Starting in 1938 the New Mexico state Fair has been a favorite gathering place for New Mexicans to celebrate local food, competition, culture, creativity, and the rich agricultural heritage. The New Mexico State Fair is the biggest show in New Mexico attracting over 500,000 annual attendees. The New Mexico State Fair goes from September 7^th- September 17^th. General Admission is $15 and children under 5 are free. The fair is open 10 am – 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 10am to 10pm Friday and Saturday.

The list of things to do and events at the state fair are limitless, ranging from rodeos, concerts, pig and duck races, livestock shows, unique food contest to even live shark encounters. There is something for all ages at the New Mexico state fair. So what are you waiting for throw on your boots grab your friends and family, and head down to enjoy the sights, smells, taste, and enjoyment of the 2023 New Mexico fair.!

Below you will find a link to the schedules of the fair.

https://statefair.exponm.com/events

For all Real Estate needs and questions contact Jeanette Raver and the Raver Team! 505-554-2213

Each October the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held in Albuquerque. This year will be Albuquerque’s 51^st Balloon Fiesta held which is the largest hot air balloon event in the world! It is truly a dazzling event of colorful beauty with hundreds of balloonists and thousands of tourists from all around the world. Admission to this unforgettable event is $15 per person per session. Entry is free for children under the age of 12. Most days there are morning and evening sessions (weather permitting). The Balloon Fiesta this year runs from October 7^th- October 15^th.

There are so many different events, activities, and delicious foods to try. The Mornings at the Balloons Fiesta begin with Dawn Patrol where at least one hot air balloon will take off before sunrise and fly to check out weather conditions and visibility. Not only for safety, but dawn patrol has also become a tradition at the Balloon Fiesta many look forward to! Followed by the morning glow and mass ascension. Morning glow consists of several balloons lining up and using their propane tanks to light up just before sunrise. Mass ascension is when hundreds of balloons begin inflating and launching over the course of 1.5 to 2 hours. It is truly quite the sight to walk through and admire all the unique shapes and colors.

Evening balloon glow takes place just before dusk, pilots will begin to inflate their hot air balloons and keep them tethered to the ground. Once dark, pilots will periodically ignite their propane burners so the balloons light up and glow. The evening balloon glows are generally followed by fireworks and a laser light show.

In addition to the traditional teardrop shaped balloon there are also numerous special shaped balloons. The vary from cartoon characters, beer mugs, carousels, Star Wars characters, animals, people and many more unique balloons. There are so many other events to check out during the Balloon Fiesta.

Whether a homeowner in Albuquerque or someone looking for a local real estate broker October is the perfect month to be drawn into some of the highlights New Mexico has to offer, one being the amazing Balloon Fiesta that you will be talking about for years and years!

Below you will find a link to the schedule for the 2023 Balloon Fiesta!

https://balloonfiesta.com/Event-Schedule

For all Real Estate needs and questions contact Jeanette Raver and The Raver Team 505-554-2213

Going back to school can be an exciting but challenging time for both children and parents. Here are some helpful tips for parents to support their children during this transition:

Prepare Early: Start preparing for the school year in advance by buying school supplies, uniforms or clothing, and other necessary items. Being well-prepared reduces stress as the first day approaches.

Establish a Routine: Create a consistent daily routine for your child that includes set times for waking up, meals, homework, playtime, and bedtime. Having a routine helps children feel secure and organized.

Set Goals: Work with your child to set realistic goals for the school year, both academically and personally. Break these goals down into achievable steps and celebrate their accomplishments along the way.

Visit the School: If possible, take your child to visit the school before the first day. Familiarize them with the surroundings, classrooms, and playground to ease any fears of the unknown.

Limit Screen Time: During the school week, set reasonable limits on screen time for recreational activities to ensure your child gets enough sleep and stays focused on their studies.

Be Involved: Stay involved in your child's education by attending parent-teacher meetings, school events, and volunteering opportunities. Being an active participant shows your child that education is essential and that you support their learning.

Be a Role Model: Set a good example by showing enthusiasm for learning, being organized, and demonstrating positive attitudes towards challenges and lifelong learning.

Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Tailor these tips to suit your child's individual needs and personality. Most importantly, provide love, support, and encouragement throughout the school year.

For all real estate questions contact The Raver Team 505-554-2213

With Summer here, it’s time to do more road trips and outdoor vacations. Camping and hiking are two of the most popular past times in New Mexico. New Mexico has some of the most beautiful state parks with gorgeous scenery and quite natural settings. Whether it’s camping, fishing, hiking, or just getting out to adventure and; explore there is something for everyone. The Land of Enchantment is the perfect name for the state of New Mexico. The beautiful state of New Mexico is adventure’s dream from The Great Plains and Colorado Plateau to the Rocky Mountain and the Basin and Range region. If you’re looking for just a scenic day trip to the natural beauty or a couple day trip there are many options to consider.

