Most Americans don't have a lot of experience bartering for goods, but it's one of the most important parts of the home-buying process. Buying a home is rarely as simple as making an offer and paying that offer out. Negotiations can go back and forth for weeks before the seller and buyer are both satisfied. The vehicle for this negotiation is the counteroffer -- a vital and complex rejection and counter to an offer made by either party. Counteroffers are typically handled between real estate agents and are time sensitive. Selling or buying a home is more of a process than a transaction, so it's important to understand counteroffers before you make your first offer.

Why was I countered?

As a home buyer, if you make an offer below list price the seller may choose to reject, accept, or simply let the offer expire. Sellers may also counter your proposed closing date. If they need to move out quickly, they may want to push it earlier. Price and closing date negotiations are common from both parties, but there are even more reasons sellers can potentially get countered. The condition of the home is likely the biggest factor here. As home buyers conduct ongoing research into the home, any problems with the condition of the house can result in a counteroffer. Appraisals are another reason for counteroffers. If an appraisal comes in below the agreed-upon sale price, it will affect the amount the mortgage company will lend to the buyer.

Negotiation power

When reviewing a counteroffer, it's important to have an experienced real estate agent who can capitalize on your advantages in a negotiation. Both sellers and buyers can take steps to put themselves in an advantageous position through planning and smart counteroffers. Knowledge is power in negotiations, so try to glean as much information about the seller or buyer as you can. Sometimes sellers use the pending sale of their home to finance another, meaning they have a truncated timeline and could be more eager to make a deal. If you're selling a home with known issues, it's important to anticipate how these problems may put you at a disadvantage during negotiations. These types of issues put sellers at a distinct disadvantage because they have to either pay for repairs, lower the selling price, or reject the counteroffer . This is why it's worth the money (around $500) to pay for an inspection before listing a house. Preparation can save you headache and money down the road.

Responding to a counteroffer

If you've received a counteroffer as a buyer or a seller, carefully review every aspect. . So make sure you read everything carefully before you sign. With each individual counteroffer, take into account every aspect of the sale, including old and new information. If you made an offer above the list price, there is always the possibility for an appraisal to come in low. If you are responding to a counter before an appraisal or inspection, keep those at the forefront of your mind. Prepare yourself for future counteroffers once they are completed. Whether you're selling or buying a home, it's good to establish a baseline. As a buyer, you don't want to spend so much on a home that you move in with no cash for improvements and repairs. And as a seller, you should have a hard figure in mind of how much you want to make off the sale of your home. With a measured and informed approach, counteroffers can be your friend. Communicate often with your agent to let him or her know what you want from the sale.

When looking for 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 the perfect choice. Maybe land for sale in Taos or Angel Fire might be what you are looking for to build your "dream home" or live "off the grid" in a stunning Taos Earthship 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 Taos 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 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 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 for 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.

Taken from a Zillow Article

Being ready with the right questions can strengthen your position come offer time.

When you're looking to buy something as expensive as a home there's no room for error. Every open house presents an opportunity to land that hidden gem, or to sniff out an overpriced dud. Visiting an open house gives you, the prospective buyer, an opportunity to speak directly to the seller's agent. The best way to take advantage of this personal meeting? Be prepared. Get the inside scoop by asking these questions:

1.How many offers have been made?

If the agent has already received offers, she'll probably be eager to share the news with you -- in hopes that you'll bid as well and drive up the price. Make sure to anticipate the conversation by asking her directly how many offers have been made on the home so that you can negotiate accordingly.

2.Has the asking price fluctuated?

Your agent can find out how many times the price has shifted since the home was first listed, but the seller's agent will likely jump at the chance to explain why. Perhaps the price dropped because the seller has to move on a tight timeline. Info like this might even clue you in that the list price is somewhat flexible -- and you can use that to your advantage when it's time to draft your offer letter.

3. Why do the sellers want to move?

If the sellers are moving because the area is unsafe, the schools are terrible, or the neighbor practices the drums at midnight, their agent will be loath to share those details with you. But it's important to ask this question anyway, and do your best to try to read between the lines.

4. How long has the property been on the market?

You can find this information yourself on Trulia, or by asking your agent, but the seller's agent will be able to put this information in context. Perhaps it's been on the market for a long time, but only because the sellers received an offer from a buyer whose financing fell through. Or perhaps the house went on the market this week, but the sellers have had a lot of interest and expect it to sell quickly. All of this is useful when you're deciding whether to make an offer.

