Welcome Home Newsletter
April 2024 | Issue No. 47
Now that Spring has officially sprung & patio season is upon us, I thought it was the perfect time to share some of the wonderful wineries in & around Albuquerque. As in most creative professions, food & beverage businesses in New Mexico are a cut above the rest & the winemaking industry here certainly fits the description. A wine lover myself, I appreciate the inspiration, dedication & hard work that goes into this labor of love. The roots of winemaking in New Mexico date as far back as 1629, making it the nation's oldest region for the craft. The industry has seen a revival beginning in the 1970s & is now big business with new generations of winemakers flourishing & reinventing the ways that wine lovers access & enjoy the fruits of their labor. Vineyards, wineries & tasting rooms add more than 7,000 jobs to our economy & a big financial impact to local communities.
March 2024 | Issue No. 46
This month I'm very excited to share stories of some inspirational local women in honor of Women's History Month! It's a privilege to have such a strong & diverse population of women to learn from & grow with as entrepreneurs in our community. The Albuquerque community is a nurturing environment for so many women-owned businesses. Personally, I think this is worth celebrating 365 days a year, but definitely this month gets a little more attention as we honor Women's History Month by way of celebrating the everyday heroes of the present.
February 2024 | Issue No. 45
I wanted to keep the sweetness going for a little longer, so this month I'm highlighting a favorite winter (well, anytime really) go-to….our local artisan coffee shops. There are so many neighborhood spots that are perfect for gathering & enjoying a warm cup of love on a cold winter day. One of the wonderful parts of living in a foodie town like Albuquerque is the passion for the craft that all of these coffee artisans bring to the table…or the cup in this case. We are home to many truly gifted & accomplished coffee roasters. This list is by no means comprehensive, however all of the shops I'm highlighting bring a unique flavor to our city!
January 2024 | Issue No. 44
As you may know, one of my favorite things is spending time in the kitchen making handmade confections. It has become an annual holiday tradition that I look forward to gifting to friends & family. In honor of this favorite hobby of mine I wanted to keep the sweetness going into the new year by highlighting some of our local New Mexican craft chocolate makers. We are fortunate to have some incredibly talented artisans producing high quality, award-winning chocolates across the state. If you're thinking ahead to Valentine's Day, this might be a good place to start planning.
December 2023 | Issue No. 43
New Mexico has a rich cultural & culinary history. One of the most beloved & signature New Mexican treats is the biscochito. Biscochitos can be found year-round but are a holiday staple in many households, with recipes spanning generations. There is reverence in baking & sharing this comfort food that has been part of our state's history for centuries. New Mexico was the first state to name an official state cookie in 1989. You guessed it, ours is the biscochito! The shortbread style cookie, traditionally flavored with sugar, cinnamon & anise, evokes memories of special occasions for most New Mexicans. Often enjoyed at weddings, holidays & celebrations, biscochitos hold a special place in both our hearts & stomachs.
November 2023 | Issue No. 42
We are lucky to have many community centers, organizations & programs around the city offering an array of services & activities to enrich our lives. When I was starting out in Albuquerque, I utilized the gyms at several community center locations. They had nice, clean equipment, weren't crowded & it was free to use with a membership pass obtained at the front desk. I also discovered my love of yoga at local community centers' free classes. Many years later, I do my best to start most mornings with my yoga practice to prepare mentally & physically for the busy day ahead. More & more, I'm finding that centers are offering art-focused programs. Organizations such as OffCenter Community Arts Project enrich participants of all ages & abilities. You can view a comprehensive list of Albuquerque community centers or Rio Rancho Community Centers to compare amenities & locations.
October 2023 | Issue No. 41
In most parts of the country, fall & winter months are too cold to enjoy outdoor activities. Not in the Southwest! With 310+ days of sunshine & mild temperatures, October is a perfect month for many outdoor sports, including golfing! Albuquerque is home to numerous public & private golf courses & country clubs. If you are a golf enthusiast, here is a recap of some of our finest golfing venues.