Some of New Mexico’s top state parks include:

White Sands National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Hyde Memorial State Park

Rio Grande Valley State Park

Santa Fe National Forest

Lincoln National Forest

Cerrillos Hills State Park

Cibola National State Park

There are so many different options to explore this summer outdoors! Step away from all the electronics and into natures beauty to breath in fresh air and make memories that will last a life time!

https://newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com/

For all Real Estate Questions contact The Raver Team 505-554-2213

There is a lot of pressure that comes when buying a home. Purchasing a home is like investing in a piece of your legacy. This makes real estate a prime target for con artists. When facing a competitive real estate market there is always the temptation to act quickly when you find the perfect home. Unfortunately, scam artists will often take advantage of this and either trick potential home buyers into paying for properties that don’t exist or misrepresent the terms of the deal.

Real estate fraud happens when scammers use real estate as a cover to steal your money. As a rule, be suspicious of anyone who asks for a cash deposit upfront to see a property. Ensure you’re dealing with the real property owner before negotiating. If someone claims to be a real estate agent ask to see their license.

How to spot a real estate scam:

Unsolicited offers

Lack of documentation

Lake of professionalism

Refusing to meet in person

High-pressure tactics

Unrealistic offers

Last minute changes

Demanding untraceable payment

Never click on email or text links or send money online, without verifying wire instructions with a live person on the phone from a number that you have called and verified.

Bottom line:

Real estate scams can be scary, but if you know what to look for, you can identify a scammer when you see one. With any real estate transaction, it’s important to know who you’re dealing with. Verify the details of someone’s identity as much as possible, and double check all banking transactions. Keep a careful record of all transactions in case you need to go back and file a complaint.

For all real estate questions contact The Raver Team! 505-554-2213

The city of Albuquerque is launching a new project aimed at spotlighting the extraordinary people who live here. City leaders are planning to rename Parks, Plazas, Libraries, Community centers, and a long list of other city spaces. Certain places-like parks-will still have to go through the traditional naming process, but the city is open to ideas on how to honor certain people. Residents are encouraged to nominate anyone they feel has made a significant impact on the Albuquerque community. Albuquerque Mayor believes incorporating the names and stories of people who made Albuquerque what it is today into the fabric of the city will benefit the entire community.

“We’ve been around for a long time, 300 years” he says. “We have an awesome story to tell, and it’s a story of grit and resilience, sometimes tragedy and sometimes triumph, and all of that is literally makes us who we are today, and we’re stronger if we know those stories.”

Residents are invited to submit their recommendations online. Click on the link provided below.

https://www.cabq.gov/abq-stories-of-us-1?fbclid=IwAR0fT-1GdhkGUviDbeDy1u1ZbUDy4shgZdw_5oltt9gYQlvyk2kbM8b4HGg

For all real estate questions contact The Raver Team 505-554-2213

A great way to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day is to visit the 18^th annual Father's Day car show! The best car showcase in New Mexico! Come lay eyes on classic, hot rods, motorcycles even tractors! There will be great food, fun prizes, local vendors, and so much fun for the whole entire family! More than $10,000 in prize giveaways and 150 trophies will be given out. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone will be present signing autographs. Not only that, BUT one lucky winner will get to take home a 1992 Ford Mustang 5.0L Convertible! Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards the East Mountain cowboy church of Edgewood. This event will be held in the Walmart parking lot in Edgewood (Take I-40 or Route 66 to Edgewood, then just head north on NM 344-to Walmart.)

Rev up your engines and hit the gas over to this event to celebrate dad this Father’s Day!

For all real estate questions contact The Raver Team 505-554-2213

Estimate the cost- It’s good to roughly know how much your move should cost to help prevent you from overspending by going with a bid that might possibly be to high. Online moving calculators are a great way to gauge approximately how much your move should cost.

Avoid buying supplies- Purchasing boxes, paper, and bubble wrap can add up. Consider asking neighbors and friends who have recently moved or are about to move to save boxes and any extra moving supplies they don’t use.

Host a sale- Holding a yard sale is a great way to not only make money, but it can also help you save money on your move too.

Establish a plan B-While you can try everything in your power to ensure a smooth move, there’s always a possibility that your timeline can go awry at the last minute. Possibly consider choosing a long-distance company with flexible options that won’t charge you a fee for making a change on short notice.