5. Are there any issues with the home?

The seller is required to tell potential buyers about any known structural problems or code violations. It's standard to ask for a written seller's disclosure, so request one -- and if you're lucky, a talkative agent or seller might reveal more in person.

6. When was the house last updated?

Clearly visible updates, like new appliances or a fresh coat of paint, are easy to identify. However, features like the age of the roof and wiring that aren't easily seen are equally as important and need to be questioned. Come prepared with a list of features you want to inquire about, but gauge the relative mood of the agent and seller before diving into nitty-gritty questions at the open house.

7. How much do utilities cost?

You need to know what you're getting into before you make an offer. Ask to see recent utility bills. If you're moving from an apartment into a single-family home, you might be surprised at the impact utility bills have on your budget.

8. What's the seller's timeline?

Sometimes sellers choose a buyer's offer simply because of timing. Perhaps they want to sell quickly because of a job offer, or delay the sale so their kids can finish the school year. The more you know about what the sellers want, the more easily you can work around it -- and put together a tempting offer while getting a good deal on the price.

9. Where can I get a bite to eat?

Getting directions to a local eatery or coffee shop will tell you a lot about your neighborhood. If there's a retail strip close by that locals frequent and feel proud of, chances are, you'll love it too.

10. What are the neighbors like?

Is the neighborhood kid-friendly? Are there lots of retired people? Is there a thriving bar scene on the weekends? Some people are fine doing their own thing and don't require (or want) a tight-knit neighborhood. But other people are much happier if they're surrounded by kindred souls who are in a similar stage of life. The seller's agent will be able to give valuable information about the people you'd be rubbing shoulders with, if you choose to buy. And don't forget: While open houses are great venues to ask questions and listen, be careful not to give away more than you want to about your own situation. Being discreet about your finances and how much you love the home will benefit you when it's time to bargain for a good price.

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.

Taken from a Trulia Blog

1. Fall real estate can be more of a buyer's market A buyer's market means you, as a buyer, are in the driver's seat. You might find that competition is down for homes after Labor Day, meaning you're probably in a buyer's market. And this is significant. "I find that I am able to negotiate better prices for buyers [during September and October] because we have less competition and the market is slower."

2. Vacation-home sellers see action

"If you start looking for a vacation home in the fall, you can have it purchased and furnished by spring." Winter is also a popular vacation time, particularly for skiers and people who love ice-skating and snow tubing. If you buy at a ski resort in the fall, you can enjoy the resort yourself or earn some serious dollars renting the place to winter-wonderland enthusiasts. "Resort communities, like in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains, offer robust winter rentals," "Purchasing in the fall allows a buyer to see immediate rental income from their property during peak holiday times."

3. Home prices, like leaves, fall

Many people list their home for sale during what they think will be the best time to sell: summer. And it often is. "Summer is peak selling season." But not everyone is successful. "When a property hasn't sold by Labor Day, sellers will reevaluate asking prices, creating greater room for negotiation."

4. There's no deadline for most fall home buyers

"Plenty of buyers have aspirations of moving in by certain holidays. But that can always be adjusted depending on the financial implications." Let's say you prefer to be in your new home by Thanksgiving, but you can get a better deal if you wait. You'll probably adjust accordingly.

So whether you are looking for real estate in Angel Fire or Taos we have many homes and condos to choose from. If you desire to build your" Dream Home" we have multiple lots or larger acreage in Taos and Angel Fire. Perhaps you are looking to live " off the grid" check out the Taos Earthships we have listed. We are here to help with all of your home buying needs. We have two locations to serve you, in Taos contact us at 575 758-5852. Angel Fire Real Estate office number is 575 377-2626.To speak directly to an agent call 575 770-3306. Our knowledgeable staff will go that extra mile.

Information obtained from Trulia.

To understand how interest rates will change in the future, let's look at the trends we've seen since 2010: Interest rates fell to historic lows, and buyers enjoyed those low rates on new mortgages. Rates bottomed out at an average of 3.66% in 2012, then rose only slightly in the years since. In 2015, the annual average rates rested at 3.85%. What's next? Interest rate predictions for 2016 initially said we'd finally see them start rising again. But several events have changed that outlook. Between the surprising Brexit vote and the tumultuous presidential election cycle, homebuyers need to look at re-evaluated interest rate predictions before locking in a mortgage. If you're looking to buy a home soon, check out what interest rates could look like on your mortgage.