September 2023 | Issue No. 40
New Mexico has a rich history in the arts & as you know, I love to support the local creative community as much as possible. This month I want to highlight the performing arts community here in Albuquerque because when the days start getting shorter, I see it as the beginning of theatre season. The experience of going to a live performance & escaping into another world for a few hours is the embodiment of art in motion.
August 2023 | Issue No. 39
I've been exploring some of the hidden gems around our city this summer & thought I'd share a few of them with you. Most of you have probably visited Explora or Albuquerque Museum, but have you been to the Telephone Museum or the Rattlesnake Museum? There are some really cool, quirky museums that are perfect for exploring to escape the summer heat. You're sure to learn some new things & they are fun for all ages to enjoy. If you have family or friends visiting from out of town, these are excellent stops to add to your tour of the city. What other spots are on your go-to list for exploring?
July 2023 | Issue No. 38
Squash blossoms are considered a delicacy. I love the idea of being able to use the flowers that do not produce a squash on almost any squash plant, including pumpkin blossoms. I grew up eating squash blossoms scrambled in eggs or in an omelet in the summer. I think it was the easiest way for my Mom to cook them & she loved eggs. In 2006, I went to Italy for the first time to meet relatives & quickly became a fan of having the fried blossoms. Isn't everything better fried!?!?
June 2023 | Issue No. 37
In keeping with May's theme of summer gardening, I thought this month it would be nice to share some local love for a company promoting the garden/farm to table approach through cooking classes & demonstrations. We are lucky to have many farms & businesses that focus on sustainable practices right here in Albuquerque. One of the most dynamic is The Sprouting Kitchen, who offers a wide range of farm-fresh food preparation experiences. Whether taking a class or participating in a tasting, this is an excellent summer activity that allows you to spend time with others in the community, learn some new things & sample delicious, fresh dishes that are good for body & soul.
May 2023 | Issue No. 36
As you know, I try to visit our local growers' & artisan markets as often as possible so I'm happy the season has started again. If you browse any of the local markets you'll see the vast variety of produce available in our area. Our temperate climate lends itself to so many options. One of my other very favorite activities during the warmer months is growing my own veggies. I garden to have access to produce that can be hard to come by & to share my bounty with friends & family. As I was researching & planning for my garden this year, I thought it might be nice to share some planting info, tips & resources with you.
April 2023 | Issue No. 35
In my final installment of my New Mexico Bucket List series, I highlighted destinations that are all relatively short day trips from Albuquerque. There are some truly stunning landscapes that are fairly easily accessible & so unique from one another. And of course I included Albuquerque because it’s easy to forget how many things there are to see & do right here at home. What do you think of this New Mexico Bucket List? Ready for an adventure?
March 2023 | Issue No. 34
This month I’m featuring the the second part of my New Mexico Bucket List series. I shared the first of three parts in February. Sitting down to make the list really made me stop to think just how lucky I feel to call New Mexico home for the last three decades. No wonder the film industry has been increasing production here recently, I think our natural beauty easily rivals that of any other state in the country. Last month I highlighted some of the most captivating destinations mainly to the south of Albuquerque. This month, we're heading north. There’s nothing better than the beautiful landscapes & vistas of Northern New Mexico. Don’t you think?
February 2023 | Issue No. 33
I recently saw a New Mexico Bucket List on Instagram & thought I'd expand upon it & share with you this month. How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful state filled with amazing natural landscapes & destinations many have to travel great distance to see? It's so easy to get caught up in our daily lives & forget that there are so many incredible wonders to experience right at our doorstep. I know I'm guilty of it. This will be a “To Be Continued…” series because there are so many to share. I've narrowed it down to my top 25 bucket list destinations across the state. Here's the first set. How many of these spots have you visited? What is your favorite?
January 2023 | Issue No. 32
Thanks to many inherent factors, Albuquerque has been voted the No. 1 place in the U.S. to live & work as a filmmaker for the last four years in a row! The beauty of the surrounding landscapes & moderate climate, the heart & soul of the people here & the ever-persistent creative spirit paired with relatively affordable standards of living are contributing to our sustainable hot spot status in the industry.
