Category Archives: Real Estate News & Resources

How The Commentators of All Things Real Estate Are “Artists” In Real Estate

How The Commentators of All Things Real Estate Are “Artists” In Real Estate

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


On July 30, 2017, the “All Things Real Estate” (ATRE) radio show honored the shows guest commentators as “artists,” for the professional fashion in which they deliver useful real estate information to home owners, buyers and sellers.
 
In the first hour of the show, Rey was joined by his guest co-host, Bonnie Davis, Professional Community Association Manager of Westgate Properties, LLC, and  guests for a discussion of the value that the show’s commentators bring to home owners, buyers and sellers.
 
On July 30, 1937, independent efforts by radio performers in Los Angeles to create a Radio Actors Guild and in New York City to form a Radio Equity are combined to establish the American Federation of Radio Artists. Two weeks later that year (August 16, 1937), the Associated Actors and Artistes of America grant a charter to the new union. Since the commentators of ATRE are considered by many to be “artists” in their own right, the 1937 event is being used to underscore the great value that they bring to the field of real estate as the theme for the program.
  • The Value of ATRE’s Commentators: Rey will offer observations on how the varied roster of real estate, business, community and non-profit commentators over the eight years that ATRE has been airing has added considerable value to the message the radio show has delivered to those who wish to buy or sell a home.
  • Community Association Management Update: Bonnie will offer her thoughts on the theme of the show, as well as update the audience on current issues that residents within community association neighborhoods are facing this season. Bonnie will also review the elements of the second hour of the show when she and her guests will address timely community association matters important to home owners, buyers and sellers. Based in Santa Fe, Westgate Properties specializes in the management of multi-tenant commercial properties and homeowners associations. Their goal is to promote community through highly responsive management with the aim that quality of life, quality of work and the value of one’s real estate investment is improved.
  • Gateway Mortgage Group “Home Buyer Tip”: Scott Robinson (NMLS#202265), Santa Fe Branch Manager at the Gateway Mortgage Group, will offer his own thoughts on the theme of the Sunday show, especially focusing on the talented people who make up the team at his firm and how they contribute to his recurring radio show commentary. Scott will also provide his regular mortgage tip, which can benefit home buyers who are purchasing a property in collaboration with a lender. The Gateway Mortgage Group is one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the country, doing its entire mortgage servicing in-house. This business element is important, since it means that Gateway’s customers work directly with them until the time their loan is paid.  
  • Open House of the Week: Rey will review the attributes of 1220 Cerro Gordo Road with his Sotheby’s International Realty broker colleague Marilyn Foss. This sophisticated country-style residence and guesthouse is sited on a beautifully landscaped lot, offering numerous features and located just a short distance from the Santa Fe Plaza.
In the second hour of the show, Bonnie Davis of Westgate Properties, LLC, will lead a discussion with her guests on the topic of “Dues, Collection and Foreclosures” in community associations. Among other issues relating to this topic, Bonnie and her guest commentators will tackle what to do when a home owner becomes delinquent in paying dues, as well as why it is important to have a collection policy in a community association, as well as what impact property foreclosures have on the collection process.
  • HOA Legal Review: Joining Bonnie in the studio are Javier Delgado and Melissa Brown of the Carpenter, Hazlewood, Delgado, Bolen Law Firm, as they offer observations on the theme of this week’s second hour of the show. Javier will also provide his monthly legal perspective on a variety of other issues facing homeowner (HOA) and condo (COA) association communities.
  • Insurance Advice: Vincent Marciano of the ADV Insurance Agency—specializing in community association insurance needs—joins Bonnie to discuss the theme of theSunday show, as well as offer his monthly insurance counsel on other matters of interest to home owners.
  • Landscape Tip: Sean Gabriel, Principal with locally-owned and operated Proscape Landscape Management, will offer his landscape tip of the month, which speaks to the theme of the second hour of the program.
Here are the podcasts of both hours of the show:

https://santafe.com/thevoice/podcasts/all-things-real-estate-first-hour-july-30-2017

 

“All Things Real Estate” airs each Sunday (12-2pm Mountain Time) on Santa Fe’s Talk 1260 AM & KTRC 101.5 FM, as well as via the “Listen Now” link at ATREradio.com.