1.Predicting interest rates can help strengthen your strategy

Predictions are just educated guesses, and relying on a guess isn't wise. But there's still a lot of value in making these predictions. "This makes our plan stronger and more resilient."Good financial planning encourages us to take action on the things we can control and to make sure our plan can survive whatever happens that we cannot control," Bartelt says. "In this case, it's interest rates and the reaction of the market."

2. Interest rates seem unlikely to rise anytime soon "Interest rates will stay lower longer than most people would imagine," says Kirk Chisholm, principal of Innovative Advisory Group. "There is disinflation and deflation in many parts of the world, many developed countries have negative interest rates, and the U.S., being the world's reserve currency, is in no position to raise rates dramatically. It is highly improbable that 10-year Treasury interest rates will rise above 3% in the near future

3. Prepare for when interest rates do rise

"Commentators have been saying that interest rates will rise for the last six or seven years, and it hasn't happened yet!" says Daniel Frankel, CFP and founding principal of Wealth Collab. He notes that it's easy to say interest rates will rise. But determining exactly when is the tricky part. "When interest rates do rise, they could do so very quickly," he explains. "The markets are economic prediction engines. If expectations change, the market will react before you have time to adjust course."Frankel says. "Don't assume you have time to wait. Don't try to wait for mortgage rates to drop another 0.25%," he advises. And most importantly? "Don't get an adjustable-rate mortgage thinking that you can refinance into a fixed rate later." Eric Lai, a financial planner with Archvest Wealth Advisors, says it's important to remember that when the Fed raises the rate, it affects only the rates today. "Longer-term rates such as the 10-year Treasury are determined by the marketplace, or the supply and demand for Treasuries," Lai says. Mortgage rates, he notes, are most highly correlated with the 10-year rate.

4. Interest rates shouldn't drive your purchase

"It's entirely possible that the Federal Reserve will begin raising interest rates in December if they decide against raising them during their September meeting," says Erik Klumpp, CFP and founder of Chessie Advisors. But as other experts have hinted at, that doesn't mean you need to take drastic action if you want to buy a home."Interest rates shouldn't be the main factor for anyone looking to purchase a home," Klumpp says. "Even if rates were to increase 0.25% or 0.50%, we're still at or near historically low mortgage rates. For someone looking to purchase a home

5. Consider other factors before you buy

Instead of just going by interest rates to make a buying decision, Klumpp suggests, look at other factors. He advises having money saved for a down payment, making sure your budget can handle a monthly mortgage payment, and deciding if you want to stay in the same location for a minimum of five years. Erik Kroll, a CFP who founded the financial planning firm Hilltop Advisors, agrees: "Even if you think that rates will go up, you shouldn't feel it's now or never, or that you will save money in the long term by buying before rates rise." "Rates may not go up, meaning you still could have gotten a relatively good deal if you waited.". Evaluate the entire picture to determine whether now is the right time for you to buy.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, look to New Mexico Mountain Properties in Angel Fire and Taos, NM 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

From testing the shower to scoping out how a home's storage measures up, here's how to sleuth out some really important features that you can't judge from a listing.

1. Play the private-eye Before you step foot in a potential new place, play the role of private investigator and do a few drive-bys. What's the foot traffic like in the neighborhood? Do the strolling neighbors look more like young professionals or marrieds with children? How much noise do the neighbors make? (Sneak in a Saturday night visit to get the full taste.) If you drive to work, test your morning and evening commutes and time how long it takes you.

2. Head out on a walking tour Once you've stalked the place by vehicle, it's time to repeat on foot. See how long it takes you to get to the nearest coffee shop or restaurant, and make sure you love the local cuisine or cup of joe.

3. Test-drive the plumbing Don't get seduced by the stand-up shower with the exposed copper pipes and wraparound glass doors -- try it out yourself. (Really, it's not that weird.) How hard is the pressure? How quickly does the water heat up? Test the bathroom and kitchen sinks while you're at it. Water pressure shouldn't be a deal breaker, but low pressure could indicate a damaging leak and more water problems (and expenses) down the road.

