Relocation to Las Cruces

Labor Day fun with local wine and grape stomping

Relocation to Las Cruces — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0600

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The 2010 Harvest Wine Fest is happening this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. For just $15 you get a souvenir wine glass and taste after taste of all the delicious local wines.

Along with 16 participating wineries, there will be live music, arts, crafts, specialty food products, and of course grape stomping contests every hour!

You can’t bring Fido or Fluffy, but anyone else under 21 is free if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, so bring the whole gang out for some sunshine and to slosh around in a grape stomping contest (don’t worry, I don’t think they use what is stomped this weekend for their future wines haha).

And if you know me, you know I'll be in search of the all-too-famous slushy wine margarita. On a hot afternoon they really can seem like The Perfect Margarita! They have them every year...perhaps just for me! ;)

For more details or to purchase your tickets in advance, visit click here.

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2nd Annual SalsaFest

Relocation to Las Cruces — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0600

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Everything salsa—red and green, dancing, music, food, craft vendors, fun… Yes, this Sunday is the 2nd Annual Main Street SalsaFest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Downtown Mall, between Las Cruces Avenue and Griggs Street. Thousands of salsa enthusiasts are expected to participate in the judging of the 19 competitors’ salsa. The 2009 Homestyle champion, Soccoro Lopez, is even returning to the event in order to defend her title. In the restaurant category La Nueva Casita Café, Nopalito Restaurant (the defending champion of the restaurant category in 2009), and El Patron Café & Catering have all signed-up to represent.

It free admission, but if you want to be part of the tasting, a $3 wristband will allow you to taste all the salsas and vote for your favorite. The top three finalists will go before the SalsaFest Celebrity Panel to vie for the $500 first prize. Celebrity judges include: Manny Arrieta, district judge; Barbara Couture, NMSU president; Margie Huerta, Dona Ana Community College president; Carrie Hamblen, KRWG new reporter; Fernando Macias, district judge; Marvin Menzies, NMSU men’s basketball coach; and Miguel Silva, aka Captain Salsa, Las Cruces city councilor.

If your mouth catches on fire early on in the day, you can let it cool off a bit while you check out the demonstrations of Zumba and Timba aerobic exercises, or take the kids around different booths for them to participate in chile art, games, face-painting, or get their energy out in a jumping balloon.

We’ll see who can bring the heat without forgetting the flavor!

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NOW is the time to buy or sell a home

Relocation to Las Cruces — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0600

In Las Cruces, NOW IS THE TIME for Selling and Buying a Home!
The opportunity for buying a home right now is the best that it has been in the last 20 years. 3- Sentences sums it up:
1- Mortgage Interest Rates are the lowest they have EVER been.
2- There is an excellent selection of homes available.
3- Las Cruces Home Prices are a "steal." (US News & World Report, 2010)

Worried about Selling? Hear horror stories? Remember, after you sell, you are a buyer, and you get to take advantage of a far greater gain than any problems you might have selling your present home.

Sometimes someone else can sum up a situation better than I can. So I have attached this 90 second entertaining and informative video summary: "WHY NOW?"

This video was produced by Lennar Construction. They are New Home builders. They do not build in the New Mexico market, but their message is appropriate for Las Cruces.

Advice for a stress free move

Relocation to Las Cruces — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Whether it is across town or across the country. The Evelyn Bruder Real Estate Dream Team understands that the moving process is integral to relocating, and it is one of the great anxiety producing parts of relocation.

You are not alone. We are with you every step of the way. Today we want to give you our 5 best moving tips.

Your peace of mind is important to us. We will continue with a series of blogs to provide you with all of the advice you will need to make your move as easy as possible.

Let's start with our Moving Tips.

Moving Tip 1: Start early.

Moving is a time-consuming process, mostly because of the time involved in packing up all the rooms of your current place. People are often surprised by just how long it can take to get things organized and ready to go. Most people need at least 4 weeks to get ready. That's because it takes several hours to pack each room. Don't end up running out of time and "slamming together" the last parts of the move. That can lead to disaster.

Moving Tip 2: Get, and use, both a Moving Guide and Checklist, as well as an Organizer.

One of the great things about moving is that you aren't along in doing it. About 1 in 8 in households moves in any given year. Our experience enables us to provide a rich source of wisdom on how to do it well.

Universally, people who have moved agree that there are two incredibly helpful tools: a Moving Guide plus a Moving Checklist, and a moving organizer. A Moving Guide is simply a pre-defined schedule of the things you need to-do. The Checklist is just there to help keep you on track toward Moving Day, and help keep you from forgetting important steps. Just click on the links to get your Guide and Checklist.

A moving organizer is just a 3-ring binder containing all the important papers involved in your move, such as leases and mortgage documents, notes from setting up utilities, etc. It can keep everything together and avoid your move being a stressful time.

Moving Tip 3: Create "Open Me First" boxes and pack a few suitcases.

One of the biggest hassles in moving is trying to find what you need at your new place. There are two quick remedies for this. For each person, create a single suitcase or backpack filled with all the necessities you would need if you were going on a 3-day vacation. This includes 3 changes of clothes, toiletries, prescriptions, eyeglasses, and other vital items. Keep these items separated, and handy for when you arrive.

Similarly, have an "open me first" box for each room, clearly labeled in red instead of black ink, holding the things you want to have immediately available as soon as you arrive. This might be soap, towels and toilet paper for the bathroom; coffee maker and paper cups, plates and flatware for the kitchen; etc. This will make your first 24 hours in the new place much simpler.

