Eco Lifestyle And Home News – September 2023
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
September 2023, marks the 89th 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: Change
- 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
Change
“Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are, to what you could become.”
Change is all about evolving, growing, transforming.
- to make a shift from one to another
- to make radically different
- to become something else
Thriving in times of change…
How do you respond to change?… More often than not, we tend to react rather than respond. Change brings up fear, worry, the unknown, & is often unsettling by its very nature.
“Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are to what you could become.”
Change is all about evolving, growing, transforming.
- to make a shift from one to another
- to make radically different
- to become something else
Change Is Often Frightening
We resist change, but fear of the unknown can result in clinging to status quo behaviors, no matter how bad things are.
Change Must Be Positive
Being Is Easier Than Becoming
Slower Is Better
Everything has its own natural speed; when altered, unpleasant things happen. Change is most effective when it occurs slowly, allowing behaviors to become automatic.
Know More, Do Better
Surprise can be disastrous for people in transition. Knowing more about the process of change allows the feeling of more control over it.
Change Requires Structure
Many people view structure as restrictive, something that inhibits spontaneity. While spontaneity is wonderful for some activities, it can be method for sabotaging change.
Practice Is Necessary
Practice is another key approach to change. When we invite change, such re arranging the furniture layout, organizing closets & draws, getting rid of unused items, we practice changing the way we live.
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie & Sierra
Real Estate Market
Talking with other realtors recently brought up the discussion that there are not many scheduled showings on the active listings in the MLS lately. In Eldorado, the realtors I talked with said there were more active listings then in the past 10 years. Not only have there been more listings, many of the Eldorado properties have had listing that went pending and later were back on the market. Some of the listings I have toured recently had awkward floor plans, deferred maintenance and smelled of mold. Homes are staying on the market longer and many are seeing price reductions.
Sellers are nervous concerning the days on the market are increasing, while Buyers are concerned about the high mortgage rates and Realtors are concerned that their listings are not being shown.
So while some real estate experts say that the market is strong for Sellers due to lack of inventory, I see homes staying on the market longer with prices decreasing.
The real estate market has shifted significantly in the Santa Fe area since the Covid market, where multiple offers over asking were the norm. Now it is anyone’s guess as to what the Autumn real estate market will see. My crystal ball is taking a break for now.
Santa Fe Real Estate News
Aldea Real Estate Stats
2023 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 18 Homes, DOM 32 | 3 Lots, DOM 142
PENDING: 0 Homes | 0 Lots
LISTED: 4 Homes, Avg $1,177,500 | 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:
Santa Fe Real Estate Offerings
3 Esquila Road in Eldorado | Santa Fe, New Mexico
Residential Home| MLS #202338568 | Price: $565,000.00 |
Located in the coveted community of Eldorado, on a quiet street, this Santa Fe style single-story passive solar home includes an open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 car garage, radiant heat, air conditioning and is move-in ready!
The living room is graced with high ceilings adorned with vigas, a gas burning fireplace and windows on two sides. The adjacent kitchen and dining room are convenient for cooking and entertaining. The primary suite features dual closets, spacious bathroom with dual sinks, walk in shower and soaking tub. The second bedroom is is located across from the house bathroom with views on the patio side of the home. The 3rd bedroom is oversized which could be used as a media room, flex-space, exercise room, home office or art studio. A laundry room leads to the mud room/pantry storage area, just off the attached garage. There are 2 designated outside areas for relaxing & entertaining. This tranquil setting offers 360° breathtaking panoramic views: west sunset views to the Jemez mountains, eastern views of the Sangre de Cristos mountains and endless vistas to the south Sandia mountains in Albuquerque.
New Zone controlled 3 mini-split/ductless air conditioner/ heating, New refrigerator, Updated boiler for radiant floor heating system, New hot water tank, New septic system. Furniture package available.
The Eldorado community consists of miles of open land with approximately 2,776 developed parcels, and is a premier homeowner community in Santa Fe, New Mexico, known for its diverse, welcoming environment. Eldorado has many outstanding amenities and quality services: abundant 4,000-acre open preserve with local wildlife, extensive walking & bicycle paths, a community center, swimming pool, numerous sport courts, horse stables and dog parks. Whether you are seeking an active lifestyle or simply tranquil surroundings, you should schedule your home tour today, before it’s gone tomorrow.
Eldorado offers a well-regarded kindergarten through eighth-grade school as well as its own library, senior center, athletic room, outdoor pool, community garden, a 4,094-acre wilderness area, an arts and crafts association, annual spring studio tour, dog park, volunteer fire department, farmers market, grocery store, restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Like a small town, there is also a Fourth of July pancake breakfast, annual barbecue, ice cream social and many other popular social events.
Las Campanas Real Estate Stats
2023 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 44 Homes, DOM 99 | 18 Lots, DOM 280
PENDING: 12 Homes | 0 Lots
LISTED: 21 Homes, Avg $2,740,595 | 28 Lots, Avg $250,176
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 21 homes for sale in Las Campanas
- 0 Homes under $1,000,000
- 21 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: 83 Homes, DOM 133 | 83 Lots, DOM 276
*PENDING: 37 Homes | 17 Lots
*LISTED: 68 Homes, Avg $914,299 | 148 Lots, Avg $287,872
* 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
Autumn is Coming!!
Ah, my very favorite time of year is coming. The crisp mornings, the soft autumn light, the rustling of the leaves, and the scents of autumn are anticipated all year for me. I tire of warm weather easily. This time of year is the start of 5 of the best months out of the year.
Autumn is the time of the year when we want to decorate our homes with autumn accents. In autumn, we see lots of earthy neutral schemes, natural textures, and organic shapes.
Color inspiration is all around. The autumn tones of golden hues contrast with jewel tones can set the mood in the flower arrangements, you can place throughout your home. It is the time of year to pull out the warmer quilts for bedding and lounging. Adding branches of turning leaves, autumn themed wreaths and fall colors will enhance your space, as it is the time of year we all turn inside.
Make Potpourri For Autumn
My favorite scents are always the food scents: apples,cinnamon, cloves, pumpkin, oranges, lavender, vanilla – they all bring to mind the wonderful autumn season along with the cool rush of air that signals the coming of the fall holidays.
Depending on the scents you like, you can make different potpourri recipes to bring out that smell and feeling.
All you need is orange zest, cloves, cinnamon sticks, apples, pumpkins, other fall-scented plants and water. Try different combinations to see what makes your house smell best. You can also try these same ingredients and leave in dishes around your house to bring up those smells for your home.
Place all your ingredients in a small pot on the stove and let simmer for a few hours. The scents of autumn will fill the air as we start the seasons of holidays.
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 4.5 year old female silver standard poodle
August 1-31, 2023
Last month of summer, and we have been hot!
Sierra has visited 3 new vets in order for her to prepare for breeding this autumn. We have been starting to prepare with exams etc in anticipation of our breeder finding the perfect mate.
I weigh & measure Sierra once a month, so here are her stats as of August 2023: 14″ collar, girth: 24″, height to shoulder: 25″ weight: 34.0lbs.
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
