing. Yet for others, no-touch energy healing, or pranic healing, is exactly what is needed for self-healing.
Healing Process
And for others, to achieve self-healing, instead of using traditional healing prayers, reciting healing quotes or attending a healing retreat for spiritual healing is the healing code needed for true metaphysical healing.
Heal Your Life / Heal Your Body: How to heal your life is your choice – take the time to explore the many new age healing alternatives available today to heal your body and life.
At age 90, Louise transitions on August 30, 2017 in San Diego, CARead more about honoring her life here.
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie & Sierra
Real Estate Market
Housing is Normalizing, Not Dying; Nice Rate Rebound After Last Week’s Rout
In 2020 and 2021, housing boomed and rates plummeted at a pace that many considered to be unsustainable. 2022’s role is to take things back in the other direction.
In other words, things are “normalizing” after a period of frenzied movement. The normalization process can seem scary in cases where the thing being normalized was exceptionally big, different, and fast. It’s safe to say that housing demand, home prices and rates were all moving in a manner that could easily be described as big, different, and fast.
As we watch the normalization process unfold, it’s fair to wonder if it’s a sign of more dire developments. After all, mortgage rates skyrocketed well into the 6% range last week as markets braced for impact from the Fed’s policy announcement. At the time, we were hopeful that we’d just seen the highest rates of the year. This week only added to those hopes.
And in Santa Fe…
In May 2022, Santa Fe home prices were up 10.6% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $547K. On average, homes in Santa Fe sell after 32 days on the market compared to 41 days last year. There were 188 homes sold in May this year, down from 202 last year.
- Some homes get multiple offers.
- The average homes sell for around list price and go pending in around 30 days.
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Hot homes can sell for about 3% above list price and go pending in around 17 days.
Santa Fe Real Estate News
Aldea Real Estate Stats
SOLD: 13 Homes, DOM 2 | 1 Lots, DOM 193
PENDING: 2 Homes | 0 Lots
LISTED: 4 Homes, Avg $731,250 | 1 Lots, Avg $90,000
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.
Aldea Listings:
Just Listed:
Located in the desirable community of Aldea, on a quiet cul-de-sac, this open floor plan, two-story, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhouse borders trails and open spaces is move-in ready!
The living room is graced with 12’ high wood ceiling adorned with vigas, a gas burning fireplace and tall windows on two sides. The adjacent dining room leads to the sizeable kitchen, convenient for cooking and entertaining.
The landscaped enclosed garden patio with water feature enhances al fresco dining, with a covered portal and access to the detached 2-car garage. The living level includes a 3rd bedroom/office, along with a half-bath, separate laundry room & a new $15,000 Navien high efficiency combi-boiler. Upstairs features a spacious primary bedroom suite with sitting/office/exercise area, private balcony with 180˚ views, walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom. The tranquil 2nd bedroom is light and airy within steps away from a full bathroom.
From it’s coveted large rooftop deck with 360˚ breathtaking panoramic views to the east Sangre de Cristos mountains, sunset west views to the Jemez mountains, and endless vistas to the south Sandias mountains in Albuquerque, you will experience the privacy of your own retreat.
This is an outstandingly beautiful end unit property, where one can wander the arroyos and walking trails, partake in the sports courts, playground, yoga classes, enjoy the workout facilities, Aldea Plaza and local café. Not all townhomes are created equal, this one stands out among all the rest! Schedule your home tour today, before it’s gone tomorrow.
Las Campanas Real Estate Stats
2022 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 27 Homes, DOM 31 | 14 Lots, DOM 416
PENDING: 26 Homes | 17 Lots
LISTED: 33 Homes, Avg $2,734,666 | 32 Lots, Avg $278,995
Las Campanas is the only luxury master-planned community in Santa Fe. Stretching across 4,700 acres surrounded by pristine high desert, the community is comprised of exclusive neighborhoods. Las Campanas is also home to The Club at Las Campanas, where members can enjoy two award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, the 46,000 square foot Hacienda Clubhouse, a peerless Equestrian Center and the Fitness & Tennis Center, which includes a luxurious spa.
