Just because you upgrade doesn't mean you'll profit when it comes time to sell.

Five common upgrades with the worst return on investment

Adding a pool

Highly custom designs

Room conversions

Incremental square footage gains

Over-improving

When your upgrades feel overboard for your neighborhood, you alienate buyers on two fronts: buyers who are drawn to your neighborhood won't be able to afford your home, and buyers who can afford a home of your caliber will prefer to be in a ritzier area.Being a little nicer than the other houses around you can be a selling point, but being vastly more luxurious is not.

So when you are ready to sell or buy a home or condo in Angel Fire or Taos we are here to assist you in all your Real Estate needs . Are you looking to build your dream home we have many lots or larger parcels to choose from in Taos and Angel Fire. If you cannot locate the house, condo or land you desire, on our website, you can access the Taos/Angel Fire MLS from our website. We are dedicated to bringing you the best in Real Estate throughout the Enchanted Circle. For your Real Estate needs in Taos call us at (575) 758- 5852. Looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Angel Fire our number is (575)377- 2626. Our warm and inviting staff of knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you desire. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are here to welcome you to our growing community.

Information obtained from Trulia

Military Winterfest February 9 - February 13

The 3rd Annual Military Winterfest showcases four days of snow-filled fun, live entertainment, savory food & exclusive military discounts.

Member Moonlight First and Last Tracks February 9 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ride the last chair of the evening up to the Summit Smokehouse for a family style gourmet meal accompanied by wine and your chance to mingle with other members. Later, ski patrol will guide guests down the freshly groomed mountain by moonlight.

First Tracks February 10 - February 12

Prime Rib Night at Elements February 10 - February 11

Live Music by Ry Taylor at The Village Haus February 10 @ 3:00 am - 6:00 pm

UNM Intel Corporation Angel Fire Race February 11

2017 Ultimate Ski & Snowboard Challenge returns to Angel Fire Resort for another fun and challenging day of giant slalom. Angel Fire is the 2nd stop in the race series. This winter the events will be held in Red River, Angel Fire, and Taos.

Live Music at The Village Haus February 11 @ 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm live music by Groundhog Gravy

Then Scoot on over to the community center for Holy Angels Annual Boot Scootn' Barn Dance & BBQ February 11 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

This is the Ninth Annual Holy Angels Boot Scootn' Barn Dance & BBQ fundraiser. Dance music will be provided by the popular Rifters western band A Reverse Drawing Raffle will be held in conjunction with this event with the winning ticket paying $1,000. Tickets can be purchased for $50 at the Angel Fire Visitors Center, Angel Fire Chamber or by calling 575-377-3332.

With so much happening in Angel Fire you don't want to miss it. So if you are looking for Real Estate in Angel Fire give us a call at (575)377-2626. We are dedicated to bringing you the best in Real Estate throughout the Enchanted Circle. Helping you find the perfect Angel Fire condo close to the slopes or maybe buy a home to sleep 10 or more with many homes to choose from we are here to locate that perfect place. There are many lots or larger parcels in Angel Fire for sale you can build that perfect home. Perhaps you desire to sell your lot, land, home or condo in Angel Fire. Whatever you fancy, we are here to assist, our 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 welcome you to our growing community.

Information obtained from Angel Fire Resort

Understanding the truth about VA loans can help homeowners and buyers take advantage of a solid financing option.

Generations of veterans and military members have relied on the VA loan program to achieve the dream of homeownership. Today, this $0 down mortgage option is booming in a time of tight credit. But millions of veterans and military families are still missing out.

This is the most powerful mortgage option on the market for scores of military buyers. Qualified borrowers can purchase up to $417,000 in most parts of the country before having to factor in a down payment. There's no mortgage insurance on VA loans, and they feature more flexible and forgiving requirements than other loan types. This program exists to help get veterans into homes. Sellers should understand it does exactly that, often better than other mortgage options. About 72 percent of the VA purchase applications filed during the summer months went on to close.

