ABQHomeTalk.com

Albuquerque Real Estate

Albuquerque Real Estate December 2014 Market Watch

by

2302-El-Nido-NW-Albuquerque-NM-Albuquerque-Real-EstateMARKET WATCH!  In the month of December 2014 the Median Sale Price for single-family, detached homes was $177,000 and the Average Sale Price was $211,523.  The Absorption Rate was 5.46 months and the Average Days on the Market was 71.  (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors)

The Sugar Team has some motivated sellers and some superb new listings coming soon.  We have a gorgeous North Valley home that is about to have a severe price adjustment and some majestic Sandia Mountain Foothill listings on the way.  Call us (505) 850-9977 to get the details!

Linda and Sutter

Albuquerque’s Neighborhood Drive-by–Embudo Canyon

by

Embudo-Canyon-Albuquerque-Real-EstateHere in Albuquerque one of the most gorgeous events to experience is the Sandia Mountains changing color from bright orange to pink, and then finally to burgundy as the sun sets.  Of course, most Burqueños can savor a good New Mexico sunset from just about anywhere in Albuquerque, but in the Embudo Canyon neighborhood the Sandias take center stage.  What sets Embudo Canyon apart from other parts of town is its warm embrace of the Sandias through hiking trails, biking trails and views while remaining extremely accessible.

Embudo Canyon’s location couldn’t be more ideal.  Even though it’s tucked into the ABQ-Real-Estate-Embudo-CanyonFoothills, removed from the hub-bub of the city, you can quickly jump onto Tramway, Lomas or Interstate 40 and get anywhere in town.  The western boundary is defined by Tramway and the majestic Sandias to the East.  To the North, Embudo Canyon reaches as far as the Embudo arroyo.  The Southern boundary roughly runs diagonally North-east along Lomas Boulevard.  If you looked at the shape of the neighborhood you would say it resembles the “pistol formation” in football.

However football is not how Embudo Canyonians get their exercise, but rather biking and hiking.  The extensive bike path shoots up Tramway from Central all the way to Sandia Pueblo.  Any day of the week, rain or shine, you will see cyclists from beginners to Ironmen (and women) enjoying the spectacular views as they head up this perfectly maintained bicycle super highway.

Embudo-Canyon-Real-Estate-AlbuquerqueThe way to get to the trail head is by going East on Indian School road.  Just keep driving until you can’t drive any more.  From the trail head you will be able to embark on some of the most picturesque trails in the Greater Albuquerque Area, winding their way around the folds of the mountains.

Unlike the Foothill neighborhoods to the North, real estate in Embudo Canyon is much more affordable.  However, it is a fairly large and established community with approximately 1100 homes and a proud neighborhood association that has been in operation for twenty years.

For the entire year of 2014 43 homes sold in Embudo Canyon.  During that time the Real-Estate-Albuquerque-Embudo-CanyonAverage Price per Square Foot was $119.30 and the Average Number of Days on the Market was 86.  Finally, the Average Sales Price was $248,308

Keeping in mind the incredible quality of life Embudo Canyon has to offer, this neighborhood provides an incredible bang for your buck:  Views.  Hiking.  Bicycle riding.  Accessibility.  Affordability.  And that’s why The Sugar Team has decided to call Embudo Canyon home!

Embudo Canyon Useful Links:

4724 DANUBE Drive NE Albuquerque, NM 87111: Gorgeously Updated with Pool in New Holiday Park

by

4724-/Danube-NE-Albuquerque-Real-EstateThis Northeast Heights brick ranch is complete with gorgeous updates through and through.  Open the front door and delight in discovering a home without a stitch of carpet.  With ceramic tile in the wet areas and hardened, stranded bamboo in all the others, this 4-bedroom originally was a model home and shows like one to this day.  Generous updates pervade: refrigerated air, newer roof, double-paned windows, brand-new master bath and remodeled kitchen.  And oh, what a kitchen!: updated soft-close cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel double-convection oven, fridge and gourmet hood!  Don’t miss going out into the beautiful, over sized backyard (+1/4 acre) and take a dip in the refreshing private pool. This.Is.The.NEW.Holiday.Park.

