Don't overlook these areas that may be outside your inspector's expertise.

Inspection day is exciting. It's an opportunity to spend an extended period in your new-to-you Angel Fire or Taos, NM, real estate, exploring every nook, cranny, closet, and attic. Besides running all the faucets, testing the appliances, and peeling back that shag carpet to check for hardwood (fingers crossed!), what else should be inspected? Simply put: Everything.

Your home inspector should examine every square inch of the house, from the electric garage door to the built-in microwave. Faulty construction, improper electrical wiring, inefficient insulation, old heating, building permit violations, and other unseen problems can lead to expensive home repairs -- large and small. However, don't assume that if you hire a home inspector, they will be able to tell you absolutely everything you need to know about the house.

Home inspectors are very careful not to take on liability for issues outside their area of expertise, so there are certain areas that home inspectors will be hesitant to "sign off" on. Fill in the blanks by following up with additional inspectors who are experts in the following eight fields.

1. Roof inspection

You'll need to call in a roof specialist if your inspector isn't qualified to inspect the roof. Also, keep in mind that the roof may be difficult to access and examine if it's covered with snow. In this case, it may be possible to include a special provision that allows you to extend the inspection contingency specifically to accommodate the roof, in the hope that the weather improves.

2. Chimney inspection

If you or your home inspector suspect instability or hints of structural damage, it's important to hire a chimney specialist. The specialist will be able to use a "chimney cam" (a small video camera used to inspect the chimney from the inside) to uncover hidden damage.

3. Geological inspection

A property on a cliff or hillside, or one that is located in a flood zone, can benefit from a geological inspection. The inspector could unearth a severe drainage or ground-shifting problem -- and save you thousands in repair costs down the line.

4. Sewer inspection

Your inspector may be able to tell whether things are, um, "flowing," but a sewer expert can get a better sense of the integrity of your sewer line with a sewer camera to discover cracks or breaks from the house to the street. A sewer inspection is critical for properties that are heavily landscaped, where root growth can crack and clog the pipeline. Don't overestimate the importance of this inspection; a sewer line replacement can be an enormous expense.

5. Termite inspection

The seller commonly pays for this inspection, because many lenders will need one before approving a loan on the house. Regardless of who pays, make sure you review the finished report and that all the recommended work has been completed.

6. Moisture, mold, and toxin inspection

It's important to check for moisture in any crawlspace, basement, or below ground level areas. Moisture indicates a potential mold problem -- if there isn't one already. Be sure your house has a clean bill of mold health, especially in wet areas close to oceans or lakes.

7. Asbestos inspection

If the house was built prior to 1975, you will need an asbestos inspection. Asbestos can be present on insulation around ducting, water heaters, and pipes. If it is accessible and can be removed by an asbestos specialist, consider asking the seller to foot the bill.

8. Nonconforming-use inspection

The issue of nonconforming use does not require a specific additional inspector. It is usually a joint effort between your inspector and your real estate agent to determine if all additions and major changes have been properly permitted. Converted garages, sun porches, or add-on bedrooms can increase square footage, but when completed improperly, they can add headaches when it's time to make them legal.

Whether you are looking to buy a home in Taos or Angel Fire or sell your Angel Fire or Taos home call on Paula. We have two offices to serve you. In Angel Fire call (575) 377-2626 or in Taos call (575) 758-5852. There are many homes to choose from. We are members of the Taos Multiple Listing Service, so if you don't find the Taos property or property in Angel Fire that you are looking for on our site, you can access listings throughout The Enchanted Circle via the Taos MLS to view all Taos Real Estate and Angel Fire Real Estate listings. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are dedicated to making your dream a reality.

Obtained from Trulia

Think you're ready to go on the market? If you haven't taken care of this task, you're not.

When it comes time to sell your home, you know you'll need to spend some time cleaning the carpets, decluttering, and landscaping for maximum curb appeal. But there's another key task to add to your to-do list: checking in with your local government to be sure it has accurate information about your home.

