Kendra Ruminer's Two Cents of Real Estate

Take A Peek At Los Alamos, New Mexico

Tag: Los Alamos (Page 14 of 15)

Chick, Chick, Chick!

March 3, 2021 /

In 2020 we saw the rise of chickens as more than just a popular backyard pet. When eggs were next to impossible to find, the value of laying hens skyrocketed and suddenly urbanites everywhere were carving out room in their backyards for these fascinating creatures who might as well have been laying golden eggs.

If you want to add chickens to YOUR urban landscape here in Los Alamos County, here are a few things to keep in mind.

The Coop

Here in Los Alamos County we are allowed to have up to 10 birds on our property. Now. Keep in mind that there are a few rules in place that govern how many birds you can actually house in your backyard.

According to LA County Code 6.2, there must be at least 10 sq ft of space in your backyard per chicken. In addition, you must have 2 sq ft of shelter space available again, per chicken. This means if you’ve got a pretty small lot, you’re not likely to have enough of what the county calls permeable land for ten chickens. Permeable land refers to the land’s ability to support a chicken’s instinctual need to forage. That’s all the scratching and pecking. They can’t live a healthy existence on xeriscaped rock, cement, or flagstone. You need grass, dirt, weeds, or even mulch. That means if you wanted to have ten birds, you need to have 100 sq ft of permeable land available for your birds to roam and a chicken coop that’s at least 20 sq ft.

In addition to restrictions on space, the county ordinance requires chickens to be kept in an area where they have access to sunlight during daylight hours. At night they must be kept inside a containment area that protects them from roaming animals. Keep in mind that if you don’t have a livestock guardian type of dog on duty 24/7, you’re likely to have coyotes sniffing around your property at night. Coyotes seem to enjoy taunting chickens and will happily steal your entire flock if given the opportunity. This doesn’t mean you can’t keep your birds safe. You just have to evaluate your shelter from the perspective of outsmarting Brother Coyote.

The Birds

While it’s possible to keep a huge variety of birds on your property here in Los Alamos, if you’re a first time bird keeping you might want to keep it simple. Ducks and Geese require a little more in the way of planning when it comes to housing. We live in a desert after all, and ducks are water fowl. If you’re not ready to landscape a pond into your backyard, you might want to stick to chickens.

If you’re feeling super ambitious you can try incubating eggs and hatching your own chicks. If you’re like most people, you’d rather get live chicks and brood them yourself. It’s possible to purchase mature laying hens as well. You can actually try Craig’s List for that.

I’m sure you’ve all seen the cute chicks available at stores like Tractor Supply or Big R. While they do tend to be inexpensive, I highly suggest going through a reputable hatchery such as Privett Hatchery in Portales, NM. Hatcheries provide high quality birds and can tell you the sex of your birds with scary accuracy considering the fact that many males and females look identical at that age. This is very important because here in Los Alamos we are NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE ROOSTERS. Unless you’ve got a lot at the North Mesa Stables or you live in Pajarito Acres or La Senda, you need hens. Plus, a hatchery goes through a rigorous health screening process with their adult birds that eliminates many of the issues with things like salmonella.

It’s often tempting to get a variety of birds. Chickens come in crazy combinations of colors and plumage. If you’re just starting out, you might want to try getting just a few chicks of a particular breed depending on what you want your chickens for. If you’re looking for excellent layers who are also easy keepers, you might try the Golden Comet, also known as the Golden Sex Link (don’t laugh, it’s a thing!). If you’re looking for a meat bird who is also a good layer, you could try an Orpington. Do your research and don’t be afraid to Google your eyes out.

What to Expect

Chickens mature very quickly. Hens under one year of age are called pullets. You’ll sometimes see them listed for sale. Pullets aren’t layers just yet. If they do lay eggs they’re typically quite small and are called “pullet eggs”. Different breeds begin laying at different times. But don’t worry! Most chickens start laying eggs between 16 and 24 wks old and continue laying for several years. As they age, the eggs become less frequent. Egg cycles are also governed by the length of the days. If you want to increase your egg yield during the winter months, you can add a light and a timer to the inside of your coop. However, keep in mind that some sources suggest the seasonal rest cycle is a necessary and healthy part of life for hens.

Typical hens lay a single egg every 22 hours or so. It doesn’t sound like a lot. And maybe if you have a teenage boy in your house who goes through a dozen eggs per day, it’s NOT a lot. However, the average family can do quite well and have plenty of eggs with six laying hens. Six eggs per day. 42 per week. That’s a lotta eggs!

Chickens – especially hand raised chickens – are quite friendly and can be more than just egg machines. They have personalities and quirks and will quickly come to recognize anyone who habitually brings them a nibble of something special. They’re intelligent, tough, and hardworking members of any urban family. With a 5-10 year lifespan that leans more toward the 5 year mark, they’re not going to be your longest lived pet. But they do provide a wonderful lesson to the kiddos about animal husbandry and even economics.

Don’t be afraid to dig in and get some chicks this spring! And if you’re looking for a backyard where you can build your coop and your urban farm, give me a call! I’d love to help you find the perfect place in Los Alamos to call home.

Candy! Candy! Candy!

