http://www.cabq.gov/crs/salsafiesta.html

The number of weeks it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales = the absorption rate.

Sellers Market 1-4

Neutral Market 5-6

Buyers Market Greater than 7

  6/09  through 6/10

price, condition and terms."

In this well-presented, 3-minute video from NBC's The Today Show, you'll get tips getting low rates and choosing the best time to lock in.

Some of the topics covered include:

• Why were the experts wrong about rates moving higher this summer?
• How much money can you save with a 1 point drop in your interest rate?
• Should you buy a bigger home now that rates have fallen?

The advice in the piece is matter-of-fact and centered.  There is no cheerleading and the message is honest. Mortgage rates are low and they likely won't stay that way.  If you've been thinking about a refinance, talk to your loan officer as soon as possible.

WOW! Absolutely Gorgeous - Best of the best -

Come live in this captivating two story contemporary with all the charm you demand. Nestled in a cul-de-sac, this exceptional home sits on a fully landscaped lot with extended custom patio and part like yards. Updated kitchen with newer solid surface counter tops, ample cabinet space,breakfast bar and breakfast nook. Large pantry, tile floors and   easy patio access. The perfect recipe for success. 

            Uncrowded comfort flexible dining room opens to the living room allowing for warm spacious dining and ease of movement. 

The picturesque backyard will enhance your out door living. Large covered patio, side dog run for Fido and brick walkways. Park like grassy yard with block fence provides for both relaxation and a safe place for the kids to romp.

Nice open floor plan- Gourmet type kitchen - Tons of cabinets - Easy care wood and tile floors - Terrific yard - Great entertaining home inside and out.

Upstairs, downstairs - everywhere you look will please.

A handsome modern contemporary you'll be proud to call home.  

 Floor Plan

True Treasure - for that family needing R.V. or extra vehicle space. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac, this exceptional home sits on one of the larger lots in Paradise Hills providing that extra elbow room you're looking. Here you can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and yet only minutes from all the amenities our city has to offer. The Over sized lot offers easy backyard access for that R.V. - Camper - Trailer - Boat or what have you, allowing you to eliminate those monthly storage fees and keep your toys at home. Inside, the warm comfortable family room is dominated by the raised hearth fireplace. The free flowing traffic pattern and connected open living areas accommodate both the formal times of  your life or a cozy place for the family to gather on those quiet evenings around a warm fire. The eat-in kitchen is spacious and well planned with plenty of counter space and cabinets, plus a sunny breakfast nook with patio access. Enjoy that morning cup of coffee on your private covered patio overlooking your yard and those great city and mountain views. Come take a peek - you'll like what your find!

The clocks have "sprung" ahead, baseball training is underway and here at HWA we all have one thing on our minds – SPRING!

Along with all the fun Spring brings, there's also a lot of work to do. Spring is the best time to clean, organize and update your home.

Check Out Your Home's Equipment

SPACE & SUNSHINE

Is all part of this fashionable townhome. Soaring ceiling and South facing clerestory windows emphasize the feeling of unrestricted space. The clerestory windows create a cheerful play of sunlight and warmth, and the rich texture of the adobe accent walls and natural woodwork richly compliment the design of this fantastic home.

 Entertain in uncrowded comfort.

And there's no telling what you'll cook up in this kitchen. Efficient style plus inviting warmth in this large gourmet kitchen is a recipe for success. Dine-in kitchen with room for all. Plenty of counter space and cabinets to make meal preparation a breeze and there' also easy patio access, perfect for indoor/outdoor living. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac lot just minutes from the golf course.

The loss of grass cutting friends.....Will be replaced with golf buddies.

Floor Plan

2% Buyer Finance Assistance Offered

Wow

First one in wins. Killer price on this Gorgeous Taylor Ranch beauty set away from the crowds. Delightful warm living room with cozy fireplace invites family enjoyment. Cathedral ceilings and a well planned traffic pattern throughout provides that spacious open feeling. Numerous updates include NEWER refrigerator, refrigerated air, furnace, water heater, bathroom tile, garage door opener, blinds, landscaping and more. Backs to arroyo with petroglyph VIEWS which are enjoyed from the large custom covered patio ideal for your out door living and entertaining. Great location with easy access major artery and just minutes from all of the cities amenities.

Best of the Best...With all the charm you demand!

Preventing water damage in your home is important at any time of year, but particularly in the winter when the cold weather can wreak havoc on plumbing. Here are some tips to make sure your water bill is as low as it should be...and that your home is as safe and dry as it needs to be:

Pay attention to your bill: Major fluctuations in water usage from one month to the next could mean that you have a problem. Taking just a few minutes to look at your bill each month could make a big difference in your wallet!

