Eco Lifestyle And Home News – April 2019
Eco Lifestyle And Home News – April 2019
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
April 2019 marks the twenty-eighth 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: Trust
- 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
Trust
“Believe it or not this is the life you signed up for, so make it work for you. Follow your path and realize that the difficult situations are the ones that make you better and provide you with a much richer and happier existence. Life is tough. No doubt. But when you can learn to trust in the process of your life and accept where it has brought you to, the rewards are always richly granted. Remember the universe always has your back. So, learn to trust the process of your life to bring you to where you need to be. There isn’t anywhere else to go. Enjoy the process.” ~Donnalynn Civello
I do not think I am a very trusting soul. I don’t have a deep sense of belief or “trust in the universe”. I do not know what my higher purpose is, or why I am here or what “trusting the universe” really means. I am not a person of “faith”. I understand what I have been able to accomplish, but I do not feel that there is divine guidance playing a part in my life.
I don’t feel that I am supported by “my guides” or “the universe”. I do not know who these guides are or where these guides reside. I must be deaf to their wisdom.
I do trust that I have the ability to keep evolving and surviving and persevering. I understand that life is a process of growing and evolving and learning through experiences. I do not have faith in some higher power, some mystical wisdom that is giving me opportunities and obstacles along the way, to help me grow. I do trust that I will make decisions and that I will have to live with the outcomes.
But what I do know now, is that by accepting what is, what has been, and what will be, causes me less suffering. I simply want to be happy: mentally and physically and to cultivate ease of well-being. I want to be competent, reliable, trustworthy, truthful, successful, kind and loving. It is a life process and by the time I really understand the answers to my searching, I probably won’t exist in physical form and most likely not care about the outcome. I don’t see my attitude as pessimistic, just realistic.
I used to keep this phrase written down in the glove box in my car: “Remember, you are living on a trust fund”, just to remind me that all I really needed to do, is put one foot in front of another and keep going.
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Real Estate Market Update
WASHINGTON (March 22, 2019) – Existing-home sales rebounded strongly in February, experiencing the largest month-over-month gain since December 2015, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Three of the four major U.S. regions saw sales gains, while the Northeast remained unchanged from last month.
Total existing-home sales1, https://www.nar.realtor/existing-home-sales, completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, shot up 11.8 percent from January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.51 million in February. However, sales are down 1.8 percent from a year ago (5.61 million in February 2018).
Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, credited a number of aspects to the jump in February sales. “A powerful combination of lower mortgage rates, more inventory, rising income and higher consumer confidence is driving the sales rebound.”
Properties remained on the market for an average of 44 days in February, down from 49 days in January but up from 37 days a year ago. Forty-one percent of homes sold in February were on the market for less than a month.
Regional Breakdown
February existing-home sales numbers in the Northeast were identical to last month. The annual rate of 690,000 is 1.5 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $272,900, which is up 3.8 percent from February 2018.
In the Midwest, existing-home sales rose 9.5 percent from last month to an annual rate of 1.27 million, roughly even to February 2018 levels. The median price in the Midwest was $188,800, which is up 5.4 percent from last year.
Existing-home sales in the South grew 14.9 percent to an annual rate of 2.39 million in February, down 0.4 percent from last year. The median price in the South was $219,300, up 2.5 percent from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the West rocketed 16.0 percent to an annual rate of 1.16 million in February, 7.9 percent below a year ago. The median price in the West was $379,300, up 3.0 percent from February 2018.
Money Matters
New Mexico’s housing market is booming
Realtor.com expects mortgage rates to average 5.3 percent in 2019, and to hit 5.5 percent by the end of the year. That increase comes after multiple interest rate hikes in 2018, and will ultimately make buying a home 8 percent more expensive next year, according to the forecast.