How Major Institutions In Our Community Help Home Buyers, Sellers And Owners

How Major Institutions In Our Community Help Home Buyers, Sellers And Owners 

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

On July 23, 2017, the “All Things Real Estate” Radio Show devoted attention to the “The Role That Major Institutions Play In Our Community,” as they serve the needs and interests of home owners, buyers and sellers. Here is information on this important topic as presented during the two-hour broadcast:
 
During the first hour of the show, Rey will be joined by Jeff Lamie, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the St. Vincent Hospital Foundation, as well as his colleague Leah Vincent who has recently joined the foundation team.
 
More than 35 years ago, the St. Vincent Hospital Foundation was founded with the mission of serving the CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center as an independent source of funding for capital projects and advanced training for caregivers. Over the years, the Foundation has increased its efforts to help the hospital meet its annual operating needs, to help patients in need receive care and necessary medications, and to provide the community with programs as diverse as providing bicycle helmets to local youth to prevent head injuries to helping train EMTs. The Foundation has also aided in the creation of the Medical Center’s Cancer Treatment Center, expanded the Emergency Department, and provided support to purchase new and sophisticated medical equipment. As part of the show’s theme, Jeff and Leah will speak to the significant impact the Foundation has on the lives of those who own, buy, sell, and rent homes in Northern New Mexico. They will also update the audience on the Frost Pavilion. Once completed, the new wing of the hospital will provide numerous improvements to the well-regarded medical center, including the conversion of hospital rooms to all private patient facilities. In addition, they will inform listeners about the upcoming Gala taking place at Santa Fe’s La Fonda On The Plaza hotel on September 16. This exciting evening will connect the health system with the community and highlight the positive impact the CHRISTUS medical center has on the health and welfare of Northern New Mexico.
 
Also in the first hour of the show, Rey will review—with his Sotheby’s International Realty broker colleague Darlene Streit—the attributes of the “Open House of the Week”: 8 Sueno De Santa Fe. This elegant, custom-built five-bedroom home on five acres offers numerous features including granite countertops, travertine floors and stone accents, as well as an outdoor kitchen, next to manicured gardens. The home is located just minutes from downtown Santa Fe.

In the second hour of the show, Rey will continue the theme of highlighting the role that another major institution in our community plays in the lives of home owners, buyers and sellers. Joining Rey as his guests are Colleen Edwards, Director of Membership Development, and Brad Lardon, PGA, Director of Golf, at The Club at Las Campanas.
 
Colleen and Brad will discuss how The Club offers an extraordinary setting to enjoy an ideal life in Santa Fe. As one of the nation’s most regarded country club destinations, The Club was not only recognized as a Platinum Club of America for 2014-2016, it is also known for its deep commitment to the people, environment, as well as programs that help to make Santa Fe a better community. Colleen and Brad will offer an overview of the amenities at The Club, including two championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses; a well-equipped fitness center; tennis and spa facility with seven synthetic clay courts; one of the finest equestrian facilities in the Southwest; as well as the casual and fine dining provided at The Club’s Hacienda Clubhouse. In addition, they will discuss how the Club is known in the community as a place for multifaceted cultural, educational, artistic and musical programs. Colleen and Brad will also discuss how The Club’s members formed the Las Campanas Community Fund in 2003 to do even more to address the vital needs in the area. This endowment fund, which is administered in partnership with the Santa Fe Community Foundation, has grown significantly since inception and provides annual grants to a range of non-profit organizations in the Santa Fe area. For the seventh year in a row, “All Things Real Estate” is partnering with The Club to offer information on the multitude of activities it is hosting in 2017. Among the major events for this year—and for the first time in The Club’s history—the facility is hosting the 2017 U.S. Women’s State Team Golf Championship, September 24-28, 2017. Brad will review the significance of The Club hosting this major national golf championship. All proceeds from the tournament will go to the Las Campanas Scholarship Fund, benefitting young men and women who live in the community. A number of companies that serve people in Santa Fe are supporting the tournament, including United Rentals, the Eldorado Hotel & Spa, Nambé, Shamrock Foods, and Angel Fire Vodka.Here are the podcasts of both hours of the radio show:


https://santafe.com/thevoice/podcasts/all-things-real-estate-first-hour-july-23-2017
https://santafe.com/thevoice/podcasts/all-things-real-estate-second-hour-july-23-2017

