Evelyn Bruder's Dream Team blog

Labor Day fun with local wine and grape stomping

Evelyn Bruder — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:39:15 +0000

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 really can seem like The Perfect Margarita! They have them every year…perhaps just for me!

For more details or to purchase your tickets in advance, visit click here.

2nd Annual SalsaFest

Evelyn Bruder — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:56:59 +0000

Everything salsa—red and green, dancing, music, food, craft vendors, fun… Yes, this Sunday is the 2^nd Annual 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 go before the SalsaFest Celebrity Panel to vie for the $500 first prize. Celebrity judges include: Manny Arrieta, district judge; Barbara Couture, NMSU president; Margie Huerta, Dona Ana Community College president; Carrie Hamblen, KRWG new reporter; Fernando Macias, district judge; Marvin Menzies, NMSU men’s basketball coach; and Miguel Silva, aka Captain Salsa, Las Cruces city councilor.

If your mouth catches on fire early on in the day, you can let it cool off a bit while you check out the demonstrations of Zumba and Timba aerobic exercises, or take the kids around different booths for them to participate in chile art, games, face-painting, or get their energy out in a jumping balloon.

We’ll see who can bring the heat without forgetting the flavor!

For all of your Real Estate needs
The Evelyn Bruder Team is here to assist you.

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces’ Cyberstar
Visit us on the web at: http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE

We welcome comments and questions – use the comments button at the bottom of this blog.

Home Not Sell? 10 Low-Cost Tips to Improve Your odds

Evelyn Bruder — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:50:28 +0000

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 something as simple as mowing and edging the lawn, or planting a few colorful seasonal flowers in existing plant beds will make buyers more compelled to see the inside.

3. Create an inviting entrance

The front door should be cheery and inviting to potential buyers.

You might think about painting the front door in a glossy, cheerful color that complements the exterior. People tend to be drawn to bright, crisp colors.

4. Reduce clutter and furniture

It’s hard for buyers to envision themselves living in your home without seeing it as you live in it. It might be time to have that garage sale that you and the neighbors have been talking about for the past 6 months.

5. Clean, clean, clean

The cleanliness of your home influences a buyer’s perception of its condition. Cleaning windows, fixtures, hardware, ceiling fans, vent covers and appliances will weigh heavily in the buyer’s decision.

6. Make minor repairs

Not only are minor repairs easier on your pocket book, but they significantly increase the visual appeal of your home. A little bit of caulking and new grout can make a big difference to buyers.

7. Showcase the kitchen

If you decided to set aside a little bit of money for renovations, the kitchen is the area of the house where you will see the greatest return on your investment. Replace a few light fixtures and having some fresh baked cookies for a showing will create that homey feel that people want.

8. Stage furniture

Look around at how your house is setup and try to come up with different ways to better utilize the space. Creating a comfy looking sitting room near the fireplace will help buyers generate their own ideas of how they too might use the space.

9. Light up the house

Nobody wants to live in a dungeon, so create a sense of openness and cheerfulness by improving the lighting. Turn on all the lights for a showing, pay special attention to ambient light in smaller rooms like bathrooms and offices.

10. Add fresh touches

Color, color, color! You can change the mood of your house by placing fresh floral arrangements in the entry and master bedroom or displaying bright, fresh towels near sinks.

For all of your Real Estate needs
The Evelyn Bruder Team is here to assist you.

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces’ Cyberstar
Visit us on the web at: http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE

We welcome comments and questions – use the comments button at the bottom of this blog.

photo courtesy of htpp://curbappeal.com

NOW is the time to buy or sell a home

Evelyn Bruder — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:51:00 +0000

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 builders. They do not build in the New Mexico market, but their message is appropriate for Las Cruces.

Advice for a stress free move

Evelyn Bruder — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:35:26 +0000

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 at least 4 weeks to get ready. That’s because it takes several hours to pack each room. Don’t end up running out of time and “slamming together” the last parts of the move. That can lead to disaster.

