Around the County: Getting to Know Fine Art

March 11th, 2010

By Chris McLarry, Principal, McLarry Fine Art

Located in the renowned complex at 225 Canyon Road, McLarry Fine Art shows a diverse group of nationally known artists.

The gallery features Western and Southwestern paintings by Xiang Zhang and Chuck Sabatino, also works honoring the cowgirl spirit by Donna Howell-Sickles and watercolors paying tribute to the working cowboy by Mark Kohler.

Regional landscape by Peter Hagen, Donna Clair and David Ballew are exceptional. The vibrant works of Cheri Christensen are sure to catch anyone’s attention. Elegant still life and figurative painting by Johanna Harmon and Lael Weyenberg can also be found.
Wildlife sculpture and monumental bronze by Tim Cherry complements our sculpture garden and the award winning Native American bronze by John Coleman proudly completes our collection.   The gallery is open daily and welcomes all who visit our beautiful city. McLarry Fine Art, 225 Canyon Rd., 505-988-1161

Xiang Zhang
“Land Rush”
H 42” x W 82”     Oil on canvas

Land_RushBorn in the year of the Horse, Xiang Zhang (pronounced Shong Zang) grew up in China. After graduating from The Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, where he was strongly influenced by the 19th century Russian masters, he received his Masters Degree in Fine Art from Tulane University in New Orleans. While at Tulane, he developed his special style of portraiture work and increasingly cowboy art. Combining impressionistic, as well as realistic techniques, awards in regional and national shows marked him as an artist to watch. The excellent, consistent quality of Zhang’s work has made him one of the most collectible artists in the world. In 2002, he moved to a ranch in Sherman, Texas. Immersed in the local ranching lifestyle, his work reflects the symbiotic relationship between the cowboy and his horse. Using scintillating colors and bravura brushwork to capture the drama of ranching life, his definitive style has catapulted him to new heights in the art world. Xiang Zhang’s paintings hang in private and corporate collections in the United States, Canada, Europe, and China.

John Coleman
“The Game of Arrows”
H 60.5” x W 26” x D 16”     Bronze edition of 12

The_Game_of_ArrowsIn this sculpture, John depicts a Mandan archer engaged in “the game of arrow,” an event witnessed by George Catlin in about 1833. He reported that the most distinguished archers by the other archers for entrance fees. It was written that the winner of this particular gathering achieved eight arrows gathered on the prairie, each one having paid an entrance fee such as a shield, robe, or pipe. In turn, they shot their arrows into the air to see who could get the greatest number flying at one time, the winner taking as his prize everything that was brought in flight before the first one struck the ground. John Coleman is one of the leading sculptors today who portrays the historical nature and mythology of western subjects. John Coleman’s award-winning bronze sculptures are among some of the most detailed and most accurate depictions of American Western legend and history that are being produced today.

Donna Howell-Sickles
“Campfire Girls”
H 50” x W 70”    Acrylic on canvas

Campfire_GirlsIn the Western art genre, Donna Howell-Sickles has taken the image and idea of the cowgirl beyond charcoal lines and into reality. Howell-Sickles has been exploring the layers beneath the cowgirl’s engaging exterior for more than 30 years. A vintage postcard from the 1930’s featuring a cowgirl with ruby red lips sitting atop her horse instilled in Howell-Sickles a lasting fascination with the cowgirl spirit. The cowgirl in the postcard was at once both familiar and unreal. This dichotomy in the imagery has fueled Howell-Sickles’ artwork, and inspired her to create images of women that are both real and myth. Howell-Sickles’ artwork captures the quintessence and timelessness of the cowgirl spirit.

Donna Howell-Sickles was recently inducted to the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame in recognition of her work with imagery celebrating the cowgirl.

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Legal Topic of the Month: Landlord/Tenant Relationships

March 10th, 2010

By Melanie MacGillivray, Shareholder,  The Rubin Katz Law Firm

The New Mexico owner-resident relations act governs interactions between landlords and tenants and is designed to simplify and clarify the rights and obligations of both parties.
The act requires that a landlord provides a written lease agreement to each tenant before the lease term begins.

Since this document can be the most important aspect of the landlord/tenant relationship, having a well-drafted agreement can save a lot of  heartache and financial loss in the long term.

Many landlords prefer to use a pre-printed lease, so make sure that all blank spaces on the form are filled in or marked  “not applicable.”  Also, both parties need to initial any hand-written changes on the form, and the agreement should be carefully reviewed to confirm that it meets the particular circumstances affecting the property.

