“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Santa Fe, NM

Acequia Madre - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico - Michael's Blog

Michael Umphrey: Real Estate Agent in Santa Fe, NM

by Michael Umphrey on July 9, 2009

acequiaLet's conjure up an image of arguably one of the most magical streets in Santa Fe. Acequia Madre means "mother ditch" and if you've seen the film "Milagro Bean Field Wars" you know the importance of the culture and livelihood of any neighborhood in New Mexico blessed by flowing waters. Located in the Historic East Side the narrow street was meant for burros carrying firewood down from the mountains and to accommodate the horse-drawn carriages of inhabitants of adobe homes hidden along its alleyways, invisible to the world. If you explore any of its walking paths and listen to the murmur of the water you may feel that time seems to stop. The Downtown Subscription is a coffeehouse and favorite meeting place for the locals. As you step into the café you'll breathe in that perfume of coffee and magic that strangely no one thought of bottling. You can buy practically any periodical you can think of from around the world and, of course, The New York Times. The Garcia Street Books is just next door with its outdoor display of treasure for sale. Be sure to take a look at HomesForSaleOnAcequiaMadre

Michael's Bit of Real Estate

faroliotsA smart home is a green home. One of the most important trends in modern home design is incorporating environmentally friendly amenities. Here's a look at the green housing trends that will not only bring an older home to a new millennium, but also attract younger buyers when it's time to sell. Copper roofs tolerate inclement weather and will last 100 years and can be completely recycled. Low-emittance windows, doors and skylights block the sun's UV rays and reduce energy consumption. LED lighting contains no hazardous chemicals, uses 80 percent less energy and can last up to 20 years. Green toilets conserve water (which can save you 30 to 50 percent on your annual water bill). Induction cook top coils release their energy directly to the pot or pan and its contents so that less energy is diffused. Reclaimed wood and fast-growing plants such as bamboo and unused pre-cut wood find new life as gorgeous, affordable countertops. Cork flooring is a great alternative to hardwood because it is extremely durable yet inexpensive. To keep indoor air clean and cut down on landfill pollutants, use paints that don't contain toxic, volatile organic components (VOCs). The planet (and your wallet) will thank you.

My Business-To-Business Referral

Each week I present to you an outstanding business. Let me introduce to you Walter Burke Catering. Whenever the occasion has called for wonderful food, the only catering company I ever call is Walter Burke. In my announcements of an Open House or Client Appreciation Party all it takes to ensure a memorable event is a mention his savory and enticing menu. Walter offers contemporary cuisine, classic full service from casual to formal and delivery. For your private jet, he'll prepare meals for you, your passengers and crew and your feast will be ready for your flight from the Santa Fe Airport. He also runs his full service restaurant on Museum Hill. Walter is a person I can put my name to. He can be reached at 505.473.9600 and on his Website at www.walterburkecatering.com. Let him know I referred you and he and his staff will take extra special care of you.

I hope to see you strolling along the Acequia Madre.

Continued success,

Michael Umphrey

Santa Fe Site Seeing - The Taos High Road

Victoria Murphy ~ Santa Fe, NM: Real Estate Agent in Santa Fe, NM

The Taos High Road

Having grown up in Northern New Mexico I had a tendancy to stay around my city of Santa Fe and when I went up to Taos it was along the traditional hiway. Imagine my delight when years ago some friends invited my husband and I to take the Taos High Road with a visitor from New York.

The trip started up Hwy 285 from Santa Fe and we headed in the village of Nambe and then up through Chimayo. In Chimayo we stopped to visit the Santaurio de Chimayo and picked up some of the miraculous dirt form the inside of the church. Having no place to put my dirt I removed a small St. Christopher medal my mother had given me and placed some dirt in the pouch. I thought the combination of my St. Christopher and the holy dirt would be an add assurance of protection on car journeys. We then made our way to the Chimayo restaurant to view the tapestries done by my mother Monica Sosaya Halford.

Continuing on County Road 76 we came to the small village of Cordova. This village is known for many of the traditional wood carvers. You can see many of them at the Spanish Market in Santa Fe on the last weekend of July. I have been fortunate to have collected several bultos (carved statues) and a collection of many of the small animals.

Leaving Cordova you head to Truchas and onto Las Trampas where the San Jose de Gracia mission stands. The most amazing thing about this entire trip is being able to view all of the missions built in the 1700's.

