The "right" time to buy a house has a lot more to do with your personal situation than market factors.

Market conditions and rising rents in areas across the country caused Trulia's Rent Vs. Buy Report to lean strongly in favor of buying for a large segment of the population. Of course, your decision should be based on your personal financial situation (and your ability to stay in your new home for a while), but there are a few key reasons why you may want to sign mortgage paperwork instead of a lease.

Whether you're looking at a home for sale in Taos or Angel Fire, NM, here's the latest info on what you should consider.

1. Rates are still offsetting higher prices

Even with home prices inching up from last year, they don't wash away the huge cost savings lower mortgage rates offer. In fact, according to Trulia's report, for households putting down 20%, with plans to stay at least seven years, buying is on average 37.7% cheaper than renting. This is only a 0.5% increase from 2015. Rates would need to increase well over 100% to wipe out the cost savings of buying. Such an aggressive rate hike is highly unlikely.

2. Buying trumps renting in more than 100 metro areas

If you think buying is cheaper only in smaller, less densely populated cities and towns, reality says otherwise. In fact, it's cheaper to buy than rent in more than 100 U.S. metros.

3. There's no guarantee of stable rental rates

Nationwide, rents have increased 3.5%, which is a slower pace than real estate prices, but it's not insignificant -- and the amount can vary drastically depending on a variety of factors, making rising rental prices an unpredictable part of your financial picture. On the other hand, once rates are locked and paperwork is signed, you can expect to pay the same amount over the course of your mortgage. The only changes could be due to property taxes, insurance rates, or if you opt for an adjustable-rate mortgage over a fixed-rate mortgage.

4. You can build equity over time

This tried-and-true reason to choose homeownership doesn't depend on market conditions. One of the biggest benefits to buying a home is the ability to build equity over time -- equity that can be tapped into later. A monthly rent payment will disappear into the hands of a landlord, but a mortgage payment builds equity that can be used to purchase another home later or provide additional funds in retirement.

5. Tax breaks favor homeowners

Another financial benefit extended to homeowners comes in the form of tax deductions. The early years of paying a mortgage consist in large part of paying down interest, but this expense is tax-deductible.

Property tax is also deductible, as are as mortgage points and private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Another big tax benefit occurs upon the sale of a home. If you profit on the sale of other types of investments, you are required to pay a 15% capital gains tax.

But if you lived in your home two of the last five years before selling, the amount you earn on the sale isn't taxable.

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

Buying a vacation home as your first home (instead of renting) may seem counter intuitive. If you live in a big city or in an area with a very competitive (and pricey) real estate market, you might not be able to afford to buy a primary residence -- but you can very likely afford a little getaway home, or someplace else where you'd like to have a retreat.

If the numbers don't work out in favor of buying, consider this: Instead of doling out dough every year to rent a home near the beach, you could own a condo in the same area.

The idea of buying a vacation home as a first real estate purchase and renting a primary home may not seem intuitive to most people, but upon closer inspection, it can definitely make financial sense. For many in large metros, it may be difficult to buy a home that's convenient to where you work and want to live because of skyrocketing home prices and high property taxes so renting makes more sense.

Yet it can be nice to own a vacation home in an affordable area you know, love, and visit regularly. - Although definitely an nontraditional route, buying a vacation home as your first home can be a smart real estate move for some people. Read on to decide if you're one of them.

Should I rent or buy?

The real estate market is thriving, and in many markets, low inventory has made the competition to buy a home even fiercer. But once you trade asphalt for grass, things start to calm down. Prices are shockingly affordable in smaller U.S. towns, and whether you're looking for a home that's a two-hour drive or a two-hour flight away, you'll likely find that you can get more for your money. This isn't to say that all rural areas are alike but by and large, prices become more reasonable the farther you travel from big-name cities. And the property taxes do too.

Do I need a 20% down payment to buy a vacation home?

Not necessarily. Another barrier to entry in a strong housing market is the down payment. Expensive homes require more money upfront, and to compete, you sometimes need to cough up more than the standard 20% down payment -- especially when all-cash deals are becoming more and more commonplace. Once you're looking at properties in the very low six figures, however, that huge initial output suddenly goes away, with loan options that might knock that figure down even further.

What about home-buying stress?

Low inventory, standing-room-only open houses, blink-and-you'll-miss-them properties that go under contract in just hours, overseas all-cash buyers who make buying a first home even more of a challenge -- it can be enough to make you throw up your hands and choose to rent forever. But all that goes away once you start looking in less-competitive areas. With fewer buyers vying for the same homes, properties stay on the market longer, bidding wars are virtually nonexistent, and it's the rare seller who isn't willing to negotiate.

