April 2021
A Special Supplement to the
Roswell Daily Record
2 American Home Week
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American Home Week 3
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Roswell Daily Record Publisher
Cover/Layout Design
Barbara Beck
General Manager Saralei Fajardo
Creative Design Sandra Martinez
Editor
Advertising Sales
John Dilmore
Advertising Director Manny Gonzalez
Composing Director Aric Loomis
Aric Loomis
Melanie Page Merle Alexander
Writer
Lisa Dunlap
Carole Schlatter Associate Real Estate Broker Cell 575-626-0950 Enchaned Lands, REALTORS® 500 N Main St Roswell, NM 88201 Office 575-622-0875 Fax 575-624-0381 carole@EnchantedLandsHomes.com www.EnchantedLandsHomes.com
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4 American Home Week
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Local housing market sees continued strong sales
Roswell Daily Record
Chaves County home sales are continuing their strong showing so far in 2021, but rising prices and other factors could signal some pressures on the market in the months ahead. Low interest rates are making home ownership a possibility for more people, as well as giving existing home owners a reason to transition to new homes. Mortgage rates dipped again on April 15 to an average of about 3.04% for a 30year fixed rate mortgage, according to a survey by Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. This time last year, the same mortgage had an average rate of about 3.31%. The smaller number of houses available for sale — down from 175 listings in March 2019 to 101 in March 2021 — means that prices continue to climb practically each month, in spite of the pandemic and its effects on jobs and income. Sales also are occurring quickly. The local trends to do not reflect inflationary pressures or unstable market conditions, according to a local real estate professional. “We are not in a bubble. The signs of a bubble are not there,” said Ramona Kilpatrick, the 2021 president of the Roswell Association of Realtors Board of Directors and an associate broker with the Artesia office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Enchanted Lands. “It is just one of those things we cannot explain. It is just an awesome phenomena.” Chaves County 2021 year-to-date sales total 109, with a median price so far this year of $162,000, according to data from the New Mexico Association of Realtors, which uses information supplied by the Roswell Association of Realtors. The statistics indicate a shrinking inventory from 2019 to 2021 and an increase in the median home price by $21,500. For the month of March 2021 alone, 101 active listings were reported, with 49 sales occurring and a median price of $159,000. Total sales volume for the month was $8.87 million. The average days on the market was 87, which was the same for 2020 and 2019 as well. In March 2020, year-to-date sales in Chaves County were 133, with $157,900 as the median price for the first three months of the year. For the month of March 2020 alone, 127 active listings were reported, with 52 sales occurring for a median price of $152,000 and total volume of $9.53 million. In March 2019, year-to-date sales in Chaves County totaled 128 and the median price for the first three months of the year was $143,500. For March 2019
alone, 175 active listings were in the system with 52 sales for a median price of $137,500. Total volume for that month was $8.03 million. Kilpatrick said that her experience is that currently about 50% of home buyers are from Roswell and 50% are new buyers in the market. Her advice to potential buyers is to get preapproved for a home loan before searching for a potential buy. “There is nothing worse than them getting their heart set on a home and then finding out that they can’t qualify for it,” she said. “I always recommend that they get pre-approved first so that we know what they can afford and to look for what they want. But in this market, they have to be quick as well.” She said most people taking out loans can close within 45 to 60 days. If buyers don’t need loans, closing can occur in about 30 days. Her advice to sellers is, “Make sure that your home is sell-ready. De-clutter everything. Make sure that anything unsafe is taken care of before you start showing your home. And bring us your homes. We will get them sold.” The New Mexico Association of Realtors also is reporting a statewide increase in home sales so far in 2021. According to a state report run on April 14, March 2021 sales totaled 2,315 compared to 2,047 for March 2020. Danny Vigil, president of the state association, noted that the 2021 year-to-date sales of 5,714 is almost 400 more than reported for the first three months of 2020. That number was 5,345. The 2021 year-to-date sales number is 733 more than the 4,981 sales for the first three months of March 2019. For March 2021, the statewide median price for a home was $260,000, compared to $223,000 for March 2020 and $200,000 for 2019. The average days on the market statewide was 56 for March 2021, down from 68 for March 2020 and 75 for March 2019. The state group indicates in an April 16 news release that the rising home prices could make affordability an issue for some New Mexico buyers. “It’s a sellers’ market out there today,” said Vigil. “Sellers are still seeing multiple offers. However, at some point, potential buyers are going to be priced out of the market.” Association Chief Executive Officer Steven Anaya also said that continued high unemployment in most of the state could affect the real estate market.
