Eco Lifestyle And Home News – October 2018
Eco Lifestyle And Home News – October 2018
Dear Friends, Clients, Business Associates and Neighbors,
October 2018 marks the twenty second 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: Transformation
- 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
Transformation
“Change fixes the past. Transformation creates the future.” ~Chris McGoff
Change involves fixing and improving something, where as Transformation is about creating something new.
“A butterfly is a transformation, not a better caterpillar.” ~ Chris McGoff
So here we are again at another turning point in the season. Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love how the light is different, softer, more golden. I love the slight nip in the air. I feel more sentimental and nostalgic and seem to fall in love with everything again. I always have to buy the first pumpkins and decorate the house for the coming season.
Watching the season evolve in nature, is also a way to get in touch with ourselves and observe how we have transformed within the last year’s cycles. For me, my life is shifting, moving, evolving & letting go. We have moved/redesigned our living and work space several times this year. We are in the process of major changes, as we prepare to design our life on a ranch.
Transformation is scary, intense and challenging, no matter how necessary it is. There is a shedding of the familiar, regardless of how the old ways are no longer appropriate.
More thoughts from Chris McGoff:
“When you choose the path of TRANSFORMATION, it becomes easier to leave the past behind after thoroughly considering the As Is. You permit yourselves to envision the future freely; you make specific promises, with full INTEGRITY, about how things shall be. You take action to ensure that we live into your declarations about the future.”
“When we transform in the direction of our dreams, we fulfill a sacred contract. We rise to a Hero’s Journey challenge. That may mean confronting dark forests and dragons. It may mean doing things that family, friends, and colleagues don’t approve of, or even understand. It may mean traveling unmarked paths — the kind that are “less traveled,” primarily because they aren’t, at first glance, terribly appealing.” ~ Pilar Gerasimo
I am not sure if I will emerge as a butterfly, but I know I am not going to be the same as I have been. Here’s to transformation!
Thank you for reading our newsletter & feel free to pass it on to other kindred spirits. ~ Dianne McKenzie
Real Estate Market Update
Housing Slowdown? Softening? Whatever You Call It, It’s Real and It’s Here
Excerpts from Realtor.com
“Ever since the whiplash-inducing, bust-and-boom cycle of the U.S. housing market kicked into high gear with last decade’s devastating crash and this decade’s ever-escalating home prices, bidding wars, and inventory shortages, one question has been top of mind for buyers and sellers alike: Is this “party” ending anytime soon? Lately, those who read economic tea leaves have been hinting that we may be heading toward a significant correction in the go-go-go American housing market. Surely national home price increases have to slow down eventually, right?
“It turns out they may be on to something.”
“The signs are pointing to a market that’s shifting toward buyers,” says Danielle Hale, chief economist of realtor.com®. “But in most places, we’re still a long way from a full reversal.”
“There is still a very real housing shortage at a time when there is strong demand for homes. So it’s not as if a ton of folks are purchasing scores of homes that they can’t afford, as there simply aren’t a ton of available properties on the market. And builders aren’t putting up enough abodes to alleviate that problem due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of available land, construction labor, and regulatory burdens.
“It’s hard to see this as the bubble popping in any way close to what we saw 10 years ago,” says ATTOM’s Blomquist. “I see it more as a deflating, letting some air out of the balloon … [so there isn’t] a bigger pop down the road.~ Data Analysis by Lance Lambert.
Money Matters
Mortgage Daily News:
September 24, 2018
Freddie Mac’s Economic and Housing Research Group said on Monday that the U.S. economy and job market are firing on nearly all cylinders, “but the housing market has essentially stalled.” The solid growth of the U.S. economy during the second quarter, an increase of 4.2 percent and exceeding forecasts of 4.1 percent, was the fastest in nearly four years. Solid consumer spending and business investment, the Group says in its September Forecast, should keep the economy on a very strong growth path of 3.0 percent this year, moderating to 2.4 percent next year.
However, weaker affordability, homebuilder constraints, and ongoing supply and demand imbalances over the summer resulted in fewer home sales and less home construction compared to earlier in the year. Those sales declined in the second quarter, typically the strongest period of the year, and showed further weakness at the beginning of the third quarter. July home sales, new and existing, were down for the fourth consecutive month to an annualized rate of 5.97 million units. New home construction also lost momentum in the second quarter, falling 4.5 percent from the first quarter.
Even though inventory conditions have improved marginally, and home price pressures have begun to lessen, Freddie expects sales this year to come in below those in 2017. They are projecting total sales, both new and existing homes, to nudge down by 0.9 percent, from 6.12 million in 2017 to 6.07 by the end of this year. Sales will rebound in 2019, rising 1.8 percent to 6.18 million units. Housing starts are now forecast to rise 7.5 percent this year and 4.7 percent in 2019.
Mortgage rates move daily. Stay connected and informed!
Visit: Mortgage News Daily »
Santa Fe Real Estate News
New Santa Fe Listing:
Aldea de Santa Fe Courtyard Home –
3 Altura Vista
Single Family | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms 2,234sqft | Price: $536,000 | MLS# 201804578
Now PENDING
Finely crafted hacienda open floor plan is the quintessential Santa Fe lifestyle coveted courtyard home, by award winning Casa De Vistas. Upscale artisan old world finishes throughout flow graciously to the walled courtyard & include architectural elements: skylights, antiqued alder cabinets, hand adzed wood doors, iron hardware, sconces & chandeliers, beams with 11ft high ceilings, 2 wood/gas lighter fireplaces, vintage exterior courtyard entry doors, travertine tile floors.
