Blog – Page 12

How does an Open House Help Sell my Home?

February 15, 2012 by The Sugar Team

Once sellers put their home on the market they are bombarded with advice from…everybody and everywhere. Each seller has at least one friend

: Albuquerque Open Houses

or relative that practiced real estate a million years ago who completed a grand total of two transactions, but claims to be an absolute authority on the sale of your home. Then, of course, there are other agents who lost the opportunity to sell your home and are looking for any opportunity to discredit the competition. Finally, there’s the Internet which as we all know, never lies! And each one of these sources has a different opinion about the importance of open houses.

You may hear the statement that “open houses don’t help to sell your home,” and only assist the agent-host pick up new buyers. Granted, open houses can help the agent build rapport with new customers, especially if the home doesn’t meet the needs of the customer. In that case, the agent would help the customer find something else based on her search criteria. However, the reality is open houses do help in the sale of your home, because it maximizes exposure locally, and if done correctly, can be quite successful. In fact, we at The Sugar Team have done quite well selling the homes we hold open. We have sold at least four Albuquerque homes directly from open houses, and have written multiple offers as well.

Nonetheless, not every home is a good candidate to be held open. For example, homes that are far removed with few to no neighbors, no drive-by or pedestrian traffic, or are located in gated communities can have a very poor turn-out. The exception to this last example would be if your agent held your home open in a gated community in conjunction with other homes (and agents) in the same gated community (i.e. an open house blitz). And keep in mind that it doesn’t matter if the other homes were being sold by other brokerages. We all are working together to ultimately sell all our inventory and provide a choice to the buyer.

Sellers also play a crucial role especially when they make the following preparations prior to an open house:

Remove all clutter both inside and out.
Open all drapes and light lamps including those in closets, the basement or attic, creating an environment as light, cheerful and calm as possible.
Make the beds and put away clothes and toys.
Turn the blinds so slats are uniformly open.
Put out a clean hand towel, fresh soap and clean soap dish.
Put all toilet seats down.
Put away all dishes and discreetly conceal countertop articles.
Consider setting the table with fine china and linen.
Straighten pictures on walls and wipe all tabletops.
Fluff and arrange couch cushions and throw pillows.
Dispose of newspaper and drink containers.
For those with cats, clean the litter box and replenish with fresh litter.
Light/turn-on fireplace in the winter.
If available, turn on any inside/outside sound systems to a light jazz station at a minimal volume.
Don’t cook anything in the kitchen at least one hour prior to the open house (unless it’s fresh-baked cookies or bread!).
Notify your neighbors of scheduled open house days. You never know if they have friends or family that are in the market for a home.
And most importantly…. LEAVE (that includes the dog)!!! Generally, buyers don’t feel recepetive viewing a home that has the Seller present and feel uncomfortable voicing their objections which is an integral part of the buying process.

The Sugar Team also has its own key role for an open house:

Announce the open house throughout the Internet on all Webpages, including but not limited to: TheSugarTeam.com, Century21.com, Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Craigslist, facebook, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), among others…
Purchase a classifed ad to go in the Albuquerque newspaper for that day.
Prepare full-color flyers/brochures (take-aways) to give to all open house guests.
If appropriate, walk the neighborhood a few days prior to the open house and hand-deliver invitations to all the neighbors (because who doesn’t like to be invited?!).
Put out open house signs in the most visible locations, directing drivers and pedestrians to the BIG EVENT!
Follow-up tenaciously with each and everyone of the open guests until we obtain an offer.

(Whew!)

As you can probably surmise, The Sugar Team takes open houses very seriously, since we feel that they are a key component to getting your home sold as quickly and as painlessly as possible. So, what are you waiting for… why don’t you try us out?

How Important is Photography in Selling my Home?

