Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO

I’m sure you have seen the countless “best places to live in America” articles on sites like MSN, Money.com, and so on. Occasionally I’ll click and read, but so often those big top ten lists overlook the fantastic, smaller cities and towns that could be the ideal location for any person or family.

If you’re looking for a calm climate, a great small metro area for businesses, access to higher education and quality health care, then maybe Las Cruces is the place for you. Earlier this year, Las Cruces was deemed one of the best places in America to “thrive” by Best Boomer Towns. Based on our employment growth trends in the past 10 years, projected future growth, and activity in critical technologies, Las Cruces has been named one of the best places in the country to do business and nurture a career by the Forbes-Milken Institute, Inc.com, and a variety of magazines. Money Magazine and AARP have also named Las Cruces one of the best places to retire, but why has Las Cruces won all of these awards?

First of all, Las Cruces’s population of about 85,000 residents provides enough of a ‘big city’ feeling to qualify Las Cruces as a metro area. One of the things New Mexico, and Las Cruces, prides itself on is the sense of community and laid-back atmosphere of its residents; no one is too busy or hassled to say ‘hello’ or hold a door open. Being situated against the Organ Mountains in the heart of the Mesilla Valley gives all of us residents a beautiful quality of life.

The art and theater scene in Las Cruces has flourished over the last few years as well. New Mexico State University hosts an enormous Arts and Sciences college, and as a result, there are many ways for the community to get involved in music, theater, and art. Countless art galleries, museums, performing arts theaters, and city events ensure that you and your family will never be bored.

The communities of Old Mesilla and Mesilla Park offer unique shopping and entertainment opportunities while you immerse yourself in the history of the southwest. Over 35 retail stores and the new 10-screen movieplex, the Cineport Ten, make the Mesilla Valley mall the premiere destination for shopping and entertainment in southwestern New Mexico.

Outstanding schools, quality health care, the culture, the physical beauty, the outdoor recreation… The list truly goes on when it comes to unveiling the great attributes of Las Cruces. Please allow me to show you why my team, clients, friends, and more enjoy our great city by clicking here.

To see Las Cruces’s award list, click here.

For information about relocating to Las Cruces and moving, click here. To request a relocation package about Las Cruces, click here.

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Evelyn Bruder: CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar
The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE
We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE
Steinborn GMAC Real Estate (575)522-3698

So, you landed that big promotion! Congratulations! Unfortunately, the job is sending you six hundred miles away from the place you currently call home. After the initial feelings of excitement and exhilaration wear off, the general feelings of uncertainty and nervousness tend to kick in. There are some things everyone starting the relocation process should know.

Start searching online! The scope of information available online is amazing; personal testimonials about a particular agent or real estate company, neighborhood evaluations, market trends, and so on. Looking at the local Chamber of Commerce website helps with understanding the way the city is run. Take a look at the local police department’s website, along with a major newspaper publication for the area, to estimate the crime rates and top stories for the area. Looking at the housing classifieds in the newspaper will help you understand the cost for your ideal home. Always start with the Internet; after you’ve muddled through the pointless ads and irrelevant material, you will absolutely find something beneficial to your move.

Talk to real estate agents! These are the people who will always be willing to help. Not only are the usually local experts, but they can help break down the complicated ‘Federal Fair Housing Law,’ which will give you a better idea of what you’ll need to uncover on your own. This can be difficult from a distance, particularly with a family, so I suggest emailing all the agents and companies you find appealing after your online search (my email is open all day, every day). Start talking to title officers at a local title company to find out how closings are handled. This is a great foundation for building a trusting relationship with your agent.

Prepare yourself to buy! Are pest inspections part of the purchase contract? Who pays for home inspections? What about taxes, environmental hazards, and surveys? Since most of the crucial answers vary from state to state, make sure you’re well informed about the laws and restrictions surrounding home buying in your new area.

When it actually comes to buying, start with neighborhoods. Visiting the area and talking to locals, if possible, will give you a special insight to the town. Once you’ve found the area you’d like to live, start looking at recent sales that compare to your price range. Looking at average per-square-foot cost will help you understand what you can best afford.

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Evelyn Bruder: CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar
The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team website

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE
We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE
Steinborn GMAC Real Estate (575)522-3698

Whether you call them clients, customers, or patrons, they’re unequivocally important to you, me, and our respective businesses. It’s sad to say that it can be difficult to find the perfect balance of honesty and selling your product; in different aspects of business, being too honest can hurt your trade.

