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March 2009 ~ Volume 1, Issue 3 | |
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Inside Chama Real Estate Your Hip Pocket Guide to the Chama River Valley!
Hi there, Everyone!,
 Happy it's the 1st of March Week! Please click here for my Personal Greeting to you.
I'm ready for spring, how about you? The Canada Geese arrived this week, and I'm  happy to see them. To me, their presence is more indicative to an early spring than the ground hog. Besides, how can a ground hog in Pennsylvania give a weather forecast for Chama? The Weather Channel can't even do that! What you'll find in this issue:
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 Featured Article |
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Tired of the Stock Market?
Restore Your Sanity and Peace of Mind by Investing in Land |
Consider land as an investment! In spite of the near collapse of the housing market in many parts of the country, high quality investment land holds its value, and in many markets it vastly outperforms other investments, including stocks and bonds. Land is universally regarded as an excellent long term hedge against inflation, which is why so many pension funds, universities, charitable foundations, and other long term investors typically include undeveloped land as an essential part of their investment portfolios.
 Many investors worry that there will be a resurgence of inflation as a result of the huge amounts of cash our government is pouring into the economy. With the recent passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, some market analysts are estimating that the Federal Budget Deficit for 2009 will reach almost $2 trillion! Because huge budgets deficits can be highly inflationary, many investors seek investment alternatives that act as a hedge against inflation and are more conservative than the stock market.What should you look for in investment land? The old adage of "location, location, location" holds true for land as an investment, but a practical investor will consider many other factors as well. For example, land can be completely undeveloped, in which case it is generally referred to as "raw land". Such property does not have improvements such as good quality roads and utilities. Investors seeking to buy land for development purposes must make infrastructure improvements before actual building construction can begin.
For many investors a more practical approach to buying undeveloped land is to purchase vacant land with infrastructure improvements already in place. This reduces investment risk because future development costs are far more predictable, and cash outlays for infrastructure improvements are not required. Creating land divisions, building roads and bringing in utilities is very expensive - it often costs more than the raw land itself. You also want to make sure that the improvements such as common buildings; roads, etc. are of good quality and are well maintained. Find out, for example, if roads are plowed in the winter and graded frequently to allow for easy access year round. By investing in a planned development, you also have assurances that your land is free of environmental contamination and other hazards.
Another important consideration about land as an investment is its potential value as a source of personal enjoyment - such as access to recreation. There are many land investment opportunities that provide owners with access to excellent recreational resources. For many investors, the ability to have personal use and enjoyment of their investment land is an ideal way to enhance their lifestyles while also diversifying their portfolios.
Land investments that many investors consider particularly desirable are parcels located within planned recreational developments. These are generally well planned developments that typically offer various amenities, such as access to hunting, fishing, snowmobile and equestrian trails, etc. This includes significant tracts of recreational property that are set aside in conservation easements, but that may be accessed only by landowners within the development and their guests.
 Many planned recreational developments are governed by various covenants and restrictions that control development and use of the property. This is designed to ensure that each landowner's investment is protected against unregulated development or misuse. Enforcement of such rules and restrictions is generally exercised by an oversight entity such as a property owners' association.As an investor, you should focus on high quality real estate, as the best recreational properties are more likely to increase in value due to rising demand and increasing scarcity. This offers the greatest potential for appreciation, and has the added benefit of providing access to pristine private recreational lands that are usually reserved for the rich and famous.
Finally, as you approach retirement, you may want to build on your property instead of selling it. Imagine yourself relaxing over breakfast on the deck of your mountain home surrounded by thousands of acres of nature preserves, or sipping an evening refreshment as you watch the sun set on a summer evening.
Will your land investment yield a greater financial return than your stocks and bonds? That's impossible to predict, but one thing is for sure: the right land investment can do a lot more than just diversify your portfolio. It can bring peace of mind and personal enjoyment, and help you create the lifestyle of your dreams. And that is the most rewarding return of all.
