|
April 2009 ~ Volume 1, Issue 4 | |
|
|
|
|
____________________________________
Inside Chama Real Estate Your Hip Pocket Guide to the Chama River Valley!
Hi there, Everyone!,
I'm trying something new this month: video! Click the picture below to see my video greeting to you.
What you'll find in this issue:
|
 Featured Article |
|
SOLD! Using the Auction Card |
The use of auctions is an increasingly common method of marketing and selling real estate. In spite of this rising popularity, there are still some popular misconceptions about auctioneering. For example, it is definitely not just used in situations where a forced sale exists; it is now a recognized form of marketing and selling all types of real estate. Even so, as the result of the decline in the real estate market over the past few years, it is evident that use of an auction for foreclosed and bank owned properties is very strong in some markets.
 The auction process, by its very nature, is designed to sell property quickly. The marketing cycle is very short compared to traditional marketing efforts - often as little as six to eight weeks - and marketing programs are often concentrated and intense in order to stimulate maximum interest in the property over a short period of time. For this reason, auctioneering of real estate is often referred to as "accelerated marketing." In many instances, the amount of funds spent on an accelerated marketing campaign will far exceed that allocated to a traditional real estate listing. This focused marketing effort also helps to eliminate the "procrastination factor" from potential buyers. It is a call to action for any interested bidder! As a seller struggling to sell a property in order to avoid foreclosure, or considering a short sale, a sale via auction may be a viable alternative. Indeed, the speed at which property can be sold can be a tremendous benefit to the seller. For example, the ongoing costs associated with holding the property during the marketing period of a typical negotiated sale may be extensive and can reduce the net return to the seller.
While properties sold at auction commonly sell for somewhat less than those sold via a negotiated sale, this is certainly not always the case. With an effective marketing campaign that draws strong interest from prospective bidders, an exciting auction can yield selling prices comparable to or even greater than prices obtained by traditional marketing techniques. In most cases, the seller benefits through a quick sale and the buyer obtains the property at an attractive price. Also, by attracting prospective buyers, even an unsuccessful auction can lead to a successful sale through follow up negotiations with parties who indicated an interest while attending the auction.
Historically, most real estate sold at auction has been by firms specializing in auctions. However, over the past few years many traditional real estate firms have established operations that specialize in auctions. In selecting an auction marketing firm, note that not all firms have the ability to sell all types of property - you should select a firm with specific experience in the type of property you wish to sell. You also want a firm that has an extensive network of prospective bidders and the ability to create the best marketing plan possible for their clients, since proper marketing and promotion of properties to be sold at auction is very important.
|
| About Susan |
|
|
 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: United Country Auction Services |
|
Did you know that we can do real estate auctions right here in Chama! Experience, product knowledge and a range of service offerings are everything when conducting a successful auction. That's why United Country Auction Services is such a clear choice.
By giving you access to a wealth of experience and knowledge that is unmatched within the industry, United Country Auction Services is uniquely qualified to meet  your needs on a local and national level. Through our vast network and comprehensive services, we're able to offer you a clear and simple path to success.
As part of the United Country Real Estate network, United Country Auction Services provides you with unparalleled expertise throughout the auction process- from Strategic marketing-plan development and implementation to simulcast of online auctions and multi-parcel auction software.
United Country - Northern New Mexico Real Estate, Inc. would love to sponsor a live auction event in Chama this year. But we need MOTIVATED and WILLING SELLERS to participate. Call us today for a free PROPERTY SUITABILITY EVALUATION for Auction. Click on http://www.ucauctionservices.com to learn more about our Auction Services.
|
| Today's History Fact |
|
|
The first record of written authority to make land grants is after 1684. The settlements prior to that time cannot be determined since the records were destroyed in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.
As with most of the Spanish law, it was a long and cumbersome process to obtain a grant. First, the person seeking the grant would present a written petition to the  governor describing the area stating it was vacant public domain. Then the governor requested the alcalde mayor in the jurisdiction of the land to investigate the application. The alcalde notified the neighboring Indians and Spaniards for the presence of any adverse claims, made a sketch map of the proposed grant called a diseno, gathered two witnesses stating the land was as described and explaining the distance between the proposed grant to any neighboring pueblo or Spanish settlement. This informe from the alcalde was delivered to the governor for his review. If the governor was convinced all was in order, with no conflicting claims, a title of possession was prepared stating the limits of the land grant.
Possession was delivered by a ceremony attended by the alcalde, two Spanish witnesses, the grantee and the neighboring Indians. The alcalde pointed out the boundaries to the grantee, who tore up grass and threw rocks. All present then shouted, "long live the King," signifying that the grantee was now in undisputed possession.
The grantee was required to live and labor on the land for four years in order to obtain title. During that time he could not obtain land in another settlement unless he relinquished title to the first grant.
