The morning dawned unusually cold for the season and many of us thought it might be too cold to venture out for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce annual Links for Literacy tournament. But players turned up as scheduled and volunteers registered them on the pavillion of the Sandia Resort golf course warmed by outdoors gas-powered heaters.
In true Albuquerque fashion, the clouds lifted and the sun came out. By noon when the golfers took off accompanied by six-year-old first-grader, golf phenomenon Austin Jet, the heaters were turned off and the day was already turning toasty warm.
The reliability of good weather is only one of the reasons for Albuquerque being such a great place to live, work and play.
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Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Market Update Albuquerque, New Mexico
Third Quarter 2009
Albuquerque and Rio Rancho first-time home buyers jumped off the fence July to September to help drive the number of single-family, detached, residential sales for the period higher 3.75 percent higher than sales during the same period in 2008. Most likely, their strong motivation was continuing low interest rates, lower prices, tax stimulus incentives and a sense of urgency that these favorable conditions may not last much longer, especially with the stimulus incentive scheduled to end November 30.
One definite advantage of the surge in sales was that with 13.74 percent fewer new listings entering the market for the period and single-family homes building permits at their lowest since 1981, the inventory was lowered.
The Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors reports that the average sales price of single-family detached homes was 8.57 percent lower than at the same period in 2008 and the median at $182,000, was 5.71 percent lower. Condos and townhouses, similarly, showed an increase in sales of 31.40 percent. These single-family attached homes sold at an average price of $151,295 per unit compared with $155,119 for the same period in 2008 - an average price decrease of 2.l4 percent and median decrease of 4.48 percent. The number of new listings for single family attached increased 4.38 percent for the period.
The inventory is decreasing but the number of days on the market continues to increase for all single-family homes. From July 1 to September 30, 2009, the average number of days on the market for single-family detached homes was 76 compared to 71 during the same period in 2008. For condos and townhomes, it was 82 compared to 74.
The highest performing market area for detached homes last quarter was Northeast Heights followed by Southwest Heights, Paradise West, Mid Rio Rancho and the Northwest Heights. The most significant change in the lineup was the replacement of the Far Northeast Heights by the Northwest Heights as a top-selling area for the quarter.
Best performing area for the sale od condos and townhouses continues to be Ladera Heights, followed by Academy West, Northeast Heights, the Far Northeast Heights, then Foothills South. In 2008 the lineup was Ladera Heights, the Far Northeast Heights, Academy West and Northeast Heights followed by Mid Rio Rancho. Most significant change for attached single-family home sales for the 2009 third quarter is the replacement of Mid Rio Rancho by Foothills South in the top-selling lineup. Academy West also outsold the Northeast Heights.
Eloise Gift, Gift Realty NM, Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque and Rio Rancho first-time home buyers jumped off the fence July to September to help drive the number of single-family, detached, residential sales for the period higher 3.75 percent higher than sales during the same period in 2008. Most likely, their strong motivation was continuing low interest rates, lower prices, tax stimulus incentives and a sense of urgency that these favorable conditions may not last much longer, especially with the stimulus incentive scheduled to end November 30.
One definite advantage of the surge in sales was that with 13.74 percent fewer new listings entering the market for the period and single-family homes building permits at their lowest since 1981, the inventory was lowered.
The Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors reports that the average sales price of single-family detached homes was 8.57 percent lower than at the same period in 2008 and the median at $182,000, was 5.71 percent lower. Condos and townhouses, similarly, showed an increase in sales of 31.40 percent. These single-family attached homes sold at an average price of $151,295 per unit compared with $155,119 for the same period in 2008 - an average price decrease of 2.l4 percent and median decrease of 4.48 percent. The number of new listings for single family attached increased 4.38 percent for the period.
The inventory is decreasing but the number of days on the market continues to increase for all single-family homes. From July 1 to September 30, 2009, the average number of days on the market for single-family detached homes was 76 compared to 71 during the same period in 2008. For condos and townhomes, it was 82 compared to 74.
The highest performing market area for detached homes last quarter was Northeast Heights followed by Southwest Heights, Paradise West, Mid Rio Rancho and the Northwest Heights. The most significant change in the lineup was the replacement of the Far Northeast Heights by the Northwest Heights as a top-selling area for the quarter.
Best performing area for the sale od condos and townhouses continues to be Ladera Heights, followed by Academy West, Northeast Heights, the Far Northeast Heights, then Foothills South. In 2008 the lineup was Ladera Heights, the Far Northeast Heights, Academy West and Northeast Heights followed by Mid Rio Rancho. Most significant change for attached single-family home sales for the 2009 third quarter is the replacement of Mid Rio Rancho by Foothills South in the top-selling lineup. Academy West also outsold the Northeast Heights.
