UNITED WE STAND IN OUR FREEDOM.

As I reported in our last newsletter, the upper end of the market -- homes selling for 500K + -- remains stagnant. For the buyer this is a good opportunity as inventories are larger than normal, prices are holding steady and are, in many cases, very negotiable. I predict our current national situation will slow the upper end of Santa Fe's market for another six months or so.

Associates in this office have been traveling on planes of late. We report that travel is safe and we encourage you to visit Santa Fe before winter sets in. Local hotels are offering discounts. October is perfect weather for real estate showings.

Home Builders Honored

Santa Fe's best homes builders were honored in the recent Parade of Homes. Nave Ade swept the competition in the $160,000 to $299,000 range. Parks Custom builders swept the competition in the $1.2million to $1,295,000 range. Some of the amenities used in these buildings include "green" aspects such as adobe construction, recycled timbers and doors, blown in cellulose insulation, non toxic water-soluble stains and water-catchment systems.

Current market trends in Santa Fe, NM :

The upper end of the market -- homes selling for 500K + remains slow. For the buyer, this is a good opportunity as inventories are larger than normal and prices, in many cases, are negotiable. I predict our current national situation will slow the upper end of Santa Fe's market for another six months or so, but the smart buyers are in the market now. The lower end of the Santa Fe's market -- 300K and under -- remains brisk. There are many newer homes now available with lots of local and out-of-state interest driving this level of the market.

For your free Multiple Listing Research fill out our Contact form.

MOVING AND RELOCATION TIPS

Moving and Relocation can be one of the biggest headaches in your life. To make this life change easier, try the following moving and relocation tips.

30 days before your move:

• Select your moving company. Make sure the company is bonded and insured. Ask your friends for recommendations.
• If you are moving to another state or long distance, make hotel reservations, purchase airline tickets, make a reservation for a rental car.
• Start packing items you do not use often.
• Notify your post office and fill out change of address forms.
• Notify your: bank, credit card company, insurance company, magazine subscriptions, physician, friends and family of your address change.
• Notify Uncle Sam.

14 days before your move:

• Make arrangements with your utility companies to have your service shut off at your old address the day after you close and started the day before you move in at your new address. Contact: your local phone company, long distance carrier, heat/gas company, electric company, water, cable/satellite TV, environmental control.

7 days before your move:

• Finish packing:
• Pack by room and clearly mark boxes and be specific about what's inside. This makes unpacking much easier.
• Reinforce the bottoms of all boxes with strong packing tape.
• Breakable items should be well padded and marked "Fragile" on all sides of the box.

The day before you move:

• Make a final walk through to be sure nothing gets left behind.
• Have keys for your new home.
• Confirm your move by calling your moving company.
• Do one last clean up - it's the most important thing you can do to welcome your new buyers.
• Turn over keys and garage door openers to your real estate agent.

FINANCE

Today we now see interest rates at a 30 year low. Rates will vary depending on your credit and type of loan. Some incredible rates are out there, contact the mortgage brokers and banks today to obtain your best rate !

30yr fixed conventional 6.375%
15yr fixed conventional 5.87%
Adjustable Rate 5.125%

Call Carla Hiley/New Directions Financial, Inc., toll-free at (888) 884-4240 or e-mail me at cmhiley@qwest.net for a Free pre-qualification.

NEW MEXICO WEEKLY QUOTES, NOW ON LINE!
Get current mortgage rates from the best N.M. lenders now! CLICK HERE

GOVERNMENT & TAXES

Call the experts !
New Mexico Tax and Revenue 505-827-0700
City of Santa Fe 505-984-6500
Santa Fe County 505-986-6200

Note: Santa Fe has some of the lowest property taxes in the country. Property taxes in NM not allowed to increase more than 3% a year.

STATISTICS

Santa Fe Association of Realtors property statistics

2001 second quarter Santa Fe Area

Existing and new, single family detached homes sales:

Total City of Santa Fe:

2nd Qtr 2001 194 sold, median price $209,000

2nd Qtr 2000 242 sold, median price $212,250

Total Santa Fe County

2nd Qtr 2001 192 sold, median price $248,495

2nd Qtr 2000 130 sold, median price $250,000

Condo/Townhome sales:

Total City & County

2nd Qtr 2001 77 sold, median price $189,000

2nd Qtr 2000 87 sold, median price $173,000

Note: This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Santa Fe Association of Realtors or its Multiple Listing Service. Neither the Association nor its MLS guarantees or is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Rising from 6500 to 7500 ft, most of central New Mexico is in the transition zone. Ponderosa pines, oak, juniper, spruce, aspen and Douglas fir grow here.

FYI - Santa Fe, see our resources page.