4724 Danube NE Gorgeous Updates:4724-Danube-NE-ABQ-Real-Estate-Pool

  • 2038 Square Feet of Fabulous Space on a .29 acre lot
  • 4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom
  • Refrigerated Air
  • Heated outdoor pool
  • Professionally remodeled Kitchen w/ Granite counter tops, soft-close cabinets, and gourmet stainless steel fridge, double convection oven and hood
  • Double-paned windows
  • Newer pitched roof
  • Not a stitch of carpet!

Contact The Sugar Team (505) 850-9977 today for a private showing or stop by one of our many open houses this weekend.  And of course, if you aren’t nearby, you can always check out the virtual tour to whet your appetite:

Play VisualTour

3907 Calle Olivo NE Albuquerque, NM 87111–Fabulous Remodel in Glenwood Hills

by

Like brand new in Glenwood Hills! Nestled in Albuquerque’s majestic Foothills at the end of a cul-de-sac, this 4 Bedroom/3 Full 3907-Calle-Olivo-NE-Albuquerque-Real-EstateBathroom territorial-style home with new refrigerated air exudes sophistication around every corner. Step into the gourmet kitchen and be pampered by the brand-new granite counter tops, easy-clean flat-surface cook top and stainless steel stove and dishwasher. Almost 50% of this gorgeous home has been remodeled right down to the studs, adding new paint, a ground floor full bathroom, and freshly laid flooring in the family room and master suite. And what a master suite! The huge 34 x 14 master’s quarters finds itself on its own private wing, showcasing its own sitting room, bathroom with separate shower and jetted tub, walk-in closet and private balcony with romantic VIEWS of the city’s twinkling lights. Go out to the 1/4+ acre backyard and throw the football around on the green grass while surrounded by mature fruit trees. There’s even RV/boat parking, a storage shed and oversized garage. Nothing beats luxurious North East Heights living!

3907 Glenwood Hills NE Fabulous Features:3907-Calle-Olivo-NE-Albuquerque-Real-Estate

  •  Approximately 3010 Square Feet
  • 4 Bedrooms and Three Full Bathrooms, with one Bedroom and Bathroom downstairs
  • Refrigerated Air
  • over 1/4 Acre Lot
  • Huge 34′ x 14′ Private Master’s Quarters with walk-in closet and private balcony
  • Master Bathroom with separate shower and jetted tub
  • Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counter Tops and smooth, easy-clean cooktop and stainless steel appliances
  • Freshly Painted in neutral colors
  • Brand-new high-end carpeting in living room and Master Suite
  • Gorgeous VIEWS of the twinkling city lights and the Sandia mountains
  • Great Glenwood Hills location

Check out the Virtual Tour, the next best thing to seeing this lovely home in person, or contact The Sugar Team (505) 850-9977:

Play VisualTour

Adobes and Trombe Walls in Albuquerque

by

Adobe-trombe-wall-albuquerque-real-estate

Adobe Trombe Wall & Kiva

Here in New Mexico we all have familiarity with the term “adobe,” and would not bat an eyelash in consideration of purchasing a home constructed from this natural resource.  However, talk to a potential home buyer from anywhere besides the South West and you may get varying reactions: interest, confusion, or maybe even horror (okay, perhaps that’s an exaggeration…).  What most people don’t know is that adobe and adobe bricks are a durable, insulating, organic building material dating back centuries that can even increase a home’s real estate value.

Adobe is composed of the most basic materials.  It is the Spanish word for mud brick and is made from sand, clay, water and a fibrous material, usually being sticks or straw.  These bricks date back thousands of years and were created by indigenous peoples located in the South West, Mesoamerica and the Andes of South America.  What is remarkable about this material is that they are incredibly durable as well as insulating.

Because of their greater thermal mass, adobes have an elevated R-factor depending on the density of the materials.  And when used

adobe-wall-albuquerque-real-estate

Adobe Wall

to form a wall designed to trap solar energy (a “Trombe wall”) they deliver a green-energy one-two punch.  An architectural element designed by French engineer Félix Trome and Jacques Michel in the 60’s, a Trombe wall is an adobe brick wall built on the winter sun side of a structure.  The brick wall is found on the internal side of the home, and on the external side, a transparent glass window in front of the wall.  Through the winter day the sun shines through the glass, heating up the adobe bricks.  Then, during the night, the bricks slowly release heat into the home.  This is an ingenious design that doesn’t require any cogs, mechanisms or electricity and is completely environmentally clean.