Eloise Gift, Gift Realty NM, Albuquerque, NM
Monday, October 19, 2009
Albuquerque Market Update - September 2009
Recap
September 2008 had the largest inventory of homes for sale for the month, since September 2005. Yet, both median and average home prices increased. Although both were lower than at their peak in mid 2007, the average price of $222,947 and median of $186, 750 both were still higher than they were in September 2005. Most of the homes sold were in September 2008 were in the $240,000 - $249,000 price range followed by those in the $160,000-$179,000 price range. The average number of days on the market at the time was 74.
September 2009
According to the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors Market Report, single-family home sales are up 10.17 from August, 2009 and 9.44% from September 2008. Pending sales are up 30.74% and the number of days on the market decreased to 67; the lowest number since September 2008. The above translates to we are selling more homes at a faster rate and lowering our inventory. Great news!
The top-selling price range for single-family, detached homes for the month is $200,000 to $249,000 and for condos and townhomes, $120,000 - $139,000. The average home price is $200,987, and the median, $179,900. The average number of days on the market is 76. The highest selling areas are areas 50, 92 and 120 - Northeast Heights, Southwest Heights and Paradise West in Albuquerque.
The market statistics for the Greater Albuquerque Area reveal reasonable compromises that are keeping the market active and vibrant as it continues to readjust.
September 2008 had the largest inventory of homes for sale for the month, since September 2005. Yet, both median and average home prices increased. Although both were lower than at their peak in mid 2007, the average price of $222,947 and median of $186, 750 both were still higher than they were in September 2005. Most of the homes sold were in September 2008 were in the $240,000 - $249,000 price range followed by those in the $160,000-$179,000 price range. The average number of days on the market at the time was 74.
September 2009
According to the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors Market Report, single-family home sales are up 10.17 from August, 2009 and 9.44% from September 2008. Pending sales are up 30.74% and the number of days on the market decreased to 67; the lowest number since September 2008. The above translates to we are selling more homes at a faster rate and lowering our inventory. Great news!
The top-selling price range for single-family, detached homes for the month is $200,000 to $249,000 and for condos and townhomes, $120,000 - $139,000. The average home price is $200,987, and the median, $179,900. The average number of days on the market is 76. The highest selling areas are areas 50, 92 and 120 - Northeast Heights, Southwest Heights and Paradise West in Albuquerque.
The market statistics for the Greater Albuquerque Area reveal reasonable compromises that are keeping the market active and vibrant as it continues to readjust.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thoughts on The Preservation of Planet Home on Blog Action Day
Growing up, my beautiful island home lay in the path of Caribbean hurricanes that were so predictable that a popular jingle served as an accurate forecast throughout my childhood.
June too soon
July stand by,
August come it must
September remember
October, all over.
Alas! This is no longer the case. These days, it seems as if storms are developing much sooner and at unpredictable rates and we can now expect hurricanes as early as June and as late as October or November.
The southwestern United States where I now live is another indescribably beautiful place where the landscape, in every direction seems created for the pages of glossy nature magazines. Disaster recovery businesses move to our city because we are among the areas least prone to suffer natural disasters. Such tranquility and beauty should remain a treasure for successive generations to enjoy into eternity.
But the predictions are that this delightful region is destined, within a few generations, to become an inhabitable wasteland, abandoned for lack of water. See articles the Nature Conservancy:
While the permafrost melts and seas rise in some parts of planet earth, in others, rivers become dry gulches and plant and animal life get increasingly threatened by lack of water.
It may be difficult to believe, but many people are still not aware of climate changes and threats to our planet. Others dispute that there are changes and still others strongly disagree about the reasons for the changes despite persuasive arguments from credible spokespersons like Al Gore; What there is no denying is that planet earth is changing in dramatic and observable ways that threaten the existence of life as we know it.
I am delighted that I live in a city where efforts have been made at the highest levels of leadership to take the initiative to build awareness and encourage responsible actions to stop or reverse climate change. Our mayor established a renewable energy financing district:and promoted a green city.:
"We have a deep-rooted responsibility as a community to make
the best possible choices in determining the legacy that will be
shared with Albuquerque's future generations."
- Mayor Martin J. Chávez
The message encourages green living from A to Z; from art in the city to the zoological park; to conserve energy by riding bikes and leaving cars at home to take the bus or the new Rail Runner Express commuter train. City residents are encouraged to take advantage of incentives to make existing homes more energy efficient with low-flow toilets, updated energy-saving light fixtures appliances, HVAC systems, low maintenance, water saving natural and xeriscape gardens. Builders of new homes get well publicized recognition LEED certification for green, healthy, energy-efficient architectural and design features.
Whatever the reason(s) for climate change, efforts at clean living, preservation and conservation of non-renewable resources still make for good stewardship of the wonderful Earth home. If we are consistent, chances are we will pull ourselves back from the brink and our planet will not self destruct rendering future generations homeless.
June too soon
July stand by,
August come it must
September remember
October, all over.
Alas! This is no longer the case. These days, it seems as if storms are developing much sooner and at unpredictable rates and we can now expect hurricanes as early as June and as late as October or November.
