A recent report from the Pew Research Center found that older adults feel younger out west. Fully 78% of adults ages 65 and older who live in the West say they don’t feel old, compared with 67% of older adults who live in the rest of the country.
According to their statistics:
Two-thirds of Westerners ages 65 and older say they feel younger than their chronological years, compared with 57% of older Americans in other regions.
Among older Westerners, half say they feel 10 or more years younger than their actual age and one-in-five say they feel 20 or more years younger.
Older folks living in the West also feel healthier than older folks elsewhere. Among adults ages 65 and older, some 72% of those living in the West say they are in excellent or good health. This compares with 63% of those living in other regions of the country.
So, celebrate the new year and all the possibilities it brings. Don’t worry about that extra candle on the birthday cake. Embrace the future and remember you can always join us Out West. We welcome you in 2010.
To search all properties in the Santa Fe MLS, go to www.GreenRoadsRealty.com.
Call us to discuss property in northern New Mexico. There is no charge to buyers: (505) 995-0195.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Who Qualifies For Move-Up Tax Credit?
When President Obama signed into law recently an extension of the first-time homebuyer tax credit (up to $8,000), another tax credit for existing homeowners was tacked on, but with a lot of conditions.
The first-time homebuyer is defined as not having owned a primary residence for the past 3 years. A move-up or repeat buyer is defined as a person who has owned and resided in the same home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date.
Many real estate analysts have credited the first-time homebuyer incentive as a major impetus in home sales in 2009. Perhaps. But it's hard to imagine how "up to $6,500" in tax credit will be much incentive for people who can qualify for a second home. The tax credit is based on 10% of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500. Any homes priced below $800,000 is eligible for the tax credit.
However, you cannot purchase a home from, among other family members, your ancestors (parents, grandparents, etc.), your lineal descendants (children, grandchildren, etc.) or your spouse or your spouse’s family members. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information. Also see IRS Form 5405.
To qualify, there is an income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. Partial credit may be available to those with higher modified adjusted gross income.
It seems to me that giving away this money continues to sap our coffers and has no positive effect on people and their communities. Between the looting of the Treasury, senseless wars, and bailouts of big businesses, insane amounts of taxpayer dollars have been thrown to unlikely and undeserving hands.
Making our money available to us through affordable and reasonable-to-get lines of credit -- that $42,000+ per man, woman and child stolen to bailout the banking industry (which gambled it away in derivitives, and continues those unregulated practices!) -- would go a long way toward giving small business what it needs to operate, and thereby stimulate the economy and innovation.
For more information on the Move-Up and Repeat Buyer tax credit, see http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq2.php
The first-time homebuyer is defined as not having owned a primary residence for the past 3 years. A move-up or repeat buyer is defined as a person who has owned and resided in the same home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date.
Many real estate analysts have credited the first-time homebuyer incentive as a major impetus in home sales in 2009. Perhaps. But it's hard to imagine how "up to $6,500" in tax credit will be much incentive for people who can qualify for a second home. The tax credit is based on 10% of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500. Any homes priced below $800,000 is eligible for the tax credit.
However, you cannot purchase a home from, among other family members, your ancestors (parents, grandparents, etc.), your lineal descendants (children, grandchildren, etc.) or your spouse or your spouse’s family members. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information. Also see IRS Form 5405.
To qualify, there is an income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. Partial credit may be available to those with higher modified adjusted gross income.
It seems to me that giving away this money continues to sap our coffers and has no positive effect on people and their communities. Between the looting of the Treasury, senseless wars, and bailouts of big businesses, insane amounts of taxpayer dollars have been thrown to unlikely and undeserving hands.
Making our money available to us through affordable and reasonable-to-get lines of credit -- that $42,000+ per man, woman and child stolen to bailout the banking industry (which gambled it away in derivitives, and continues those unregulated practices!) -- would go a long way toward giving small business what it needs to operate, and thereby stimulate the economy and innovation.