“All Things real Estate” airs each Sunday (12-2pm Mountain Time) on Santa Fe’s Talk 1260 AM KTRC & 101.5 FM KVSF, as well as via the “Listen Now” Link At ATREradio.com.

 

Message from the President, August 2016

Message from the President Gary Bobolsky                 

August 2016

ARE WE THERE YET?
Have you ever had those moments in life where you catch yourself hurrying up in order to have fun, rushing to be done with a project, and even accelerating past the handshake in order to get to the meat and bones of a contract? Conversely, though, have you ever lingered in the space of anticipation, relished in the sweat of hard work and even drifted in and out of personal, heartfelt conversation before bringing ink to paper? I understand that we are part of the collective of hardworking Realtors, teachers, engineers, and parents, who take pride in our daily, professional toil, but have you really taken the time to enjoy the journey – your journey?

This may seem a simple task for some, but for so many, the end goal is always the prize to be honored. The ‘how-we-got there’ approach usually takes a small back seat to the end result. We tend to find excitement in finish lines, quotas met and total sales, but aren’t the most fun and intriguing moments of life those which entail the story behind the sale or the personality behind the transaction? My mother often reminded me that everyone has a story to be told. I, myself, am often less fascinated with others’ finest (or worst) moments, but rather the moments in between- the moments where I could relate to them as parents, co-workers and, ultimately, as humans, through the narrative of their personal story.
Taking time in each of our busy days to enjoy the process of whatever we are doing, to catch our breath and not be so hard on ourselves when tasks remain undone, may prove to be difficult at first, but can become a healthy virtue to strive towards. The voyage towards one’s goals is usually an integral part of anyone’s success, but the true nectar of life ultimately comes from the fruit of our labor. So go ahead, enjoy your journey. Enjoy the process and make sure your story is incredibly interesting.

Message from the President, July 2016

Message from the President Gary Bobolsky
July 2016


BECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH THE UNCOMFORTABLE
We are often taught at a very young age, that being uncomfortable is something we should either avoid or somehow fix. If we are hot, we turn on the air conditioning. If we are bored, we turn on the television or fixate on our phones. If we are stuck in traffic, we become angered at the car that cut us off. If we are sad, we turn to food, alcohol or something else to numb the feelings of being uneasy. How many times though, have you sat in those rough moments and even leaned into them in order to fully experience the emotions and thoughts you carry with them? It is so easy to escape our innermost anxieties in search of something happier, more exciting or comforting. My daughters’ blood curdling screams of pain after stubbing her toe on the leg of a chair are usually quieted after we focus on what she is feeling (i.e., What happened? Are you sad or mad at that chair? Which toe got hurt? What does that toe feel like? Are you still mad at that chair?) I try to teach myself the same process when I get frustrated or anxious instead of looking for a quick fix.
Taking a breath and embracing the uncomfortable can be a positive experience, if we allow it. Taking two minutes, closing your eyes and becoming aware of how you feel in that particular moment can be entirely revitalizing. More so, fully rationalizing a difficult situation, talking about it with friends, co-workers or family, and even sitting in the emotions that come up before taking action, can allow one’s self to fully synthesize a positive plan of action. Don’t get me wrong, I have been known to overthink a situation too, but the more I practice, the easier it becomes to ride the small waves of sensation instead of struggling on the violent surface of a full-blown emotion – just to stay afloat. We can use this method when preparing to have a difficult conversation with a client, negotiating with a tough contractor or just when you feel like you need to gather your thoughts and energy in an anxious moment. Leaning into the uncomfortable can teach us quite a bit about ourselves if we just allow it the space to take root and flourish.
Click here for your 2 minutes of Big Wave inspiration: https://youtu.be/WU1Xa6qdrAI?t=15s ;

