Albuquerque Real Estate Blog & Community News

Jan. 22, 2026

FAQ- Moving In

6. Moving In

  1. When can I move in after closing?

  2. How do I handle repairs after moving in?

  3. What should I do if I find undisclosed issues?

  4. How do I set up insurance and utilities?

  5. Should I change locks and security systems?

  6. How do I budget for ongoing maintenance?

  7. What warranties or guarantees apply to my home?

  8. How do I make my home more energy-efficient?

  9. Can I make renovations right away?

  10. How do I handle HOA rules and payments?

  11. What resources are available for new homeowners?

 

Posted in Buying a Home
Jan. 22, 2026

FAQ- Pending & Closing

5. Pending & Closing 

  1. What is the closing process?

  2. How long does it take to close?

  3. Who pays for the title insurance?

  4. What is a closing disclosure?

  5. Can I negotiate the closing date?

  6. What documents will I need to bring to closing?

  7. What is escrow, and how does it work?

  8. Who chooses the title company or attorney?

  9. What are property taxes, and when are they due?

  10. Can I back out of closing?

  11. What happens if the home doesn’t appraise?

  12. How do I transfer utilities?

  13. What should I check before signing papers?

  14. What fees are due at closing?

  15. Can I change my mind after signing?

 

Posted in Buying a Home
Jan. 22, 2026

FAQ- Home Inspection & Condition

4. Home Inspection & Condition

  1. What is included in a home inspection?

  2. Do I need additional inspections (roof, pest, HVAC)?

  3. How do I choose a home inspector?

  4. What happens if the inspection finds problems?

  5. Can I ask the seller to make repairs?

  6. What is an “as-is” sale?

  7. How do I know if a home needs major repairs?

  8. Should I get a sewer or foundation inspection?

  9. How much should I budget for home repairs?

  10. What is a final walkthrough, and when does it happen?

  11. Can I cancel the sale after inspection?

  12. What is a home warranty, and do I need one?

  13. How do I know if the home is energy efficient?

  14. Should I test for radon or mold?

  15. How do I check for water damage or leaks?

 

Posted in Buying a Home
Jan. 22, 2026

FAQ- Making an Offer

3. Making an Offer

  1. How do I make a strong offer?

  2. Can I negotiate the price?

  3. What contingencies should I include?

  4. What is earnest money, and how much should I give?

  5. How do multiple-offer situations work?

  6. What happens if my offer is rejected?

  7. Can I ask the seller to pay closing costs?

  8. How long does a seller have to respond to my offer?

  9. What is a counteroffer?

  10. Can I back out of an offer?

  11. How do I handle bidding wars?

  12. Should I waive contingencies to get the home?

  13. What is a home appraisal contingency?

  14. Can I request appliances or furniture be included?

  15. How do I know the offer price is fair?

  16. Can I include a rent-back agreement if the seller needs time?

  17. What is a financing contingency?

  18. Should I offer above asking price?

  19. How do I protect myself in a competitive market?

  20. Can I negotiate after the inspection?

 

Posted in Buying a Home
Jan. 21, 2026

FAQ- Financing & Budget

Financing & Budget

  1. How much house can I afford?

  2. How do I calculate my monthly mortgage payment?

  3. What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

  4. How do I get pre-approved for a mortgage?

  5. What credit score do I need to buy a home?

  6. Can I buy a home with bad credit?

  7. How much should I save for a down payment?

  8. Are there first-time buyer programs or incentives?

  9. What are closing costs, and how much are they?

  10. Can I roll closing costs into my mortgage?

  11. What is private mortgage insurance (PMI), and can I avoid it?

  12. How do interest rates affect my buying power?

  13. Can I lock in my interest rate?

  14. What is an adjustable-rate mortgage?

  15. What is a fixed-rate mortgage?
  16. Can I buy a home with student loans?

  17. Can I buy a home while paying off debt?

  18. What is a mortgage prepayment penalty?

  19. Are there grants or assistance programs for buyers?

  20. How do I choose the right lender?

Posted in Buying a Home
Jan. 21, 2026

FAQ- Buyers

Below are some frequently asked questions we hear from buyers just like you. We thought it would be helpful to share them here. If you have a question that isn’t listed, please let us know—we’re happy to add it and provide an answer. You’re also welcome to call or text us anytime.

New Blog Page

Getting Started


Loans & Financing


Inspections 


The Home Search


Making an Offer

  • How much should I offer on a home?

  • What are seller concessions?

  • Can the seller pay some of my closing costs?

  • What contingencies should I include in my offer?

  • What happens if there are multiple offers?


Buying While Renting or Selling

  • Can I buy a home while selling my current one?

  • Do most buyers have to sell before they buy?