Continue on your journey to Rancho de Taos and finish your journey in the picturesque town of Taos, NM.

Here in Taos you can meander around the Plaza, head down to visit the Kit Carson Musuem, visit the shops along Bent Street and stop in the Taos Inn for lunch and perhaps a margarita.

I would recommend coming back along the highway back into Santa Fe and enjoy the view of the Rio Grande running along side you.

Things to stop and see: Santuario de Chimayo, Ranchos de Chimayo restaurant, San Jose Gracia mission, and Kit Carson musuem

WOW! Great Open House this Weekend!

Victoria Murphy ~ Santa Fe, NM: Real Estate Agent in Santa Fe, NM

This weekend was the opening of the Santa Fe Opera Season, and since I have a listing next to the SFO I thought it woudl be a great idea to hold an open house. Over 30 people came by in the two hours, and many were in town for the opera. I stood in the massive living room and smiled like I had never smiled before. I would speak quickly about the home and repeat and repeat. I was traversing from one wing to another asking if anyone had questions. Over and over I was asked for my card and about other homes in the area. If my home didn't meet the criteria I was thrilled I knew some inventory that did. Hopefully, some of the people who asked numerous questions will be contacting myself or their agent for a second showing, and those who were interested in other properties - I hope they call later this week.

Living Room

Guest Wing Hall

Dining Room

Kitchen

Center Courtyard

Pool with a View

Downtown - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico

Michael Umphrey: Real Estate Agent in Santa Fe, NM

Downtown - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico - Michael's Blog

by Michael Umphrey on July 2, 2009

downtown2Through 2010 the city is celebrating its 400th anniversary and we're in the mood to party. My office is in the neighborhood of downtown Santa Fe. I'm looking out my window at the Santa Fe River and the awe- inspiring Sangre de Cristo Mountain range beyond. The Plaza is three blocks away. I'm surrounded by world- class restaurants all of which have been given the highest ratings in Conde Naste, Bon Appétit, Travel & Leisure and many others. The Lensic Performing Arts Theater, The New Mexico Museum of Art, the Georgia O'Keefe Museum, and the Institute for American Indian Arts are all downtown. This weekend we celebrate Independence Day with the 33rd annual Pancakes on the Plaza party, hosted by United Way. The average high temperature for Santa Fe in July is 82 degrees and New Mexico is called The Land of Enchantment for good reason. I'll try to save you some pancakes. Be sure to visit LuxuryHomesForSaleInDowntownSantaFe

Michael's Bit of Real Estate

downtown-sf2I currently have over 10.5 million dollars worth of residential homes pending and due to close in August. Many residents here make Santa Fe their second home. I'll be sending the latest local market data to my buyers and sellers on July 11 which will show why I am urging my clients and customers who want to make Santa Fe their home to take advantage of the low interest rates and the large selection of homes from which to choose. I'll find you the house that you want for the price that you want. If you'd like to receive the report please give me a call at 505.470.4180 I am encouraging you to take the next step. You can thank me later.

My Business to Business Referral

Each week I present to you an outstanding business. Let me introduce to you Randy Moya, of WIN Home Inspection. Randy not only performs an excellent home inspection, he also performs pre-listing inspections designed to help sell your home with less fear of the buyer's inspection. Pre-listing inspections now includes a 120 day warranty for the seller. WIN Home Inspection has been in business for over 9 years and they have performed over 3000 inspections. Randy's number is 505.466.7243, his e-mail is www.wini.com/santafe and on the Web at www.wini.com. Randy 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 anything, please give me a call at 505.470.4180, or send e-mail an e-mail at mumphrey@prusantafe.com. For a complete list be sure to visit MyBusinessToBusinessReferralDirectory

Happy 4th with wishes for your continued success,

Michael Umphrey

US News Top 10 Report

Victoria Murphy ~ Santa Fe, NM: Real Estate Agent in Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe is in the Top 10

Recently Santa Fe was named as one of the top 10 cities to appreciate within the next 10 years by US News and World Report. This news could not have come at a better time considering the state of the housing market across the country. Santa Fe has long been considered a great investment due to our climate, beauty and attractions. We have a strong second and investment home market which has probably attributed to our being named amounst the top 10. Below is the link so you may enjoy the entire article.

http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/real-estate/2009/06/04/the-top-10-housing-markets-for-the-next-10-years.html