American home week 2018 by Roswell Daily Record

Sunday, April 22, 2018

2018 American Home Week

Roswell Association of Realtors Top Producers

Submitted Photo

The Roswell Association of Realtors Top Producer designation is one recognizing brokers who have sold a minimum of $1 million in a calendar year. It is an accomplishment to reach this level, and those awarded it have put in lots of time and effort to get there. The Roswell Association of Realtors is very proud of all its Top Producer award recipients. Pictured, first row from left, are Ramona Kilpatrick, Patty McClelland, Yolanda Archuleta, Genalyn Outland, Jen Wilcox, Melodi Salas, Angel Mayes, Lana Reese, Lynn Graves and Cheryle Pattison. Middle row, Marion Hobbs, Dan Coleman, Jennifer Smith, Michelle Rhoads, Kimble Hibbard, Daisy Olaguez, Katie Cooper, Alex Pankey, Linda Kirk, Julie King, Rocky Langley, Riley Armstrong, Trina Brown, Elizabeth Molina, Jim Moore and Mindy Longmire. Back row, Beth Smith, Leesa Chesser, Jesse McDaniel, Marcia Tidwell, Esther Purkey, Starla Nunez and Chuck Hansen.

Product of the

Roswell Daily Record Publisher Barbara Beck

General Manager SaraLei Fajardo

Advertising Sales Fabian Anaya Melanie Page

Editor John Dilmore

Advertising Design Sandra Martinez Mary Morgan

Managing Editor Misty Choy

Layout Corinna Martinez

Advertising Director Composing Director Circulation Director Manny Gonzalez Aric Loomis Jim Dishman

Pagination & Cover Design Misty Choy

Contributing Writers Lisa Dunlap Timothy P. Howsare Christina Stock

2018 American Home Week Table of Contents American Realty & Management ................................................... 6 Apple Blossom Flower Shop ......................................................... 22 Arco Electric.................................................................................. 8 Bad Boi Entertainment ................................................................. 5 Berkshire Hathaway, Carole Schlatter .......................................... 20 Berkshire Hathaway, Daisy Olaguez ............................................... 9 Berkshire Hathaway, Dan Coleman ................................................ 9 Bush Appliance ........................................................................... 20 Bush Woodworks ........................................................................ 11 Citizen of the Year ....................................................................... 11 CMG Financial ............................................................................... 9 CRS ............................................................................................ 24 Central Valley Electric.................................................................. 16 Central Valley Electric ................................................................... 7 Discount Flooring ....................................................................... 20

Do-Right Roofing ........................................................................ 21 Farm Bureau, Darren Kuhn ............................................................ 3 Farm Bureau, Larry Marshall ....................................................... 16 Farmers Insurance, RG Villegas Agency ......................................... 21 Fuller Plumbing Supply ................................................................. 5 George’s Carpet........................................................................... 22 Gold Financial Services ................................................................ 21 Gold Star Realty LLC .................................................................... 10 Jennifer Holmes.......................................................................... 14 Landmark Title ........................................................................... 22 Martin’s Jewelry ........................................................................... 5 Mayes Lumber .............................................................................. 5 Mayor’s Proclamation.................................................................... 4 McDaniel Home Solutions ............................................................ 15 McKani Sheetmetal Contractor ...................................................... 8

Nesselrodt Heating & Air Conditioning ......................................... 11 Oasis Computers ........................................................................... 4 Otero Federal Credit Union ............................................................ 3 Pioneer Bank................................................................................ 6 Realtors of the Year..................................................................5 & 7 Re/Max First Place Realtors, Sam Pettit ........................................ 21 Re/Max First Place Realtors, Shirley Childress ............................... 16 Rookie of the Year ......................................................................... 8 Roswell Association of Realtors Board of Directors .......................... 3 Roswell Association of Realtors President....................................... 8 Roswell Escrow ............................................................................. 9 Smith Paint .................................................................................. 4 State Farm, Herb Atkinson Agency ................................................. 6 Top Producers ...................................................................... 12 & 13 Washington Federal, Oscar Armendariz ........................................ 16

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2018 Board of Directors

Michele White, Treasurer; Ramona Kilpatrick; Starla Nunez, Secretary; Marcia Tidwell, President; Marion Hobbs; Dan Coleman, President Elect; Ellen Palmitier, Association Executive; Bill Davis, SE District Vice President Not pictured -Michelle Rhoads, Beth Smith and Cheryle Pattison, Past President