However, in real estate, it’s always my protocol to be completely truthful with a client. I make sure that my clients are aware of the financial situation with home buying. I cannot sell a home without telling a client of it’s minor flaws, because those small things going untreated quickly turn into major problems. On my end of things, I know that buying and selling real estate can be an uneasy process for clients, especially now with the recession and mortgage crisis. It is my job to make the process as easy on you as possible.

On the other hand, customer service in retail and restaurants is a tricky thing. Many of my friend’s children put themselves through college by waiting tables or working in a department store. I remember from many, many moons ago when I was young and waited tables for extra cash. The truth is, people can be extremely difficult and demanding, but it is the job of the employee to find that balance.

Think of all the times you’ve gone out to dinner and asked something simple like, “Is there any parsley in my that dish? I’m allergic.” Most of the time, your server checks before giving you the okay to order, although sometimes they seem to just not care. Perhaps you went to a store to return an item, with your receipt, and you’re one day passed deadline. I understand that returns are a store policy, but doesn’t it seem like a better idea to allow the return and have a happy customer?

I think the same general ideals can be applied to all facets of the business world, from real estate to retail, from restaurants to automotive industry. My clients will always know what I’m selling them, but I feel it’s just as important for them to know how I’m selling it to them: honestly, ethically, and knowledgeably.

Just a related side note: If you’ve ever been to a Nordstroms, or have heard about their legacy in customer service philosophy, I’d suggest checking out “The Nordstrom Way: The Inside Story of America’s #1 Customer Service Company” by Robert Spector and Patrick D. McCarthy. It’s an excellent look at their policies and relationships with customers and how you can apply them to your profession. Amazon has it here.

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For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO,Cyberstar
The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team

CALL 575-650-7224 or TOLL FREE direct line: 1-888-532-9069

VISIT US ONLINE: http://www.HomesForSaleInLasCruces.com
If you are a First Time Homebuyer visit our newest website designed for your specific needs:
http://www.YourFirstHomeInLasCruces.com

Let’s meet online. I look forward to finding you on my social network sites. http://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynbruder
http://facebook.com/evelyn.bruder
http://twitter.com/evelynbruder

OFFICE Direct Line: 575-532-2211 Office number: 1-575-522-3698
Steinborn GMAC Real Estate

Over the course of the last five years, the government of New Mexico has been working hard to draw attention to the growing film and television opportunities in our state. Incredible tax breaks and incentives, new sound stages, and a sprawling landscape that encompasses almost every side of nature are just a few of the many things that draws big companies like Lionsgate, Paramount, and Fox. So just what will this mean for the residents of our state?

People who are from places like California and New York won’t understand how strange it is for people in our region to see a professional filming crew and a famous actor. For the most part, New Mexicans lead laid-back, casual lifestyles and have never really had to think of a road closure for a movie scene. I saw Charlize Theron in a restaurant here in Las Cruces and it just seemed odd. However, the people of Albuquerque are adjusting well to the constant presence of production crews thanks to the Albuquerque Studios. Aside from the occasional road block and restaurant closer, I think the rising popularity of the ABQ Studios means only great things.

The state of New Mexico offers a “painless” 25% tax rebate on all direct production expenditures, including NM labor; this is a 25% REBATE on the total expenditure, not just the tax. This can amount to be a huge chunk of money! With California’s taxation on movie production so high, it’s cheaper for the studios to head east and also take advantage of the film investment loan program. Even though the basic amount of tax dollars coming from projects that can be so big seems so low, studios average bringing in anywhere from 100-1,000 people to work on a project. The cost of living, dining, shopping, and exploring the area boost the local and state economies tremendously. New Mexico residents are always hired on as well, helping our otherwise struggling workforce.

As of May of this year, the Reelz Channel, dubbed cable “TV about movies,” officially become a NM-based employer as their relocation from Los Angeles was complete. Initially, Reelz Channel opted to hire about 100 NM workers, and plans to hire more as expansion continues. More jobs and more real estate being purchase amounts to only great things in my eyes.