In 2022 alone there were 109 different productions bringing in a record $855 million. With film incentives, a talented crew base, hospitable climate & stunning landscapes, its hard to compete with all Albuquerque has to offer film & television. Albuquerque is becoming a favorite destination for casts & crews who are soaking in the 300+ days of sunshine, more relaxed environment & that magical something that New Mexicans know all about.
December 2022 | Issue No. 31
Wow, can you believe this year is coming to a close & soon we'll be heading into 2023!? I thought I'd finish the year strong by highlighting one of the very best parts about the holidays….festive sweets & treats! We are lucky to have so many talented local businesses who specialize in offering deliciousness here in Albuquerque. These are some of my very favorites. Who am I missing? I could spend months on this subject alone.
November 2022 | Issue No. 30
Old Town Albuquerque is near & dear to my heart & is definitely experiencing a period of revitalization & renewal this year. If you're like me, you visit Old Town with out of town family & friends. Or maybe the first Friday in December is on your calendar for the annual Old Town Holiday Stroll & Lighting of the Tree in Plaza Don Luis. If you haven't visited recently, you may be pleasantly surprised with the abundance of new businesses popping up all around the plaza. While many favorites can still be found, some have relocated to new locations & lots of fresh faces & offerings are waiting to be experienced.
October 2022 | Issue No. 29
This month I wanted to highlight one of our local treasures here in Albuquerque…the Rail Yards Market. The regular season for the market ends the last Sunday in October. This is one of the most exciting & event-packed months to enjoy it before a break in November & the highly anticipated Holiday Market the second weekend in December. The month of October features the always delicious taco tournament fundraiser followed by lots of opportunities for costumes & harvest cheer leading up to Halloween. You can visit the Rail Yards Market every Sunday from 10am-2pm (May through October).
September 2022 | Issue No. 28
In honor of all the kids going back to school this month, I thought I'd share a bit of history with you in this issue. During a trip to the Albuquerque Museum, I learned something about the roots of Fair Housing in Albuquerque that I thought might interest you too. As a Realtor, I'm always looking to gain historical knowledge of the industry & this is such an important foundation for modern real estate practices pioneered in our beloved city. Did you know that Albuquerque was home to one the first Fair Housing city ordinances in the country? The ordinance was adopted in June of 1963, predating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 & the federal Fair Housing Act (aka Civil Rights Act of 1968).
August 2022 | Issue No. 27
Tinkertown is a folk art museum created & built by Ross Ward (1940-2002). The building that houses the museum began as a four room summer cabin & was transformed into a 22 room experience. It took Ward over 40 years to complete his creative vision which includes 20,000+ hand carved miniatures in various old time scenes. Prepare to take a trip back in time as you explore the worlds Ward shares with you through this legacy art. Established in 1983, the museum is celebrating its 39th season this year! For those of you who haven't visited, you are in for a treat! The museum is open for the 2022 season every Friday through Monday from April 1st to November 1st (10am-4pm).
July 2022 | Issue No. 26
I had a craving for a sweet treat last weekend so I whipped up a batch of the most delicious gluten free pecan chocolate chip cookies. I realized its been awhile since I shared a recipe with you, so this was the perfect opportunity. The recipe below is one that has been modified many times over. This version has all the flavor you're looking for in the perfect cookie, but with fewer allergens & refined sugar. Its a great base that gives you lots of room for customizing & experimenting to make your very favorite flavor combo. What's your go-to cookie? This is my preferred version, with pecans. Most of the ingredients are ones you probably already have on-hand.
June 2022 | Issue No. 25
Hello Summer! I thought I'd do a little roundup of a few local fun summer activities in case you are looking for some seasonal events to fill up your social calendar. Of course, there are many weekly & monthly happenings around town…like Albuquerque Downtown Growers' Market, Rail Yards Market & ABQ ArtWalk but also lots of annual events to plan for in advance. This is by no means an exhaustive list & I would love for you to share other events with me that I might have missed. With all of the chaos in the world right now, it's important to take time away from work & responsibilities to enjoy the season!