For more information on the Move-Up and Repeat Buyer tax credit, see http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq2.php
Sunday, November 22, 2009
New Real Estate Research To Be Available Spring 2010
The National Association of Realtors recently announced a new product, Realtors® Property Resource (RPR), which is scheduled to be released to Realtors® in April 2010.
RPR promises to be a powerful national database of 140 million property records, both residential and commercial intended become the most superior resource for all real estate matters.
According to the NAR, the system will provide 265 million residential and commercial assessments, sales and mortgage records which will be updated more than 650,000 times each month. Additionally, it will include all the on-market and off-market data from MLS's, including photos, virtual tours and notes by individual agents to create the most accurate source of real estate data in the country.
Distressed Property: Plans are to include 850,000 distressed property records, complete with address, owner and mortgage information and updated monthly.
Schools: Also available will be information on 125,000 public and private elementary, middle and high schools, along with detailed data and parent reviews.
Neighborhood demographic data will detail more than 700,000 communities and feature psychographic data, i.e., consumer spending and consumption habits.
The Realtor Valuation Model is touting 90% accuracy using MLS data, which should be much better than Zillow's use of public records in its estimates, which is often very inaccurate, especially in a small and diverse market like Santa Fe.
Other features to be part of the system are:
- Real time saerches.
- Mapping tools with side-by-side comparisons.
- User-generated data changes.
- Personalized profile management.
- A library of customizable reports.
- Extensive help with live chat and a knowledge database.
- News features and marketing reports.
- A database for market analytics.
There is quite a bit of discussion in the real estate community as to whether RPR will compete with local MLS's and what impact it may have on companies like Zillow. But, if it presents as much accurate data as it claims, Realtors will have more valuable information to share with clients who, ultimately, should benefit from this.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
New! Fights between Santa Fe and Los Angeles
Beginning Nov. 19, 2009, American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, launched service to Santa Fe, New Mexico's capital city, with a daily nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF).
This is in addition to AA flights to Dallas which began earlier in the year. Now, Santa Fe's little airport, located on the southwest side of the city, actually has a few commercial flights. Hooray!
To celebrate this new service to Santa Fe, American is offering double AAdvantage(®) miles and low introductory fares. Log on to AA.com for details.
The schedule to and from Santa Fe (all times local):
Santa Fe to Los Angeles (SAF-LAX)
Flight Departs Arrives Days
3157 2:45 p.m. 3:55 p.m. Daily
Los Angeles to Santa Fe (LAX-SAF)
Flight Departs Arrives Days
3156 12:20 p.m. 3:15 p.m. Daily
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Santa Fe Municipal Airport
(DFW-SAF)
Flight Departs Arrives Days
3572 10:55 a.m. 11:45 a.m. Daily
*2849 1:25 p.m. 2:15 p.m. Daily
*New Flight
Santa Fe Municipal Airport To Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
(SAF-DFW)
Flight Departs Arrives Days
3544 12:15 p.m. 2:50 p.m. Daily
*2850 3:45 p.m. 6:25 p.m. Daily
*New Flight
This is in addition to AA flights to Dallas which began earlier in the year. Now, Santa Fe's little airport, located on the southwest side of the city, actually has a few commercial flights. Hooray!
To celebrate this new service to Santa Fe, American is offering double AAdvantage(®) miles and low introductory fares. Log on to AA.com for details.
The schedule to and from Santa Fe (all times local):
Santa Fe to Los Angeles (SAF-LAX)
Flight Departs Arrives Days
3157 2:45 p.m. 3:55 p.m. Daily
Los Angeles to Santa Fe (LAX-SAF)
Flight Departs Arrives Days
3156 12:20 p.m. 3:15 p.m. Daily
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Santa Fe Municipal Airport
(DFW-SAF)
Flight Departs Arrives Days
3572 10:55 a.m. 11:45 a.m. Daily
*2849 1:25 p.m. 2:15 p.m. Daily
*New Flight
Santa Fe Municipal Airport To Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
(SAF-DFW)
Flight Departs Arrives Days
3544 12:15 p.m. 2:50 p.m. Daily
*2850 3:45 p.m. 6:25 p.m. Daily
*New Flight
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Albuquerque Sunport becomes an international airport
Albuquerque's airport, or Sunport, has long proclaimed itself: "Albuquerque International Airport," but that has been more wishful thinking than reality. However, on Feb. 9, 2009, the first international flight will arrive ... from the city of Chihuahua, Mexico, via Aeromexico.