Message from the President, June 2016

Message from Gary Bobolsky – President, Santa Fe Association of Realtors

June 2016
The Bold IS the Beautiful

It isn’t easy to be bold, courageous or brave. Most of us actually go out of our way to sneak away from situations where we must act with fearlessness. Yes, there are those people that jump out of airplanes and tether their legs to bungee cords capturing the whole scenario for YouTube uploads, but most adults that I meet are innately programmed to shy away from the fear that could change their lives. This year, I’ve been inspired by some pretty incredible colleagues challenging their personal adversities (whether they were health, work or family) by standing tall in the unknown and touching the essence of bravery with their spirit. Courage does not have to be as big as we think it should be, in fact, practicing small acts of bravery every day can inspire your co-workers, clients and family. Making sincere eye contact with the grocery clerk as he scans your food can be liberating for some who find connecting uncomfortable. Sharing a hidden personal experience with a client during an interview can surprisingly make a connection that enables you to stand out from others. Saying “I don’t know” should not be the scariest words uttered when asked a professional question from the public. Trusting our intuition about a new endeavor can be downright daunting. We can’t deny that most people struggle every day with fears of some sort, but we can learn to embrace fear by taking those small steps and relishing in its unfamiliarity. Over time, our minds and bodies will become used to this new language whereby the dynamic of our soul and being BOLD will just be like everything else common to us – second nature.

Enjoy your 2-minutes of BOLD-ness inspiration:

https://youtu.be/pL9DBEeLJDw?list=PLRd8e8clGTL5J4Svixq3Bi-BHEC4fNIsH

Message from the President, April 2016

Message from Gary BobolskyPresident, Santa Fe Association of Realtors

April 2016
 
Welcome to April of 2016 in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico. Spring has officially arrived and with it all the fresh energy and newborn life that the season provides. The spring equinox is a powerful reminder that with such great abundance all around us, it is wise to ensure that you direct your most potent energies in the direction of what is most important to you. It is also a great time to clean up spaces, physical and mental, clearing a path for new things, thoughts, and even creative prowess to emerge in one’s work.

I am a believer that energy creates energy and I am sure you’ve heard the adage “Where focus goes, energy flows”. Put your energy into something you truly believe in, whether it is work, your family, your health, or one particular listing or client. The important key is to keep the energy flowing, cyclical from one project into another.
Be frugal with your energy – do not waste it. I’ve seen many colleagues be involved in many projects at one time, but lack a full vigor to really focus their energies into one project. I notice that those, whose energies are focused on one idea or notion at a time, (however small it may be) reap greater rewards in the long run. Put your energy in places where it will come back to you and benefit everyone involved.
Don’t forget to be creative with your energy. This can sometimes be harder than it sounds. Talk to friends and family. Read up on new topics. Ideas are waiting to be born in all situations, stories and personal experiences. For instance, your listing has not just sold because of price, but maybe there are other paths of exploration that can make a home or property more desirable to a wider audience. Let spring be the time to plant the seed thoughts of inspiration to secure a fruitful future for what brings you the most wealth and health.
Click below for your 2 minutes of inspiration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODXi1-64dgg&feature=youtu.be

Click here for April’s SFAR REALTOR Radio PodcastBoard HighlightsThe SFAR Board of Directors took action on the following items at the March meeting:

  • Approved sending a letter to the City of SF regarding the short term rental ordinance changes

Your friend and colleague,

Gary Bobolsky
2016 President
Santa Fe Association of REALTORS

Stephen Etre Interview, February 2016

Interview of Stephen Etre, Owner of Stephen’s, A Consignment Gallery
By Rey Post, Associate Broker, Sotheby’s International Realty & Host of “All Things Real Estate” Radio Show

Q. Stephen, you have often told me that your gallery serves as a place for “sociological observations of the lives of people.” What do you mean by this description?