February 9, 2012 by The Sugar Team

We just can’t stress enough how important photography is for the sale of your home. I comb Albuquerque’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on a daily basis and see time in and time out the many examples of what NOT to do when photographing a property. Take the case of the real estate agent who doesn’t know how to remove the date-stamp from his photos. Now, what does the date have to do with the house or its features (provided that date is even correct)? Not only is it an unnecessary distraction, it indicates to the potential Buyer theoretically how long the listing has been festering on the market. Or what about the agent who doesn’t even rotate the photos so that they are right-side-up?! However, the biggest problem I encounter is when agents don’t take full advantage of being able to upload a maximum of 25 photos in Albuquerque’s MLS. Even if the home is a fixer-upper, Buyers need to know what they’re “getting into,” inside and out. We really need to be respectful of people’s time and multiple photos serve the purpose of being both an incredible marketing tool as well as just being informative.

We at The Sugar Team appreciate the importance of superb images in the sale of your home and therefore, take photography very seriously. For all our listings we hire professional photographer Steve Sugar to capture your home in its best light. Steve Sugar is no stranger to commercial photography. He has over 30 years of experience, working as Design Director for the Sharper Image as well as working for well-known clients such as Van Heusen, Gallo, Revlon, Chevron and Mrs. Fields Cookies among others. When he photographs your home he illuminates the inside “like a Christmas tree” and waits until the sun is just about to set. This trademark effect (the glow-shot) portrays your home in its best light, enticing the Buyer to go inside and “see more.” I invite you to decide for yourself if there’s any doubt whether professional photography makes the difference.

That difference can be felt in all of The Sugar Team’s tantalizing marketing materials. Everywhere we market your home we use professional photography to maximize your home’s exposure. Whether it be on our full-color flyers and brochures, the MLS, Virtual Tours and anywhere in-between on the Internet, you will see your home captured in its best light and professionally photographed. This is crucial to attracting what we all are ultimately expecting…… THE OFFER!

Feel free to contact The Sugar Team (505) 850-9977 today to discover what other marketing tools we use to get your home sold quickly…. and for top dollar! We’ll design a marketing plan specifically around your needs.

Useful Links:

Steve Sugar Photography

The Sugar Team Website

Search the MLS

The Sugar Team–Virtual Tours

The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

February 1, 2012 by The Sugar Team

: The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is one of the many reasons that I absolutely love, love the culture of the Duke City. Located right on the corner of 19^th and Mountain, abutting ‘Burque’s historic Old Town, and just East of the North Valley and South of Wells Park, The Albuquerque Museum sparkles as an absolute treasure trove among museum row, consisting of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Science Museum ¡Explora! and the Rattlesnake Museum. Originally designed by world renowned architect Antoine Predock in 1979, and then later tastefully expanded in 2005 this artistic masterpiece exudes high culture meant to be shared with the community both inside and out.

: The Albuquerque Museum’s Hands-on Sculpture Garden

On the inside The Albuquerque Museum houses approximately 7,000 works of art, focusing on art of the American Southwest and its influences. It covers everything from colonial to the contemporary and Native American jewelry to Georgia O’Keefe in the form of exhibits, photo archives and galleries. On the outside you will find a hands-on sculpture garden in front of the museum, depicting various aspects of New Mexico’s rich history. So, don’t be surprised if you see kids climbing and interacting with the sculptures! This art is meant to be shared…

However, The Albuquerque Museum is no stranger to more cerebral works of art. In fact, we are excited to report that from February 5, 2012 through May 13, 2012 the etchings of the subversive and imaginative artist Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes and his collection Los Caprichos will be on display at the museum. Of course, The Sugar Team will be there opening night. We hope to see you there!

Useful Links

The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

Old Town Neighborhood

Antoine Predock Architecture

Francisco Goya

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Science Museum-¡Explora!

Rattlesnake Museum

Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau

Albuquerque Real Estate

Albuquerque Real Estate Market Watch–December 2011

January 25, 2012 by The Sugar Team

: Albuquerque Real Estate

MARKET WATCH! For December 2011 single-family detached homes sales rose 6.303% from the previous month and 3.56% from the previous year. Pending home sales increased 11.48% from the previous year, being the highest December month of Pending sales since 2006. The Average Sales Price for single-family detached homes was $195,861 and the Median Sales Price was $160,000. Finally, the Average Days on the Market was 87. (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors)

Feel free to contact The Sugar Team (505) 850-9977 to find out how your neighborhood’s doing!

