Ensure your lender is quoting correctly. Rate quotes are predicated on a loan closing in a certain number of days. Longer rate locks have higher rates, and lock extensions can eat away refinance savings. If you see one rate quote lower than another when you shop, ask that lender what their rate lock period is, and make sure they can close your loan within their rate lock period.

Ask about timing. Lenders get extremely busy during rate dips, so ask your lender to confirm that they're quoting a rate that allows them enough time to close your loan. (If they cant, you can look into finding a new lender.)

Don't forget your second mortgage. Your second mortgage holder must agree to the terms of your new first mortgage refinance before the refinance can close. This is required even if you have a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) with a zero balance. This step will add time to the process, so make sure lenders you're shopping with know this as they're quoting rates.

Get ready to provide documents again. Even if you refinance with a lender you've worked with before, federal laws require them to update your employment, income, asset, and debt documentation for a new loan.

When do refi costs break even? A typical refinance costs $2,000 to $4,000, depending on your market. Interest cost savings from the refi should repay closing costs within 24 to 36 months. A refinance calculator can help you estimate your break even time.

And don't forget that a no-cost refinance isn't actually without cost. You're just accepting a higher rate to enable your lender to credit closing costs. Make sure your lender compares long-term savings of cost vs. no-cost refi options.

Reminder for home buyers A rate lock runs with a borrower and a property, so as a home buyer, you cannot lock a mortgage rate until you are in contract to buy a home.

Rate dips like the current one tipped off by the Brexit vote benefit you as a home shopper because you are likely get to lock a lower rate when you get into contract. But until then, you're subject to daily rate market movements.

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

These real-life stories of unconventional sales tactics might unleash your creative side.

Why one home in a neighborhood sells in a matter of hours while the next one sits for more than a month is one of the great mysteries of real estate. Sometimes the reasons are obvious: The house that sits is overpriced, needs repairs, or is near something undesirable -- like a detention pond, train tracks, or a boarded-up house next door.

But sometimes, there isn't an obvious reason for a house that sits on the market week after week -- people just aren't interested. Times like these might call for drastic measures. Before you dramatically slash your home's price or spend thousands on renovations or remodels, why not try an outside-the-box idea, like offering to pay for snowplow services in upstate New York?

Here are seven stories from homebuyers and sellers who successfully bought or sold their homes in a hurry -- and with a healthy dose of ingenuity.

1. Include an animal or pet with the sale

Glenn S. Phillips of Birmingham, AL, is an experienced real estate agent, so when he wanted to buy his first house, he knew he could try asking for certain extras ... but a dog? Asking a seller for their pet typically crosses the line, but Phillips' case was different. "The dog was a recent stray that the owner was unsure she would take with her," he says. "So it was actually in the dog's best interest, and he was very loved."

There are other ways to use animals to speed up your home sale. All states offer some sort of tax exemption for properties zoned as agricultural. So if you're selling in a rural area, and if the zoning regulations allow you to operate a small farm, use that to your advantage. "[My client] wanted three of the seller's mini cows included in the transaction," says Pennie Arneson, a Miami, FL, agent. "[The seller] agreed to leave them on the property but wanted to maintain ownership." That wasn't all this creative buyer wanted -- she wanted a horse thrown in too! The seller balked, saying, "Lady, I don't even have a horse." But Arneson solved the problem with a visit to a local horse rescue. And the story has a happy ending: "Property sold. Horse saved. Mini cows never knew anything changed," says Arneson.

2. Be like a game show host and give away a car

Although the population is growing faster in suburbs than in cities, according to a Trulia survey, some people do move to city centers from the burbs. Case in point: Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal, who wanted to sell his house in the burbs -- in Murfreesboro, TN, to be exact -- and move to the city. "I really didn't need my car, which at the time was a 2-year-old Nissan Maxima," he says. "I parked the car in the front yard with a big sign, 'Car Comes with House!'" The outcome? Caballero sold his house in fewer than three days.

The very wealthy typically enjoy giveaways too. Tracie Copeland, a South Florida agent, says she's seen lots of crazy things in the Palm Beach County real estate market. One of the craziest? "I've seen a listing for a multimillion[-dollar] water estate in Hypoluxo Island that came with a brand-new Bentley Continental GT -- a car that retails for around $300,000."