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
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American Home Week 5
6 American Home Week
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Foster, Hobson selected as Citizens of the Year
and in their community involvement for decades, with a special emphasis on working for the youth of the area.
Roswell Daily Record
Barry Foster, a city councilor, educator and youth leader, and Larry Hobson, a Chaves County farmer known for his work with area fairs and many other community organizations, have been selected as the 2021 Citizens of the Year by the Roswell Association of Realtors. The two will be honored at a reception to be hosted by the association and the Roswell Chamber of Commerce in the coming weeks. “We look for someone who has done a lot for the city of Roswell,” said Ramona Kilpatrick, the 2021 president of the Roswell Association of Realtors Board of Directors. “Usually we do not choose a broker from any firm. It is someone in the community who just open-heartedly does things for the community and who does a lot of different things. They serve on
“Good about giving back”
Barry Foster
Larry Hobson
boards, they donate money or donate other things — anybody that is really Roswell-minded and has been around for a while and has done things they
think are good for Roswell and they do it unselfishly.“ The two men honored this year have been leaders in their professions
Barry Foster, who grew up in Clovis, has immersed himself in the Roswell community since moving here in 1993 with his family, which includes his wife, Stephanie, and their now-grown children, daughter Carol, and three sons Marshall, Michael and Marcus. Known to many for his role as a Roswell city councilor, serving from 2010-2014 and again from 2016 to the present, he is also a third-grade teacher at Monterrey Elementary School. He has been an educator with area public education programs for about 16 years, but he also worked in other fields to support the family while his continued page 8
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American Home Week 7
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
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CONGRATULATIONS To Our Top Producers
Alicia Gilmore
Tricia Hart
Erica Havens
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8 American Home Week Citizen continued from page 6 wife earned her degree and began her teaching career. His latest accomplishments as a public official include being a lead advocate to secure $400,000 in state capital outlay funds to develop a vacant city-owned lot that used to be the Chisum Elementary School into a park for southside youth. He has said in prior interviews that youth in that area needed green space so that they won’t have to play soccer or basketball in the streets or have to cross a major road to get to another park. He also worked with State Sen. Cliff Pirtle (R-Roswell) to get a 2020 capital outlay award for a new splash pad at Carpenter Park on Southeast Main Street and has been involved in the current efforts to remodel the Roswell facility for the Boys & Girls Club. Other projects he has listed as accomplishments as a city councilor include supporting the development of the Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center on West College Boulevard and the Charlie McVay Softball Complex near the Wool Bowl. He still has other priorities on his list to be accomplished in the future. “If there is one thing I would like to see happen in Roswell,” he said, “it would be a comprehensive plan to guarantee free day care for Roswell’s children from birth to teen.” His volunteer efforts for the city have included working with Grace Community Church and Main Thing First; serving as a board officer for the Boys & Girls Club; and being on the board for many years, including
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APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD as chairman, for the Southeast New Mexico Community Action Corp., which oversees the Head Start educational program in the region. “He is always willing to help where he can. He has a servant’s heart and will do what he is able to do,” the nominator wrote about him. The person added, “Barry is always about giving back to Roswell and the children of Roswell.” Foster said that he was “deeply appreciative of the honor,” especially because of his respect for his fellow honoree. “He is definitely someone I look up to,” Foster said. “He has done so much for the youth of Roswell and the Eastern New Mexico State Fair.” “Life-long advocate for the kids of Roswell and Chaves County” Larry Hobson and Chaves County agriculture are synonymous in many local residents’ minds. “If Larry isn’t out on a tractor farming, he’s working his magic, figuring out a way to make life better for the youth in our community,” said his daughter, Mikell McGuire, who nominated him for the honor. Hobson is a Roswell native and a 1965 Roswell High School graduate. He and his wife, Judy, are known to many for their decades of work supporting local youth involved with the Future Farmers of America, the 4-H clubs and the county and regional state fairs. Their family includes McGuire, daughter Jami Bernacchi and son Clinton Hobson, as well as numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