No matter the type or size of your home or where it is, your local municipality has documentation on it. Both the building department and the town assessor will have a record about your home. But those records may not match your home's reality -- and any issues you don't resolve could hold up your sale or even kill the deal altogether.

What is the building department?

The town keeps records of every building constructed and every permit issued. It's the job of the lead building inspector to be sure that any changes made to a home meet current codes, and that licensed contractors do the work.

Home health and safety issues are the primary concerns of the building department. Whenever someone applies for a permit, an inspector must be physically called out to approve and sign off on the work of the contractor, plumber or electrician.

Why should a seller care?

Once you make a deal with a buyer, they will go to the building department to do their due diligence. If there's an open permit (meaning the permit was applied for, but the contractor never had the inspector sign off on the work to close the permit) or, worse, if there's no record of your finished basement or newly renovated kitchen, they may not move ahead with the purchase. Often, sellers find that somewhere along the line someone made a mistake -- permits weren't closed out properly when you assumed they were. These errors could have been the fault of a contractor, the previous owner, or even the building department directly.

Additionally, a homeowner may assume that the bathroom renovated by their Uncle Bob 15 years ago was up to code, but it may turn out that it's not.

Both scenarios can pose a problem when selling. Once the home transfers, the new homeowner is on the hook for any illegal work, and no buyer wants to take on that liability.

What are assessor's records?

The town assessor keeps tabs on the local real estate market to be certain that the town's assessed value of your home (which affects property taxes) is in line with the market. When the market slows down, she won't proactively lower your assessed value, and most assessors regularly scrape the building department permits.

Why? Because if you've recently made a major improvement to your home, she will want to raise your assessed value, which means higher taxes.

It's also very possible that your home is over- or under-assessed. If it's the former, you want to attempt to grieve your assessment by providing the assessor some recent sale statistics and making sure that their records are accurate. Every municipality has a grieving process for homeowners.

Get ahead of any issues

Before listing, a seller should go to the town hall and check their property records. Most of the time, remedying issues like open permits or misinformation on a property is a quick fix. It's better to get ahead of it than to have to react to a buyer's concerns and jeopardize your deal.

If it's a bigger issue, it's better to hold off on listing your home for sale until you have resolved it. Getting your assessment down can impact your taxes, and that will be great news to your potential buyers.

Whether you are looking to buy a home in Taos or Angel Fire or sell your Angel Fire or Taos home call on Paula. We have two offices to serve you. In Angel Fire call (575) 377-2626 or in Taos call (575) 758-5852. There are many homes to choose from. We are members of the Taos Multiple Listing Service, so if you don't find the Taos property or property in Angel Fire that you are looking for on our site, you can access listings throughout The Enchanted Circle via the Taos MLS to view all Taos Real Estate and Angel Fire Real Estate listings. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are dedicated to making your dream a reality. Obtained from Zillow Porchlight

*** SIX PACK SEASON PASS ** $249 BUY NOW This 6 pack is good for one person to use 6 times throughout the season with no blackout dates.

That means you get to ski for less than $42 per day, a 45% savings off daily lift tickets.

You can only buy the 6 pack for 48 hours starting 11/28, no exceptions.

Pass is non-transferable. No other discounts apply. No partial refunds or exchanges.

About Winter Season Passes

Your new season pass will be available for you to pick up when you arrive.

Simply print out the sale confirmation and bring it with you to the Ticket Office located at the base of the ski area, near the Chile Express lift.

Night skiing offered on select nights throughout the season (conditions permitting).

So when visiting Angel Fire you decide you can't live anywhere else let us help you find your dream home. With amazing homes for sale in Angel Fire you are sure to find the perfect choice. Maybe land for sale in Angel Fire might be what you are looking for to build your "dream home" How about a fabulous condo for sale in Angel Fire that puts you close to the slopes?

Whatever you fancy, whether buying a home in Angel Fire or selling your home in Angel Fire we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire our dedicated knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to assist you in buying or selling that perfect piece of property.

