by Michael Umphrey on March 1, 2010
Vista Redondo – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
This week let’s ease into a gentle stream of traffic and in just 12 minutes emerge onto a majestic New Mexico landscape and a neighborhood called Vista Redonda. It’s perched upon four mesas above the Village of Tesuque with spellbinding vistas of the snow capped mountains and staggeringly brilliant sunsets. Home to movie stars and captains of industry, the upscale, water-wise community totals almost 700 acres and 82 luxury homes. There is also easy access to the adjacent National Forest. My wife doesn’t know it yet but I’ll be taking her to the fabulous Terra Restaurant for our 14th wedding anniversary next week. Located next to Vista Redondo, the restaurant is part of Encantado- an Auberge Resort and member of The Leading Hotels of the World. I’ll be having the Roasted Rack of Lamb Duo with gaujillo chili jus, a lamb shank tamale and tomato-tomatillo sauce. George Stumpp is back from Panama. He is the bartender at Encantado and I’ve never met a better one. Be sure to tell him I sent you and he’ll give you extra special care.
Be sure to visit Luxury Homes For Sale In Vista Redondo
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Michael’s Minute of Real Estate
Predatory Lending Schemes- According to the FBI, mortgage related schemes are up 173% from last year. Beware of lenders who tell you that they are your only chance of getting a loan or owning your own home, and avoid “no money down” loans. This is a gimmick used to entice consumers to purchase property that they likely cannot afford or are not qualified to purchase. Be wary of mortgage professionals who falsely alter information to qualify a consumer for a loan. Do not let anyone persuade you into making a false statement, such as overstating your income, the source of your down-payment or the nature and length of your employment. Never sign a blank document or a document containing blanks.
My Business-To-Business Referral
Each week I present to you an outstanding business. Let me introduce to you Brian Bodei, owner of Adobe Paint & Decorating. Family owned and operated for 18 years, Brian and his crew are not likely to let you get away with a drab color selection or miss any detail. My clients love his work and he’ll be more than happy to give you an estimate on a room or the whole house. Let him know I referred you and he’ll take extra special care of you. Brian can be reached at 505.438.8336 and is located at 25 Bisbee Court, Unit E, Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you need something, please call me on my cell at 505.470.4180.
Continued success,
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on February 16, 2010
Bishop’s Lodge Road-The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Heading north from the plaza of downtown Santa Fe is the old stagecoach road to Tesuque. It’s only 5 miles to the village of but the scenic drive is well worth your time. In that hidden, quiet corridor you’ll soon be in a lush valley where you’ll find luxury home sites and Santa Fe style homes peppering the hillsides. If you’re looking for something along the lines of a luxury New Mexico “dude ranch”, Bishop’s Lodge Resort retains the feel of the old west. The Hills at Bishop’s Lodge is the newest 45 acre residential luxury home and condominium development with amenities that include swimming, tennis and riding trails. To build your home here, I can also refer you to J.M. Evans, Inc., the finest custom home builder in Santa Fe. Jim Evans can be reached at (505) 984-1638 and on the Web at www.jmevansinc.com.
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale On Bishop’s Lodge Road
As always, if you need anything at all please feel free to call me at 505.470.4180
I’ll see you in the neighborhood,
Michael
by Michael Umphrey on February 10, 2010
The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Tips for Finding the Perfect Santa Fe Neighborhood
Your neighborhood has a big impact on your lifestyle. Follow these steps to find the perfect community to call home.
Is it close to your favorite spots? Make a list of the activities — movies, health club, church, etc. — you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you’re considering to engage in your most common activities.
Check out the school district. This is especially important if you have children, but it also can affect resale value. The Department of Education in Santa Fe can provide information on test scores, class size, percentage of students who attend college, and special enrichment programs. If you have school-age children, visit schools in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Also, check out www.schoolmatters.com.
Find out if the neighborhood is safe. Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics. Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type — such as burglaries or armed robberies — and the trend of increasing or decreasing crime. Also, is crime centered in only one part of the neighborhood, such as near a retail area?
Determine if the neighborhood is economically stable. Check with the Santa Fe City economic development office to see if income and property values in the neighborhood are stable or rising. What is the percentage of homes to apartments? Apartments don’t necessarily diminish value, but do mean a more transient population. Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months?
See if you’ll make money. Ask me to get information about price appreciation in the neighborhood. Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, this information may give you a sense of how good of an investment your home will be. A government planning agency also may be able to tell you about planned developments or other changes in the neighborhood — like a new school or highway — that might affect value.
