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, NM

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 11^th, daily air service between Dallas and Santa Fe begins on American Eagle. Here is a home I represent for sale in the Hondo Hills: http://www.7UteCircle.com

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. For a complete list, be sure to click here to see: My Referral Directory

Continued success,

Michael Umphrey

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). Here is a link to the homes for sale in the neighborhood : Homes For Sale In South Capitol Click Here

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. Here is a link to a wonderful home I represent for sale in the neighborhood which will be held "Open" this Saturday and Sunday, June 6^th and 7^th: http://www.715OldSantaFeTrail.com

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. Be sure to visit the directory at this link: My Business to Business Directory

Continued success,

Michael Umphrey

Rich in art and history, Canyon Road is the cultural center of Santa Fe. Located in the heart of the Historic Eastside, the art galleries found on the ¾ mile lane are what help make Santa Fe not only a world-class travel destination but also the 2^nd largest art market in the country. My family takes its daily walk on Canyon Road from our home in the south Capitol District. One of our favorite destinations is The Teahouse, on the corner of Palace Avenue and Canyon Road, where we stop for one of their exotic teas and a decadent pastry. The adobe walls and gardens are a spectacular sight this time of year and it's a delight when we can discover who and what lives behind them. Santa Fe was once known as the Lilac Capitol of the world. The word "Gringo" was given to us during the Mexican-American (1846-1848), when U.S. Cavalry troops, riding through Mexico, would sing "Green Grow the Lilacs". You'll also find Nathalie's clothing and furniture shop, fine dining at Geronimo's, live music and Spanish tapas served at El Farol. If you hear my Christmas music album, "A Tender Santa Fe Christmas", you'll get the feel for what awaits you on Christmas Eve, when thousands of people from all over the world gather here to walk Canyon Road in a light snow, to view the decorations, sing carols around blazing luminarios and to share in the spirit that is Santa Fe. Here is a link to the neighborhood:Luxury Homes For Sale on Canyon Road

Michael's Bit of Real Estate

Just as Americans did in the days of and Pearl Harbor and World War II, I believe we need to rally behind our leader. The President's Stimulus Plan will help to stabilize the housing market and aid the unemployed. The Stability Plan is helping the owners of 3-5 million homes in jeopardy of foreclosure by giving them the means to refinance. The current market has given me an exciting opportunity to be the ultimate coach to my buyers and sellers and to instill confidence in them. Still, all real estate is local. Here is a link to two Luxury Homes I have listed for sale which will both be on an "Open House" tour this Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. www.25ArroyoPequeno.com and www.7HoneySuckleCircle.com

My Business to Business Referral

Each week I present to you an outstanding business. Dr. Gabriel Roybal is our family dentist and has been for 16 years. His office is one of the most elegant and was designed by local architect David Naylor. Dr. Roybal has achieved national recognition for excellence for cosmetic dentistry by his peers. It is estimated Dr. Roybal has placed more than 30,000 porcelain veneers, crowns and crown restorations during the course of his career. Gabriel is a person I can put my name to. He can be reached at 505.989.8749 and on the Web at www.gabrielroybal.com Let him know I referred you and he will take extra special care of you. If you need something, please call me on my cell at 505.470.4180 or Email me at mumphrey@prusantafe.com. Be sure to visit my Business Referral Directory at My Business to Business Directory

With best wishes,

Michael Umphrey

Hyde Park Road, a National Scenic Byway, connects downtown Santa Fe with a world -class ski basin at the top of the Santa Fe National Forest. The enclave of The Santa Fe Summit is located just five miles up that road from town. It is a gated community of high-end, luxury estates and most have spectacular views of sunsets, city lights, and Mt. Antonito in Colorado 100 miles to the west. The landscape offers tall pines, sweeping vistas. High mountain wildflowers abound. Adjacent to the unique Asian style mountain spa resort of 10,000 Waves, the scenery, forest and weather are reminiscent of the Japanese Alps. The vision of the developer draws the elite of the world to the neighborhood and I‘d love to show it to you. To see the fine homes currently for sale in The Summit be sure to visit Santa Fe luxury homes for sale in The Summit

Michael's Bit of Real Estate

It used to be "Location, Location. Location".
Today, it's Financing, Financing, Financing"

In 2008, nobody wanted to do anything. In 2009, people are getting off the fence. The buyers are out there. For Americans, this unprecedented economy has been healthy for us in that better fundamentals are returning; people are saving and spending less. Banks are lending. There is so much liquidity today with 4 trillion dollars in money market accounts. It is my goal to become my client's trusted advisor and I welcome you to call me with any questions or concerns.

My Business to Business Referral

Each week I present to you an outstanding business. Michelle Kirk is the owner and founder of Broken Beauties. It is the only fashion orthopedics company in the world and it's on the Net. Your daily living needs are now delivered to your door. Broken Beauties will help you heal in comfort and style with items to make your recovery so much easier. Michelle is a good friend. I've known her for four years and she is a person I can put my name to. Michelle can be reached at 505.603.0764, Email: michelle@brokenbeauties.com and on the Web at http://www.brokenbeauties.com. Let her know I referred you and she will take extra special care of you. If you need something, please call me on my cell at 505.470.4180 or Email me at mumphrey@prusantafe.com. Be sure to visit my Business Referral Directory athttp://www.mybusinessdirectoryonline.com/Home.aspx/MichaelUmphrey

Here's wishing you a most splendid Memorial Day holiday,

Michael Umphrey