Inspect appliances: While much of your home's plumbing can be hidden behind walls and cabinets, most of your appliances that use water can be easily inspected for potential leaks. Each month, take the time to inspect areas around your water heater, dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, sinks, and toilets. If any hoses or seals appear old or damaged, replace them. Also, inspect and repair obvious caulking and tile grout damage. It's a small price to pay for what could be expensive repairs later.

Inspect the sewer line: Clear away build-up and roots from around your sewer line. Obstructions in this area could create major plumbing problems in the future.

Check your water pressure annually: This is easier than it sounds. Simply purchase a pressure gauge and attach it to the hose faucet. Normal results should range from 45 to 65 pounds per square inch (psi). A reading above 65 psi is considered high and could lead to problems down the line.

Find and fix leaks quickly: Make a habit of checking the main fixtures regularly so that when something out of the ordinary occurs you will notice it and take action immediately. Sometimes, however, slow water leaks aren't very obvious. A great way to discover hidden leaks is to look for stains in areas where water is often used. For example, if you see even small stains on the cabinet floors beneath the sink in the kitchen or bathrooms, you could have a problem. Warm spots in the floor or tiles could also be an indication of hidden water damage.

Before a vacation: The worst thing to come home to after a great vacation is major water damage. Consider turning off your water while you're gone. For many homeowners there is a separate shut-off valve for the home that doesn't affect your irrigation system.

The bottom line is that a little time and effort can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your home safe and dry, and your expenses at a minimum!

Posted on Jan 29th, 2010

Mortgage interest for the week held fairly close to the previous week's rates, reports Freddie Mac.

Average interest on 30-year fixed loans slipped a notch to 4.98 percent from 4.99 percent and was down from 5.10 percent a year ago.

Here's how other rates fared for the week:
15-year fixed loans dropped down to 4.39 percent from 4.40 percent.
Five-year adjustable-rate mortgages dipped to 4.25 percent from 4.27 percent.
One-year ARMs came down to 4.29 percent from 4.32 percent.

While still higher than the historic lower of 4.71 percent established in early December, long-term mortgage rates have hovered around a very favorable 5 percent thanks to the Federal Reserve's mortgage-backed securities program meant to keep rates low and make home buying more affordable.

The central bank's policymaking committee confirmed on Jan. 27 that it will keep rates near those record lows in order to prop up the economy; but it still plans to terminate the program at the end of March.

Low rates also trigger more refinancing activity, according to Freddie Mac. In the 2009 fourth quarter, it said, about a third of borrowers who refinanced a home loan -- the highest share since at least 1985 -- opted to slash their principal balance rather than tap into their equity.

As a result, only around $11 billion in home equity -- the smallest quarterly volume in about nine years -- was tapped by consumers who refinanced a conventional, prime mortgage.

Key dates to bookmark for the year ahead.

By Jessica L. Anderson, Associate Editor of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.

JANUARY

1 - Parents of college-bound high school seniors: Fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
4 - First trading day of 2010.
7 - Set financial goals, update your budget and resolve to pay off holiday debt (see "Four Ways to Trim Your Spending").
8 - Convert traditional IRA to a Roth; income limits for conversions are gone.
15 - Estimated federal taxes for the fourth quarter of 2009 are due.
20 - Consult with a financial planner: Your Money Bus stops in Greensboro, N.C.
21 - Seniors: If you're over 70½, talk to your IRA administrators about resuming regular required minimum distribution payments.
26 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.

FEBRUARY

2 - Think taxes: Your 1098, 1099 and W-2 statements should arrive by today. Finish gathering tax documents and put them in a folder for later.
4 - Your Money Bus stops in Charleston, S.C.
7 - Billions of dollars in bets will be riding on Super Bowl XLIV.
12 - Investors: Standard & Poor's 500-stock index has gone down 15 of the past 18 years on the day before Presidents Day weekend. You could pick up some cheap shares.
15 - Presidents Day. Before you hit the sales, take our quiz to find out what kind of spender you are.
22 - New credit-card rules go into effect.
22 - Your Money Bus stops in Palm Beach, Fla.

MARCH

1 - Shoulder season starts today and runs through May. Look for bargains on travel.
3 - Keep an eye out for proxy forms. They'll let you vote on shareholder issues without being present at the annual meeting.
6 - Think taxes: Assign value to stuff you donated to charity if you itemize deductions.
9 - Your Money Bus stops in Birmingham, Ala.
14 - Daylight Savings Time begins. Spring forward.
15 - Deadline to empty your 2009 health-care flexible spending account (if your plan allows the 2½-month grace period).
16 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
19 - Triple Witching Day for the stock market: Contracts for stock-index futures, stock-index options and stock options all expire together. Brace for volatile trading.

APRIL

1 - It's Financial Literacy Month. Take the Kiplinger quiz on your financial know-how.
1 - Seniors: Deadline for taking your first required minimum distribution from IRAs and other retirement accounts.
2 - Your Money Bus stops in Cleveland.
3 - Prepare your income-tax return this weekend.
12 - First-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
15 - File your tax return or request an extension. Estimated federal taxes for the first quarter are due.
16 - Expect a big tax refund? Adjust your withholding.
22 - Earth Day. Save money and the planet by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs.
27 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.