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Sunday, April 22, 2018

2018 American Home Week

Realtors recognize 50 years of Fair Housing Act

Roswell Daily Record

he Roswell Association of Realtors has dedicated American Home Week 2018 to the 50th anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act. The act and its significance are being commemorated for the entire year by such groups as the National Association of Realtors, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Fair Housing Alliance and the U.S. Department for Housing and Urban Development. Enacted April 11, 1968, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 ended discrimination and segregation on the basis of race, religion, national origin and family status when it comes to the sale, rental or financing of housing. It was later amended to prohib-

it discriminatory practices against people based on their sex or disabilities. Prior to the bill’s enactment, housing in many areas of the country was largely segregated by race, ethnicities and other factors. In signing the bill, President Lyndon Johnson said, “Now with this bill, the voice of justice speaks again. It proclaims that fair housing for all, all human beings who live in this country, is now part of the American way of life.” All licensed real estate professionals are trained in the act’s provisions, said Marcia Tidwell, president of the Roswell Association of Realtors. She said she could recall a few occasions since receiving her license in 1995 when she had to walk away from potential clients who were unwilling to sell to peo-

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ple of certain ethnicities. “I am just glad that we live in the time we live,” she said. “Being from small rural towns in New Mexico, I remember discrimination. There was definite discrimination. I think the Fair Housing Act helped a lot. The whole (civil rights) movement, not just Fair Housing, but the whole movement, made life better for everyone.” According to a 2017 Fair Housing Act Trends Report by the National Fair Housing Alliance, 28,181 complaints of housing discrimination were reported in 2016. Of these, 55 percent involved discrimination regarding disabilities, 19.6 percent involved racial discrimination and 8.5 percent involved discrimination of families with children. The vast majority of complaints, 91. 5 percent, involved rental properties.

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WHEREAS, fair and equal housing is a right guaranteed to all Americans and the principal of fair and equal housing is not only federal, state and local policy, but a fundamental human entitlement; and WHEREAS, all citizens have the right to live where they choose within their financial means and people must not be denied housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or family status; and WHEREAS, the City of Roswell acknowledges the importance of assuring fair and equal treatment of all citizens, and WHEREAS, the Roswell Association of Realtors along with the home builders, title insurance companies, appraisers, mortgage bankers and other industry allies celebrate American Home Week to promote home ownership; and WHEREAS, the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority and the City Council has assisted the citizens and businesses in the City of Roswell with grant funding for Housing, Rehabilitation and Community Development, appraisers, mortgage bankers and other industry allies celebrate American Home Week to promote home ownership; and

Now, Therefore, I Dennis Kintigh, Mayor of the City of Roswell, New Mexico,

do hereby proclaim April 22nd - 28th, 2018, as;

“FAIR HOUSING AND AMERICAN HOME WEEK” and urge all citizens to participate in the activities that are designed to commemorate this week and recognize the Roswell Association of Realtors for their on-going contributions. Attest: SHARON COLL, City Clerk

DENNIS KINTIGH, Mayor

2018 American Home Week

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Coleman wants to realize everybody’s dream

By Christina Stock Roswell Daily Record

an Coleman is a long-time resident of Roswell, moving here at the age of 9 from Lubbock, Texas. A graduate from Roswell High in 1992, Coleman decided to step into the business world. Even before graduation, he started working for Allen Theatres, achieving the position of manager after only three months. Coleman was 17 years at the time. Coleman’s career took him from one management position to the next, achieving his goals and buying his first house at the age of 19, the second house at 20 and the third at the age of 27. His calling to become a realtor came in 2005

when Coleman finished a home study course and received his license as associate broker. His career took off joining United Country Eagle 1 Properties for four years and EXIT Realty for three years. Coleman is working today for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Enchanted Lands REALTORS going on six years. “I love working with people, whether first-time homebuyers, empty-nesters, investors, people looking to upgrade, people looking to downsize, or people who are unsure as to exactly what it is they are looking for.” Coleman said. Indeed, Coleman is known in the community to give it his all. Regardless if the client has a low budget or a higher budget. In one incident, Coleman searched for the perfect fit

with one of his clients for three days, visiting more than 70 homes for sale. Coleman has been a Roswell Association of Realtors board member for the last 11 years and served as volunteer and board member for the Realtor’s Association of New Mexico. He has chaired numerous committees for both organizations. “The Roswell Association of Realtors is a great organization that does everything it can to provide support to its members and to the Roswell community. It is rewarding to be a part of a group that strives for ethical behavior within our profession, and that gives back to our city in big ways,” Coleman said. This upcoming year will be Coleman’s third term

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as Roswell Association of Realtors President. He has served in this position in 2011 and 2014. It is Coleman second time being honored as Realtor of the Year, having achieved this distinction only last year. Coleman is also a Realtor’s Association of New Mexico Growth and Involvement Program graduate in 2016 and its legislative team member in 2018. Coleman’s pride and joy is his son TJ who was born in 1998. “From scholastic, to athletic, to leadership, he excels at all he does, and continues to amaze me each and every day,” Coleman said. Next to working hard to match buyers and sellers, Coleman is passion-

