by Michael Umphrey on September 17, 2009
Camino Pequeno – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
It’s mid September and the amber light that seeps down through the cottonwoods reveals the most romantic and secluded lanes one could ever hope to find. In the heart of the historic Eastside neighborhood just off East Alameda is Camino Pequeno and at the end of this heavily wooded lane is an area designated as a Wildlife Preserve, home to beaver, birds and even black bears dining in the apple orchards. Until you take a stroll through this Eden it’s hard to believe that it’s a short walk to the Plaza and Downtown Santa Fe. The Santa Fe River is just a trickle now but its silver threads of water flow parallel to the Acequia de la Muralla, irrigating the gardens of thirteen families residing here.
Before you put on your walking shoes be sure to take a look at www.8CaminoPequeno.com
Michael’s Minute of Real Estate
The latest Absorption Rate figures for Santa Fe City and County are now available. In the month of August there were 2,361 homes on the market. A total of 95.42 homes sold, leaving 24.74 months to absorb the inventory. I’m happy to give you the breakdown in price ranges if you give me a call at 505.470.4180
My Business-To-Business Referral
Each week I present to you an outstanding business. Let me introduce to you Stephanie Sharman, owner of Tamayo Studio. Stephanie offers faux finishing, plaster repair, water damage repair, concrete floor crack repair, painting, decorative art and more. She has been in business for 16 years. My clients and I are always delighted with her exquisite work and the current market demands that your home be in pristine condition. Stephanie is a person I can put my name to. She can be reached at 505.310.8177 and at tamayostudio@nets.com. Let her know I referred you and she will take extra special care of you.
I hope to see you strolling along the neighborhoods of Santa Fe.
Continued success,
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on September 9, 2009
Amaya Restaurant – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Tonia and I dined with friends this week at Amaya, the restaurant in the Hotel Santa Fe. Only 1 block from our house, I wonder how I have missed this most fabulous of hotels for so long. The brochure describes the food as innovative blends of traditional Native American cuisines and so with the desire that comes from well-advised ideas, I ordered the Apricot-Chipotle Glazed Rack of Colorado Lamb accompanied by goat cheese potato puree, asparagus and whole carrots, an olive tapenade and thyme lamb jus. Thick, succulent and delicious were the chops, the soup was the divine, the service was excellent, the company sensational and the setting perfect. The Executive Chef is Patrick Kline and the Chef de Cuisine is Walter Dominguez. The Hotel Santa Fe and Hacienda & Spa are Located at 1501 Paseo de Peralta, their number is 505.825.9867. What a wonderful neighborhood!
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood
Michael’s Minuteof Real Estate
As my tired eyes slid over the last page of the latest market data I was filled with gratitude and would like to thank my family, seller’s and clients for their trust and confidence in me and to everyone at Prudential Santa Fe Real Estate for their support. It’s been a terrific summer!
My Business to Business Referral
The one E-letter I can’t do without is written by Michael Podolny of The Podolny Group, Inc. - “Make Your Business Serve You”. In his latest, Volume 10, Issue 3, he writes, ”Flat is the New Up; How Will It Create Value and Personal Wealth in a No Growth Environment?”. Michael has helped thousands of small business owners, he’s excellent at what he does and is a person I can put my name to. If you’d like to read his insights he can be reached at 505.820.0565 and at www.Podolny.com. Let him know I referred you and he will take extra special care of you. If you need anything please give me a call at 505.470.4180
I’ll see you in the neighborhood!
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on August 17, 2009
Montezuma Street – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
All it takes for a little inspiration to compose my weekly blog on the neighborhoods of Santa Fe is to take a walk around the block. The district is heaving with Friday afternoon traffic as I make my way to Montezuma Street, the hub of the Rail Yard District. Just a ½ block from my office I can stroll through Border’s Books, The Cowgirl Hall of Fame Restaurant (excellent Bar-B-Q and live music), Pranzo Italian Grill, Café Dominic, Zia Diner, and Kohnami Sushi. The Jean Cocteau Theatre is now home to the New Mexico Film and Museum Office. The Sambusco Center is home to 24 shops including Bohdi Bazaar, Teca Tu, Santa Fe Pens and the best shoe store in the world, On Your Feet.