Moving Tip 2: Get, and use, both a Moving Guide and Checklist, as well as an Organizer.

One of the great things about moving is that you aren’t along in doing it. About 1 in 8 in households moves in any given year. Our experience enables us to provide a rich source of wisdom on how to do it well.

Universally, people who have moved agree that there are two incredibly helpful tools: a Moving Guide plus a Moving Checklist, and a moving organizer. A Moving Guide is simply a pre-defined schedule of the things you need to-do. The Checklist is just there to help keep you on track toward Moving Day, and help keep you from forgetting important steps. Just click on the links to get your Guide and Checklist.

A moving organizer is just a 3-ring binder containing all the important papers involved in your move, such as leases and mortgage documents, notes from setting up utilities, etc. It can keep everything together and avoid your move being a stressful time.

Moving Tip 3: Create “Open Me First” boxes and pack a few suitcases.

One of the biggest hassles in moving is trying to find what you need at your new place. There are two quick remedies for this. For each person, create a single suitcase or backpack filled with all the necessities you would need if you were going on a 3-day vacation. This includes 3 changes of clothes, toiletries, prescriptions, eyeglasses, and other vital items. Keep these items separated, and handy for when you arrive.

Similarly, have an “open me first” box for each room, clearly labeled in red instead of black ink, holding the things you want to have immediately available as soon as you arrive. This might be soap, towels and toilet paper for the bathroom; coffee maker and paper cups, plates and flatware for the kitchen; etc. This will make your first 24 hours in the new place much simpler.

Moving Tip 4: Don’t pack It if you can live without it!

Much of the time taken in moving is due to packing and unpacking. So if you haven’t used an item in over a year, it’s a good idea to lighten the moving load and get rid of the stuff.

Here’s my advice:

• While packing, separate out the items you can live without into boxes marked “Moving Sale”.

• Get rid of broken items altogether. Donate all usable clothing and toys to a local charity.

• Hold a moving sale for any items you aren’t using that are “sellable.” You can often earn between $200 and $2000 on a well-organized, well-advertised and well-priced moving sale.

• Get rid of broken items altogether. Have a charity truck come for pick-up at the hour the moving sale ends to take everything that didn’t sell.

Moving Tip 5: Have proper payment for movers ready in advance.

If you are using professional movers, you’ll often need to have cash, money order or certified check in hand BEFORE they unload a single box. In fact, they can legally drive off with your possessions until the moment they receive their payment in the format they prefer. Check before you sign an agreement with your moving company, and verify it again with the move foreman before she or he begins loading.

If you follow these general tips, you’ll be well-positioned to make your move a stress-free experience.

Watch for further Moving Tips in coming days.

For all of your Real Estate needs
The Evelyn Bruder Team is here to assist you.

Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces’ Cyberstar
Visit us on the web at: http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE

We welcome comments and questions – use the comments button at the bottom of this blog.

AggieFest next week

Evelyn Bruder — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:39:34 +0000

At the heart of Las Cruces lies New Mexico State University, which was created as a land-grant institution in 1888. With over 16,000 students attending its main campus, it really does feel like a main artery feeding into Las Cruces’ life and energy.

Whether your alumni from NMSU or another college, still in high school, or well into your career, you still might be curious what it’s like to be an Aggie these days. If so, check out the AggieFest next week—Aug. 18, 1-3 p.m.—for a carnival atmosphere showcasing all academic departments, students services, organizations, and clubs and campus resources. Most of the excitement will be located along the International Mall (west of Corbett Center), and the outdoor stage (east of Corbett Center).

For more info, call Alina Haro at (575) 646-6050, or email her at aharo@nmsu.edu.

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Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar

The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE

We welcome comments and questions – CLICK HERE

Do the Ramble!

Evelyn Bruder — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:42:29 +0000

Looking for something to kick-start your weekend? Consider the Main Street Downtown Ramble. It’s a chance for you to wander in and out of galleries, shops, businesses and restaurants in the renovated historic downtown. There will be art openings at some galleries, live music, entertainment, open mic opportunities, shopping, refreshments and more.