See COLEMAN, Page 6

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2018 American Home Week

Coleman Continued from Page 5

ate on volunteering for the community. He has been a church and community volunteer at different levels all through his teens until today. He has been president of the Parent Advisory Council at Monterrey Elementary School for more than four years, raising more money than a PAC ever had prior. He was for more than

two years Roswell High School Band Booster president and volunteer. He has been board member for Fusion Pointe, Lions Hondo Little League and the Roswell Elks Lodge since 2012. “Roswell is a wonderful community full of awesome and amazing people. I’m so fortunate to live here and to be able to help people realize their dreams of home ownership and acquire their piece of the Land of Enchantment.”

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2018 American Home Week

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Armstrong believes in Roswell and networking

Submitted

iley A. Armstrong was born and raised in Roswell and the Hondo Valley. After graduating from high school at the New Mexico Military Institute, he received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Lubbock Christian College in 1978. Following graduation from college, Armstrong returned to Roswell and spent several years in the ready mixed concrete industry, construction materials business, and farming and ranching businesses. In August of 2012, Armstrong began a new career in the real estate business. In just a short period of time, he not only learned everything there is in real

estate, but succeeded due to his diligence, work ethic and going above and beyond to finding the right home for each client. “When I first became a Realtor, I wanted to come up with a slogan and it became “Invest in Roswell — Where Living is Easy.” This has become a part of everything related to my real estate business. Simply, Roswell is a place where it is easy to live ... from our climate to our traffic and our accessibility to other areas within the state of New Mexico.” Armstrong has been a Top Producer of the Roswell Association of Realtors in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. In November of 2015, Armstrong and Starla Nunez purchased Century 21 Home Plan-

ning. Together, they have continued to grow and expand their real estate and property management businesses. Armstrong has been awarded the Century 21 Multi-Million Dollar Club award in 2016 and 2017. He was recently awarded the 2017 Realtor of the Year by the Roswell Association of Realtors. Armstrong believes in the association and its opportunities, “The Roswell Association of Realtors was developed to allow other realtors to network with each other,” he said. “We all have the opportunity to work alongside and with our peers to list and sell properties. It is also an opportunity to learn from one another and utilize best practices and ideas to

grow our industry.” Armstrong’s passion for his home town shows in his involvement to make Roswell an even better place to live. He has served on numerous local community and state boards, including as president of the New Mexico Concrete, Sand and Gravel Association, the Roswell Girls Club, the Roswell Rotary Club and the Historical Foundation for Southeast New Mexico. He currently serves as a board member of the Roswell Museum and Art Center Foundation and as a past director of the Roswell Association of Realtors. He also serves as vice-chairman of the Roswell Planning & Zoning Commission and as a past chairman of the First Presbyterian Church

Riley A. Armstrong Roswell Association of Realtors’ 2017 Realtor of the Year “The Roswell Association of Realtors was developed to allow other realtors to network with each other,” Armstrong said. Management Committee. He is an honorary Rotarian of the Roswell Rota-

ry Club and a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award.

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Sunday, April 22, 2018

2018 American Home Week

Tidwell foresees positive housing market trends

Roswell Daily Record

idwell is the current and outgoing president of the Roswell Association of Realtors. In 2016 she was president elect, which included training, visiting conventions and furthering her education before taking on the role of president last year. When Tidwell started out in 1995, the industry was more personal; however, she said that she appreciates today’s technology. “I am a Realtor with Century 21, Home Planning, with 23 years experience as a realtor and 17 years with title and escrow

companies,” Tidwell said. “2017 was a good year in real estate for our area,” Tidwell said. “2018 is going to be a great year. We are all so busy listing and selling — it is amazing. It looks like this trend will continue for the next couple of years to come. It is an excellent time to be buying or selling. The market is pretty balanced right now; not an extreme buyers’ or sellers’ market.” Tidwell’s connection to New Mexico and the Southwest is deep-rooted. She was born in Hobbs and grew up on ranches in New Mexico and Arizona. Before finding her passion in real estate, Tid-

well had a variety of professions. “I’ve done lots of interesting things, including taking school pictures in Arizona and Washington, working at Navajo Refinery and Phillips Petroleum in Artesia,” she said. Tidwell’s love of her family is apparent to those who know her. “I’m a proud grandma of four and a great grandma of one with another on the way,” she said. “They are the light of my life and have kept me very busy over the years with 4-H, football, soccer, T ball and church activities. I can spoil them all I want and send them home to their parents. All four

boys were given to me by my beautiful daughter, Heather Walker. She is an amazing woman and wonderful daughter.” Tidwell includes her clients in real estate as extended part of the family, especially young families. According to Tidwell, she keeps in touch with them, even if they move away. “When not selling properties here, my husband and I enjoy traveling to his ranch in Arizona, where we can ‘get our hands dirty,’” Tidwell said. Tidwell’s reviews on her Century 21 website reflects her work ethic and joy in working in real estate. Her latest custom-

