Santa Fe Real Estate - July 2009 Newsletter

Shalizi Real Estate is pleased to announce that Gail P. Samota, Associate Broker, and Baro Shalizi, Qualifying Broker, have been awarded the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR’s) GREEN Designation, the only GREEN real estate professional designation recognized by NAR.

Gail and Baro were trained in understanding what makes a property GREEN, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of GREEN building features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing GREEN homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners, and helping consumers see a property’s GREEN potential.

NAR’s GREEN Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify REALTORS^® who can help them realize their GREEN real estate and lifestyle goals.

As NAR GREEN Designees, Gail and Baro have gained the knowledge and the tools necessary to become a trusted GREEN resource for Santa Fe.

Santa Fe Association of REALTORS® Statistics

by Baro Shalizi

Reviewing both the June 2009 statistics (click here) compared to the same time last year and the 2^nd QTR stats (click here) of 2009 compared to the same time in 2008, we see that overall the number of sales and median prices are down. There are one or two areas where there are minor increases but the big picture still shows a downturn.

What this is saying to me is that the market in Santa Fe has not yet hit bottom. We may be very close to bottom, but still not there. In my opinion, we will have hit bottom when we have three consecutive months with little to no downward motion in prices or number of sales.

At the moment, the key that is holding the market somewhat steady, albeit some tenuously is the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. It is estimated by the National Association of REALTORS®, that the Tax Credit combined with historically low interest rates will account for approximately 900,000 home sales nationwide in 2009 that would not have occurred in the absence of these stimuli.

What is not happening and thus a major drag on the housing market is that many Sellers of low end homes are not moving up as they would have traditionally. Instead, they are renting. This in turn has put the brakes on the sale of most homes that fall outside the “lower end” of the market.

However, it is not all doom and gloom. Traditional sized homes, i.e. 1800 – 2500 sq.ft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-car garage homes that are aggressively priced are still selling rather well.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Conforming rates are slightly up from last week, and we may be in for mortgage rates hikes. The stock market is up over 500 points from last Monday, as corporate earnings reports have been showing a solid second quarter. Usually, rates rise as the stock market rises. Furthermore, Bernanke is making his appearance in front of the House Financial Services and Senate Banking Committees this week. He is expected to announce the Fed-fund rate probably won’t be touched for the time being, but may prep committee members (and investors) that the Fed won’t be as strong of a participant in buying Treasury debt and mortgage-backed securities: another sign that there will be upward pressure on rates.

Source: Anasazi Mortgage

Say "Yes" to CRS

Buying or selling a home can seem like an overwhelming task. but the right REALTOR® can make the process easier - and more profitable.

A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), with years of experience and success, will help you make smart decisions in a fast-paced, complex and competitive market.

To receive the CRS Designation, REALTORS® must demonstrate outstanding professional achievements - including high-volume sales - and pursue advanced training in areas such as finance, marketing and technology. They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abide by its Code of Ethics.

Work with a REALTOR® who belongs among the top 4 percent in the nation. Contact a CRS today.

Source: The Residential Specialist

SAFE HOUSE

Summer seems to bring out the home-improvement expert in everyone. It's the perfect time to tackle those projects - large and small - that have been lingering. and whether you're bringing out the lawn mower for the first time, getting ready to clean the gutters or repairing odds and ends, consider these important safety tips:

MOWERS:

Before mowing the lawn, do a walk-through, of the area and remove any large sticks or debris.
Wear clothing that offers protection, like sturdy closed-toe shoes and safety glasses or goggles.
Do not clean the grass exit of a mower by hand, and keep the mower on grass, not pavement, which can kick up debris.

LADDERS:

When using a ladder, place it on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks engage.
Always face the ladder when climbing and use slip-resistant shoes.
Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For extension ladders, it is the fourth rung from the top.

POWER TOOLS:

Remember to keep tools away fom heat, oil and sharp edges.
Disconnect tools when they're not in use or when you're replacing a blade, bit or part.
Keep your work areas well lighted and wear gloves and approriate footwear when using tools.

Sources: Home Safety Council; Occupational Safety and Health Administaton and The Residential Specialist

NEW MEXICO FACTS AND TRIVIA

New Mexico's capital city, Santa Fe, is the ending point of the 800 mile Santa Fe Trail.
The city of Truth or Consequences was once called Hot Springs. In 1950 the town changed its name to the title of a popular radio quiz program.
The town of Gallup calls itself the "Indian Capital of the World" and serves as a trading center for more than 20 different Indian groups. Every August it is the site of the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial.
New Mexico was named by 16th century Spanish explorers who hoped to find gold and wealth equal to Mexico's Aztec treasurers.
Native Americans have been living in New Mexico for some twenty thousand years. The Pueblo, Apache, Comanche, Navajo, and Ute peoples were in the New Mexico region when Spanish settlers arrived in the 1600's.

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WE LOVE REFERRALS! Do you know somone who is thinking about buying or selling a home? Please mention our names.

Baro Shalizi Michael Smith Gail Samota

Quaifying Broker Associate Broker Associate Broker

ABR, CIPS, CRS, ABR, CRS e-PRO, GREEN, RSPS,

e-PRO, GREEN, GRI TRC

shalizi@aol.com michaels_mith@msn.com gail@gailsamota.com

cell: 670-8431 Cell: 505-310-4220 Cell: 505-603-5450

office: 474-4203 Office: 505-474-4203 Office: 505-474-4203