The Ramble is held the first Friday of each month, so if you can’t make it this time, there’s always September!

Free admission. For more info call 575-523-2950.

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Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar

The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE

We welcome comments and questions – CLICK HERE

New Mexico’s Tax Free Weekend is August 6-8

Evelyn Bruder — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:42:53 +0000

Many states offer tax-free shopping during certain times of the year to motivate people to get out there and shop. For one, it helps out people by saving them some cash, and for two, it helps the stores out by generating a little extra revenue.

New Mexico’s tax-free weekend, beginning this Friday (August 6th) and lasting until Sunday (August 8th) at midnight, is intended to help get the kids back to school. But before you venture out and shop till you drop, I have a few ideas that might help you sanely get through this busy weekend:

Make a list:
Make a list in advance of the main items you plan on buying and what stores you plan to shop in to find these items. This will help you avoid going from store to store and running out of time, energy, or money—it’s tax-free weekend, but the cost of school supplies can really add-up fast.

Bring Your Ads
Most stores will match competitors advertised prices on the same merchandise. If you have an ad with you they may match the price if it is the identical item.

Check Extended Hours
Many stores and malls will be extending hours to accommodate the rush of shoppers during this busy weekend. If a store opens early or closes later than the others, you may want to shop during the extended hours and avoid the crowds (although there is sort of no way to completely avoid them with all the good deals and no tax).

For a list of tax-free items, click here.

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Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar

The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE

We welcome comments and questions – CLICK HERE

Looking to get a little greener and/or leaner?

Evelyn Bruder — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:09:14 +0000

The League of American Bicyclists is hosting a commuter class Saturday, September 11, 2010 from 4pm-8pm at Las Cruces City Hall (700 N. Main Street, Conference Room 2007C).

This class is for adult cyclists who’ve completed Traffic Skills 101 and wish to explore commuting to work or school by bicycle. There will be 3-hours of classroom time and a 1-hour on-bike course which will cover route selection, bicycle equipment choices, dealing with cargo & clothing, bike parking, riding at night, and foul weather riding.

What to bring: a brown bag dinner and water bottle, your bike in good working condition, a helmet, bike lights (white front/red rear), reflective wear for night riding, and riding clothing.

To reserve a seat, email edconway@me.com by August 28th. The fee for the class is $20.

Sponsored by the City of Las Cruces, the Las Cruces MPO, the Mesilla Valley Bicycle Coalition, Outdoor Adventures, and the Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico.
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Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar

The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE

We welcome comments and questions – CLICK HERE

A few things to do in Las Cruces tomorrow

Evelyn Bruder — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:04:27 +0000

Las Cruces Farmers Market (every Saturday and Wednesday)

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve made it to the farmers market, so it’s definitely going to be on my to-do list for tomorrow. For one, I have a hankering for some fresh green tomatoes, so that I can slice them up and put them on the grill (I usually just put a dash of salt, pepper and olive oil on them before grilling).

And then hopefully sometime later in the day I will be able to make it to one of the following shows.

KRWG benefit concert

Steve Smith, Chris Sanders and Hard Road will play a benefit concert for KRWG at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at the Rio Grande Theatre. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and under. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

For more information or tickets visit www.krwg.org or call 646-2222.

Lucky Seven: Phoenix Piano Quartet presents free show

Relax and recharge at the free Lucky Seven: Phoenix Piano Quartet concert on Saturday at NMSU’s Atkinson Music Center Recital Hall. Show starts at 3 p.m.

The Phoenix Quartet was founded in 2008 by William Leland, who has served for 30 years as resident pianist in the NMSU Music Department.

The program will feature Mozart’s Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Gabriel Fauré’s Quintet in C Minor and two violin solos by Frizt Kreisler: “Praeludium and Allegro” and “Tambourin Chinois (Chinese Tambourine)

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Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar

The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

For more information about what we do and how we can provide all of your real estate needs, CLICK HERE

We welcome comments and questions – CLICK HERE