by Michael Umphrey on July 12, 2010
Camino Del Monte Sol -The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico – Michael’s Blog
As the morning spreads over the city you decide to take a stroll on one of the most picturesque streets on the East side of Santa Fe. It’s a short walk from the downtown Plaza, up Canyon road or Palace Avenue or along the river up East Alameda. You’ve arrived at the Camino Del Monte Sol Historic District. In this neighborhood are 106 homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The architecture is described as Pueblo Revival, Spanish Revival, Territorial Revival and New Mexico Vernacular. Luxury estates and world-class art galleries nestle beside adobe shepherd’s huts dating back to the 1800’s and earlier. In 1921, five painters know as the Cinco Pintores built their homes on the Camino and became the foundation of the Santa Fe art movement. A string of legends are woven around the image of the burning of Zozobra, first celebrated here on the grounds of Will Schuster’s home.
While you’re here, be sure take a look at Homes For Sale On Camino Del Monte Sol
Michael’s Minute of Real Estate
It’s always trendy to stage your home like a pro. Here are 10 inexpensive ways to freshen up your home:
1. Buy new towels for the bathroom
2. Upgrade outdoor lighting
3. Install new doorknobs and cabinet handles
4. Make a centerpiece for your dining room table
5. Buy a new mailbox
6. Polish or replace your house numbers
7. Place fresh flowers or houseplants around your home
8. Buy color-coordinated pillows for the sofa and bed
9. Replace your worn out doormat
10. Eliminate, don’t mask any odors
My Business to Business Referral
Each week I let you know about an outstanding business in Santa Fe. Let me introduce David Mueller, the owner of Mueller Landscaping. David earned three Master’s Degrees from the University of Michigan in Landscaping, Horticulture and Regional Planning. David and his team can perform any installation of plantings, irrigation systems, brick work, adobe wall construction, entry gates and any type of outside architecture. My clients are always delighted with his exceptional work and David is a person I can put my name to. He can be reached at 505.699.9313. Let him know I referred you and he will take extra special care of you. If you need anything feel free to call my cell at 505.470.4180
I’ll see you in the neighborhood.
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on July 9, 2010
Here’s a photo of Tonia, Nick and Oscar on a hike to the waterfalls in Rio En Medio, New Mexico. Our new favorite!
“A house is made of walls and beams;
a home is built with love and dreams.”
– Unknown
Even during the uncertain housing market of recent years, 90% of surveyed homeowners maintained that their house is a source of comfort in their lives. Have you ever stopped to think about why so many Americans make it a goal to buy a home one day? This month’s Item of Value explores the reasons why the idea of homeownership is important to so many people. It shows the immense impact that the home construction and sales industries have on our national and regional economies, as well as how ownership helps build strong local communities. It also discusses the personal and financial benefits for individual families.
I hope that you find this topic as interesting as I do, because in my work I get to see what owning a home really means to people every day. Feel free to call and discuss your personal home ownership goals and how I can help you reach them.
Here are the latest Absorption Rates for homes and land in Santa Fe and Santa Fe County
I’ll see you in the neighborhood,
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on July 1, 2010
121 Rito Guicu, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Price: $480,000
Just entering Las Lagunitas can evoke a powerful emotional resonance. This home succeeds in so may ways it’s hard to know where to begin. There are custom Knotty Alder cabinetry and doors throughout, hand trowelled plaster walls, in-floor radiant heat, granite countertops in the Kitchen and both Bathrooms, tongue and groove vigas, tile flooring. The home is sited on secluded lot, not visible from road, on a cul-de-sac, with a fenced in backyard. 17′ vaulted ceilings and there are no steps!
by Michael Umphrey on June 17, 2010
Agua Fria – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
“To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day…………with a big iron on his hip”
~ Marty Robbins
If you’ve ever listened to this gunfighter ballad you may have wondered where this town might be or if it even exists. It’s a traditional village just 3 miles west of downtown Santa Fe. Agua Fria Street, (awa freeah), meaning cold water, runs parallel to the Santa Fe River. This pleasant drive will take you from town almost to the Santa Fe Airport. Here, you can find such diversity as my office on the corner of Agua Fria and Guadalupe Streets, The International Institute of Chinese Medicine and the spiritually-resourced graduate school, Southwestern College.