As a tenant, you should not hesitate to request your landlord to clarify any lease provision, or revise the agreement to meet the specific requirements of  the property.
After the lease term begins, any alterations to the terms of the lease agreement—even verbal ones—should be done so in writing and signed by both parties. Without a written agreement, both parties will be at a disadvantage when the lease term ends.

Some key provisions in a lease agreement include:
•    How much is the rent, when is it due and are there late payment fees?

  • Is the lease on a month to month basis, or for a longer term?
  • Is subleasing permitted?
  • Who is responsible for providing utilities and appliances, as well as paying for repairs?
  • What is the name, address and telephone number of the party responsible for management of  the property?

The law also requires that a landlord comply with housing codes affecting health and safety, as well as make appliance repairs, supply running/hot water and heat and keep the property and the common areas of  the property in a safe condition.

Under the law, a tenant must comply with housing codes affecting health and safety, not disturb neighbors’ peaceful enjoyment of their own property and at the end of  the term, return the premises to the owner in as clean a condition as when the lease began, except for ordinary wear and tear.

As is the case in any legal relationship, disputes can arise, so landlords and tenants need to make sure they are aware of their legal rights and obligations before taking any action.

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Insurance Q&A: Discounts

March 9th, 2010

By Robin Schritter, Regional Vice President, HUB International (An Interview with Rey Post)

Q. What suggestions do you have for our readers when it   comes to saving money on insurance coverage?

A. My best advice is to make sure you aren’t being “penny-wise and pound-foolish” when it comes to having adequate    insurance coverage.

There are, however, a few ways to economize on costs. For instance, when it comes to your auto policy, you could consider increasing the deductible. Most common deductibles are $250 for comprehensive and $500 for collision.  You can consider increasing the former to $500, and the latter to $750. Remember, however, in the event of a claim, the deductible you carry on your auto insurance is the amount you will have to pay the repair shop when you pick-up your vehicle.

If you are a senior driver, you may also be able to save money on your auto insurance via discounts on defensive driving courses.  Also, good student credits on insurance apply to kids who are 16 years old, are junior’s in high school and have a 3.0 grade point average.

Q. How about cost-saving measures when you “package” your insurance policies?

A. Absolutley! When you carry more than one policy with the same insurance company, you may be able to receive an additional discount.

Also, how you pay your insurance can also save money.  Consider having an automatic draft from your checking account to pay for policy premiums. Or for a double bonus, have your payment charged monthly to your credit card and receive not   only a discount, but you might also benefit  from credit card   mileage points, or cash back rewards.

Q. What homeowner insurance cost-savings can you      recommend?

A. I recommend that your readers re-visit the deductible option on their home insurance policy. If you’ve had the same policy for a number of years, you may have a very low deductible like $250, and you’re paying an added premium for that low deductible. Consider raising the deductible to $500, $1,000, or even $2,500.

Remember, in the event of a claim, your payment from your    insurance company would be reduced by the deductible amount and you would be paid the difference.

You may also discover that your home insurance policy offers    some special coverages. For example, your insurance company may offer longevity discounts for being insured with them continuously for a number of years, and for being loss    free.

Q. Any final thoughts on ways to save money with your    insurance policies?

A. The best time to shop for your insurance is when your record is clean. This means no accidents, or tickets for any driver in at least the last three years. Also look for policies with annual renewal terms, and then you can lock in that good rate for a year, instead of just for six months.

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Interior Design Today

March 8th, 2010

Transform/Refresh Your Home As We Look Towards Spring
By Annie O’Carroll, Principal, Annie O’Carroll Interior Design

annieliv

Hard to believe that spring is just around the corner, but here are my “Top Ten” suggestions for transforming or refreshing your home as we approach a new season:

1. Slip cover a chair/sofa or upholstered headboard.
A slip cover can transform a room.  We tend towards darker colors and textures (velvet-chenille) in fall and winter and gravitate towards lighter colors and textures (cotton – linen) for spring and summer.  If you love the style and quality of your sofa or chair, consider a slip cover.  A slip cover is equivalent to a couture dress! The slip cover can be loose (think shabby chic) or tailored. You need about 10 yards of fabric for a lounge chair and 20 yards for a 7’ sofa. The cost of fabric will be the biggest variable in the pricing.

2. Create an accent wall with paint or wall paper
Look to new colors for 2010: purples, grays, blues, and corals. Look at the new environmentally-friendly “VOC” paints. Wall papers come in grass cloths, papers & vinyls.  Consider using wall paper on a ceiling, or on a bed wall.  You’ll be seeing more on wall coverings in 2010!