3. Suggest your buyer work out, but do so tactfully

Everyone knows what receiving breath mints on your desk at work means: You have bad breath. But because a gift is involved, it's usually an acceptable way for a co-worker to convey this information. Similarly, you might run the risk of offending people by offering a free gym membership with the home ... unless you're in Los Angeles, CA, where people work out as often as they sleep. Andrew Reeves, founder of Luxe Translation Services, promised to pay a year's gym membership for anyone who bought his LA home. "I was ready and willing to pay their setup and monthly fees ... as long as they bought my house," he says.

4. Be neighborly

This story comes from across the pond, in London, England, but it could just as easily happen in Akron, OH, or Peoria, IL. Jamal Asskoumi, owner of an online estate agency, tells the story of a seller with a luxurious property who could not generate much interest in her home. When she did get someone to come by, she put out cookies, which the potential buyer complimented. "The seller took this [compliment] and ran with it," says Asskoumi. "She hand-delivered a batch of cookies to the buyer's current house every single day for an entire week." Caution: This approach could gain you a restraining order. In this case, however, the tactic sweetened the deal -- and worked. "The buyer bought the property," says Asskoumi.

5. Create buzz

If people can post on social media about what they make for dinner every night (even though they probably shouldn't), why not post something that could interest potential buyers, such as the progress you're making on remodeling a house? Susan Naftulin of Rehab Financial Group tells the tale of a client who was rehabbing an investment property before selling it. "She created a Facebook page where she documented the rehab from the day she bought the property, describing what had been done and showing pictures almost every day," she says. People took note, the same way they do when awaiting a grand opening of a new restaurant. "When the property was about half done, she started getting inquiries about pricing. Before the property was finished, she had several offers and sold it immediately upon completion at full asking price." Win!

6. Use the latest technology

Using a drone to get cool aerial listing photos is a hot new trend -- but make sure you can do so legally. The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits most commercial use of drones. To take real estate photos, you'd first need to apply for an exemption to operate commercially. Some sellers even scan their home for a virtual reality (VR) experience. Right now, selling homes through VR is mostly limited to the rich and famous. But just imagine being able to give a tour of your home instantly to people who live anywhere in the world. (That day is coming!)

7. Rethink conventional buyers

If you're in a hurry to sell your house -- or have a would-be buyer who's struggling with mortgage approvals -- you do have other options. You could offer an assumable mortgage, wherein the new owner just takes over the seller's mortgage payments. Or consider seller financing, wherein you're the seller and the lender. If you're having trouble selling and you own your home outright, advertise that you can finance the deal and see if the offer brings in new buyers.

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

With a non distressed sale you will most likely pay closer to market value as seller's emotions and motivations are often involved but things usually move along at a reasonable rate. If things need fixed, there is a good chance the seller can and will fix them. They are usually the easiest all around.

With short sales, you first have the homeowner who may have no to little to normal motivation to move and second a bank with potentially long response times etc. There is no money to fix problems as the seller gets nothing from the sale. Banks sometimes assist in repairs but not often. That can create a problem with FHA or VA loans if the loan is dependent on repairs but short sale homes are usually purchased at a discount from market value. The long wait can play havoc with buyers on a more rigid moving schedule and there is the distinct possibility the home will go into foreclosure while you are trying to buy it. I have had it happen. At that point you may have to start over when it comes back on the market as a foreclosure.

Foreclosures are usually easier. The bank must sell at whatever price they can get. There is no emotion involved and no option to just keep it. Their price may not be very flexible the moment it gets listed but as time goes by the price will go down or become more negotiable until it sells. Response time is usually reasonable. Like short sales, repairs can go either way depending on the bank but most of the time they want to sell as is and if that means taking a lower price so be it. The greatest savings over market value can be had with foreclosures and they tend to be easy and fast provided there are no major repairs for the loan to be approved. You often have to pay both sides of the transfer tax but often the bank will pay for title insurance and that makes it almost a wash.

As for your personal decision of which to buy, you will have to weigh the +'s and -'s. Financing is probably the biggest factor. It is far easier for most people to finance a $200,000 home needing no repairs than to buy a $150,000 home needing $50,000 in repairs as they have no way of getting the extra 50k after the purchase unless they do the 203k loan. That loan in itself is a fair bit of work as you have to have estimates for the repairs from contractors ahead of time. If you have good access to money and a flexible purchase window, a foreclosures and short sales are great options. You may have to be more patient in choosing one that fits what you are capable of where as a non distressed sale homes have more likelihood of being ready to occupy as is.

