Las Cruces, NM

Financing: Can We Even Get A Loan?

October 07, 2008

A Word on Financing From Local Lender Donna Stryker

With all the news all of us hear on the national news about loans we decided we needed to go straight to a local source. Donna Stryker is the Senior Vice President at First New Mexico Bank. We have found her to be an excellent source of information. Donna has also been kind enough to answer any questions that you may have so please e-mail us and we will be glad to get all your questions answered.

In the last two weeks, I have had numerous phone calls from family, friends and customers inquiring what is happening in the banking and mortgage lending and how it is affecting me. Each time I share with those who ask, that I am good and work for a very safe bank that follows prudent business practices. I tell them I stay busy with loans, which they are often surprised due to what they hear on the news. However, what doesn't get heard on national news is how well our community is doing.

Although the real estate markets and their subsidiary businesses have seen a slow down from the boom we experienced for several years, we still have a strong economy that continues to support our local community. With the strength of White Sands Missile Range, the Border Patrol, New Mexico State University, the medical field, and the wonderful weather we have, people are still moving to Las Cruces and we need to maintain a positive outlook in Las Crucesand southern New Mexico.

If there was a way to relate to the public, the facts with complete information and realities, there would be less confusion. In response to that, I would like to offer the following that I have received from what I consider to be reliable sources*.

Did you know there are 20 major markets in the United Statesthat are of major concern regarding declining property values and foreclosures? Las Crucesis not one of those markets.

Did you know community banks are still safe and focused on doing what is best for its customers and communities?

Did you know community banks are continuing to make loans? We still lend money for home loans, construction loans, business loans, car loans, and other consumer loans.

Did you know the United States regulatory and financial climate will probably look remarkably like the climate of five or ten years ago?

Did you know that in reality, "the changes we see, and will continue to see are not a "new environment"? It is simply a return to more traditional norms of the past before cheap money inflated asset values, undermined lending standards and encouraged excess risk." (quote from Kiplinger Report, by Jerome Idaszak and Renuak Rayasam)

None of this is to say that life is not different today in the financial markets than one year ago, or even one month ago. What it does say is that we in the community banking industry, are still in business, following the regulatory rules, listening to our auditors and doing business in a professional, honest way. We keep our customers, both depositors and borrowers, utmost in our minds at all times.

Consumers are looking for everyday money management, financial security, financial responsibility and assistance for planning for their future. Visit your local bank, introduce a new or re-establish a relationship with your bank officers and employees, and together we will once again see ourselves through interesting times.

Donna Stryker

Senior Vice President

First New Mexico Bank

3000 E. Lohman Ave

Las Cruces NM 88011

Las Cruces Home Sale Statistics

October 07, 2008

Las Cruces Home Scoreboard. Stats From October 7, 2008 at 2:45PM

Statistics are always on the top of the mind for both sellers and buyers. Statistics can be interpreted in many ways. We are posting some of the basics. Obviously if you are buying or selling then you want way more in depth stats and you want them in your neighborhood. We always supply you with these numbers during the process of buying or selling. We do think its fun for everyone to see the Las Cruces Market as a whole. If yoiu have any questions about these stats or would like more indepth stats we would love to do that in a one on one setting.

Located at Valley and Thorpe, this gated community offers country estate living at its finest. All the lots are 1 Acre to 1.5 Acre. Uttilities feature gas, electric, water and cable to each lot. You can pick your builder or we can help you find the perfect builder for your certain project. Fabulous view both east and west. Prices Range from $95,000 to $126,000.

For More Information:

http://www.lascrucesnmproperties.com

Helping Clients Move Around the World

Are you planning to move? Do you know someone who will be moving? It doesn't matter where you are moving to or from, Connie and Zane can use their vast network to assist you or your friends in the move. "We have helped people move all over the place. We have helped relocate people from Anchorage, AK, to Scottsdale, AZ," says Connie. "We are part of the largest relocation company in the world so it is easy for us to provide quality Realtors that have met our rigid requirements. It gives you a lot better odds to get a great Realtor than just picking one out of thin air," added Zane. "We could not have bought our first home in Seattle without their help. We didn't know where to start but they hooked us up with a great person to work with and continued to offer advice through out the process," said Karon Osborne. Connie and Zane thrive on providing over-the-top service, and the Osbornes are one more example of how this partnership believes in going the extra mile to ensure success for clients and friends. Let this dynamic duo help you reach your goals.

We met Connie as our realtor through a work relocation package. Connie's willingness and patience to find and show us horse properties, no matter what time or day, was unsurpassed. When our "perfect property" came along after 8 months as a FSBO, Connie was there immediately to help us through the whole sale. From all the major paperwork transactions to stopping in to say Hi and to see how everything was going after closing, Connie made the whole process of buying a home a pleasant experience. We would highly recommend her to anyone that will be buying or selling a property.

--Bob and Kathy

Dear Zane, I would like to thank you for the great work that you did in helping me find a home in Las Cruces . In this time of troubled housing markets, you made what could have been a very nerve racking experience a pleasant one instead. You showed me some really great homes and helped me through the home buying process. Your professionalism and courtesy are greatly appreciated. I am sure that you will have great success if you work with all of your customers the way that you worked with me.

The house that I purchased is excellent. My wife, Haiyan, and our daughter, Elizabeth, both love it. Haiyan's only complaint is that it is too quiet sometimes. If everyone could be so lucky. She and I love the view of the mountains to the east. We look forward to many peaceful nights spent in our new home. Thank you again for your excellent service. It is greatly appreciated. Should I need a realtor in the future, you will be the first that I call.

Sincerely,

Eddie