You might not have the all-cash trump card that lots of investors play, but that doesn't mean being a homebuyer doesn't come with its own set of advantages.

Competing with real estate investors can be tough, but you can do it -- and you can even win. Real estate investors are focused on trying to score a great deal (not finding their dream home), so although they frequently make those super-attractive all-cash proposals, they may also come in with a lowball bid. By putting in a strong (and realistic) offer, getting a preapproval, and showing your personal side (after all, you're going to live in the house, not flip or rent it!), you can go toe-to-toe with the big guys and score the house you want.

Here are seven proven ways to beat out the investors -- and land that home for sale in your area.

1. Put in a strong offer: The most basic way to win a bidding war is to offer more money. "Cash buyers are always looking to get into a property at lower-than-asking prices," says Arvin Sahakian, a California real estate broker and vice president of BeSmartee, an online mortgage broker. "Buyers competing with cash investors have to come in with strong offers at asking price, and perhaps slightly over asking price."

2. Don't skimp on the earnest money: "Earnest" might be an old-fashioned way of saying "serious," but the concept it represents -- of putting your money where your mouth is -- is timeless. Earnest money, which you put into an escrow account right after signing the purchase agreement, signals to the seller that you're serious about buying the house -- and that you won't back out. Investors often don't put down earnest money; they hate tying up funds because they're likely to have lots of deals happening at once. So how much earnest money puts you ahead? "Generally, the safe bet is 1% of the purchase price; $500 sends the message you don't have [much] money," says Joshua Jarvis, a Georgia agent. Many buyers offer up to 3%, depending on the area.

3. Get a preapproval or (even better) a pre-underwriting letter: Being preapproved for a loan, if you're competing with an all-cash buyer, is practically a requirement if you want the seller to consider your bid. A preapproval letter is a statement from your lender that you are approved to borrow a certain amount of money. But you can kick up the preapproval a notch by presenting a personalized letter instead of boilerplate, says Casey Fleming, author of The Loan Guide: How to Get the Best Possible Mortgage. "This means that the mortgage adviser talks about what great folks you are and includes information that would not apply to other buyers."

There's also a way to take this process to Buzz Lightyear's favorite place: infinity and beyond! Do so by getting a pre-underwriting letter (or a conditional approval), a more thorough vetting process than preapproval. While preapproval involves checking income, bank statements, proof of down payment funds, and credit history, pre-underwriting also reviews all the documentation required to get the deal done.

"A conditional approval is the closest offer to cash. If you're a poker player, it's the second-best hand to have," says Nicole R. Wilhelm, an agent in the San Francisco, CA, Bay Area. Buyers with a pre-underwriting approval are in the same position as all-cash buyers as far as the seller is concerned, including being able to close fast, since they've already gone through the detailed mortgage process. "What attracts sellers to an all-cash offer is the speed to close. At the end of the day, the seller receives a wire transfer in their bank account. There's no duffle bag of cash with an all-cash offer," says Wilhelm.

4. Personalize your offer: This move falls under the category of it couldn't hurt. And since this strategy costs you nothing, go ahead and tap into the seller's emotional ties to the house. "Many sellers are very sentimental about their homes," says Christy Edgar, a Virginia agent. "They raise their families there, they fix it up, and they love it." So bring out your inner Hemingway and let the seller know how you and your family will enjoy the home. "A well-written narrative can put you ahead of other offers in many circumstances."

5. Waive the financing-contingency clause: This clause allows buyers to walk away from the deal if they don't get the loan or if the appraisal comes in below the offer. If you waive the financing clause, you'll grab a seller's attention. Getting a preapproval or pre-underwriting letter helps you "be more confident in your financing terms," says Daniel Blatman, a New York broker. "All the risk [would then be] on the appraisal only." Be prepared to lose money with this option, though. Choose it only if you don't mind losing your deposit or paying more -- possibly much more than the home is worth.

6. Remove (or at least reduce) the inspection contingency: Cash investors often buy a property as-is. That's because they've probably bought homes before -- lots of times. They know what to look for, and if they're planning to buy a fixer-upper to flip as an investment, they've already budgeted for repairs. "[Removing the inspection] tells the seller that the accepted offer from the buyer will go into escrow and, therefore, close escrow quicker," says Arvin Sahakian. To compete with that, work with your agent to shorten the inspection period. "If an agent has an inspector that they use a lot, they may get an appointment lined up while writing the offer," says Mark Charlesworth, a Portland, OR, agent. But don't waive the inspection altogether. It's just not worth the risk.

