Eco Lifestyle And Home News – November 2023
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
November 2023, marks the 91st 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:
- Lifestyle: Thankfulness
- Real Estate Market Update
- Santa Fe Real Estate News
- Taos County Real Estate News
- Home Decor Insights
- 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
Lifestyle
Being thankful is the feeling or attitude of gratefulness, appreciation and acknowledgment that can be cultivated. A positive outlook and feelings of thankfulness can have a direct and beneficial effect on the brain and body.
Even in difficult times, we can find moments where we can be thankful. Sometimes it is the little things that we experience or observe that stirs the spirit towards gratitude. Watching the fallen leaves swirl around, moving in groups, dispersing and intermingling, captivated my attention recently. I was brought into the present moment, when observing the autumn colors in the swirling dances of the fallen leaves. They seemed to dance in spontaneous groups all around the street in colors of reds, golden yellows and brown tones. I was so pleased to see this, to take the time to just watch and be present. As I looked around my office, I was so thankful to be here in this very moment, in this very time. I thought of those that have passed on and sent them blessings, feeling especially grateful to be here right now, with my standard poodle, Sierra and my husband John. I felt a sense of gratitude towards my family, friends, colleagues, business associates and clients.
It has been a challenging year for many, it has been a year of growth and loss, a year of rebirth and change. I am grateful for all that I have, all that I dream and visualize for the future.
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie & Sierra
Real Estate Market
Doom, Gloom, Kool Aid, And Warm Porridge
In Santa Fe, prices are dropping in many locations and properties are staying on the market longer. Those sellers wishing to cash in on the post pandemic sales will not see the gains that happened earlier this spring and early summer. More inventory, longer listing periods and high interest rates are causing some sellers to put a pause on keeping their homes on the market in this coming holiday season. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Santa Fe Real Estate News
Aldea Real Estate Stats
2023 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 19 Homes, DOM 31 | 4 Lots, DOM 132
PENDING: 2 Homes | 0 Lots
LISTED: 10 Homes, Avg $974,500 | 0 Lots, Avg 0
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 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:
Aldea Prices are dropping. The homes priced over a million dollars are starting to come down. I predict there will be very few out of the 4 homes priced over one million will close in the high $900,000+/- There are currently 10 homes listed in Aldea, which is a lot for this time of year. Average price of sold home in Aldea to date: $854,203 at an average of $389.34 per sq ft. Use this as a guide when making an offer on an Aldea home. Many of the homes for sale were built in the mid 2000’s and will most likely need updated appliances, stucco & roof work in the near future, so make your offer accordingly.
Las Campanas Real Estate Stats
2023 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 54 Homes, DOM 102 | 18 Lots, DOM 288
PENDING: 8 Homes | 1 Lots
LISTED: 25 Homes, Avg $2,538,240 | 28 Lots, Avg $250,378
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 25 homes for sale in Las Campanas
- 0 Homes under $1,000,000
- 25 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 28 Lots for sale in Las Campanas
- 2 Lots under $100,000
- 26 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
2023 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
*SOLD: 112 Homes, DOM 114 | 85 Lots, DOM 269
*PENDING: 24 Homes | 18 Lots
*LISTED: 65 Homes, Avg $893,117 | 156 Lots, Avg $283,990
* 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.
Pioneer Title
As of August 26, 2022, Pioneer Title has opened an office in Taos at 204 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Suite A, Taos NM 87571, telephone: 866-294-4100. It remains to be seen if closing times will shorten in the coming months, but it is progress for realtors as well as sellers and buyers in Taos County.
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
Holiday Season is Upon Us
Thanksgiving will be upon us soon, which for many means lots of cooking: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, brussel sprouts, pumpkin pie and more.
New Mexico Thanksgiving meal planning can include oven roasted, red chile rubbed turkey with cornbread chorizo dressing, chile pumpkin soup and southwest spicy apple pie.
Decorating for Thanksgiving is almost as important as the food. Gather branches with fall leaves, candles, gourds and nuts to add to your table and home decorations. Hang chile ristras at your front entrance, and celebrate all month long during the most colorful time of year!
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 4.7 year old female silver standard poodle
October 1-31, 2023
Well disappointing news to share: Sierra is not pregnant. We did a ultrasound and they could not find any puppies. So we all are sad, but will try again in spring in her next heat. Sierra has seemed really different to us, very clingy and even more cuddly than ever… but alas, no puppies forthcoming this year.
I weigh & measure Sierra once a month, so here are her stats as of September 2023: 14″ collar, girth: 24″, height to shoulder: 25″ weight: 33.6
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!
Sierra’s Videos »
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.
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