The southwestern United States where I now live is another indescribably beautiful place where the landscape, in every direction seems created for the pages of glossy nature magazines. Disaster recovery businesses move to our city because we are among the areas least prone to suffer natural disasters. Such tranquility and beauty should remain a treasure for successive generations to enjoy into eternity.
But the predictions are that this delightful region is destined, within a few generations, to become an inhabitable wasteland, abandoned for lack of water. See articles the Nature Conservancy:
While the permafrost melts and seas rise in some parts of planet earth, in others, rivers become dry gulches and plant and animal life get increasingly threatened by lack of water.
It may be difficult to believe, but many people are still not aware of climate changes and threats to our planet. Others dispute that there are changes and still others strongly disagree about the reasons for the changes despite persuasive arguments from credible spokespersons like Al Gore; What there is no denying is that planet earth is changing in dramatic and observable ways that threaten the existence of life as we know it.
I am delighted that I live in a city where efforts have been made at the highest levels of leadership to take the initiative to build awareness and encourage responsible actions to stop or reverse climate change. Our mayor established a renewable energy financing district:and promoted a green city.:
"We have a deep-rooted responsibility as a community to make
the best possible choices in determining the legacy that will be
shared with Albuquerque's future generations."
- Mayor Martin J. Chávez
The message encourages green living from A to Z; from art in the city to the zoological park; to conserve energy by riding bikes and leaving cars at home to take the bus or the new Rail Runner Express commuter train. City residents are encouraged to take advantage of incentives to make existing homes more energy efficient with low-flow toilets, updated energy-saving light fixtures appliances, HVAC systems, low maintenance, water saving natural and xeriscape gardens. Builders of new homes get well publicized recognition LEED certification for green, healthy, energy-efficient architectural and design features.
Whatever the reason(s) for climate change, efforts at clean living, preservation and conservation of non-renewable resources still make for good stewardship of the wonderful Earth home. If we are consistent, chances are we will pull ourselves back from the brink and our planet will not self destruct rendering future generations homeless.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Must See Event in Albuquerque
Hot-air ballooning is an all-year-round sport in Albuquerque. We have the landscape, the weather conditions, the sky and the enthusiasts for the sport. From most parts of the city in the northeast and northwest, it is a rare day that you go for an early morning walk or drive without seeing hot air balloons floating overhead. The balloon fiesta park is tucked away close to the northeastern edge of the city not far from Corrales and Rio Rancho.
During the last few weeks you could tell the city was gearing up for a big event. The morning skies gradually got busier although nowhere near as busy as they will be for the daily colorful mass ascensions of the two-week event. I imagine that the out-of-town pilots have been arriving and joining the locals in practice runs and testing of the air currents in the run up to the big event. The 38th International Annual Balloon Fiesta opened in Albuquerque yesterday, October 3.
The balloons are wonderful to watch floating overhead or in the distance. It is awesome to have one land almost in your backyard. But it is simply a most exhilarating experience to be on the launch field, up close and surrounded by the energy, hubbub, and color of hundreds of puffing, colorful shapes suspended from comparatively small wicker baskets periodically spouting flames as if concealing angry dragons. It is worth waking up at 3:00 in the morning (my preferred show time) to experience the drama.
I love getting to the field early in the morning before the shows begin with dawn patrol. It is dark and cold (the coldest time of our high desert night. Dawn patrol, quiet sentinels distinguishable only by their intermittent flashing lights float silently aloft in pre-dawn darkness to test the state of the wind current and flight conditions for the morning. Seeing dawn patrol is akin to receiving an assurance that ‘yes, the air is right. Soon the sun will appear above the Sandia Peak and the promised show will begin.' And what a show it always is! Will I be on the field again this year to see it? You bet I will.
During the last few weeks you could tell the city was gearing up for a big event. The morning skies gradually got busier although nowhere near as busy as they will be for the daily colorful mass ascensions of the two-week event. I imagine that the out-of-town pilots have been arriving and joining the locals in practice runs and testing of the air currents in the run up to the big event. The 38th International Annual Balloon Fiesta opened in Albuquerque yesterday, October 3.
The balloons are wonderful to watch floating overhead or in the distance. It is awesome to have one land almost in your backyard. But it is simply a most exhilarating experience to be on the launch field, up close and surrounded by the energy, hubbub, and color of hundreds of puffing, colorful shapes suspended from comparatively small wicker baskets periodically spouting flames as if concealing angry dragons. It is worth waking up at 3:00 in the morning (my preferred show time) to experience the drama.
I love getting to the field early in the morning before the shows begin with dawn patrol. It is dark and cold (the coldest time of our high desert night. Dawn patrol, quiet sentinels distinguishable only by their intermittent flashing lights float silently aloft in pre-dawn darkness to test the state of the wind current and flight conditions for the morning. Seeing dawn patrol is akin to receiving an assurance that ‘yes, the air is right. Soon the sun will appear above the Sandia Peak and the promised show will begin.' And what a show it always is! Will I be on the field again this year to see it? You bet I will.
Friday, October 2, 2009
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