This one stems from the sometimes slow-moving VA program of yesteryear. A focus on improving automation and responsiveness has helped VA loans catch up with the field in terms of time to close. The average VA purchase loan closed in 40 days, that's one day longer than conventional, and two days faster on average than FHA financing.

Few aspects of VA loans engender more misconception than the appraisal process. Properties need to meet broad requirements to help ensure veterans are getting move-in-ready homes that are safe, structurally sound and sanitary. Fixer-uppers and foreclosures can be tough for VA financing.

Sellers can pay all of a buyer's loan-related closing costs and up to 4 percent of the purchase price in concessions, which can cover things like prepaid taxes and insurance or paying off collections. But they're not required to pay anything on a buyer's behalf. Confusion comes in because the VA limits what lenders can charge buyers, and there are a few costs they're actually not allowed to pay. But that doesn't mean sellers have to foot the bill. Regardless of the loan type, it's still a real estate transaction -- nearly everything is negotiable.

So when you are ready to buy a home or condo in Angel Fire or Taos we are here to assist you in all your Real Estate needs in Taos or Angel Fire. Are you looking to build your dream home we have many lots or larger parcels to choose from in Taos and Angel Fire. If you cannot locate the house, condo or land you desire, on our website, you can access the Taos/Angel Fire MLS from our website. We are dedicated to bringing you the best in Real Estate throughout the Enchanted Circle. For your Real Estate needs in Taos call us at (575) 758- 5852.Looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Angel Fire our number is (575)377- 2626. Our warm and inviting staff of knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you desire. 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

We welcome you to Angel Fire,New Mexico and thank you all for your service. The 3rd Annual Military Winterfest showcases four days of snow-filled fun, live entertainment, savory food & exclusive military discounts. Hosted and organized by the National Veterans Wellness & Healing Center, Angel Fire, this will be a winter celebration of our military serving now and in the past.... While you are here.... Come visit us at New Mexico Mountain Property where we are dedicated to bringing you the best in Real Estate throughout the Enchanted Circle. Perhaps you are looking to buy a condo close to the slopes,or a home to Ski In and Out of we are the Angel Fire Real Estate Agents to call on . Our warm and inviting staff of knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you desire. Whether you are wanting to buy or sell property in Angel Fire we are the company to choose. Perhaps you want to build your "Dream Home" we have many lots or larger parcels to choose from. Better yet allow NMMP to show you our gorgeous Angel Fire mountain land for sale on snowshoes. We have snow shoes for the entire family. If you don't see the Angel Fire property you want on our website you can access our local MLS listings. Just click on the tab above. Call us at (575) 377-2626 or to speak directly to a broker call Paula at (575) 770-3306. We are here to welcome you to our growing community....read tomorrow's blog for FHA Loan information.

Information obtained from Angel Fire Resort

If you missed Return of the Jedi Challenge Boardercross/Skiercross in Angel Fire you have another chance this weekend. Saturday, February 4th, for the USASA Slopestyle event at Taos Ski Valley. Come watch our future Olympians !! With your little Olympians in mind and so many happenings in and around the Enchanted Circle why rent just buy. You can save by buying a home in Taos or Angel Fire. Maybe you are searching for the perfect Angel Fire or Taos Ski Valley condo that puts you close to the slopes? We are here to help with all of your Angel Fire or Taos Real Estate needs. So are you interested in buying or selling Taos or Angel Fire Real Estate we are the company to contact.Is it land in Taos or Angel Fire that you desire we have many lots or larger parcels to choose from. Perhaps you are desperate for the perfect Taos condo, house or Earthship to feed your creative side. Call us in Taos at (575) 758-5852 or in Angel Fire call (575) 377-2626 our warm and inviting staff of knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you desire. We are dedicated to bringing you the Best Real Estate throughout the Enchanted Circle. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are here to welcome you to our growing community.

Information obtained from TSV & USASA

With more than 3 feet of fresh snow this week, conditions are prime for you & your family to get out on the mountain to enjoy our Winter Wonderland in Angel Fire. Not a skier Snowshoeing may be for you. Snowshoeing is a fabulous way to get out and enjoy our majestic winter wonderland.