Vacation planning: Done

There's nothing worse than spending another weekend in your cramped apartment while all your acquaintances post yet another round of envy-inducing vacation snapshots on social media. Buy a vacation home, though, and you suddenly have an endless number of getaways stretching out in front of you. Getting out of town is cathartic no matter where you end up, and being able to relax in a space that's all yours, without the hassles that come with hotels (tipping, parking, other guests), is almost meditative. Plus, you're already paying for it, so there's no additional cost, especially if you end up cooking at home.

Can I rent my vacation home?

If you're concerned about juggling the costs of your primary residence and the upkeep and furnishings for a vacation home you own, consider this: Some of those costs could be alleviated by renting out your second home as a vacation property to others. The potential of earning income on the days that you aren't using the property, which would realistically be most of the year, while also taking advantage of property appreciation, can turn an expensive lifestyle into a solid asset.

Be savvy about where you purchase by checking out some nearby vacation rental listings and by researching nearby activities. Does your place have four-season appeal? Is it near a celebrated museum or landmark?

Bonus: A vacation home can be your new social hub

Not everyone wants to buy a vacation home, but no one turns down the chance to visit someone else's. Investing in a second home guarantees a regular rotation of houseguests grateful for the opportunity to get away and spend quality time with friends in a relaxed environment. People you haven't seen in months will suddenly be vying for an invite, especially those with young kids who find it hard to travel. And when the big holidays roll around, you actually have the opportunity to invite your family to travel to you. (The hostess gifts aren't bad either.)

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

December 2016 may see the end of a number of tax breaks that homeowners took advantage of in the past. No one wants to talk tax when holiday festivities are in full swing. After all, this year's taxes won't matter until next April. Right? Well, maybe for some people, but if you're serious about buying or selling that home in Angel Fire or Taos,NM , you may want to take a moment to step away from the eggnog and tune in to the tax breaks you could take advantage of before the end of the year.

Each year, many tax breaks for homeowners (both buyers and sellers) are set to expire. Congress must pass extensions for certain credits to stay available into the following years. And at this point, it looks as if many breaks for homeowners could be reaching an end. If you own a home -- or are looking to buy a home -- you may need to act now. It could be your last chance to claim qualifying deductions and write-offs. Here's what could go away once 2017 rolls around.

1. No more mortgage debt forgiveness

Typically, when a mortgage lender writes off any part of, or all of, a forgiven debt, the amount that is forgiven is passed back to the borrower as taxable for federal income tax purposes. The rule applies to all debt, including home mortgages . However, this rule was changed by Congress to help struggling homeowners during the Great Recession through the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act. Under the rule, qualifying homeowners who either lost their homes to foreclosure or qualified for some kind of repayment adjustment didn't have forgiven debt taxed as income. After being renewed several times in the past, the exception is due to expire at the end of 2016.

There is some good news if you're in the process of discharging mortgage debt: You still qualify for the exception and won't be taxed on the debt if your written agreement with a lender to discharge the debt was created this year. (This means if your debt is actually discharged in 2017, but you signed an agreement in 2016, you'll qualify for the exemption.)

2. Write off mortgage insurance premiums while you can

In a tough market, lenders are a bit more cautious. Buyers who financed homes in the last few years found that many lenders required private mortgage insurance (PMI) to protect the lender in the event of a default. Being able to write off PMI as a deduction is something that changes frequently. In years past, it wasn't an option. Then in 2014, Congress passed a bill that allowed some homeowners who qualified and itemized to claim a tax deduction for the cost of paying PMI for their homes. This even extended to their vacation homes. But you can say goodbye to this deduction once again once we enter January 2017. The deduction expires at the end of 2016.

3. Get your credit for going green

Just bought your first or second home? If you invest in energy-efficient upgrades, you could write off some of the cost. Homeowners who installed electricity-generating systems in 2015 or 2016 can claim 30% of the cost -- and there's no cap on that dollar amount.

Some other energy-efficient home improvements, including things like qualifying insulation, heating and air-conditioning equipment, roofing, doors, windows, and biomass stoves, can get you a tax break too. You can claim up to 10% of the cost of the Earth-friendly improvements you made to your home, up to $500. But both these breaks expire at the end of the year, so act now if you want to take advantage.

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

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