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Larry Hobson stepped down last year after 36 years heading the Chaves County 4-H Fair and after 20 years as board president of the Eastern New Mexico State Fair Board, which also includes the youth auctions that enable students to raise funds for college and livestock-raising endeavors. As the head of the nonprofit regional fair group, he had overseen the development of its new administration and event building as well as other improvements to the grounds, and he has led the efforts to host the annual regional fair that is one of the area’s largest tourist events. “I did it for 20 years and it was time for new leadership and new ideas,” Hobson said, “and I know this group will bring that and it is going to be a great fair this year.” He also has served in leadership positions with the Roswell Chamber of Commerce, the Chaves County Farm Bureau, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Services Support Council, the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum and the Chaves County Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). He has helped local youth, high school and charitable organizations by serving as a volunteer auctioneer at fundraising events so that they can obtain the funds for needed supplies and projects. He expresses a simple leadership philosophy. “Never ask someone to do what you are not willing to do,” he said, “and basically your volunteers — they are like gold — and you just have to appreciate them. Without them, we
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would not be what we are, with all the organizations in town.” He said he feels he was given a gift to help others and that he considers volunteering to be part of what he did to contribute back for what he has been given. He has received numerous prior honors, with a short list including an honorary degree from New Mexico State University and its Distinguished Service Award and Agricultural Leader of the Year Award; a Chaves County 4-H Alumni Award; and a 4-H Hall of Fame Award. His reaction to the most recent award is that he is humbled by it. “It is always nice to be recognized,” he said. “I just enjoy people and trying to help and making our community even better.” Hobson has been able to have some quiet time. He describes himself as a “40-year-old trapped in a 73-year-old body,” with the need to take some time off from leading and instead play a supporting role for a while. Daughter McGuire notes that his biggest supporter is his wife, Judy, who served as the arts and crafts superintendent for the Eastern New Mexico State Fair for 14 years until last year, as well as a volunteer for church and community groups. “Their love for our community is shown through their years of service,” McGuire said. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
American Home Week 9
10 American Home Week
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Realtors board president oversees office renovation
Ramona Kilpatrick
Roswell Daily Record
With COVID-19 restrictions and concerns still having its effects in New Mexico, the current president of the 2021 Roswell Association of Realtors Board of Directors said that her main goals this year are overseeing the renovations to the association’s offices on West Second Street and preparing for when the membership can resume in-person meetings. The association has about 118 members and a 10-member board, said Ramona Kilpatrick, an associate broker with the Artesia office of
The renovation of the association building on West Second Street is expected to be completed this summer.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Enchanted Lands. She is serving as board president of the Roswell Association of Realtors from January to December and will remain on the board in 2022 as past president. Most association members live in the Chaves County area, Kilpatrick said, but any licensed realtor can join and currently some Artesia and Carlsbad realtors belong. One of the main functions of the group is to maintain the area’s Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, that provides information on properties for sale. When COVID is not a factor, the
association also meets regularly for MLS luncheons to discuss new policies or procedures and to hear from guest speakers who talk about lending, appraisals or other topics related to real estate. “Now each office is just kind of doing its own thing and communicating if we have transactions together,” Kilpatrick said. “It has been a little sad. We had a meeting the other day and we decided that we needed to do something because we miss our members. We miss seeing everyone at the same time. I imagine our first MLS meeting will be amazing because everybody
Lisa Dunlap Photo
will show up and everybody will be glad to see everybody.” She said the board is looking for a place large enough for them to hold a meeting and still allow for the social distancing required by current state public health orders. The group also typically coordinates some continuing education courses each year in the Roswell area, but those have been occurring online due to COVID concerns and restrictions. As members prepare to meet again in-person, the association offices at 513 W. Second St. are undergoing
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American Home Week 11
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD their first major renovation since the 1970s, Kilpatrick said. The project costs about $90,000 and consists mainly of interior work. It is expected to be completed this summer. “My main goal is to make sure that is done properly and efficiently and that we use the members’ money wisely,” Kilpatrick said. She added that she also considers it part of her job as president to help members however she can and answer questions that the public might have about the local market or industry. On a personal level, Kilpatrick said she intends to earn her qualifying broker license, which is necessary to run a real estate firm. “Not that I want to open an office or anything,” she said, “That is just my next step.” She has been a realtor in New Mexico for seven years, having worked as an assistant in the industry for about a year before that. Previously she worked for about eight years in accounting for the property management division of a real estate company in Arizona. She said her main purpose as a broker is to make the transactions as easy as possible on buyers and sellers. “I just enjoy working with the people,” she said. “There is nothing like giving a first-time home buyer their first set of keys, the excitement they have, the looks on their faces when you hand them their keys,” she said. “I just love working with people. I am a big people person.”
