by Michael Umphrey on August 31, 2010
Quail Run- The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
It’s all about the lifestyle. Quail Run is a meticulously planned gated community in Santa Fe, rich with all of the ingredients of care-free living. The setting is fabulous and includes a lush, 9 hole golf course with spectacular sunset views. This is where I learned to play tennis from the resident pro, Pat Narvais. The fitness club is world-class and includes swimming, therapeutic pools, jacuzzis, cardio machines, weights and stationary bikes. Tonia and I have always felt it a privilege to have membership to the club and its facilities.
Click Here To See The Condos For Sale In Quail Run, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Michael’s Minute of Real Estate
The nation’s collective mindset is often evident in housing market trends, and if you own a home or are planning to purchase, it’s important to stay updated on the most significant changes. In order to protect their investment, homebuyers and renovating homeowners should consider resale potential when making key decisions, and that requires an understanding of the features that appeal to the majority of today’s consumers. This month I have sent information to my friends and clients about the most recent trends captured by a prominent survey of American architects. In addition to the emphasis on smaller, more efficient floor plans, the survey also identified other popular characteristics that relate to modern lifestyles like outdoor rooms and home offices. Of course, preferences can vary considerably from one region to another. If you are planning a home-improvement project, or would simply like to know more about trends that are specific to Santa Fe, feel free to give me a call at 505.470.4180. I’m always happy to help maximize your home’s market value.
I’ll see you in the neighborhood,
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 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 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 March 3, 2010
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 4th 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
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 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 July 9, 2009
Let’s conjure up an image of arguably one of the most magical streets in Santa Fe. Acequia Madre means “mother ditch” and if you’ve seen the film “Milagro Bean Field War” you know the importance of the culture and livelihood of any neighborhood in New Mexico blessed by flowing waters. Located in the Historic East Side the narrow street was meant for burros carrying firewood down from the mountains and to accommodate the horse-drawn carriages of inhabitants of adobe homes hidden along its alleyways, invisible to the world. If you explore any of its walking paths and listen to the murmur of the water you may feel that time seems to stop. The Downtown Subscription is a coffeehouse and favorite meeting place for the locals. As you step into the café you’ll breathe in that perfume of coffee and magic that strangely no one thought of bottling. You can buy practically any periodical you can think of from around the world and, of course, The New York Times. The Garcia Street Bookstore is just next door with its outdoor display of treasure for sale.
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale On Acequia Madre, SantaFe, New Mexico
Michael’s Bit of Real Estate
A smart home is a green home. One of the most important trends in modern home design is incorporating environmentally friendly amenities. Here’s a look at the green housing trends that will not only bring an older home to a new millennium, but also attract younger buyers when it’s time to sell. Copper roofs tolerate inclement weather and will last 100 years and can be completely recycled. Low-emittance windows, doors and skylights block the sun’s UV rays and reduce energy consumption. LED lighting contains no hazardous chemicals, uses 80 percent less energy and can last up to 20 years. Green toilets conserve water (which can save you 30 to 50 percent on your annual water bill). Induction cook top coils release their energy directly to the pot or pan and its contents so that less energy is diffused. Reclaimed wood and fast-growing plants such as bamboo and unused pre-cut wood find new life as gorgeous, affordable countertops. Cork flooring is a great alternative to hardwood because it is extremely durable yet inexpensive. To keep indoor air clean and cut down on landfill pollutants, use paints that don’t contain toxic, volatile organic components (VOCs). The planet (and your wallet) will thank you.
My Business-To-Business Referral
Each week I present to you an outstanding business. Let me introduce to you Walter Burke Catering. Whenever the occasion has called for wonderful food, the only catering company I ever call is Walter Burke. In my announcements of an Open House or Client Appreciation Party all it takes to ensure a memorable event is a mention his savory and enticing menu. Walter offers contemporary cuisine, classic full service from casual to formal and delivery. For your private jet, he’ll prepare meals for you, your passengers and crew and your feast will be ready for your flight from the Santa Fe Airport. He also runs his full service restaurant on Museum Hill. Walter is a person I can put my name to. He can be reached at 505.473.9600 and on his Website at www.walterburkecatering.com. Let him know I referred you and he and his staff will take extra special care of you.
I hope to see you strolling along the Acequia Madre.
Continued success,
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on April 2, 2009
Las Campanas – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
As you know, I am high on living in Santa Fe. This week I am highlighting the neighborhood of Las Campanas. Just 15 minutes from the downtown Plaza, you’ll find a celebration of possibilities. On more than 4,700 acres of high-desert landscape are two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, an unparalleled Equestrian Center, a well appointed Spa & Tennis Center and the inviting Hacienda Clubhouse. Las Campanas builders create modern interpretations of adobe homes that are both striking pieces of sculpture and spectacular living spaces.
For a glimpse, be sure to take a look at Properties For Sale In Las Campanas, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Michael’s Bit of Real Estate
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
