Memorial Day * Honoring All Who Served*

  Although Memorial Day weekend calls for us to rejoice with a much-needed long weekend more than ever. Whether Student, Teacher, Parent, or Child, Memorial Day signals the beginning of the summer season.  We must also remember it’s purpose: To honor those who died while serving in the U.S Military. Memorial Day is more than just a day off from work to have cookouts and pool parties. Memorial Day is the day we pause to remember the brave men and woman who gave their lives protecting our country. It is because of their service and sacrifices that we can enjoy what summer has to offer. Between 2006-2021 more than 18,000 service members died, a quarter of them while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Over that period, nearly 3,000 were killed in action, almost 5,000 died in accidents, and 4,612 took their own lives. All these men and woman, regardless or when, where, or how they died, deserve our gratitude. Over the years more than 1.1 million men and woman have died in serving our country. As we prepare to enjoy our 3-day weekend, take a moment of silence at 3:00pm on May 29^th to honor all those who have died in service for our great nation. This Memorial Day weekend honor them and remember the importance! 

For all Real Estate question contact the Raver Team! 505-554-2213

   Food and wine come together at the 2023 wine festival that takes place at the Balloon Fiesta Park on Memorial Day weekend. Featuring 22 wineries from all over New Mexico with over 200 unique wines for sampling and you get to sample wines from the top state wineries. You can learn how to identify the different flavors and about matching them with the right foods. The event takes place Saturday May 27 and going through Monday May 29 each day from 12pm-6pm. For $30 dollars you get access for an entire day, each person receives a commemorative wine glass, all-you-care to sample wine taste, and $5 off any wine bottle you purchase. There are so many different things that the Wine Festival has to offer whether you’re trying to find the perfect wine, try out the many different food truck options, shop the various local artist, or just spend the afternoon out with friends and family. The 2023 Wine Festival has many options for everyone 21 and up! Come spend Memorial Day weekend with the beautiful Sandias in clear view and listen to live music while enjoying the many flavors of New Mexico!

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

Whether its better to rent or buy is up to you (as long as your finances are in order) both buying and renting have pros and cons. There is no doubt owning a home can be a source of pride and fun (who doesn’t want to put those Pinterest home décor boards to good use?) However, these pro and cons don’t change the answer to the question, should I rent or buy? They just help you prepare for the option that’s right for you.

  Renting a home or apartment is lower maintenance and gives your more flexibility to move, when it comes to the hefty repairs the landlord handles them. You’re only expected to do basic maintenance of your living space. While there are many advantages to renting, it does have its drawbacks. For most people, the biggest deal-breaker is not truly owning a space. You’re limited to what you can change and how you can decorate. Also your rent isn’t fixed, so your landlord can raise your rent when they see fit.

Buying a home gives you ownership, privacy, and home equity, but the expensive repairs, taxes, interest, and insurance can really get you. However, you can renovate or make any other changes to your home. Also buying a home comes with an upfront cost that first-time homebuyers may not have saved up for. Aside from a large down payment, there are extra expenses like closing costs, property taxes, and inspections. Also don’t forget you need to stay long enough in a house before you can realize and benefit from home value increases.

Even though you might have heard your whole life that ownership should be the ultimate goal, you are right to question it. In addition, the housing market has changed since the time of owning a home was realistic and practical for everyone. Deciding what is right for you might not be an easy choice, there are pros and cons to each, but even talking to your local Real Estate agent might offer a bit more of advice on what would be the best decision.

For All Real Estate Questions Contact the Raver Team! 505-554-2213

Summer is right around the corner, no better time to head to your local farmers market for some fresh produce and homemade/ handmade goods. So put down the grocery store fruits, vegetables, eggs, and cheese and head on over to a neighborhood farmer’s market. The fruits and vegetables you buy at the farmers market are the freshest and tastiest available. Most food found in grocery stores are highly processed and grown using pesticides and hormones. Wouldn’t you rather stroll amidst outdoor vendors with fresh produce on a sunny day than roll your cart around a grocery store with artificial lighting and piped in music? Heading over to a farmers’ market is more of a pleasure than a chore. Also, it is a perfect time to connect with others in your community.

At a local farmers market, you will find an amazing array of produce that you don’t see in your average supermarket. Family farmers need your support, now that large agribusiness dominates food production in the US. Small family farms have a hard time competing in the food marketplace. Buying directly from farmers gives them a better return for their produce and gives them a fighting chance in today’s globalized economy. The farmer’s market is a community hub----a place to meet up with your friends, bring your children, or just get a taste of small-town life in the midst of our big city.

 Above you will find a list of Farmers Markets in and around the area.

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

If you are a first-time home buyer, explore your options! To find the best mortgage lender that will be right for you is to shop around and do your research. Look into rates, down payment requirements, loan terms, mortgage insurance, and closing cost fees. Take your time to get to know a few different loan officers. Ask questions to help you expand your knowledge. Different lenders offer different kinds of loans. Asking family, friends, and even financial advisors is always a good place to start.