7. be flexible with the possession date When an investor wants a property, they usually want it right away. But you can be more flexible. "Sellers are often nervous about where, when, and how they will find a replacement property," says Charlesworth. "Give them some time to rent back the property so that they can find a new home. Investors hate that!"

To help you find that perfect piece of paradise, is New Mexico Mountain Properties we take the time to help you find just what you are looking for, from our stunning mountain homes for sale in Angel Fire and the unique homes for sale in Taos, to the wide open Taos and Angel Fire land for sale. Want seclusion from the mundane try our Earthship homes for sale in Taos and get in touch with nature. Our Angel Fire condos for sale offer beauty and walking distance to the Resort.

Whatever you're looking for we will help you find it, our agents go above and beyond the normal to give you the extraordinary. So give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos, or speak to an agent directly at 575-770-3306. Let us serve and welcome you to this truly magical area.

Make sure you understand your financing options before you take the important step of buying a home. Buying a home is time-consuming. Before you even start searching for that perfect property, whether you're searching for homes for sale in Chicago, IL, or Houston, TX, you'll need to spend hours working with mortgage lenders to learn how to budget your finances for your home purchase.

Once you've interviewed multiple mortgage lenders and vetted your lender to make sure they're reputable, explain your financial situation: What's your monthly income, what are any other big monthly expenses, and what can you ultimately afford as a down payment? Mortgage lenders will respect that you work hard for your money -- and you want to spend it wisely.

After running a credit check, your lender will present you with options for what you may qualify to borrow. The mortgage amount can be different depending on two things: the product and interest rate. Since the interest rate determines what you'll owe every month on that balance, understanding how different mortgage products work is key. Here are 10 questions to ask to make sure you're getting the best rate (and the best deal).

1. What is the interest rate?

Your lender will offer you an interest rate based on the loan and your credit. The interest rate, along with the mortgage balance and loan term, will determine your real monthly payment. A loan with a lower balance or a lower interest rate will make for a smaller monthly payment. If you're not satisfied with the interest rates offered, work to clean up your credit so you can qualify for a lower interest rate.

2. What is the monthly mortgage payment?

As you develop a budget for your new home, make sure you can afford this monthly mortgage payment -- and be sure to include insurance and taxes in your monthly payment calculations. And don't forget about short-term financial goals -- say, saving up for a vacation or buying a new computer -- and long-term retirement goals to consider. Your monthly mortgage payment shouldn't be so high that your money can't work toward your other financial goals.

3. Is the mortgage fixed rate or an ARM?

Fixed-rate loans keep the same rate for the life of the loan, which can range between 10 and 30 years. Adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, have interest rates that change after an initial period at regular intervals. If you don't plan to stay in your home long-term, a hybrid ARM with an initial fixed-rate period may be a better choice, since this type of loan tends to have lower interest rates than fixed-rate mortgages.

If you do consider an ARM, make sure you ask (and understand!) when the rate will change and by how much. Ask how often the rate will change after the initial interest rate change, the index that it's tied to, and the loan's margin. There are usually caps to how much the interest rate can increase during one period and over the life of the loan, so recalculate the monthly payment to make sure you can afford that higher rate.

4. What fees do I have to pay?

One-time fees, typically called "points," are due at closing. For every point you pay, your lender will decrease your interest rate by 1%. You can also inquire about whether you might have the option of paying zero closing fees in exchange for a higher interest rate.

5. Does the loan have any prepayment penalties?

If you're saving up to make some extra mortgage payments to pay off your mortgage principal early, you may have to pay a fee. Don't forget to ask this important question.

6. When can I lock in the interest rate and points, and how much does this cost? Your lender may be able to lock in your interest rate for a time, and for a fee. If rates go up, you'll still be able to benefit from a lower rate on your mortgage. 7. What are the qualifying guidelines for this loan? The underwriting guidelines are different for every loan, as are income and reserve requirements. Along with requiring you to have sufficient funds for the down payment and closing costs, most mortgages require proof of income and reserves of up to six months of mortgage payments.