Marcia Tidwell Roswell Association of Realtors’ Current President er in March 2018, Gail Price, said in her review, “Knowing Marcia Tidwell for many years, there was no doubt she would do her best job in getting our

property sold. If the need arises again I would not hesitate to work with Marcia. I would highly recommend her in the future to anyone needing a realtor.”

An emerging leader in the real estate business By Christina Stock Roswell Daily Record

Michelle Rhoads Roswell Association of Realtors’ 2017 Rookie of the Year

hen incoming Roswell Association of Realtors President and Realtor of the Year Dan Coleman sent in his nomination for Michelle Rhoads as Rookie of the Year, there was no question that Rhoads earned this distinction fully. She had joined the Roswell Real Estate Association July 1, 2016. Coleman listed just a small selection of Rhoads

involvement in the community, which made her worthy to be considered as Rookie of the Year. “Michelle served as a leader in a youth mission trip with her church youth group, taking them to New York in 2015,” Coleman said. “She currently serves as children’s team leader once a month at Christ’s Church and on the community bible study leader’s council, 2013 to 2015. She volunteered at the Community Soup Kitchen. Coleman states that

Rhoads is also involved as a soccer team leader for Christ’s Church sports camp and Soccer Church for more than five years. About Rhoads’ contributions to the Roswell Association of Realtors, Coleman says, “Michelle served as program chair in 2017 and did a great job with speakers, sponsors and funding. Michelle regularly attends meetings and strives to be included in the association.” Rhoads received her New Mexico Real Estate Com-

mission on June 21, 2016, and works for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Enchanted Lands, REALTORS as associate broker. She excelled in her field, becoming one of the top commercial and residential real estate agents for 2017, and herewith becoming one of Roswell Association of Realtors’s Top Producers, tallying up at least $1 million in sales. Rhoads participated in the 2018 Growth and

See RHOADS, Page 16

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2018 American Home Week

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Morgan Nelson chosen as 2017 Citizen of the Year

By Timothy P. Howsare Roswell Daily Record

hen you’re 98 years old, every month counts. Just ask Morgan Nelson, who has just about lived longer than anybody else in Chaves County. He says he’s “98 and a half years old.” Nelson was honored Tuesday by the Roswell Association of Realtors as its Citizen of the Year. The event was held at the Hi-Q Venue on East Second Street. Nelson said he was surprised that he was selected for the award, which is given annually to a local citizen who the association believes has made significant contributions to the community. “It was very unexpected,” he said. “I thought my time was eclipsed. I didn’t know that the Realtors even knew my name.” But if you’ve lived in the Roswell area for any amount of time, it is hard not to know who Nelson is. In his lifetime of nearly a century, he has probably accomplished more than five or six high-achieving people put together. He served in the U.S. Air Force in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He retired as a colonel. He has traveled to nearly every country on the planet as a consultant on agri-

Submitted Photo

Morgan Nelson gives his acceptance speech for being chosen Citizen of the Year on April 17 at The Hi Q Venue. Also pictured are Riley Armstrong and Marcia Tidwell. culture, including Egypt, where like in Chaves County cotton is grown. He is an expert on water, especially the Pecos River with the surrounding artesian basins. He served eight terms in the New Mexico Legislature and takes great pride in establishing community colleges and vocational schools in New Mexico. If you are a graduate of Eastern New Mexico Uni-

versity-Roswell or attended the college, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, then you have Nelson to thank. He also helped establish the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico and the historical museum. Along with Martha Bean, Nelson raised funds for the center. Nelson lives in an area of the county called East Grand Plains. He lives not

too far from Leprino Foods, which towers above the fields of this agricultural area. The house he lives in was built in 1895, so it’s even older than Nelson, but it has been added on to a few times. Nelson was born in Cottonwood, now considered a ghost town, in 1919. He attended East Grand Plains Elementary School and graduated from Ros-

well High School. He graduated from New Mexico State University in 1941 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He said that electricity came to the area in 1928 and running water in 1935. He recalled the day the electricity was switched on at a local schoolhouse. “Everybody was skeptical. When they flipped the switch, the light was dim.