Moving Tip 4: Don't pack It if you can live without it!

Much of the time taken in moving is due to packing and unpacking. So if you haven't used an item in over a year, it's a good idea to lighten the moving load and get rid of the stuff. Here's my advice:
•While packing, separate out the items you can live without into boxes marked "Moving Sale".

•Get rid of broken items altogether.

•Donate all usable clothing and toys to a local charity.

•Hold a moving sale for any items you aren't using that are "sellable." You can often earn between $200 and $2000 on a well-organized, well-advertised and well-priced moving sale.

•Have a charity truck come for pick-up at the hour the moving sale ends to take everything that didn't sell.

Moving Tip 5: Have proper payment for movers ready in advance.

If you are using professional movers, you'll often need to have cash, money order or certified check in hand BEFORE they unload a single box. In fact, they can legally drive off with your possessions until the moment they receive their payment in the format they prefer. Check before you sign an agreement with your moving company, and verify it again with the move foreman before she or he begins loading.

If you follow these general tips, you'll be well-positioned to make your move a stress-free experience.

Watch for further Moving Tips in coming days.

For all of your Real Estate needs
The Evelyn Bruder Team is here to assist you.

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces' Cyberstar
Visit us on the web at: http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE

We welcome comments and questions - use the comments button at the bottom of this blog.

AggieFest next week!

Relocation to Las Cruces — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0600

At the heart of Las Cruces lies New Mexico State University, which was created as a land-grant institution in 1888. With over 16,000 students attending its main campus, it really does feel like a main artery feeding into Las Cruces’ life and energy.

Whether your alumni from NMSU or another college, still in high school, or well into your career, you still might be curious what it’s like to be an Aggie these days. If so, check out the AggieFest next week—Aug. 18, 1-3 p.m.—for a carnival atmosphere showcasing all academic departments, students services, organizations, and clubs and campus resources. Most of the excitement will be located along the International Mall (west of Corbett Center), and the outdoor stage (east of Corbett Center).

For more info, call Alina Haro at (575) 646-6050, or email her at aharo@nmsu.edu.

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Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar

The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE

We welcome comments and questions – CLICK HERE

New Mexicos Tax Free Weekend is August 6-8

Relocation to Las Cruces — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Many states offer tax-free shopping during certain times of the year to motivate people to get out there and shop. For one, it helps out people by saving them some cash, and for two, it helps the stores out by generating a little extra revenue.

New Mexicos tax-free weekend, beginning this Friday (August 6th) and lasting until Sunday (August 8th) at midnight, is intended to help get the kids back to school. But before you venture out and shop till you drop, I have a few ideas that might help you sanely get through this busy weekend:

Make a list:
Make a list in advance of the main items you plan on buying and what stores you plan to shop in to find these items. This will help you avoid going from store to store and running out of time, energy, or moneyits tax-free weekend, but the cost of school supplies can really add-up fast.

Bring Your Ads
Most stores will match competitors advertised prices on the same merchandise. If you have an ad with you they may match the price if it is the identical item.

Check Extended Hours
Many stores and malls will be extending hours to accommodate the rush of shoppers during this busy weekend. If a store opens early or closes later than the others, you may want to shop during the extended hours and avoid the crowds (although there is sort of no way to completely avoid them with all the good deals and no tax).

For a list of tax-free items, clickhere.

A few things to do in Las Cruces tomorrow

Relocation to Las Cruces — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Las Cruces Farmers Market (every Saturday and Wednesday)

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve made it to the farmers market, so it’s definitely going to be on my to-do list for tomorrow. For one, I have a hankering for some fresh green tomatoes, so that I can slice them up and put them on the grill (I usually just put a dash of salt, pepper and olive oil on them before grilling). And then hopefully sometime later in the day I will be able to make it to one of the following shows.

KRWG benefit concert

Steve Smith, Chris Sanders and Hard Road will play a benefit concert for KRWG at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at the Rio Grande Theatre. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and under. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. For more information or tickets visit www.krwg.org or call 646-2222.

Lucky Seven: Phoenix Piano Quartet presents free show

Relax and recharge at the free Lucky Seven: Phoenix Piano Quartet concert on Saturday at NMSU’s Atkinson Music Center Recital Hall. Show starts at 3 p.m. The Phoenix Quartet was founded in 2008 by William Leland, who has served for 30 years as resident pianist in the NMSU Music Department. The program will feature Mozart's Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Gabriel Fauré's Quintet in C Minor and two violin solos by Frizt Kreisler: "Praeludium and Allegro" and "Tambourin Chinois (Chinese Tambourine)

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Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE

Chile Chocolate Ice Cream

Relocation to Las Cruces — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0600

I was perusing the Internet a few days ago for new ice cream recipes that I could do with the grandkids, and we came across a very delicious one from a New Mexican native—Jane Butel. Butel currently lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she has her very own cooking school. The recipe of her’s that really caught my eye the other day was her chile chocolate ice cream. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the flavors of spicy and sweet—it’s wonderful! It’s not hot like burn-your-mouth hot, but there is a nice bite mixed in with the creamy sweetness. The grandkids loved it, my husband loved it, and well I couldn’t get enough of it. (I can only imagine how incredible it is when Butel herself makes it…)

Jane Butel’s Chile Chocolate Ice Cream

“This velvety-rich ice cream benefits from both chile and cinnamon flavoring the chocolate,” says Butel. “The Aztecs felt that you must have cinnamon or chile whenever you consumed chocolate, which to them was a warrior’s drink consumed before battle.” Find caribe chiles at www.janebutelcooking.com

½ cup water
¼ cup crushed caribe chiles
²/³ cup sugar
2 3-inch sticks canela or Mexican cinnamon sticks (available at natural or ethnic groceries)
¾ pound dark sweet chocolate,
broken into pieces
¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3 cups whipping cream
6 egg yolks

Boil water and crushed chiles together in small saucepan until chile flesh is soft. Strain, rubbing with wooden spoon or rubber spatula to remove as much pulp as possible. Return mixture to saucepan, add ¹/³ cup of sugar and cinnamon sticks.

