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
by Michael Umphrey on August 5, 2009
Victoria Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico
As if the city were speaking to me, I suddenly grab my camera, speed off in my red MINI Cooper convertible and drive the three blocks along the Santa Fe River to explore the hidden lanes of Santa Fe‘s Eastside neighborhoods. Today I find myself on Victoria Street, a cul-de-sac dirt road under a canopy of shade trees where one can easily get lost musing about the artists, poets and Bohemians who’ve made this town the artist’s haven that it is. Inspired by the Cinco Pintores, famed straw appliqué artists Alisa and Elisio Rodriguez spent their entire lives creating their unique works in this neighborhood. For a taste of local history, Santa Fe’s 400th Anniversary celebration has already begun.
Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The Neighborhood
Michael’s Minute of Real Estate
There’s been much uncertainty about tax credits, but they’re actually pretty straightforward. The federal government will give first-time homebuyers an $8,000 tax credit and this is the best part, it doesn’t have to be paid back unless you sell your home within the first three years. That’s a lot of free money! In some states (e.g., California) there’s an additional $10,000 available to 10,000 home buyers of a newly constructed home. Think about it-you could be eligible for $8,000 from the feds, $10,000 from the state, the lowest interest rates in decades and prices at record lows. Now might be the best time to buy.
My Business-To-Business Referral
Each week I let you know about an outstanding business in Santa Fe. Let me introduce to you Robert R. Bailey. There’s no need to travel to New York or Los Angeles for high-end, beautiful, quality men’s clothing. Stephen Bailey, Mark Bailey and Gene Atkinson are people I can put my name to. They are located downtown at 150 Washington Avenue, Suite 105, and on the Web at www.RobertRBailey.com and at 505.983.8803. Let them know I referred you and they will take excellent 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 June 11, 2009
Hondo Hills, The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Located in the high desert that is Santa Fe, The Hondo Hills corridor is just a five minute drive south of town and is home to horse lovers from around the world. Most homeowners live on sites no less than 5 acres and have access to miles of the old ranch lands that are still a part of our history. The Arroyo Hondo Pueblo is an archaeological site founded in 1300 AD. The Old Pecos Trail (Route 66) and The Old Santa Fe Trail run directly through the area as do well – preserved wagon ruts. The diverse and beautiful landscape contains protected wetlands and Ponderosa Pine and can be a wonderland if you explore on foot or on horseback. The spectacular views are of outrageous sunsets, the Turquoise hills, the Ortiz, The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the lights of Albuquerque beyond the Sandias. Homes vary from more modest to luxury contemporary ranchettes. Harry’s Roadhouse is a very popular restaurant and Bobcat Bite Restaurant was just voted Best Burger in America by Bon Appetit magazine.
Click here to see: Homes For Sale In Hondo Hills, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Michael’s Bit of Real Estate
“With these prices, you can’t say no!” Some real estate brokers are reporting that 25 percent of their transactions are coming from foreign buyers, up from previous estimates of 10 percent. Foreign buyers not only infuse money into our economy, they strengthen and stabilize home prices. Speaking of Texans, this Thursday, June 11th, daily air service between Dallas and Santa Fe begins on American Eagle.
My Business to Business Referral
Each week I present to you an outstanding business. Let me introduce to you Neal Frank, owner of Santa Fe Pens. Besides selling the most exquisite pens, they have an incredible array of fully restored vintage fountain pens, all of which are guaranteed authentic. I own four treasured pens from Neal’s store that help make the writing of my personal correspondence an anticipated daily event. Neal offers full service for all writing implements including repair and appraisal services. Neal and Violet are internationally – renowned experts. Their showroom is located in Santa Fe in the Sambusco Market Center at 500 Montezuma Avenue. Their number is 505.989.4742 and on the Web at www.santafepens.com. Neal 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 something, please give me a call at 505.470.4180, or send me an Email at mumphrey@prusantafe.com.
Continued success,
Michael Umphrey
by Michael Umphrey on February 22, 2009
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.
by Michael Umphrey on February 22, 2009
by Michael Umphrey on February 21, 2009
What a dream house! Just a short walk to Ohori’s and the Plaza. It’s a hidden, private jewel box on the historic Old Santa Fe Trail and once you enter you won’t want to leave. All adobe with passive solar, single level with no steps! Lovely landscaping and brick floors.
Price – $398,000 MLS# 902557
Sold!