Everybody said, ‘I told you so.’” As it turns out, something wasn’t wired currently, so the lights were only getting 60 volts instead of 120. Once the problem was fixed, the lights lit up like they were supposed to. “That was the funniest thing,” he said. Nelson said one of the things he remembers most about the early days of Roswell was the enormous amount of trees. “There were cottonwoods everywhere. Everything was covered with cotton,” he said. Also in those early days, Nelson said, people were drawing water from the artesian aquifers faster than it was being replenished. “The thing I’m concerned about is keeping the water in balance,” he said. He remembers when Lyndon B. Johnson visited Roswell while he was a U.S. senator from Texas. Nelson said Johnson was picked up between Roswell and Hagerman in a car owned by Burt Ballard of Ballard Funeral Home. Ballard’s car was chosen for the illustrious senator because it was the biggest one in Roswell, he said. Later that day, LBJ had to be picked up at his hotel, the Holiday Inn

See NELSON, Page 14

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Sunday, April 22, 2018

2018 American Home Week

Congratulations to Roswell’s 2017

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2018 American Home Week

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Congratulations to Roswell’s 2017

TOP PRODUCERS

Riley Armstrong Century 21 Home Planning

Beth Smith Century 21 Home Planning

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Jim Moore Century 21

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Sunday, April 22, 2018

2018 American Home Week

Nelson Continued from Page 11

where he was staying with his wife, and driven to a local TV station for an on-air interview. Nelson said they showed up at the hotel at 7 p.m. At 7:15, they were still sitting and waiting, he said. They were starting to get nervous because LBJ had to go on the air at 7:30. Finally, at 7:25, LBJ walked out and got into the car and was whisked away to the TV station. Nelson recalled that LBJ wasn’t a particularly friendly person, sitting in the car with his arms folded and not speaking. “But when he went

on air he was the most charming person you ever saw,” he said. Nelson added that a few New Mexico politicians, including Sen. Clinton Anderson, tried to trip LBJ up with some hard questions. Nelson said LBJ’s response was: “Ask me anything.” “He was tough,” Nelson said. While LBJ may be known for his toughness, Nelson is known for his intelligence, humility, kindness and sense of humor. Community News reporter Timothy P. Howsare can be reached at 575-6227710, ext. 311, or vistas@ rdrnews.com. Timothy P. Howsare Photo

Morgan Nelson sits on his porch with his dog, Buster.

How to determine if downsizing to a smaller home is for you

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As men and women retire or approach retirement age, many opt to downsize their homes. Such a decision can save older adults substantial amounts of money while also liberating them from the hassle of maintaining large homes they no longer need. Downsizing to smaller homes or apartments is a significant step, one that homeowners should give ample consideration before making their final decisions. The following are a handful of tips to help homeowners determine if downsizing to smaller homes is the right move. • Get a grip on the real estate market. Downsizing is not sole-

ly about money, but it’s important that homeowners consider the real estate market before putting their homes up for sale. Speak with a local realtor or your financial advisor about the current state of your real estate market. Downsizing can help homeowners save money on utilities, taxes and mortgage payments, but those savings may be negated if you sell your house in a buyer’s market instead of a seller’s market. If you think the current market won’t get you the price you are hoping for, delay your downsize until the market rebounds. • Take inventory of what’s in your house. Empty nesters often find that their homes are still filled with their children’s possessions, even long

after those children have entered adulthood and left home. If the storage in your home is dominated by items that belong to your children and not you, then downsizing might be right for you. Tell your children you are thinking of downsizing and invite them over to pick through any items still in your home. Once they have done so and taken what they want, you can host a yard sale, ultimately donating or discarding what you cannot sell. Once all of the items are gone, you may realize that moving into a smaller place is the financially prudent decision. • Examine your own items as well.

See DOWNSIZE, Page 16

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2018 American Home Week

Sunday, April 22, 2018

2018 American Home Week

Downsize

Rhoads

Continued from Page 14

Continued from Page 8

Your children’s items are likely not the only items taking up space in your home. Take inventory of your own possessions as well, making note of items you can live without and those you want to keep. If the list of items you can live without is extensive, then you probably won’t have a problem moving into a smaller home. If you aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to many of your possessions, then you might benefit from staying put for a little while longer. • Consider your retirement lifestyle. If you have already retired or on the verge of retirement and plan to spend lots of time traveling, then downsizing to a smaller home may free up money you can spend on trips. And if you really do see yourself as a silver-haired jet-setter, then you likely won’t miss your current home because you won’t be home frequently enough to enjoy it. If travel is not high on your retirement to-do list but you have a hobby, such as crafting, restoring classic cars or woodworking, that you hope to turn into a second profession, then you might benefit from staying put and converting your existing space into a workshop. Many retirees downsize their homes, but this decision requires careful consideration of a variety of factors.

