After the negotiations, home inspection, and repairs, saying that you're excited to sign on the dotted line and close on your new house is an understatement. You're ready. However, it's standard for you to take one more walk through of the home before closing -- and you shouldn't take this task lightly. Even if you've already scoured the place, it's possible you missed something, and you definitely don't want to spend money on a repair after you close and those mortgage payments start. . Pack your bag Before you head out, make sure you carry these items with you:

• Contract. You may need to refer to it and confirm what you see matches the terms.

• Notepad. You'll want to document the date and time of your walk-through at the top of your notepad. Then take detailed notes.

• Camera. Take pictures to supplement your notes about repairs that haven't been completed or areas that are damaged.

• Inspection summary. It's important to double-check that all repairs have been completed as promised.

• Your real estate agent. Don't do your walk-through without your agent. They can answer any questions as well as guide you through the process.

• Cellphone and charger. The charger could come in handy if you need to confirm that the electrical outlets are functional.

2. Verify repairs

Before looking at anything else, double-check that all repairs stated on the inspection summary have been completed, and that the seller has left behind warranties and receipts for the work. If something breaks, you'll want to be able to follow up with the person or company that made the repairs.

3. Check general sale items

This is where your sales agreement comes into play. It's just as important to ensure that all the items that convey with the sale are accounted for as it is to ensure that all unwanted items have been removed. You'll want to schedule your final walk-through in advance of your closing day, just in case it appears that the sellers won't be able to clear out their belongings before you move in. Additionally, you'll want to check that all garbage and construction debris from repairs have been removed, and the property has been left clean and damage-free from the movers.

4. Open windows and doors

The last thing you want after move-in is to realize your belongings aren't secure because of a broken window latch or lock. It may sound like a lot of work, but team up and check all window latches and door locks. You'll also need to note if any window screens are missing, or if any of the windows are broken or stick when opening (which is more than an inconvenience; it could also be a fire hazard).

When buying a new home let New Mexico Mountain Properties assist you in finding that perfect home, With two convenient locations in both Taos and Angel Fire you are sure to find what you are looking for. Our stunning Taos homes for sale might spark your interest ,or the lovely Moreno Valley homes for sale in Angel Fire might be just right for you. We also have amazing mountain land for sale in Taos and Angel Fire.... or get in touch with nature in our Earthship homes for sale in Taos. Whatever you are looking for, we can help you find it. Our dedicated agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you require. So give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos, or speak directly to an agent at 575-770-3306. We are here to serve and welcome you to our glorious area.

Getting your home appraised can often be a nerve-wracking experience. Your home and your handy work will be on display to be judged and valued so that you can move forward with selling your home.

But it doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With the right tools, tricks and savvy, the appraisal process can not only go smoothly, it can also help you make a giant financial leap toward a future in a new home. Do your Research

Just like anything else -- for example, if you're going to select a doctor, dentist, or lawyer -- you do your homework to find out the appraiser's market knowledge of the area, Ideally, your appraiser will be a local who knows the area well and who has been around long enough to see changes in the market. It's also crucial to hire an appraiser who is state certified.

Check your maintenance Whether it's a loose shingle, chipped paint or dirty carpet, be sure to take care of it before the appraiser comes. Anything obvious that needs work could potentially eat away at your home's value.

Also, keep a list of maintenance work that has been done on the home. Have a running list of what you have fixed and upgraded in your home as well as the amount of money you have spent. Know your neighborhood

Before you get your home appraised, be sure you know what comparable nearby homes are going for, because that can be a huge predictor of your home's value.

Also, inform your appraiser of any extraordinary circumstances, like if someone in your neighborhood had to sell their home quickly. Sellers may have to lower the price of their home to get out in a timely fashion in the event of death or job relocation in another state.

It's extremely important that both you and your appraiser are knowledgeable about your neighborhood to get as accurate a value as possible.

Understand that cost does not equal value When you make improvements to your home, you hope that everything you're upgrading will increase your property value -- but this isn't always the case.

If you're not satisfied, reach out

If you're dissatisfied with the appraisal value, contact the appraiser about your concerns. Make sure you have data to back up your claims when you call to voice your opinion.