In Santa Fe, currently I am seeing homes go pending in less than 9 days on the market, as with my $750,000 listing. At the first open house, there were over 40 people attending, many with their realtors. On the second open house where the home was pending, buyers were asking me to be put on a list in case the home was later available. Numerous realtors called to be put on a status list as they had clients who were extremely interested in making an offer. My sellers would only accept back up offers at asking price or above. I still get calls and emails asking about the availability of this home. So the market is hot right now, very little on the market, with multiple parties competing for properties. It is not a time when buyers can be undecided. Any hesitation, and the property you wanted is now pending.
The good news is that we have local lenders and title companies who are working long hours making the loans and closings happen in a short amount of time.
# Listings Sold in Santa Fe | Dollar Volume | Average Price | DOM
535 homes sold in 2019 | $250,258,710 | $467,773 | 83
Santa Fe Real Estate News
New Listing
Pending 9 Days on the Market!!!
Contemporary Custom Home in Aldea
24 W. Camino Esperanza
Single Family Home | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths – 2,986 sqft | Price: $750,000 | MLS #201900642
This soft contemporary custom Santa Fe style 3 bedroom/3 bath home & guesthouse, offers affordable luxury with modern architectural aesthetics, awash with natural light, located on a cul-de-sac in desirable Aldea. You enter this compound through a flagstone courtyard, featuring aspen trees, an outdoor wood burning fireplace, pergolas & water feature.
Coveted for its modern hard-edge lines & open floor plan, these sophisticated lifestyle living/entertaining/dining areas are graced with high-beamed ceilings, a double-sided gas fireplace, diamond plaster finished walls & stained/polished concrete floors throughout.
The gourmet kitchen includes: marble slab countertops, 6 burner Wolf range with pot filler, Subzero refrigerator, Asko dishwasher, Sharp microwave drawer, pantry, stained alder cabinets, eat-at bar/island & dining room.
The spacious master suite with sitting area, includes a gas burning fireplace, doors opening to the deep portal, distinctive master bath with palatial walk-in shower, travertine surround, jetted tub, double separate vanities & walk-in closet.
The guest wing’s 2nd bedroom & house bath are located on the other side of this single level home with access to the courtyard. The casita, guest suite &/or home office is fully self-contained, located across the courtyard with separate entrance, walk-in closet, full bath & wet bar.
Walking through to the oversized 2 car garage, the laundry room includes Bosch washer & dryer, sink & ample storage. All appliances & mechanical systems have been recently serviced.
Located along a greenbelt of open space with aspens & fruit trees, are several outdoor sitting/entertaining areas within the full-length portal, creating a refreshing sanctuary, with spectacular sunset mountain views, south vistas to the Ortiz & Sandia range & east views of the Santa Fe ski basin Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Contemporary Home Features:
Home:
- Single story contemporary custom home
- Gourmet kitchen
- 3 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Master en suite
- Walk in closet
- Plaster walls
- Guest Casita with private entrance
- 2 Car Garage
- Laundry room
- Water softener
- Security system
Yard:
- Landscaped front courtyard, wood burning fireplace, fountain
- Drip System
- Great for entertaining
- Covered portal
- Terraced fenced yard
Heating:
- Radiant floor heating
- 2 gas burning fireplaces
- New heat pump & 75 gallon water heater
Flooring:
- Polished/stained concrete
Appliances: all recently serviced
- 6 burner Wolf Gas Range, pot filler
- Subzero Refrigerator
- Asko Dish Washer
- Sharp Microwave Drawer
- Bosch Washer/ Dryer
Views:
- South, east, & west
- Green belt, open space
HOA Dues:
- $448 Quarterly
- Aldea is only 10 minutes to town
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 Stats
2019 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 3 Homes, DOM 71 | 0 Lots, DOM 0
PENDING: 4 Homes | 0 Lots
LISTED: 1 Homes, Avg $679,900 | 5 Lots, Avg $70,800
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 are very limited due to low inventory.
Las Campanas Real Estate News
2019 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 7 Homes, DOM 406 | 1 Lots, DOM 277
PENDING: 12 Homes | 12 Lots
LISTED: 35 Homes, Avg $1,533,856 | 57 Lots, Avg $10,4651
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 35 homes for sale in Las Campanas.