Involvement Program April 11 to 12 in conjunction with the Region XI Leadership Conference by the REALTOR organization, showing her willingness to be recognized as an emerging leader. Rhoads is known among the community as kind-hearted and family-oriented person. She is part of a family that has contributed to Roswell a great deal. Rhoads is a member of the Rhoads family, who are prominent real estate developers and custom home builders in the area. Real estate is in her blood.

Rhoads uses her expertise and experience to help buyers and sellers with their diverse residential and commercial property needs. She stands out among her peers with her patience and understanding in helping clients accomplish their real estate goals. Finding the right match can be challenging as some homebuyers can not express what they are really looking for. To be patient is one of the top criteria to be successful in the real estate business. Rhoads is part of the millennial generation and therefore tech savvy and understands the importance of traditional as well as online marketing tools.

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2018 American Home Week

Sunday, April 22, 2018

The adventures of buying a home in Roswell Being a first-time buyer in the wild world of real estate

By Christina Stock Roswell Daily Record

o have one’s own home and hearth is the ultimate American dream, and often taken for granted. My husband, David, thought that he should give me a house when we married in 1999 in Roswell. However, I found out fast that it was not his wish. He felt the generations pressuring to offer me — his German bride — the American dream. In no time, I got him to ask what my wishes were before assuming. Newlyweds are funny — at least if one marries at an later age and not being high school sweethearts — it takes quite a while to find out one’s quirks and subconscious habits, which is part of the fun finding one’s soulmate. However, my husband didn’t know that I came from a family that was chased away from their home that they owned not once, but twice, by the Russians in World War II and when Russia switched land with the Allied Forces to get a piece of Berlin. You can imagine how rattled my mom was as a kid. It was traumatizing for the entire family, who was ripped apart with the wall. The frail grandmother had to stay behind with part of the family because she could not flee to the west on foot. This incident formed my family and travelers were born. My mom married a U.S. Army helicopter pilot and traveled the world when he became a helicopter instructor. My aunt became a flight attendant and I became a travel agent. We never bought real estate or even an apartment again. When David came along with his home-buying idea, I asked him, “Do you want to be stuck in one place or do you want to see the world?” Both of us decided to go with my family’s tradition. Never in the world would I have thought to settle down and actually become a home owner, but life happens.

Christina Stock Photo

It takes patience and good planning to find the right home for the right client. And, after achieving the goal of owning the house, the real adventure begins: Moving in and making it one’s home. My husband died and I started working in Roswell at the first place that wanted me, the Roswell Daily Record. While one dream had died with my husband, little did I know another one was waiting for me. Several years passed and returning to my hometown in Germany became less and less likely for me. Four years ago, I woke up in my little apartment and decided to start looking into finding a home. I knew rule No. 1, to have all your ducks — meaning downpayment and credit approval — in a row. This took a month. Fortunately my husband had every bill, check, insurance in both our names, which meant I had a good background history for the banks. Also, my husband and myself always paid off our credit cards when it was due, sometimes before that. When papers were signed later

on, the bank told me I had the second highest points in town. My credit score was 815. According to credit reporting agency TransUnion only about 20 percent of people in the U.S. have such a score. What did it mean for me? I could have had a house that was for a five-person family and I would have to live and work until I was 79 to pay it off. For a younger person, I highly recommend keeping your credit as high as possible. A good score is 700 and above. Summer was approaching and I was ready for the hunt for my home. Of course, I had no clue what to look for other that the house should have no holes, have functioning electricity and a good roof. I knew nothing and I would be needing help, lots of it. The only real estate agent that I knew was Dan Coleman, who had just started working at

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Enchanted Lands, REALTORS. Here comes rule No. 2 in house buying: realtors will save you time, money and heartbreak. Rule No. 3 is simple, but oh so difficult. Know what you are looking for. Even in a small community, there are so many houses in any style and condition, old and new, reconstructed and fixer uppers. There are so many houses that even the realtors see them the first time with a buyer. Rule No. 4 is a German saying that I have changed to fit us. “If you have a Roswell wallet, don’t look for a California mansion.” Meaning, stay within your funds. Imagine you and your spouse lose your jobs or have a health crisis. Be sure, you have even in this circumstance, enough money for payments for at least a year and that you can pay your home off in a feasible time