Bring to boil, stirring constantly.

Boil 1 minute, then remove from heat and let stand 1 minute. Discard cinnamon sticks, add chocolate and butter. Let stand several minutes, until chocolate is melted. Stir mixture until smooth. If necessary, place over low heat until chocolate melts.

Scald cream in large saucepan. In bowl, beat egg yolks with remaining ¹/³ cup sugar until thick and lemon-colored. Beat in a little of the cream, and return mixture to saucepan. Cook, stirring until mixture is hot, then remove from heat. Beat in chocolate mixture and remaining cream. Pour into heatproof bowl. Refrigerate until chilled, stirring occasionally.

Transfer to ice-cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.

Makes 1½ quarts

Reprinted with permission from Jane Butel.

How is the Market? ... It's great!

Relocation to Las Cruces — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0600

The number of Single Family Home sales in May (145) is 34% more than April sales and 17% more than May 2009. Year To Date home sales for January to May 2010 are up 8.5% over the same period in 2009.

If the trend that we are seeing in these first 5-months of 2010 continues, this indicates that we are well on our way back to a balanced / normal Las Cruces Real Estate Market (neither a Buyer's or Seller's Market). 82% of homes sold are under $250,000. Sales are brisk in this portion of the Market as reflected in the May sales, as well as the increase in sales for YTD 2010 vs. 2009. Anyone considering buying a home in this price range should be buying NOW. Interest Rates are low, and your dream home is still available at a great price. Our analysis indicates that buyers and sellers will soon be on equal footing. Quite possibly, if optimistic projections for the 2010 sales and listings are accurate, we could see a Seller's Market in this price range in 2011.

The Market for homes selling for over $250,000 is an extremely strong Buyer's Market. If you currently are looking to move up to a larger home, and own a home in the under $250,000 price range, you will never find a better time to do this.Your current home should sell quickly, and you will be in a strong negotiating position to buy your new home at a great price, and even better, you will benefit from significant appreciation when this portion of the Market fully recovers. The complete Current Market Analysis and Trends Report is available at: http://www.HomesForSaleInLasCruces.com For the latest Las Cruces news and Real Estate Information visit our Blog: http://www.lcrealestateblog.com For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact: Evelyn Bruder, Associate Broker, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO Las Cruces' Only Cyberstar CALL 575-650-7224 or TOLL FREE: 888-532-9069 EMAIL: evelyn@homeslascruces.com ************************** Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE

Las Cruces' Music in the Park Series

Relocation to Las Cruces — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0600

You'll see me just about every Sunday with my sandals off, feet curled up in the cool grass, a cold drink in my hand (or a snow cone if my sugary mood strikes me), swaying back and forth to some good ol' local music. I don't care if it's country, rock, Tejano, or something I've never even heard of, I can't get enough of live music, especially when it's set outside under a few shady trees... The City of Las Cruces began the Music in the Park series a couple weeks agoon Sunday, May 30thwith the Mayors Jazz Fest. Music in the Park is a 14-week musical extravaganza offering Las Crucens an eclectic mix of music performed by local, regional and nationally recognized artist, at Las Cruces' beautiful parksApodaca Park, Klein Park and Young Park. Music types include: jazz, rhythm and blues, Mariachi, classical, country, Tejano, bluegrass (usually my favorite!!), new wave and pop, among others. All concerts listed begin at 7:00pm. The following is the rest (12 shows) of the 2010 schedule: Apodaca Park 801 E. Madrid Ave. June 13 Syd Masters & the Swing Riders - Western Swing Tijeras, NM Bob Einweck Folk - Phoenix, AZ June 20 Windy City - (Tribute to Chicago) Pop - El Paso, TX June 27 Steve Smith & Chris Sanders Bluegrass - Las Cruces, NM Rhythm Mystic - World Music - Pinos Altos, NM Klein Park 155 N, Mesquite St. July 11 Fast Lane - C&W, variety, blues - Las Cruces, NM Redneck Cowgirl - C&W, gospel - Deming, NM July 18 Undiskovered featuring Carol Portillo Variety - Las Cruces, NM Mariachi Feminil Flores Mexicanas Mariachi - El Paso, TX July 25 Remember Then - Doo Wop & Oldies - Las Cruces, NM Gene & the Starliners -Oldies but Goodies - Las Cruces, NM Young Park 1905 E. Nevada Ave. August 1 Azucar - Latin Jazz, Salsa - El Paso, TX Red Hot & Red Jazz - El Paso, TX August 8 NM Symphony Brass Quintet - Chamber Music, pop - Las Cruces Madera Winds - Chamber Music - Las Cruces, NM August 15 Crystal Ship - 60's Rock, British Invasion Rock - Las Cruces, NM Los Changos Del Mar - Surf Music Taos, NM August 22 The James Douglas Show - Funk, R&B - Los Angeles, CA Nosotros - Latin Rock - Las Cruces, NM Entertainers, locations and dates are subject to change without prior notice. The City has provided the Music in the Park Series as a public service, free of charge, since 1994. Residents are reminded that in accordance with a City of Las Cruces policy, pets are not permitted at special events held at City of Las Cruces facilities. Photo courtesy of http://www.facebook.com/pages/Las-Cruces-Music-in-the-Park-Series/114993981877373 ************************** Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE

Lending Industry Gets Its 'Due' for Mortgage Mess

Relocation to Las Cruces — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0600

From realestateabc.com Both houses of the U.S. Congress are currently working on financial legislation in order to prevent future market meltdowns. And while not the focus of the bills, new rules and restrictions on the mortgage lending industry are included in each, as many people lay the blame for the current recession at the feet of the housing industries excesses and failures. "It would have been unthinkable to get through financial reform without addressing the mortgage market because this is why were are in the mess we're in," said Julia Gordon, senior policy counsel at the Center for Responsible Lending, as quoted in a Washington Post article. The new legislation makes at least four key changes to the way mortgage lenders currently do business. First, it would do away with prepayment penalties on certain types of loans. These substantial fees have discouraged borrowers from refinancing into cheaper loans, which has contributed to the continued foreclosure avalanche as troubled borrowers have been financially unable to get out of their risky, high-interest loan because of the prohibitive cost of the prepayment penalties. The new potential law would prevent these penalties from being attached to adjustable rate mortgages and subprime loans as well as other mortgages with extremely high interest rates. Neither would loan officers be able to receive greater compensation for issuing prepayment penalties. Second, the bills proposes to severely limit mortgage broker fees and incentives, making it illegal for them to give borrowers higher interest rate loans than they qualify for. Some argue that incentive-based pay was a big part of the mortgage meltdown, as brokers and loan officers let their greed determine what type of loan to give, not what was most financially sound. The mortgage industry defends itself however, saying that higher interest rates are a trade off for consumers when they get to close a loan faster or if they have lower credit scores. For the rest of the story, click here. ************************** Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE

IT'S HERE - 1st Q - 2010 REAL ESTATE MARKET ANALYSIS

Relocation to Las Cruces — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0600

EVELYN BRUDER DREAM TEAM'S CURRENT MARKET ANALYSIS

How is the Market? Each month we report an updated Analysis of the Las Cruces Real Estate Market. We are happy to E-mail you a copy of the complete report as soon as it is available. Subscribe now, and begin receiving your reports.

This is a free service, there is no obligation, and all reports are sent by email.
1ST- Q. 2010 REPORT IS READY SUBSCRIBE NOW RECEIVE YOUR COPY BY RETURN EMAIL
************************** Evelyn Bruder begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE

Valentine's Weekend in LC: Margaritas, Warhol, Jazz, & More

Relocation to Las Cruces — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0700

[caption id="attachment_1520" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Cucumber Margarita at De La Vegas."][/caption] As promised, the Evelyn Bruder Dream Team has been diligently working hard to find the perfect margarita in Las Cruces. The scoop this week is a specialty margarita at De La Vegas Restaurant, the newest addition to locally owned eateries in our city. A higher-end 'pecan grill' and bar, De La Vegas blends two of southwest New Mexico's biggest exports, parlaying it into an entire menu more or less. Pecans and green chile are a-plenty at this Napa Valley-esque restaurant, used in everything from the butter to the pecan-and-bacon-chocolate dinner mints (no, really). After debating between the three margaritas on the menu - the Silver Buck, Cucumber, and Don Deigo De La Vega Margarita - we opted to forgo the the more traditional Silver Buck, which was infused with agave like our past experience at Si Senor, and perhaps try something a little different. Since the Don Deigo De La Vega Margarita is made with Patron Gran Platinum tequila, 150 Year Anniversary Grand Marnier, hand pressed limes, agave nectar, comes in a light-up glass, and costs $90 per cocktail, we went with the Cucumber margarita, which turned out to be quite delicious. Crisp, clean, and refreshing, the cucumber does a great job of mellowing out the sometimes sharp taste of a margarita; this drink would be perfect for a warm summer's evening sitting out on the back patio of the restaurant, watching the glorious New Mexico sunset. So, of the three we have reviewed, which is the reigning favorite? This is a tough call, because they have all been so good (and fairly different), but I think the strongest contender is still the Sangria Margarita from Si Senor. Smooth, succulent, and just sweet enough, the Sangria Margarita manages to incorporate to two community and cultural favorites. Next week, we will have another update on our Search for the Perfect Margarita, highlighting two of the three different kinds at The Game - Aggie Sports Bar and Grill. If you're looking to take your significant other out on the town this weekend to celebrate Valentine's Day, you might want to look into taking them to one of the locally owned restaurants we have mentioned in the past. We compiled a small list for our readers with name, location, contact, cuisine ($-$$$), and price range so that you can pick the perfect place to enjoy a special dinner. De La Vegas (575) 521-2656 500 South Telshor Blvd $$ - American/Southwest fusion (burgers, salads, steaks, seafood, pastas, etc) Lorenzo's de Mesilla (575) 525-3170 1750 Calle de Mercado (Mesilla) $$ - Italian with southwestern flare (traditional pizzas, pastas, salads, etc) The Mix & Katana Grill (575) 532-2042 1001 East University Ave $$ - Pacific rim cuisine (sushi, tepannyaki grilling, seafood, etc.) St. Clair Bistro (575) 524-2408 1800 Avenida De Mesilla $$-$$$ - European/Italian (pastas, salads, seafood, etc.) Aqua Reef [caption id="attachment_1522" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Double Eagle."][/caption] (575) 522-7333 900 South Telshor Blvd $$-$$$ - Euro/Asian (sushi, stir fry, seafood, etc.) Brigid's Cross (575) 647-1455 1338 Picacho Hills Dr $$ - Traditional Irish/English (stews, seafood, soups, salads, etc.) Double Eagle (575) 523-6700 2355 Calle De Guadalupe (Mesilla) $$-$$$ - American/Southwest fusion (steaks, seafood, New Mexican foods, etc.) Sunset Grill (575) 521-1818 1274 Golf Club Rd. $$-$$$ - American (steaks, pastas, salads, etc.) If you're wondering what is going to be happening around town this weekend, the Las Cruces Museum of Art is proudly hosting an "Andy Warhol & Pop Art" exhibit, running now until April 3rd. The Museum is located at 491 N. Main Street on the Downtown Mall, and is open from 10-4pm Mon.-Fri. and 9-1 on Saturday. In the Old Mesilla District, the "For the Love of Art" artist showcase and concert will be happening from 11-4 on Saturday in the Mesilla Plaza. Music will be provided by the Border Jazz Trio from 2-3. If you're in Old Mesilla and are in the mood for a hopeful, romantic movie full of great music and cross-cultural references, you might want to hop over to the Fountain Theater, which will be showing the Academy-award winning film 'Once' as their Saturday matinee. Other movies opening this weekend at the Allen Theaters around town include The Wolfman, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Valentine's Day, and the local documentary about a sad day in Las Cruces history, A Nightmare in Las Cruces. The weather is going to be BEAUTIFUL this holiday weekend (a warm and sunny 65), and the town will be booming with things to do, see, eat, experience, and enjoy! We hope to see you out there! As usual, we are taking suggestions for restaurants to review, margaritas to try, and things to see in Las Cruces! Feel free to leave a comment! ************************** Evelyn Bruder: CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE Steinborn GMAC Real Estate (575)522-3698