You can always get a second appraisal, If you really think something was done incorrectly, voice your concern to the appraisal board as a last resort. All appraisers are licensed, and they don't want to jeopardize their license. However, I often recommend going back to the appraiser and showing [him or her] the facts.

If you're looking to purchase or sell a home, come to New Mexico Mountain Properties and our enormous selection of homes for sale in Angel fire as well as our Taos homes for sale. If its land you're looking for, we have the biggest selection in Angel Fire and Taos. We also have scenic condos in Angel Fire. Give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos, or call our agent direct at 575-770-3306.

Technically, no.

Most states require drivers to possess auto insurance before taking the car off the dealer's lot. But home insurance is different. You can legally own a home without insurance. However, if you need a loan to buy your home, your lender will likely require you to purchase home insurance as a way to protect its investment.

What coverages are included?

Standard home insurance policies typically include coverage for the structure of your home, its contents, liability, other structures (such as a tool shed), and additional living expenses. Let's break these down.

Structure: If your home is damaged or destroyed by a covered peril and needs to be repaired or rebuilt, your insurance can help pay for these expenses. Structure coverage is not the same as the amount you paid for your home. You need to set your structure coverage for the amount it would take to rebuild your home from the ground up.

Contents: This coverage can kick in if your belongings are damaged or destroyed. It's typically set between 50 and 70 percent of your home's structural coverage. If you have high-value items, such as an extensive jewelry collection or rare pieces of art, there will likely be a cap on the repair/replacement value (between $1,000 and $2,000). To get more coverage for high-value items, you can add a rider policy to your home insurance.

Liability: If someone is injured on your property, the liability portion of your insurance policy can help pay for medical, rehabilitation, and/or funeral expenses, as well as legal fees in the event that the injured party sues you. Liability is typically set at $100,000 worth of protection. However, it's wise to set your coverage between $300,000 and $500,000 -- especially if your home includes attractive nuisances, such as a pool or trampoline -- as medical and legal costs can add up rapidly.

Other structures: If your home has a detached garage or shed that is damaged or destroyed by a covered peril, your insurance can help pay to repair or rebuild it. Additional living expenses: In the event that your home is destroyed and needs to be rebuilt, this coverage can help pay for living expenses, such as hotel and food bills for the duration of time that you're displaced. Check with your insurer to see if this protection only covers you and your family for a specified amount of time.

What are covered perils?

Standard home insurance policies can cover damage caused by fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, theft, vandalism, explosions, and riots. Typically, water damage, such as that from freezing and bursting pipes, is also covered.

However, damage resulting from floods or earthquakes is not covered. Those types of natural disasters require separate policies and should be purchased if you live in a high-risk area, such as near a body of water or in California, where floods and earthquakes, respectively, are common. What defines how much I pay? Insurance policy will cost, providers take into account:

• Your credit score. • Claims history, both your own and the claims history for the area in which you reside. • The location of your home. • The age of your home. • The costs associated with rebuilding your home. • Your proximity to a fire department and hydrant. • Whether you own pets or not. Owning a dog, especially certain breeds, means you'll need more liability coverage. • The coverages you select.

How can I save money on insurance?

There are a few tricks to saving money on your monthly home insurance premiums, but not all are overnight fixes.

• Discounts. Most insurance providers offer discounts for policyholders. Bundling multiple policies, such as home and auto, with the same provider is one of the simplest ways to save on multiple policies. Providers also usually offer discounts for safety features, such as security systems. Equipping your home with these additional features could help you keep more money in your wallet each month.

• Raise your deductible. Raising your deductible (the amount you agree to pay toward a claim before insurance kicks in) will result in lower premiums. However, don't set your deductible so high that it would cause you financial hardship if disaster strikes. For example, if you can't afford to pay $1,000 out of pocket at any given time, set a lower deductible.

• Improve your credit score. Most insurance providers use credit score as an indicator of how likely you are to file a claim. Studies have shown that those with low credit scores were more likely to file claims than those with high credit scores, who could afford to tackle some repairs or replacements on their own. Improving your credit score can ultimately decrease your premium payments, as you'll become less of a risk to insure. How do I select a provider?

Shop around. All insurance carriers are different in terms of coverage and cost. The best way to find the right provider for you is to get quotes from several companies and compare them rather than making a rash decision.