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood, Santa Fe, NewMexico
Indian Market begins this coming weekend, August 22-23rd. Held on the Plaza and the surrounding streets downtown, there will be more than 1,100 of the finest American Indian artists offering the most exquisite pieces of jewelry, clay pottery, beadwork, photography, painting, sculpture and more. Collectors from the all over the world will be on hand the night before when judges will announce the Best of Show followed by the Sneak Preview. In its 88th year, Indian Market remains the most prestigious gathering for indigenous artists, patrons and collectors. There’ll be a Native American Clothing Contest, traditional dances, corn on the cob and fry bread too! Click here for Indian Market Events Schedule
Michael’s Minute of Real Estate
If you’re not looking to “flip” a house but looking for value and a home in which to live, this market offers the highest opportunity for you and your family. Inflation is coming. One doesn’t live with the price, one lives with the payment. With these historically low interest rates I must say again, “Buy now and thank me later.”
My Business to Business Referral
Each week I let you know about an outstanding business in Santa Fe. Let me introduce to you Henry Sena, owner of Alive Electric, Inc. Henry and his crew just completed re-wiring our 8,000 square foot, 80 year old historic downtown Santa Fe Prudential office. Henry is excellent at what he does and is a person I can put my name to. He can be reached at 505.690.7678. Let him know I referred you and he will take extra special care of you. If you need anything, please give me a call at 505.470.4180
by Michael Umphrey on August 9, 2009
24-A Griego Hill, Tesuque, New Mexico
Price: $890,000 ”SOLD”
If you are a ready-to-act buyer who has been waiting for the chance to live in the “charm district” of New Mexico, this Japanese style home may cause you to take immediate action. Designed and built as an Econest by Robert Laporte and Paula-Baker Laporte , this “Santa Fesian” home is featured in many architectural magaziness including Econest, Healthy Homes, Trend, and Great Homes. The clay/straw walls weave in and out of timber frame with artfulness and taste. Here, sunsets are a daily drama. Owner/Broker.
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on August 9, 2009
1254 Spanish Hill
Price: $8,000,000 “SOLD”
Welcome to 1254 Spanish Hill, Santa Fe, New Mexico. As you watch from the glistening waters of your infinity edged swimming pool, the porcelain moon rises in the East above the Santa Fe National Forest. At the same time, the most staggering sunset views are on display and you can’t decide which is more amazing. Your guests are just arriving and are greeted by two valets at the front door. They have already become enchanted by the waterfall and they know that beyond the pair of carved and burnished elegant Classic Old World doors they are about to enter another world. Once in the Foyer, traditional Venetian glazed walls, travertine flooring and hand molded tile are introduced. In the centerpiece of the foyer is a marble inlay in the flooring. Turning left into the Great Room one is captivated by the most astounding views in Santa Fe. The mountains of Colorado are in sight as is the entire Rio Grande Valley. The ceilings are twelve feet high with massive hand-carved beams and corbels. The large and inviting fireplace is ornately carved limestone. There are 12 indoor and 2 outdoor fireplaces. An acanthus leaf motif adorns the two Tuscan style chandeliers. Just about now you’ll want to catch your breath. Located in the exclusive , gated development of The Summit, Spanish Hill Estate is 15,591 heated and cooled square feet built on two lots. In the primary residence we’ll be seeing 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, an elegant powder room, a gourmet kitchen, an office, a library, a safe room/darkroom, an exercise room, a game room with a wet bar and media room. In addition, there is a 3 car garage, two complete guest houses and 12 indoor and 2 outdoor fireplaces.
www.SpanishHillEstate.com
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on August 5, 2009
Victoria Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico
As if the city were speaking to me, I suddenly grab my camera, speed off in my red MINI Cooper convertible and drive the three blocks along the Santa Fe River to explore the hidden lanes of Santa Fe’s Eastside neighborhoods. Today I find myself on Victoria Street, a cul-de-sac dirt road under a canopy of shade trees where one can easily get lost musing about the artists, poets and Bohemians who’ve made this town the artist’s haven that it is. Inspired by the Cinco Pintores, famed straw appliqué artists Alisa and Elisio Rodriguez spent their entire lives creating their unique works in this neighborhood. For a taste of local history, Santa Fe’s 400th Anniversary celebration has already begun.
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood
Michael’s Minute of Real Estate
There’s been much uncertainty about tax credits, but they’re actually pretty straightforward. The federal government will give first-time homebuyers an $8,000 tax credit and this is the best part, it doesn’t have to be paid back unless you sell your home within the first three years. That’s a lot of free money! In some states (e.g., California) there’s an additional $10,000 available to 10,000 home buyers of a newly constructed home. Think about it-you could be eligible for $8,000 from the feds, $10,000 from the state, the lowest interest rates in decades and prices at record lows. Now might be the best time to buy.