4. Test the windows Even if it's chilly, open a few windows, especially in the room that may be your future master bedroom. Can you hear a lot of traffic or neighborly noise? Do your windows seem to bring in a lot of cross breezes, or do neighboring buildings block the airflow? When the windows are closed, can you feel drafts around the edge of the frames? Windows are crucial for the look and feel of your home.

5. Go into the light If the open house happens on a cloudy day, schedule a follow-up visit when the sun is out. See how the natural light flows through each room, especially high-traffic areas. If a room seems especially dark, consider whether the paint color is causing the problem. On the same note, you'll want to see how dark the bedrooms can get. Close all the shades in all the bedrooms and see if the light still filters through; you might want to throw room-darkening shades onto your shopping list.

6. Listen up This is a biggie -- condo sounds in particular can drive homeowners insane. Make multiple visits to a unit to catch surrounding neighbors when they're home and making noise. If there are multiple condos for sale in the building, bring a friend and have her walk around upstairs or in the adjacent unit to see how noise travels. And be sure to ask if children live in the building; the pitter-patter of little feet is far less charming to those who live below them. Once you've assessed noise levels, you should determine how sound travels within the home. Turn on the dryer to hear how loud it is. March around in the guest bedroom to determine how thick the walls are. If you'll need to invest in sound insulation and throw rugs, it's better to know now.

7. Scope out storage Some sellers clear their homes of all clutter, but many don't. Rather than turn up your nose at an overstuffed bedroom closet, take out the tape measure and record some dimensions. The space may be larger than it seems; you can also take those measurements home and plan out a closet scheme online to see how much stuff it can really handle.

8. Don't forget your marbles Are those newly stained hardwood floors level? Bring a marble to find out. Discreetly place the marble on the hardwood floors: Does it stay put or start rolling? If the slope is especially steep, there might be a structural problem at play, but even a slightly uneven floor can become a bargaining chip.

When buying a new home let us 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. Looking for a condo for sale in Angel Fire or Taos Ski Valley? 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. Information obtained from Trulia.

There are many things happening in the Enchanted Circle this fall. Here are just a few things you may want to do while visiting. Fall Events in Angel Fire

* Cross – country biking and hiking (ongoing) * Scenic chairlift ride (open until Oct.16) * Largest downhill mountain biking park in the Rockies (open until Oct.16) * Golf at Angel Fire Country Club (open until Oct.16) * Zipline Adventure Tours (open until Oct.16) * Monte Verde Lake, fishing, hiking and picnic areas (open until Oct.31) * ATV/ off-roading (Angel Fire Excursions (575)377-2799) * Horseback riding (Roadrunner 575 Tours (575)377-6416) * Enchanted Circle scenic byway drive (maps available) * Kids' downhill bike clinic (Oct.2) * Oktoberfest dinner at Elements Featuring Chef Matias Klement (Oct.7) * Tour of the Enchanted Circle Angel Fire Open Disc Golf Tournament * Angel Fire Rotary Clubs' annual Oktober Fall Harvest Festival (live music, local beer, pumpkins, kid's zone, Oct.15) * Thanksgiving Day buffet at Elements (Nov.24) * Angel Fire Ski Season Begins (Dec.9)

October is beautiful in the Sangre de Christo Mountains. While you are taking in the glorious fall foliage, you may want to check out the fabulous Angel Fire homes for sale. Or, perhaps one of our Angel Fire condos may suit your requirements better. You can view all of Angel Fire listings by clicking on Angel Fire Multiple Listing Service. We also have amazing land in Angel Fire for sale with awesome views of the spectacular display of golden aspen against the dark pine forests...whether you are looking for small lots to build your Angel Fire dream home or larger parcels of land we can assist you. Our knowledgeable Angel Fire real estate brokers at New Mexico Mountain Properties are here to serve all of your real estate needs....just stop by our office at the junction of Highway 64 and 434 ( the big log home with the tipi ) or give us a call (575) 377-2626. Now is the best time of year to purchase real estate in Angel Fire !

If your walls could talk, they might say, "Don't paint me lime green." According to Trulia's Brie Dyas Our homes may be a reflection of ourselves, but this philosophy can backfire when you're putting a property up for sale. If you're about to enter the market and are in doubt about how your home's style will appeal to buyers, here are five home-decorating trends that real estate experts have identified as potential buyer turnoffs.