Two main types of land grants were made, those to individuals called private grants, and those to groups of individuals called community grants. Community grants required additional procedures for the distribution of land, from a central plaza to home lots-called sitios or solares and the commons surrounding the town called the exido. Each recipient of a home lot was also entitled to an allotment of farming land called a suerte. If occupied within three months and 'proved up' within four years, the suerte became the private property of the grantee.
|
| Associate Quick Tip: Staging Your Kitchen |
|
Spend some extra time de-cluttering. Kitchens are notorious for being full of clutter. So when you stage this area of your home, remove all unnecessary items. This includes countertop appliances, utensils, the coffee pot, etc.
Clean like the sale of your home depended on it ... because is does. Pay particular attention to the sink, counters, stove, etc.
Turn the lights on and open the curtains. If you have dark areas of your kitchen, you might even consider adding supplemental lighting, such as recessed lighting around the edges.
Consider making upgrades. If you're in a buyer's market, it might be wise to go beyond cleaning and actually upgrade some of your kitchen features. If your cabinets and counters are outdated or not very attractive, an upgrade can make a huge difference in resale.
Remember, people spend a lot of time in their kitchens, and most people realize that they are a resale value item of importance. If you spend some extra time or money while staging your home for sale, the kitchen is a great place to start.
Click the picture below to see this month's Featured Home:
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.
Take a Tour of Our Office - Click the Picture Below!
|
| In Memory of William H. Mundy, Jr. |
| |
William H. Mundy, Jr., 91, died peacefully at the Arbors of Del Rey, a Vista Living Community, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on April 6, 2009.
"Billy" Mundy was born in Dona Ana, NM on October 3, 1917 to William H. Mundy and Elizabeth Mundy. Bill attended New Mexico Military Institute in 1937-38 where he was an alternate on the polo team and New Mexico State University. In 1938 -  1939 he guided tourists on mules in the Grand Canyon for the Fred Harvey Company. Bill also worked for the infamous Las Cruces Rancher, Emmitt Isaacks, where he met his future bride, Ethel Isaacks. Bill and Ethel were married in Hill, NM in 1941.
Bill and Ethel moved to Chama, New Mexico in 1953 to settle his dream. Bill and Ethel endured the violence shown against them in the early days of their ranch settlement and continued to persevere through six decades of Rio Arriba County unrest. Bill's enemies were fierce and his friends the "best a man could have." Bill was called "Mano de Įguila" (Eagle Hand) a name bestowed to him when he lost his pinkie and part of the use of his hand in a hunting accident. Bill and Ethel survived a near-fatal car crash on our country's Bi-Centennial in 1976. He was an active member of the Los Rancheros Vistadores- Bustardos Camp and rode with Ronald Reagan in 1989. The Mundy Ranch is also home to the "Mundy Buck" (pictured) the #1 World Record Mule Deer in the Burkett Scoring System and the widest Buck entered in Boone & Crocket.
|
| About United Country & Northern New Mexico Real Estate |
| |
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.
|
| Today's Testimonial |
|
|
 "We had been trying to sell our property with another real estate company for almost 2 years. After changing to Michele Marino and United Country we had an accepted offer in1 week!" - Richard and Stacy Draves, Sellers
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! _____________________________________________________________________
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!
|
| Susan Recommends |
|
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 |
|
|
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!
|
| Spotlight On The Chama Valley Humane Society |
|
|
The Chama Valley Humane Society was established as a 501c3 non profit organization in 1997. The mission of the organization is to provide a subsidized spay/neuter program for local residents to help curb the rampant pet over population in the Chama River Valley. The only shelter serving Rio Arriba Country and our area is 1.5 hours south, too far for most people to drive.
 Click the Picture to the Right to See our Humane Society Slideshow
Consequently, hundreds of unwanted cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are abandoned in the countryside and along our highways. Left to fend for themselves and ultimately die of starvation. The needles' suffering of unwanted animals is easily prevented by spaying and neutering our companion pets. Should someone be seeking a cat or dog, the shelters in our region are teeming with wonderful pets seeking new homes and we encourage adoption.
The Be A Pal and Prevent A Litter program sponsored by CVHS has helped to alter over 2000 animals in the past 10 years, although the program has made a difference in pet over population....we still have along ways to go to stop the "dumping" of unwanted animals.
Rescue and rehabilitation is a big part of what we do. Since 1998 over 300 animals have been cared for and placed in cooperating shelters or loving homes. This past January a pregnant mama dog was abandoned. Today "Rosie" is well and her now 8 week old pups are heading to a cooperating no-kill shelter for adoption.
All of what CVHS does to help animals in need takes funding...we need to raise $15,000 in 2009 to meet expenses. Please help us help the animals!
| |
|
|
Susan Jane Mundy
United Country - Northern New Mexico Real Estate, Inc.
1-800-288-1363 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