Don’t pick the lowest bidding movers- A low bid might indicate low-quality work, which could end with your belongings showing up late, or even broken, meaning you could end up spending more money to replace your valuables. You can save yourself money by choosing a more reputable contractor off the bat with a more in the middle bid.

Pack strategically- with mindful packing, you’ll be able to fit more items into a single box. By doing so, you can condense the number of total boxes you’ll have to move, therefore creating a possibility for using a smaller moving truck, and the smaller the vehicle, the more money you can save.

Ask for a deal- It’s not completely uncommon for moving companies to be willing to cut you a deal, so its always worth asking. This is where shopping around can really pay off. See what deals different movers or best car shipping companies will offer you depending on the type of move, and it’s always worth asking if others can beat or match the best deal.

Consider the cost of moving yourself- moving can be a large financial burden and taking the time to really consider all your options is important. If you’re really looking to save money on your move, consider renting a moving vehicle and doing it yourself. At the very least it’s worth looking into prices and doing a cost comparison to determine how much money you can save by choosing this option.

With some of these helpful money-saving tips, you’ll hopefully be able to cut down on cost of your big move!

For all real estate questions contact The Raver Team 505-554-2213

 Over the past few years, a national trend of food halls has breezed into New Mexico, injecting new life into neighborhoods, restoring overlooked architectural gems, and providing ground for entrepreneurs to launch food businesses. They’ve become some of the hottest not-restaurants in town. A food hall is a sprawling market that showcases a variety of local mini-restaurants, food vendors, and one or two focused shops all under one roof. You can also expect to find bars, various activities, and live music. Unlike food courts- which are located in shopping malls and often consist of a collection of fast food chains-food halls are often urban (remodeled) warehouses that focus on local rather than chain restaurants. Food is usually prepared fresh to order. You might be wondering what might draw the average person to a food hall?

Unique Food Experience- There are many food vendors and types of cuisine available, which appeal to customers who crave artisanal food experiences.

A World of Choice- Customers can choose from a wide variety of food and drinks.

Convenience- Diners can access this vast assortment of food under roof, which means they don’t have to shop around for instant gratification.

Atmosphere- with live music and other activities, food halls provide a vibrant ambience.

Affordability- Diners know they can purchase tasty dishes at prices that won’t break the bank.

Here are a couple food halls around Albuquerque:

505 Central Food Hall- 9 food stalls Sunday-Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-8pm

Green Jeans- 9 food stalls Monday-Sunday 7:30am-8pm

Sawmill Market- 20 food stalls Monday-Sunday 8am-10pm

Tin Can Alley- 9 food stalls Monday-Sunday 7:30am-8pm

These halls are flipping the old food court on it’s head. Food is no longer an amenity, but the main reason why people visit these places they are fun for all ages!

For all Real Estate questions contact Jeanette Raver and The Raver Team 505-554-2213

Tips When Buying a Home

Buying a home can be an overwhelming process, it’s always wise to ask a lot of questions. Every real estate transaction is unique due to market conditions and location. By working with a real estate broker who knows the ins and outs of the real estate industry, you’ll not only end up with a great home, but also a positive experience. Here is a brief break down of the process of buying a home:

Choose the Right Home- For most buyers, choosing a home is an emotional process. Make sure you find the right home that checks all your boxes.

Make an Offer- Once you’ve found the home of your dreams have a real estate broker help research comparable sales of similar homes in the area to help determine a fair selling price. They will then help you structure an offer and negotiate to get the very best deal possible.

Get a Home Inspection- Completing a home inspection is the best way to ensure the home you’re buying doesn’t have any major underlying issues. Before the sale closes, you will have a walk-through of the house, which gives you the chance to confirm that any agreed-upon repairs have been made.

Have the Home Appraised- Lenders will arrange for an appraiser to provide an independent estimate of the value of the house you are buying. After the appraisal is complete, you will receive copies of the appraisal report, so you can see the appraised fair market value and check out the comps that were used in calculations.

Coordinate the Paperwork- There is always a lot of paperwork when buying a home. The title company, along with the real estate broker and lender will handle paperwork and make sure the transaction goes smoothly.

Closing the Sale- At closing, you will sign all the paperwork required to complete the purchase, including your loan documents. You should be prepared to bring funds to cover your closing costs. Once the transaction has funded and been recorded, you are ready to move into your new home!

Below are a couple helpful questions to keep in mind when buying a home:

Can I buy a home without a real estate broker?

Should I sell my current home before buying a new one?

Should I get pre-approved for a mortgage?

What happens after I put in an offer on a home?

What is earnest money?

Should I have the home I’m buying inspected?

What are closing cost when buying a home?

For all real estate questions contact Jeanette Raver and The Raver Team 505-554-2213