This weekend (Feb.3&4) are the 38th Annual Shovel Races. The World Championship Shovel Races are uniquely Angel Fire. Contestants sit on the scoop of a snow/grain shovel and slide down the mountain at speeds topping 70 miles per hour. The racer with the fastest time after two runs is the champion! So come join us to watch our own Kelly Haukebo defend her title.

While you are here.... Come visit us at New Mexico Mountain Property where we are dedicated to bringing you the best in Real Estate throughout the Enchanted Circle. Perhaps you are looking to buy a condo close to the slopes,or a home to Ski In and Out of we are the Angel Fire Real Estate Agents to call on . Our warm and inviting staff of knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you desire. Whether you are wanting to buy or sell property in Angel Fire we are the company to choose. Perhaps you want to build your "Dream Home" we have many lots or larger parcels to choose from. Better yet allow NMMP to show you our gorgeous Angel Fire mountain land for sale on snowshoes. We have snow shoes for the entire family. If you don't see the Angel Fire property you want on our website you can access our local MLS listings. Just click on the tab above. Call us at (575) 377-2626 or to speak directly to a broker call Paula at (575) 770-3306. We are here to welcome you to our growing community.

Information obtained from Angel Fire Resort

Need to save $50,000? Here's how to make it happen.

Build your down payment in five years

You'll need to save about $834 per month to meet this goal. It's still a lot of money but completely doable if you're willing to cut back in places you currently spend. Use the tips from our last two blogs to help you cut costs and free up more cash for your down payment. Consider investing your down payment savings in a taxable brokerage account. But remember, all investments carry risk.

The biggest challenge in saving $834 per month for this length of time is staying focused. To help, create an automatic transfer from your checking to your savings each month so you know that money consistently moves to your down payment fund.

And of course, working on earning more during this time will help too. Just as you would if you shot for the three-year goal, you can work to make lasting, big-impact changes to your earnings. If you're entrepreneurial, that might mean starting something on the side and slowly growing that to a full-time business that generates more revenue than your current gig. The possibilities are endless, and with five years, you have much more time to test different paths and figure out what works best for you.

So when you are ready to buy a home or condo in Angel Fire or Taos we are here to assist you in all your Real Estate needs in Taos or Angel Fire. Are you looking to build your dream home we have many lots or larger parcels to choose from in Taos and Angel Fire. If you cannot locate the house, condo or land you desire, on our website, you can access the Taos/Angel Fire MLS from our website. We are dedicated to bringing you the best in Real Estate throughout the Enchanted Circle. For your Real Estate needs in Taos call us at (575) 758- 5852.Looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Angel Fire our number is (575)377- 2626. Our warm and inviting staff of knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you desire. 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

Save for a down payment in three years

While it's still an ambitious savings goal (you'll need to save $1,389 per month), your approach won't need to be quite as extreme. However, the basic steps remain the same: Cut unnecessary costs and look to increase your income so you have more cash to save. Here are a few ideas to help you eliminate expenses and immediately save hundreds per month.

Switch to a streaming service

Reduce the number of meals out you buy each week

Eliminate expensive entertainment

Cut back on your vices

Work out at home

Negotiate your bills

Making the changes in this list could save you $455 per month, which means you're down to finding about $1,000 in your cash flow to allocate to your down payment goal. Giving yourself three years also lets you make sustainable and lasting strides with earning more. Every time you earn a raise, get a bonus, or make extra income, contribute it straight to your savings fund for your $50,000 down payment. That will either allow you to reach your goal sooner or require you to cut back less in spending.