8. What is the minimum down payment required for this loan?

Different loan products have different down payment requirements. Most mortgages require a 20% down payment, but if you qualify for an FHA loan, for example, your down payment could be as low as 3.5%. In general, loans with lower down payments cost more.

9. Do I have to pay for mortgage insurance, and how much will this cost?

Putting down less than 20% on your purchase requires paying mortgage insurance until your loan-to-value, or LTV, ratio falls below 80%. Mortgage insurance premiums can be expensive, sometimes costing up to $100 per month for every $100,000 borrowed.

10. Do you have other mortgage products with lower rates that I qualify for?

The best way to comparison-shop is to start with your current lender. They probably offer more than one type of loan, and these may have terms better suited to your financial situation.

When looking for a home or property look no further than New Mexico Mountain Properties for all your Real Estate needs. With two locations in both Angel Fire and Taos, NM and our dedicated staff, we will do everything we can to find you that perfect place.

Our Angel Fire homes for sale offer stunning views of Moreno Valley combined with the land for sale in Angel Fire you get the best of both worlds. While our homes for sale in Taos give you glorious views of the mountains and the Taos land for sale lets you escape from the everyday.

If you're looking for smaller living we have our condos for sale in Angel Fire and Taos. We can help you find whatever Taos or Angel Fire real estate you are looking for. So 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 scenic area.

Home values can rise (and fall) over time as neighborhoods change. Just because the home down the street sold for a record amount six months ago doesn't mean yours will net the same amount when you're ready to sell. Because of this, it's important to not only maintain and care for your house as you would any major asset, but also to know exactly the best way to earn your money back if the time to sell your real estate ever comes.

Similar to reviewing your retirement portfolio with your financial adviser, it is important to keep a check on your home's market value for the different changes that happen in your life. Whether you plan to sell now or in 10 years, knowing what your home is worth is crucial to your finances. Here's why you should keep a pulse on the market and regularly ask the question. What is my house worth?

You'll get a better return on your upgrades

Sure, you've been dying to rip out your old countertops and replace them with chic soapstone complemented by a sleek glass tile backsplash. But if every other home in your neighborhood still has the same kitchen you have, it might be in your best interest to skip the pricey remodel. It's useful for a homeowner to consult with their real estate broker before they make any upgrades to the home. Some upgrades have a higher return on investment than others. There is also the risk of over-improvement. If a homeowner upgrades their home above the norm in their neighborhood, they may have to wait until those types of upgrades are more common to see a return.

You'll know when to sell ... and when to stay put

Sometimes when a market is hot, putting your home up for sale makes more sense than staying put. If that's the case, knowing what your investment is really worth can make you think differently about whether it's time to move. It's important to have a good grasp of your home value in the same way you need to know how much any of your assets may be worth. Additionally, if life circumstances change, a homeowner may be in the position to make a quick decision to sell or not. Having good data and an experienced broker to help you assess value is key to making the best decision possible.

You can see if a home equity loan makes sense

Besides needing to know if an upgrade or renovation makes sense, it's also important to know what your home's true value is before applying for an equity loan to put on an addition, complete renovation work, or upgrade that kitchen. Most banks will let you apply for an equity loan up to 80% of your property value, and there are some that will even go to 90%. If you are thinking about obtaining a loan, it is important to understand your home value before you go through the stress and hassle of filling out the paperwork and paying the fees for an equity line application.

You'll know when you can stop paying Private Mortgage Insurance

Many mortgage companies will charge private mortgage insurance (PMI) if the buyer puts less than 20% down. However, once you have reached 20% equity, either by payments or appreciation, you can usually apply or refinance to remove the PMI. Knowing your home value will help to know when to touch base with your lender about removing this payment.

You'll be able to maximize your list price

Overestimating your home's worth, or mistiming the listing, can be detrimental to making a sale. Besides losing interest from potential buyers because you may have outpriced them from the get-go, your home will also probably sit on the market longer, which can be a listing's scarlet letter in the real estate world. Overpricing your home actually loses you money. Many buyers won't even want to tour an overpriced home because they see it as a waste of time. Being overpriced typically leads to longer market time and more holding cost. As we all know, once a home sits on the market for a long period of time, it starts to raise questions with potential buyers on why it hasn't sold yet.