Roswell Association of Realtors Board
Lisa Dunlap Photo The 2021 Roswell Association of Realtors Board of Directors. Left to right: President Ramona Kilpatrick, Treasurer Sam Pettit, Director Alicia Gilmore, Director Jesse McDaniel, Director Mindy Longmire, Past President Esther Purkey, Association Executive Susan McKee and Director Jennifer Lewis. Not pictured: Secretary Lori Berry, President-Elect Lelynn Todd Taylor and Ex-officio member Dan Coleman.
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12 American Home Week
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Congratulations to Roswell’s
TOP PRODUCERS
Brynn Brown
Scarlet Castillo
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Berkshire Hathaway
Alicia Gilmore
Tricia Hart
Berkshire Hathaway
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Linda Kirk
Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Rocky Langley
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Berkshire Hathaway
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Charlotte Thompson Blanca Valverde Berkshire Hathaway
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Berkshire Hathaway
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Dan Coleman
Berkshire Hathaway
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Erica Havens
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Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Lindsey McKay
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Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Alejandra Villa
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Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Bill Davis
Berkshire Hathaway
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Brad Davis
Miracle Ebright
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Berkshire Hathaway
Steven Henderson Ramsie Hernandez Berkshire Hathaway
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Gen Outland
Berkshire Hathaway
Enchanted Lands, REALTORS®
Jen Wilcox
Berkshire Hathaway
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American Home Week 13
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Congratulations to Roswell’s
TOP PRODUCERS Jim Moore
Century 21 Home Planning
Jennifer Lewis
Allen Shanley
Hank Townsend
Marcia Tidwell
Century 21 Home Planning
Mindy Longmire Dynamic Properties
Heidi Bells
Lori Berry
Maria Campos
Tara Marrs
Venessa Ruiz
Josh Lusk
Jennifer Smith
Century 21 Home Planning
Keller Williams
Mirta Varela
Keller Williams
Lynda Woody
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Keller Williams
Jesse McDaniel McDaniel
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14 American Home Week
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Association of Realtors hands out honors, awards
Submitted
The Roswell Association of Realtors earlier this year recognized local real estate industry leaders, including the group’s Realtor of the Year and Rookie of the Year, who were named during a Realtor Association event. Prior to that, groups of the area’s top sellers gathered at the Chaves County Courthouse for a series of photo ops. The association each year honors its highest-achieving members through a series of awards and events.
Taylor recognized as 2020 Realtor of the Year
Lelynn Todd Taylor was recently recognized as 2020 Realtor of the Year by the Roswell Association of Realtors. Taylor was born in 1964 and attended New Mexico Military Institute for six years, graduating from both high school and junior college, according to information provided by the association. While attending NMMI, he played
Lelynn Todd Taylor 2020 Realtor of the Year
Heidi Bills 2020 Rookie of the Year
basketball. After NMMI, he went on to graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in governmental affairs. After college, he assisted two Texas legislators in their work. Taylor has always been interested in politics, according to the association, but shifted slightly and became interested in sales. His mother and father have also won Realtor of the Year. Taylor has been a member of the
New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association for over 10 years. He has served as a member of the New Mexico Real Estate Commission Education Advisory Committee for two years and is the current chairman of the committee.