Not only does all of this create job opportunities, economic boosts, and greater recognition for New Mexico, but it also gives citizens - particularly young ones - the chance to see what goes into film making and be a part of it. The people of Albuquerque and Las Cruces have been able to apply for minor roles and “extras” positions, enabling them to enjoy the unique movie-making process.

I personally can’t wait to see what all this business brings to New Mexico. I can only see positive things on the horizon for the Albuquerque Studios and their expansion plans.

For more information on the ABQ Studios, click here.
For more information on the NM State Film office and film schedules, click here.

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For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO,Cyberstar
The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team

CALL 575-650-7224 or TOLL FREE direct line: 1-888-532-9069

VISIT US ONLINE: http://www.HomesForSaleInLasCruces.com
If you are a First Time Homebuyer visit our newest website designed for your specific needs:
http://www.YourFirstHomeInLasCruces.com

Let’s meet online. I look forward to finding you on my social network sites. http://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynbruder
http://facebook.com/evelyn.bruder
http://twitter.com/evelynbruder

OFFICE Direct Line: 575-532-2211 Office number: 1-575-522-3698
Steinborn GMAC Real Estate

Las Cruces is home to New Mexico State University and its sister school, Dona Ana Branch Community College. Both of these institutions are thriving and NMSU alone hosted 17,000 students last year! The departure and arrival of these college students greatly affects our community’s population and economy; the town seems to boom come August.

Last week while driving, it become glaringly obvious that almost all of the students that had left had come back. The frontage roads were full and the lines to exit the Interstate were excruciatingly long! The traffic doesn’t bother me so much, but I could see other drivers racing to get through yellow lights to avoid waiting in another line. I know that most people’s lifestyles are fast-paced and busy, but it pains me to see people rushing so dangerously, especially when a school zone is just a few hundred yards away.

With that in mind, I simply wanted to ask people to be a little more cautious of students; from the college kids to the little kids, everyone deserves safety (drivers and pedestrians alike)! There are some simple, convenient things to do to help make ‘back to school’ time a little easier on everyone.

Avoid school zones! There many ways to get from point A to point B, especially in larger cities. Whether you’re going from work to home or just running an errand, plan out your route to avoid slow traffic and all the children running about. This not only saves time, but also cuts back on frustration and the mere possibility of hitting a pedestrian!

Keep an eye on the bike paths! A lot of college and high school students use their bicycles to get to class. Not only is this economical and earth-friendly, but it eliminates the parking problem. A lot of cyclists, especially the younger ones, aren’t aware of the safety tips to keep them visible at all times (fluorescent tabs, bright jackets, hand signals, etc) . That leaves a lot of interpretation left up to the drivers, so it’s important to keep a safe distance from cyclists in case of sudden stops or turns.

Slow down! Especially important in neighborhoods and school zones, slowing down by just 5 miles per hour could save someone’s life. I know that going only 15 or 20mph can be irritating, but children are unpredictable and unthinking; if a their basketball runs into the street, they’re likely to run and get it! If you must travel through a neighborhood or school zone during high traffic times, please make sure to drive the speed limit in these crucial areas.

For those living in the Las Cruces area who attend or work at NMSU, or if you know someone who attends NMSU or the DACC, it’s important to know about the Safety Escort service provided by the university. Even though NMSU is not considered a dangerous campus, a free NMSU police safety escort is provided to all students on campus (or within 2 blocks) during the hours of sundown til 12:30am. Most universities provide services just like this one and I think it’s extremely important that all students and faculty be aware of these unique services. For more information on the NMSU Safety Service, click here.

I hope that all parents are enforcing safety guidelines with their children for the school year; mine included taking a certain route home from school to avoid walking along busy main streets and helmets on bicycles. Back to school should be an exciting time of year, and I hope everyone is safe in their new adventures!

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For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO,Cyberstar
The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team

CALL 575-650-7224 or TOLL FREE direct line: 1-888-532-9069

VISIT US ONLINE: http://www.HomesForSaleInLasCruces.com
If you are a First Time Homebuyer visit our newest website designed for your specific needs:
http://www.YourFirstHomeInLasCruces.com

Let’s meet online. I look forward to finding you on my social network sites. http://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynbruder
http://facebook.com/evelyn.bruder
http://twitter.com/evelynbruder

OFFICE Direct Line: 575-532-2211 Office number: 1-575-522-3698
Steinborn GMAC Real Estate