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Las Cruces, NM Real Estate News

By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
It just isn't fall unless there's a corn maze around!  And, since 1999, Steve and Anna Lyles have put together amazing mazes for all of us to enjoy at the Mesilla Valley Maze on Picacho and Shalem Colony Trail. This year's design - "Pathway to Pluto". What were the designs for past years?  Find out here! It's incredible how they are able to get this planted and designed!! You start in the upper left hand corner of this picture - that's the parking lot and entrance.  Then, you just wind your way around!  And...you just never know what awaits you at the end! But they don't just do the Maze.  They're also hosting 2 other wonderful events in October including the Pumpkin Fest on October 9th and 10th and the Pecan Fest on October 30 and 31.  Both of these events, along with the maze, help us...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
Welcome to the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum!  Opened in 1998, this is set on 47 acres off of Dripping Springs Road in southeast Las Cruces. When you visit, you're going to find so much more than you'd probably expect.  Inside the museum, you'll see wonderful static displays showing the farming and ranching heritage of New Mexico, temporary 'on loan' displays from some of the valleys' most prominent families, as well as amazing artwork, quilt displays and more. (Didn't realize the bar on the fence completely blocked this guy's eyes!) Outside, you'll find a working farm and ranch.  Kids will love to see the baby animals - sheep, calves, goats, horses.  You can stroll the grounds. learn about milking a cow, sheep herding, watch a mini round, and see some real life cowboys goi...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
2010 is the 30th anniversary of Las Cruces' Whole Enchilada Fiesta.  You know the old saying - "The whole enchilada" - it has everything you'd ever need, want or desire! I've attended the fiesta many times to enjoy hanging out with my neighbors, checking out the vendors, the bands and the most important part of it - the world's largest enchilada, made by Mr. Roberto Estrada.  Check out how he does it -   Pretty incredible, isn't it?  He is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records.  In 2000, he created an enchilada that was 33.89 feet in circumference and a diameter of 10 feet, 5 inches. The Las Cruces Sun News reports that to make the enchilada, you need: • 750 pounds of stone ground corn to make the masa tortillas • 175 gallons of vegetable oil, heated to cook the tortillas • 75 gal...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
Coas Bookstore - A Las Cruces Institution I love books.  I love to read, I love to wander through stacks and stacks of books, I love to hear what others are reading and enjoying.  Chains are ok but when it comes to being able to enjoy a bookstore, I love going to the used books store. Coas Bookstore was opened in 1984 and is one of the largest retailers for used and rare books in the southwest.  There are now two locations but the downtown mall location is the original.  It's over 5,000 square feet of wonderful. There have been MANY times that I've wandered in, looking for something only to discover that I've been there a couple of hours.  It's definitely a place to plan to visit when you have a few extra hours to spare.  You'll get lost looking at all the catagories and the treasures ...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
The weather in Las Cruces makes it a haven for motorcycle riders.  Just the other day I saw at least 3 'flocks' of cycles out cruising in the wonderful, almost fall weather.  I have many friends who ride and I'm always hearing about their weekend cruises to Hatch or Ruidoso/Cloudcroft or even up to Elephant Butte Lake.  It kind of makes me want to get a bike - maybe a three wheeler! I snapped this picture while waiting at a stoplight.  It was a wonderful site to see and even better was hearing the honks and seeing folks waving at him.  He had Illinois plates on the bike - maybe I need to track him down and see if he's looking for a realtor? :)  Hmmmm...I do know where he works....could be an idea.  