May 2022 | Issue No. 24
Makeover Story: Santa Fe Edition
This home was a stunning custom 1970s showpiece that had fallen into major disrepair. The project took months of planning & reconstruction, but just look at the finished product. This is truly a Dream Home!! All the amazing original details, like the vaulted tongue & groove ceiling, rock indoor pool/entertainment room & custom banco seating area with fireplace, are now showcased. This home features all the amenities you could ever want…plenty of privacy on this 2.56 acre lot, views of Santa Fe (just 9 minutes from the Plaza) & so many custom touches that make it the perfect entertaining & relaxing retreat. Even working from home will feel like a vacation in this re-imagined compound.
April 2022 | Issue No. 23
In honor of Spring & new beginnings, I thought it would be fun to share a couple of recent renovation projects that have just hit the market. It's been awhile since I highlighted a before & after story & as you may know, this is one of my very favorite facets of my career. Talk about major transformations, both of these properties underwent extensive structural & design makeovers that took well over a year from beginning to end. I love looking at a property in need of some TLC & seeing its hidden potential. One of my favorite parts of working in Real Estate is finding those homes that have great bones & have been well-loved, but need new life breathed into them.
March 2022 | Issue No. 22
I don't know about you, but I am ready for Spring! Along with warmer weather, Spring brings with it a sense of renewal & anticipation of one of my favorite local markets, Downtown Albuquerque Growers' Market. I enjoy growing my own fruits & vegetables, but also love supporting the many local farms & growers we are fortunate to have access to in our backyard. March is National Nutrition Month so I thought it would be a great time to highlight some of our New Mexico in-season vegetables & specialty items you can find now & into our growers' market season.
February 2022 | Issue No. 21
The healing waters of a hot springs pool is one of my very favorite places to relax & unwind. We are fortunate to have so many opportunities to experience the therapeutic qualities of natural hot springs around the state. What more perfect getaway (perhaps for Valentine's?) is there during these cold winter months? What's your favorite spot to soak? These are some of my very favorites…
January 2022 | Issue No. 20
Whew, we made it through 2021 & into the calmer winter mood of January. The winter months are perfect for a getaway to one of the many renowned ski resorts in New Mexico. These snow-filled escapes offer the unusual experience of winter majesty in this land of 300+ days of sunshine. Not that you won't have the sun to warm your skin & lift your mood, but also the tranquility of snow-blanketed slopes & warm, cozy fireside visits. All of these destinations are in our backyard, with easy access & opportunities for family fun during the quiet winter months in Albuquerque. Make sure you check in with each resort before planning your trip! Due to changes in snowfall amounts & weather conditions, availability of services may be limited or impacted.
December 2021 | Issue No. 19
The first home I owned was in Barelas & my first Christmas Eve I stepped outside to see my entire street, including the front of my house, lined with farolitos. It was a magical, peaceful experience. There are many organized tours around Albuquerque & Santa Fe you can join to experience luminarias, or farolitos, as well as holiday light displays. Neighborhoods around Old Town, Country Club, Barelas, North Valley & South Valley all boast dazzling displays.
November 2021 | Issue No. 18
Can you believe it's almost December 2021?! This year is swiftly coming to an end & soon it will be time for holiday celebrations & gift giving. Unlike last year, there will be in-person holiday markets (yay!) & lots of opportunities to support our local makers & economy while giving thoughtful & unique gifts. I wanted to share some of my favorite markets as a guide for you to help find those perfect gifts for your loved ones this year. You may click on any of the photos to find out more details. I hope you'll join me in supporting small this season, and often. Small businesses are the heart & soul of our Albuquerque community, let's get out & show them some love this holiday season.
