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Albuquerque Real Estate

Mossman: a Builder’s Delight in Albuquerque

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-A Mossman is built like a tank.

-The best builder in Albuquerque is Mossman.

-Mossmans are known for their quality of construction.

-Nothing holds their value better than a Mossman.

These are all stereotypical comments you will hear uttered by a homebuyer, seller or Realtor®.  Regardless if they are true or not, there definitely is a buzz in Albuquerque for Mossman-Gladden homes.  But what is the reason?  What is there about Mossman construction in Albuquerque that is so different from other builders?

The answer derives from the Mossman-Gladden Custom Deluxe Homes founder Fred A. Mossman.   A rancher from South Dakota with only an2912 Madeira NE Albuquerque Real Estate eighth grade education, Mossman built a barn at age 19, and then went on to build wooden highway bridges and Safeway stores for contractor K.L. House throughout the state of New Mexico.  From 1948 through 1984 Mossman developed a reputation for specializing and supervising every aspect of building except for electrical work.  This left very little to sub-contractors, and the lion’s share of responsibility with Fred Mossman.

2912 Madeira DR NE Albuquerque Real EstateAesthetically, Mossman homes are far superior.  Measured by the number of “oohs” and “aaahs”  typically expressed by anyone entering one of their homes, you can tell right away people are delighted by Mossman construction.  Characteristic design tropes include spacious closets (for the era), ergonomic kitchens, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors over a crawlspace, custom-crafted fireplaces and brick paneling.

Most Mossman homes are located in Albuquerque’s coveted North East Heights, between 2912 Madeira DR NE Albuquerque Real EstateWyoming and San Mateo, East to West, and San Antonio to Menaul, North to South.  The specific neighborhoods where you will find a Mossman have ethereal names like Stardust Skies, Highland North and bear Canyon Village.  Roughly, a grand total of 7,500 Mossman-Gladden homes were built here in Albuquerque.

But do Mossman homes retain their value better than others?  Looking at the area of Albuquerque where Mossmans were historically built, for all single-family detached homes that sold from 7/30/12 through 7/30/13, the Average Sales Price was $196,273 and the Average Price per Square Foot was $104.28.

Using the exact same parameters but just for Mossman homes, the Average Sales Price was $224,107 and the Average Price per Square Foot was $109.21.  So, the answer to whether Mossmans hold their value better than other homes is a resounding “yes!”

This is why The Sugar Team is so excited to be selling the home at 2912 Madeira DR NE.  It’s a beautiful home with gleaming hardwood floors, tongue and groove vaulted ceilings, ample bedrooms and a huge hybrid room which can be used to do laundry, crafts and storage…and, yes it’s a Mossman!  Check out the virtual tour to truly delight in the construction:

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The Sugar Team Sources:

Gorgeous Ridgecrest Home 1002 Parkland Cir SE Albuquerque

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1002 Parkland Cir SE Albuquerque Real EstateIn the heart of beautiful tree-lined Ridgecrest this 4-bedroom home underscores elegance around every coved turn & perfect remodeling from roof to kitchen sink. Front door opens to exquisite living room & roaring fireplace. With no carpet in site, every horizontal surface showcases hardwood, brick or tile & handcrafted concrete & granite counters in the bathrooms & gourmet kitchen. HUGE master & den allow for privacy while covered patio & H2O feature are perfect for entertaining. Just stunning!

 1002 Parkland Cir SE Stunning Features:1002 Parkland Cir SE Albuquerque Real Estate

  • 4 Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms
  • Approximately 2500 square feet
  • Newer Roof
  • Completely Remodeled Gourmet Kitchen with beautiful black granite countertops
  • All 3 bathrooms tastefully remodeled
  • 2 Living Areas & 2 wood-burning fireplace
  • No carpets, hardwood flooring and tile throughout
  • Backyard with water feature/wading pool perfect for entertaining or fun with the family

Check out the virtual tour to get a gorgeous glimpse of this home or contact The Sugar Team to arrange a private showing:

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Albuquerque Neighborhood Drive-by—Ridgecrest

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A dog walker passes by a beautiful brick colonial, being pulled (dragged?) by a German Shepard and a toy poodle.  A brightly colored jogger trots up the Ridgecrest Albuquerque Real Estateluxurious central median, taking advantage of the grassy padding and tree-lined boulevard’s cool shadow.  Two moms—pushing strollers which may or may not even contain children—enjoy today’s power walk up Ridgecrest Blvd while prattling on about the latest current events.  To the untrained eye this may seem like a made-up neighborhood straight out of a Hollywood movie, but in reality it’s a description of a typical five-minute period of time in Albuquerque’s lovely Ridgecrest neighborhood.