- 10 Homes under $1,000,000
- 25 Homes over $1,000,000
There are currently 57 Lots for sale in Las Campanas.
- 26 Lots under $100,000
- 31 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
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
April is my birthday month and for my birthday this year, I want to surround myself in pretty things.
This year I want pretty! Flower wreaths, flower garland and pretty sparkly things in my life. This is a new trend for me. Must be a new phase, but I look at sparkly things on Pinterest all the time.
I have never been a glitter person, but lately sparkly has caught my attention. After a winter of more snow (yeh!!!) and cold weather, I am ready for spring. The trees here are starting to bud, but not yet in a spring bloom. Days are warming to the low 60˚s, with nights above freezing. Any snow showers quickly melts away.
I recently bought Aeowyn, our 15.4 year old apricot standard poodle, a new sparkly leash, sparkly amethyst collar & purple sparkle dog tag. I wanted to celebrate Aeowyn’s 15 years of living with us and so we made a celebration for her, of course, with sparkly things & a pretty party decorative collar. She is so good natured, she puts up with my whims! She is having much difficulty walking and needs assistance to squat to pee & poop, yet she is still our dog with all her idiosyncratic behavior: loves fresh vegetables when we are cooking, wants to sit with us while we eat our dinner, wants snacks after 11pm, sleeps in until 9am and insists of going into my office every morning. She has such a strong work ethic!!! At the end of the day, she wants to sleep in the bedroom and comes out to the living room several times to inquire if we are going to bed yet. She now starts this routine around 9pm, years back it was around 11pm… So while she sleeps more these days, she still takes multiple little walks around the portal to help keep her limber.
One way to celebrate spring is to add spring garland & wreaths to your home. It is time to put away all decorations of winter and any remnants of autumn that maybe lurking around. Time to embrace the time change with the day light getting longer.
There are several places where one can buy wreaths and garland that will fit into ones budget: Hobby Lobby has a nice assortment of florals. Other online options are: Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, WayFair and my favorite for wreaths, garland & christmas trees is Balsam Hill.
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 15.4 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.
Carrot Peanut Butter Treats with Dried Bananas & Dried Apples
Ingredients
- ½ cup of peanut butter
- 2 cups of grated carrots
- 1 cup potato flour (or any flour)
- 1 cup flax seed meal
- ½ cup(4 oz) dried apples
- 1 cup dried unsweetened bananas
- 1 cup wheat germ
- ½ cup flax seeds
- 2 cups of chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- *Parchment paper for rolling out the dough, pizza cutter, ruler for cutting straight lines & a dog to snoopervise.
*Equipment needed:
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter & ruler
- A dog to “snoopervise”
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Mix the wet ingredients: grated carrots, peanut butter, apple cider vinegar & coconut oil in a bowl. Add the chicken broth.
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl: potato flour, flax seed meal, dried bananas, dried apples, wheat germ, flax seeds & ginger. Stir in the wet ingredient mix & add in the chicken broth, more maybe needed to keep mixture together. Divide into 4 balls.
- Roll out dough ball between parchment paper, 1/8” consistent thickness in rectangular shape to fit baking sheet. Discard top parchment paper, use for next baking tray. Transfer rectangular shaped dough with the bottom parchment paper to baking sheet. Use pizza cuter to cut dough in parallel strips to create a checkerboard of 1” squares. Use a ruler to help cut straight lines.
- Bake 25-35 minutes slightly brown. If you prefer a softer treat, bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. This recipe uses 4 baking sheet/trays.
These treats are a bit crumbly, due to the potato flour & are very tasty. 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.
This recipe uses 4 baking sheet/trays.
*“The parchment paper makes the rolling easy, with no mess & cutting the crisps with the pizza cutter is super fast. I eat the whole batch within a month in time for the next issue’s new recipe. 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
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!
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!