November 4, 2020 /

I don’t know about you, but even in this strange Covid-19 post Halloween world, I find myself drowning in candy. If you’re like most people, your kids either managed to collect candy from multiple sources, or you bought it in the store yourself. Either way, if you have too much to even consider eating it all, you might try one of these ideas. Be as creative as you want and use as much candy as you can spare!

Turning candy into candy packed cake is always a fun activity. This is also a great way to turn an excess of flavored hard candies or Smarties into a crunchy, gooey, yummy after dinner treat!

Ingredients:

1-2 Boxes of your favorite cake mix.

Plenty of your favorite flavor of icing.

2-4 cups of crushed hard candies. (Smartie sized)

1/2 cup candy bits for icing.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended on the cake box and prepare cake batter according to directions. Don’t forget to add the extras for high altitude! We don’t want flattened candy cake. (although it’s still tasty)

Use a food processor to crush the candy. If you don’t have a food processor, you might enjoy using a rubber mallet and some wax paper. A rolling pin works well for this too. Just put the candy into a packet made with the wax paper and smack it around until you have bits and dust. A perfect way to get some of that quarantine aggression out in a constructive way!

Choose your pan and prepare it according to the box directions. Put half the cake batter into the pan. Sprinkle the candy bits onto the batter. Use a butter knife to swirl the candy into fun patterns. Then add the rest of the batter to the pan.

Bake the cake as directed on the box. While the cake is baking, mix a quarter cup of candy bits into the icing. When the cake comes out of the oven, make sure you let it cool, but not all the way. Ice the cake and let the icing melt just enough to make it squishy. Sprinkle the rest of the candy on top. You can eat it while it is still warm or wait until later. Either way, it’s going to be a hit!

Layer desserts are a great way to get rid of extra everything. Pudding. Whipping cream. Chocolate sauce. Cake. You name it and you can pile it into the bowl, glass, or hurricane and make it look scrumptiously edible.

For this, I suggest seeing what you have leftover in the pantry after the long lockdown food hoard. Extra pudding mix? Whip it up and get it ready! That box of cake mix or muffin mix that got lost? Whip it up and get it ready! The following items work well for layers. You can make them or arrange them however you like.

Layers:

Pudding – Any flavor, any variety, as much as you want to make.

Cake – Yellow cake makes a surprisingly good contrast to all of the chocolate puddings, candies, and the whipped cream. But you can use any variety you’d like. It’s surprising how good a nice spice cake can be in a layer dessert, or strawberry, or even chocolate muffins! This can be a fantastic way to get rid of leftover cookies, cupcakes from the store, or other forgotten treats too. Just peel the paper off and stuff them in.

Whipped cream – Cool Whip or a spray can or even whipped heavy cream works well. Make sure you save a bit for the top.

Candy – This is where the chocolate and caramel snack bars or minis really shine. Either cut them, put them through the food processor, or (in the case of Butterfingers) whack them with a mallet or a book or something to get smaller pieces. You can even put a bag or two of M&M type candies into this. Gummies are fine. Even Sour Patch Kids.

The Bowl:

I prefer to use a glass hurricane bowl for this dessert, but you can use whatever you have on hand. A big mixing bowl or even a deep baking dish if you only want two or three layers. You can make this as elaborate and huge as you’d like or you can keep it smaller for a quick treat in individual mugs.

The Process:

The trick here is not to get too hung up on neatness. Cake makes a good bottom layer. And the cake doesn’t have to be intact either. Just place each layer using either your clean hands, a spatula, or a spoon. Layers should be no more than an inch or two thick for large serving bowls and maybe only a smear in a small glass or baking pan. You want just enough to make it visible from the outside if you have a see through bowl, but not too much that you can’t get lots of layers in before you run out of room. And don’t forget to put a layer of pudding or whipping cream between the cake and candy for maximum gooey goodness!

Bon Appetit!

Enjoy your recycled candy treats! And if you think about it, snap a quick pic with your phone and post it in the comments of my post on Facebook! I’d love to see just how creative you can get with leftover candy, cake, and some creamy pudding!

Agent, Broker, or Realtor, Oh My!

October 28, 2020 /

It isn’t as if real estate is the only profession that enjoys a good dose of its own dedicated lingo. I think you find that in every industry, sport, or hobby. My daughter recently picked up horseback riding and I’m pretty sure she’s speaking a foreign language when she tries to discuss riding technique with me. But, I thought it might be helpful (or at least of passing interest) to talk about a couple of terms that are fairly basic to real estate in the State of New Mexico.

Yep. Realtor. Lots of people know this one. But, did you know that the word “Realtor” is a trademarked label belonging to anyone who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR)? While it would be unusual to hear a home inspector or a mortgage broker or an appraiser call themselves a Realtor, they actually could, as long as they’re an active member of NAR. So, while real estate brokers (or agents, we’ll get to that in a minute) can be Realtors, not all Realtors are real estate brokers. If you want to learn a little more about Realtors, you can find some bits and pieces here. Or, you can go to the NAR website here if you’d like to look up a list of Realtors in your area.