When looking for the best in Real Estate, choose New Mexico Mountain Properties and 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, or live off the land 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 your fancy, we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire 575-758-5852 in Taos or speak directly to a broker at 575-770-3306 we are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.

1. Paying interest is one tough chore

Let's be real: Making monthly credit card payments isn't fun. But the pain (literally) compounds when you top off your monthly bill with interest payments. With many credit cards carrying an interest rate above 12%, missing even one payment can result in a large (and painful) interest payment.

2. Even a half-percentage interest-rate reduction matters

Negotiating isn't always on the docket for financial literacy programs, but it's worth mentioning: Some numbers carry more wiggle room than you'd expect. When opening a new line of credit, negotiate your rates. Although you may not always get your asking interest rate, you and your lender could very well land on a number lower than the original offer. And, yes, even a 0.5% reduction matters when it comes to paying interest. A $1,000 loan with a 17% interest rate reduced to a 16.5% interest rate would save you $5 a month.

3. Credit can offer greater protections against fraud

Quick, what's the safest way to make a purchase: cash, credit, or debit? Answer: credit. Choosing to use a credit card instead of swiping your debit card can offer greater protections against fraudulent purchases. Most credit card companies will remove fraudulent purchases as soon as you alert them to unusual/suspicious activity. Credit cards also cap your liability at $50. Claiming fraud for a debit purchase, on the other hand, may require you to file a more complicated claim -- and fraudulent purchases may not be reimbursed for up to two weeks.

4. Credit doesn't build itself

Credit doesn't build itself. Be proactive when building credit. A good credit score can save you a lot of money in the long run. For instance, strong credit can help you lock down lower interest rates and empower you to make large financial decisions like taking out a mortgage (when it makes sense!). A smart way to begin building your credit is to start soon and start small. Make small purchases using a credit card and then immediately pay them off. Better yet, start with a secured credit card. This "small beans" approach to minor, easily paid purchases can help build good credit habits early on.

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Opening that first credit card can often be confused with scoring a windfall at the bank. But being approved for a $2,500 credit line doesn't mean you have $2,500 at your beck and call. In fact, credit bureaus recommend that you stick below a 30% credit utilization rate. That means spending only up to 30% of your credit line. To avoid maxing out your credit (or spending above your means), be deliberate in the way you use your credit card for purchasing. Additionally, approach every purchase with a game plan by asking, "What's my timeline for paying this loan back? Is it realistic?"

6. A financial philosophy can help make, or break, your credit score.

Unfortunately, it doesn't translate well when you're trying to negotiate an overdue credit card bill with your lender. It's crucial to tack down a financial philosophy as you begin your financial journey. Having a clear -- and actionable -- financial philosophy can help guide you as you make financial decisions.

New Mexico Mountain Properties can assist you in finding that perfect piece of Angel Fire, Red River, or Taos Real Estate. NM Mountain Properties is located at the log home at the blinking light. You are sure to find something that will fulfill your Angel Fire Real Estate requirements. Give us a call here in Angel Fire at 575-377-2626, Taos is 575-758-5852 or call our agent Paula directly at 575-770-3306.

If you have great credit, you may be able to buy a house, but that doesn't mean it's the best idea.

Picture this: You're a financial rock star. You pay all your bills on time and you work hard to earn more -- so you can save more. Your credit score reflects your savvy money-management skills, and you can proudly boast that you're a member of the 730-and-up credit score club. Your partner? Not so much. Whether due to past actions or financial mistakes they're currently working to correct, your love's credit score is not something to write home about. What's a committed couple to do?

Understand why your partner's credit score is low

Before you try to persuade a lender to approve you for a loan, ask why your partner's credit score is less than stellar. If you can chalk a bad credit score up to a mountain of consumer debt, you both might need to take a step back. Buying a home isn't a requirement -- it's an important decision -- and trying to force the situation while one of you faces tough financial straits might not be the best idea.