We bring you the best in real estate throughout the Enchanted Circle. We are members of the Taos Multiple Listing Service, so if you don't find the Property in Angel Fire that you are looking for on our site, you can access listings throughout The Enchanted Circle via the Taos MLS for all Angel Fire Real Estate listings. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are dedicated to making your dream a reality.

Planning to buy a home? Here's what you'll need to know. Mortgage rates have spiked 0.5 percent since the U.S. presidential election earlier this month. On a 30-year fixed loan of $300,000, this increases your monthly payment by $85. If you plan to buy a home, it's time to reevaluate your budget -- because rates are unlikely to drop. Let's review what happened, and where we go from here.

Why rates are rising

Rates rose after Donald Trump became president-elect because market participants believe his proposed policies -- infrastructure spending, tax cuts, and trade tariffs -- will be inflationary if enacted.

Rates are tied to bonds, because bonds pay a rate of return to investors each year. If policymaking fuels inflation, a bond investor's rate of return will be worth less in the future. Investors sell bonds on inflation fears, and rates rise when bond prices drop in a selloff. This is exactly what has happened.

Since the election, bond selling has led to the biggest bond losses in 26 years. Thirty-year mortgages have jumped into the low 4-percent range from the mid 3-percent range at record speed. This dramatic rate spike might level off near-term, but don't count on a reversal back to record lows. Where we might go from here

Rates could rise a bit more in the coming weeks, then the next catalyst will be Fed policy. The Fed has two main policy influences on rates.

First, they control an overnight bank-to-bank lending rate that serves as a benchmark for overall rate levels in the economy. In December 2015, they hiked this rate 0.25 percent after keeping it near zero since December 2008, when the financial crisis was at its worst.

There's almost 100% probability of a rate hike at the Feds December 14 policy meeting. If the Fed does hike, this will reinforce inflationary expectations, driving higher rates. Second, the Fed has helped to keep rates low since January 2009 by buying bonds that directly impact mortgage rates -- rates have dropped (or stayed low) on this Fed buying. Rising rates will hurt the Feds ability to buy enough bonds to continue holding rates down.

All of this means the Fed won't be as rate-friendly as we've become accustomed to since 2008. This is why it's very unlikely rates will drop from here, and may rise instead.

Nobody knows how much more until we get policy clarity from the first 100 days of a Trump administration, and the corresponding Fed reactions February1, March15, May3.

Implications for home buyers and owners

Below are some things you should be aware of as you evaluate your options in a rising rate environment. These predictions incorporate the latest available economic estimates (from November 16) from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

• Last call to refinance. Rates are still low historically, but if you've been waiting to refinance -- for a lower rate/payment or to take cash out of your home -- look at your options immediately, before rates rise further.

• HELOC rates will spike next. If you have a HELOC (home equity line of credit) second mortgage, it's tied to the Prime rate, which will rise in lock step with the Fed rate noted above. The Prime rate is expected to rise .25 percent in December, then rise steadily to be a full 1 percent higher than today by late 2017. Talk to your loan adviser about refinancing your HELOC into a fixed rate second mortgage so your rate can't rise.

• Homeowners, re-calculate your budget. If you've been pre-approved to buy a home, that pre-approval was done using a debt to income ratio, which will increase with rising rates. Ask your lender to refresh your pre-approval with current rates to see what your budget looks like, and to ensure you still qualify for your target home price.

• Home prices shouldn't spike. Rising rates may help keep home prices from rising too quickly. Median existing home prices are expected to go from $233,300 in 2016 to $244,100 in 2017, and median new home prices are expected to go from $305,900 to $311,500 in the same period.