  • What is a home sale contingency?

  • What happens if my home doesn’t sell in time?

  • Can I avoid carrying two mortgages?


After Going Under Contract

  • What happens during underwriting?

  • What documents will my lender need?

  • Can I change jobs while buying a home?

  • Should I avoid large purchases before closing?

  • When do I do the final walkthrough?

  • Why should I rekey my home before moving in?

Long-Term Ownership

  • How much will my monthly payment really be?

  • What Are Some Inexpensive Decorating Ideas for a New Home?
  • What costs come with owning a home besides the mortgage?

  • How do property taxes and homeowners insurance work?

  • How much should I budget for maintenance?

  • Is buying a home a good long-term investment?


Local & New Mexico–Specific Questions

  • Selling your Albuquerque-area home

  • How competitive is Albuquerque compared to Rio Rancho?

  • How does buying in Corrales or Placitas differ from Albuquerque?

  • Do rural areas like Tijeras, Edgewood, Moriarty, or Sandia Park affect financing?

  • Are USDA or MFA loans available in the East Mountains?

 

Selling Your Albuquerque Area Home

 

Posted in Buying a Home
Jan. 3, 2025

SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE IN LOMA COLORADO!!

SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE IN LOMA COLORADO!!

CLICK HERE to see Homes for Sale in Loma Colorado.

3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms, 2+ car garage homes For Sale in Loma Colorado!!

 

For more information call or text:

Dawn Bigelow 505-681-1941

Realty One of NM Corporate 883-9400

 

Posted in Buying a Home
Jan. 3, 2025

SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE IN VENTANA RANCH!!

SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE  IN VENTANA RANCH!!

CLICK HERE to see Homes for Sale in Ventana Ranch.

 

3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms, 2+ car garage homes For Sale in Ventana Ranch!!

 

For more information call or text:

Dawn Bigelow 505-681-1941

Realty One of NM Corporate 883-9400

Posted in Buying a Home
Jan. 30, 2024

BRAND NEW HOME for SALE- 6793 Cleary Loop NE

 

 

6797 Cleary Loop NE

Rio Rancho, NM 87144

 

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 3

SqFt: 2,119

Heating: Central Forced Air

Cooling: Central Air; Refrigerated

 

Call or text me (Dawn Bigelow: 505-681-1941) to see this BRAND NEW HOME!! The address doesn't appear on GPS, yet. You will need to call or text me for directions.

 

This stunning floorplan features three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a flex room that can be used for anything you want. There is a two-car garage as well, The flexible living space and an open-concept design make it perfect for busy days, relaxing evenings, and everything in between. The open kitchen, great room, and dining configuration create the ideal environment for entertaining.

 

For more Information or to see this home, call or text: Dawn Bigelow, Realtor New Homes Specialist

505-681-1941 (Home Courtesy of: Valerie Vallerjos, Sales Representative with Hakes Brothers 505-999-7872)

 

FREE HOME SEARCH:

https://www.nmmoves.com/search/advanced_search/?view

Realty One of New Mexico Corporate  505-318-1000  

Dawn Bigelow, Realtor New Homes Specialist: 505-681-1941

 

 

Posted in Brand New Homes
Nov. 22, 2023

BRAND NEW HOME for SALE- 4823 Sandia Peak Road NE

FOR SALE, NOT RENT

4823 Sandia Peak Rd NE, Rio Rancho 87144

3 bedrooms

2 bathrooms

1,289 sqft

To view this home online:

https://www.nmmoves.com/property/1044317/?addrs=1/?view

 

Call or text me (Dawn Bigelow: 505-681-1941) to see this BRAND NEW HOME in Mountain Hawk.  You could be moved in by Christmas!!  The Sydney floorplan is most popular. Very open. The big windows allow for lots of light streaming in. Kitchen is complete with beautiful granite countertops, an island, lots of cabinets, stainless appliances, big corner pantry, and ceramic tile floors.  The kitchen is open to the dining area with a breakfast bar open to the family room.  You will love the oversized shower with glass doors in the owner’s suite.  There is a big covered back patio off the living area.  This is a modern home with Amazon Alexa Connect & energy savings.  Ask me about BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES with preferred lender and builder paid closing costs of $10,000!!  Plus, appliances are included!  (Home under construction and photos of previous model with varying features).

For more Information or to schedule a showing, call or text:

Dawn Bigelow, Realtor

New Homes Specialist

505-681-1941

 

 

FREE Home Search:

https://www.nmmoves.com/search/advanced_search/?view

 

Realty One of New Mexico Corporate 505-318-1000
Listing Courtesy of:
Cathy Andersen
Sales Representative with DR Horton
505-450-2168
Posted in Buying a Home