If your partner has "bad" credit due to long-past transgressions, you could both benefit by taking action to improve their score before applying for a home loan. If you decide to put your home purchase on the back burner, work with your partner to improve their credit by developing a debt repayment plan. Start with these tips to boost a credit score (and score a better interest rate on that mortgage):

Check credit reports, look for mistakes, and correct errors if necessary.Make all future payments on time and in full. Keep your credit utilization ratio low (which means don't run up a balance of $499 on a card with a $500 credit limit, even if you pay off that balance in full every month!). Leave old accounts open but don't use them. Make the mortgage your own

Ready to buy a house now? It may make more sense to apply for a loan on your own instead of going in jointly with your partner. Keep in mind that lenders look at your entire financial picture to determine whether you qualify. That means your own income, assets, and creditworthiness need to meet the lender's requirements without any help from other sources.

Before running down this road, ensure that the monthly payments and other costs associated with home ownership are ones you can shoulder on your income alone. While no one wants to think about worst-case scenarios, it's your name on the dotted line -- and you're the one responsible for paying the mortgage if the two of you ever split up.

Plead your case

Although mortgage lenders may seem like faceless entities incapable of deviating from their set processes, there is room for you to explain your situation and provide all the facts. If you can show your partner's bad credit stems from factors that will not impact your reasonable ability to repay the home loan, the lender may approve a joint application despite a low score on one end. Ask if you can write a letter of explanation for a low credit score. If the lender says they will consider your explanation, provide as much documentation to back up your reasons as possible. Consider including explanations and documents to show how, together, you and your love can reasonably make your monthly payments on your potential loan.

Consider a co-signer

If none of the above solutions works for your situation, you can consider asking someone to co-sign the home loan with you. Another person with a good credit score, sufficient income, and a low debt-to-income ratio could help you qualify for the mortgage you want. But don't consider this option lightly. That co-signer will be financially responsible for the loan if you default -- and even if you have no intention of defaulting on a loan, unexpected emergencies or hardships can arise. To put it simply, co-signing can come with a lot of baggage. If co-signing makes sense for you, it's an option -- though you might want to pursue other options first.

Love is blind, but mortgage lenders may not be so forgiving (or, well, blind to the realities of your financial situation). If you can find a workable solution, take action and make your homeowning dreams a reality. And if you both need to take some time to repair that bad credit score? Do that, and rest easier knowing your financial ducks will be in a row before you take on a mortgage.

When looking for the best in Real Estate, choose New Mexico Mountain Properties and 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, or live off the land 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 your fancy, we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire 575-758-5852 in Taos or speak directly to a broker at 575-770-3306 we are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.

1. Shop around, then enlist help

Finding the biggest discount isn't just for cars and airline tickets. In fact, a few phone calls and internet searches can land you some serious deals on homeowners insurance.

2. Find out if the home is a Flip

Unless you're buying a new-construction house, the home you're searching has probably acquired some history. And since the walls won't talk, you'll need to be a bit creative in your investigation to detect just who owned the place last. From searching the address, I have found old photos to get an idea of what the home looked like before.

3. Avoid health concerns

The last thing anyone wants is to find out their dream home is located near a former meth lab or directly under a busy flight path. These aren't just concerns for comfort; in unfortunate (and rare) cases, homes can be health hazards. When house hunting, be sure to search for whether or not the home is in a safe area. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration maintains a database of homes that have been identified as drug labs, and some of these properties require intensive, expensive cleanup before they can be healthfully inhabited. Radon and industrial and airport zones are also pretty easily discoverable with a Google search and, in most states, via disclosures that most sellers will provide. (Some people find living near an airport or other noisy zone impacts their sleep, even if there is no chemical concern.

4. Imagine your life there

One of the deciding factors for saying to a house is if you can imagine yourself living there. Seeing listing photos and stats can let you know whether the house meets your specifications, but sometimes, especially with a long-distance home search it might still be difficult to really imagine yourself there. Googling can help. While walking through some homes recently with a young family moving up to the suburbs from the city, their 7-year-old was asking, Can I play on the trampoline at the next house?

5. Get details on the HOA situation

When you buy a home that is part of a homeowners association (HOA), you should receive the bylaws in advance of your purchase. But if you dig a little deeper by Googling the associations name, you could find out that your new HOA is one of a surprisingly large number of HOAs that have been reviewed online. Grab your popcorn, because you're most likely find a variety of rants (and raves) about the subdivision, complex managers, neighbors, and amenities.