A Look At Buyer's Agents

Relocation to Las Cruces — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Buying and selling is a confusing process; that much is true for everyone, even second time buyers/sellers. It's up to me to make the process as easy for you as possible, but there's one area that seems to be more perplexing than others: buyer's agents. Who pays them, and how much do they get paid? Do you have to sign a buyer broker agreement? Are they even necessary? The last few years, the real estate scene has witnessed a surge of buyer's agents; agents that are strictly on the side of the buyer, ensuring they get a fair price and negotiation hassles are kept to a minimum. However, a couple of weeks ago a friend of mine forwarded me an MSN article called '10 Things Your Real Estate Broker Won't Tell You,' and while the writer made some fair points regarding the ethics of some agents, number 5 struck me as particularly thought-provoking. The headline read: "Sometimes I forget who's side I'm on." The sad truth is that may be the case for some buyer's agents, but in defining the position of the buyer's agent, they should be on your side, the buyer's side. On the other hand, in terms of payment and commission, it's normally the selling agent that pays the buyer (yeah, you read that right). Normally, a listing agreement between the selling agent and the seller specifies how much the listing brokerage will pay the selling brokerage for bringing a buyer. It does seem a little backward for the selling agent to pay the buyer's agent to act on your behalf, and I think that's where some buying agents forget who they're working for. Since most buyer's agents don't work for free (who does?!) and so many people are confused to how a buyer's agent works, some agents request for their clients to sign a buyer broker agreement. There are three different types, but the most common is exclusive; it basically states that no matter what, you (the buyer) cannot buy a property without owing a commission to the agent. At first glance, that statement might seem harsh to clients, but it's a way for buyer's agents to protect themselves against people who want to take advantage of their services. I know a lot of buyer's agents won't work with people who hesitate to sign a buyer broker agreement, since it essentially means that the client doesn't care if the broker gets paid. If you, as a client, feel uncomfortable signing something like that until you fully understand it, most brokers won't mind if you ask to look at it over a weekend, so long as you approach it respectfully and seriously. You must also remember that this agreement does not stipulate that you have to buy a home, it only states that if you buy a home, you will work with the buyer's agent. It can also stipulate that the seller is responsible for the commission and that you the buyer are not responsible. With all of this in mind, what are the benefits of a buyer's agent? Well, if you're working with someone you trust and live a busy lifestyle, buyer's agents cut out a lot of stress on your behalf. I know that it feels good to have someone working on your side with you as a priority; sellers receive that treatment, so why shouldn't a buyer? But how do you know you can trust your agent? That's where the internet comes in handy - look them up on ActiveRain, LinkedIn, Facebook, Yelp, and spend some time reading testimonials and websites. These websites are incredible resources for all clients; they can tell you a lot about your potential agent. I hope this blog helped clear up some confusion regarding buyer's agents and what they do. You know that if you have any questions, feel free to call us or visit our website by CLICKING HERE. To see the MSN article I referenced, CLICK HERE. ************************** Evelyn Bruder: CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE Steinborn GMAC Real Estate (575)522-3698

'Due Date' Filming in Las Cruces

Relocation to Las Cruces — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0600