Here’s the thing. In New Mexico, we don’t call ourselves agents. If you think that’s a bit odd, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Here in Los Alamos we get a lot of folks moving here from other parts of the country. They’re used to working with real estate agents. And that’s what they’re looking for when they call. Now, if you want to get super technical, there are ways to create agency here in New Mexico. But if you go to the NM Real Estate Commission’s website, they aren’t going to talk to you about agents. They’re going to talk to you about brokers.

And THAT is where people from outside the area scratch their heads. In other states, a real estate broker is a step up from an agent. The broker’s license requires more education, a few more tests, and a lot more responsibility. Never fear. The NM State Board has come up with a way to differentiate between what other states might call an agent and a broker.

Here in New Mexico we are called Associate Brokers (or just brokers) and Qualifying Brokers. The simple explanation is that an Associate Broker is licensed to do just about everything you need to buy or sell property here in New Mexico. I’m an Associate Broker. We go through 90 hours of pre-licensure education that includes not only real estate basics, but also an ethics course. We need 36 hours of continuing education every year to keep our license current. And we have to know a heck of a lot about the local, state, and even national laws that apply to our job.

Now. The Qualifying Broker has that same background, but they also have an administrative section to their educational requirements. From a reciprocity standpoint, the Qualifying Broker is equal to a Real Estate Broker in most other states. But to be honest, New Mexico is pretty strict about their real estate licensure laws. Our state only recognizes official reciprocity with Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Georgia. That means if an “agent” from another state wants to move to NM or just to add a NM State Real Estate License to their resume so they can do business here, they have to go through a minimum of 30 hours of education before they take the test to get their license. And the board doesn’t care how long you’ve been handling real estate transactions wherever you come from either. You’ve got to provide them with your educational background and your license history to apply for your NM State License.

What does all of THAT mean?

Well, it means that we real estate brokers take our job pretty seriously. It means we’re more than capable of handling all of the intricacies of buying or selling property in the Land of Enchantment. Not that any one part of our state is the same as another. Which is why I’m so focused on Los Alamos. This county is unique. Our market isn’t like anywhere else. And that means I’m your Local Real Estate Expert. Give me a call today!

Add Some Rot To Your Life

September 9, 2020 /

Oh yes. As we come to the end of a particularly hot summer here in Los Alamos County, it’s time to start getting outside again. Not that we aren’t outside nearly every month out of the year here in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. But with the uncertainty that has become a daily part of our lives, there is wisdom in the idea that new projects aren’t a bad thing at all.

With that in mind, fall might just be the perfect time to start a composting project. Yep. That’s right. Compost. And no. I’m not talking about that pile of stinky, rotting vegetables and yard waste you forgot to gather up and deposit in your brown yard waste bin either.

The truth is that compost can be “done” outdoors or indoors. So, don’t let being in an apartment, condo, or other dwelling without a lot of yard space keep you from having that compost pile. Another thing. Compost done right does NOT smell. If your compost is smelling icky, it means you’ve put something in the pile that doesn’t belong. Eggs, for example, or perhaps dog poop, meat scraps, or other taboo items.

For a full list of items that either belong or DON’T belong in your compost pile, visit the EPA’s website. There is a whole list of do’s and don’t’s for your compost project. Or, the NM Environmental Department has a handy brochure you can view HERE.

Of course, the most important thing to ask yourself when considering a compost pile is whether or not you’re ALLOWED to have a compost pile on your property.

For the most part, here in Los Alamos County, we ARE allowed to have a compost pile on our property. If you’re living in a covenant community such as Elk Ridge, or you’re renting an apartment or even renting a duplex or other single family residence, simply double check with your landlord or property management company regarding their rules for composting.

Composting Basics

There are three things you need for composting. The formula is often described as brown plus green plus water. And of course, you’ll need plenty of air. But before we start with the actual stuff, you need to have a suitable container.

If you don’t want to purchase a bin from a retailer, you can make one. I suggest picking up four wood pallets and wiring them together. You can also make a three sided enclosure using straw bales, providing they’re held together with string and not wire. Or, you could go old school and just make a heap somewhere out of the way in your yard. Make certain you have good access to your compost area since you’ll have to be out there turning it in order to help the process along.

Next Up: The Ingredients
You need four things to make your composting project a success. Brown. Green. Water. Air.
Brown = Yard Waste. Green = Food Waste.
And by the way, grass clippings are considered green and not brown. Water is pretty self-explanatory. Air is also an obvious thing, and yet it’s one of the items that so many people don’t really understand when it comes to successful composting.
Compost is basically the natural breaking down of organic material. Your yard waste brings carbon to the mix. Your food waste brings nitrogen. Water or moisture is a necessary component, and you need to turn that pile at least daily in order to allow air into the mix.

Now, you might be wondering whether composting is really the type of activity you want to be out in your yard doing. After all, composting is for gardeners, right?

Not necessarily. If you’ve spent much time at all trying to grow anything in our county, you know that our topsoil isn’t the greatest. In fact, I’m probably being generous saying it’s not great. The truth is that it isn’t suited to growing things at all.