period. If you are young, you can go ahead for the 30-plus mortgage. However, if you are a bit more mature, go for the shorter plan. I knew I wanted a home with character, one that was cozy and that fit the budget according to my rule No. 4. That’s what I told Dan. Within two days and 20-plus houses later, I was amazed that we found not only one but two that I liked. Both had advantages and disadvantages, but I could live with those if everything else was to par. The first house fell — fortunately — through. One of Roswell’s heavy downpours happened and at my scheduled visit the next day the rain showed the hidden leakage through the fresh paint. I was so grateful for the rain, probably more at that moment than our farmers and ranchers. The second house could be the one. I became really excited, but remembered a homebuilding show I watched (I was trying to get at least some knowledge). The realtor in there said never to fall in love with a house until the contract is signed and you’ve got the papers. I went again through the house and looked at what was there and what was missing. Dan and I made an offer. The next step was, Dan advised me to get professionals to check the house, even if it would cost money. Later on that would be deducted from the sales price. He knew the best in the business to check the house for me. Long story short, the house lacked not only a crawl space, but a fake wall was installed with severe water damage. The inspector found the wall suspicious, punched a hole in it and had his miniature camera showing me the damage on the screen. Needless to say, I backed out of the purchase. A month has passed since starting the hunt for my house.

See BUYING, Page 21

Sunday, April 22, 2018

2018 American Home Week

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2018 American Home Week

Sunday, April 22, 2018

2018 American Home Week

Roswell’s Average Home Sales Price

Chaves County housing market continues improvement trend

Roswell Daily Record

C Total Home Sales in Roswell

Statewide Median Sales Prices

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haves County home sales increased by about $9 million in 2017, reaching $79,082,989, one sign of improvement in the local residential real estate market, according to a real estate association leader. “All the indicators show our market going up,” said Marcia Tidwell, president of the Roswell Association of Realtors. “Right now, in my opinion, I think we are pretty level. We are not a true buyers’ or true sellers’ market right now. We are pretty balanced. We have some good opportunities for buyers, but the sellers aren’t getting raked over the coals either.” Tidwell said that statistics from the Multiple Listing Service, which collects data from the 119 licensed residential brokers and agents in the area, show that inventory is down, average sales prices are up and the average time on market has decreased. “Part of the change right now, of course, is the oil field, and I think the general economy of the area has improved,” said Tidwell. “I can’t say that there is one exact change that you can attribute it to, but I know the oil field coming

up has really made a difference so far this year.” Tidwell said that the average home sales price for the first quarter of 2016, January through March, was $140,328. The average price for the same period in 2017 was $141,851. For the first three months in 2018, the average price had increased to $154,672. The average sales price for the year in 2016 was $144,986. For 2017, the average price increased to $145,909. Total sales for the first

quarter periods were $16,559,000 for 2016, $18,015,000 for 2017 and $19,334,000 for 2018. The average days on the market for the first quarter of 2018 is a bit above 120 days, but down from the 146 day average for the first quarter in 2017. Meanwhile, the number of the properties available is 275 now, a little below the ideal number of 300, Tidwell said, but a welcomed reduction of housing inventory from a few years ago when about 600 houses were for sale.

While first-time home buyers won’t find as low interest rates or prices as four years ago, she said, many financing and grant programs exist to help people purchase their first homes. The Realtors Association of New Mexico reports that, statewide, there were 6,166 home sales from January to March 2017 with a median sales price of $195,000. Total sales for March 2018 reached $673.19 million. The average time on the market for that month was 78 days.

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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2018 American Home Week

Buying Continued from Page 17

Rule No. 5 is to have patience and Dan fortunately had the patience with me. Thirty-plus houses and three days later, Dan had showed me every single house on the market in my range. We got to know each other and he knew exactly what I was looking for. We had quite the adventures on the way as well. One that will forever stick in my mind, and probably also in Dan’s, was walking into a home that had a machete as a door handle. Then, it happened. A house that looked like a little black forest house and had everything I was looking for came along. I knew I would buy it, and the fun began. Here is the last rule: rule No. 6 enjoy the process of wheeling and dealing, offer and counter offer. Then came the paperwork. I thought I would have escaped the bureaucracy coming to the States, but it’s just as in Germany. Then, early September, Dan came to the office and gave me my keys. A true happy ending and my American dream came true. Vision editor Christina Stock can be reached at 575-622-7710, ext. 309, or vision@rdrnews.com.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Did you know?

According to a recent National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Staging, 49 percent of realtors representing buyers say home staging impacts most buyers’ decisions. Home staging presents a home to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Professional staging firms often address a home’s interior to reduce clutter and rearrange furniture with a goal toward making a strong impression on prospective buyers during open house events or private showings.

The NAR Profile found the living room is the most important room to stage followed by the kitchen and master bedroom. Eightyone percent of realtors said staged homes make it easier for prospective buyers to visualize properties as their future homes while 10 percent said homes decorated against buyers’ tastes will negatively impact the homes’ values, further emphasizing the potential benefit of staging homes rather than showcasing existing homeowners’ personal preferences.