3. Update your bedroom…new bedding/pillows/paint.

4. Update your bathroom with new towels/rugs.

5. Awaken the senses with flowers and candles.

6. Energize your everyday table using your own dishes with new chargers, placemats and napkins. Select a colorful or textured charger to set off your existing dinner ware.

7. Reframe family photos with new matting or frames. Choose a color pallet like one of the metallic options and use tones in the same family with different frame types. Don’t match!

8. Reposition art and accessories. Moves things around; you’ll see your art and accessories in a whole new way.

9. Look outside your house… consider recovering chair cushions. Outdoor fabrics are not like they used to be (remember how stiff they were?). Now they are luxurious with a soft hand.

10. De- clutter. Do I need to say more?

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Featured This Week: Builders & Custom Homes

March 5th, 2010

142 Sunflower
Built by Masterpiece Construction

sunflower

Traditional hacienda style newer home with modern conveniences. Single level floor plan, ADA friendly. Large kitchen, custom tinted plaster, designer finishes. Perfectly sited to be private yet capture breath taking views. Long portals, covered BBQ entertaining area, water catchment system. $845,000 #905898 Learn More
Carol Hamilton 505.660.3507 cdivinedesign@aol.com

129 El Rancho Road North
Built by Michael Fisher

elrancho

One story Pueblo style home with brick floors. Close to the Plaza and the Railyard. Views of the Sandias and Sangres. Open concept beamed ceilings, built-in banco in great room. Skylights, walled patios, landscaping. Three FP. Three BR. Wide hallways and nichos to display art. Sunken tub in main bath. $540,000 #902380 Learn More

DeAnne Ottaway  505.690.4611 deanneottaway@yahoo.com

1135 High Summit Ridge
Built By Suzanne Williams Incorporated

summit

Amazing price reduction from $2,450,000 for a quick sale. Easy to show VLB. Completion date: Aug 2009. Santa Fe Summit, Suzanne Williams, Inc. 300 degree views, paved streets, city utilities, gated. Contemporary 3 BR, 4 BA home, top finishes, on the road to the ski basin. $1,750,000 #801324 Learn More
Dermot Monks  505.470.0639 dermotmonks@aol.com

2 Tierra Grande
Built by Hilton Homes

tierra

Beautiful home in Tierra de la Vida with stunning views. Spacious floor plan designed for entertaining. Gourmet kitchen, wood floors, brick portals. Secluded master suite w/ kiva and large custom closet. 4th bedroom could be office/studio. On Q system and catchment system. On 2.18 ac. horses allowed. $685,000. #806895 Learn More
Laurie Hilton  505.780.3237 lauriehilton@q.com

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Where to begin in 2010?

February 3rd, 2010

By Rey Post, Managing Editor & Associate Broker,
Santa Fe Realty Partners

A newspaper columnist captured a feeling that many of us can relate to, when he wrote at the beginning of the year: “The best thing that can be said about 2009…is that it’s over.”
For sure, last year was a challenge for most of us, no matter our profession. For those of us in the real estate business, perhaps our main consolation—generally—is that we ended 2009 with a bit of optimism that things are beginning to turn around, and the real estate market in 2010 will see a slow return to a better situation.

Beyond the facts and figures that economists and financial analysts use to spin their own assessment of where we will be taken in 2010, there are some anecdotal pieces of evidence that may be just as good a “crystal ball” as any hard data.

For instance: our real estate firm has seen more than a doubling of Internet traffic to our website—we are now averaging approximately 30,000 unique hits a month to our website by interested consumers. We also have seen—even in the dead of winter—a measurably larger turnout of people coming to look at ‘for sale’ homes featured during Sunday open house events.

These are not empirical measurements that suggest any particular trend for the real estate market. They are, however, encouraging signs of—at the very least—buyer interest. Turning interest into buyer offers, contracts and sales is, of course, the true measure of a righting of the market.

So why the change in buyer activity as we launch into 2010? Investment advisors universally site that the main change in things stems from nothing more sophisticated than an improvement in people’s moods and expectations. Chicago’s Talon Asset Management expresses it quite simply: “People were afraid (at the beginning of 2009) that the world was coming to an end, and now they are relieved that’s not going to happen.”

I also subscribe to the belief held by many other real estate professionals, as well as lenders, business leaders and politicians that now is the best time for people to participate in the purchase of real estate for some very specific reasons:

1. Home loan rates continue to be at very low levels.
2. The first-time home buyer $8,000 tax credit has been extended by Congress to mid-2010, and actually expanded to include ‘move-up’ buyers.
3. In Santa Fe and most other parts of the country, home prices have stabilized to a level that makes acquisition—in the words of one mortgage specialist—a “no-brainer” if you need, or want to buy.