• Healthy home-buying market in 2017. Total home purchase loans made will increase from $990 billion in 2016 to $1.1 trillion in 2017, while refinances will plummet from $901 billion in 2016 to $484 billion in 2017. Existing home sales will increase from 5.4 million in 2016 to 5.7 million in 2017, and new home sales will increase from 575,000 in 2016 to 649,000 in 2017.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Angel Fire or Taos, look to New Mexico Mountain Properties for all of your Real Estate needs. Our warm and inviting staff will help you get exactly what you are looking for, like our majestic mountain homes for sale in Angel Fire will give you the mountain setting you may want while our unique Taos homes for sale will let you get in touch with your creative side. Our Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire condos for sale will put you right next to all the winter activities. If you're looking to build your own home, then our Angel Fire and Taos land for sale will give you the freedom to create your own dream home. If you are seeking to live totally off the grid, then look to our Taos Earthships for sale. Whatever you're looking for we can help you find it. Give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos or 575-770-3306 to speak directly to an agent. We are here to serve and welcome you to our spectacular area.

Information obtained from Zillow

Whether you're selling or planning to list your home for sale, there's probably a lot on your home sale to-do list. And while, yes, you want your house to look its best for prospective buyers, there are some less-than-obvious issues you should probably address before your listing goes up. From a leaky or aging roof to a positive radon test in the basement, here's the lowdown on some common issues that can cause a home sale to fall through. Roof

Roof issues are responsible for 39% of homeowners' insurance claims. If the roof of your for-sale home is approaching the end of its typical life span -- 20 to 25 years for shingles -- replacing it (or getting a certification that it's in great shape!) could get you to the closing table faster.

Gutters

While you may need to wait for inclement weather to realize your return on investment, a mere 30 minutes of rain gutter maintenance could prevent thousands of dollars in damage to the foundation of a home.

Doors and windows

Expect buyers to open and close doors and windows. A stuck window or creaky door is a quick fix for a seller but could be a red flag to buyers who want a well-cared-for home. Replacing windows can bring a 50% to 80% return on your investment, but if they're not stuck shut, some sellers would be better served to bump this down a few notches on their must-do list.

Appliances

Most buyers recognize that they can easily buy a new fridge, but if most of your appliances look as if they belong on That '70s Show, buyers may wonder what else needs replacing. Meanwhile, if you're planning to take your refrigerator with you when you move, make sure that's mentioned in your sellers' disclosure.

HVAC

A well-maintained system can last up to 25 years, but an aged one could be a point of concern for buyers -- and costly to repair or replace on the fly for a seller who doesn't want to lose a sale.

Foundation

Cracks in walls or a foundation are often a sign of larger problems. Be prepared to fix structural problems before your house hits the market, or have a plan in place for repairs if a buyer balks after an inspection.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring, carcinogenic, radioactive gas that's formed from the breakdown of uranium. It's found in rocks, soil, and water. To put in perspective just how dangerous radon can be, consider this: Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer -- radon is number two.

Bonus: A too-high listing price

Pricing your home too high could ultimately cause your house to miss out on the right buyer, stay on the market longer, and bring in a lower price than the market supports. Determining the best asking price for a home is one of the most important aspects of selling a home.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Angel Fire or Taos, look to New Mexico Mountain Properties for all of your Real Estate needs. Our warm and inviting staff will help you get exactly what you are looking for, like our majestic mountain homes for sale in Angel Fire will give you the mountain setting you may want while our unique Taos homes for sale will let you get in touch with your creative side. Our Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire condos for sale will put you right next to all the winter activities. If you're looking to build your own home, then our Angel Fire and Taos land for sale will give you the freedom to create your own dream home. If you are seeking to live totally off the grid, then look to our Taos Earthships for sale. Whatever you're looking for we can help you find it. Give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos or 575-770-3306 to speak directly to an agent. We are here to serve and welcome you to our spectacular area.

Information obtained from Trulia

Home sellers often suggest to their agents that they should take their listings off the market during the winter holidays.

Surely nothing happens between now and the end of the year.

It's best to wait for the spring selling season, right?

Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is: not necessarily.

Conventional wisdom used to be that you shouldn't even try to sell your home during the busy holiday season.