Albuquerque Neighborhood Drive-by–Spruce Park

January 19, 2012 by The Sugar Team

Tucked into Albuquerque’s cultural, intellectual, historical and geographical center, the residential neighborhood of Spruce Park (a.k.a. Old Country Club Addition) combines the brilliance of the big city with the quiet shade of mature, tree-lined streets. Spruce Park quickly makes up for its diminutive area with its grand landmarks, defining its four notable boundaries. Its frontier to the East is University Blvd. (where my alma mater the University of New Mexico starts), to the North, Las Lomas Rd., to the West, Cedar St., and to the South, Grand Ave. and Presbyterian Hospital. It’s no secret that what makes Spruce Park so appealing is its proximity to Nob Hill’s exquisite restaurants and shopping, the hospital and medical centers, the park from which it borrows its name and, of course, its walking distance to UNM. In fact, Spruce Park received a walk score of 75 from walkscore.com, placing it as the 17^th most walkable neighborhood in all of ABQ.

However, what really makes Spruce Park so visually stimulating is the palpably historical nature of its architecture. Punctuated with higher-end detached homes with very few townhomes and apartments, the style is mostly late 19^th and 20^th Century Revivals as well as Moderne. Add to that many old trees leading up to delightful Spruce Park (the heart of the “hood”) which sits at the top of the hill, and you have a very cohesive little community.

Being that this is such a tight and coveted little Albuquerque neighborhood, very few homes come on the market, and when they do, they get snapped up for top-dollar. For example, as of January 17, 2012 and going back two years, the Median Sales Price was $265,000; the Average Sales Price was $321,393; and the Average Number of Days on the Market was 181 Days. During that same period the most expensive home sold for $650,000 (GAAR).

Maybe this is why The Sugar Team is so excited by its Spruce Park listing located at 1303 Roma NE; as of today’s date, the only available listing in Spruce Park. Check out the Virtual Tour to get a better taste for the home, or better yet, call us at (505) 850-9977 to schedule a private tour:

Useful Spruce Park Links:

8401 Mesa Top NW–KB Model Home with the Brilliance of the Tuscan Sun

January 7, 2012 by The Sugar Team

Lighting up Montecito Estates with the brillance of a Tuscan sun, this former KB Model Home touches on every last sumptuous detail like a brand new home. From rich ceramic tile, refrigerated air & granite countertops to a lavish master suite with jetted garden tub, HUGE walk-in closet & mountain views this castle will pamper you into delightful submission. Entertain guests in the landscaped backyard with cascading water feature or simply enjoy the privacy of a detached casita across the courtyard.

8401 Mesa Top NW’s Fabulous Features:

Approximately 3500 Square Feet (3250 Main House, 250 Casita)
4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms
Former KB Model Home
Refrigerated Air
Granite Countertops
Separate Detached Casita with Full Bathroom
Completely Landscaped with Pergola and Water Feature in the Backyard
Lavish Tuscan-Style Architecture
Located in Volcano Cliffs’ Montecito Estates

Click on the Virtual Tour below to truly appreciate its grandeur!

1303 Roma Ave NE–Lovely Spruce Park Custom Pueblo by UNM

January 5, 2012 by The Sugar Team

Updated home built in the 20’s is set in the shade of lovely Spruce Park. Perched on the corner and within a stone’s throw of Spruce Park, UNM, Nob Hill & Downtown, this lovingly updated custom pueblo sits among many other historical higher-end homes. Replete with many modern upgrades like refrigerated air, central heating, granite countertops, newer windows and doors, it also maintains some of the classical features like coved ceilings, a formal dining and wood burning fireplace. Smart, but definitely classy!

This wonderful home features:

3 Bedrooms
2 Full Bathrooms
1600 Square Livable Square Feet
Refrigerated Air
Granite Countertops
Updated Windows and Doors

Check out the VisualTour to get a better taste for this lovely home:

Albuquerque Real Estate Market Watch–November 2011

December 26, 2011 by The Sugar Team

MARKET WATCH! For November 2011 single-family detached homes sales rose 4.90% from the previous month. Average Sales Price for single-family detached homes was $194,830 and the Median Sales Price was $160,000. The Average Days on the Market was 87. (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors)

The Sugar Team has a new home on the market located in fabulous Spruce Park at 1303 Roma NE, close to UNM and Nob Hill.

We wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season filled with lots of love and joy.

Sincerely,

Linda & Sutter

Albuquerque Neighborhood Drive-by–Volcano Cliffs

December 2, 2011 by The Sugar Team

Situated high on the mesa with majestic views of the Sandia Mountains, Volcano Cliffs is a sumptuous higher-end Albuquerque neighborhood with many newer homes constructed both by popular and custom builders. What really sets Volcano Cliffs apart is its superb location. On the one hand, it feels very isolated from the hustle and bustle of traffic and businesses. On the other hand, it finds itself within minutes of the restaurants along Coors Blvd, grocery shopping, Cottonwood Mall, the Petroglyph National Monument and Desert Greens Golf Course. Volcano Cliffs is located on Albuquerque’s
West-side roughly North of Indian Petroglyph State Park and Petroglyph National Monument and South of Faciel Rd and Paseo Del Norte. It is surrounded by Ventana Ranch to the North, Taylor Ranch to the East and Ladera Heights to the South.

When looking for a home in Albuquerque’s Volcano Cliffs you will come across many excellent builders like KB Homes and DR Horton as well as many smaller, custom builders. The homes are predominantly larger single-family dwellings built within the last ten years and you will find styles ranging from pueblo style, Mediterranean/Tuscan style to Green construction. For
Volcano Cliffs as of November 30, 2011 the past year revealed that the Median
Sales Price was $230,255, Average Sales Price was $252,897, Average Price per square foot was $112.59, Average Square Footage was 2,270 and the Average Number of Days on Market was 82. During this same period, the highest sale was a home that sold for $380,000 (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors).

The Sugar Team has a fabulous new pocket listing in Montecito Estates in Volcano Cliffs that still has not gone live on the market. It is a model KB Home built in 2008 with a
3250 square foot main house with a private, detached 250 guest house. Both have refrigerated air (of course!), granite countertops, a cook’s kitchen, crown moldings and many other exquisite features.

Contact The Sugar Team (505) 850-9977 to arrange a private showing of this home, preview another home, or just click on Search Albuquerque Homes to do a search all on your own.

We’re at your service!

Useful Links

Volcano Cliffs Property Owners Association

Volcano Mesa Sector Plan

Petroglyphs

Cottonwood Mall

Desert Greens Golf Course

The Sugar Team

Albuquerque Spanish

November 22, 2011 by The Sugar Team

-¿Cómo se llama ‘jelly fish’ en español?

-¡Medusa!

-¿Y ‘shark’?

-¡Tiburón!

This could be a conversation you might overhear at the Albuquerque Aquarium on a Saturday morning. Or you might encounter a similar exchange at the museum at Albuquerque’s National Hispanic Cultural Center… or maybe even at the downtown Salsa club. But don’t be alarmed! This is Albuquerque’s Spanish Meetup!

Spanish Meetup is a free local Spanish language and Spanish conversational group organized by Sutter Sugar open to all levels where we meet at different venues throughout Albuquerque to discuss a topic en español without overly stifling people from trying to get their idea across in Spanish. In the past we have done everything from dining together at Spanish-speaking restaurants, receiving tours of the Zoo and Aquarium in Spanish, taking salsa-dancing classes and even hearing a lecture on Day of the Dead. The goal has always been to gain the confidence to speak Spanish and just have fun.

It might seem that Sutter a zealous Realtor® originally from San Francisco might not be the most qualified person to run Albuquerque Spanish Meetup, but his resume really speaks for itself. After receiving a B.A. from the University of Washington in Spanish and then a M.A. also in Spanish from the University of New Mexico, he always felt that he wanted to continue to contribute to lovers of Spanish, whether it be volunteering at the language school Instituto
Cervantes, maintaining ties to his beloved Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of New Mexico or simply running Albuquerque Spanish Meetup. If asked he would state it succinctly in three words: “¡Yo quiero español!”