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 110 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 July 29, 2009
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. Set out subtle potpourri or scented candles
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, 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 HomesForSaleOnAcequiaMadre
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 February 18, 2009
Price: $532,500
This is arguably the best house in the Arroyo Hondo corridor for this $532,500 price. For starters, the home is on a beautiful, lush view filled 2 acre lot. The walls are hand trowelled plaster….Wait til you see it! Remodeled and added in 2000. www.SantaFe-FineHomes.com
by Michael Umphrey on February 8, 2009
PRICE – $550,000
If you’re looking for a private, gated estate this home has it all. There are no steps, it’s light and bright with refrigerated air, Sangre views, and fantastic outdoor spaces. It’s close to town, there’s room to add-on, and it has been beautifully remodeled. The entire property is fenced for dogs. www.SantaFe-FineHomes.com
