Monthly Archives: December 2018

“GIFTS” OF 2018 REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS NEWS & INFORMATION, AS WELL AS WHAT WILL BE ON THE AGENDA IN THE NEW YEAR AND BEYOND!

By Rey Post
Associate Broker, Sotheby’s International Realty &
Host of the “All Things Real Estate” Radio Show
December 23, 2018
 
The weekly “All Things Real Estate” radio show (ATREradio.com) features host and Sotheby’s InternationalRealty‘s Associate Broker Rey Post (NM REC License #45660) and a variety of special guests offering the best news, information and commentary regarding every aspect of today’s real estate market.
In the first hour of the December 23, 2019 show—and marking the holiday season—join Rey and his special guest, Ashley Strauss-Martin, General Counsel for the New Mexico Association of Realtors® (NMAR), as they offer “gifts” of timely and important real estate news and information that relate to the home buying and selling transaction process.
  • Real Estate Broker Update: Throughout the month, Rey is offering his thoughts on a variety of real estate issues that have been important to home buyers, sellers and home owners in 2018, as well as what they may be encountering in the New Year. Rey will also offer his review on some of the matters that professional real estate brokers will need to give attention to in 2019.
  • New Mexico Association of Realtors Update: In her role as General Counsel for NMAR, Ashley Strauss-Martin will offer an update on a variety of current real estate issues, including changes in certain association home buying/selling documents, as well as general real estate issues of interest to consumers in 2018. Ashley will also offer her observations on real estate issues that will be on the NMAR agenda in the New Year. Among many other tasks as General Counsel, Ashley writes or reviews all NMAR Forms (NMAR promulgates the real estate forms used in most residential and commercial transactions throughout the state); runs the NMAR Legal Hot Line, providing legal information for NMAR’s 6,500+ members; and, serves as an expert witness before the New Mexico state legislature on bills she has drafted.
  • Sotheby’s International Realty Year-End Report: Gregg Antonsen, the Senior Vice President and Qualifying Broker—since 2011—of the Santa Fe offices of Sotheby’s International Realty (SIR), will offer a summary of the home buyer and seller successes the company has enjoyed in 2018. In addition, Gregg will bring his more than 30 years of real estate experience to a conversation about what may be projected real estate sales activity for Santa Fe in the New Year. Gregg will also offer some thoughts to Rey and Ashley’s discussion about other real estate matters of importance to consumers. As manager of the three offices, associate brokers and staff that comprise SIR’s presence in Santa Fe, Gregg brings a good understanding of the important role that home buying and selling plays in our city’s economy.
  • Rey’s “Real Estate Recommendation”: Rey’s weekly real estate recommendation will offer some suggestions on how to make the home buying and selling process a bit easier, more efficient and less time consuming for consumers.
  • Open House of the Week: Rey will review the attributes of 8 Calle Nopalitos with his Sotheby’s International Realty broker colleague David Cordova. This three-bedroom and custom-built home, nestled in pinon trees with spectacular views, is located on 2.5 acres in a rare Santa Fe location off of Route 599. The home features tile floors throughout; an open concept kitchen with a high-end cooking stove and fine appliances; radiant heating, with a wood stove and wood-burning fireplace; vigas; very nice landscaping; and, a new roof with a transferable warranty.
In the second hour of the show—and continuing the “gift-giving” theme from the first hour of the program—join Rey for a very special interview with Philip Diehl, currently the President of Austin, Texas-based U.S. Money Reserve, which sells gold, silver and platinum coins to investors and collectors. In 1994, Philip served as the 35th Director of the United States Mint, in the launch of the 1994 World Cup Commemorative Coin program. At that time, Rey served as Commemorative Coin Program Director for the U.S. Organizing Committee when it staged the 1994 FIFA World Cup, soccer’s world championship hosted for the first time in the United States. In the spirit of holiday “gift-giving” in the future, Rey and Philip will discuss how they are once again partnering to offer a game plan for offering U.S. Mint-struck legal tender commemorative coins for consumers around the world, when the 2026 FIFA World Cup returns to the United States. This 48-team world soccer championship tournament will be staged in 16 different cities in the United States, as well as in Canada and Mexico. When Philip served as Director of the United States Mint, he was also overseeing the creation of the 50 States Quarters program; the nation’s first platinum coin, the Platinum Eagle; and, the Sacajawea dollar coin. He also served as chief of staff of the U.S. Treasury Department and director of the Senate Finance Committee.
Giving Back: The Realogy Disaster Relief Fund has been activated to provide much-needed financial assistance to help those who were affected by Hurricanes Florence and Michael, as well as support for those affected by the California wildfires. The sole purpose of this effort is to provide much-needed financial assistance to help those in need who are not covered by personal insurance policies. Realogy has committed to matching $50,000 of the funds raised, and, effective immediately, you may make a tax-deductible donation to the fund. The Realogy Disaster Relief Fund is managed through the Realogy Charitable Foundation. In donating to the Fund, 100 percent of the money will be disbursed to those who are affected by declared federal disasters. Once the federal government declares the areas impacted by the California wildfires disaster zones, the process will begin for individual aid. Those affected by the hurricanes and covered by the Fund’s program can pay for emergency-related costs such as significant home repairs from flooding, lost possessions, and temporary housing expenses. Click here to donate to the Realogy Disaster Relief Fund. Realogy Holdings Corp. delivers its real estate services through its well-known industry brands including Sotheby’s International Realty®. Since 2009, the “All Things Real Estate” (ATRE) radio show has donated air time to a variety of Santa Fe non-profit and community organizations. Representatives from organizations are able to use the ATRE program to share news and information with northern New Mexico residents about their services and activities. In 2018 alone, some of the organizations featured on ATRE in donated air time are: Kitchen Angels; Creative Santa Fe; Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center; Dollars4Schools; and, the New Mexico Real Estate Commission. In addition, Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber has been a guest on the show on multiple occasions in 2018 sharing useful information about city programs, events and community activities.
As always, listener email questions and comments are welcome during the broadcast. Join in the conversation by calling Rey with your own questions or comments at 505-989-8900 or you can email Rey at: rpost@atreradio.com.
Check out the radio show and tune in via the Internet: Go to www.ATREradio.com and click on the “Listen Now” button.