Trombe-wall-adobe-albuquerque-real-estate-sugar-team

Trombe Wall Exterior View

Due to its sustainable and aesthetically pleasing characteristics, data shows that homes with adobe bricks are more valuable than homes without.  For example, according to the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors® over the course of year as of July 30, 2014 homes with adobe materials sold for an average of $122.05 per square foot with an average sales price of $299,538.  Compare that to non-adobes that averaged $100.89 per square foot and an average sales price of $198,180.

The Sugar Team is proud to have a home on the market that perfectly illustrates the concept of adobe bricks and the use of passive solar in a Trombe wall.  Located at 8301 4th ST NW in the village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, this home showcases many other gorgeous South West features, including soaring tongue and groove ceilings, corbels, kiva fireplace, talavera tile and brick floors.  Call The Sugar Team (505) 850-9977 to arrange a private showing and don’t miss the virtual tour:

Play VisualTour

Albuquerque Real Estate June 2014 Market Watch

by

8301-4th-ST-NW-12-Los-Ranchos-de-Albuquerque-NMMARKET WATCH!  During the month of June The Median Sale Price for single-family, detached homes held steady for the second straight month at $180,000 and The Average Sale Price was $213,504. The Average Days on the Market continues to go down and now is only 60. (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors)

The Sugar Team’s listings are selling like hotcakes. We have one home that sold in 15 days, one in 14 and one in only nine days! Call us (505) 850-9977 to see quickly we can sell your home.

Linda and Sutter

Why is Now the Right Time to Install Solar Panels?: an Albuquerque Homeowner Perspective (2 of 2)

by

Once I overcame the shock of getting a $350+ electric bill and then had done enough research to be convinced that putting solar panels in my home not only was a good idea to help preserve the environment, but also to save money and raise its property value, the next step was installation.

In the case of my own home, since it is all-electric and has refrigerated air, we were going to require a lot of panels.  We Solar-Panels-Installation-Albuquerquereceived an energy audit and had numerous evaluations by engineers, and it was determined we would need 30 photovoltaic solar panels or a 9.81 kWh (kilowatt hour) solar system to offset our energy use through the course of the year.

Depending on whether you live in the city or in the country sometimes it is better to have the panels connected to a battery apart from the electric company for storing energy to use at night or during severe cloud cover.  This is what they call “living off the grid.”  The other option is to have the solar system feed right into the electric company’s meter.  At nighttime no solar energy is being produced and the meter moves forward as usual, measuring usage.  However, during the day when solar energy is produced, and if consumption is less than production, the METER ACTUALLY GOES IN REVERSE!  When that happens that means that energy is being sold to the utility company (or “net metering”).

REC-MeterThere is nothing more satisfying than watching your electric meter move in reverse.  Living here in the Sunbelt where according to the Current Results Website we average 278 sunny days in Albuquerque, it’s no surprise to see a meter connected to a solar system spinning backwards.  And because I entered into an eight-year contract with my electric company, their buy-back rate is guaranteed during that period.  Of course, there is speculation the rate will go down, but no one knows for sure.

Solar-Panel-Ballast-SystemThe installation itself only took five days.  We have a flat roof so we decided to get a “ballast system.”  This is where the frames that sustain the panels are held in place by cinder blocks (rather than bolted in) and are designed to withstand winds up to 120 miles per hour.  The result is a gorgeous design with 30 photovoltaic panels feeding into two inverters that convert solar energy into alternative current (AC).  This converted energy leads to the Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Meter that, of course ultimately ties into the electric company’s meter.

Solar-Panels-Albuquerque-Home

The moment of truth came one full month after the installation of our solar system…receiving the electric bill.  I opened the envelope and, low-and-behold my utility company had cut me a check for $60.00!!!

I am so entirely satisfied with my solar system that I’d like to invite anyone who’s interested to see it in action.  I am organizing a “Solar Party” at my home in Albuquerque to explain how the system works and serve appetizers on:

July 26, 2014 from 3:00 – 5:00PM  

RSVP Sutter Sugar (505) 850-9977 or Sutter@TheSugarTeam.com to learn to live just a little bit GREENER.