To begin, the flight will be offered in both directions 3 days a week, which doesn't sound like much. But airline representatives and New Mexico State Tourism and Economic Development departments see this as a major step in promoting international tourism and trade between New Mexico and the State of Chihuahua (from which so many of our immigrants hail).
In a meeting held Jan. 15 at the Tamaya Resort, a posh Hyatt Regency property on Santa Ana Pueblo land near Bernalillo, NM (north of Albuquerque), more than 100 travel, tourism and media industry professionals filled a large room to hear about this new opportunity, which will be celebrated at the Sunport on its inaugural flight day, Feb. 9.
The Chihuahua flight will provide connections (although not necessarily direct connections) to Monterrey, Mexico City, Torreon and Guadalajara, cities better associated with Mexico's upper class than Chihuahua. Golf, skiing and medical tourism were cited as major reasons Mexicans might be inclined to visit the "Land of Enchantment". No one spoke of the reasons New Mexicans might clamor to visit Chihuahua, as there seem to be none.
Despite the historic precedent of an international flight to the Sunport, it seems dubious that this small connection, from a relatively obscure city, will have much impact on New Mexico's economy. Of course, any new idea for economic growth are greeted with bravos, but I have to wonder: Why Chihuahua? And the quoted round-trip fare -- above $400 for an 80-minute flight, makes me sputter -- Aye Chihuahua!
Although I personally lack vision about this, my new venture, BridgesToSantaFe (please excuse our website, it is being overhauled) will explore opportunities to participate in and support this first-foray, on the part of the NM State agencies, into international flights, and remain hopeful that good things will result.
To begin, the flight will be offered in both directions 3 days a week, which doesn't sound like much. But airline representatives and New Mexico State Tourism and Economic Development departments see this as a major step in promoting international tourism and trade between New Mexico and the State of Chihuahua (from which so many of our immigrants hail).
In a meeting held Jan. 15 at the Tamaya Resort, a posh Hyatt Regency property on Santa Ana Pueblo land near Bernalillo, NM (north of Albuquerque), more than 100 travel, tourism and media industry professionals filled a large room to hear about this new opportunity, which will be celebrated at the Sunport on its inaugural flight day, Feb. 9.
The Chihuahua flight will provide connections (although not necessarily direct connections) to Monterrey, Mexico City, Torreon and Guadalajara, cities better associated with Mexico's upper class than Chihuahua. Golf, skiing and medical tourism were cited as major reasons Mexicans might be inclined to visit the "Land of Enchantment". No one spoke of the reasons New Mexicans might clamor to visit Chihuahua, as there seem to be none.
Despite the historic precedent of an international flight to the Sunport, it seems dubious that this small connection, from a relatively obscure city, will have much impact on New Mexico's economy. Of course, any new idea for economic growth are greeted with bravos, but I have to wonder: Why Chihuahua? And the quoted round-trip fare -- above $400 for an 80-minute flight, makes me sputter -- Aye Chihuahua!
Although I personally lack vision about this, my new venture, BridgesToSantaFe (please excuse our website, it is being overhauled) will explore opportunities to participate in and support this first-foray, on the part of the NM State agencies, into international flights, and remain hopeful that good things will result.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The U.S. Healthcare Debate
I am impressed with the Obama Transitions Team to engage citizens in meaningful conversations. To join in on the healthcare debate, go to: http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_daschles_healthcare_response/
Here is my two-cents:
Trying to "fix" a broken system by tweaking it will not work. It's as crazy as putting a new heart into a person whose other organs have also failed. A whole new system is required and, as many have written, based on a new set of values regarding people, not policies and profits. Fact is, we don't even have a system. We have an industry and, like the U.S. auto industry, it is cumbersome, archaic and unresponsive to the needs and wants of nearly all the people involved.