Make personal observations. Once you’ve narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go there and walk around. Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets quiet? How does it feel? Pick a warm day if you can and chat with people working or playing outside.
Here’s wishing you a most wonderful Valentine’s Day,
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on January 29, 2010
The Inn and Spa at Loretto-The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
It was the winter of 1986 when I first came to Santa Fe. I stared in fascination at one of New Mexico’s most photographed buildings, The Inn and Spa at Loretto, an architectural recreation of the Taos Pueblo. One of my first solo engagements was in its Ballroom, where I performed six nights a week. The unique feeling of Santa Fe, and the reason I decided to live here, can be traced to the magic which exudes from the life and soul of the city and the beauty of this hotel. Today, the remodeled and exquisite boutique hotel offers an endless variety of luxurious amenities. The Executive Chef in the hotel’s Luminaria Restaurant, Brian Cooper, knows that people who love food, love Santa Fe. In the evenings you can sit around the quivering fire in the lobby and listen to the wonderful music of singer/guitarist Matthew Andre. Stefan Huber is the General Manager. To see what I’m raving about be sure to take a look: The Inn and Spa at Loretto
Click here to see some Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood
Michael’s Minute of Real Estate
As part of my Client Appreciation Program I’ve just posted my latest Item of Value for February and sent it to my friends and clients. Let me know if you care to receive it and I’d be delighted to include you. If you have any questions or concerns or if I can help in any way, please feel free to call me at 505.470.4180
Continued success,
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on December 12, 2009
Don Cubero Avenue-The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
As the snow spreads over the city of Santa Fe I walk Oscar, our Pug, through our South Capitol neighborhood and along Don Cubero Avenue. The avenue is aglow in a lustrous morning light that paints the elms and sidewalks an amber color. Like something out of a Frank Capra film, the homes here have the flavor of old Santa Fe. Folks are on evening strolls, saying hello from their front porch swings. The smoky scent of Pinon pine fills the air. Doctors, lawyers, artists, call this neighborhood home. Within walking distance are Body, The Railyard, the Plaza and fabulous restaurants. Vinaigrette is a new, chic little dining spot specializing in salads. It’s located at 709 Don Cubero Alley. There are luxury homes in the area too so be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale On Don Cubero Avenue
Michael’s Bit of Real Estate
It’s never too late to start over. Is it time to re-invent yourself? For those of you who like market data, the latest absorption rates for Santa Fe and Santa Fe County are posted and I’d love to discuss them with you. Sales are up and inventory is down. There are higher sales numbers and buyers understand the value of living in the Land of Enchantment. Interest rates are at 40 year low.
My Business-To-Business Referral
This is a part of my work that I really love and that is to be able to refer the best of the best to my clients and friends. This week, let me introduce you to John Salvatierra and his Sustainable Landscape Company. He offers snow removal, stonework lighting, walls and everything in-between for residential and commercial projects. My friends and clients are delighted with him and John is a person I can put my name to. John can be reached at 505.699.0069. Be sure to let him know I referred you and he’ll take extra special care of you. As always, if you need anything please be sure to give me a call on my cell at 505.470.4180.
I’ll see you in the neighborhood,
Michael
by Michael Umphrey on December 1, 2009
Christmas at The Palace – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
This first week of December is an exciting time for most Santa Fean’s. Farolitos are in place along the rooftops, the shops are “dressed in holiday style”, we’ve had a gentle dusting of snow and I’m rehearsing the tunes from my CD, “A Tender Santa Fe Christmas”. The first time our son, Nick, sat on Santa’s knee was in the courtyard of the Palace of The Governors in downtown Santa Fe. It is the oldest continually occupied public building in the United States. December 11th is the 25th annual Christmas at the Palace. On the 13th is Las Posadas which re-enacts the travels of Mary and Joseph. Every day and night, somewhere in Santa Fe, are musical performances ranging from exquisite choral arrangements at the St. Francis Cathedral, and Chamber music at The Inn at Loretto . If you like great jazz don’t miss Pat Malone. Give me a call and I’ll let you know where he’s performing. Come and join the tradition!
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Michael’s Minute of Real Estate
If you need to sell your house soon, now is the time to appeal to buyers. Make decisions, reduce your price and get ready to close the sale. If you’re moving on to another home purchase, act fast to take advantage of low prices and mortgage interest rates. The bargain you are likely to get with the purchase of your next home has the potential to far exceed any price reductions you may make on the sale of your current home.