Interested in buying or selling Taos or Angel Fire Real Estate we are the company to contact. Maybe Land in Taos or Angel Fire is what you desire we have many lots or larger parcels to choose from. Are you searching for the perfect Angel Fire or Taos Ski Valley condo close to the slopes. We are here to help with all of your Angel Fire or Taos Real Estate needs. Perhaps you are desperate for the perfect Taos condo, house or Earthship to feed your creative side. Call us in Taos at (575) 758-5852 or in Angel Fire call (575) 377-2626 our warm and inviting staff of knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you desire. We are dedicated to bringing you the Best Real Estate in the Enchanted Circle. 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

A 20% down payment is a great savings goal, but it's also a lot of cash. Let's say you want to buy a home that costs $250,000. You'll need $50,000 in cash to put down. That's no small number. But you can make it happen in the near future. Here's how you can work to build a down payment in one year.

Raise a down payment in one year

To build a savings fund of $50,000 in 12 months will require you to set aside $4,167 per month and take some extreme measures to make it happen. First, look at every single dollar you can cut from your current spending. Here are a few ways to aggressively trim your expenses.

Move in with a friend or family member to slash your rent.

Sell useful but not strictly necessary assets.

Get rid of every nonessential expense, no matter how inexpensive it may feel.

Downgrade essential services for cheaper options.

Perhaps you can reduce your insurance coverage and drop the cost of your monthly premiums. Other places to consider: your cellphone plan and your groceries. Your new rule should be "If I don't need to buy it, I won't." Remember, you need to bank $4,167 every month. Many people's total monthly budgets don't add up to the amount you're trying to save!

In addition to saving, you'll probably need to consider earning more to meet your goal. Take on additional work or get a second job to generate more income. While this might not be sustainable for years, doing so for 12 months could give you the boost you need to save that $50,000.

Interested in buying or selling Taos or Angel Fire Real Estate we are the company to contact. Maybe Land in Taos or Angel Fire is what you desire we have many lots or larger parcels to choose from. Are you searching for the perfect Angel Fire or Taos Ski Valley condo close to the slopes. We are here to help with all of your Angel Fire or Taos Real Estate needs. Perhaps you are desperate for the perfect Taos condo, house or Earthship to feed your creative side. Call us in Taos at (575) 758-5852 or in Angel Fire call (575) 377-2626 our warm and inviting staff of knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you desire. We are dedicated to bringing you the Best Real Estate in the Enchanted Circle. 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

If you're a buyer looking in a part of the country where you may not see a home's front lawn until May, keep these points in mind as you shop.

Seeing a home at its worst is a plus

Let's face it, no home shows at its best in the middle of the winter. It's cold, dark and often wet. And that's great news for the buyer. Why? Because you can discover its flaws, such as a lack of privacy, abundant street noise, leaks or drafty windows. You'll see the home in its worst "light". Come spring, the flowers, grass, landscaping and foliage will only enhance the home.

You can ask to see summer or fall photos

What about features you"re unable to test?

request that they leave money in escrow or extend the closing time frame. When warm weather returns, you can inspect them then.

Documentation can help alleviate uncertainties

In the event you can't inspect every feature or get escrow funds negotiated, ask for documentation.

It doesn't hurt to ask Although homes sell all year-round, it takes a determined customer to trek through the snow and ice to initiate a real estate transaction. For the right house, a winter purchase could spell opportunity. Double up on due diligence, and don't be afraid to ask for a longer closing or to arrange to have the home inspected come spring.

Everything is negotiable, so smart buyers should protect themselves.

Interested in buying or selling Taos or Angel Fire Real Estate we are the company to contact. Maybe Land in Taos or Angel Fire is what you desire we have many lots or larger parcels to choose from. Are you searching for the perfect Angel Fire or Taos Ski Valley condo close to the slopes. We are here to help with all of your Angel Fire or Taos Real Estate needs. Perhaps you are desperate for the perfect Taos condo, house or Earthship to feed your creative side. Call us in Taos at (575) 758-5852 or in Angel Fire call (575) 377-2626 our warm and inviting staff of knowledgeable agents go that extra mile to find exactly what you desire. We are dedicated to bringing you the Best Real Estate in the Enchanted Circle. To speak directly to a broker call Paula at 575-770-3306. We are here to serve and welcome you to our growing community.