South Capitol, The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

Since this is the neighborhood in which I live, I’m excited to tell you about this thriving district.  Settled at the turn of the last century there was need for housing close to the bustling Santa Fe Rail Yard. Homes here were built with Victorian architecture, Territorial brick design and Pueblo Revival styles; many of them made of adobe. From our house, we can walk to everything Santa Fe has to offer, including the new trains in the Rail Yard District, the downtown plaza, museums and the Santa Fe River.   The New Mexico Rail Runner will take you to Albuquerque for a mere $8.00. The neighborhood is home to The Farmer’s Market, fabulous art galleries, fine dining and cafes, and excellent shopping opportunities. Of course, the beautiful State Capitol building is here and is presided over by Governor Bill Richardson.  I’d love to show you the area along with our new office located at 314 S. Guadalupe, (which is .4 miles from my house). 

Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In The South Capitol Neighborhood, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Michael’s Bit of Real Estate

 Not all remodels are created equal.  You may already be familiar with Remodeling magazine’s popular Cost vs. Value report, which documents the average return on investment expected for specific improvement projects.  But have you taken into account the latest design trends that will make your home more desirable and thus more valuable?  For example, many buyers are seeking homes with hardwood, composite or travertine tile flooring because they require less maintenance than carpet and give a home a beautiful and natural feel.  Replacing carpeted areas with these contemporary flooring options can give your home a worthwhile face-lift. 

My Business to Business Referral

Each week I present to you an outstanding business.  One of the unique services I provide when I take on the marketing of a home is to offer a complimentary “enhancement consultation”.  Let me introduce you to the professional talents of my wife, Tonia Prestupa. She is an Interior Designer, Professional Organizer and a Party Planner extraordinaire.  Tonia designs classic and modern interiors that create harmony and ambience within the surrounding architecture.  Precious touches and exceptional objects are selected and crafted with rare skill from the finest of materials.  Above all is her unwavering conviction that beauty and comfort elevate the human spirit. Her elegant and luxuriously designed interiors are showcased in Santa Fe, Chicago, Palm Desert, Los Angeles and North Carolina.

If you need help with a special area of your home, office, closets or garage that is overwhelmingly cluttered or disorganized, Tonia’s skill as a Professional Organizer will help you restore not only your area of concern, but your sanity!

If you want to entertain a small group of friends or clients but don’t know where to start or don’t have the time to put it all together, Tonia’s party planning company can design custom theme parties that are imaginative and memorable.  She can be reached at 505.470.5060 and her Email is toniasantafe@gmail.com.  If you need something, please call me on my cell at 505.470.4180 or Email me at mumphrey@prusantafe.com. 

Continued success,

Michael Umphrey

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 11^th is the 25^th annual  Christmas at the Palace. On the 13^th 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