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

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

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 22-23^rd.  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 88^th 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

Anyone who is a hiker in Santa Fe has enjoyed the trek on the Atalaya Mountain Hiking Trail.  The trailhead begins at one of the premiere neighborhoods in the city, Wilderness Gate.  Overlooking the city and the Rio Grande Valley, the luxury homes are sited on 5-acre parcels surrounded by tall Ponderosa Pines.  These spectacular woodlands contain a micro climate and you’ll find flora not seen elsewhere.  Close enough to the city to walk to town, Wilderness Gate is adjacent to the campus of St. John’s College. This prestigious school offers the Great Books program, which is a four year curriculum of Western civilization’s most prominent contributors to philosophy, theology, mathematics, science, music, poetry and literature.

Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In Wilderness Gate, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Entry To Spanish Hill

Michael’s Bit of Real Estate

The best advice I can give today is to move forward on your plan to purchase a home and thank me later.  Interest rates have increased in the last week.  The Chinese say the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.  The second best time is today.  Here is a fantastic, $8,000,000 home I am marketing in Santa Fe: www.Spanish Hill Estate.com

My Business to Business Referral

Each week I present to you an outstanding business.  Pat Malone is the producer, arranger and guitar player on all my recordings, including A Tender Santa Fe Christmas and my new jazz CD, We Were Wild, still in production.  His latest album, Spiraling Ecstasy, is described as “The music you need now.  The depth and subtlety of his music reaches past genre and becomes a place where sexuality and intelligence meet.  It will change the way you feel about Jazz”.  Pat and I have been worked together for 20+ years and is a person I can put my name to.  You can hear him play live Fridays from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at Bishop’s Lodge Resort and with his amazing wife, Whitney, on Saturdays from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at La Posada in downtown Santa Fe.  If you need great music for an event, call him at 505.424.0493. Let him know I referred you and he will take extra special care of you.  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

Canyon Road – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico – Michael’s Blog

Rich in art and history, Canyon Road is the cultural center of Santa Fe.  Located in the heart of the Historic Eastside, the art galleries found on the ¾ mile lane are what help make Santa Fe not only a world-class travel destination but also the 2^nd largest art market in the country.  My family takes its daily walk on Canyon Road from our home in the South Capitol District.  One of our favorite destinations is The Teahouse, on the corner of Palace Avenue and Canyon Road, where we stop for one of their exotic teas and a decadent pastry. The adobe walls and gardens are a spectacular sight this time of year and it’s a delight when we can discover who and what lives behind them. Santa Fe was once known as the Lilac Capitol of the world.  The word “Gringo” was given to us during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), when U.S. Cavalry troops, riding through Mexico, would sing “Green Grow the Lilacs”.   You’ll also find Nathalie’s clothing and furniture shop, fine dining at Geronimo’s, live music and Spanish tapas served at El Farol.  If you hear my Christmas music album, “A Tender Santa Fe Christmas“, you’ll get the feel for what awaits you on Christmas Eve, when thousands of people from all over the world gather here to walk Canyon Road in a light snow, to view the decorations, sing carols around blazing luminarios and to share in the spirit that is Santa Fe. 

Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale On Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Michael’s Bit of Real Estate

Just as Americans did in the days of and Pearl Harbor and World War II, I believe we need to rally behind our leader. The President’s Stimulus Plan will help to stabilize the housing market and aid the unemployed.  The Stability Plan is helping the owners of 3-5 million homes in jeopardy of foreclosure by giving them the means to refinance. The current market has given me an exciting opportunity to be the ultimate coach to my buyers and sellers and to instill confidence in them. Still, all real estate is local. 

My Business to Business Referral

 Each week I present to you an outstanding business.  Dr. Gabriel Roybal is our family dentist and has been for 16 years.  His office is one of the most elegant and was designed by local architect David Naylor. Dr. Roybal has achieved national recognition for excellence for cosmetic dentistry by his peers.  It is estimated Dr. Roybal has placed more than 30,000 porcelain veneers, crowns and crown restorations during the course of his career.  Gabriel is a person I can put my name to.  He can be reached at 505.989.8749 and on the Web at www.gabrielroybal.com  Let him know I referred you and he will take extra special care of you.  If you need something, please call me on my cell at 505.470.4180 or Email me at mumphrey@prusantafe.com. 

With best wishes,

Michael Umphrey

Sundance Estates – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Santa Fe is still a place that has neighborhoods. When I think of Santa Fe, it’s all about lifestyle.  Here, a family can ski in the morning and play tennis or golf in the afternoon.  Or hike in the morning and ride horses in the afternoon.  Or switch them all about! This week, I’m letting you know about the neighborhood of Sundance Estates.  Just 15 minutes from the Santa Fe Plaza, the homes here are all built with the lifestyle in mind.  Many of the 2 ½ acre sites have majestic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Santa Fe Ski basin.     It is not a gated community and the residents walk their dogs through the gently rolling hills surrounding by stunning views and the world famous New Mexico sunsets. 

The SUNDANCER is the quarterly publication of the homeowner’s association and is an opportunity for residents to contribute anything from tips and hints for home maintenance to energy savings, cooking, cleaning, food and recipes, local sightseeing ideas and experiences, referrals and even short stories and poetry.  The members all share in the good fortune of residing in this beautiful community. 

For a taste of living here, take a look at  Homes For Sale In Sundance Estates, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Since I’m so active in the business I come across some great referrals from time to time.  CasaNatura offers organic, sustainable fair-trade furnishings including beds, mattresses, linens, baby nursery, children’s clothing and bath accessories.  The store strives through extensive research to locate the finest in design and purity. Amira Ingram is the owner and is a person I can put my name to.   She can be reached at 505.820.7634 and her beautiful Website is www.casanaturaorganic.com.  Let her know I referred you and she 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. 

With highest regards,

Michael Umphrey