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| About Susan |
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 Susan Jane Mundy is CEO of United Country-Northern New Mexico Real Estate, Inc. a consulting and service oriented real estate Company devoted to delivering a stress-free buying, selling and living experience in the Chama River Valley.
If you would like to share in our paradise, be sure to visit us online at www.ChamaNewMexicoRealEstate.com.
If you would like to find out more about our many services:
- Staging your Unique Property
- Our Home Mortgage and Land Finance Programs
- Our Vacation Rental Services
- Our Specialized Marketing targeting the Rural America Lifestyle
- Our many other quality assistance programs
Please email me or any of my Real Estate Specialists at info@nnmre.com. |
| Valley Market Update: My Personal Opinion |
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I read Senator Udall comments on the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act." I sure do wish there was more of an economic stimulus to put that cash directly into the hands of Americans who would in turn spend that money in their community small businesses. Small businesses are on the front lines every day; they are the risk-takers and job creators in our economy.
Congress had the opportunity to act and do the right thing for small business and for America. Too bad politics (and pork projects) figured into the stimulus package. I wish Congress had the small business philosophy: There's no limit to what you can accomplish, if you don't care who gets the credit.
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| Today's History Fact |
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Serving the governor as the heads of the eight alcaldias or rural subdivisions were alcaldes mayores. The alcalde was appointed by the governor and was appointed for life. He was the justice of the peace, mayor, probate judge, sheriff, notary, tax collector, and the captain of the militia. He also had the responsibility for investigating petitions for land grants and placing grantees in possession.
New Mexico alcaldes were generally chosen for political reasons. Since, in some  instances, they could not read or write, and there were few law books or written statutes available to them, the decisions of the alcaldes, when not corrupted by bias or interest, were based on the prevailing customs of the region and upon principles of natural right and justice. It has been said that the office of the alcalde mayor was the weakest link in the chain of authority of Spanish government in New Mexico.
Because the United States incorporated parts of the former Viceroyalty of New Spain, the office has had some influence in the local political and legal developments in New Mexico and is mentioned in judicial cases. This title continued to be in use in the Southwest after the Mexican American War until a permanent political and judicial system could be established.
(Foot note: Land Title Study, White, Koch, Kelley and McCarthy, New Mexico State Planning And Wikipedia)
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| Associate Quick Tip: Photographing Your Home |
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How your home is presented in photographs is very important when selling your home. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when you are taking pictures: Cluttered Counters: So many times in interior real estate photographs, you will  see drinking glasses or other clutter sitting out on the counter or table. Your home doesn't have to be the Hilton to deserve a tidy-up before prospective buyers visit. For such an import appointment, clear off the counters and tables.
Dark Windows: Be sure to take pictures during the day. Natural light enhances your home's look, and bright windows with a view of the outdoors make rooms look cheery and inviting. Pictures with dark windows look depressing, so avoid them when you are photographing. Further, many people are interested in seeing the yard or other exterior features of a home. If the photographs are taken in daylight, any feature of the home, inside and out, can be on display.
Television on: As with the cluttered counters, having a TV on is a distraction, even in a still photograph. It takes away from your home.
Click each picture below to see this month's Featured Homes:
 
DID YOU KNOW?
Staging your home and hiring an award-winning professional photographer to present your home to the marketplace are two complimentary services included with your listing contract. Contact us today via email at info@nnmre.com or call toll free 800-288-1363 for a free listing consultation.
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| Your Questions and My Answers! |
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Q. Can you explain the United Country Land Finance Package?
A: Finding a Land Loan that fits your needs is no longer a difficult task. Farm, ranch, and recreational land loans have not seen a decline in this loan market. In fact, in many areas, land has continued to increase in value creating more desire for land loans. Thankfully, most quality land loan lenders created parameters that prevented borrowers from buying land they could not afford.
United Country Land Finance has many land loan options they offer:
- Hunting and Recreational Property Loans
- Agricultural land loans
- Agri-related business loans
- Down Payment options as low as 10%
- Fixed rate loans with multiple-term options
- And many more land loan options!