While you’re here be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale On Agua Fria
Give me a call at 505.470.4180 and I’ll play “Big Iron” for you, live. I’ll see you in the neighborhood.
Continued success,
Michael
by Michael Umphrey on June 10, 2010
Price: $625,000
It will “Feel” right the moment you pull up in front. It was the model home for good reason. Wait until you see the views. This beautiful home has 2788 dazzling square feet that includes four bedrooms, and a cornucopia of delicious extras. What is so compelling about this residence is its continuity of appeal-the sensation that washes over you here is the total balance of scale, palette, textures and setting. Right house, right lot. Priced $30,000 below the new appraisal.
by Michael Umphrey on May 12, 2010
Acequia Madre – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
My regular Saturday morning walk through the neighborhoods of Santa Fe takes me not only through the secretive streets and old burro alleys but also through the four seasons of the high desert. With the warming, dry breeze that blows over the rooftops in early spring I walk along the Acequia Madre, (Mother Ditch) on the historic Eastside. I couldn’t help but stop and take this photo because this year the snow melt has allowed us to have the acequia and the Santa Fe River flow everyday through downtown. It’s the third oldest irrigation ditch in the United States. Except for tribes and Pueblos, ditch member have the oldest water rights in the state. The annual ditch clean-up is in April and the whole town is always eager to participate. I look forward to seeing you in the neighborhood.
Be sure to take a look at 
Homes For Sale On Acequia Madre
This week I want to let you know Neal Frank, owner of Santa Fe Pens has a new website!
Santa Fe Pens is proud to announce the creation of their website at www.santafepens.com
Continued success,
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on May 4, 2010
Puesta Del Sol – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
There’s a slow, majestic sway to the greening willows. Displayed across the surface of the sky is the view of the nightly sunset seen from the vast expanse of the countryside. This is horse country. Miles of trails and arroyos course through the pinon and cedars and from here you can ride to the ski basin. This quiet, high desert community is sprinkled with Santa Fe style architecture. With a sunset like this, who needs words?
Be sure to take a look
at Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood
I’ll see you in the neighborhood.
Michael
by Michael Umphrey on May 1, 2010
Price $435,000
This is the prime lot in the conservation neighborhood of the distinguished Galisteo Basin Preserve. Adjacent to hundreds of acres of protected Open Space. This 28 acre lot connects to the expansive network of private and public hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. This sublime parcel’s 3.5 acre building envelope also accomodates a single family home and guesthouse, barn, stables and corrals. The owner is a licensed New Mexico Real Estate Broker.
by Michael Umphrey on May 1, 2010
With style and flair the owner has transformed this beautifully sited home into a sexy, contemporary hideaway in the pines. Your bound to be enchanted as soon as you arrive and see the African Mahogany front doors, Maple wood floors and the exquisite landscaping. Completely remodeled in the last two years, you’ll find all new Pella windows, new Jennaire appliances, recessed lighting, Dining Room, French doors, a very open floor plan and an insulated garage. Here’s a home I can rave about.
PRICE $437,000
by Michael Umphrey on April 28, 2010
The North Hills – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Swirled beneath a fathomless night of bright, whispering stars is an area of Santa Fe known to the folks who live here simply as the North Hills. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are part of the southern tip of the Rockies and this neighborhood is not only in that range but in the city limits. From Bishop’s Lodge Road turn right on Valley Drive and wind your way through a surprising assortment of architectural styles. Northern New Mexico pitched roofs, Mediterranean tiles, and Contemporary Pueblo all pepper the hillsides. Some of the attractions here are larger wooded parcels , the proximity to walking trails and arroyos the ease of biking and walking to town and the superb views sunset and mountain views. Driving into the hills you’ll eventually come to Hyde Park Road leading to the Santa Fe Ski basin.
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The North Hills
Oil Stains On A Garage Floor
I ran across a tip on how to remove oil stains on a garage floor. Remove the surface oil with cat litter to soak it up. Remove that and then make a paste of hot water and laundry detergent. Scrub it. If you need to, sparingly use oven cleaner. I have lots of tips for use around the house and I’d love to share them. Give me a call at 505.470.4180 if you need any.
I’ll see you in the neighborhood!
Michael