You might remember this blog, in which I talked about Hollywood coming to New Mexico and what it means for our state. Today, it was very clear that Hollywood had come to Las Cruces; in fact, it closed down a major highway about a mile from my house. I remember reading about it in the Las Cruces Sun News a few days ago, but it must have slipped my mind, because this morning the side streets off of Highway 70 were filled with cars. Roadrunner Parkway and Sonoma Ranch Boulevard were both heavily impacted, and those are two major in-city commuting streets without the highway shutdown. The traffic didn't bother me very much, as our real estate offices are just down the road but I want to make sure Las Crucens are aware of the road closures due to filming. This information comes from the NM Department of Transportation: Oct. 9 to Oct. 15 -A single westbound lane will be closed from Sonoma Ranch Boulevard to Rinconada Boulevard. Oct. 11 to Oct. 14 -Westbound lanes will close from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m on the 11th; October 12th through the 14th, westbound lanes will be closed 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to accommodate the work week. Traffic will be diverted onto Sonoma Ranch Boulevard, south to Northrise Drive, west to Roadrunner Parkway and north back onto U.S. 70. -Eastbound lanes will close from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Traffic will be diverted onto Roadrunner Parkway, south to Northrise Drive, east to Sonoma Ranch Boulevard and north back onto U.S. 70. Oct. 17 to Oct. 25 -Westbound lanes will close from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Traffic will be diverted onto Sonoma Ranch Boulevard, south to Northrise Drive, west to Del Rey Boulevard and north back onto U.S. 70. During the work week, Westbound lanes will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. -Eastbound lanes will close from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Traffic will be diverted from the point of U.S. Interstate 25 onto Del Rey Boulevard, south to Northrise Drive, east to Sonoma Ranch Boulevard and north back onto U.S. 70. -Two eastbound lanes will close on North Main Street at the intersection of Elk Drive and Triviz Drive. Access won't be blocked to Interstate 25. This also includes underpasses and the frontage roads along Highway 70. The Las Cruces Public Schools have also assured parents that although the buses may deliver the kids to school late, no one will be counted tardy as a result of the road closure and children who miss the free school breakfast will be given food upon their arrival to school. The production company is also paying for the cost of the extra police needed to direct traffic. The movie, entitled 'Due Date,' stars Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis and follows the story of a father-to-be that has to hitch a ride with a college slacker in order to make it in time for the delivery of his baby. The production company brought approximately 75 staff members to run the set, organize stunts, and assist the directors, producers, and actors; 75 new faces to support our local economy. EG Casting is in charge of hiring 100 paid actors for small bit roles. Despite Las Crucen's daily commutes being interrupted for a month or so, I think this activity here is great for our city. From everyone's interest being sparked to the inevitable boost our local economy will get, I welcome the movie business in our city and hope to see more of it! ************************** Evelyn Bruder: CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE Steinborn GMAC Real Estate (575)522-3698

Savino's sumptuous sauce satisfies

Relocation to Las Cruces — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

A Taste of Las Cruces: Savino's sumptuous sauce satisfies By Vicki Nisbett/Of the Sun-News With a little shake here and a little shake there of Parmesan cheese on your Savino's entre or salad, you've got a winning combination. If you haven't been to Savino's Ristorante Italiano, you must put this restaurant on your list. Believe me when I tell you that when Anthony Garcia and Tina Lujan took over this restaurant, they knew what they were doing. Garcia was an assistant chef for the restaurant's namesake, Savino, who is from Sicily, Italy. Now, "that's Italian." Before Garcia worked at Savino's, he was the head chef at the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course Club House and Lujan was a teacher for the Federal Head Start program before she opened the restaurant. Garcia and Lujan are keeping the integrity of the food that Savino started. They use fresh ingredients, and the recipes originate from Old Country Italy, which extends from Milan to Sicily. They also have delicious dinner entres, including lasagna, manicotti, eggplant Parmesana, chicken Marsala, veal Parmesan, veal Marsala and more. You can smell the aroma of Italy as you walk in. I went to Savino's with three of my colleagues, one of which was having a birthday. When we got there, we were served some really fabulous homemade bread, made daily, which included a perfectly seasoned olive oil on the side. For my entre, I ordered the baked eggplant Parmesana because I'm counting calories for the one-millionth time in my life. (Does this mean that I'm a connoisseur?) One of my other colleagues ordered the same. We both "oohh"ed and "aahh"ed because "the sauce was to die for," not to mention the great taste of the eggplant itself and the Parmesan sprinkled with Mozzarella cheeses on top. Garcia and Lujan put in just the right Italian herbs and spices. Another colleague ordered the meatball sandwich with marinara sauce on a baked roll with fried zucchini with marinara sauce on the side. She really enjoyed the sandwich, she said, and the marinara sauce had a great flavor. The bread that came with the sandwich was nice and soft on the inside. The fried zucchini with the marinara sauce was also delicious. The birthday girl ordered a crispy bruschetta with garden fresh tomatoes, basil, olives, garlic and olive oil she thought was an excellent appetizer. She also ordered the veal Parmesana "(I) enjoyed every bite of the crisply breaded succulent piece of veal smothered in a delectable marinara sauce sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and ham," she said. For her birthday desert, she was served a silky cheesecake that she thought put a "perfect end to a perfect meal." What a perfect place for young lovers as well as old ones to dine at along with a great atmosphere and good service, too. There's two rooms in which to dine, and the restaurant staff go out of their way to give a true Italian atmosphere. In the back room, a wall mural gives you the feeling that you're really not in Las Cruces, but Sicily. Savino's serves beer and wine. Wine does go well with pasta dishes or so I've been told, and also beer can go well with appetizers. They also have pasta lunch specials that start at a very low price of $7. Vicki Nisbett writes for the Sun-News features and advertising departments. She can be reached at vnisbett@lcsun-news.com. If you go What: Savino's Ristorante Italiano Where: 1120 Commerce Drive, Suite C, across from Sam's Club When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. How much: Meal prices range from $7 to $20 Info: (575) 521-7949 Suggest a restaurant for review: Call 541-5453 or e-mail pulse@lcsun-news.com

8 signs you're ready to buy your first home

Relocation to Las Cruces — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0600

I BELIEVE THAT THIS ARTICLE WILL MAKE A GOOD TRANSITION BETWEEN THE REASONS FOR BUYING A HOME PRIOR TO PRESENTING THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE HOME BUYING.