There are currently 33 homes for sale in Las Campanas
- 1 Homes under $1,000,000
- 32 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 32 Lots for sale in Las Campanas
- 1 Lots under $100,000
- 31 Lots over $100,000
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. Taos Office: 575.776.7576
Visit the website for Santa Fe information: RealEstatePropertiesSantaFe.com
Visit the Kachina Mountain Realty company main website: KachinaMountainRealty.com
Taos Real Estate News
2022 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
*SOLD: 103 Homes, DOM 138 | 55 Lots, DOM 222
*PENDING: 61 Homes | 58 Lots
*LISTED: 50 Homes, Avg $768,208 | 162 Lots, Avg $205,918
* Areas tracked:
Lower North, Upper North, West North, Town of Taos, Taos Ski Valley, South West, South East
See map for areas » 
Taos is very different than Santa Fe in many ways. With a population of 5,763 people and many surrounding neighborhoods, Taos is the 39th largest community in New Mexico. The greater Taos area is made up of several unincorporated areas and neighborhoods that separates out as if they were their own destinations or towns. Unincorporated areas around Taos have distinctive names that represent the ancient traditions of naming a place for a stream or topographic feature. Arroyo Hondo, Arroyo Seco and El Prado are all such places. These are not towns and have no political jurisdiction, they are simply places that help folks zero in on a very specific neighborhood. Within Taos itself are many such neighborhoods that may comprise no more than six “blocks.”
Selling real estate in Taos county is challenging for sellers, buyers and realtors, as the typical closing time for a property averages 90+ days, compared to under 30 days in Santa Fe. I have closed properties in Santa Fe under 20 days. There is a shortage of title companies which the realtors can work with in Taos. The back log of properties waiting to close often creates buyers to back out and leave the sellers in the same cycle for closing when the next offer comes in. Many buyers become frustrated as their lenders charge additional hold fees or back out all together. Below are some statistics that highlight the problem.
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. They 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.
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.
Call our Taos Office: 575.776.7576
Home Decor Insights
What does summer mean to you?
“Summer” brings up so many thoughts of garden parties, barbecues, picnics, dining out, long days, warm nights, spending time outside, time off, as in “vacations” and so much more.
When living in California as child years back, summer meant picnics in Palo Alto at Mitchel Park. Mitchel Park had a kids pool, tennis courts and barbecue areas. Summer had memories of vacationing a the YMCA family camp with outdoor events and new adventures. Other times we went to Brookdale Lodge in the Santa Cruz Mountains and ate in their famous dining room where the water flowed through. My childhood family did not have a lot of travel vacations. But we did spend time in our back yard and out on the street, riding our bikes, skating and holding group parties at neighbor backyards. 4th of July the block pulled all their fireworks together and set them off in the street.
We all have memories of our childhood summers, some have more exotic such as vacationing at their summer home, boating, water skiing, or traveling to new places. Regardless of the type of summer experiences one had growing up, the need to celebrate the summer season takes on new meanings as we age. No longer are we excited that school is closed for the season, yet I still feel the rush of the start of the season, in anticipation of gatherings & events.
Summer decorating means more flowers to bring inside, creating comfy outdoor spaces in which to relax and dine, and dressing in less layers, wide brim hats, sunglasses and cooling drinks under the cover of the portal, umbrella or sunshade.
How do you spend your summers?
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.Sierra
CFO, (Chief Fun Officer)
Our 3.3 year old female silver standard poodle
June 1-30, 2022
Busy month dealing with Buyers & Sellers in my real estate business. At least that is my excuse for not taking more photos of Sierra this past month.
Sierra has become even more cuddly than when she was in her heat last month. She sleeps with us on our bed and lately moves around snuggling with us. It is as if she was my stuffed dog that I had as a child, except that Sierra does not sleep under the covers. I guess it is too warm for her. But I feel like a kid waking up in the middle of the night, snuggling with my dog.
I weigh & measure Sierra once a month, so here are her stats as of June 2022: 14″ collar, girth: 24″, height to shoulder: 25″ weight: 33.5 lbs.
You really need to watch Sierra’s videos as they capture her spirit!
Here is the link to Sierra’s Videos »
Sierra’s 1st video explains who she is and her new role at Kachina Mountain Realty. In Sierra’s 2nd video she talks about Dianne’s role at Kachina Mountain Realty in the era of COVID-19. In Sierra’s 3rd video, Sierra talks about selling and buying real estate during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sierra’s 4th video she talks about how staying safe in the era of COVID-19.
As you probably already know, Sierra is the CFO (chief fun officer) at Kachina Mountain Realty. Sierra talks to you today about using your imagination in Sierra’s 5th video. When Sierra turned 2 years old on March 18, 2021, people asked what she sounded like now that she was older. While she does not have a lot to say right now, she is quick and to the point, as she starts her 2nd year as CFO, in Sierra’s 6th video. Currently Sierra is not recording videos at this time.
Sierra’s web page: www.diannemckenzie.com/sierra
More photos will be continually posted on her own web page, so check back monthly, as we chronicle her life with us!
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!
Taos Office: 575.776.7576
Go Green:
Dianne & Sierra