That being said, even if you DON’T want to garden, you can take your compost and work it into your yard. The end product of the composting process is basically sweet smelling soil. Good, FERTILE soil. Adding that to your fall or spring grass seed mix could really give those green spots in your yard a helpful boost! If you’ve xeriscaped and don’t have grass, put the compost around the base of your trees. If you started a compost pile this weekend and committed to working that pile at least a few times per day, you’d have viable compost in three to four weeks. That would mean you’d have a nice mixture of soil just in time to winterize your yard.

On the subject of working that pile…

Composting can be great exercise. It gets you outside in the yard. Not only are you picking up leaves and brush, you’re carrying your kitchen scraps out to the pile several times a day. That’s an activity to add some steps to the daily total! And in order to move the compost process along, you have to be out there turning the soil. It’s like adding a little bit of cross fit to your daily routine. And I don’t know about you, but with the kiddos learning at home and most jobs involving some kind of hybrid work from home scenario, anything that involves going outside and doing something physical is a bonus for your mental and physical health.

Compost Troubleshooting

A few things to keep in mind when you’re playing in the pile.

  1. If your compost pile stinks, you’ve either put in some no no items, or you’ve got too much moisture. Try adding dry material like leaves or dry grass clippings to get your moisture a little more balanced. If that doesn’t do the trick, check the EPA’s list HERE.
  2. If your compost pile is dry and flaky in the middle, you need more water. Try watering each layer of the pile as you turn it, and then cover it with a plastic sheet or a scrap of carpet to increase the moisture content. (Think greenhouse).
  3. If it’s taking too long to get from your compost starter to a usable product, increase the number of times you’re turning that pile. This is a way of getting air into the mix. More turning=more air=equals faster composting.

All right. I’ve given you resources and information. It’s time for you to add the rot and get composting! As always, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just looking for Tips to enjoy life in Los Alamos. I’m here for you!

Those Big Ticket Items

September 2, 2020 /

The words “Big Ticket Item” can be applied in so many ways. But they do seem to have a rather broad application when it comes to home ownership. A home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. The amount of planning that goes into the initial purchase of your home is nothing compared to the satisfaction you get from walking through the door at the end of each day and just knowing you’re HOME.

But as with any investment, you might want to keep a few things in mind when it comes to maintaining and protecting your home. Whether you’re considering the purchase of a new or new to you home, or trying to make some vital decisions about necessary maintenance on your current home, these are some things to keep in mind.

The Roof

Architectural shingling is the most common roofing material used in the United States. However, here in Los Alamos County and in the Southwest in general, we see a lot of flat roofs on adobe style homes as well as metal roofing options.

Asphalt shingling comes in 20, 30, 40, and 50 year ratings. These ratings are established by the manufacturer, but they don’t necessarily take into account the brutal UV rays experienced here in our community. Lighter colored shingle roofs will last longer than darker colors, and choosing a lighter color for your shingles can also cut down on cooling costs in the summer.

Flat roofs tend to need repair or even replacement in 10-15 years. They require frequent inspecting to make certain that puddling of water doesn’t occur. In some cases, older flat roofs need a buildup of fiberglass or other material to create a slope to encourage appropriate draining.

A metal roof such as Pro Panel roofing can last from 40 to 70 years. Though some homeowners mention that metal roofing can be “louder” during rain or hail storms, proper insulation in your ceiling can eliminate this issue. Metal roofing also comes in a variety of colors and has a better fire rating than other roofing options, which sometimes makes it attractive in communities like ours.

Now. When considering your roofing options, whether the roof is on a house you want to purchase, or your current home, think about age. Age of the home. And how long are you planning to stay in that house? Metal roofing is more expensive than shingles. Sure. You might get 70 years out of the roof, but if you’re only planning to be there for ten years, you’re not going to be the one truly benefitting from that large investment. When pondering the options for replacing your roof, really be honest with yourself about your budget, your expectations, and how long you intend to be in this home. You’ll be glad that you did.

Siding

Saying that our town is filled with an eclectic collection of colorful dwellings isn’t just talk. A strong part of our town’s identity is in our individuality and sometimes that comes out in the paint choices. Even if it means that one half of a duplex is blue and the other is brown.

Some of these color choices come down to what sort of siding is covering the exterior of a home. We have brick, vinyl and hardboard siding, and also plenty of stucco. The durability of these choices is largely affected by whether or not they were properly installed to begin with. Vinyl siding has a 60 year lifespan, hardboard siding tends to be less, 40 years or so, and stucco will last you approximately 50 years. All of these estimates are affected by weather and climate. Replacement costs have more to do with your home’s size, construction, and whether or not the current exterior material must be removed. If you ask Google, the average cost of replacing your siding falls somewhere between $8K and 12K$. Truthfully, this number is generally higher here in our zip code, sometimes because we are located in a remote area, other times because of our tax rate.

In the end, what you choose to put on the exterior of your home should be influenced by your personal preferences and your budget. It’s also drastically affected by how long you intend to be in your home. Be aware if it isn’t your direct concern, it could be a concern for the individual who purchases your home from you down the line.