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

Writing an offer letter sellers will love might seem like a no-brainer, but don't underestimate this powerful tool.

It's like striking gold: After hours of scouring homes for sale in Atlanta, GA, or Seattle, WA, you've found the house of your dreams. In fact, you went home last night and played a little game of Where Does the Sofa Go? But before you can say "home sweet home," there's an offer to be made (and accepted). While these three tips won't guarantee that your offer will be chosen, they will help you be competitive, and you'll be one step closer to landing your dream home.

1. Carefully consider your approach

If you think your dream home's listing price is just a place to begin negotiations, think again. First, have a conversation with your real estate agent here at New Mexixco Mountain Properties. Looking at comparable homes will give you a better idea of the seller's asking price in relation to similar properties and can help you shape your offer based on property-specific amenities and location.

Next, you should decide how you'll pay for your purchase: cash or financing. Cash offers can sometimes command a lower selling price since there aren't mortgage details to sort through and the sale should close faster. If you're using financing but can offer a quick close (less than 30 days), take that into consideration in your offer price -- your real estate agent may be able to leverage a quick close to sweeten the deal.

If you're thinking of submitting a lowball offer, engage in a candid conversation with your real estate agent. Agents know the market well and might even know a thing or two about the listing agent through previous sales. There are certain times when a lowball offer might start favorable negotiations, but there are many others when such an offer can derail the reality of landing your dream home. If you decide to submit an offer substantially below the listing price, be prepared for a negotiation process-- or a flat-out "no."

When you're ready to make your offer, back it up with everything the seller needs to know. You want the seller to believe that yours is the one offer to look at twice. Be sure to include completed offer paperwork with signatures where they belong, and make sure you're asking for seller concessions that make sense for the market.

2. Weigh the pros and cons of your requests for repairs

Maybe you're looking to have some of your closing costs covered. Perhaps you just want the old, worn-out carpeting replaced. Asking for seller concessions is a normal part of the offer process, but you need to know what you can reasonably expect.

If you're in a competitive bidding situation, odds are that the seller is going to choose the offer requiring the least amount of work on the seller's part. Work with your real estate professional to make a list of "musts" and "would like" items for the sellers to tackle. You can put these concessions side by side with your offer price and see what makes for the most compelling deal. Bottom line: If you're negotiating and something's got to give, consider your requested concessions to stay competitive.

3. Don't be swayed by emotions

One step that's important not to forget in the offer process is setting a maximum price. If you're financing, you will have a purchase ceiling from your mortgage lender, but when the perfect home comes along, it's easy for heartstrings to overrule good financial sense. Ask yourself realistically, how much can you comfortably carry as a mortgage payment each month? How much is that home really worth? How long do you plan on staying in the home, and does that justify a higher-than-asking price? Remember, the tips we're including here are for traditional sales, not short sales or purchases of bank-owned properties. Those types of transactions have nuances all their own.

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

Buyers' biggest real estate fears sometimes hold them back from buying -- not just around Halloween, but throughout the year. The scary thing is, these fears are sometimes well-founded. Here are some of the issues that commonly keep home buyers awake at night, and what you can do about them. "The house has a cracked foundation, dry rot, or a leaky roof" Renovating, fixing and repairing are on few buyers' wish lists. When faced with the home of their dreams, they fear the inspection. What if there is dry rot, or a roof or foundation issue?

Most homes will need routine maintenance, and a good inspector will point this out. But it's important not to let your fears get the best of you. Much of what the inspector comes up with during the inspection is for informational purposes only. Every problem does not need to be repaired right away. The inspector's job is to point out every issue he sees in the house. Ask him to explain how bad the issue is, and how long it can go before needing replacement or repair. If an issue arises that needs immediate attention, go back to the seller and see if they will repair or credit you back to repair after you close.

"I'll lose my deposit"

Buyers typically put in an earnest money deposit with a signed contract. Typically, this is 3 percent of the purchase price. The seller does not cash the check. Instead, the money sits in an escrow account and can't be released without both parties' signatures.