I suggest we start with our education, making tuition free for doctors, nurses, EMTs, etc. in exchange for, say, a couple of year's of community service at a base-rate of pay. That way, doctors don't graduate med school with hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt. Liability needs to be capped.
Free preventative health care, from pre-natal to adulthood, including dentistry, (as in New Zealand), will avoid much of the adult onset of chronic disease and raise awareness. And, on the other end of the life cycle, we need to address aging and dying as a society, as our existing options are pitiful and only the very wealthy can have any peace about end-of-life care and dignity. We must create safety nets for our citizenry to overcome the fears rampant on every level in the U.S. Why are 50% of bankruptcies over medical bills?
But all this means re-prioritizing our values...for people, not profits. And too, citizens must be willing and empowered to take responsibility for their health and well-being. This is a huge issue that speaks to the core of our values as a nation, but I believe 'yes we can' make the necessary changes. Thanks for engaging us in the conversation.
Here is my two-cents:
Trying to "fix" a broken system by tweaking it will not work. It's as crazy as putting a new heart into a person whose other organs have also failed. A whole new system is required and, as many have written, based on a new set of values regarding people, not policies and profits. Fact is, we don't even have a system. We have an industry and, like the U.S. auto industry, it is cumbersome, archaic and unresponsive to the needs and wants of nearly all the people involved.
I suggest we start with our education, making tuition free for doctors, nurses, EMTs, etc. in exchange for, say, a couple of year's of community service at a base-rate of pay. That way, doctors don't graduate med school with hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt. Liability needs to be capped.
Free preventative health care, from pre-natal to adulthood, including dentistry, (as in New Zealand), will avoid much of the adult onset of chronic disease and raise awareness. And, on the other end of the life cycle, we need to address aging and dying as a society, as our existing options are pitiful and only the very wealthy can have any peace about end-of-life care and dignity. We must create safety nets for our citizenry to overcome the fears rampant on every level in the U.S. Why are 50% of bankruptcies over medical bills?
But all this means re-prioritizing our values...for people, not profits. And too, citizens must be willing and empowered to take responsibility for their health and well-being. This is a huge issue that speaks to the core of our values as a nation, but I believe 'yes we can' make the necessary changes. Thanks for engaging us in the conversation.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Two Weeks in Madrid
It’s different when you live in a place, in contrast to visiting and being a tourist. As streets, landmarks, stores and transportation become familiar – for me, somewhere in the second week -- the place begins to lose its mystery and fascination and take on the comforting sense of familiarity.
I know how to find my flat through the maze of streets, from any direction. I know how to use the Metro to get anywhere, and smartly buy the 10-trip ticket which saves 3 euros over individual ones. I’ve visited the major tourist sites, had coffee or wine in all the famous squares and many historic tavernas. I’ve eaten my share of tortillas papas and bolillo sandwiches. I’ve shopped in small oriental-owned groceries, cheese shops, panaderias (bread stores) and druggias (where you buy shampoo). I have walked and walked, which is what you do. I have a local mobile phone with 8 people in my contact list.
I’ve been to the Prado and stood before masterpieces by Titan, El Greco, Velazques, Goya, Ribera and Bosch. I’ve even been to the movies with a local woman and her 83-year-old mother to see Woody Allen’s “Vicky, Christina, Barcelona” in Spanish, as everything is dubbed here. I will go to the Reina Sophia museum and Retiro Park (Madrid’s Central Park) before I leave.
The initial awe and luster gives way to some observations of annoyance. For example, men are not gentlemanly – no one gives up a seat on the Metro for anyone; people push past without a “perdon”. Questions are answered courteously enough, but no one offers additional or better information that, you later discover, could have saved a lot of time and aggravation.
Even the sound of the accordion, which delighted me my first night, upon hearing it from the sidewalk below, has become commonplace; along with the violin and flute and baritone singers which make music in the streets or plazas at all hours.