 The United Country Land Finance Team includes a preferred network of lending partners with over 100 years experience assisting buyers as they move to secure loans to purchase land. A quick and simple call to your United Country Real Estate Specialist today will get your loan approval underway and you one step further toward purchase your dream property! (Click the picture at the right to read more)
Be sure to send your questions to me at Susan@nnmre.com. If I don't answer them here, I will send a personal email to you with an answer! |
| About United Country & Northern New Mexico Real Estate |
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For over 80 years, United Country has helped people like you rediscover a dream  that's as old as America itself; love of the land, and the dream of owning property. United Country has been uniting buyers and sellers of country real estate since 1925.
Northern New Mexico Real Estate, Inc. will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2009! Our affiliation with United Country connects us to the most sophisticated marketing systems for rural properties in the U.S. Together we've grown into the largest, most respected real estate firm in the Chama River Valley.
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| Today's Testimonial |
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 In January, Mike Pautz gave Doris (Right: Agent Doris Serrano) a 5 out 5 (the highest!) rating on her Quality Service Survey Report. They checked that the PRIMARY REASON for selecting Doris was her professional presentation:
"Both the agent and the agency went the extra mile and did everything possible to facilitate (our) deal."
- Mike Pautz, Wisconsin
You can see all our Customer Satisfaction Ratings by clicking here.
Quality Service Certification (QSC) helps you make better, more informed decisions in choosing a real estate professional. Unlike other sites that provide agent ratings, QSC independently surveys every transaction - and the surveys are only sent to customers who have actually used the agent. That way you have the most complete picture of how past sellers and buyers have rated sales agents. Additionally, agents who are Quality Service Certified commit to specific service standards which are proven to lead to higher service quality and greater customer satisfaction. These agents put their reputations to the test and offer objective proof of their service quality.
While not every real estate agent is willing to raise the bar of professionalism to ensure you the quality and accountability you deserve, the Specialists at United Country will and we have the reports to prove it!
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We now have a Testimonial Line that you can call and record your own comments about your agent, our company, or the experience you have had with us. We'd love to hear what YOU have to say. Call 214-615-6505, extension 2280!
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| Susan Recommends |
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United Country Home Protection Plan |
United Country Home Protection Plan is exclusive to United Country. It's affordable, of the highest quality, and available for all homes represented by United Country.
This plan is part of the only nationally insured Home Warranty network in the US, with over 29,000 service providers and 24 hour, 7 day a week customer service.
You want savings
We help you avoid high repair costs by offering one low service fee per call. (For exact coverages, exclusions and limitations, please review the Home Protection Plan Agreement itself.)
You need peace of mind
If we can't fix it, we'll replace it.
You like convenience
We have a network of 30,000+ screened and approved service contractors ready
to fix any problem.
You believe in value
We evaluate our products and services regularly to stay ahead of the competition.
Please talk with any of my Real Estate Specialists for more information on this service. |
| Our Easy Exit Guarantee |
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What is your biggest fear when you list your property with a real estate agent? Is it you worry about being stuck in a prolonged listing agreement with an incompetent agent, costing your property precious market time and exposure on the market?
 Well, worry no more. The Real Estate Specialists at United Country-Northern New Mexico Real Estate take those worries and concerns out of listing your property with a real estate agent through our EASY EXIT GUARANTEE!
The reason why United County-Northern New Mexico Real Estate offers the EASY EXIT GUARANTEE is because our business is built upon referrals from our clients. We believe that if a client is unhappy with their agent, they should have the right to fire them!
It takes supreme confidence in the way you treat your clients and in the results you can produce to offer this type of guarantee. I am confident that you will be 100% satisfied selling your property with United Country-Northern New Mexico Real Estate!
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Susan Jane Mundy
United Country - Northern New Mexico Real Estate, Inc.
1-800-288-1363 |
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