Located in Albuquerque’s South East Heights, Ridgecrest is a historic residential neighborhood–also containing the Parkland Hills area–that sits right smack-dab in the middle of town.  Roughly, its Western-most boundary is Carlisle with Silver to the North, Gibson to the South and San Mateo to the East.  And even though its gorgeous tree-lined streets, darling mid-century moderns, bungalows and Santa Fe style homes set it apart from both the busy rat race and sedate suburbia, it still finds itself conveniently close to Nob Hill and University of New Mexico to the North and Kirtland Air Force Base to the South.

Albuquerque Ridgecrest Real EstateWhat Ridgecrest doesn’t claim is to be a neighborhood with homes that are exorbitantly expensive.  According to the GAAR Multiple Listing Service, as of June 6, 2013 for Ridgecrest the Median Sales Price for the year was $190,250; the Average Sales Price was $202,873; and the Average Number of Days on the Market was 61.  And the highest sale for the entire year was only $451,000!!

This is why we at The Sugar Team absolutely love Ridgecrest!  We love its affordable historic homes built in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s as well as the mature trees lining the streets.  We proudly have two homes for sale–one at 1002 Parkland Cir SE and the other at 1124 Monroe SE–both of which exude the true Ridgecrest character.  Check them out!  You won’t be disappointed:

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13324 Desert Flower PL NE–Mountain Views by Day, City Views by Night

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13324 Desert Flower NE Albuquerque Real EstateMajestically perched on the hill and tucked into a Glenwood Hills cul-de-sac,
this architectural gem offers VIEWS of the mountains during the day and the
peaceful glow of city lights at dusk.  Sumptuously updated from beamed ceiling to
marble tile, this 4-bedroom home exudes excellence. The shimmering custom front
door reveals the gorgeous gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless
appliances.  State-of-the-art bathrooms with jetted tub & designer details.
Just superb!

13324 Desert Flower PL NE Exquisite Features:13324 Desert Flower PL NE Albuquerque Real Estate

  • 4 Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms
  • Approximately 2938 square feet
  • Beautifully remodelled from head to toe
  • Gorgeous Designer Bathrooms that have to be seen to be believed
  • Gourmet Kitchen with beautifully updated cabinets, stylish black granite countertops, travertine marble flooring and stainless steel appliances
  • Separate Family Room with Travertine Tile and Living Room with wood-burning fireplace and beamed ceiling
  • Tons of storage
  • Perched up high on the hill with fabulous VIEWS of the city below from the HUGE sunroom
  • Low-maintenence backyard with pergola and MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
  • Great Glenwood Hills cul-de-sac location

Contact The Sugar Team to get a private tour of this architectural gem!

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1124 Monroe ST SE–We (Heart) Ridgecrest!

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1124 Monroe SE Albuquerque Real EstateWe (Heart) Ridgecrest! Front door opens to a huge living room & sunken den
with custom wood-burning fireplace & plenty of built-in shelves. The kitchen
features stainless steel fridge (included!) & gas range. French Doors lead
to the back deck & copious backyard. The 2-car attached garage delights with a
nice little workshop. The Membrane roof was just installed in 2012 & comes with a
warranty. Hardwood floors throughout without a stitch of carpets. And just 1/2
block from the park to jog with the doggies!

1124 Monroe SE Lovable Features:1124 Monroe SE Ridgecrest Albuquerque Real Estate

  • 2 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms
  • Appoximately 1630 Square Feet
  • 2-Car Garage with Workshop
  • Membrane Roof Installed in 2012 with Warrranty
  • Hardwood Floors througout with no carpets
  • Den with custom wood-burning fireplace that could be made into a bedroom
  • Separate Laundry Room
  • Central Force Air Gas Heat
  • Spacious Backyard with Deck
  • Great Ridgecrest Location close to parks and well…lovely Ridgecrest

Come by for one of our next Open Houses, contact The Sugar Team for a private showing, and check out the Virtual Tour to get a true flavor of this wonderful property:

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Mesa del Sol… but where are the garage doors?