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
When I first heard about the 3/50 Project on Facebook, I thought, "Wow - what a great idea!"  The idea behind this project is simple - like their logo says, "Saving the Brick and Mortars our nation is built on" - LOCAL businesses.  You know the ones - the local mom and pop shops where they know who you are, know how you like your burger or how much starch you like on your shirts or know that your bumper was coming loose the last time you came in for an oil change. How does this amazing project work?  Very simply - Pick 3 businesses a week, spend a total of $50.  Imagine what could happen in your local economies if half of your town did that.  I love the statistic on their front page regarding how money spent in locally owned businesses stays local.  I never thought of how much of an im...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
I love architecture.  I have a couple of books on my bookshelf about some of the architects that are important to Las Cruces - including Henry Trost.  Mr. Trost was a premier architect in the Southwest and his influences are still around today...in different states of rejuvinated homes or ones that need a lot of help. Case in point: This is a historic home in the Alameda area - the H.B. Holt house, built by Mr. Trost.  H.B. Holt was a prominent attorney and banker in the 1920's, among other things.  To look at it now - as it has been as long as I can remember - is disheartening.  Oh, how I wish I would drive by one day and see a for sale sign and not the political signs.  Maybe then someone would invest in its restoration. There are a few historical homes around Las Cruces that would be...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
Pioneer Womens Park is surrounded by the Alameda Depot District in the middle of Las Cruces.  This is one of the original neighborhoods.  This is where you will find many of the grander, larger homes where some of the movers and shakers of the day lived.  Imagine traveling by train and arriving in Las Cruces.  You step off the train and into a beautiful neighborhood with tree lined streets and magnificent homes.  Trees in the desert?  I'm sure it was a shocking sight for people who had never been to the West.  I've read the accounts of travelers.  Most were amazed to see that the West wasn't all sand and cactus with shanty houses.    Alameda Train Depot     Homes on the street that visitors from the Train Depot would see on their walk into town   In the middle of this neighborhood is Wo...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
as Cruces is going through a downtown revitalization once again.  In the early 70's, the downtown area was blocked off to traffic as part of urban renewal.  Unfortunately, businesses moved out and foot traffic died over the last couple of decades.  If it weren't for the bi-weekly Farmer's Market and Coas Bookstore, I doubt there would be anyone down there at all. The Downtown Las Cruces Partnership has been hard at work, along with the city and other entities to bring the area back to life by re-opening Main Street, re-designing the side walks and some of the architecture.  One of the first projects was bringing back the Rio Grande Theater. The Rio Grande has been in operation continuously for over 70 years and is the only two story adobe theater in operation in the United States.  Some...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
La Llorona is a popular legend in the hispanic community.  La Llorona means 'the crying lady' and there are a few here in Las Cruces.  The legend says she is a woman who killed her children to be with the man she loved, only to be rejected by him.  She 'haunts' the places where she killed her children, crying and looking for them. One of the places that I've actually heard her is on the edge of the Rio Grande river, at the aptly named La Llorona Park. The park is located on the west side of town on Picacho Road.  When I stopped by, it was around lunch time and a few folks were enjoying their hour under trees or reading.  One man brought his guitar with him (he didn't want his picture taken) and was serenading us. The mighty Rio is running at 'full power' right now for irrigation.  This ...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
It's funny how your blogs here on Active Rain get attention.  After my post yesterday about the Hatch Chile festival, I got an email from a friend.  She isn't an agent, just follows my Twitter feed.  In part, she said, "How could you forget about the Harvest Wine Festival????  The chile fest isn't the ONLY thing to do this weekend!!"  Color me embarrassed.  I mean - it's going on right here in Las Cruces.  See what happens when you get chile on the brain!So...with that.... Southern New Mexico is home to some wonderful wineries.  Some of the wineries with samples to taste this weekend include: Tierra Encantada Luna Rossa Heart of the Desert Dos Viejos Rio Grande Ponderosa Valley Amaro Winery Blue Teal Wines of the San Juan St. Clair #1 St. Clair #2 San Felipe Specialties DH Vip Dh Lescom...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
This is Day 9 of my 30 Day Blog Challenge.  I've seen so many of the "365 Things To Do" type posts, I thought I'd try it myself!  I've been working on my list today and I've got enough so far to get started on this series!  Day 1 is the pride and joy of Southern New Mexico - New Mexico State University, home of the Aggies.  NMSU was founded in 1888.  In 1889, it became a land-grant university under the Morril Act and changed it's name to New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts.  It wasn't until 1960 when it was renamed NMSU.        NMSU is renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and more - including its Aerospace Engineering program which now includes a masters program.  The creation and funding of this discipline couldn't come at a better time as Spaceport America is u...
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By Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO
(Steinborn & Associates Real Estate)
The 2010 Harvest Wine Fest is happening this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds.  For just $15 you get a souvenir wine glass and taste after taste of all the delicious local wines.  Along with 16 participating wineries, there will be live music, arts, crafts, specialty food products, and of course grape stomping contests every hour! You can’t bring Fido or Fluffy, but anyone else under 21 is free if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, so bring the whole gang out for some sunshine and to slosh around in a grape stomping contest (don’t worry, I don’t think they use what is stomped this weekend for their future wines haha). And if you know me, you know I'll be in search of the all-too-famous slushy wine margarita.  On a hot afternoon they reall...