A. After more than 30 years of operating the gallery, I have had the opportunity to measure the thinking and opinions of literally thousands of people who either live or are visiting the Santa Fe, New Mexico region. Since our customers largely come to us to either furnish their homes, or prepare them for sale, they offer me and the other professionals on my staff with a fair amount of information about their likes and dislikes across a variety of subjects.

Q. My guests and I—including you—have often commented on the part of our jobs as real estate professionals that sometimes drift into a bit of “therapy” for our clients. Such as offering advice on difficult choices when it comes to either staying in or moving from a home, offering counsel on trying to help them manage their funds correctly when it comes to the largest expense in their lives (owning a home), and other challenging issues.

A. Yes, as is the case for you, I have developed relationships with my clients that sometimes go back for decades, so it is often the case that I know a considerable amount and have experienced the chapters of the lives of many of these people—some of them becoming very good friends.

Q. You have a very easy-going, but professional approach to how you interact with people, so I can imagine how you have become something more than just the owner of a business in your working relationships with clients.

A. It’s a very satisfying element to my job and helps me be a better professional for those who come to the gallery seeking advice and fine products.

Q. On a different front, I understand that your estate sale business is very active as we approach the end of the first quarter of 2016.

A. Yes, Rey, as I have told you and your “All Things Real Estate” radio show audience on many occasions, the gallery has a long-time relationship with estate lawyers, banks, and executors who turn to us to help facilitate the sale of some of Santa Fe’s finest collections of antiques, art, and one-of-a-kind items, including heirloom jewelry. Though estate sales are driven by a special set of circumstances, we have found that they occur quite regularly, as people find them to be an effective method for marketing unique collections in certain homes. We have already hosted quite a few estate sales since the beginning of the year and I suspect that many more will follow as we get further into 2016.

Q. I always like to remind people that they can turn to your very attractive website for information on these events, as well as other current activities and items that the gallery is featuring.

A. Yes, you know that we are very proud of our website which is not only visually appealing, but is constantly changing to provide our customers with the latest news about gallery offerings. For anyone who hasn’t visited our site in a while, I invite them to take a look at: www.stephensconsignments.com.

Q. And on the February 14 “All Things Real Estate” radio show that you co-hosted with me, we  featured commentary from Jose Pablo, a former student and currently the director of the Alumni and Special Events at the United World College (UWC) that is based in Las Vegas, NM. Why is this institution important to you?

A. UWC is one of 15 campuses located on five continents and as a two-year residential school, it serves students age 16-19 who typically represent more than 70 different countries. They participate in a unique program that combines academic challenge with an experiential, hands-on approach to learning. I have been a supporter of the institution and actually have many of the students occasionally stay at our home while they are studying

Q. It was good to receive Jose Pablo’s latest update and for anyone who would like to listen to what he and Stephen discussed during the February 14 broadcast of the radio show, here is a podcast:

http://santafe.com/thevoice/podcasts/all-things-real-estate-first-hour-february-14-2016

A. Thanks, Rey—it’s always a pleasure to be on your radio show and I look forward to joining you again in March!

For    more   than   30     years,     Stephen’s,   a    Consignment    Gallery  has    been    attracting    consumers     from   all    over    the     country,     to    see    the        best      in     antiques,  estate      items,     jewelry,    furniture,   art,     and    countless   home       accessories   under    the   gallery’s  13,000    square    feet    of       space.