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 that put you close to all the fun winter activities. The homes for sale in Taos and Angel Fire give you some of the best views around!

If you prefer to build your own dream home then check out the beautiful land for sale in Angel Fire and Taos. With locations in both Taos and Angel Fire, our dedicated staff go above and beyond in order to find just what you are looking for, 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. Let us serve and welcome you to the Enchanted Circle, you'll be glad you did!

Make a few strategic upgrades and add big value to your home. A clean, well-maintained home in tiptop condition will yield maximum profit when it comes time to sell. However, you don't have to shell out the big bucks to make sure your house is in mint condition. There are a number of upgrades you can do for under $1,000 that will impress buyers and prompt strong offers. Whether you're a condo owner in Seattle, WA, or prepping a home for sale in Charleston, SC, you have plenty of ways to increase your home values with budget-minded, strategic upgrades.

Add a water filtration system

Installing a whole-house water filtration system is a serious game changer. Additional filtering to remove pollutants and chemicals from our drinking water has become necessary in many cities across the U.S. However, many homeowners have been dealing with the issue on their own, by either using a clunky, refillable filtering pitcher or purchasing drinking water in environmentally unfriendly plastic bottles. Increase your home's value and impress buyers with filtered water directly from any faucet in the house -- it's pure luxury, and this amenity will pay off now and in the future when it's time to sell.

Install a programmable thermostat

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating your home accounts for more than 40% of its total energy usage. Programmable thermostats allow you to customize a temperature profile throughout the day. Reducing the temperature inside your home by a degree or two while you sleep can lead to huge savings on a monthly basis. And with energy costs on the rise, many buyers will appreciate your forward thinking in assisting them with long-term savings -- especially if you put in a Wi-Fi–enabled thermostat that can be controlled by your smartphone or computer.

Add more grounded outlets, or upgrade the outlets you have If you live in an old house, chances are, two-prong-receptacle outlets outnumber grounded, three-prong outlets in your home. Adding more three-prong outlets is a small project that can greatly improve the functionality of your home. It's possible to retrofit a new three-prong or GFCI receptacle into the two-prong outlet box without rewiring, as long as the box itself is grounded. Or if you're happy with the electrical structure you have but are sick of looking at dingy tan switches, consider updating to new white ones. You can even add fancy new outlets that have USB ports or timers to control lights.

Update your fixtures

Updating tired, worn fixtures will breathe new life into any space. Give your bathroom and kitchen a critical look -- could the drawer pulls and cabinet handles use an update? If new kitchen cabinets are outside your budget, new hardware is a simple way to update the room's entire look and feel. What about the faucets? A sleek new kitchen faucet with a sprayer combines practicality with design and will be appreciated by buyers. Anticipating and tackling these smaller projects will have a big selling impact. And -- bonus! -- You can enjoy them in the meantime.

Replace the toilet

Replacing an old, cracked, or outdated toilet can make a significant impact on your bathroom aesthetics. Purchase a stylish new one for a few hundred dollars or take the environmentally friendly route and opt for an almost-new secondhand toilet (just be sure to buy a new seat). Repurposed construction material outlets offer a variety of well-priced goods.

Reglaze the bathtub

You can see buyers hold their breath as they slowly pull back the shower curtain, hoping for a sparkly new tub. Exceed their expectations for just a few hundred dollars by reglazing your existing bathtub. The process can be accomplished in a day and will be ready to use in just a few days. Roll up your sleeves for a DIY weekend or call in the professionals; either way, you'll come in under budget.

Install a tile floor

A shiny new tile floor can breathe life into the darkest bathrooms. They're easy to clean, resist microbes and allergens, and wear well in high-traffic areas, making them a perfect material for the bathroom. Flooring liquidators typically sell a variety of quality tile, so start there. If your bathroom is small, you can probably even splurge on some designer options! Then save the rest of your budget for a professional installation.

Add new blinds or plantation shutters

Is your home still sporting aluminum blinds or old-school vertical blinds? Consider replacing them: New window coverings can really modernize a room. If your windows are a standard width, you can buy basic wood blinds at a home improvement store (and most allow you to customize the length). If your window size is irregular, you'll have to special-order them. To add a truly upscale look to a room, try plantation shutters -- they can be a major selling point with the next people to own your home.