It's nearly impossible for a buyer to lose their deposit. If you have an inspection, disclosure review or loan contingencies, work closely with your real estate agent to mark those timeframes. If you need to remove these contingencies in writing, plan to firm things up a day in advance. If you are in negotiations around a contingency date, be sure to extend the contingency date to keep yourself under contract. "I'll lose the house"

If you find the home of your dreams, you may have to move fast. Particularly in competitive markets, many homes sell before the first open house to quick acting and super-motivated buyers. If you see a new listing hit the market, be sure to let your agent know right away. Try to make an appointment to see the home as soon as possible.

Also, find out immediately how the seller's agent plans to handle any offers received. Sometimes they will take the first offer, especially if it's a good one. More often than not, the seller and the agent will have an offer date to review offers or ask for best and final offers by a certain day.

If you are travelling or busy with work, be sure not to miss out on your dream home. Be in constant contact with your agent, and flag potential homes that look like a great fit.

"My agent doesn't have my best interest in mind"

Great agents are always on the prowl for new properties, checking out the market and protecting your best interest at all times. Some buyers fear that their agent might have different motivations, or that they aren't on the same page. If you have doubts, change agents. Never settle or take any random agent that comes along as your buyer's agent.

You and your agent should be committed to each other. Sit down before you begin the process and speak to your agent, much like a job interview. And if you have any doubts about your agent's abilities or motivations, find another agent.

"We'll never find a house in time for..."

A real estate purchase should never be rushed. If you have a firm deadline creeping up, make a plan B. For example, many buyers face an expiring lease or a school application deadline. If you are three months out from a deadline and you haven't found a house, take the pressure off by putting an alternate plan in place.

Home buying is an expensive and complicated transaction. You don't want to rush into a purchase and make a mistake. It's much easier and safer to get another rental or find a temporary address or try some out-of-the-box idea. It may be a little inconvenient, but you can handle it.

If something scares you about a home, the buying process, or a third-party involved in the sale, voice your concerns. Listen to your voice of reason, and stick with your gut. Many home buyers' initial fears will fall by the wayside as the buyer gets into the market. Take it slow, and don't be afraid to take a step back to allow time and space to think things through. It's better to take your time than to let buying your dream home become a nightmare.

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

The snow is now melting and it will be time to hike at higher elevations. For now, the lower-elevation hikes near the river are still good choices in the morning and on the cooler days. Las Minas Trail begins at the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center in Pilar. You can visit the center for maps and advise. The trail begins at just more than 6000 feet and climbs 400 feet to the over-look bench. The hike is moderately steep in this section, and there's a sprinkling of wildflowers on the trail. Look for the scarlet paint brush lavender-colored phlox, white evening primrose and the purple pincushion cactus.

After the first overlook the trail heads southeast away from the edge. Continue on the rocky trail as it switches back towards the rim. An additional climb of 500 feet and about a mile of hiking bring the hiker to a flat overlook spot with views to the Rio Grande and all the way to Pedernal to the southwest. This is a good spot for lunch to end the hike or rest before continuing on.

Be sure to bring enough water for everyone in your group, including dogs. There are no water sources available and I can be hot on a clear day. On the way home, you may want to consider a visit to the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center. If you plan to stay more than a half hour there is a $3 per day use, payable at the fee stations.

If you are feeling adventurous on the way home, you can continue north of NM 570 and cross the Taos Junction Bridge. Drive 2 miles up the dirt road switchbacks for views down into the gorge. From the top of the rim, it is 8 miles north on the west rim road to the Rio Grande gorge bridge.

While you're visiting the Rio Grande gorge you may want to take some time out and come see our Modern, top of the line, efficient, luxuriant Earthship homes we have to offer in Taos, New Mexico, We also offer Land in Taos NM. Come see our vast selection of homes for sale in Taos New Mexico and Angel Fire New Mexico. Take a look at our condos for sale in the Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire Resort.

Whatever you are looking for we will help you find it, our agents go above and beyond the normal, and give exceptional service. Please call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos, or call Paula directly at 575-770-3306.

Different types of debt can boost your credit score -- but over borrowing can hurt you

When you're shopping for a mortgage, your credit score is a really big deal; it can make or break your mortgage approval and ultimately determine whether you get that home for sale in New Mexico. But before you analyze your credit score, it's important to look at how your existing debt affects that score.