 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON REAL ESTATE ISSUES IN 2018 AND THE NEW YEAR

By Rey Post
Associate Broker, Sotheby’s International Realty &
Host of the “All Things Real Estate” Radio Show 

December 16, 2018

As I have been doing throughout December, I plan to use the “All Things Real Estate” radio show (ATREradio.com) and our blog as platforms for offering some thoughts on real estate issues that emerged in 2018, and what may be on the agenda in the New Year.

In an article posted in the online real estate news source Housecall, writer Cary Teller offers her thoughts on the “Top 10 Most Expensive Mistakes You’re Making on Your Home.

Though these observations may not fit perfectly with home ownership in our region of the nation, I believe that they are generally useful for any homeowner who wishes to avoid unnecessary and additional costs to maintaining their home. The points are also useful for those who are considering putting their house on the market for sale. Here is the roster of the article’s expensive home mistakes:

  1. Using Traditional Light bulbs

 

If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your home, you could be throwing a lot of money away every month on inflated electric bills. Over its life span, an incandescent bulb can use $180 worth of electricity. A CFL will only use $41 worth of electricity over the same time period. Even better is the LED bulb, which only uses $30 per bulb. Think what replacing every light bulb in your home could do to your home’s bottom line.

 

  1. Ignoring a Leaky Faucet

 

A leaky faucet that drips one drop per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, which is enough water to take more than 180 showers. Some of us live in areas where water is plentiful, but for those of us in areas plagued with drought, this could be costing you a fortune. Fix or replace your leaky faucet and save a ton on your water bill.