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Mesa del sol - Casita Model by Raylee“Has alleys”…never have two little words created so much excitement for a Realtor®.  Maybe we should explain…  The Sugar Team recently was given a tour of Mesa del Sol, a new community located in southern Albuquerque just started in March 2012.  We have seen a lot of new communities come and then go in the Greater Albuquerque area for their lack of cohesiveness, affordability, or move towards sustainability, but Mesa del Sol thankfully gets it right.  As stated on their Website, the goal of Mesa del Sol is to create, “a new place designed to celebrate art, industry, the individual and the community, Mother Nature and common sense.”

Mother Nature seems to play a prominent role in Mesa del Sol’s 12,900 acres of land, whereMesa del Sol - Architectural Model 3,200 are devoted exclusively to parks, trails and natural space.  Viewed from above, the community–based on the Stapleton Model—resembles spokes of a wheel with each spoke radiating to a different place of importance.  Every home is certified Energy Star 3.0 and classified NM Green Build Silver, and according to the developer of Mesa del Sol, Forest City the average home in the community is designed to use 34% less water than the average Albuquerque home.

Mesa del Sol - Manzano Paired Pulte Model - Albuquerque Real EstateUnlike other new communities, Mesa del Sol is situated in the city limits of Albuquerque.  It finds itself within approximately 15 minutes of three grocery stores, Nob Hill and five minutes of UNM Golf Course.  And also unlike other communities, Mesa del Sol attempts to fold industry and schools right into its residential climate.  As a result, Fidelity, Molina Health Care, Albuquerque Studios, and Rose’s tablecafé all work shoulder-to-shoulder with Mesa del Sol while the K-7 International School continues to educate some 250 pupils.

What most sets Mesa del Sol apart is its commitment to the “traditional neighborhoodMesa del Sol - Cottage Green Rachel Matthew Model - Albuquerque Real Estate design,” completely self-evident in its eclectic architecture.  Gone are the cookie-cutter repeats found in suburbia.  Rather, Mesa boasts five different home collections ranging from 1100 to 3000+ square feet with prices ranging from the mid $100s to the $300s.  Having experienced a private tour, we found the architectural diversity to be quite fascinating, covering everything from traditional bungalows and contemporary cool townhomes reminiscent of Nob Hill to more majestic Spanish Revival and traditional Pueblos.

Mesa del Sol - Aperture Park - Albuquerque Real EstateEven the Home Owner Association’s (HOA) philosophy promotes one’s individuality.  At only $45 per month the HOA covers the maintenance of parks, common areas and front yards while not restricting one’s artistic expression in terms of choice of exterior paint color.  But what most differentiates Mesa is its alleys…

What you will notice when driving down the streets of Mesa del Sol is that none of the garage doors face the front.  Instead, the homes have 100% alley-loaded garages and driveways.  The reasoning behind this is both aesthetic and social.  Aesthetic, because no one can dismiss how insipid and cold a big, white rectangular garage door can be greeting every new visitor.  Social, because care has gone into making large, inviting front porches Mesa del Sol - Alley - Albuquerque Real Estatelike in traditional, community-oriented neighborhoods.

Nonetheless, Mesa del Sol still has some kinks that need to be ironed out.  As we are just coming out of a recession, there is clearly risk involved in investing in any brand-new community, and approaching this as a “sure-thing” would be naïve at best.  To date, only 40 homes have been built, eight of which are model homes and only eight are presently occupied.  However, Mesa del Sol seems to be analyzing the short term and the long term as good as (or better than) any other developer.  And Mesa continues to be forward thinking, planning a community pool in the summer of 2013 and volley ball courts, dog parks etc. throughout their extensive park corridors.  One thing is clear; in comparison to any other new development, this community is impressive and absolutely merits a visit.

Just contact us at The Sugar Team, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Mesa del Sol - Rachel Matthew Residencia Model - Albuquerque Real Estate

The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

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Albuquerque Art Museum
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 19th 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.

Albuquerque Museum Sculpture Garden
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 Neighborhood Drive-by–Spruce Park

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Albuquerque University of New Mexico

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 17th most walkable neighborhood in all of ABQ.

Nob Hill AlbuquerqueHowever, 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 19th and 20th 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.

Albuquerque Spruce ParkBeing 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).

Spruce Park Albuquerque

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:

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Useful Spruce Park Links:

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

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8401 Mesa Top NWLighting 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!

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8401 Mesa Top NW Master Bathroom8401 Mesa Top NW Kitchen

 

 

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

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1303 Roma NEUpdated 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!

Spruce ParkThis 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:

Play VisualTour