My Business-To-Business Referral
The St. Francis Hotel is bringing back Afternoon Tea! My wife, Tonia, is the Hospitality Consultant and is an expert on exotic teas of the world and is also an accomplished in Japanese Tea Ceremony. You can come to the hotel on Don Gaspar and Water Streets and have teas, desserts, cheeses and Sherry. Tea service will be Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 to 5:00pm. Much more on this in next week’s post.
I’ll see you in the neighborhood.
Michael
by Michael Umphrey on November 21, 2009
Camino De Las Animas – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
The smell of the sleeping streets calms me on my morning walk through Camino De Las Animas. Birds sing and the dogs bark. It’s a short lane near downtown Santa Fe with a gorgeous abundance of Victorian, Territorial and Pueblo Revival architecture. No less prominent is the home of one of our most famous artists, Gustav Baumann, now owned and preserved by the Historic Santa Fe Foundation. Several homes on this street are included in the National Register of Historic Places. When you come to visit Santa Fe, be sure to take a stroll on this magical street to see why life in this city is so enchanting. While you’re here, be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood
Michael’s Minute of Real The President signed an extension and expansion of the Homebuyer Tax Credit through April 30, 2010. As long as the home is under contract by that date and closing occurs by June 30, 2010 an $8,000 tax credit is available for first-time homebuyers (those who have not purchased a home within the last three years). A credit if $6,500 is available for homeowners who have lived in the home they are selling, or have sold, as a principle residence for five consecutive years of the past eight. These credits are available to buyers with incomes below $125,000 for singles and $225,000 for married couples. Homes valued at more than $800,000 are not eligible. Please feel free to call me for more details at 505.470.4180
My Business –To –Business Referral
Each week I let you know about an outstanding business in Santa Fe. Let me introduce Dr. Chris Fuller of High Country Macula, Retina and Vitreous. Chris is a surgeon most capable for any type of ocular trauma, having travelled the world with ORBIS International, a non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to improving eye care in some of the world’s most remote, impoverished and underserved areas. Let him know I referred you and he’ll take extra special care of you. He can be reached at 505.982.5716. If you need anything, please feel free to call me at 505.470.4180
I’m hoping to see you in the neighborhood. Let me be the first to say, “Happy Thanksgiving!”
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on October 7, 2009
Saveur Restaurant – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Today I decided drive through the web of streets to breakfast at one of my favorite French restaurants, Saveur. I’ve known the proprietaires, Dee and Bernie Rusanowski, for many years and I was delighted to learn that they are returning tomorrow from a trip to the French countryside where they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. With innovative hospitality they serve chef specials of gourmet soup (today is Seafood Chowder, Cream of Asparagus or Vegan Garden Vegetables). For a real flavor of French cuisine Santa Fe locals come for breakfast and then return for lunch to feast on the gorgeous abundance of Dee’s and Bernie’s sumptuous buffet selections. The small restaurant is scrupulously clean, and the pride in which the chefs have prepared the food lets you know they’ve put their hearts around every detail. Dee and Bernie seem to know everyone by name and I’m glad they are back from France. The address is 204 Montezuma Street and their number is 505.989.4200. Bon appetite!
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood
Michael’s Minute of Real Estate
Here are some effective ways to lower your insurance premium without lowering your coverage. Check out online resources. Go to the Department of Insurance for your state to make an educated comparison of various companies. Compare quotes from at least three different insurance companies to determine which one has the best coverage and premium. Consider using one insurer for all your needs. Some companies offer a multiple policy discount if you buy auto, home and life insurance policies from them as well. Consider a higher deductible. Increasing your deductible by just a few hundred dollars can make a big difference in your premium. Check to see if you belong to any groups or organizations that can get you a lower rate. Common examples include alumni associations and service clubs. Dennis Rossi is my insurance agent at The Insurance Connection and he can be reached at 505.984.0206
My Business To Business Referral
Each week I let you know about an outstanding business in Santa Fe. Let me introduce to you Luis Delgado, owner of Delgado Iron Works De Santa. For ultimate privacy in our South Capitol neighborhood home Tonia and I had Luis manufacture and install a most beautiful iron gate. His craftsmanship and ability to introduce ornate intricacies is unsurpassed. He can perform refurbishing or re-design and expert welding. Luis is terrific at what he does and is a person I can put my name to. Luis can be reached at 505.471.6605 and is located at 1310 Siler Road. Let him know I referred you and he will take excellent care of you. If you need anything please feel free to give me a call at 505.470.4180.
I’ll see you in the neighborhood,
Michael
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