Debt comes in two types: secured and unsecured. When you borrow money to buy a house, the bank can take back the house to recoup its money if you don't pay the debt. That means the debt is secured -- it's balanced against something you want to keep and gives the bank some measure of security that it can recover the money it lent you. Unsecured debt, on the other hand, means the bank can't reclaim what you're buying with the borrowed money. (Credit card debt and student loans are unsecured.) The following four key consumer loans affect your mortgage worthiness in different ways. Read on to find out what steps you can take to improve your credit if you have these loans (or are considering them), so you can qualify for the best mortgage rates out there.

1. Student loans

Student loans are unsecured debt, but they're not necessarily bad for your credit score if you pay your bills on time. Because they often take decades to pay off, student loans can actually help your score. Likewise, other loans held (and paid consistently) over a long period raise your score. Student loans will figure into your overall debt-to-income ratio, though, so a large student loan or other loan might affect your ability to qualify for (and afford!) a mortgage.

2. Auto loans

Auto loans are secured debt, because the lender can repossess the car if you don't pay up. In some cases, auto loans raise your credit score by diversifying the types of debt you carry. And because auto loans are harder to get than credit cards, some mortgage lenders may look favorably on you because you've already been approved for a loan that wasn't a slam-dunk.

3. Payday loans

Payday loans don't usually show up on your credit report. But if you default on the loan, it could ding your credit. These loans are unsecured -- the lender doesn't have any collateral -- and their interest rates are often exorbitant.

4. Existing mortgage loans

Mortgages are the classic example of a secured debt, because the bank has the ultimate collateral -- a piece of property. Mortgages, when paid on time, are great for your credit score. However, missed payments on previous mortgages will make your new lender nervous.

If you already have a mortgage and are applying for a second one, the new lender will want to be sure you can afford to pay both bills every month, so they will look closely at your debt-to-income ratio. If your second mortgage is for a rental property, you may expect the rental income to count toward the income side of the equation. However, most lenders won't count rental income until you've been a landlord for two years. Until then, you'll have to qualify for any additional mortgages by using documented income from other.

Here at New Mexico Mountain Properties we will help you locate the perfect home you're looking for. You will find beautiful mountain land for sale in Angel Fire, our homes for sale in Angel Fire capture the majestic mountain views. We also have condos for sale in Angel Fire, which gives you convenience of walking to the slopes. Or live off the land in our Earthships located in Taos, New Mexico.

Our knowledgeable brokers will help you with whatever you are looking for, We have the best Taos real estate agents and Angel Fire Real Estate agents to help you in your search. Please call us at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos, or call Paula directly at 575-770-3306.

Searching for a home and engaging with a real estate agent today is not the same as it was a generation ago. The space (both physical and virtual) between the buyer and the real estate agent was much larger, and coming together was slower and more methodical.

If a buyer saw a For Sale sign or an ad in the paper, they might call the real estate agency's office, get some information, and move on. Or they could walk into an open house solo. They could be rather anonymous.

But today's home buyers live online. They can click, text or email with agents, and seriously engage within hours. But does that mean they are active and serious buyers ready to transact? Not necessarily.

The real estate agent's experience

Meanwhile, real estate agents, who are commission-only independent contractors, will sometimes drive around for hours showing homes. They may take these buyers around for days or weeks, thinking they have a live client they can help. They might make an offer or two on behalf of the customer, even be present at a two- to three-hour-long home inspection ... all before the buyer decides to back out. They may buy a different house from the agent, or they may not.

Well-intentioned, hardworking agents can end up feeling like their time isn't valued -- particularly when they never hear from that buyer again.

Who's responsible?

Is it incumbent on the agent to be better at time management and qualifying their potential buyer clients? Or should the buyer be clear with the agent early on if they aren't serious just yet? I think that the consumer comes first, and it's up to the agent to better qualify -- as best they can. But it's also part of the business, and par for the course. Agents sign up for a sales job, and they can't win every deal. They need to ask lots of questions of their new "client" before offering up their time and cashing a paycheck that doesn't exist.

Some consumers relish the attention they receive from this new "friend" who will drive those places, show them around, and teach them something new about the world of real estate. If the buyer isn't paying for the agent's time, the reasoning often goes, why not take a few rides and see some great houses? But soon-to-be homeowners should be mindful of their intentions, and considerate of the resources the agent is delivering.

So what's a buyer to do?

Should everyone stop looking online or clicking the "Contact Agent" button? No way. Consumers should always feel free to click away, ask questions and gather information.