Pictured are the Roswell Association of Realtors members’ 2020 Top Producers who achieved the Platinum level, which is over $10 million. Front row, from left: Linda Kirk, Jennifer Wilcox and Starla Nunez. Back row, from left: Jesse McDaniel, Josh Lusk and Riley Armstrong.
Bills named Association of Realtors’ ‘Rookie of the Year’
Heidi Bills was recently recognized as 2020 Rookie of the Year by the Ro-
swell Association of Realtors. Bills, according to information provided by the association, grew up on her family’s dairy and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University. The third of nine siblings, she has been married for 21 years and has five children and three grandchildren. Her activities include dancing, sewing, crafting, exercising and caring for others. She also enjoys family reunions and staying in touch with her siblings. She has served as booster president for her kids for two years in football, and is currently serving her third year in the volleyball booster club at Goddard High School. She has raised funds for sports, dance studios, schools, etc., for many years, according to the association, and enjoys volunteering at the Community Kitchen preparing and serving meals. She also volunteers at the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico. Bills sold $3.89 million in her first year in real estate at Keller Williams Realty.
Pictured, from left, are Dan Coleman and Jennifer Smith, the Roswell Association of Realtors members’ 2020 Top Producers who achieved the Diamond level, which is $7 million to $9.999 million.
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Pictured is Mindy Longmire, who achieved Gold Level, which is $5 million to $6.99 million, in the Roswell Association of Realtors members 2020 Top Producers. Members who also achieved Gold level but are not pictured are Bill Davis, Cherri Snyder, Lindsey McKay and Ramona Kilpatrick.
American Home Week 15
Pictured are the Roswell Association of Realtors members’ 2020 Top Producers who achieved the Silver level, which is $3 million to $4.99 million. Front row, from left: Ramsie Hernandez, Angelica Leyva, Mirta Varela and Leesa Chesser. Back row, from left: Heidi Bills, Venessa Ruiz, Karla Crow, Daisy Olaguez and Marie Campos. Not pictured: Brad Davis, Lori Berry and Marion Hobbs.
Pictured are the Roswell Association of Realtors members’ 2020 Top Producers who achieved the Bronze level, which is $1 million to $2.99 million. Front row, from left: Alicia Gilmore, Alex Pankey, Angel Mayes, Larry Fresquez, Lynn Graves, Gen Outland and Lynda Woody. Second row, from left: Sam Pettit, Marcia Tidwell, Esther Purkey, Jennifer Lewis, Hannah Brown and Ana Garcia. Back row, from left: Charlotte Thompson, Steven Henderson and Jim Moore. Not pictured: Beth Smith, Kaitlyn Bertelson-Adams, Lelynn Todd Taylor, Melodi Salas, Scarlet Castillo, Sherlea Taylor, Shirley Childress and Tricia Hart.
16 American Home Week
Metro Creative
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
DIY strategies to deep-clean carpeting
What’s underfoot in a home can go a long way toward making residences comfortable and aesthetically appealing. A study of home buyer preferences using data from the National Association of Realtors found that 54 percent of home buyers were willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring. But that doesn’t mean that carpeting doesn’t still have its devotees. In 2019, the real estate firm Opendoor installed nearly one million yards of carpeting in its homes. Houzz reports that, in 2018, 17 percent of renovating homeowners purchased carpets and 50 percent purchased indoor rugs. Carpeting and rugs can offset some of the shortcomings of hardwood, providing a softer texture that makes for a better landing spot for active young children. However, carpets will require more maintenance than hardwood floors. Learning how to deep clean carpets can help homeowners, as vacuuming is not enough to keep carpets in top form. Spot clean stains Stores sell a bevy of carpet cleaning solutions. When applying such solutions, do so in an inconspicuous area of the room to ensure colorfastness of the carpet and that the solution does not adversely affect the fibers. If
the spot is clean and the carpet is not adversely affected, you can then apply the solution to more visible areas. Homeowners who prefer all-natural cleaning solutions rather than chemicals can use a solution of white vinegar, baking soda and salt to make a safe cleanser, according to The Spruce. Soak the stain, use a scrub brush to work in the cleanser and then blot up the liquid with a clean cloth. According to the lifestyle resource First for Women, club soda also works as a cleanser when it is sprayed on a stain.
