That's right folks!  Believe it.  Mortgage rates dropped last week to 5.25% for a 30-year fixed and 5.125% for a 15 year fixed.  Is your heart beating with excitement...mine sure is.  This is fabulous news for anyone (yes, I know you're out there) thinking about buying right now.   Let me just illustrate the difference in what a 6.25% interest rate (which you would have gotten ten days ago) and TODAY's interest rate which is 5.25%. Let's just say you decided to buy this incredibly beautiful new home on Cullum Drive (shameless promotion here) for $329,000 with 10% down.  The amount financed would be $296,100: @ 6.25% your payments would be:  $1823/month @ 5.25% your payments would be: $1635/month That's almost a $200 difference in your monthly payment.  Figure out how much that saves you... 12/01/2008

Just Kidding!  It'd be hard for anyone living in the southwest to ever say that.  But I am here to report we've been having glorious rain storms for the whole month of July carrying over to August.  I have no idea what this equates to in inches, but we've had rain at least several times a week.  The land around Silver is lush, green and overgrown.  There are even parts that, dare I say it, look a bit Ireland-ish (except for the yucca, juniper, pinon, and cacti that is).  Now, not to glorify the area too much, I will tell you that it's been particularly hot here this last week.  Temperatures have been in the upper 80's and low 90's which doesn't sound so bad, but there has been high humidity and everyone is complaining.  Us locals think it's hot even if it cools down to the 70's by 7 PM ... 08/07/2008

Some days (like today) I think business is picking up, buyers are calling, offers come in, and I can't answer all my emails. I get excited about all the potential out there.  So many people think about moving here--we really do have a wonderful climate and easy living.  I fantasize about what it would be like if all of my listings would easily go under contract.  Then I come home and watch the news or read a local newspaper article and realize how bad the market is.  Silly me!  What was I thinking.  If only, if only, if only I could just turn off the negative press and stop people from talking before they tell me about how bad the market is.  I'm very susceptible... In reality, sure...I know our market has cooled off a bit.  Residential sales are down 50% from last year.  But, wait, for... 07/23/2008

"I'm going to wait and see what happens with the real estate market (election, gas prices, the war, interest rates) before I decide to purchase property." I can't tell you how many times I have heard this phrase in the last six months.  Yet, I can feel the interest and pent up desire from potential buyers who tell me this.  So many people are looking, checking out Silver City and trying to make a decision to buy property here but are holding back because of the questionable times in our economy right now.  People often come to Silver City and think that they can "get a good deal" because the real estate market is slow.  Well, first, let me say that it is not slow in Silver City, New Mexico like it is in the rest of the country.  Yes, there are absolutely more homes on the market now tha... 07/02/2008

I really do have a blog, you'll just have to go to my website to see it.  We've created the movealready.com website for buyers and sellers interested in genuine information about the Silver City area and the local real estate market.  Please check it out athe website and check out my blog.  So far, I've only written about the weather on my blog.  But there's more to come! http://www.movealready-silvercity.com/around-town-blog.asp 07/01/2008

By CYNTHIA COLEMAN Silver City Daily Press Staff Although residential home prices are falling nationwide, things are not so bad for Silver City, said Kim Clark of the Silver City Regional Association of Realtors. Recent reports from the Standard & Poor's/Case Shiller Nation ...More: http://www.scdailypress.com/index.php?pSetup=silvercitydailypress&curDate=20071203&pageToLoad=showFreeArticle.php&type=art&index=02  12/04/2007

Third Quarter 2007                 Total     Dollar Volume    Avg Price           Median Price      DOMAll Sold Listings                  143       $26,002,207      $181,834           $139,000     175Residential                        100       $18,716,572      $187,166           $160,000     149Land                                  41        $5,640,635        $137,576           $45,000      240Commercial                          2        $1,645,000        $822,500           $822,500    142Multi-Family                         0Farm/Ranch                         0           Third Quarter 2006                 Total     Dollar Volume    Avg Price           Median Price      DOMAll Sold Listings                 159       $24,276,041      $152,680           $135,000       210Residential     ... 10/30/2007

The Silver Consolidated School District reported that enrollment is up slightly this fall to the Silver City Daily Press in an October 29, 2007 atricle.  The current enrollment is at 3,121 students up from an average of 3,110 during the 2006-07 school year.  If the increase holds through the end of the school year it will reverse a 12 year trend of declining enrollment.  The Superintendent Dick Pool stated that the two primary factors for the loss of students has been the decrease in employment at the area mines and the shift to promoting Silver City as a retirement community. 10/30/2007

Many times home owners ask real estate agents what improvements they can make that will add value to their home when it comes time to sell.  Given that the average American moves every 4 years, it is important to think about increasing the resale value of a house.There are 5 key areas to look at when adding value to a home: kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, landscaping and structural improvements.The most valuable home improvements include kitchen and bathroom remodels.  Updates in these areas are the number one requirement of most buyers.  Not all updates have to be expensive, for older houses, a coat of paint, new hardware, and new countertops make a big difference.  For newer houses, upgraded countertops and lighting, custom backsplashes and modern appliances can make your home a stand ... 10/24/2007

The southern and eastern parts of New Mexico have a new area code.  575 went into effect on Monday, October 7, 2007.  We have a year to get our letterhead, business cards and advertising changed.  Mandatory use of the new 575 area code begins October 5, 2008.  If a number is incorrectly dialed at that point a recording will notify callers of the new area code.  In January 2009 the call will no longer be completed.  Every one with a business phone system will need to get busy making sure their phone systems will convert, cell phone users will need to reprogram their cell phones to dial the area codes for all local numbers.  Equipment such as automatic dialers, fax machines, life safety systems, alarm and security systems, security gates, voice-mail, call forwarding settings or computer m... 10/10/2007