But they should be mindful of how things work once they start seriously engaging. Most buyers don't realize that there is a process to buying a home, and that it rarely happens overnight. From the time they first click on the photo of the killer master bathroom until they get the keys, it might be one year and three dozen (or more) house tours.

And if things don't feel right with the agent with whom you engage early on, move on. Keep researching independently, or get a referral for a good local agent. Or, better yet, just go with the flow and the right agent will come along organically.

And what about agents?

Real estate professionals need to understand that one text, click or email does not make an active buyer. A good agent has a handle on the sales process, and asks buyers lots of questions to get a read on them. A good agent fills their sales funnel with a mix of folks in all parts of the home buying process.

Early on, an agent needs to be a guiding light, resourceful and ready to answer questions. As some of their buyers get more serious, smart real estate pros know where to direct their attention.

The agents at New Mexico Mountain properties will be your guiding light, they are resourceful and always ready to answer any of your questions. Living in this beautiful valley you may choose to buy another angel fire home, or even convince a relative or friend to move here. If you do, choose NM Mountain Properties for all your real estate needs!! Call 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, Taos is 575-758-5852 or call an agent directly at 575-770-3306.

If you want to increase your profit potential, strategic home improvement ideas in these six categories -- some of which won't cost you a thing -- will give you the biggest return on your investment.

1. A budget-friendly kitchen remodel

Real estate agents will tell you time and again: Kitchens and baths are what sell a home. A dated kitchen can be a big turnoff, and there are lots of ways, both big and small, you can make yours as refreshing and inviting as possible, without investing in a total overhaul. When it comes to spiffing up your kitchen for resale, you don't need to majorly splurge to make a better impression on buyers.

Instead, bring the space to the point of what's known as "builder-grade luxury": Replace basic black appliances with stainless steel, for example, and ditch the laminate countertops in favor of granite. Yes, these home improvement ideas might sound pricey, and you could spend a pretty penny on appliances and granite, but builder-grade improvements stop far short of those over-the-top luxuries. So make your decisions with thriftiness in mind: choose one of the more affordable granite countertops (such as Napoli, Baltic Brown, or St. Cecilia), with a crisp and in-style beveled edge. Leave higher-end stone and more ornate beveling for your next home. The cost to upgrade appliances and/or countertops will vary within the four-digit range. But to keep this upgrade within your budget, try to find a deeply discounted appliance at an outlet or local "scratch-and-dent" store -- where almost-perfect pieces come with perfectly approachable price tags.

Want an even cheaper way to give your kitchen a quick face-lift? Simply refinish or repaint your cabinetry and add updated hardware (such as new hinges and drawer pulls), which can dramatically transform the look of the room for less than $100. Your best bet is to choose colors and styles that are likely to appeal to the widest range of homebuyers and make them feel as if they've walked right into their dream kitchen Pinterest board. 2. Upgrade the bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, most buyers envision themselves relaxing in a modern, sleek space. The most basic upgrade starts with replacing old, pastel, 3-by-3 ceramic tile with modern tile like white subway-style ceramic or 12-by-12 porcelain tiles in a neutral hue. Replacing your plastic tub surround with a tiled shower costs about $1,000 but makes a big difference, and for an extra $100 to $150, you can also add a recessed alcove (a built-in wall niche for your shampoo bottles).

As with a kitchen remodel, consider which changes will have maximum impact. You may not need to replace that old pedestal sink. Instead, you could change out the faucet -- upgrade it from nicked brass to sleek new chrome -- and hang some luxurious towels next to it. The same goes for quirky floor tile; choose a new paint color that will enhance it rather than clash with it. Make sure the colors and styles you choose are as universally appealing as possible so buyers see a space they know they can live with. And again, scrub your bathroom from top to bottom -- there is no bigger turnoff than yellowed grout and leftover toothpaste in the sink.