October 2021 | Issue No. 17
Fall is the most beautiful time of year in New Mexico! The leaves normally begin changing in mid to late September, with peak by late October into November. Higher elevations will experience more color early to mid October & lower elevations, mid to late October. The nights have that crisp, refreshing coolness we've been longing for all summer. If you're up for a road trip, Taos & Santa Fe have stunning autumnal displays. In Albuquerque, a walk along the Bosque or a trip to the peak of the Sandias will have you craving hot chocolate by a crackling fire.
September 2021 | Issue No. 16
Fall is upon us (even though the weather seems to have missed the memo) & brings with it some of our most beloved annual events here in New Mexico. This year may look a bit different than past years, but both the New Mexico State Fair & Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are a go! The State Fair runs from September 9-19th & Balloon Fiesta will be October 2-10th.We are fortunate that Albuquerque is the host city for both events, so we get a front row seat for all of the festivities & fun. What are your favorite events to attend? What are your best memories from past years? I'd love to hear about what you're most looking forward to this year.
August 2021 | Issue No. 15
I am incredibly grateful to the Albuquerque community that has been so supportive of me & my business for the past 26+ years. I am a firm believer in paying it forward & am excited to do so by promoting other women's success. A portion of my earnings each year is being set aside to assist with the financial needs of women working toward their degrees in higher education. This support will enrich our community & allow for growth & empowerment for women seeking knowledge & investing in our beautiful city & state. In honor of back to school season, I am thrilled to share with you the first recipient of the Jen Wilson Home Team Scholarship, Marisa L. C de Baca. I am over the moon to be able to support women's higher education & can think of a no more deserving woman to honor than Marisa.
July 2021 | Issue No. 14
Summer brings with it so many ways to get out & enjoy our city. Every July Albuquerque celebrates all things lavender at the annual Lavender in the Village Festival. The festival was founded over 13 years ago & raises money to help fund local agricultural & educational programs. This year there are more opportunities than ever to connect to local businesses, farms & artisans. In place of the traditional 2-day festival, there are numerous ways to celebrate & participate all month long. This festival is always on my agenda & I enjoy finding new businesses & artisans to support along the way.
June 2021 | Issue No. 13
It’s getting HOT here in Albuquerque with the Summer Solstice just around the corner. It has been awhile since I last shared a recipe, so I thought now would be the perfect time to give you something cool to make on those hot summer days ahead. Here's my easy ice cream recipe that's creamy & delicious & can be made dairy-free with just a couple of changes. Last weekend, I whipped up a batch of mint chocolate chip for my godson's graduation. I used coconut sugar so it came out a bit darker & didn't use food coloring. I customized this batch with mint chocolate candy as the chips & mint extract.
May 2021 | Issue No. 12
On the first Friday evening of every month, Downtown Albuquerque celebrates the art & cultural vibrancy of the city. The ABQ Artwalk curates a rotation of local artists, makers, musicians, food vendors, experiences & more. There are pop-ups happening all around Downtown…a map of locations is available on the website. Each first Friday offers a new opportunity to interact with & participate in our local creative economy. For 3 years the organization behind the event has found innovative ways to grow the creative community. Over the past year, they have continued to provide the monthly event in a safe manner, following state & city health guidelines.
April 2021 | Issue No. 11
Happy April, friends! Did you know that Albuquerque turns 315 this month? From the 10th through the 25th, there are many opportunities to celebrate our beautiful city. Spring in Albuquerque is quite lovely, the perfect time to get out & enjoy. Among the opportunities to celebrate, while also supporting & giving back to our local community & economy, is the Albuquerque Grab & Go Series Birthday Edition at the Rail Yards. You can choose from several curated Birthday Bundles featuring many local small businesses, artisans & food vendors. What a fun way to participate, feel good about adding your support & get some great goodies all at the same time.
March 2021 | Issue No. 10
Last month I shared information about the Home Selling process, so I thought I'd follow-up with Home Buying for March. Now, more than ever, it's crucial to have the right Realtor by your side when searching for your dream home. The Real Estate market in Albuquerque is very competitive & homes are selling in record time. Knowing & understanding the current Real Estate market is a crucial component in making the right offer to secure your new home. I’ll be there to help you navigate making a competitive offer, dealing with negotiations & inspections & all of the steps leading up to closing. My main objective is to see you in your dream home! You want someone to guide you who knows the market, has up to date information & can act quickly to help you make an attractive offer & turn your dream home into a reality. I'd love to be your guide in this journey.