But with the Internet, smartphones, tablets and our always-on lifestyle, that conventional wisdom isn't relevant anymore. The reality is, the home-buying season is now year-round.

Here's why you should consider listing your home during the holidays -- or even in January.

Today's buyers check the listings 24×7

These days, serious buyers are always real estate aware -- and the holidays are no exception. They may check out the latest listings in a mobile real estate app. before bed or while waiting for the bus. You know the drill. We can't pull ourselves away. Our hectic lifestyles also play a role. Many serious buyers today work hard. They don't shift into holiday mode until the last minute. Even during the holiday break, they're still squeezing in work. There's no such thing for them as "going off the grid." So why not continue to monitor real estate listings, too?

The inventory -- your competition -- is lighter

Despite our always-on lifestyles, many sellers still believe buyers stop looking come mid-November. At the same time, sellers who've had their homes on the market for months often take them off now to give the listing "a rest."

The net effect is that the inventory for good homes often tightens this time of year. There's less competition for sellers, at a time when motivated buyers are out there looking -- and no doubt wishing there were more properties to see.

If you've been considering selling, are motivated, are flexible on timing, and have a salable home, consider listing right after Thanksgiving. There's still a window of several weeks to get buyers into your home before the end of the year.

And those buyers swiping right will be excited to see something new and awesome hit the market. Buyers will be motivated to see your home, regardless of what the calendar says.

Update a slow mover

If your property has been on the market for months, most buyers and their agents will assume its stale, overpriced or that something is "wrong" with it, no matter how light the competition is.

In that case, it's time to take action, and the year-end holidays can be a great opportunity to shift course. Dramatically reducing the price or overcoming some major obstacle that's been preventing the sale might be what's needed to sell your home.

If you received lower offers early on but weren't ready to accept them, or you keep hearing there are issues with how your property shows, this is a good time to show the market you're listening and are serious about selling.

The motivated buyers, desperate for good inventory, will notice you and take a look. Strike while the iron is hot. You might even get a sale closed before the end of the year. But before you make any big changes, talk it over with your real estate agent, as always.

Plan B: List in January

Admittedly, the thought of keeping the house clean, holding open houses and vacating to accommodate last-minute showings during the holidays is a deal breaker for some would-be sellers.

If so, consider listing your property after New Year's Day. Traditionally, not much inventory comes onto the market in early January. While January inventory is typically still very tight, the number of buyers may be growing. Often, new buyers are ready to jump into the market as soon as possible. Some buyers are motivated to search for a home in January because of year-end tax planning.

Whatever the buyers' motivation, for sellers it means one thing: Demand for homes can increase at a time when inventory is traditionally low. And that means if you're ready to sell, you'll have an even more "captive" audience during the holidays, all the way through January.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Angel Fire or Taos, look to New Mexico Mountain Properties for all of your Real Estate needs. Our warm and inviting staff will help you get exactly what you are looking for, like our majestic mountain homes for sale in Angel Fire will give you the mountain setting you may want while our unique Taos homes for sale will let you get in touch with your creative side. Our Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire condos for sale will put you right next to all the winter activities. If you're looking to build your own home, then our Angel Fire and Taos land for sale will give you the freedom to create your own dream home. If you are seeking to live totally off the grid, then look to our Taos Earthships for sale. Whatever you're looking for we can help you find it. Give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos or 575-770-3306 to speak directly to an agent. We are here to serve and welcome you to our spectacular area.

Information obtained from Zillow

You might like what you see at an open house, but don't make a decision until you've asked some probing questions. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of an open house. It's staged beautifully, it smells great, and there's a friendly agent pointing out the charming details and thoughtful upgrades. It's important to look at a home with a critical eye. From requesting a sellers' disclosure form (if they're not readily available) to asking pointed questions about each space, you can leave any open house with a pretty good idea of whether you'll want to make an offer or keep moving.