3. Pick neutral paint colors

Paint still reigns supreme as the easiest and cheapest way to refresh any room, especially if you do the work yourself. Whites and neutrals can help buyers envision themselves in the space, since they provide a blank slate to serve as a backdrop for buyers' stuff. Forgo that bold navy accent wall -- the idea of priming and painting over it will just stress buyers out. Plus, lighter earth tones look good with hardwood floors, and white always brightens a room. If your rooms include mixed wood surfaces (floors, doors, and cabinets), select a neutral color and ask your local paint purveyor to mix in a few drops of gold to add warmth and harmonize discordant wood tones.\

4. Make an impact with flooring

Like paint, quality flooring can drastically change the look and feel of your rooms. Hardwood is always appealing to a wide range of buyers, as are high-quality laminate options and (affordable!) ecofriendly choices like bamboo and cork. If your home is hiding hardwood floors under that carpeting, let them shine if they're in good condition. If you already have hardwood floors but they're looking a little worse for wear, it's time to invest in a good sanding and refinishing. Whether you go the DIY route and rent a sander or pay someone to get it up to snuff, you're looking at a few hundred dollars for like-new floors. Just be realistic about your DIY skills before tackling a refinishing project. Gouged floors can bring your home's appeal way down, so if you're not handy, choose a pro instead.

Kitchens and baths gain value with tile or laminate flooring, which are both visually appealing and easy to clean. Carpeting is still acceptable in bedrooms, especially if it's plush, in great condition, and in a neutral color. But more and more buyers are turning away from carpeting altogether, so if you're in doubt about whether to replace your carpets or install different flooring, hardwood (or its more-affordable cousin, bamboo) is your best bet. Even a basic snap-to hardwood installation can beat out wall-to-wall carpeting when it comes time to sell.

5. Consider home staging

Staging your home helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space, and it's a relatively inexpensive way to dress up features you're trying to highlight. The first step is clearing the entire home of any clutter and removing any overly personal touches like family photos or children's artwork. Furniture should be arranged in a way that flows well and maximizes space -- buyers will feel claustrophobic if they need to navigate around big pieces as they move from room to room. If you can, bring in a professional home stager or interior designer to consult on the ideal room arrangements. Otherwise, use the following tips for a DIY approach. In each room, place furniture so it feels inviting and functional -- just because you can't live without a footstool next to your bed for Fluffy to climb on doesn't mean it should stay there when your home is on the market. In the living room, seating and tables can be configured into social and conversational areas, while placing an armchair in an empty bedroom nook will frame it as a cozy reading spot. Bright lighting will make spaces seem larger, so turn on those lamps, and make sure your decor and artwork enhance their surroundings rather than distract from them. Depending on whether you need to add, subtract, or rearrange, staging shouldn't cost very much at all, especially relative to how much of a boost it could give your home when it comes to bringing in buyers and helping your home sell quickly.

6. Amp up your curb appeal

Don't neglect your home's exterior. If buyers don't like what they see when they first pull up, they may not even get out of the car. To make the outside of your home appealing, ensure all walkways are clear, the landscaping is neat and tidy, and everything is in good repair. This may require more substantial repairs like repainting or replacing siding, fixing loose shutters, and sealing those cracks in the driveway. Or it could be as simple as mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, and planting a few colorful annuals to make sure nothing looks bare. Add one or two "homey" final touches, like a new welcome mat, new or repainted mailbox, updated house numbers, and an outdoor seating area with festive lights. Your home will feel extra inviting from the get-go -- and just may get a quick offer if it's love at first sight.

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

Zipline Adventure Tours | Opens May 28 The Zip Line in Agua Fria is high above the stunning Moreno Valley for an exciting zipline ride. We are sold out for some prime time slots already, so now is the time to secure yours to enjoy another zipline tour this summer.

Book the stay and zip package to SAVE When you book your lodging together with your zipline tours - you save. Just choose your favorite accommodations & book today! ] The Lodge Stay right at the base on the Mountain at The Lodge of Angel Fire Resort with easy access to restaurants & activities.

Condo or Home Rent a spacious condo or home managed by Angel Fire Resort to feel right at home. All condos have a two night minimum plus cleaning fees.

RV Resort Stay at the new luxury RV Resort with plenty of accommodations like the club house, bath house, hot tub, Wi-Fi and much more.

Book online or call 800-633-7463 to make your reservations.

While you%u219re enjoying your weekend here in Angel Fire, come by the log cabin at the blinking light and let New Mexico Mountain Properties be your first stop, for all your Taos and Angel Fire Real Estate needs. We offer condos for sale in Angel Fire and the Taos Ski Valley which will put you close to all the activities. The homes for sale in Taos and Angel Fire give you some of the best views around! We can help you find whatever Taos or Angel Fire real estate has to offer. Contact us in Angel Fire at 575-377 2626, Taos 575-758-5852, or call an agent directly at 575-770-3306.