1. Bold colors

Bad paint colors instantly turn off buyers -- but it's one of the cheapest things to fix. Most important? Keep the paint color consistent throughout the home

2. Shiny hardware and accessories

"One of the major trends now is all about chrome, metallic, and shiny finishes," says Veronique Perrin. Although you'll see kitchens with plenty of brass, copper, and polished nickel on Pinterest, it's worth it to go with the classics -- like brushed nickel -- and use them sparingly. "There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and subtle and understated always stands the test of time," Perrin says. –

3. Open bathrooms

It turns out that you can take the idea of an open floor plan too far. "The trend of an open master tub in the master bedroom should never have been started," says F. Ron Smith. "No one really wants to shower or bathe in the middle of a bedroom.

4. Converted rooms

It might have made sense to turn the spare bedroom into a space dedicated to your favorite hobby. The problem? A buyer sees this as an in-home yoga studio instead of a third bedroom. In the luxury market, such conversions are especially common in smaller spaces. "Dedicated gyms that are the size of a maid's room are underwhelming," Smith says. "Don't put a treadmill and yoga mat in to call it a gym. Proportion is everything."

5. Wall-to-wall carpeting

Some would argue that carpets never fully went out of style. While lush carpeting can feel like a dream underfoot and can be easier to maintain than other flooring options, many buyers see it as a downside (even if it's high-quality carpet). Everyone wants to see hardwood floors. They're always in style, and work with any decor scheme.

So if you are buying a home, in Taos or Angel Fire or selling your Angel Fire or Taos home, these steps may help. When purchasing a condo in the Taos area or over the mountain to Angel Fire again remember these tips. While searching for the perfect home in the Angel Fire / Taos area we have two locations to help you with all your Real Estate needs. If looking for Taos Real Estate call us at (575)758-5852. If your search is geared to condos or homes in the Angel Fire area contact our office (575)377-2626.

Welcome to the serene beauty of Northern New Mexico. Whether you are looking to buy a home in Taos, a condo in the Taos Ski Valley, maybe even an Earthship out near the Gorge, call (575) 758- 5852. You will be enamored with the beauty that surrounds. Take a trip around the Enchanted Circle notice the diversity in the homes for sale in Taos or the Angel Fire homes for sale. When looking for real estate in Angel Fire contact us at (575) 377-2626. Fall is approaching, the time is now to buy real estate in Taos and Angel Fire. Come enjoy what New Mexico has to offer. Warm sunshine during the days, cool fresh crisp evenings. When looking for homes for sale in Angel Fire or that perfect condo in Taos we have two offices for your convenience.

According to Zillow, article written by Brendon Desimone, 5 Stops on Your Home-Buying Journey

1.Explore, discover and dream

Viewing photos and reading listing descriptions online gives you a chance to dream, and imagine all of the things you would want in a house

2.Check things out in person

Soon your research will lead you to an excellent house, a great deal, or both

3.Hook up with a good local agent

Having a good local agent on your side makes all the difference for such an expensive and infrequent transaction. Be sure to ask plenty of questions as you're getting to know a prospective agent.

4.Trust your gut Be open to letting your feelings and emotions spill out. You might feel remorse later if you don't listen to your instincts. Case in point: First-time buyers in Bedford, NY fell in love with a home with an incredible kitchen and views as far as the eye can see. The data online told them they should pay no more than 96 percent of the asking price, and they stuck to their guns. The home sold at the asking price, and they kicked themselves months later when they were still looking for a home. In this case, the home was worth every last penny, and they missed out.

5.Dig in

Before long, you'll find yourself looking at listings online every day, and on the open house circuit every week. At this stage, work closely with your agent to monitor new listings, and see as many homes as you can.

The more you see, the more you'll learn the market. Eventually, your search will become laser-focused on one or two areas. When the right home comes along, you'll know it. But it takes some time digging in and learning the market to build up the confidence to get to this place. The time and effort will all be worth it, however, when you walk through the door of your new home for the first time.

Who: Ragnar Relay - www.ragnartrail.com/locations/angel-fire-nm

When: August 19-20, 2016 (set up will take place the week preceding the event) Race begins 10am on Friday the 19th and concludes 4pm Saturday the 20th. Runners will be racing through the night. All guests will have departed by Sunday afternoon. Set up will begin earlier in the week up to the event date on the 19th.