The gourmet kitchen opens to the living dining area & features: granite tile counter tops, island, stainless steel appliances, laundry area & sink. The spacious primary master suite opens to the courtyard & features: tray ceiling, kiva fireplace, walk-in closet. The elegantly appointed master bath features a custom old world vanity, granite tile countertop, glass/tile shower, whirlpool tub.
The guest wing serves as a 2nd master suite. The 2nd bathroom doubles as the guest & house bath. Accessed from the outside rear courtyard & located above the garage, is the casita: 3rd bedroom/office/studio, full bath & large closet. The casita balcony has spectacular unobstructed views in all directions to the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez Mtn ranges & a glimpse south to the Sandias. Beautiful sunsets & night views of Los Alamos city lights. Courtyards feature: stamped concrete paths, low-maintenance landscaping, covered portal & fountain. Attached 2 car garage + onsite parking. Open space on quiet street. 10 min to town.
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: $360,000 | 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
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!
Currently, I have 5 of the last and best remaining Aldea view lots. 2 lots have already SOLD, 1 PENDING!!! If you have ever considered building your Santa Fe dream home, now you have some amazing view lots in which to choose. Aldea is 98% built out and up until now, there have not been a lot of choices for view lots, as most have already been built on. Now you have a great selection of view lots in which to choose to build your dream home, before they are all gone! Prices will go up in Spring 2018, so buy now and save!
Builder package available for the Aldea lots, please inquire.
For more information visit the website: Aldea Lots For Sale »
5 Aldea Lot For Sale — Only 5 Remaining!!!
The Barranca Lots: 2 Remaining View Lots!
PENDING
9 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.180 | MLS #201700363 | Listing Price: $97,500
PENDING
7 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.180 | MLS #201700364 | Listing Price: $97,500
5 Camino Barranca | Lot Size Acres 0.180 | MLS #201700365 | Listing Price: $92,500
Avenida Frijoles 2 View Lots
134 Avenida Frijoles | Lot Size Acres 0.230 | MLS #201700371 | Listing Price: $78,000
136 Avenida Frijoles | Lot Size Acres 0.200 | MLS #201700370 | Listing Price: $70,000
Avenida Aldea View Lot
101 Avenida Aldea | Lot Size Acres 0.230 | MLS #201700369 | Listing Price: $78,000
Arroyo Privado View Lot
4 Arroyo Privado | Lot Size Acres 0.190 | MLS #201700368 | Listing Price: $78,000
Aldea Stats
2018 Stats: Sold, Pending, Listed
SOLD: 25 Homes, DOM 82 | 1 Lots, DOM 323
PENDING: 6 Homes | 2 Lots
LISTED: 7 Homes, Avg $604,698 | 7 Lots, Avg $75,928
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: 34 Homes, DOM 142 | 15 Lots, DOM 21
PENDING: 18 Homes | 9 Lots
LISTED: 51 Homes, Avg $1,440,050 | 72 Lots, Avg $144,510
There are currently 51 homes for sale in Las Campanas.
- 16 Homes under $1,000,000
- 35 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
It is pumpkin season, my favorite time of year! I wait all year for the cooling off days and the start of crisp nights. I love everything pumpkin: pumpkin soup to pumpkin lattes. I can start wearing sweaters & leggings again. Time to pull out my coats & jackets. On the first day of autumn, I start switching out the summer decor and start adding pumpkins and dried leaves. New Mexico roadways are colored with sunflowers of all sizes and the chamisa is in bloom contrasting the purple russian sage. There is so much to love about autumn!
It is an artists dream palette.
Colors of the season: russets, plums, ochre, umber and spiced reds, and deep tones.- Materials for the season: velvets, woven textiles, leather, earthenware and ash/bleached wood can add warmth to the seasonal decor.
- Accents for the season: throws (small blankets), faux fur throws for cuddling on a crisp autumn nights.
- Food & Drink for the season: Pumpkin anything side dishes & desserts, meat loaf, one pot meals, casseroles, slow cooking & insta pot meals, pumpkin spiced lattes, Mexican spicey hot chocolate, and spiced apple cider.
It is time to watch the leaves fall, take walks in the forest to see the changing colors, picnic in the autumn forest and relax as the days get shorter and the nights become longer.
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 14.10 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.
Pumpkin Apple Treats
Ingredients:
1 cup of chopped dried apple- 1 can (15oz) pumpkin (not pie filling)
- ½ cup of chicken broth (low sodium) or water
- 2 ½ cups of flour (you can use any flour)
- ½ wheat germ
- 1 cup rolled oats, uncooked
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds chopped
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
*Parchment paper & rolling pin for rolling out the dough, Pizza cutter, Ruler for cutting straight lines & a dog to snoopervise.
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Mix the pumpkin puree, chopped dried apple pieces. Wait to add the chicken broth or water.
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in the pumpkin puree & apple slices add in small amount of the liquid, as needed.
- Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined, then mix with hands. Add more liquid or flour, if needed. 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 & 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. Keep small amount of treats at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week & the remaining in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
These treats 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.
Aeowyn sits waiting to taste test 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!