Deep cleaning Carpets periodically need to be revitalized, and that can be accomplished with a specialized cleaning machine. Many are available for purchase (a good investment for homeowners with kids and/or pets), while others can be rented as needed. Remove all of the furniture from a room and vacuum to clean dust, dander and any other debris. Address any darker stains first by pretreating with a cleaning solution. Let sit for around 20 minutes. While waiting, learn how to operate the machine, fill it and clean out the soiled water. Never allow the machine to oversaturate the carpet with water, as it can get into the padding and subfloor, causing problems like mold or wood damage. Spray the
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water-detergent solutions, and then pass the carpet cleaner over spots repeatedly until the carpet feels only slightly damp. DoItYourself.com advises running the machine at the pace of one foot per second. Removing shoes when entering the
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APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
American Home Week 17
18 American Home Week
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
How to build a more energyefficient home this summer
Metro Creative
We could all benefit from boosting our home’s energy efficiency to save on energy bills. Here are some big and small changes that could help: Start with a solid foundation. If you’re adding an extension to your home, a pool to your backyard or even planning a custom-built dream home, choose sustainable materials that promote energy conservation. Instead of traditional wood-framing, consider insulated concrete forms. The ecofriendly alternative features thermal mass walls that can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 60 percent a year. Work on your windows. Did you know that about 15 to 20% of your home’s surface is windows? This means any issues with them can have a major impact on your energy consumption. Take time to caulk any gaps or air leaks, and consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Doublepaned windows boost your insulation and help ensure your cooled, air conditioned air doesn’t escape.
Switch to outdoor energy sources.
Take advantage of the gorgeous weather to spend more time outside. Instead of cooking meals in your energy-inten-
sive oven that also heats up your home, break out the barbecue and enjoy dinner al fresco. You can also ease up on the clothes dryer by setting up a line and some pins in the backyard and use the wind and sun for drying power. Install a smart weather station. Technology can help you make sure you’re consuming energy wisely. A smart thermostat is a great idea, but a smart weather station can work with it and other devices to go a step beyond, programming them around current and predicted weather patterns. For example, it can ensure your scheduled sprinkler won’t go off in the middle of a downpour. Be mindful of your refrigerator. If you aren’t careful, a lot of energy can be used by your fridge. First, make sure the one in your kitchen (and basement) is a newer model, as older ones can cost hundreds more a year to power. Then, clear it out so the shelves and drawers aren’t overcrowded, which makes the fridge work harder to pump cool air throughout. Finally, if you let leftovers cool on the counter before putting them inside, your fridge will use less energy.
Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
Check out these energy efficiency programs for Central Valley Electric Cooperative members. •
FREE HOME ENERGY AUDIT: Call today to sign-up for a FREE evaluation of your homes energy efficiency level. We’ve contracted with Green Medal Energy to perform a thorough energy audit and make small repairs to help you save energy.
•
HEATING & COOLING REBATES: CVE offers rebates on qualifying air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. Go to www.CVECOOP.org/heating-cooling-rebates for more information.
•
MARATHON WATER HEATERS: Marathons are 95% efficient and have a lifetime tank warranty (if registered within 90 days of purchase). Contact us for prices and available sizes. FOR MORE INFORMATION GIVE US A CALL AT 575-746-3571
Central Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. 575-746-3571 www.CVECOOP.org
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
American Home Week 19
20 American Home Week
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
3 factors to consider when choosing a mortgage lender of lender is, in most cases, entirely theirs to make. When making that decision, a host of variables should be considered. The following are three such factors that, upon ample consideration, may help buyers rest easy knowing they did their due diligence when looking for lenders.