With home prices cooling off and apartment rents heating up, is now the time to buy your own place? Here are the ways to know when it makes sense financially to purchase your first home.

The squeeze is on for renters. Apartment rents are expected to rise 5.3% this year, according to the National Association of Realtors. That's about double last year's increase, and it's the highest jump since 2000. Until now, rents have seen slow growth over the past few years as the booming real estate market has lured away renters into homeownership.But that's starting to change. Interest rates are rising and home price appreciation is slowing, so fewer buyers are looking for new homes. That gives landlords the upper hand to raise rents. Meanwhile, the real estate market is starting to turn from the seller's favor toward the buyer's. So if you're a renter who has been dreaming of homeownership, is now a good time to take the leap?Sure, a cooling real estate market is good news for buyers because it's easier for them to negotiate a deal. But it shouldn't be the main reason that pushes you into your first home. In fact, buying your first home is a personal decision that you should make independent of what the market may or may not be doing. "Time means nothing," says Michael Eisenberg, a CPA and financial planning specialist in West Los Angeles. You can't predict what will happen to home prices in your neighborhood in the next few months, let alone the next few years. But if you're looking to make the long-term commitment of homeownership, it helps to approach the decision like you would any business decision. You don't want to buy on emotion, or because everyone else is doing it. "This is the biggest financial move a young person may ever make," Eisenberg says. "You should make the investment because it makes sense for your finances. You buy when you're ready." So how, exactly, do you know when your finances are ready? We provide a checklist of eight things first-time home buyers should have squared away before they consider a purchase -- no matter where analysts say home prices are heading. You are ready to buy when

No. 1: You have a budget -- and you know how to use it Owning your own place comes with a slew of new expenses, so good money management skills are a must-have. If you don't have a household budget right now, start one. You need to know where you are financially -- where your money is coming from and where it goes every month -- to know exactly how much you can afford to spend on a new home.Once you have your current finances sorted out, draw up a mock budget for homeownership. Find out how much homes cost in your area and how much your mortgage payment will run. Then, factor in higher utility bills, homeowner's insurance, property taxes, homeowners association fees, and maintenance and upkeep costs, as well as higher commuting costs if you're considering a neighborhood further from work. If you simply cannot afford the increased expenses that come with a house, it's never a good time to buy -- no matter what's happening in the real estate market.

No. 2: You have a sizeable down payment Traditionally, to get your foot in the door, you'll need a down payment worth 20% of the home price. That means for a $250,000 home, you'll need $50,000 upfront. Sure, there are ways to get around that steep requirement with zero- or low-down loans, but those options will cost you. You may have to pay extra for private mortgage insurance or take out a piggyback loan with a much higher interest rate. With the slowing housing market, having that 20% down payment becomes even more important because you'll start off with some equity in case you have to move earlier than expected. "In the early years, you aren't building any equity with the mortgage payment," says Eisenberg. "If the market changes or your personal circumstances change and you're forced to sell, you could lose money" if you made little or no down payment. The equity in your home can also give you an extra source of cash in an emergency.And the money down is only the beginning. Don't forget to factor in closing costs (2% to 6% (in some areas) of the purchase price, property taxes, initial repairs, moving expenses and decorating costs.

No. 3: You have a reliable source of income Buying a home is a long-term financial commitment, so you'll need consistent cash flow to cover those monthly payments -- not to mention the little extra expenses that come with homeownership. If you're in school, plan to go back to school, have a less-than-reliable job or plan to start a family, you need to take a good look at your future cash-flow abilities. Will you be able to make your mortgage payment six months from now? How about six years from now? "Some couples can afford the house when they're both working, but if a kid comes along and one wants to stop working, then they have a problem," says Eisenberg.

No. 4: You have an emergency savings fund If you have enough cash on hand to cover three to six months of your living expenses, you're one step closer to being prepared for homeownership. Just in case something happens to disrupt your steady income -- say a serious illness, unexpected layoff or even a natural disaster that prevents you from working -- you want to make sure you can still afford to make your mortgage payments until you can get out of your rough patch, says Bob Baldwin, a CPA in Charleston, S.C. Learn more about how and where to build your emergency stash.

No. 5: You have your debts under control Call 'em crazy, but lenders like to make sure you'll have enough money each month to pay your obligations. So before they'll give you a mortgage, they take a look at your so-called debt-to-income ratio. Generally speaking, they want to make sure your monthly housing costs -- including principal, interest, taxes and insurance -- will consume no more than 33% of your monthly gross income; and that your total debt payments, including your mortgage, credit cards, student loans and auto loans, will remain below 38% of your total pay. So if you have large outstanding debts, it's a good idea to try to pay them down before applying for a mortgage to make sure you can qualify for as much money as you'll need. This also means you should avoid taking on any substantial new debt six months to one year prior to your purchase, or you may throw your ratio off. So, it may be best to drive that clunker for a little while longer, or put off charging that European vacation. Find out here how much you can qualify to borrow.