Stephen’s, A Consignment Gallery
2701 Cerrillos   Road, Santa Fe
stephensconsignments.com

 

Message From The President, Febuary 2016

Message from the President Gary Bobolsky
President, Santa Fe Association of Realtors                
February 2016
An Attitude of Gratitude
I can bet that if you were one of the multitudes of hopefuls buying lottery tickets several weeks ago, your emotions likely ran the gamut of exhilaration and anticipation and quickly turned to that of loss and defeat.  For me, it was a risk that I was willing to take on for a mere $32 dollars.  It was in the hours that I held my ‘Golden Tickets’, my thoughts meandered from visions of luxury and grandeur to larger concepts of gratitude and giving, even philanthropy.  Would I take my winnings as a lump sum or as an annuity?  How much and to whom would I give money?  Would I be a happier person?  Most days in real estate are similar to playing the lottery: for our sellers, we invest our waking hours and our money through the cost of advertising and educating ourselves on the market; for buyers, we negotiate our valuable time with verve and vitality in the hopes that our patience and output of risk transform into a commission check.  Can the success of this effort fully equate to sublime happiness in our work and ultimately in our lives, or can the act of being grateful delve us deeper into a state of positive productivity, a supportive social network and a contented existence?  Since we are gamblers by nature through our real estate work, I would bet that if you became consciously thankful each day for three things, science would show that the odds of you experiencing greater determination, attention, enthusiasm, happiness, and energywould be in your favor.  We could all use these immeasurable qualities as personal assets in our business.  Of course, a billion dollars sure wouldn’t hurt either.  For those who didn’t win the big Powerball jackpot, click here for your 3 minutes of inspiration:
Your friend and colleague,
Gary Bobolsky
Gary Bobolsky
2016 President
Santa Fe Association of REALTORS

Roof Restoration Process

By: Justin Kibbe, Vice President, Fix My Roof LLC

FIX MY ROOF is committed to restoring existing roofs for a fraction of the cost of roof replacement while maximizing our positive impact on the environment by embracing environmentally responsible practices and educating the greater community about environmental stewardship.

Our process:

Step 1: Preparation. With all coatings, the prep work is essential. Both cleaning and drying the roof are very important for a well-done job. We spend a great deal of time with this process (including using blowers and some heaters to make sure any snow/ice that can’t be removed is melted and then dried with towels).

Step 2: Primer. For maximum adhesion of the silicone to the roof, we start with a primer that is made and approved by the manufacturer. Many roofers forego this process as it saves money on material and labor, but it’s the correct way to install a silicone membrane.

Step 3: Curing. The primer cures in 15 minutes in warm weather and sometimes up to one hour in cold weather.

Step 4: Application of the first coat of silicone. The tech spec sheet only requires 1 gallon per 100 square feet, but we actually apply two coats of 1.5 gallons per 100 square feet. The first coat is done in a tan or grey color, and the second coat in white. This ensures 100 percent coverage of both coats. The multiple coats and 3 times the coverage equates to better protection on the roof. We squeegee the liquid silicone out onto the roofs. We do not spray because of the concerns mentioned in the tech spec sheet, as well as because wind can cause overspray, which is a big liability.

The silicone itself takes about 8 hours to cure in warm weather, and up to 48 hours to cure when colder. The weather factors are important for us to be aware of during the installation. We work with the manufacturer when installing the silicone membrane in colder temperatures so that they are aware of the conditions.

When the manufacturer representative has visited our jobs, he has been consistently impressed that we do go by the book and take extra precautions while doing the installation, and in maintaining the roofs through annual inspections.

Step 5: Final inspection and 10-year maintenance.

When I started the company, I wanted to change the New Mexico roofing industry. I was appalled at customer service practices, as well as all the short cuts that were being taken. The roofing industry in general does not inspire confidence – and that starts with the manufacturers and trickles down to the local installers. I know that our company’s reputation has started a change in how other roofers must now compete. Our warranty is totally unique.

We are not the only company to offer a warranty that covers material AND labor, but we ARE the only that does not charge extra for this service.

We are not the only company to offer a maintenance program, but we ARE the only one that includes this annual inspection/maintenance service at NO COST to our customers.

Justin.Kibbe@fixthisflatroof.com
Cell: 505.919.9260
www.FixThisFlatRoof.com

Stephen Etre Interview, January 2016

Interview Of Stephen Etre, Owner of Stephen’s, A Consignment Gallery

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

Q. How is your business starting out in 2016?

A. After more than 30 years of operating the gallery, I have witnessed many different business cycles in Santa Fe. The start of this New Year is evidencing a continuation of the steady economic recovery that we witnessed last year.

