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

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

The Santa Fe River-The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is still celebrating its 400th year anniversary and is the oldest capital in the United States.  Here is an exuberant location where sumptuous elegance can hold the eyes of all who walk these narrow streets into Santa Fe’s little world of light, color and magic.  1500 years ago small groups of people were planting and cultivating corn in the fragility of existence along the Santa Fe River. The water’s source  is the ski slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The 46 mile long river gives 40% of the city’s water supply and was a tributary of the Rio Grande until the Cochiti Dam was built.  FEMA has nation-wide designations for levels of flood emergency such as areas of 100 year floodzones and 500 year flood zones. In 1767  much of the colonial portion of Santa Fe was devasted  by what could be called a 500 year flood, (meaning one could expect a flood once every 500 years). Flow is now released from the McClure Reservoir and the Nichols Reservoir. The lush, natural beauty of the silver threads of water nourish not only the soul of those who come to visit the city but the abundant wildlife, flora and fauna who depend on the living river. And it’s really going to flow this spring!  The Santa Fe Ski Basin will be closing for the season on the 4^th of April.  Click here to see  The Live Web Camera at Ski Santa Fe.  The packed powder base  is 121 inches. 

Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale On The Santa Fe River

Let me introduce you to something extraordinary.  Kitchen Angels is an organization dedicated to providing free, nutritious, hot meals to our neighbors in Santa Fe who are homebound and facing life-challenging conditions.  To volunteer to cook or deliver, call Joy Martindell at 505.471.7780 and on the web at www.KitchenAngels.org. You’ll be glad you did.

If you need anything at all, feel feel free to call me at 505.470.4180

I’ll see you in the neighborhood,

Michael

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 14^th 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

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

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

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

 Downtown – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Through 2010 the city is celebrating its 400^th anniversary and we’re in the mood to party. My office is in the neighborhood of downtown Santa Fe.  I’m looking out my window at the Santa Fe River and the awe- inspiring Sangre de Cristo Mountain range beyond.  The Plaza is three blocks away.  I’m surrounded by world- class restaurants all of which have been given the highest ratings in Conde Naste, Bon Appétit, Travel & Leisure and many others.  The Lensic Performing Arts Theater, The New Mexico Museum of Art, the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, and the Institute for American Indian Arts are all downtown.   This weekend we celebrate Independence Day with the 33^rd annual Pancakes on the Plaza party, hosted by United Way.  The average high temperature for Santa Fe in July is 82 degrees and New Mexico is called The Land of Enchantment for good reason. I’ll try to save you some pancakes. 

Be sure to visit Properties For Sale In Downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico

Michael’s Bit of Real Estate

I currently have over 10.5 million dollars worth of residential  homes pending and due to close in August. Many residents here make Santa Fe their second home.  I’ll be sending the latest local market data to my buyers and sellers on July 11 which will show why I am urging my clients and customers who want to make Santa Fe their home to take advantage of the low interest rates and the large selection of homes from which to choose.  I’ll find you the house that you want for the price that you want.  If you’d like to receive the report please give me a call at 505.470.4180 I am encouraging you to take the next step. You can thank me later. 

My Business to Business Referral

Each week I present to you an outstanding business.  Let me introduce to you Randy Moya, of WIN Home Inspection.  Randy not only performs an excellent home inspection, he also performs pre-listing inspections designed to help sell your home with less fear of the buyer’s inspection.  Pre-listing inspections now includes a 120 day warranty for the seller.  WIN Home Inspection has been in business for over 9 years and they have performed over 3000 inspections.  Randy’s number is 505.466.7243, his e-mail is www.wini.com/santafe and on the Web at www.wini.com.  Randy is a person I can put my name to.  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, or send e-mail an e-mail at mumphrey@prusantafe.com. 

 Happy 4^th with wishes for your continued success,

Michael Umphrey

Price: $630,000    “Sold”

When you pull up in front of these new condominium homes, the only thing that will occur to you is Ohmy!, is it really possible to get a home like this in town for only $630,000?. Inside and out,these contemporary Southwest homes look like houses you’ve seen in architectural design magazines.

Price : $285,000    1.48 Acres

Savor the moments of the sky’s heart-stopping sunsets that turn the valley the color of amber. Bring your builder to this heavenly piece of earth called The Hills at Bishop’s Lodge. It’s just 7 minutes to Santa Fe. There are 200 acres of Open Space adjacent to the Santa Fe National Forest. Luxury home building Lots 46 and 48 are also available. All the utilities are in and underground. Owner/Broker. Michael is happy to walk the lot with you. Call me @ 505.470.4180

Lot 48, Bishop’s Lodge Hills

Price: $239,000

Savor the moments of the sky’s heart-stopping sunsets that turn the valley the color of amber. Bring your builder to this heavenly piece of earth called The Hills at Bishop’s Lodge. It’s just 7 minutes to Santa Fe. There are 200 acres of Open Space adjacent to the Santa Fe National Forest. Luxury home building sites at Lots 46 and 48 are also available. All the utilities are in and underground. Michael is happy to walk the lot with you.