Replace the front door

The front entry is the focal point of your home's curb appeal. Give your home a face-lift and replace -- or repaint -- the front door. With security and safety in mind, choose a door that will appeal to a buyer's practical side (and don't forget to consider new hardware too). Another way to add interest and style to your home is by adding color to make your front door a statement.

Add a walkway

A new path leading to the front door can really elevate the look of your home. While brick pavers add a traditional and classic look to the exterior of your home, you can also choose stone, concrete, or even rocks -- just make sure the look of the pathway matches your home's style. Regardless of the material, a walkway is a welcoming feature, beckoning guests (and buyers!) inside to have a look around.

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.

You assume the IRS wants as much information about your financial life as possible. And that's typically true -- except when you sell that Atlanta, GA real estate and make a profit of less than $250,000 (or less than $500,000 when you file a joint return with your spouse). If you meet those qualifications, and if you have lived in that home for two of the five years before you sell, the IRS doesn't want to hear about your home sale, because the profit you make is excluded from being taxed under U.S. Code Section 121.

The IRS grants some tax deductions for home sellers. Getting the deductions requires that you itemize your taxes, admittedly a tedious job, but one that is probably worth your while. Here are five tax deductions you should take this year.

If you don't qualify for the 121 exclusion, you will owe taxes on any profit, so make sure you deduct all your selling costs from your gain. You can deduct the following, according to Nolo:

• Your real estate agent's commission • Legal fees • Title insurance • Inspection fees • Advertising costs • Escrow fees • Legal fees

And there's another consideration. You might qualify for a partial exclusion if you sell your home due to circumstances involving divorce, change in employment, change in health, or other unforeseen circumstances.

If you have to sell your house because you're relocating for work, you might be able to deduct some of your moving expenses, says Chantay Bridges, a licensed senior real estate agent in Los Angeles, CA.

"You can deduct your property taxes for the portion of the year that you owned the home up to, but not including the date of the sale," according to the IRS. The buyer pays beginning from the sale date.

If you make home improvements that help sell your home (like replacing a leaking roof or defunct HVAC system), and if they are made within 90 days of the closing, they are considered selling costs, which are deductible.

If you paid mortgage points to lower your interest rate when you refinanced your home, you might qualify for an additional deduction, says Bridges. Because you can deduct a proportional share of the points until the loan is paid, when you pay off the loan through a sale, you can "deduct the remaining value of those points," says Goodwin.

Tax deductions are fickle. They "can vary from state to state and from year to year," says Bridges, who suggests that home sellers check with a tax expert to confirm the deductions are still available at the time of the sale.

There is also some confusion regarding deductions. Sean P. Storck, a certified financial planner and enrolled agent with Rawdin-Baron Financial in California, explains that the biggest misconception concerns repairs, and that "generally speaking, anything done in the course of maintaining property for normal use is nondeductible.

New Mexico Mountain Properties in Taos and Angel Fire, NM will gladly assist you in locating that perfect piece of Taos or Angel Fire Real Estate. We have scenic mountain land for sale in Angel Fire and Taos, or perhaps our off-the grid homes for sale in Taos might give you that serenity you've always wanted. For excitement and smaller living, try our condos for sale in Angel Fire or Taos Ski Valley. Whatever you're looking for, we at New Mexico Mountain Properties are here to help to find your dream. Our knowledgeable brokers go that extra mile so you don't have to. Give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos or 575-770-3306 and speak directly to a Broker. We are here to serve and welcome you to this breathtaking mountain area

Although interest rates have rebounded, banks are still experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the foreclosure crisis. They are painfully aware that loose lending kicked off the nasty economic domino effect that ended in millions of foreclosures and billions of real estate dollars lost. As a result of this mortgage PTSD, banks have raised the bar on what it takes to get a loan. They know the riskiest borrowers, the ones who walked away from their homes when values plummeted, are typically the ones who weren't as invested in home ownership and didn't put a down payment on that Austin, Texas real estate.

