In news brief from the Taos Chamber of Commerce it was announced that %u21CTaos and the Enchanted Circle were ranked thirteenth in %u21C133 Destinations Ranked%u21D in the November/December issue of National Geographic Traveler. Taos is tied with the Kruger National Park in South Africa! It even appears that we are ranked fifth in the country! Taos is truly a place not only to visit, but a wonderful place to call home.%u21D

For cultural diversity, a fabulous 4-season climate, and the rich artist community makes Taos and the Enchanted Circle one of the best places to live in the USA!

Our fall was spectacular! The Fall Arts Festival brought a wonderful sampling of Taos established and emerging artists. I am so please and honored to report that I won First Prize for Contemporary Art and Drawing in the Taos Invites Taos exhibition!

We got our first real taste of the winter to come with 6 inches of snow in Angel Fire. The mountains surrounding Taos glistened with the fresh crystals of snow!

This is a great time to buy Taos Real Estate. We have had several lovely homes reduced in price to sell before the winter season begins. With the passing of the extension for a tax credit for all home buyers, not just first time buyers, even though winter is approaching and the outside temperature are falling, Taos Real Estate is hot!

Here is an excerpt from the latest bulletin from the National Association of Realtors:

The Extended and Expanded Tax Credit will contain the following provisions: Amount: $8,000 Eligibility: ALL HOME BUYERS (Step-up buyers will have to have lived in their current home for SEVEN* years to be eligible) Income Limits: $125,000 for single filers and $225,000 for joint filers Time Frame: December 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010 plus 60 Day extension if binding contract is in place by April 30, 2010

So why not give our knowledgeable agents at New Mexico Mountain Properties a call today to find out the best deals going in Taos and the surrounding areas. We are here to serve your for all your Taos Real Estate needs.

Fall has officially arrived in Taos!

It isn't only the Fall Equinox that marks the beginning of fall or the changing of the aspen to their glorious golden glow...it is the beginning of the Fall Season for Art in Taos!

Many people come to Taos to experience the nature and the history, but many more come to experience high quality fine art and craft.

Tomorrow marks the opening of the 35th annual Taos Fall Arts Festival. This is the beginning of the fall season for art in Taos where emerging artist get to show their work in the Taos Open, while established artist are juried in to the coveted category of Taos Invites Taos, and Taos Living Masters are recognized for their continued artistic excellence.

Many galleries also host openings for their artists in special fall shows. Art is everywhere in Taos, NM. We boast to be one of the highest concentrated artistic regions in the world.

What draws artists to Taos? As an artist myself (you can see my work in the "Taos Invites Taos" section of the Fall Arts Festival or at www.paulaverona.com!), it was the light, blue sky and sunshine. I give thanks each and every day for having moved to Taos!

However...you don't have to be an artist or an art lover to appreciate all that Taos has to offer. There is truly something here for everyone.

So...if you are looking for fabulous art, come to Taos. If you are looking to simplify your life, come to Taos. If you are looking for a great 4-season climate in which to retire, come to Taos. If you just want to come for the world class skiing, come to Taos. Whatever your reasons, Taos will welcome you. Once you come to visit, you will return again and again.

If you are thinking of Taos as a possible second home or a retirement location, my agents at New Mexico Mountain Properties are experts in Taos Real Estate. We go the extra mile to provide you with excellent service whether you are looking for Taos land to build your dream home, an authentic adobe Taos home, or maybe even a condo in the Taos Ski Valley to use yourself or as an investment property, we can assist with all your Taos Real Estate requirements. Just e-mail us or give us a call. We love to introduce others to the joy of living in this very special community.

Thanks for visiting my blog and maybe I will see you at the show!

Taos Ski Valley opened December 14 with 70" of snow! The skiing was FANTASTIC... best I've ever seen this time of year. An important announcement was made which will likely have a favorable effect on the local economy here in Taos: Taos Ski Valley will be open to snowboarders beginning March 19, 2008!! (for more info log on www.ridetaos.org )

This could have a positive impact on the local real estate market as well. Many people who consider buying second homes near a ski resort have by-passed Taos because family members and friends prefer to snowboard. This will no longer be an issue!

I expect to see more buyers interested in Taos Ski Valley property when the word gets out. So...if you were considering buying property in Taos but decided not to because of the ban on snowboarding, NOW may be your chance. There are some fabulous deals to be had right now in the Taos real estate market. There is a wide selection of homes in Taos, condos in Taos and condos in the Taos Ski Valley, as well as spectacular Taos land for sale.

This may also prove to increase the value of your Taos property. So, if you are considering putting your Taos home, Taos land, or Taos condo on the market, NOW may be the time!

Contact us TODAY for the best in real estate in Taos and throughout the Enchanted Circle.