In an effort to better serve their members the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce is providing a special workshop for free.  Learn about creative and cost effective marketing and responsible tourism.  At the Red Barn Restaurant on Wednesday, October 10th from noon to 1:30 p.m.The workshop will be put on by SouthWest Blend Magazine.  The workshop will include discussion on Internet marketing and responsible tourism.  Learn how to develop a creative and cost effective Internet marketing strategy for your company or organization and learn how to promote responsible tourism for our area.The Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce and SouthWest Blend Magazine have partnered together to promote Silver City and Grant County as a year-round destination and ideal community. 10/08/2007

Thursday, September 27th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Grant County Admin Bldg (1400 Hwy 180 E).  If you are interested in Silver City's zoning and land use issues, please join the Silver City Planning Dept and planners form Architectural Research Consultants  of Albuq for a community meeting to discuss: existing zoning, the development approval process - to improve ease in its use, proposed mixed use zoning and other recomendations, as included in the Comp Plan.  The meeting will provide opportunities for community members to convey their opinions, ideas and concerns.  For more info contact Steve Burstein or Ingrid Biel at ARC in Albuq at 1-877-842-4800 (toll free). 09/20/2007

09/14/2007

The Red Hot Children's Fiesta will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at Penny Park in Silver City, New Mexico.  This family event will feature games, prizes and good times.  It is billed as the greatest family event in Grant County.  There will be 34 booths with activities such as an obstacle course, coloring contests and crafts.  Every child gets a prize and a chance to win one of two Toy Town gift certificates and a $50 savings bond.  The fiesta is offered at no charge.  Call 388-1198 for more information.  Planning partners include WNMU early childhood program and Grant County Community Health Council. 09/14/2007

Mayor James R. Marshall is accepting applications to fill one (1) position from District 4 on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Applicants for this vacancy must be residents of District 4 in Silver City. The term for this vacancy in District 4 ends on December 31, 2008. The Planning and Zoning Commission is authorized statutorily and by Town ordinances to deliberate land use development requests and make recommendations on planning issues to the Town Council. The Planning and Zoning Commission meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. and holds special meetings as needed.Applications will be accepted until filled by appointment by the Mayor. Applications are available at City Hall, 101 W. Broadway or on the Town's website, www.townofsilvercity.org. If you would like an applica... 09/10/2007

Silver City Regional Association of REALTORS®, Inc. - 1607 N. Gold Street, Silver City, NM  88061 - www.silvercityrealtors.orgIncrease in Average Home PricesThis study is based on the average sales price of homes in the Multiple Listing Service. For the purpose of this study we used a modest 1500 square ft., 3 bedroom, 1 or 2 bath home in the Greater Silver City area.YearSizeBR Avg. Sales PricePercentage Change19901500 Sq. ft.3$54,500 19911500 Sq. ft.3$60,000+ 10.1%19921500 Sq. ft.3$70,500+17.5%19931500 Sq. ft.3$78,000+10.6%19941500 Sq. ft.3$87,000+11.6%19951500 Sq. ft.3$91,500+5.2%19961500 Sq. ft.3$94,500+3.2%19971500 Sq. ft.3$96,900+2.5%19981500 Sq. ft.3$96,700- 0.2%19991500 Sq. ft3$115,100+ 19%20001500 Sq. ft.3$105,450- 8.4%20011500 Sq. ft.3$104,650- 0.8%20021500 Sq. ft.3$107,200+ 2.... 09/06/2007

Silver City is located in southwestern New Mexico and is known for it's great climate, clean air and friendly people.  The nearby Gila National Forest and the Gila Cliff Dwellings attract campers, hikers, birders and tourists throughout the year. Silver City has an attractive downtown Historic District where art galleries and a variety of retail shops give residents and visitors another reason to enjoy all our town has to offer. As of the 2000 Census there were 10,545 people, 4,227 households, and 2,730 families residing in Silver City and the population of Grant County was listed as 31,002 people. These numbers are rapidly changing as we have experienced a booming retiree/real estate market over the last several years. This can be contributed to nationwide coverage including being name... 09/05/2007

With the sub-prime mess, a volatile stock market and increasing negative media reports about the real estate market home buyers cautious as ever this year.  They are looking at more homes and making fewer offers.  When they do find a home they are interested in they offer less, sometimes much less than what the seller is asking.Here are a few things to consider:1. Not all homes are overpriced by 10 or 20% percent.  When checking the latest statistics, sellers are still getting on average 94% of the asking price.  We are seeing home prices decline mostly in the higher price range.2. Most sellers will say no when the offer is for less than the value of the home. They will wait for a better offer.3. In today's market when a home goes on the market there could be an offer on it the first we... 09/05/2007

New Mexico's Tall Pines Endurance Ride, now 27 years old, was recently held in Silver City, NM, at a new base camp, with new trails. The event, held in May, featured a fun ride, plus 30-, 55-, and 75-mile rides, and was sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC).Veterinarians examined each horse before the event, and also set requirements for the vet checks at each of three 45-minute rests. At each rest stop, the horse's pulse had to come down to 64 beats per minute before the clock started on the 45-minute rest break.ACcording the Horsemens' Voice magazine, dozens of riders participated, with the largest number signed up for the 55-mile ride.For those new to endurance riding, here are some of the AERC basics:Competitors ride over a marked course.There are no minimum ti... 07/07/2007