February 2021 | Issue No. 9
This month I thought it might be helpful to share a bit of information on the Home Selling process. I know it can be an overwhelming journey to tackle, but having the right Realtor on your side will make all the difference! 2021 is shaping up to be another record-breaking year in Albuquerque Real Estate sales. Homes are selling for top dollar & in record time. Have you been considering putting your home on the market but don't know where to start? I'd love to help you with a smooth transaction; either a traditional sale or cash offer for your property. I'll highlight some important reasons to choose the right Realtor & a few key tricks of the trade to make sure your home shines & sells quickly. I can help guide you along the way; from prepping your home for the market, establishing an accurate list price, presentation, staging & photography to accepting an offer, negotiations & navigating the paperwork to get your sale closed. I will communicate & work with you every step of the way.
January 2021 | Issue No. 8
As you may know, in addition to assisting clients with their Real Estate buying & selling journeys, I also work with a group of investors, designers & contractors on rehab projects. We find properties that need some TLC (my own home was one of our projects) & give them a new life. Often these properties have been neglected but have great bones & just need someone to bring them back to their full potential. As a nod to fresh starts, I decided to share two of our biggest transformations from last year. This beauty located across from Altura Park had been much-loved, yet was in need of a major style redo. We created a modern masterpiece from a traditional home. The original beams were left intact as a focal point. You can see the timeless appeal of this design concept as it complements the fresh, modern vibe of the newly renovated home.
December 2020 | Issue No. 7
My kitchen is my happy place during the holiday season. There's a special kind of magic that happens in the process of baking & sharing goodies with friends & family. Over the past 20+ years, I have adapted several recipes to reflect changing dietary needs, however the end product always brings delight & comfort. This year, more than ever, I couldn't wait to jump in & get started.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Do you look forward to baking & sharing with friends & family? Do you pass down traditional recipes or reinvent new ones? I thought this year would be the perfect year to share one of my most beloved recipes with you. Perhaps it will become a new tradition in your home too.
Novmber 2020 | Issue No. 6
The holiday season is upon us & it is safe to say this year will be like none in recent years. Now, more than ever, it is so important to support the local economy & those who represent the heart & soul of our community. Albuquerque is home to so many talented artists & creatives. This holiday season, I will be gifting from shops & markets who highlight & celebrate this fact. 2020 has been a tough year for small businesses, so I thought it would be a good time to share my holiday gift-giving guide with you! You will be redirected to the websites of the featured below by clicking on the image. Enjoy & Shop Local!
October 2020 | Issue No. 5
Albuquerque has a long history & an abundance of spots around the city with tales of hauntings & spirits. With Halloween just around the corner & many of our more lighthearted festivities being limited or postponed this year, I thought it might be interesting to share some of the lore of haunted places around town. There are several local companies who offer ghost tours (ABQ Tours offers history & ghost tours of Old Town), or you can dig a little deeper on your own & give yourself a creepy history lesson.
September 2020 | Issue No. 4
Hello friends…As promised, I am sharing one of my favorite recipes in the September issue, just in time for the cold snap this past week & hints of fall in the air. This is a recipe that I’ve continually turned to—both in the hot & cold seasons—that always brings comfort to myself & those around me. It is my go-to gluten free dough that I use as a base for all sorts of baked goodness. This past weekend, I was craving pizza (because who wasn't?) & decided to give it a whirl as a grilled dough. Ummm, can we say DELICIOUS?!
