Camino De Las Animas - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

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 Home For Sale In The Neighborhood

Michael's Minute of Real Estate

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, especially if you're new to town, take a look at My Referral Directory.

I'm hoping to see you in the neighborhood. Let me be the first to say, "Happy Thanksgiving!"

Michael Umphrey

Vista Redondo - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

by Michael Umphrey on November 4, 2009

Vista Redondo - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

This week let's ease into a gentle stream of traffic and in just 12 minutes emerge onto a majestic New Mexico landscape and a neighborhood called Vista Redonda. It's perched upon four mesas above the Village of Tesuque with spellbinding vistas of the snow capped mountains and staggeringly brilliant sunsets. Home to movie stars and captains of industry, the upscale, water-wise community totals almost 700 acres and 82 luxury homes. There is also easy access to the adjacent National Forest. My wife doesn't know it yet but I'll be taking her to the fabulous Terra Restaurant for our 14^th wedding anniversary next week. Located next to Vista Redondo, the restaurant is part of Encantado- an Auberge Resort and member of The Leading Hotels of the World. I'll be having the Roasted Rack of Lamb Duo with gaujillo chili jus, a lamb shank tamale and tomato-tomatillo sauce. Be sure to visit Luxury Homes For Sale In Vista Redondo

Michael's Minute of Real Estate

Predatory Lending Schemes- According to the FBI, mortgage related schemes are up 173% from last year. Beware of lenders who tell you that they are your only chance of getting a loan or owning your own home, and avoid "no money down" loans. This is a gimmick used to entice consumers to purchase property that they likely cannot afford or are not qualified to purchase. Be wary of mortgage professionals who falsely alter information to qualify a consumer for a loan. Do not let anyone persuade you into making a false statement, such as overstating your income, the source of your down-payment or the nature and length of your employment. Never sign a blank document or a document containing blanks.

My Business-To-Business Referral

Each week I present to you an outstanding business. Let me introduce to you Brian Bodei, owner of Adobe Paint & Decorating. Family owned and operated for 18 years, Brian and his crew are not likely to let you get away with a drab color selection or miss any detail. My clients love his work and he'll be more than happy to give you an estimate on a room or the whole house. Let him know I referred you and he'll take extra special care of you. Brian can be reached at 505.438.8336 and is located at 25 Bisbee Court, Unit E, Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you need something, please call me on my cell at 505.470.4180.

Continued success,

Michael Umphrey

Michael Umphrey - Santa Fe Fine Homes - Santa Fe Real Estate Market Expert

Luxury Homes in Santa Fe by Michael Umphrey

Saveur Restaurant - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe,New Mexico

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 50^th 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 this neighborhood. Click Here!

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

Michael Umphrey - Santa Fe Fine Homes - Santa Fe Real Estate Market Expert

Luxury Homes in Santa Fe by Michael Umphrey

Oshara Village - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

by Michael Umphrey on September 29, 2009

Oshara Village - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

This morning, I toured the new, energy efficient homes in Oshara Village. This neighborhood is located next to the Santa Fe Community College and close to the mall we call Santa Fe Place, the rodeo grounds and the Genoveva Chavez Community Center. It is a 470 acre mixed-use, "walk able" community and a template of New Urbanism for "green and sustainable" living. The Oshara Flea Market is every Sunday from 9:00-2:00, weather permitting, and it rivals the old Tesuque Flea Market in its size and offerings and fun. Be sure to take a look at Homes For Sale In Oshara Village

Michael's Minute of Real Estate

It's getting to be harvest time here in the Rockies and I'm reminded that it's not what we have but what we enjoy that constitutes our abundance. These next three months are a sprint to the finish and a time to reap the rewards of tending and weeding. Prices are adjusted, homes are handsomely staged, interest rates are unbelievably low and it's the most beautiful season in Santa Fe.

My Business To Business Referral

Each week I let you know about an outstanding business in Santa Fe. Let me introduce to you Matthew Rieland of Roy's Pest Control and Tree Service. "We lay to rest the common pest". He can answer any question you have about any ant, rodent, insect or bat in your attic. Matthew is terrific at what he does and is a person I can put my name to. He can be reached at 505.982.1888 or on his cell at 505.471.7151. Let him know I referred you and he 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

Montezuma Street - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

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 On Montezuma Street

Indian Market begins this coming weekend, August 22-23^rd. 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 88^th 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