HVAC – The hot and cold in YOUR life

Air conditioning was not part of the original equipment in a good number of Los Alamos homes. If you’re considering the purchase of a home without A/C, don’t make the assumption you can just add that in later. Ask your Realtor or consult with your building inspector and get all the facts. If that home doesn’t have a central heating system, adding “aftermarket” A/C can be problematic. Ventilation systems and ductwork can be costly or impossible to install if there’s no place for them to go.

Many homes in Los Alamos have hot water baseboard heating. This tends to be a very effective heating solution for many homeowners. Combined with a wood stove or the use of a fireplace, it can be cost effective and cozy. Many homes in our area have passive solar features as well thanks to the brilliant sun that shines an average of more than three hundred days a year.

If your home DOES have A/C, you can expect that system to last 10-15 years. Your furnace and A/C do need regular inspections. Inspections for gas furnaces can be free, so take advantage of this service to avoid costly repairs down the road. If you do need to replace a unit, you can expect to spend between $5K and $10K depending on the size of your home and your family’s needs. When purchasing a home, make sure to ask when the system was last serviced and if the A/C unit has needed “recharging” (a refill of the system refrigerant). Then begin budgeting for any repairs or replacement well in advance. This is one situation where a little bit of planning can avoid some uncomfortable days and nights waiting for emergency service.

Appliances

When it comes to a modern home, there are a LOT of appliances! Here are some basic stats regarding how long those suckers are likely to last.

Hot Water Heater – 6-13 years

Stove 13-15 years (gas stoves tend to last longer)

Refrigerator 10-18 years (the larger the longer lived)

Dishwasher – 10 years

Microwave – 7 years

Some things to think about when it comes to replacing appliances.

First? NOBODY wants to be without hot water. Know how old your hot water heater is and what kind of shape it is in. The water in Los Alamos has a lot of minerals that tend to collect inside a hot water heater reservoir. While these don’t necessarily kill the hot water heater, they can diminish the amount of space inside the tank and effectively create situations where you simply don’t have enough hot water to handle more than one shower in an hour. This could shorten the number of years your hot water heater can handle your family’s needs.

It’s also important to consider the new options for hot water that don’t even require a tank. On demand tankless hot water systems can be a viable option here in Los Alamos. Many of our homes already have gas powered hot water heaters and that can decrease the cost of installation on a tankless system. In the end, it comes down to your family’s needs and your budget. While a tankless system can cost a lot less per year, they tend to cost three times as much up front. That means you need to be in your home for a number of years to break even on that expenditure. Talk to a qualified dealer or a highly rated plumber to find out if this option is the right one for you.

We’ve all seen those older refrigerators, stoves, ovens, etc. that seem indestructible. They’re ancient, and they’re some bizarre color like bright red, golden yellow, or avocado green. Remind yourself that all of those colors were popular at one time. When choosing your new appliances, try to go with a color and finish that is easy to clean, light, bright, and appealing. Even if you’re only replacing appliances one at a time as they need it, plan ahead and think timeless and not trendy.

I hope this information has given you some ideas about your home ownership journey. As always, if you have more questions or any comments, please feel free to Contact Kendra. I’d love to hear from you!

Let’s Get Real: Wire Fraud is a Thing

August 5, 2020 /

You’ve found the house of your dreams. You’ve made your offer. The offer has been accepted and you’ve been working with the lender who did the pre-approval on your loan. Now it’s down to the homestretch and you’re so excited you’re on edge just waiting for that closing date. Then you get an email from the title company telling you that you need to wire them your down payment and closing costs RIGHT NOW! If you wait even a millisecond, you’re going to lose this house!

What next? I’ll tell you what next. STOP! Seriously. Put the brakes on and just wait a second. Take a deep breath and call your Realtor! That’s right. Get on the phone and talk to the person who has been walking you through this entire process from the beginning. I can promise your real estate agent absolutely knows whether or not the title company has an urgent need to have your down payment and/or closing costs in hand right this second. Whatever you do, DO NOT wire a single penny without having an in person chat, Zoom call, or phone conversation with your agent, your lender, or your title company representative. Because let me tell you right now, if it feels fishy? It’s totally fishy!

Cases of Wire Fraud in Real Estate Are On the Rise!

I know, you’re probably thinking to yourself that this is Los Alamos. But I can assure you that I have had clients here in town who have been victims of wire fraud. In the case of my clients, they had enough savvy to question some of the information in the email. Once we realized what was happening, the phishers were denied their loot. But there have been other buyers who were not so fortunate. Imagine losing over a hundred thousand dollars with no way to get it back because your money just took a trip to Sri Lanka. Not cool!

How It Works

The entire scam is based upon a method you’re probably already familiar with. Phishing. A process that hackers use to snag personal information from the inboxes of professionals like real estate agents, lenders, and title company representatives. This information usually includes a buyer’s name, address, pertinent financial info, and even some pretty accurate numbers from their anticipated closing costs. It could even include the down payment amount they’re supposed to bring to the closing table.

Once the hacker has this important and personal information, they use “spoofing” techniques to build an email or even a phone number that looks absolutely legit. They pose as your lender or your agent, even going so far as to get a semi accurate signature to convince the buyer that this is a legitimate request.