The kitchen

It's usually fairly obvious whether the kitchen was recently renovated. It doesn't hurt to inquire when the kitchen was last renovated and specifically ask, "How old are the appliances, and are all of them functional?" Refrigerators last, on average, 11 years; gas ranges, 16 years; electric ranges, 14 years; range hoods, 14 years; ovens, 14 years; and dishwashers, nine years.

The living room

Take in all you see, then look down if you're walking into a carpeted home, be sure to inquire about what is underneath the carpets "If you're able to pull back a portion and actually take a look, do so. The last thing you want to find out, post-closing, is that you're dealing with subflooring that has major issues."

The bedrooms

Not all master bedrooms are created equal. Ask what the dimensions are, make sure your furniture will fit. This is also important information to know about the secondary bedrooms, especially if you have a particular setup to accommodate. Measure the rooms don't rely on the measurements on the listing sheet.

The bathrooms

Do more than just look at the bathrooms. Lots of problems could be happening here, and you should find out if any are. Ask about knocking pipes during a shower, which could lead to a leak or a pipe coming free from its mountings. Low water pressure, dripping sinks, poor drainage, and not enough hot water are other problems you should know about. Do not be afraid to turn on the faucets, checking to see that water pressure is adequate and that the hot water is working.

The roof

A new roof is expensive. So get some information. Ask the roof's age and what kind of roof it is. In general, asphalt shingles last 15 to 20 years; metal roofs last 20 to 40 years; wood shingle and shake roofs last 20 to 30 years; and tile and slate roofs last 50 or more years.

The add-on

Many sellers can't wait to tell you about their new addition especially if they're charging more for this bonus room. But you need to know more. Is it a legal addition? You'll want to know the answer before you put an offer on the table.

The yard

Regarding the yard, find out where the property line begins and ends. You'll want to know just how much land you're buying. If you've fallen in love with a children's play set, make sure to ask if it stays with the home. suggests that home buyers get a document stating what's being communicated. "If the seller's agent states it's legal to have your mother-in-law in the tiny house in the back, get it in writing." Home buyers should get a document stating what's being communicated. You should also inquire about any homeowner's association regulations regarding fencing or a pool. And if there is a pool or hot tub, inquire about its condition.

General house questions

After going room by room, look at the whole house, paying attention to items that will be expensive to replace, such as appliances, the electrical, heating, and air-conditioning systems, plumbing, and water heaters. Find out if any of the home's appliances and systems are covered by a home warranty. Also ask how often the home's appliances and systems have been serviced. Ask for the last two years of maintenance records and utility costs. This will give insight into past maintenance and an estimate of utility charges for the home.

If you have a nagging feeling you still missed something, never fear. Ask a question that covers it all. "Is there anything else I should know about the house?" That way, you let the agent do the talking without having to know what to ask about.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Angel Fire or Taos, look to New Mexico Mountain Properties for all of your Real Estate needs. Our warm and inviting staff will help you get exactly what you are looking for, like our majestic mountain homes for sale in Angel Fire will give you the mountain setting you may want while our unique Taos homes for sale will let you get in touch with your creative side. Our Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire condos for sale will put you right next to all the winter activities. If you're looking to build your own home, then our Angel Fire and Taos land for sale will give you the freedom to create your own dream home. If you are seeking to live totally off the grid, then look to our Taos Earthships for sale. Whatever you're looking for we can help you find it. Give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos or 575-770-3306 to speak directly to an agent. We are here to serve and welcome you to our spectacular area.

Information obtained from Trulia

Buying or selling a home at the 'right time' is tougher than it sounds. People usually take these actions because of a life event or financial issues. The economy and real estate forecasts tend to be secondary considerations. Yet both buyers and sellers often pose the question, "When is the best time to buy or sell?"

If you have the luxury of choosing when you enter the real estate market, here are some points to consider when timing a home purchase or sale.