The general consensus among most knowledgeable observers is that this perfect storm of moderate-to-low home prices, low borrowing costs, tax credits and available inventory, will not last much beyond the first half of 2010. In fact, the Federal tax credit expires this spring and the Federal Reserve has signaled that it will most likely not purchase additional mortgage-backed securities after April (a purchase program that helped keep mortgage interest rates low and stable throughout all of 2009).

So, to answer the question “where to begin in 2010?”—if you are a buyer who needs or wants to purchase real estate, I can’t think of any better place to start than to take advantage of where the market is as of today. As a senior financial advisor for the business television network CNBC proclaimed last week: “For those who didn’t have the opportunity to participate in the boom years of real estate in the early part of the last decade, this is your 2nd chance—you couldn’t ask for a better time to be in real estate than right now.”

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Tip of the Month: I would like to move but don’t know where to begin!

February 1st, 2010

By Jill Bossory, Director of Business Development & Relocation

Have you considered moving to another city or area, but you are completely overwhelmed with all the details that come with such a move?  Are you interested in discovering what another city has to offer but you just don’t know where to start to find out if that city is right for you?

iStock_000008388519SmallA well equipped, forward thinking real estate firm, realizes that most people do not take such a move lightly.  Such a firm will offer assistance in the form of a trained relocation professional to assist in addressing these concerns, as well as the logistics of the sale of an existing home and the purchase of a home in a new city.

The kinds of issues that arise with clients relocating to Santa Fe will vary, but most involve the client needing to save time and/or money.  Hotel information and discounts are valuable to the client who has no idea of where to stay while house hunting.  Information on mortgages, rates and pre-approvals are extremely important to discuss even before the client arrives in our city on a house-hunting trip.

If a client needs to sell a home where they are moving from prior to purchasing in Santa Fe, a relocation professional is the best individual to locate the right broker to list and sell their existing home.

After finding the perfect Santa Fe home, a major concern with a large price tag, is identifying a qualified mover to transport household goods to the new home.  If you are not using a real estate company with a relocation department that can offer substantial discounts to move your furniture and personal belongings, you are using the wrong company.

There are many other concerns that all clients have when contemplating relocation to a new city.  The good news is, most can be solved with the assistance of a trained relocation professional.

So, when you are ready to begin your search for the right realtor who will help you identify the perfect home, the question to ask is: “do you have a full service relocation department?”  If the answer is “no,” you will be best served to look for one that provides you with the affirmative answer.

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Featured this Week: “Green” Properties

January 14th, 2010

What buy a “green” property? From Forbes.com: “Because, good design can save both the environment and money. The U.S. Department of Energy says that conventional buildings in the U.S eat up 71% of the country’s electricity output and are responsible for 38% of the U.S.’ carbon dioxide emissions, equal to the combined total emissions of Japan, France and the U.K. The savings can be substantial. A study prepared for the Massachusetts Technology council found that buildings credited with “LEED” status (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)–a designation given by the U.S. Green Building Council based on how well a green building reduces its energy use and environmental impact–use on average 25% to 30% less energy than conventional buildings and cost, on average, only 2% more to build. Most of the buildings on this list reduce energy consumption by far more, in some cases 80%. And they do this, Siegel notes, without sacrificing an aesthetic appeal; they are, in short, pretty cool looking buildings.”

“Green” properties currently available:

_JPP38092962 Broken Sherd Trail
The Emerald Home. Santa Fe’s award-winning Zero Energy Green Jewel. High performance, luxury custom home able to produce all its own energy today. Breathtaking views, first class amenities. 3BD/5BA. $2,500,000 #804468 Learn More
Maxine Swisa  505.570.0550 maxine@maxineswisa.com

centralCentral Station
You can’t touch this in Santa Fe: beautiful new construction,  contemporary/rustic or traditional finishes, zen like garden setting, great location 30 minutes to Taos Ski Valley. Built with green materials, low environmental impact. $155,600-$290,000 Learn More
Roy Hughes  505.470.5635 royhughes3@hotmail.com

acacio1170A Camino San Acacio
Just off Canyon Road, 2170sf, high-end finishes. Rastra is an energy efficient, insulating concrete made with 85% recycled expanded polystyrene & 15% cement.  $799,000 #902381 Learn More
Lisa Bybee  505.577.6287 lmbyb@yahoo.com
Vee Bybee  505.577.6499 veebyb@aol.com

crescentSouthern Crescent
Southern Crescent conservation neighborhood includes 22 home sites that embrace anorchard and community garden, and offer immediate access to miles of private and public hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
$175,000-$379,500 Learn More
Susan Munroe  505.577.5630 susanmunroe@sfrp.com
Terry Smith  505.577.0648 terrysmith@sfrp.com