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A home is the most significant purchase many people will ever make. Perhaps because of that, many buyers, particularly those purchasing a home for the first time, are understandably nervous about the homebuying process. The decision regarding which home to buy warrants ample consideration, but so, too, does the buyers’ choice of lender. Mortgage lenders can be found all
over the internet, and the sheer volume of lender options can make it hard for home buyers to find the right fit for them. Couple that with lendingrelated terminology that many firsttime buyers may be unfamiliar with, and it’s easy to see why prospective homeowners can feel overwhelmed about the process of borrowing money to buy their homes. When looking for a mortgage lender, prospective homeowners should never forget that the choice
5 outdoor projects that add value
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Creating a great exterior design doesn’t have to be difficult Exterior renovations can enhance the appearance of a property and make it more enjoyable for homeowners. Certain renovations have the potential to add value to a home, while others may do the opposite. Learning which one have the largest return on investment can help homeowners se-
lect features that will have the most positive impact. Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers. Landscaping and external features can do much to influence such impressions.
• Lawn care program: Investing
1. Reputation/recommendation Just like other businesses, lenders have reputations, and oftentimes those reputations can be determined via some simple online research. Peruse online reviews to determine what past buyers felt about a given lender. If possible, ask friends, family or colleagues who they worked with to secure a mortgage. 2. Fees Fees vary from lender to lender. Fees should not be mistaken for interest rates, which change daily and are typically dictated by the financial industry and prospective buyers’ credit history and financial standing. When speaking with potential lenders, ask for a rundown of their fees, in a lawn care program that consists of fertilizer and weed control application and can be transferred over to a subsequent home owner is an attractive feature. NAR says such a care program can recover $1,000 in value of the $330 average cost, or a 303 percent ROI. • Low-maintenance lifestyle: When choosing materials for projects, those that offer low-maintenance benefits can be preferential. These include low-maintenance patio materials, composite decking, vinyl fencing, and inorganic mulched beds. • Fire pit: A fire pit can be used for much of the year. In the spring and summer, the firepit is a great place to congregate to roast marshmallows or sip wine and gaze into the fire. In the fall, the fire pit can make for a cozy retreat. A fire pit that has a gas burner is low-maintenance, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals says that most can recoup about
and the services those fees include, and closing cost estimates in writing, then compare and contrast fees and costs of various lenders before making a final decision. Some lenders may charge considerably more in fees than others, so buyers should put in the effort necessary to comparison shop. 3. Personal interaction Buyers, especially those who have never before purchased a home, will likely have lots of questions. This is where personal interaction with a prospective lender should be noted. Securing financing for a home purchase can sometimes seem like an impersonal process, but it doesn’t have to be, and many lenders are happy to answer buyers’ questions. Lenders who answer questions quickly and clearly can make buyers more comfortable about the home buying process. Buyers may want to avoid lenders who seem evasive or unwilling to answer questions in writing. $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag. • Softscaping: Hardscaping refers to structures like outdoor kitchens or decks. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. Hiring a landscape designer to install trees, shrubs, natural edging, and rock elements can do wonders toward improving the look and value of a home. • Pool or water feature: In certain markets, particularly hot climates, a pool or another water feature is a musthave. However, in other areas where outdoor time is limited, a pool or water feature can actually lower the value of a home. Speaking with a real estate professional can give homeowners an idea of how a pool will fare in a given neighborhood. Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function.
American Home Week 21
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
HOME PLANNING
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22 American Home Week
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
Simple ways to improve a kitchen pantry provement idea that serves the double benefit of creating organization and making cooking at home more efficient is to reimagine the kitchen pantry. A pantry is a room or closet where food, beverages and linens or dishes are stored. Pantries can be highly useful spaces that provide ancillary storage in kitchens. Many modern homes are equipped with pantries, but older homes may require some modification to create more useful pantries. Whether starting from scratch or modifying an existing pantry, these tips can help projects go more smoothly.