 

  1. Using the Wrong Air Filter Size

 

We all sometimes forget to change out the air filters for our HVAC systems or accidentally buy the wrong size. But using the wrong filter or a dirty filter can increase your power bill and cause expensive problems for your furnace down the road. Use the correct filters for your system, and set a reminder to change them after the recommended amount of time. You won’t regret it.

 

  1. Not Customizing Temperature

 

Invest in a customizable thermostat. If you’re away at the office all day, you can program your heater to shift down a few degrees while you’re gone and then shift back up shortly before you return home. Heating or cooling an empty home wastes a lot of money in energy costs.

 

  1. Not Adjusting Air Vents Properly

 

Is one room in your home hot, while the others are cold? Oftentimes homeowners will crank up the air conditioning in the whole house to combat hot temperatures in one area. Instead, adjust air vents to direct the flow of air more evenly throughout your entire home. Professionals will come regulate this to ensure that your entire home is receiving the same amount of air conditioning or heating.

 

  1. Over Watering Lawn

 

Many homeowners have their sprinkler systems programmed to come on in the early morning hours for optimum lawn health. This can become a problem, however, if you’re never around to see what you’re actually watering. A broken sprinkler head could be causing a fountain, or the trajectory of your sprinkler may be directed at a fence instead of your lawn. Periodically run your sprinklers during the day so you can see how they are performing when you’re not around.

 

  1. Water Heater Temperature Set Too High

 

Unless you have a tankless water heater, your water heater is keeping the water in its tank hot 24/7. If you don’t keep an eye on the temperature as each season changes, you may be paying too much to heat your water. Decrease the temperature in the summer, and bump it back up when winter comes.

 

  1. Leaky Windows and Doors

 

Leaky windows and doors are great places for cold, winter winds to enter your home. Many homeowners simply ignore them and crank up their heaters. Caulk leaky windows and put rubber seal around doors to keep winter winds out and warmth in.

 

  1. Paying a Handyman

 

Don’t pay a handyman for a job that is simple enough to do yourself. If you’re unsure of how to do something, look up video tutorials online. Doing simple tasks yourself can save you a lot of money.

 

  1. Ignoring Curled Shingles

 

It may be easy to ignore problems on your roof, but it will only lead to bigger problems later. If you see any possible issues with your roof, repair them as soon as possible, as this will save you significant costs later.

 

So “Rey’s Real Estate Recommendation” for this week, is to consider some of the points made in this article as recommendations for saving money on home maintenance, as well as using them a good road map for getting your home ready for sale.

I also want to remind you that a place for you to learn about home buying and selling elements, is to join us each Sunday on the “All Things Real Estate” radio show at 12-2pm Mountain Time.

Also, if you go to my website, you can send me your own real estate questions, or suggestions for topics that he will handle on the program (that’s ATREradio.com). I will treat your questions confidentially and will send you answers I hope will help you in your own real estate activities.

MORE THOUGHTS ON REAL ESTATE ISSUES IN 2018 AND THE NEW YEAR

By Rey Post
Associate Broker, Sotheby’s International Realty &
Host of the “All Things Real Estate” Radio Show

 December 9, 2018

 Throughout the month of December, I plan to use the “All Things real Estate” radio show (ATREradio.com) and our blog to offer some thoughts on real estate issues that emerged in 2018, and what may be on the agenda in the New Year.

In an article published in the on-line real estate resource RISMedia, real estate professional Brian Buffini offered some useful advice for those who practice our trade. I believe that for home owners, buyers and sellers, there is also some valuable information contained in his recommendations.

Here are some of Brian’s observations to give a bit of attention to as we come to the start of 2019:

We’re in the midst of a shakeup in the real estate industry. Technology is threatening to take agents out of the equation, making the profession obsolete. Or is it? The real estate industry is definitely in a state of flux; however, a true professional will never be replaced by the latest gadget, app or tech trend. How can you shore up your business to thrive in this new era? And, how can you sharpen your skills so you can exceed your clients’ changing needs?