In the case of wire fraud, an ounce of prevention is worth thousands of your hard earned dollars. Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

If you have already initiated a wire transfer, then time is running out. Contact your financial institution immediately. Generally speaking, there is a very small window of time when the transfer can be recalled. Don’t forget to tell your bank that you’ve been a victim of wire fraud. It may encourage them to do everything they can to recall that transaction.

Contact the FBI’s cyber crimes department and give them the details of your situation. Be aware though, these transactions are not insured. There is really no way to get your money back. It is simply gone. That is why it is SO important to prevent this from happening to you!

Prevent Wire Fraud by putting as little financial information into an email as possible. Talk in person (masked of course!). Use the phone. Use Zoom if you’re purchasing a home and you’re not already in the local area. Be free with your questions. Never be afraid to call your lender, your title company representative, and especially your Realtor! If something feels wrong, it probably is!

If you do get a request from someone claiming to be one of your trusted professionals, don’t click on anything in that email. If it’s a strange phone call, hang up. Then initiate contact from your end on purpose! Call your Realtor. Call your lender. Speak to a legitimate source and explain what’s happening. These are the same things that you should already be doing if you get a message from Paypal telling you that your account has been locked and please enter your personal information to unlock it. If the problem or the request really exists, then it will STILL exist when YOU contact them to discuss or resolve it!

Take your future by the horns and don’t let anyone try to snatch it from you. And as always, if you have questions or concerns, CALL ME! I’d love to give you more information.

Surprise! You Bought A Home.

July 22, 2020 /

You’ve just purchased the home of your dreams in Los Alamos County. You’ve never been so excited about the prospect of moving. Break out the champagne and celebrate, right?

Welcome Home To Your New Space!

Now. Let me be the first to congratulate you. You’re absolutely right. Finding a home to purchase in our community is a whirlwind ride all on its own and that doesn’t begin to cover the step by step process of actually purchasing this new living space. So, yes. CONGRATULATIONS! But while we enjoy that champagne, let’s talk details shall we?

Let me be frank. There are a few hidden costs associated with purchasing a home. I know. I can hear you right now. “Kendra,” you say. “Believe me! I’ve already gone through multiple inspections. I’ve paid insurance premiums and set up an escrow account with my lender. I have this in the bag!”

Right. The details about closing costs were probably a surprise if you’re a first time homebuyer. I always try to walk my buyers through the entire process and keep them aware that these things are coming. But there are just a few more things to talk about. And honestly, they CAN be pretty fun. After all, who doesn’t like the part where you move in and make this new house your home?

Remember That First Walkthrough?

No. Not the walk through that happens just before closing. Although, if your new home was professionally staged when you first decided to purchase it, that last walkthrough might have been a bit of an eye opener if the place was bare boards and stark walls. That was the moment you got to actually picture your things inside the house. How did it look? Don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to make this new space feel like your home.

Now, go back to the very FIRST time you saw this home. For those of you who have already purchased or those considering selling and moving into another home, keep in mind that in this Covid-19 market, many of these walkthroughs are taking place virtually. There are so many home buyers who have NEVER physically been inside the new home they’re purchasing before they’ve got the keys in their hand and the mortgage payment coupon in their mailbox.

Stop for just a moment. The Los Alamos market is unlike anywhere else. The good news is that you’ve got your house! Love that! Give yourself permission to be thrilled with that! And remember that the rest is just cosmetic. Even if its quite possible that your new house hasn’t been updated since the seventies, who cares? This is your chance to make this house YOURS. Keep in mind that in other cities you might be peeling off the nineties, the eighties, and the seventies before putting your stamp on it. A few less layers can be a good thing!

Remember all of those improvements you knew needed to be made on this home before you became convinced that this was the ONE? There’s nothing wrong with some can do DIY attitude. But now that you’ve come through the home buying process, I don’t want some of the basic foundation stones for actually LIVING in your home to get lost in the shuffle.

Start Small

Yes. Small. As in, blinds or shades, or some kind of window coverings. You need to be able to cover your windows for privacy and also, in a bigger way, to maximize heating and cooling. So many homes in our area are lacking in modern double paned windows. I can think of a few homes that are missing screens on the windows, much less blinds. And we’re talking trading pretty for functional right now. Start with examining all of the blinds or shades in your new home. Count them, measure them, and then start looking for good deals on decent window coverings. You’ll be surprised how quickly the cost grows. But, you’ll also be thankful you handled this small task when that brutal summer sun starts creeping into your home and sending the temperature toward the roof. Good blinds can save plenty of pennies in cooling costs. And those are the pennies you’ll use to improve your new home in other exciting ways!

It may take a while for your new house to look like a real homey haven.

Now, The Kitchen

No. Don’t look at the cabinets. That’s a project you’ll be tackling soon enough. What I would suggest instead, is to look at the appliances. Check them for functionality. Does the refrigerator actually keep things cold? Does it freeze your produce solid? Does the dishwasher clean the dishes, or does it recycle your food leavings before flinging them back onto the plates and glasses? Does that snazzy built in microwave work? How about the oven? Did the house come with a washer and dryer? Do they get the job done or are you looking for a clothesline to finish your dry cycle outdoors?