Fortunately, the reverse is also true: The more you can prove that you pose a low risk of defaulting on your mortgage, the more likely you are to qualify for a (great) loan. Even if you already have a good enough credit score, boosting it by even a few points to the magical prime loan qualifying range of 700 to 740 can get you a lower interest rate -- and save you thousands. Here are five additional tips that will help you improve your candidacy for a home loan.

1. Conduct an audit

Many prospective borrowers who know they have good credit just call the mortgage broker, submit the loan application, get their rate quote, and start house hunting or get the refinance underway. But if your score is 690, a quick audit resulting in even a single correction or deletion of a derogatory item can add 10 points to your credit score, saving you as much as a quarter-point on your interest rate! Order your annual complimentary report and check for accounts that don't belong to you, or derogatory items that should have already "aged" off your report. If you're in a rush, ask your mortgage broker to submit a "rapid rescore" request to the credit bureaus. Yvonne Hemmingsen, a licensed mortgage broker in Pleasanton, CA, says that with a letter or documentation from the creditor, a consumer can get the bureaus to correct errors, but it takes two reporting cycles -- as long as two months. "With a bureau direct re-score submitted by a mortgage broker, on the other hand, the derogatory information should be deleted in less than a week," Hemmingsen says.

2. Pay down a few bills

Depending on how much debt you have and how you reduce it, paying down some credit card balances may boost your credit score. Additionally, reducing your debt will decrease your debt-to-income ratio and allow you to qualify for a larger mortgage. Paying off debt takes some strategy, though: Involve your mortgage professional in the conversation. They can tell you which bills, reduced by how much, will have the biggest impact on your score -- and how long it will take for you to see a difference.

3. Spread your debt around

A high credit score isn't just a sign that you're good with money -- in that case, debt-free people would have sky-high credit scores. But that's not how the scores work. Credit scores document that you have a habit of being smart and active with your use of credit. In fact, the score-setting algorithms target an ideal credit utilization ratio of 30%. This means maintaining a balance of 30% of your credit limit or less on any given card, and 30% usage of your overall available credit.

If you're an airline-miles junkie who uses one credit card to death and the others not at all, spread your debt around to all of your cards, targeting a 30% balance on as many cards as possible. This not only activates cards that are subject to being closed from nonuse (which can reduce your score by reducing your available credit), but also it prevents any single card from looking like it's maxed out.

4. Get a gift

Banks typically require a down payment, with the exception of some VA and profession-specific loans that still offer 100% financing. Many buyers buy with whatever savings they currently have, so long as it's more than the bank's 3.5% bare minimum. However, the best interest rates require a full 20% down payment. If you've got a relative who'd like to help out, this could be the perfect gift. Most lenders will allow some or all of the down payment to come from a gift, as long as you can produce a "gift letter" from your benefactor confirming your relationship and that the money is a gift, not a loan. Touch base with your mortgage pro to see what your particular loan program guidelines around gift funds are -- before you deposit the check!

5. Bump your down payment to 20% with a little help from your IRA or 401(k)

Currently, you can withdraw up to $10,000 from your traditional IRA for your down payment on your first home without penalty (although you will incur income tax). You can withdraw as much as you want from what you've contributed to your Roth IRA without being taxed, and an additional $10,000 in Roth IRA earnings without penalty. With your 401(k), it's a bit different -- some providers will allow you to borrow against your own account and repay yourself over time with interest.

If you can borrow from yourself instead of a lender, it probably makes better sense to repay yourself-- especially if you can borrow enough from your retirement savings to put you over the 20% mark, so you can get a lower interest rate on the entire mortgage balance. Of course, consult your CPA or tax adviser before applying retirement account funds toward the purchase of your home.

When looking for a home or property look no further than New Mexico Mountain Properties for all your Real Estate needs. With two locations in both Angel Fire and Taos, NM and our dedicated staff, we will do everything we can to find you that perfect place. Our Angel Fire homes for sale offer stunning views of Moreno Valley combined with the land for sale in Angel Fire you get the best of both worlds. While our homes for sale in Taos give you glorious views of the mountains and the Taos land for sale lets you escape from the everyday. If you're looking for smaller living we have our condos for sale in Angel Fire and Taos. We can help you find whatever Taos or Angel Fire real estate you are looking for. So 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 scenic area.