Q. A significant amount of your clientele comes from the real estate community—home owners, buyers and sellers, as well as real estate brokers, interior designers, and lawyers administering estate transactions. Given this reality, do you have an impression about the status of the Santa Fe real estate market as we start 2016?

A. Yes, my impression is that as you and your broker colleagues have seen a steady increase in buyer and seller activity over the past year. Correspondingly, the gallery has experienced increased activity. Sellers use us as a source for home staging activities, while buyers of new homes rely on our array of items to furnish their properties.

Q. And estate sales are a major source of activity for the gallery with each passing year, correct?

A. The gallery has a long-time relationship with estate lawyers, banks, and executors who turn to us to help facilitate the sale of some of Santa Fe’s finest collections of antiques, art, and one-of-a-kind items including heirloom jewelry. Though estate sales are driven by a special set of circumstances, we have found that they are occurring quite regularly, as people find them to be an effective method for marketing unique collections in certain homes. We have two estate sales already booked for this January, with many more to follow throughout the year.

Q. And to support your customer activities at the gallery in 2016, what enhancements have you added to the gallery?

A. As you know Rey, in 2013 we actually made some structural changes to the gallery’s outside façade to enhance our curb appeal to customers. We also added an “immediate placement” policy to the display of new arrivals at the gallery, so that the floor of our facility is constantly offering brand new items to meet consumer demand. These two elements have really helped to make the shopping experience at the gallery a lot more rewarding for our clients.

Q. I understand that you also have beefed up your staff and also changed the internal visuals of the gallery, correct?

A. Yes, we enhanced our already well-regarded gallery staff with new professionals who bring a level of knowledge and expertise that our clients seem to really appreciate. We have also transformed a major part of the gallery into actual “show rooms,” replicating what rooms in a house would look like with furniture, art, and accessories. This makes it easier for our clients to see how items could work in their own homes.

Q. A couple of years ago, you also launched a new web presence for the gallery that is quite attractive and very user-friendly!

A. Thanks for the plug about this element of our ongoing marketing efforts. We are very proud of our website which is not only visually appealing, but is constantly changing to provide our customers with the latest news about gallery offerings. For anyone who hasn’t visited our site in a while, I invite them to take a look at: www.stephensconsignments.com.

Q. So all in all, you are entering the New Year with your normal high level of optimism!

A. I couldn’t say it any better than that, Rey, and I look forward to helping every home buyer, seller, and owner throughout 2016.

Q. You also have a special relationship with the United World College (UWC) that is based in the Las Vegas, NM region of the state. Why is this important to you?

A. UWC is one of 15 campuses located on five continents and as a two-year residential school, it serves students age 16-19 who typically represent more than 70 different countries. They participate in a unique program that combines academic challenge with an experiential, hands-on approach to learning. I have been a supporter of the institution and actually have many of the students stay occasionally at our home while they are studying.

Q. On today’s show we are featuring one of the students who has stayed at your home.

A. Yes, Jose-Pablo, a former student and currently the Alumni and Special events Director at UWC will be offering an update on activities at the institution as students begin the New Year.

Q. To close out the show, I want to remind everyone that it is not too early to put Stephen’s annual “Spring Sale” on your calendar. This event has been staged for over 30 years at the gallery on the Mother’s Day weekend in May.

A. Thanks, Rey, for alerting people to this event, as well as for having me on today’s show. I look forward to seeing you next month during the February 14 “All Things Real Estate” radio show!

For    more   than   30     years,     Stephen’s,   a    Consignment    Gallery  has    been    attracting    consumers     from   all    over    the     country,     to    see    the        best      in     antiques,  estate      items,     jewelry,    furniture,   art,     and    countless   home       accessories   under    the   gallery’s  13,000    square    feet    of       space.

 

Stephen’s, A Consignment Gallery
2701 Cerrillos   Road, Santa Fe
stephensconsignments.com