Appliances are a vital part of our lives. Modern families are hard to manage without these work reducing beauties. But, as with everything else in a home, there is a decision that has to be made here. Is now the time to replace them or not? Do not let the avocado green or brilliant red or goldenrod yellow color of these make your decision for you. If an ancient refrigerator does its job and does not require you to call a repairman every day, then bump it down the priority list. If you’re dreading the purchase of the new fridge with its $3300 price tag, don’t let that keep you from replacing an older model that is costing you an extra $100 or $200 per month in electric and repairs. Think energy efficient and prioritize your list of renovations. Then assess each appliance with the decisiveness of a general making strategic battle plans. And by the way, take your time and enjoy making this space all yours!

Plumbing

Next, let’s take a look at the bathrooms and every faucet in your new home. Are the toilets making weird noises? Do the faucets drip? Does the shower head hit everything BUT your hair? Replace or repair these little things. The cost of doing them all at once may take more of your budget than you’d like. But making sure that you’re not increasing your water bill or driving yourself insane every time you take a shower is a must. And speaking of shower, you might want to replace the shower curtains or doors depending on how that door track looks. And what about the toilet seat? A new seat can refresh the toilets in your home in ways you probably never imagined possible.

Make sure the bathrooms in your new home are liveable.

This community is unlike anywhere else. We love living here. We love the fact that our homes are unique and sometimes dated. Okay. Maybe we don’t LOVE the dated part. But you’re going to do something amazing with that space. I know you will. Until then, remember that its about functionality, energy efficiency, and not draining your bank account penny by penny each month. Making sure your home is your refuge even while you’re rehabbing your heart out to make it the haven of your dreams will make the DIY rehab project that much more fulfilling.

Ready to Make a Move? Call or Email Kendra Today!

Using Zillow Responsibly…

July 15, 2020 /

Is there anyone left on this planet who has NOT heard of Zillow? Okay. Maybe planet is a pushing it. Is there anyone in the United States who has not clicked their way around Zillow taking a peek at the housing market in their area? Whether you’re an enthusiastic Zillow user or not, let me give you three tips for using Zillow responsibly in the Los Alamos County real estate market.

Tip # 1 – Pre-Foreclosure Homes Are Not Actually For Sale

That’s something I get a lot of in the real estate business. Especially here in Los Alamos where homes come on and go off the market with a record low number of days on market. I get calls from excited clients who just saw something perfect pop up on Zillow as “pre-foreclosure”. They want to hop in their car and go look at this fantastic property. They’re ready to make an offer! This is the home of their dreams.

Except… Pre-foreclosure is just a term that comes from a homeowner getting slightly behind on their mortgage payments. When this happens, the lender has a legal obligation to file a public notice. It’s an attempt – an early attempt – to collect on a debt. There are a whole lot of steps between public notice and actual foreclosure. In the meantime, the house is NOT on the market. You CANNOT go and take a peek at it. It’s still someone else’s home. No wonder it’s perfect for your family, right?

Tip # 2 – Just Because Zillow Suggests a Home Value, Doesn’t Make It So

This goes back to tip number one. Zillow is a database that gets information from public records. Even on their website they tell you this. Hence the public notice that results in a pre-foreclosure listing on Zillow. But this is where home valuation gets really tricky. New Mexico is a non-disclosure state. That means our home values are not made public record. 

Not that this actually slows Zillow down. The database is filled with what they refer to as “zestimates”. Basically, Zillow has algorithms that come up with what a computer estimates to be the best possible guess for a home’s value. But that isn’t necessarily based on recent sales prices.  A homeowner can go in and input the value of their home, but that’s up to the homeowner. As a realtor I would never make that information public.

Tip # 3 – Don’t Believe Everything Zillow Has to Say About Mortgages

This is not to say that the mortgage calculator on Zillow is wrong. It’s not. It’s actually a very useful tool. Zillow has multiple tools to help you figure out what it might cost to own the home of your dreams. Insurance, HOA fees, mortgage, mortgage insurance, they’ve got a little line item for everything. What I ask people to keep in mind is that this is all perfect world thinking. And no. I don’t believe that the word “perfect” applies to anyone trying to scrounge up a down payment for the home of their dreams. But what this doesn’t take into account is the actual funding process for purchasing a home. This is a complex process that has a lot of variables Zillow can’t anticipate for you.

This is why you call a Real Estate Agent!

Please. Give me a call. If you’ve got questions about your current home’s value or are looking to sell and get something bigger or downsize to something smaller, talk to an actual human being who will walk you through the realities of this process. Sure. Zillow is useful. I would never say that it isn’t. But please use a common sense approach when surfing the Internet for the home of your dreams. It makes the transition from dream into reality a whole lot smoother!

Call or Email Kendra

Title Insurance 101

July 9, 2020 /

If you’ve ever purchased a home, you’ve heard of title insurance. You’ve probably paid for it. You’ve probably also grumbled a bit about the added cost. But this is only a one time fee. Usually LESS THAN 1% of the purchase price of your home. Of course, that can still feel like a ton of cash to lay out at closing when it’s easy to feel pinched about the cost of purchasing a home.

What is a title anyway? Why do I need someone to guarantee it? The house isn’t going anywhere, right?