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Sunday, April 22, 2018

2018 American Home Week

Home buying in a seller’s market

Metro Creative Services

The real estate market can be difficult to navigate for both buyers and sellers. First-time buyers can easily become overwhelmed as they search for homes, while sellers hoping to get the best price for their homes might be frustrated if offers are slow to come in or fall short of their asking prices. If met with an underwhelming market, many sellers can pull their homes off the market and wait until it becomes more advantageous to sell. But buyers, particularly those shopping in a seller’s market, may not have that flexibility. Buying in a seller’s market can be competitive and frustrating, but buyers can employ various strat-

egies to survive such markets and land the homes of their dreams. • Get mortgage preapproval. Sellers’ markets typically feature low inventory, which can make the buying process very competitive. Prospective buyers who do not have a mortgage preapproval letter in hand when making offers may find themselves losing out on their dream homes to

fellow buyers who have gotten preapproval from a lending institution. Sellers may be impatient with buyers who have not yet been preapproved for a mortgage, even accepting a lesser offer from buyers who are ready to begin transactions immediately. The preapproval process is relatively quick and simple, so buyers should

See TIPS, Page 23

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2018 American Home Week

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Considerations before buying an investment property Metro Creative Services

eal estate can be an incredibly fruitful investment. Buying a property at the right time can provide investors with a substantial return when they decide to sell, and that opportunity compels many men and women to consider investing in real estate. While there’s no denying real estate can yield a great return on buyers’ initial investments, there’s more to making money in real estate than simply buying a property and waiting for its value to rise. Buyers who are thinking of investing in real estate should consider a host of factors before purchasing an investment property.

Price trends

Recent sale activity in a given town or neighborhood is something prospective real estate investors should study before buying an investment property. Would-be real estate investors can explore real estate websites such as Zillow.com for recent sale information, which may also be available through local government agencies. Such data can be invaluable, showing potential investors which neighbor-

Tips Continued from Page 22

not hesitate to apply. • Stick to your budget. Lenders will indicate to prospective buyers how much they’re willing to lend them, and that figure is typically considerably more than buyers are willing to borrow. In a seller’s market, bidding

hoods are in demand and which may be in decline.

Taxes

Investment properties are not eligible for as many tax benefits as primary residences. However, landlords can write off repairs, management costs and other fees associated with rental properties. But it’s not just their own tax bill prospective investors should consider before buying an investment property. Many potential buyers down the road may prefer a property in an area where property taxes are relatively low, so even if you can afford the tax on the investment property, you may find buyers are unwilling to assume that burden when you put the property up for sale in the future.

barely priced out. When that happens, the surrounding towns tend to become the next hot neighborhood, as these areas are nearly as close to the attractions that make the initial neighborhood so desirable. Buying on the outskirts of a hot neighborhood can set you up to benefit nicely when that area gets too pricey.

Schools

Prospective real estate investors no doubt know the value of location with regard to real estate, but if you can’t afford to buy in a neighborhood that’s currently hot, that does not necessarily mean you can’t still capitalize on that area’s popularity. When a town becomes popular, its property values rise, and many buyers find themselves just

School systems should be examined even if you do not have children. In a recent Trulia.com survey of American home buyers, 35 percent of respondents with children under age 18 indicated they want to live in great school districts. GreatSchools.org has profiles of 200,000 public, public charter and private preK-12 schools. Investors can use the GreatSchools.org search engine to find information about local schools and school systems so they can better position themselves to buy properties in areas that will appeal to buyers down the road. Real estate can be a fruitful investment, and investors who want to benefit the most from their properties will explore various factors before purchasing a home or homes.

wars can quickly drive up prices, but buyers should stick to their budgets so they are not house poor after buying. Sticking to a budget can be difficult in a seller’s market, but such patience will likely pay off in the long run. • Be ready to compromise. Unless they have unlimited budgets, buyers often must compromise when purchasing a home.

That’s especially true in a seller’s market with limited inventory. Buyers who need to buy a home must identify their needs versus their wants and recognize the likelihood that they will have to compromise. • Work with real estate agents. Some buyers may be tempted to go it alone, searching for and ultimately buying homes

Location

without the help of real estate agents. That can be a foolish move in a seller’s market where competition is high and inventory quickly disappears from the market. Veteran real estate agents have worked in buyers’ and sellers’ markets, and buyers can use that experience to their advantage. In addition, real estate agents likely have access

to inventory before homes appear on popular real estate websites, giving buyers working with them a leg up in competitive markets. Buying a home in a seller’s market can be fast-moving and very competitive. But various strategies can ensure buyers still find great homes at great prices in such markets.

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Sunday, April 22, 2018

2018 American Home Week

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