wind2 Windridge Circle
2.5 acres in Las Campanas. 4,864 sf, 4BD/5BA. Adobe/Rastra construction, thermally insulated windows with passive solar gain, water catchment system. $1,850,000 #906505 Learn More
Marc Nussbaumer  505.310.0253 nussbaumer@sfrp.com

koshari2 Koshari
Straw bale 12″ exterior walls, Southern solar passive exposure, super low winter utility bills, radiant heat, good cross breeze with evaporative & refrigerating A/C.  Water catchments with drip irrigation. On 3 acres…gotta love it!
$825,000 #201000092 Learn More
Carol Hamilton  505.660.3507 cdivinedesign@aol.com

sunflower142 Sunflower
Thick framed blown-in insulated exterior walls & ceiling.  Exterior foil foam thermal break barrier, re-circulating hot water on demand, rainwater capture, natural light throughout, insulated slab foundation, radiant heat.
$865,000 #905898 Learn More
Carol Hamilton  505.660.3507 cdivinedesign@aol.com

praderaLa Pradera
Residents of La Pradera enjoy remarkable lifestyle opportunities. Half the land is reserved as open space, parks and trails. There is a sand volleyball court, a Frisbee golf course, a children’s sandbox, and an orchard. The community is committed to living in a way that treads lightly on the planet. Besides outdoor and athletic pursuits, residents have easy access to continuing education, fitness, and the arts at the nearby Santa Fe Community College and Institute of American Indian Arts. All lots offer easy building sites and sensible covenants.
67 Bosquecillo, Lot 47     $119,000    #905698 Learn More
56 La Pradera, Lot 28      $124,000    #905703 Learn More
46 La Pradera, Lot 21    $133,500    #906577 Learn More
60 La Pradera, Lot 31    $135,000    #906580 Learn More
63 Bosquecillo, Lot 45    $139,000    #905696 Learn More
Bob Chernock  505.470.3225 bc@sfrp.com
JC Linson  505.690.7333 jc@sfrp.com

alto933C Alto Street
This new, soothing, spa-like home has 3 BR, 2.5 BA with a 2-car garage.  Walk to the Plaza or the Railyard and enjoy spectacular Mountain Views. Plaster walls, travertine floors. Owner/Broker $499,900 #901693 Learn More
Dina Major  505.920.7060  dina@sfrp.com

ojo875 Ojo De La Vaca
solar powered adobe home on 18.99 gorgeous acres. 3 BR, 2 BA, plus guest house/studio. Terraced organic gardens, expansive views, beamed ceilings, brick and tile floors, 2 FP. $685,000 #902725 Learn More
Jeff Welch  505.577.7001 jeffwelch@sfrp.com, Jack Welch  505.780.0994 jackwelch@sfrp.com

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Video: The Frugal Traveler in Santa Fe, N.M.

January 13th, 2010

81[1].PHOTOMatt Gross, “Frugal traveler” for the New York Times spends a weekend, and $493.30, with his mother in Santa Fe, N.M. Local characters and familiar places abound in this video. See anyone you know?

Watch the Video

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State of the Market: What’s It Worth?

January 12th, 2010

By Andrew Hoffman

mortgageAs a mortgage is a loan secured by real property, an appraisal is the most critical piece of information in the processing of a mortgage. The central part of an appraisal is the valuation which is supported by comparable sales.  In most parts of the US, there is a requirement that those comparable sales are no greater than 90 days old nor further than one mile from the subject property. We have some leeway in Santa Fe, though no comp can be older than 6 months and the distance must be justified by the nature of the property.

Comparables are critical to this calculation and because no two homes are exactly alike, the appraiser is  allowed only a little wiggle room for adjustments which can include the size of the lot, square footage, location, condition of the home and addition of amenities such as fireplaces, garage, in ground hot tubs and swimming pools.  The range of adjustments is usually expressed as a dollar amount based upon market conditions, but the total gross adjustments typically cannot exceed 25%.  While gardens and upgraded kitchens and bathrooms are good, size matters; larger equates to more value.

With short sales and foreclosures abundant, appraisers have challenges in establishing values.  Distressed sales can be identified as such, but for at least 90-days they can adversely affect the value of a nearby property.  All purchases agreements should be contingent upon appraised value.  Refinances become more difficult because of deterioration of valuation, but Fannie Mae — the US government-sponsored mortgage enterprise — does have a program which allows the benefits of refinancing even though the loan to value may be above 80 percent.

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