The La Fonda Hotel on Taos Plaza

The La Fonda Hotel is located on the historic Taos Plaza. It is the place to be in the wintertime. It serves as a welcoming retreat for tourists and locals alike and a gathering place for artists, writers, film celebrities and political dignitaries. Started in 1820 by the Charles Bent family as a mercantile venue that also rented rooms, it has now become a full hotel that displays a wonderful collection of D.H. Lawrence paintings as well as old photographs and memorabilia. A stylish new restaurant called Mosaic is housed in the hotel where you can enjoy fine dining. So if you want to warm up from the cold stop by the historic Taos Plaza and La Fonda Hotel, you never know you might just get to meet someone famous!

While visiting the glorious Taos Plaza and La Fonda Hotel call New Mexico Mountain properties at 575-758-5852 or 575-770-3306 for all your Taos Real Estate needs. We have luxurious homes for sale in Taos as well as scenic Taos land for sale. Our Taos condos for sale would be perfect for all you skiers and snowboarders. Whatever your looking for were here to help you, as we serve and welcome you to this magical area.

San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church

This National Historic Landmark was build between 1772 and 1816. It is a large sculpted Spanish Colonial church with massive adobe buttresses and two front-facing bell towers....an impressive blend of native and Spanish styles. The unique architecture of the building is kept well preserved by is parishioners who re-mud the church each spring.

This structure is the most photographed and painted church in the country....Georgia O'Keeffe helped to make it famous by painting it from all angles and times of the day! However, the church is more than a tourist destination, it remains an important center of community life with an active parish offering regular masses and festivals.

The church is open to visitors year-round. So if you want to see a piece of amazing history, stop by and see the San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church located just south of Taos in the quaint village of Ranchos de Taos.

You don't have to be a photographer or a painter to enjoy the beauty of the church! You may even decide to stay in our enchanting area. If so, just call New Mexico Mountain Properties at 575-758-5852 or 575-770-3306 for all the best in Taos Real Estate. Our land for sale in Taos gives you the most breathtaking views of the area along with our Taos homes for sale. We also offer Taos condos for sale with some close to the Taos Ski Valley. This is your one stop to make your dreams come true as we serve and welcome you to our historic land.

Ojo Caliente (Hot springs)

There's nothing like soaking in therapeutic, natural, warm mineral spring water, especially after a day of enjoying the Taos Ski Valley. Ojo Caliente was established in 1868 and is about an hour outside of Taos, NM. Deemed sacred by the indigenous Native Americans of Northern NM, it has been a gathering place and source of healing for hundreds of years...(.maybe even thousands!!).

You can enjoy pinon and juniper fires and rejuvenate in the five different types of mineral waters to soak your bones! The best part is you can move from pool, to hot pool and then enjoy their signature "Milagro Wrap".... after that you can enjoy a sumptuous dining experience in the onsite restaurant. There's no better way to spend your day, or you can even choose to stay over in one of the onsite cabins.... so sit back and relax at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa.

While taking advantage of the luxurious waters, you may think about staying here forever. Just call New Mexico Mountain Properties at 575-758-5852 or 575-770-3306 for all your Taos Real Estate needs. With our energetic staff were motivated to find you that perfect home for sale in Taos that will fit your lifestyle, or our land for sale in Taos might be what your looking for, and for the ski buffs, you can check out our lovely Taos condos for sale by the Taos Ski Valley. Whatever your needs you can find it with us, we are here to serve and welcome you to this warm and inviting area.

Airport Expansion In Taos NM

The airport expansion has finally been approved!!! On December 23rd a $24 million dollar project was approved by the acting Taos County Planning Director Edward Vigil. This expansion will include a second runway at the facility northwest of town. This will be a great boon to the economy of Taos.

The second runway will improve safety at the airport as well as encourage investment and economic developments in Taos. The airport which is owned and operated by the town of Taos, has nearly all of the cost for this project being covered by the state and federal governments! So venture on down to Taos and see all the other exciting things this historic town has to offer!

While you are here give a call to New Mexico Mountain Properties at 575-758-5852 or 575-770-3306 we can show you all of the fabulous Taos Real Estate we have for sale. You can also check out the breathtaking views from the Land for sale in Taos. The Taos homes for sale could be exactly what your looking for. Come see all of our happy faces waiting to serve and welcome you to our energetic community you will be glad you did.