What: A long-distance, overnight mega-relay race across the Moreno Valley. Groups of runners, families, and friends will be lodging, camping, dining, and celebrating here in Angel Fire! We can expect to see an estimated 1,400 guests over the weekend keeping our community busy. The race covers a lot of ground running though the green belt trails, crossing the highway, and heading up the Angel Fire Resort mountain to run back down to the finish line at a tally of 115 miles total. We can expect unusually high levels of activity around the base area as runners complete segments of the race through the night. Campers will fill lots leading from the Lodge down to Shuter Library, and all additional parking will be full. The high-elevation, adventure course spans 115 miles long, with each runner averaging 15 miles each. Over three different trails the relay racers will experience breathtaking views of the Moreno Valley, the Sangre de Cristo range and New Mexico's highest mountain, Wheeler Peak. An illustration map can be found here: http://www.ragnartrail.com/img/how-it-works-large.jpg The race takes an average of 22 hours to complete. Teams will begin in staggered start times between 10 am and 7 pm on Friday, August 19th and will continue throughout the night, finishing on Saturday, August 20th. About Ragnar Based in Utah, Ragnar is the largest overnight running relay series in the United States. Traversing inspiring and scenic destinations around the country, these events make testing your limits a team sport. In the Ragnar Relay Series, teams of 12 run a 200-mile relay over two days and one night; in Ragnar Trail Relays, teams of 8 run a 120-mile trail relay over the same time span. The more than 100,000 runners that participate each year embrace their inner wild to conquer what they thought impossible; sacrifice sleep for unforgettable moments and cross the finish line to receive our glorious finisher medals (Relay / Trail) and coveted Double Medals.

What to Expect: The race is expected to bring in over 1400 guests who will be camping, staying in Lodges condominiums, the RV Resort, and private rental homes throughout the Angel Fire region. Promoters indicated friends, family, and support crews are expected to eat at local restaurants, shop and participate in local activities while here in Angel Fire.

The Ragnar Village: Participants in the Ragnar Relay are coming from all points across the US, with a concentration joining us from: New Mexico Arizona Colorado Texas Utah Nevada Where to Watch: Ragnar Village will be in the Green Lot on Aspen Street near the Angel Fire Lodge. This is where all loops start and finish so is the area of most activity. There will be numerous vendors and sponsors with food, drink and product demos. There is no charge to come and observe the race so come on down and check it out.

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.

When it comes to selling your home, the last thing you want to do is hold up a sale because of a simple problem that could have been identified by investing in a home inspection. While it may not be the No. 1 item on your to-do list as you prepare to list your home, a home inspection is an integral piece of the puzzle. Bringing to light any problems or issues that need to be addressed, a home inspection can save you a lot of time, money and headaches.

Here are some of the most common problems a home inspector can unearth.

Bedroom Windows.

All rooms listed as bedrooms must have an operating window with 5 square feet of clearance for fire escape. Bedrooms must also have heat. If a home is listed with three bedrooms, and one does not meet both these requirements, it cannot legally be called a bedroom.

Furnaces and Compressors.

Rust in the heat exchange is a common problem that shows up during home inspections. Another common problem involves missing insulation where required by code at the time the house was built, or an improvement or replacement was installed. Electrical Issues.

Common electrical code violations include electrical junctions not enclosed in a junction box, a lack of GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, or reverse-polarity on outlets. These are inexpensive things to repair, but by not doing so, it can hold up a sale.

Lifesaving Equipment.

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are required by law in most states, and not having them will be considered a code violation.

Plumbing.

A number of plumbing issues are very common, with violations ranging from dripping faucets to loose toilets and improper drainage.

Structural Problems.

While these can be more expensive to fix, if they aren't taken care of properly, they can prolong a sale. Violations in this area include rotten wood trim around windows and doors, rotten or decontaminating siding and missing flashing on roofs or above windows and doors.

Extra Rooms.

If you had your basement fixed up at some point while living in the home, or even added a sun room, be sure you have the proper permits in place. This will need to be taken care of before any sale can go through.

Don't put your home sale in jeopardy because of code violations that can be easily fixed. Hire an inspector, make the necessary changes and enjoy the comfort it brings when the closing comes to fruition.

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.