August 2020 | Issue No. 3
As you may know, cooking is one of my greatest passions in life. I grow some of my own produce when possible, but also rely heavily on in-season goods I find at local growers markets here in Albuquerque. These markets are so important to me & for our community so I thought it was fitting to highlight two of my favorites in this newsletter, as August is Local Food Connects Month. Most Saturday mornings beginning mid-April to early November, you will find me at the Albuquerque Downtown Growers' Market located in Robinson Park on 8th & Central Ave. On Sundays from May through October, Rail Yards Market is the go-to place for all things local.
July 2020 | Issue No. 2
As you drive along most any road near Downtown Albuquerque, you’ll surely notice the colorful murals adorning many of the building walls. In Albuquerque, art is a way of life. In every form imaginable, the artists of the city communicate their journeys, hopes, dreams and experiences for the world to see. The murals have been an integral part of the landscape of the city for some time. With the establishment of Albuquerque Mural Fest 2017, this art form has taken a step forward as a focus in beautifying our city, as well as often conveying political or sentimental statements. Many businesses in Downtown and Nob Hill have capitalized on this marriage of form & function, beautifying their outside space, bringing awareness & proudly giving the city's artists a public platform.
June 2020 | Issue No. 1
I never planned on falling in love with my home. The first time I saw the house, it had been abandoned & boarded up-- definitely not a "love at first sight" story. But we could see the vision & passion of the owner-architect who built it for his own family. And on the day of the open house, I realized I had fallen head over heels...and decided to keep it. When I began my Real Estate career in Albuquerque over 25 years ago, I never dreamed it would become such a gratifying creative endeavor. I deeply enjoy the architectural process of restoring function & value back to neglected properties. Even more than design, I relish my role as liaison for my clients. There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone realize their dream of home ownership or supplying the tools for a smooth transaction. My fulfillment comes from helping my clients achieve their goals & my metric of success is their satisfaction. I would love the opportunity to assist you in finding your favorite things in a new home!
Here’s 4 Hot DIY Tips For Home Sellers To Hone In On During Quarantine
There's no denying it: things are really weird right now. Social distancing, self-imposed quarantine — you name it, life is different. This can lead to some real frustration across any number of situations. It's an especially trying time for anyone who's attempting to sell their home during a situation where you can't have prospective buyers enter your home!
Yet not all is lost. We've got an incredible set of hot do-it-yourself tips for home sellers in your exact situation, hot off the presses of a selection of the top New Mexico real estate agent geniuses anywhere. Here are four perfect DIY solutions to live through the Coronavirus quarantine and come out on the other side!
Tip #1: Don't Lose Hope
If we're speaking honestly, it's time to address the elephant in the room. You might be facing feelings of hopelessness right now because you think that you'll have to wait months or even years before things have turned back to normal enough for you to be able to sell your home, but that's simply not the case! The truth is that houses are being sold even in the depths of the quarantine, proof positive that while things might have slowed down a bit, they absolutely are still moving. So don't lose hope!
Tip #2: Buyers Are Still Eligible for Help
You would think that with the economy in shambles and few people working to the capacity that they were before the quarantine that financial constraints would keep buyers from investing in real estate. While this may be true in some cases, in many other circumstances there are plenty of buyers who still have the resources necessary for closing a sale. An example of this is how down payment assistance is still widely available for qualifying buyers. That spells good news for sellers like you!
Tip #3: Use the Proper Protection
If you're serious about getting your home sold during the quarantine, you'll have to find ways to ensure you protect both you as a homeowner and anyone who comes into your property for the required home inspections that will need to be done. If you can't vacate the house while the inspector is there, be sure they have a protocol that ensures they use personal protective equipment like masks and gloves and that they wipe down any surfaces both before and after they examine them. Also, ensure that any inspectors submit any findings or reports to you remotely and discuss them over the phone with you.
Tip #4: Selling a Home With Minimal Contact Is Entirely Possible
We know what you're thinking. "How can I sell my home without being able to have an open house?" We won't lie to you: it's definitely going to be more difficult to find a buyer in a situation like this. At the same time, though, there are so many ways to virtualize your home now that you can absolutely sell it with minimal interpersonal contact. Whether it be through remote conversations with your realtor, through leveraging imaging and video technologies to list and show your home on