Let’s start by talking about what title insurance actually is.

According to The Street, a popular financial blog, “more of a risk prevention than a risk assumption (the model for most insurance policies) form of insurance, title insurance covers the history of the policy-holder’s home, examines the history for any trouble spots that could damage the value of the home, and highlights those potential issues before the buyer purchases the home”.

So what does that really mean? It means that you’re paying a company to research the title of the home you’re purchasing just in case there is something wonky in the history of that property.

Let’s bring that back around to our community of Los Alamos. Think about how many homes were either built, brought here, or somehow fabricated back when the Atomic Energy Commission was still in charge. Think about the chain of owners and banks and lenders and foreclosures and lien releases and… (I really think you get the idea). There are other homes that were damaged and then reconstructed after the Cerro Grande fire.

Now think about the way a mortgage works. Even if a lender only owns a pile of ash, they still want a piece of that pile. And this is before taking into account the homes that pass from one party to the next via a will or some kind of inheritance situation.

  • A home’s title includes:
  • The property abstract (sometimes called a chain of title)
  • A description of any easements or rights of way. (or maybe a note about national forest access)
  • Liens against the property

The title is a public record held in a clerk’s office and is technically available to anyone who is interested. Considering what the title is and how many different things affect it, you might imagine why having a knowledgable and licensed title expert to review the title before you purchase a property is not only a requirement, but a really good idea.

“Okay, so can I just pay for a title INSPECTION?”

Nope, the insurance part comes in when or if you’ve owned your home for five years and some undisclosed heir shows up and claims you’re squatting on his inheritance. Or (a far more common occurrence) when the county does a tax audit and you discover there was an escrow account error ten years ago and the previous homeowner’s lender neglected to pay the property taxes. Yep. Guess who becomes responsible for those back taxes?

That’s right. The current homeowner.

So, next time you’re buying a new home or you’re speaking with someone who is and there is a discussion about closing costs and title companies, and title insurance, feel free to chime in with all you now know about why title insurance is important. After all, nobody wants to be left holding the bag when it comes to an unexpected financial lien against your home. Your home is supposed to be your safe space. Title insurance can make sure that it is fully YOURS.

Could You Quarantine In This Space?

July 1, 2020 /
The Coronavirus Has Changed What Buyers Are Looking For In a House

I think we’ve all come to the honest realization that the world we once lived in is gone. Things have changed. Everything has changed. The way that we hang out with our friends. The way that we hang out with our family… Wait. The way that we ONLY hang out with our family.

All of that togetherness is changing the way people live their lives and the things they value in a home. Let’s look at a few things that are becoming far more important to Average Joe Buyer.

Kitchens

So many times in the past, I’ve seen busy families who purchase homes because of their proximity to a school district or because the bedrooms are big or the garage and driveway has extra slots for the extra cars belonging to a family full of teenagers. Kitchens were useful because they contained conveniences like the toaster over, the microwave, and that mega juicer you just had to have but rarely use.

Now? The lack of restaurant options, especially in small communities like Los Alamos, means that homeowners are using their kitchens in ways they’ve not had to in ages. Even if you’re getting takeout and bringing it home, the kitchen is seeing far more traffic (or the dishwasher is!) than ever before. Suddenly, kitchens matter. Buyers want big eat in kitchens with tons of space, pantries that can handle kids who are no longer eating at school, and up to date appliances. The kitchen has suddenly become important to everyone and not just to a few home gourmets.

Home Office

Telecommuting is the new normal. No doubt about it. And considering the direction things are moving, there’s no doubt that this isn’t likely to change anytime soon. That means the home office has become the most important thing that anyone thinks about. The availability of any space that could be turned into a home office in a pinch has just become your home’s biggest selling point. Have an atrium or a little breakfast nook? Boom! Extra office. Have a spare bedroom? Boom! Instant school room. Yeah. Don’t forget those kiddos. Homes are now doing triple duty. Schoolroom. Workplace. And my personal favorite. Daycare.

Multiple Living Areas

All of a Sudden One Family Room Just Isn’t Enough!

In newer homes in places like Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Las Cruces, and even some of the newer housing developments here in Los Alamos County, a second living area or a bonus room is a given. Most of the homes in our community were built long before this was a popular concept. Not that there haven’t been tons of renovations or rehab projects with just that idea in mind, but all of a sudden buyers are VERY interested in homes that boast a second living area. After all, families that live and work together eventually need a break! What a great thing to have a basement or an upstairs loft where you can send the kids to enjoy their screen time while you binge watch Outlander and try to relax from your long day of pretending that you were super productive while working at home in a job that was never designed for a telecommute.

Outdoor Living Spaces

The backyard or side yard in some cases, has become a viable new place to hang out when all of the living space inside becomes either full of kids, or just boring. Patios and decks are suddenly far more attractive to potential buyers than ever before. Want to wow them when they come to view your house? Arrange your outdoor furniture to invite a buyer to imagine lounging after work with a book. Add a barbeque grill and I bet you’ll hook them in a second.

At the end of the day, our lives will never go back to the way that they were. And that means the real estate market – even the one in Los Alamos – is going to have to change too.

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