Use technology as a toolTechnology is not the enemy. In fact, technology is a useful tool to help you streamline your business and become a more efficient and effective agent. The key is to use it as a component to your business, not as the basis for your business.

Focus on the fundamentals, which include consistent contact, filling needs and delivering the unexpected extras. These are the timeless tools that make up the foundation of a lasting business and can weather any changes in the market. The truth is the fundamentals remain relevant regardless of the latest trends.

Understand your market. In addition to knowing your own sales numbers, learn all you can about your local market. What factors are having the biggest impact on your local economy and the market? Get involved in your local real estate organizations to stay up-to-date. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to answer your clients’ market-related questions.

Invest in your relationshipsAccording to Brian Tracy, “The value of a relationship is in direct proportion to the time that you invest in the relationship.” When you work by referral, your relationships drive your business. Regardless of what’s going on in the market and the latest industry trends, if you devote your time, effort and energy into each and every client in your database, you can be sure you’ll outlast your competition in the business.

Sharpen your skills. The sharper your skills, the better equipped you’ll be to meet and exceed the needs and demands of your current and potential buyers and sellers. Regardless of how easy technology makes it to buy and sell a home, your clients still need you on their team throughout the process to help them negotiate with the other party, find the right home and guide them if challenges arise during the transaction. Let’s face it; technology is a poor substitute for true human advocacy.

So “Rey’s Real Estate Recommendation” for this week, is to consider some of Brian’s recommendations to help better your own real estate transaction process.

I also want to remind you that a place for you to learn about home buying and selling elements, is to join us each Sunday on the “All Things Real Estate” radio show at 12-2pm Mountain Time.

Also, if you go to my website, you can send me your own real estate questions, or suggestions for topics that he will handle on the program (that’s ATREradio.com). I will treat your questions confidentially and will send you answers I hope will help you in your own real estate activities.

Get Ready For Real Estate In The New Year-Part 1

December 2, 2018

By Rey Post, Associate Broker, Sotheby’s International Realty & Host of the “All Things Real Estate” Radio Show

Each week this December, I will offer some thoughts on what we might see in our local and national real estate markets in 2019. This week, let’s take a look at what Realtor.com is projecting for the market in the New Year.

The respected online real estate website suggests that we should look at rising mortgage rates to play an even greater part in affordability, slowing the market for sellers and impacting buyers. The website further offers that home prices are still expected to rise, though at a much slower rate than we’ve become accustomed to. Realtor.com forecasts home prices to increase by 2.2% nationally.

These are national trends that do not necessarily portend for what will specifically happen in your local real estate market. For instance, in the Santa Fe real estate market, Sotheby’s International Realty (SIR) is anticipating more than $850 million dollars in sales activity in 2018, with an anticipation that the New Year will continue to bring solid home buyer and seller activity.

SIR’s roster of home buyers in 2018 have come from over 136 cities around the United States, representing buyers from 35 states, as well as from and 5 foreign nations.

Part of the reason that the brokerage where I hang my real estate license has seen such robust buyer activity in 2018 is that Santa Fe and our northern New Mexico region offers options that are not available in other parts of the nation. From reasonable home and land prices, to the culture, weather and attractions of this part of the southwest of our country—these have made our real estate market such a desirable destination. We anticipate that for these and other reasons, 2019 will offer home buyers and sellers some special opportunities in the Santa Fe region.

So, Rey’s Real Estate Recommendation for this first week of December 2018, is for any home buyer, or seller in our region to take the time to identify the best real estate professional to partner with on what is most likely the most expensive purchase, or sale you will probably have in your life. The home buying and selling process is complicated and requires the attention of numerous professionals. It is in your best interest to start the process with someone who has the experience, knowledge and creativity to represent you in the transaction.

For more real estate information, always check out our blog at ATREradio.com/blog and also join us for the “All Things Real Estate” radio show, which airs each Sunday 12-2pm (Mountain Time) and can be heard at the “Listen Now” link at ATREradio.com.