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By Beth Hand
(Steinborn & Associates Real Estate)
Hi all.  My name is Beth Hand and I am originally from Kansas.  I have been living in Southern New Mexico since 1994 and licensed to sell real estate since 1995. I am excited to be in the Activerain community and am looking forward to learning more about it and all of you!
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By Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO
(Steinborn & Associates Real Estate)
Everything salsa—red and green, dancing, music, food, craft vendors, fun… Yes, this Sunday is the 2ndAnnual Main Street SalsaFest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Downtown Mall, between Las Cruces Avenue and Griggs Street. Thousands of salsa enthusiasts are expected to participate in the judging of the 19 competitors’ salsa. The 2009 Homestyle champion, Soccoro Lopez, is even returning to the event in order to defend her title. In the restaurant category La Nueva Casita Café, Nopalito Restaurant (the defending champion of the restaurant category in 2009), and El Patron Café & Catering have all signed-up to represent. It free admission, but if you want to be part of the tasting, a $3 wristband will allow you to taste all the salsas and vote for your favorite. The top three finalists will g...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
One of the most treasured views in Dona Ana County are our Organ Mountains.  They are incredible, no matter what time of year you see them.  Winter?  Yep - beautiful.   A beautiful, almost fall day? (Taken in Sonoma Ranch) Chances are that I could go out every day and snap a picture of our Organ Mountains and get a beautiful shot every time...even with my 'iffy' photo skills. One of the most spectacular, welcoming views is when you come 'over the hill' on I-10 to the east and see the valley and the mountains.  Whether it's the first time you see them, are coming back from a weekend away or haven't been to Las Cruces in a few years, it's breath-taking. (Of course, I can't find my numerous pictures of that view.  Guess I'll have to head over there today and snap some more!) I'll share mor...
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By Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO
(Steinborn & Associates Real Estate)
Unfortunately selling your home doesn’t always happen right away. Though the goal is to sell it quickly for the highest price with as little renovations as possible, sometimes that just doesn’t do it. Here are 10 low-cost tips, courtesy of BuyOwner.com, on how to improve you’re the odds of selling your home without having to dig too deep into your pockets. 1. Refresh the exterior Let’s face it buyers will judge a home at first glance, so if the exterior isn’t appealing, you can almost guarantee that they aren’t going to even get out of their car. You can do something as small as pressure washing vinyl sliding, roofs, walkways and driveways. 2. Spruce up the lawn and landscape The condition of your lawn and landscaping is associated with the condition of your home’s interior, so somethin...
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By Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO
(Steinborn & Associates Real Estate)
In Las Cruces, NOW IS THE TIME for Selling and Buying a Home! The opportunity for buying a home right now is the best that it has been in the last 20 years. 3- Sentences sums it up: 1- Mortgage Interest Rates are the lowest they have EVER been. 2- There is an excellent selection of homes available. 3- Las Cruces Home Prices are a "steal." (US News & World Report, 2010) Worried about Selling? Hear horror stories? Remember, after you sell, you are a buyer, and you get to take advantage of a far greater gain than any problems you might have selling your present home. Sometimes someone else can sum up a situation better than I can. So I have attached this 90 second entertaining and informative video summary:"WHY NOW?" This video was produced by Lennar Construction. They are New Home builde...
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By Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO
(Steinborn & Associates Real Estate)
Whether it is across town or across the country. The Evelyn Bruder Real Estate Dream Team understands that the moving process is integral to relocating, and it is one of the great anxiety producing parts of relocation. You are not alone. We are with you every step of the way. Today we want to give you our 5 best moving tips. Your peace of mind is important to us. We will continue with a series of blogs to provide you with all of the advice you will need to make your move as easy as possible. Let’s start with our Moving Tips. Moving Tip 1: Start early.   Moving is a time-consuming process, mostly because of the time involved in packing up all the rooms of your current place. People are often surprised by just how long it can take to get things organized and ready to go. Most people need...
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By Emmary Simpson, Serving Las Cruces, NM
(Las Cruces Homes and Land)
I know it's wordless Wednesday but I've been asked to explain the picture.  This was taken at Vetern's Park in Las Cruces.  The statue is in honor of the Bataan Death March.  There are three soldiers - one looking forward, one looking down and one looking back.  In back of this statue are footprints.  They continue in front of the statue as well but are less in number - signifying the losses during the March.  It's a very poignant memorial.  At night, when it is lit up, it's even more spectacular.
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