Every market is different

There's no longer one national real estate market or forecast like there was 20 years ago. And just because the 24×7 national news outlets tell stories of hot real estate markets with multiple offers and quickly rising prices doesn't mean that's happening in your neighborhood. In fact, real estate activity can vary widely within the same county. One town can see record-breaking activity, while another 10 miles away has a glut of inventory. If you want to purchase or sell, dig deeper, look around and get as much local information as possible. Stay informed about shifts in the market.

Interest rates fluctuate

Most people need a mortgage to purchase a home, and long-term interest rates are a major factor. For many years, we've been living with historically low mortgage rates. But while we might be living in a time of three- or four-percent rates today, remember that in the 1980s rates were 12 percent or higher.

It's not uncommon for buyers to get off the sidelines and into the real estate market when they hear news of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates. It's very likely that when rates do start to creep back up again (and they eventually will), would-be buyers will turn into active customers.

Seasons change

Traditionally, spring has been the big real estate selling season. Flowers bloom, the grass is green, pools are open and homes show in their best possible light While the spring is still a strong selling season, today's buyers are looking online and searching on their phones every day, no matter the season, and transactions happen from New Year's Day to Christmas Eve.

If you have a home to sell and aren't in a rush, consider doing so at a traditionally "off" time. There will be fewer homes for sale, which means less competition. If it's priced right and shows well, it will sell anytime.

Money isn't everything

If a real estate purchase were purely financial, then we would see every renter who has money saved up and a solid job getting in the market. But there are practical and emotional considerations. I've worked with buyers for months, sometimes years. They were always qualified to purchase, but never pulled the trigger.

Why were they gun shy? Because it doesn't make sense to put down 20 percent and take on a mortgage if their job with an hour commute isn't steady, their marriage is on the rocks, or their aging parents live across the country.

Renting and keeping with the status quo is totally acceptable if there is any uncertainty in your future. While these buyers are free to shop and learn the market, they may not make a move.

Since the financial crisis, many buyers have been hesitant to get back into the real estate market. And for good reason: some of those buyers probably were never qualified to be in the market.

But in many parts of the country, we've seen a comeback. Some markets are better than others. If you think home buying is in your future, do your research. Take your time, get your ducks in a row and start to feel the market.

Just know that nobody can predict when the right house will come along, and you can't time a real estate market.

Whether you are looking to buy a home in Taos or Angel Fire or sell your Angel Fire or Taos home call on Paula. We have two offices to serve you. In Angel Fire call (575) 377-2626 or in Taos call (575) 758-5852. There are many homes to choose from. We are members of the Taos Multiple Listing Service, so if you don't find the Taos property or property in Angel Fire that you are looking for on our site, you can access listings throughout The Enchanted Circle via the Taos MLS to view all Taos Real Estate and Angel Fire Real Estate listings. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are dedicated to making your dream a reality.

Obtained from Zillow Porchlight

You can't just plunk down your credit card to buy a house. Here's how to prepare for the purchase.

If you're thinking about buying a home in 2017, October to December is the perfect time to "warm up" for the house hunt so you can hit the ground running in the New Year. We've asked real estate and mortgage professionals to chime in about what prospective home buyers should do to ready themselves for buying a home. From organizing your finances to save money to finding a real estate agent and mortgage lender, there is plenty to keep you busy!

1. Check your credit score

A credit score is a numerical representation of your credit report. FICO scores range from 300 to 850, and the higher your score, the better.

2. Don't open new credit cards

Tempting as saving at checkout can be, opening new credit may hurt your chances of getting a mortgage What could save you a few dollars now could cost you far more in the long run if your mortgage payments will be higher.

3. Suggest financial gifts for the holidays

Besides the mortgage loan, you'll need a sizable amount of cash to buy a house. There's the down payment to consider, closing costs, and moving costs. You should also set aside money for unexpected repairs and costs. Instead of getting gifts for the holidays, [prospective home buyers] can suggest cash instead that will be put toward their home. And remember, you might be getting some money back after you file your tax return. Don't blow it on vacation.