 When comparing mortgage loan options, always keep in mind interest rates change daily. Be sure you have the right lender before you lock in a rate. There are a variety of fees associated with a mortgage. Some lenders lump fees together, while others might list them individually. There are many different places you can get a mortgage from. From Conventional banks, credit unions, Nonbank Mortgage lenders, Mortgage brokers, and Mortgage Marketplaces. When you are ready for your down payment and mortgage insurance you’ll want to put down as much money as possible on a mortgage loan, but also make sure you’re saving for other home expenses-such as repairs and furnishings. Make sure to make a list of questions you want to have ready to ask a mortgage lender. Work with a lender that can give you the best rate, the right team, and the lowest closing cost, as quickly and efficiently as possible. Once you decide what option is best for you, complete a loan application. You can now move forward and achieve the dream of homeownership. Contact The Raver Team and we can provide a few lender recommendations or help with any of your real estate needs.

For all Real Estate questions contact the Raver Team 505-554-2213

Nothing beats that fresh feeling of accomplishment when you get a head start on your home spring cleaning. Having a set plan on where you want to start, and what you want to achieve will give you more of a focus on your end goal. Make a schedule, checklist and focus on the areas that need the most work. When prepping for spring cleaning there are a couple of ideas to get a little more excited about the task at hand!

1. Buy your favorite cleaning products: using a five-year-old bottle of Windex is not going to bring much excitement. So, head to the store to stock up on your favorite cleaning products.

2. Make appointments in advanced: wanting to get your carpets professionally cleaned? Or hardwood floors refinished be sure to schedule your appointments ahead of time.

          3. Create an upbeat playlist: Let decluttering feel good! Create a playlist of your favorite songs to keep you motivated and on task.

     4. Replace your linens: after months and months of dark dreary weather brighten up your home with fresh linens and brighter colors.

     5. Throw it away: Haven’t cooked with it for a year? Haven’t worn it in six months? Time to declutter and toss it! Even better donate it!

Make your home look as stunning as the day you bought purchased it Whether you plan to sell or simply want to enjoy a clean home, springtime is the perfect season to get the job done. Print the cleaning checklist below to get started on spring organization. 

For all Real Estate needs contact Jeanette Raver and The Raver Team!

Take me out to the ball game. Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks……Well you know the rest!

 Come root on the Albuquerque Isotopes for loads of family fun, fireworks, opportunities to win prizes and promotional gifts for arriving earlier to the field.  The Isotopes just began their 19^th season on March 31^st with a win 9-4 against Round Rock Express. The Isotopes are a minor league team that feeds the Colorado Rockies. A beautiful ballpark with close cheap parking, many different promotions, reasonably priced tickets make spending an afternoon or evening at the baseball stadium so much fun for the whole family!

Albuquerque Home Baseball Games are a Homerun for everyone in the City

Check out all the promotions offered on the calendar to take advantage of many perks fans are offered. Come out to enjoy not just the amazing Isotopes play at home but experience fireworks lighting up the night sky, 50 cent hot dog nights, or grab an ice cold beverage & bring your pooch for bark in the park night, and many more fun interactive nights; the whole family will leave with a smile!

Check out this link for more information! https://www.milb.com/albuquerque

For all Real Estate needs contact Jeanette Raver and The Raver Team!

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located in Carlsbad, NM, provides access to world renowned cave tours, camping, and recreational activities. Homebuyers looking for a peaceful retreat will find many charming neighborhoods with stunning views of the Guadalupe Mountains. With its desert climate and year-round sunshine, Carlsbad is an attractive place for those looking for an affordable real estate option in the Southwest. An ideal spot for families, retirees, and vacationers alike. Explore the world that exists deep below, created slowly over the millennia, its beautiful formations awe visitors year-round. On October 25, 1923, Calvin Coolidge created Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The Park Acreage is about 73.07 miles and goes below ground with the lowest point being 1,027 feet down. The Big Room located deep within the caverns is the largest accessible cave chamber in North America. There are 120 known caves located in the caverns as the number continues to grow with more exploration.

Carlsbad Caverns hours of operation are everyday from 8AM-5PM. Entrance Fee Adults are $15.00 per person and children 15 and younger are free. If you are an early riser then you can catch the bats flight back into the cave between 4-6 AM right around sunrise, or in the evening the bats flight out 30 minutes before sunset! With over 17 species of bats and over 400,000 currently living in the cave its an experience you wont want to miss!

Visit:https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm for additional information.

For all Real Estate needs contact Jeanette Raver and the Raver Team!

Ride to new heights on the Sandia Peak Tram taking visitors 2.7 miles or 10,378 ft up the beautiful Sandia Mountains. Breath in fresh mountain air and enjoy breathtaking views of over 11,000 square miles and many of the beautiful homes New Mexico has to offer. The Tram was built in 1966 and was the largest aerial tramway in the world until 2010 when it was surpassed. Once at the top there are many year-round recreational options. Many forest service trails offer recreational hiking, backpacking and nature hikes. Skiing and Snowboarding are available in the winter time and during the summer more than 26 miles of mountain bikes trails through the picturesque Sandias.