by Michael Umphrey on August 2, 2010
Indian Market begins this month, August 21st and 22nd. 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 89th 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 the Schedule of Events
Who Would You Recommend to Family and Friends?
The vast majority of home buyers and sellers turn to the Realtor they used previously or one who was referred by someone they know. It’s understandable because we all want to work with someone we can trust, especially when it involves the largest transaction many of us will ever make. In this month’s Item of Value (call me for it at 505.470.4180 if you’re not in my Client Appreciation Program), I’ve included an explanation of how my decision to work by referral benefits you. It allows me to devote my time and energy to meeting the needs of my clients. There are a number of ways that I can be a valuable resource, such as providing market updates and referring other reputable business professionals when you need them. I will make a constant effort to provide you with excellent service, because in my business, the most profound assets I possess are your respect and trust. Your referrals are a priceless gift, and I want you to know that they will never go unappreciated.
Be sure to take a look at Luxury Homes For Sale In Downtown Santa Fe
My Business to Business Referral
Each week I let you know about an outstanding business in Santa Fe. Let me introduce to you Kevin Avants, owner of AvantGardens, Inc. Kevin is excellent at landscape design and is a person I can put my name to. He can be reached at 505.466.2546 and at Avant@AvantGardens.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 on the Plaza!
Michael
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 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 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 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
by Michael Umphrey on April 25, 2010
Galisteo – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
A visit to Northern New Mexico and Santa Fe would not be complete without a Sunday drive to the charming and historic 305 year old village of Galisteo. Just 18 scenic miles from Santa Fe and 49 miles from Albuquerque, you will see why artists, urban captains of industry, celebrity designers and movie producers choose Galisteo as their home. July offers the annual rodeo and is a combination of spectacular scenery, cowboy culture and living history. The Galisteo Studio Tour is held every October. The fall colors of the giant cottonwoods are a stunning sight along the river.
Be sure to take at Homes For Sale In Galisteo, New Mexico
Michael’s Bit of Real Estate
The answer to the question I’m asked daily from the owner’s of the fine homes I represent regarding the current state of the Santa Fe real estate market is as follows. It’s not a bad market, it’s a different market. It’s a price war and a beauty contest. When the market changes, I change. What do you do?
Since I’m so active in the business I come across some great referrals from time to time. Mueller Landscaping is a fantastic company. With a degree in landscape architecture, David Mueller and his crew are able to do anything from installation and repair of irrigation systems to design and construction of your dream garden. David Mueller is a person I can put my name to. He can be reached at 505.988.2957 or 505.699.9313. Let him know I referred you and he will take extra special care of you. If you need something, please give me a call at 505.470.4180 or Email me at mumphrey@prusantafe.com.
I’m here to serve you!
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on April 12, 2010
South Capitol, The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Since this is the neighborhood in which I live, I’m excited to tell you about this thriving district. Settled at the turn of the last century there was need for housing close to the bustling Santa Fe Rail Yard. Homes here were built with Victorian architecture, Territorial brick design and Pueblo Revival styles; many of them made of adobe. From our house, we can walk to everything Santa Fe has to offer, including the new trains in the Rail Yard District, the downtown plaza, museums and the Santa Fe River. The New Mexico Rail Runner will take you to Albuquerque for a mere $8.00. The neighborhood is home to The Farmer’s Market, fabulous art galleries, fine dining and cafes, and excellent shopping opportunities. Of course, the beautiful State Capitol building is here and is presided over by Governor Bill Richardson. I’d love to show you the area along with our new office located at 314 S. Guadalupe, (which is .4 miles from my house).
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The South Capitol Neighborhood, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Michael’s Bit of Real Estate
Not all remodels are created equal. You may already be familiar with Remodeling magazine’s popular Cost vs. Value report, which documents the average return on investment expected for specific improvement projects. But have you taken into account the latest design trends that will make your home more desirable and thus more valuable? For example, many buyers are seeking homes with hardwood, composite or travertine tile flooring because they require less maintenance than carpet and give a home a beautiful and natural feel. Replacing carpeted areas with these contemporary flooring options can give your home a worthwhile face-lift.
My Business to Business Referral
Each week I present to you an outstanding business. One of the unique services I provide when I take on the marketing of a home is to offer a complimentary “enhancement consultation”. Let me introduce you to the professional talents of my wife, Tonia Prestupa. She is an Interior Designer, Professional Organizer and a Party Planner extraordinaire. Tonia designs classic and modern interiors that create harmony and ambience within the surrounding architecture. Precious touches and exceptional objects are selected and crafted with rare skill from the finest of materials. Above all is her unwavering conviction that beauty and comfort elevate the human spirit. Her elegant and luxuriously designed interiors are showcased in Santa Fe, Chicago, Palm Desert, Los Angeles and North Carolina.
If you need help with a special area of your home, office, closets or garage that is overwhelmingly cluttered or disorganized, Tonia’s skill as a Professional Organizer will help you restore not only your area of concern, but your sanity!
If you want to entertain a small group of friends or clients but don’t know where to start or don’t have the time to put it all together, Tonia’s party planning company can design custom theme parties that are imaginative and memorable. She can be reached at 505.470.5060 and her Email is toniasantafe@gmail.com. If you need something, please call me on my cell at 505.470.4180 or Email me at mumphrey@prusantafe.com.
Continued success,
Michael Umphrey