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People have been spending more time at home in 2020 than in years past, and certain projects around the house have become a priority. One home im-
• Maximize vertical storage. Utilizing vertical areas can help increase storage capacity. Build in extra nooks by investing in undershelf storage baskets. These baskets can instantly create designated areas for different types of ingredients. Homeowners also can look for ways to use the inside of cabi-
net doors or add extra shelves on walls or in eaves.
• Consider your needs. Figure out which items you would like to store in the pantry and then shop for corresponding storage systems. For example, storage solutions may feature wine bottle racks, baskets for potatoes and other produce, shelving for small appliances, and even pull out racks for baking pans or cutting boards.
non-perishable bulk products, like paper goods or canned items, such as in a garage or utility room. • Pull out drawers are convenient. Pull-out drawers can reduce the need to seek and reach for items. These drawers conveniently roll out so items in the back can be accessed without disturbing foods in the front. Drawers can be custom built for any pantry space.
• Use clear storage. Put ingredients in clear, airtight containers of similar dimensions so that you can easily find items you need. Transfer bulky items, like cereals and baking supplies, to storage containers for uniformity.
• Make it accessible. Think about who will be taking items from the pantry. Put children’s snacks on the bottom pantry shelf where they can reach them, and then organize other shelves for adults in the home.
• Store bulk items elsewhere. Bulk shopping can be cost-efficient, but bulk items can quickly eat up real estate in the pantry. Designate another area for
A pantry remodel can add valuable storage space and make one of the busiest rooms in the house operate more efficiently.
Ryan Lewis 720 S. Sunset P.O. Box 1892 Roswell, NM 88202
(575) 622-8600 (575) 622-5810 Fax License #61600
“It’s not almost air, it’s PRECISION AIR!”
American Home Week 23
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
How home design trends are evolving for social distancing
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COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over apartments: Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action — work, entertainment and shops — and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has
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changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again. Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor
gardens that allow you to grow your own produce.
that’s less susceptible to mold, will be key.
Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape.
Home office space: Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost. Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.
Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment
6 steps to organize your home office
Remote working has become popular in recent years, but the “workingfrom-home” economy bloomed exponentially as the world was forced to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom, as of summer 2020, 42 percent of the United States labor force was working from home full-time. The need for home office spaces has increased as more people work from home. Many people have retrofitted various spaces around their homes into areas to get work done. More organized home work spaces can increase productivity. Individuals can follow these guidelines to create effective, organized home offices. Begin with the desk The desk is the primary spot where work will take place. The right desk accessories can provide visual appeal and also serve practical purposes. Have cups for holding pens and pencils, baskets and bins for larger items,
scanned and stored as digital files, color-coded file folders can organize statements and other important documents. This makes it easy to find the folder you need when looking for certain documents. Establish a charging station Repurpose certain items, such as a desk organizer, into an easily accessible electronics charging station where phones and tablets can charge at one time.
and store whatever you can elsewhere so it does not lead to clutter on the desk. Store wireless printers in a cabinet or even on a bookshelf so it doesn’t take up real estate on the desk. Create a printing station While you’re moving that wireless printer elsewhere, designate a space to serve as the central printing hub. This way children who need to print assignments for school will know where to go as well. Printer supplies like extra ink cartridges and printer paper can be
kept in decorative storage boxes nearby. Increase your shelving Shelving can help keep items organized and off the desk in home offices without closets or drawers. Look for shelves that blend in with decor but are sturdy enough to be functional. Organize paperwork Figure out a system that works for you to help tidy up papers you choose to save. While some papers can be
Make essential binders HGTV suggests making binders that can store the most important papers for easy access — even in an emergency. Set up a binder for automotive paperwork, including repair receipts, a medical binder where key medical records are kept, a binder for manuals for devices in the home, and one to store financial planning documents. These organizational tips can help remedy common problems around a home office.
24 American Home Week
APRIL 2021 • ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
EXCELLENCE, PURE AND SIMPLE... EXPECT IT
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