Welcome to a Winter Wonderland!  Yep, 28 inches in the last 5 days in Taos Ski Valley.  It’s been cold but the powder is great and temperatures are already rising.  The local real estate market is heating up too.  The number of sales of single family homes was up 25% in 2012 and volume ($$) up 35%.  Prices are leveling off.  I feel the “bottom” is here or near.  With interest rates still historically low it could be THE time to buy.  There are several economic indicators that should cause us to have a positive outlook.  Check out the observations of economist Dr. Elliot Eisenberg at the end of the newsletter.  Meanwhile, if you’re looking at real estate, check out a couple of my cool listings.  See attached or go to www.taoshomes.com.

     Other GOOD NEWS.  Warren Buffet is betting on residential real estate.  Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway purchased 51% of Prudential Real Estate in October which will join Real Living in becoming Home Services of America, a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate.  This is seen as an opportunity for our clients and sales associates that is second to none with a national & international reach that will be unparalleled.  Expect major announcements later this year as to how this change will be implemented and branded.  (Personally, I’m loving it!)

FUN FESTIVITIES THIS WEEK:  Winter Wine Festival at Taos Ski Valley. 

The Grand Tasting is Sat. Feb. 02 from 4:00 – 6:30 in Taos Ski Valley. 

The Reserve Tasting is tonight from 5:00 – 7:30 at El Monte Segrado in town. 

There are lots of seminars and several wine dinners.  Click here to check out the entire schedule.

In town on Friday?  Check out this cool event:  THE ART OF WINE – HARWOOD MUSEUM OF ART.

Friday, Feb. 01 from 3:30 – 6:00.  Not only can you enjoy good wine and artful horsd’oeuvres, you get exclusive access to exhibitions, old and new, plus a private, behind the scenes tour of the Museum’s state-of-the-art collection storage area.  Love Art?  Bid on treasures by renowned Taos artists.  (Sponsored by Great Chef’s of Taos which benefits the award winning Taos High culinary Arts Program.)  Click here to check out the Harwood’s schedule of events.  For more upcoming events go to www.taosorg.com or www.taosskivalley.com.

      Of course there are lots of things to occupy your time outdoors, but don’t forget the myriad of things that can be done indoors.  Museum or gallery hop, then lunch at Graham’s or Martina’s.  Hit At Home in Taosor Taos Country Furnishings for gifts for you or friends & family.  Substance has style & Red Cat Melissiano’s has a bit of everything.  Walk to the Taos Inn, have a margarita, people watch and see why it’s called the Living Room of Taos.  At day’s end, relax and fine dine in a friendly atmosphere at Lamberts or El Meze’, or at so many more good restaurants.  Yummy!

 And as I mentioned, there’s more GOOD NEWS.  According to economist Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, a presentor at the Real Estate Association of N.M. last week, there are 10 indicators that the economy is improving.  Here’s his list I interpreted from my notes:

  1. No more countries going into recession at this time.
  2. Household formations are up.
  3. China’s having a soft landing.
  4. Both single family & multi-family sales are up.  (Real estate looking up in general)
  5. Rich are still doing well.
  6. Europe’s OK.
  7. Consumer confidence is growing.
  8. Corporate Sector profits are up.
  9. Interest rates low – no inflation.
  10. Energy & commodities, prices falling.

      Yes, it looks like 2013 is off to a good start!

Cheers!

Diane