When looking for the best in Real Estate, choose New Mexico Mountain Properties and 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, or live off the land in our stunning Earthship homes for sale in Taos. How about a scenic condo for sale in Angel Fire that puts you close to the slopes? Whatever your fancy, we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire 575-758-5852 in Taos or speak directly to an broker at 575-770-3306 we are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.

I'd say pretty good if you use the right lender, have the down payment and you can show that financially you are in a good position. Talk to a broker first that actually knows credit, paying off debt may not be necessary depending on the accounts and how old they are. I recommend the lenders network, if any company can get you a loan they can. I have had clients with under a 580 score get approved... Brilliant real estate minds with a ton of lending contacts.

When looking for the best in Real Estate, choose New Mexico Mountain Properties and 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, or live off the land in our stunning Earthship homes for sale in Taos. How about a scenic condo for sale in Angel Fire that puts you close to the slopes? Whatever your fancy, we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire 575-758-5852 in Taos or speak directly to an broker at 575-770-3306 we are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.

1. Your credit score is below 620

One of the quickest ways for a lender to get a snapshot of your ability to make future payments is to check your credit score and see how you have fared with financial responsibility in the past. You can receive one free report from each of the three credit-reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax) once a year, and some lenders will run an analysis to determine what can be done to bring your score within an acceptable range.

2. Your employment history is unusual

W-2 employees working a minimum of 40 hours per week are the most attractive to lenders. If you are working part time, or if you don't have at least two years of tax returns to properly represent your self-employment income, acquiring a loan becomes trickier. For the latter instance, Robson suggests asking a mortgage professional to review your tax returns to determine how much home you can really afford.

3. You have financial responsibilities you aren't taking care of

While credit scores and income are important, Robson explains that even more pressing are such larger issues as delinquent child support payments, unpaid income tax liens, and delinquent student loans. "If serious delinquencies show on a credit report, an underwriter will simply deny the loan," says Robson. "Therefore, a borrower should bring those accounts current, and/or re-establish a payment history prior to pursuing home-loan qualification."

4. You don't have a down payment

Lenders prefer that borrowers be financially vested in their new home from the get-go. So if you don't have a down payment, you'll have to jump through more hoops to showcase your financial worthiness, and private mortgage insurance will most likely be a requirement of your loan. However, your lender may be able to help you find down payment–assistance programs to help bridge the gap.

How can you improve your chances?

When guiding clients through acquiring a loan, Robson suggests a laundry list of tasks they should tackle or monitor. Among the top items on that list are acquiring a credit report, working to pay down debt and bring all accounts into good standing, and either securing funds for a down payment or searching for homes that allow 100% financing. In addition, she suggests avoiding large purchases -- such as a car -- prior to or at any point during the loan-approval process.

When looking for the best in Real Estate, choose New Mexico Mountain Properties and 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, or live off the land in our stunning Earthship homes for sale in Taos. How about a scenic condo for sale in Angel Fire that puts you close to the slopes? Whatever your fancy, we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire 575-758-5852 in Taos or speak directly to an broker at 575-770-3306 we are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.

1. You're overconfident

Being in a seller's market might mean that your home will get snapped up for premium price, no matter its condition. But that isn't always the best strategy to count on. Sometimes homeowners and agents get overconfident in a seller's market and get lazy about 'Home Selling 101.

Solution: Be realistic from day one. Although you may love your house, brace yourself for it to potentially sit on the market for quite some time. And no matter the market, it's still important to "position your home to sell well," says Niakan. "What does that mean? Staging, staging, and more staging.

2. The house is priced too high

Classic supply and demand conditions come into play in a seller's market: There's high demand, yet low supply. Therefore, you can usually expect to get more money for your home. But that doesn't mean the sky's the limit when it comes to your listing price. "In a seller's market, a seller may feel comfortable pushing the asking price a bit higher, and this can be a huge mistake," says Chase Michels of Brush Hill Realtors in Downers Grove, IL. "Determining the best asking price for a home is one of the most important aspects of selling a home. If your home is listed at a price that is above market value, you will miss out on prospective buyers."

Solution: Make sure that you and your agent are certain of the value of your home in your market and price it right. "Get an analysis of the local market with a professional agent, solid comparables, and specific market trend data," says Jill Olivarez, a Miramar Beach, FL, real estate agent.