MAY

1 - Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting, in Omaha. Treasury announces semiannual I-bond rates.
2 - Mother's Day is May 9. Find a gift deal at www.dodtracker.com.
6 - Your Money Bus stops in Fort Worth.
11 - Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Glacier National Park. A visit to one of the 58 national parks is a great idea for an inexpensive summer getaway.
12 - Book a tune-up for your air-conditioning or sprinkler system before summer sets in.
19 - Start planning your summer vacation (use a booking site such as Kayak.com).
27 - College-bound high school grads: Complete student-loan applications, including those for federal Stafford loans and federal PLUS loans for parents.
30 - Use your tax refund to pay down credit-card balances or seed an emergency fund.

JUNE

1 - Investors: The stock market historically dips the week after Memorial Day. Look for cheap buys.
3 - Your Money Bus stops in San Diego.
7 - Recent college grads: Consolidate student loans. Make a money-smart plan for what to do with your graduation cash (start an IRA, create an emergency fund).
12 - Shop for Father's Day on June 20.
15 - Estimated federal taxes for the second quarter are due.
17 - Your Money Bus stops in Portland, Ore.
21 - Investors: Dow down 17 of the past 19 years-don't sell this week.
22 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.

JULY

2 - Midyear financial checkup: Update the goals you set in January and rebalance your portfolio, if necessary.
4 - Independence Day. Break free from debt by tallying up what you owe and making a plan to pay it off.
7 - Your Money Bus stops in Colorado Springs.
12 - Second-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
21 - Reshop your auto insurance (www.insweb.com), homeowners coverage (www.accucoverage.com) and life insurance (www.accuquote.com).
26 - If you're over 50, find out about long-term-care insurance: Take our quiz to learn more.

AUGUST

1 - Shop early for an end-of-the-model-year car deal. You'll get the best combination of price and selection as dealers clear inventory.
3 - This is the month for statewide sales-tax holidays for back-to-school shopping. Find out whether your state has one.
5 - Your Money Bus stops in Omaha.
9 - Investors: Prepare to hunker down. From 1988 to 2005, August was the worst month for the Dow and the S&P 500.
10 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
24 - Investors: Look for the market to gain strength. The end of the month has been strong for the past five years.
26 - Renegotiate the rate on your credit card.

SEPTEMBER

1 - Fall marks open-enrollment season for employer health-insurance plans. Review your options, even if you can keep the same coverage.
2 - Start scouting for deals for holiday travel. Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly, with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
3 - Investors: Watch for stock-market instability. Triple-digit Dow moves are commonplace leading up to Labor Day.
9 - Your Money Bus stops in Milwaukee.
15 - Estimated tax payments for the third quarter are due. Deadline for submitting corrections to your FAFSA.
21 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
30 - Your Money Bus stops in Washington, D.C.

OCTOBER

1 - If you're self-employed, deadline to establish a Simple IRA.
2 - Financial Fitness Workshop, in New York City.
7 - Third-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
8 - If you've lost money on a Roth IRA conversion, you can still recharacterize. Contact your Roth sponsor ASAP.
15 - Deadline to file your tax return if you requested an extension in April.
21 - Get Smart About Credit Day. Buy your FICO scores at www.myfico.com.
22 - Investors: Look for good buys on depressed stocks; October has marked the end of 11 post-World War II bear markets.

NOVEMBER

1 - Treasury announces semiannual I-bond rates. Buy candy on the cheap after Halloween.
2 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
7 - Daylight Savings Time ends.
8 - New college grads: First student-loan payments are due this month.
15 - Open enrollment begins for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, and continues through December 31. (See "Choose the Right Medicare Plan for Your Needs".)
17 - Investors: Time to sell? The Dow has been up 13 of the past 16 years in the week before Thanksgiving.
24 - Log on to www.gottadeal.com to plan your Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping strategy.
29 - Cyber Monday: Save on sales at most online retailers.

DECEMBER

1 - Investors: Before you buy a mutual fund in a taxable account, check the fund's Web site for its ex-dividend date and purchase shares after that date to avoid a tax bill.
5 - Make year-end donations to a charity or your alma mater and lock in a tax deduction (see "Five Ways to Check a Charity").
13 - End of 2010 is your last chance to make energy-efficient home improvements and get a 30% tax credit up to $1,500 (deadline: December 31).
14 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
18 - Best time of the year to buy a computer-deals range from 15% to 50% off, or you could score a free printer or software package.
31 - Deadline for taking annual required minimum distributions from your retirement accounts, setting up a solo 401(k) plan and enrolling in a Medicare prescription-drug plan.