Albuquerque Real Estate March 2014 Market Watch

by

412-Wellesley-DR-SE-Nob-Hill-Albuquerque-Real-EstateMARKET WATCH!  In March 2014 the number of single-family detached sales increased 3.42% from the previous year.  The Median Sale Price was up to $170,000 and The Average Sale Price was $202,672 a 2.11% increase from the previous month.  The Average Days on the Market was down to 74.  (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors)

The Sugar Team has a diverse inventory of homes that would appeal to any interest.  What is yours?

Sincerely,

Linda and Sutter

Albuquerque Real Estate February 2014 Market Watch

by

412-Wellesley-DR-SE-Nob-Hill-Albuquerque-Real-EstateMARKET WATCH!  In February 2014 the number of single-family detached sales increased 1.5% from the previous year.  The Median Sale Price was up to $169,000 and The Average Sale Price was $198,483.  And the Average Days on the Market was 83.  (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors)

The Sugar Team has revamped its Website.  Take a look at www.TheSugarTeam.com  It has more of a crisp, modern look and is much friendlier to mobile devices.

Let us sweeten your move!

Linda and Sutter

Albuquerque’s Neighborhood Drive-by–Nob Hill

by

A young lady shops for a “cute” skeleton mask in preparation for the upcoming Día de los Muertos celebration.  Across the street aNob-Hill-Albuquerque-Real-Estate teenage boy sifts through racks of pants, looking for the perfect pair of vintage jeans.  A university professor conducts a seminar with some graduate student about Don Quixote over a delicious pint of IPA craft beer.  A few blocks down the road an older couple celebrates their 50th wedding anniversary over a caprese salad and handmade, prosciutto-filled ravioli.  All this activity and it’s only Thursday!  This can only be described as the typical setting you will find in the Nob Hill neighborhood, Albuquerque’s shopping, social, gastronomical and intellectual epicenter.

Developed in the 1920’s and located along Albuquerque’s old Route 66, Nob Hill attributes its hip and cool atmosphere to its proximity to the University of New Mexico, historic Spruce Park and Ridgecrest.  Nob-Hill-ABQ-Real-EstateLocated in the heart of the city, Nob Hill’s borders are roughly defined by Lomas to the North, Garfield to the South, Washington to the East and Girard to the West.  Because of its convenient location and ideal mixture of commercial and residential properties many describe Nob Hill as one of the only walk-able neighborhoods in town.

Due to its cultural draw tourists choose Nob Hill as their prime destination when visiting Albuquerque.  And when homebuyers look to purchase real estate in Albuquerque they inevitably look to Nob Hill as a solid investment.

Nob Hill’s real estate data truly speaks for itself.  Going back a year and analyzing the data as of March 23, 2014 for detached ABQ-Nob-Hill-Real-Estatesingle-family homes the Average Sales Price was $266,253 the Average Price per Square Foot was $169.02 and the Average Days on the Market was only 57.  Compare those numbers to the entire Albuquerque Area where the Average Sales Price was $209,931 the Average Price per Square Foot was $103.21 and Average Days on the Market was 85 (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors®).

Distinguishing itself from homes in other parts of town, Nob Hill properties project pure character.  Here is where you can you find gleaming hardwood floors, sultry coved ceilings and crackling wood burning fireplaces.  To wit, The Sugar Team is offering a gorgeous home located on 413 Morningside DR SE in the heart of Nob Hill.  Watch the Virtual Tour to truly enjoy its character:

Play VisualTour

Nob Hill Useful Links:On a personal note, The Sugar Team has a deep, close connection with Nob Hill.  I graduated from the University of New Mexico inNob-Hill-Real-Estate 1999 and lived right on Jefferson while going to grad school.  I biked or walked to UNM every day as I didn’t have (nor needed) a car.  Presently, all of my favorite Albuquerque restaurants are located right in the neighborhood, whether I’m in the mood for Italian, French, Greek, Thai, Vietnamese, Venezuelan or Pub food.  ¡Viva Nob Hill!