3. The home needs some TLC

It can be a bitter pill to swallow to pay for home improvements that you may not enjoy for long. But if you want to sell for full asking price, you might need to get your house in a condition that warrants it -- and not base this number only on price per square foot. "Retail buyers understandably still want the most house for their money," says Barbara Grassey, author of How to Sell Your House Fast in a Slow Market and founder of the West Florida Real Estate Investors Association.

Solution: "The seller should have amenities comparable to other properties for sale in that price range and should really upgrade certain amenities," says Grassey. Some upgrade examples, she says, include a pull-down gooseneck faucet, an upgraded ceiling fan, a double-bar towel rack, or upgraded door handles. They sound simple, but a few small changes can make a big impact.

4. There's a problem with the title

"Title" in this case doesn't mean the cute name you might have given your place ("The Laurels," "The Conners' Corner Cottage," etc.). Rather, it's the document that shows ownership. "One reason a house won't sell is because there is a problem with the title to the house that spooks buyers," says David Reiss, law professor at Brooklyn Law School in Brooklyn, NY. Here are some examples he gives of title problems:

Conveyance without a recorded deed (can sometimes happen in transfers between family members). A paid-off mortgage that is still showing up as a valid lien on the house. A mechanic's lien that was filed for work done on the house by a subcontractor. Solution: "Some [title] problems just require a little time to resolve," says Reiss. Contact the title company to find out what you need to do to prepare for selling -- then do it.

5. Advertising photos are subpar

It's said that you have seven seconds to make a first impression -- and the same goes for your house: 90% of buyers start their search online and make a decision about whether to come see your house based on a quick skim of your listing photos. If there are few or no photos, or if the photos look bad because they weren't professionally taken or because the house is cluttered (which shows in the photos), many buyers will move on to the next listing. "When there are a lack of pictures ... buyers often assume the worst," says Amber Dolle, a Los Angeles, CA, agent.

Solution: Get your home staged and photographed by pros. You may think it's an unnecessary expense, but according to IMOTO photography, professional real estate photos have the ability to generate 118% more online views and sell listings 50% faster -- at 39% closer to list price. They're worth it.

6. Your agent doesn't seem to care

Sometimes there's nothing wrong with your house at all: It's priced right and is well-maintained. But your agent could be turning people off. "The agent is your front-line representative," says David Kean, a Beverly Hills, CA, agent with Douglas Elliman. He notes, however: "Some agents have little to no personality, some are burnt-out, some don't care, and others have no social skills."

Solution: "Hire an agent you would invite to a dinner party. If you don't find [an agent who's] interesting and pleasurable to deal with, who will?" You may need to break up with your current agent before moving on to greener pastures.

7. The house smells bad

There's a saying in real estate: "If I can smell it, I can't sell it," says Joshua Spotts, a Memphis, TN, agent. If you're immune to the smell of your home, get a friend's honest opinion. "There is nothing like entering a house and smelling a refreshing scent," says Spotts.

Solution: Sometimes the remedy is a scented candle or freshly baked cookies. But if your house's odor is persistent, it's a good idea to determine what's causing it and address it. Take care of mold and mildew buildup, pet urine on the carpet, or set-in smoke odor.

8. Your appliances are old

Stainless steel is in, and old, yellowing-white refrigerators are out, says Seth Lejeune, a Collegeville, PA, agent. Although potential buyers realize they can replace a refrigerator, if your appliances look as if they belong on That '70s Show, buyers might wonder what else might need replacing. "As for HVAC, heaters, and boilers, those are less noticed by prospective buyers during initial walk-throughs but are almost never overlooked at inspection," notes Lejeune.

Solution: "Update your appliances so they don't look like they're on their last legs," Lejeune says. This advice goes for the unseen too -- if your HVAC has a problem, you're going to have to pay to fix it, or at least come down in your asking price.

When looking for the best in Real Estate, choose New Mexico Mountain Properties and 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, or live off the land in our stunning Earthship homes for sale in Taos. How about a scenic condo for sale in Angel Fire that puts you close to the slopes? Whatever your fancy, we are here to assist. Call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire 575-758-5852 in Taos or speak directly to an broker at 575-770-3306 we are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.