My Business-To-Business Referral
Each week I let you know about an outstanding business in Santa Fe. Let me introduce to you Robert R. Bailey. There’s no need to travel to New York or Los Angeles for high-end, beautiful, quality men’s clothing. Stephen Bailey, Mark Bailey and Gene Atkinson are people I can put my name to. They are located downtown at 150 Washington Avenue, Suite 105, and on the Web at www.RobertRBailey.com and at 505.983.8803. Let them know I referred you and they will take excellent care of you. If you need anything please give me a call at 505.470.4180.
I’ll see you in the neighborhood.
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on July 29, 2009
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. Set out subtle potpourri or scented candles
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 24, 2009
Have you seen the film, Red Sky at Morning? Richard Crenna starred in this story of a boy’s life in Santa Fe during World War II. It was filmed here in the neighborhood of the historic East side. Walking the street of Cerro Gordo (Fat Hill) you will find that not much has changed. The Santa Fe River slips through the sleeping city as the tones of St. Francis Cathedral hover in the air. One can take the short 2 mile trek along the river from the Plaza toward the lower slopes of the Santa Fe National Forest to the end of Cerro Gordo Road. The 20 mile long Dale Ball Hiking Trail begins there. My family and I always look forward to visiting Upaya Zen Center for the seasonal celebrations of the equinox. The area is heavily wooded and the lush, arboreal landscape is a surprise for most visitors. This weekend is the 58th annual Spanish Market happening in Santa Fe. If you ever wanted to see the history of New Mexican Spanish arts and culture then now is the time to come.
While you’re here be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale On Cerro Gordo, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Michael’s Bit of Real Estate “Lack of money is no obstacle. Lack of an idea is an obstacle.”- Ken Hakuta
Nowadays, “free money” isn’t just found on late night infomercials packed with crazy schemes. The truth is, there are a lot of real – legitimate – ways to find free money. From government tax credits to online deal finders that let you search the best deals in one place, there’s actually a lot of free money out there just waiting to be found. I’ll be sending you my Item of Value for this month and it will take you through some of the best ways to find free money and stretch those dollars just a bit further. 
My Business to Business Referral
Since I am so active in the industry, I come across some great referrals. Let me present John Dominguez, owner of Dominguez Carpet One. If he doesn’t have the carpet or tile you need he’ll make sure he finds it and installs it to in a seamless fashion. John is excellent at what he does and is a person I can put my name to. He can be reached at 505.988.3022 and his address is 1000 Cerrillos Road. Let him know I referred you and he’ll take extra special care of you.
I’ll see you in the neighborhood!
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on July 16, 2009
Upper Canyon Road – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
The sky shines with an evening sun that turns the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) Mountains the color of watermelon. Tonia and I were married in the gardens of the Randall Davy Audubon Center at the end of Upper Canyon Road. 12 years later our son, Nick, became a camp councilor there. Fed by the snowmelt, three reservoirs serve as some of the city’s drinking water and spill into the Santa Fe River. Just 3 miles from the Santa Fe Plaza and bordering the Santa Fe National Forest is a 190 acre urban preserve run by the Nature Conservancy. 
Willow trees and cottonwoods, beaver and birds paint the landscape along the trailhead of the 20-mile Dale Ball Hiking Trail. A series of ponds and wetlands make this neighborhood first choice for our family’s regular hikes.
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale On Upper Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Michael’s Bit of Real Estate
5 ways to speed up your sale:
1) Together we’ll set the right price. A correctly price home will always draw attention from buyers.
2) Get your house market-ready before you begin showing it so your family can get used to keeping your home clean and beautiful.
3) The more frequently your home is shown, the faster you will find buyer. Keep your home clean and staged so you can be ready to show your home on short notice.
4) Decide in advance what price and conditions you will find satisfactory.
5) Don’t refuse to lower your asking price. Consult with me to keep your home priced realistically.
My Business To Business Referral
Each week I present to you an excellent business. Let me introduce Dr. Mark Seredowych. He is a general practitioner and has been our doctor for 10 years. His care and bedside manners are contagious and he is a person I can put my name to. Mark can be reached at 505.982.4276 and his address is 1650 Hospital Drive, Suite 200, Santa Fe, NM. Let him know I referred you and he will take extra special care of you. If you need me for anything feel free to call my cell at 505.470.4180
I’m looking forward to seeing you in the neighborhood.
Michael
