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 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 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 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 November 1, 2009
Price: 279,000
Lot 143 Broken Sherd Trail, Monte Sereno, Santa Fe, New Mexico
You’ve just found your luxury home site in Santa Fe. There is a gorgeous abundance of views, light and color, miles of walking trails, paved roads, city water and sewer, cable with high speed internet, buried natural gas and electricity and paved roads. There are architectural plans also available in a separate package. Michael is happy to walk the lot with you.
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
by Michael Umphrey on September 9, 2009
Amaya Restaurant – The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Tonia and I dined with friends this week at Amaya, the restaurant in the Hotel Santa Fe. Only 1 block from our house, I wonder how I have missed this most fabulous of hotels for so long. The brochure describes the food as innovative blends of traditional Native American cuisines and so with the desire that comes from well-advised ideas, I ordered the Apricot-Chipotle Glazed Rack of Colorado Lamb accompanied by goat cheese potato puree, asparagus and whole carrots, an olive tapenade and thyme lamb jus. Thick, succulent and delicious were the chops, the soup was the divine, the service was excellent, the company sensational and the setting perfect. The Executive Chef is Patrick Kline and the Chef de Cuisine is Walter Dominguez. The Hotel Santa Fe and Hacienda & Spa are Located at 1501 Paseo de Peralta, their number is 505.825.9867. What a wonderful neighborhood!
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood
Michael’s Minuteof Real Estate
As my tired eyes slid over the last page of the latest market data I was filled with gratitude and would like to thank my family, seller’s and clients for their trust and confidence in me and to everyone at Prudential Santa Fe Real Estate for their support. It’s been a terrific summer!
My Business to Business Referral
The one E-letter I can’t do without is written by Michael Podolny of The Podolny Group, Inc. - “Make Your Business Serve You”. In his latest, Volume 10, Issue 3, he writes, ”Flat is the New Up; How Will It Create Value and Personal Wealth in a No Growth Environment?”. Michael has helped thousands of small business owners, he’s excellent at what he does and is a person I can put my name to. If you’d like to read his insights he can be reached at 505.820.0565 and at www.Podolny.com. 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
I’ll see you in the neighborhood!
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on August 17, 2009
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 22-23rd. 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 88th 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