Madrid is a big, busy, dirty, noisy city, and the most late-night in Europe, with dinner commonly eaten after 10 p.m. Its habitants are remarkably friendly and helpful once you strike up a conversation or are introduced by a mutual acquaintance. Its old parts, where I have stayed, are full of narrow winding cobblestone streets, pedestrian streets inlaid with quotes in bronze from poets and statesmen, beautiful residential buildings with wrought-iron balconies, and impressive monumental buildings.
It is a place teeming with human activity that shuts down mid-day for the civilized tradition of a large meal and siesta. It is a city that has grown and sprawled in the post-Franco years, swelled with campesinos, immigrants and ex-pats, and now complains of the downside of being a melting pot.
I am pleased to have explored so thoroughly although, indeed, there is always much more. But, for now, I feel satisfied with my knowing Madrid and having been warmly received by a number of interesting Madrileños, mostly transplants.
The peace and quiet of Santa Fe will pose a real contrast to Madrid. No doubt, for a week or two I will experience a heightened sense of curiosity and appreciation that resides specifically in newness. I will see with fresh eyes. And then, as routine slowly erodes the edge of adventure, idealized notions of another thrilling locale will draw me toward my next escapade, where the unknown becomes known, in the inevitable cycles of Life.
I know how to find my flat through the maze of streets, from any direction. I know how to use the Metro to get anywhere, and smartly buy the 10-trip ticket which saves 3 euros over individual ones. I’ve visited the major tourist sites, had coffee or wine in all the famous squares and many historic tavernas. I’ve eaten my share of tortillas papas and bolillo sandwiches. I’ve shopped in small oriental-owned groceries, cheese shops, panaderias (bread stores) and druggias (where you buy shampoo). I have walked and walked, which is what you do. I have a local mobile phone with 8 people in my contact list.
I’ve been to the Prado and stood before masterpieces by Titan, El Greco, Velazques, Goya, Ribera and Bosch. I’ve even been to the movies with a local woman and her 83-year-old mother to see Woody Allen’s “Vicky, Christina, Barcelona” in Spanish, as everything is dubbed here. I will go to the Reina Sophia museum and Retiro Park (Madrid’s Central Park) before I leave.
The initial awe and luster gives way to some observations of annoyance. For example, men are not gentlemanly – no one gives up a seat on the Metro for anyone; people push past without a “perdon”. Questions are answered courteously enough, but no one offers additional or better information that, you later discover, could have saved a lot of time and aggravation.
Even the sound of the accordion, which delighted me my first night, upon hearing it from the sidewalk below, has become commonplace; along with the violin and flute and baritone singers which make music in the streets or plazas at all hours.
Madrid is a big, busy, dirty, noisy city, and the most late-night in Europe, with dinner commonly eaten after 10 p.m. Its habitants are remarkably friendly and helpful once you strike up a conversation or are introduced by a mutual acquaintance. Its old parts, where I have stayed, are full of narrow winding cobblestone streets, pedestrian streets inlaid with quotes in bronze from poets and statesmen, beautiful residential buildings with wrought-iron balconies, and impressive monumental buildings.
It is a place teeming with human activity that shuts down mid-day for the civilized tradition of a large meal and siesta. It is a city that has grown and sprawled in the post-Franco years, swelled with campesinos, immigrants and ex-pats, and now complains of the downside of being a melting pot.
I am pleased to have explored so thoroughly although, indeed, there is always much more. But, for now, I feel satisfied with my knowing Madrid and having been warmly received by a number of interesting Madrileños, mostly transplants.
The peace and quiet of Santa Fe will pose a real contrast to Madrid. No doubt, for a week or two I will experience a heightened sense of curiosity and appreciation that resides specifically in newness. I will see with fresh eyes. And then, as routine slowly erodes the edge of adventure, idealized notions of another thrilling locale will draw me toward my next escapade, where the unknown becomes known, in the inevitable cycles of Life.
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