4. Interview potential real estate agents

Look for [an agent] that is knowledgeable, good, integral, and can assist you in reaching the goal of home ownership. The end of the year is usually a slow time for agents, so chances are, they'll be more accommodating to making an appointment on your schedule.

5. Keep tabs on interest rates

Not everyone gets the same interest rate on a mortgage loan. It depends on your financial picture and on the lender you choose. Home buyers shop around for the lowest interest rates.

6. Find a mortgage lender

Before you even start looking for a home look for a mortgage lender to find out if you can afford to buy a home. If you can't right now, there's no use torturing yourself by finding your dream home that's just out of reach. Once you know how much home you can afford, perform your home search based on your preapproval amount or less.

7. Get preapproved

When a lender gives your financials the once-over you'll be able to show sellers that you really can buy their house. But how do you get preapproved? By preparing a few documents, which you can do several months in advance of the actual purchase. Here's what you need to buy a house.

• Tax returns for the past two years

• W-2 forms for the past two years

• Paycheck stubs from the past few months

• Proof of mortgage or rent payments for the past year

• A list of all your debts, including credit cards, student loans, auto loans, and alimony

• A list of all your assets, including bank statements, auto titles, real estate, and any investment accounts.

When looking for the best Taos or Angel Fire Real Estate let us help you find your dream home. With amazing homes for sale in Angel Fire and Taos, you are sure to find that perfect home. Maybe land for sale in Taos and Angel Fire might be what you are looking for to build your dream home or live off the grid in our stunning Earthship homes for sale in Taos. How about a fabulous condo for sale in Angel Fire that puts you close to the slopes? Whatever you fancy, we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire or 575-758-5852 in Taos our dedicated knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you require. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.

Information obtained from Trulia

The holidays might not be the most popular time to buy a home, but with lower buyer competition, motivated sellers, and year-end tax benefits, there are some good reasons to consider. So, if you're in the market, take note of these several benefits.

1. Bargain prices

The final month of the year is known for frantic shopping and countless holiday parties but not necessarily for purchasing a home -- and this can work in your favor. With fewer buyers in the marketplace, the available homes for sale are priced to sell. Plus, with fewer active buyers, there's less likelihood of bidding wars, and escalator clauses.

2. Flexible schedules

There's no need to wait until Saturday or Sunday to cram eight house showings into your schedule. Rather than using up your precious weekends, take an end-of-year vacation day on a weekday to check out the available inventory (especially if your company has a "use it or lose it" policy). Chances are, your agent has some time on their hands as well and would appreciate staying busy throughout December.

3. Motivated sellers

If a home is on the real estate market in December, there's usually a specific reason the sellers are looking to move: It could be job relocation, financial hardship, or personal change of circumstance. Regardless, it gives you an opportunity to negotiate a sweet deal -- lowball the listing price and ask for a closing date that works with your schedule.

4. Tax benefits

Purchasing a home in 2016 is good for your bottom line when tax time rolls around. If you close by December 31, you can deduct property taxes, mortgage interest, origination points on your loan, and interest costs -- all while building equity in your home. These deductions can be huge money savers, especially in the early years of your loan when you're paying off interest.

5. Lending lull

With everyone off celebrating the holidays, December is traditionally a lean month for mortgage brokers. That gives you an advantage in building the best possible mortgage you can. Since there are fewer real estate transactions, loan officers may be motivated to offer special incentives and possibly waive or reduce origination fees. With so few loans in the pipeline, underwriting turnaround times will be quick. You may be able to negotiate a better price with the seller if you're able to close the purchase in under 30 days.

When looking for the best Taos or Angel Fire Real Estate let us help you find your dream home. With amazing homes for sale in Angel Fire and Taos, you are sure to find that perfect home. Maybe land for sale in Taos and Angel Fire might be what you are looking for to build your dream home or live off the grid in our stunning Earthship homes for sale in Taos. How about a fabulous condo for sale in Angel Fire that puts you close to the slopes? Whatever you fancy, we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire or 575-758-5852 in Taos our dedicated knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you require. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.