No. 6: Your credit report is in good shape Nowadays you don't have to have perfect credit to become a homeowner, but a decent history can help you get a lower interest rate on your mortgage and a lower monthly payment. The government allows you to check your credit history free once a year from each of the three main credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. So take a peek to find out what lenders see about you. If you see any errors, correct them now. If you see room for improvement, find out how you can boost your score. "Don't be sloppy the year or two before you buy the house," says Baldwin. You don't want any missed payments or other black marks that could lower your estimation in the eyes of lenders. Having bad credit, however, may not be your biggest concern. If you're just starting out, you need to make sure you have a credit history. If you hold a credit card or took out student loans, you're probably covered. If not, find out how you can build a stellar credit history from scratch, preferably one year or more before you plan to buy.

No. 7: You can make a long-term commitment Are you ready to stay put for at least three to five years? Typically, that's how long you'll have to keep the house in order to recoup your buying and selling costs. If you sell before then, you may lose money on the deal. And if you do turn a profit, you'll have to pay capital gains taxes if you lived in the house less than two years. The length of your stay becomes even more important now that home appreciation is beginning to slow from its previous pace. If you don't think you'd stay put for that long, you may be better off renting.Don't fret: Renting can actually make better financial sense for some people at different times in their lives, says Eisenberg. If you think you may get a job transfer, go back to school or otherwise need to move within the next five years, renting gives you the flexibility you need and could possibly save you money. Want to find out if renting or buying makes the most sense for you? Our calculator will crunch the numbers to help you decide. In the slot for "appreciation rate," assume your home will appreciate at the rate of inflation or a little more, just to be safe. Right now, that's around 3% to 4% annually.

No. 8: You are prepared to become your own landlord Even if you can afford homeownership, don't buy simply because you can. You need to make sure you're ready to live the lifestyle. Owning a place comes with a fair share of new responsibilities, headaches and costs -- not the least of which is becoming your own landlord. When you rent an apartment, you simply call the landlord if something breaks. With your own home, if it's broke, you fix it -- or you'll have to pay someone else to fix it. You're also responsible for upkeep, including yard work and shoveling snow (unless, of course, you buy a condo without a yard). Will you have the time, energy or desire to maintain the property? How about the money for all those little extras, such as buying your own lawn mower and hiring the occasional plumber? Make sure you know what you're getting into.

Full moon rising

Relocation to Las Cruces — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0600

If you're from around the area, I'm sure you've started noticing the clouds that start rolling in late afternoon giving us a break from the heat for a bit. Well, we decided to use this cooling effect to our advantage and head to White Sands for the Full Moon program. Even though the moon doesn't peak out till a little later in the evening, we wanted to get there early enough to eat a picnic, roll down the dunes (the grandkids, not me), and then relax a bit and watch the full moon rise. A little info about White Sands National Monument (from http://www.desertusa.com/wsand/): The Tularosa Basin in the northern Chihuahuan Desert is a mountain-ringed valley encompassing one of the world's great natural wonders -- the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Here, giant, wave-like dunes of gypsum sand move across 275 square miles of desert creating the world's largest gypsum dune field. The brilliant white dunes are ever changing: growing, cresting, then slumping, but always advancing. Slowly but relentlessly the sand, driven by strong southwest winds, covers everything in its path. Within the extremely harsh environment of the dune field, even plants and animals adapted to desert conditions struggle to survive. Only a few species of plants grow rapidly enough to survive burial by moving dunes, but several types of small animals have evolved a white coloration that camouflages them in the gypsum sand. White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of this gypsum dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment. ************************** Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE

Weekend in Review: In Search of the Perfect Margarita

Relocation to Las Cruces — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0600

************************** Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE We welcome comments and questions - CLICK HERE

NOW is absolutely the best time ever to buy a home!

Relocation to Las Cruces — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0600

We can positively say NOW is absolutely the best time ever to buy a home.

Whether it is your first Home, you are moving up, or you are downsizing, we want you to know that it is an exciting time for home buyers in Las Cruces. If you have a home to sell, the Market activity is peaking, and homes under $250,000 are selling quickly. If you are even considering buying a home, you need to read on and take 90 Seconds to watch this video

This video perfectly sums up why the Current Market conditions are perfect for a Home Buyer

WHY NOW

This video was produced by Lennar Construction. They are New Home builders. They do not build in the New Mexico market, but the information is appropriate anywhere.

On behalf of the Evelyn Bruder Dream Team and Steinborn and Associates Real Estate, Just click on the BUYER tab on our Website http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com and you will find a wealth of information to be successful in reaching your home buying goals. We want you to avoid all of the problems, pitfalls, and hassles that have plagued many buyers.

We are solely committed to preparing you to buy your home lending you support every step of the way. We will not let you stumble and fall. For the latest Las Cruces News and Information and for current Real Estate Information explore our Blog by category and our archives: http://www.lcrealestateblog.com We are proud to contribute the Steinborn & Associates Real Estate blog and we recommend checking out the posts on that Blog: http://www.steinborn.com/blog For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact: Evelyn Bruder, Associate Broker, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO Las Cruces' Only Cyberstar CALL 575-650-7224 or TOLL FREE: 888-532-9069 EMAIL: evelyn@homeslascruces.com Steinborn & Associates Real Estate 141 Roadrunner Parkway, Suite 141 Las Cruces, NM 88011 575-522-3698