Community Building

Don’t open the windows. That spring breeze is no help at all.

Once there's even a glimmer of spring, you're ready to throw open your windows and let the breeze blow away the winter funk. Well, you might want to rethink that spring cleaning ritual this year.

If you're an allergy sufferer (and who isn't?), that's the last thing you want to do, says Dr. Neeta Ogden, a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "It will allow pollen to settle in your home."

If you really can't skip that spring breeze, avoid opening windows in the morning, when pollen counts are highest. They decrease late in the day and at night.

That's not the only common spring-cleaning mistake homeowners make. Here are eight more to avoid:

#1

In New Mexico, 1 in 10 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they reach 18. Unaddressed grief is likely to result in negative outcomes in a child’s life.

The Children’s Grief Center provides free grief support services for families after the death of a loved one and each year they serve about 700 New Mexicans.

Mark Rickert is a Good Neighbor

REALTOR® Mark Rickert was named a Good Neighbor recipient for his contributions to the Children’s Grief Center of New Mexico. At the age of 15, Mark experienced the death of his mother and understands the feelings of a grieving child.

For the past six years, Mark has volunteered for the Grief Center by serving on the Board of Directors and the Building Committee. In

Gavin Bigger is a REALTOR in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Gavin organized volunteers and donations to help local residents affected by the McBride and surrounding fires in the small community of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Watch the video below to hear his story.

Deborah Duran was recognized as a GAAR Good Neighbor for her contributions to Maskup New Mexico in 2020. Maskup New Mexico, a sewing group born out of the COVID-19 crisis when the supply of masks and materials was scarce.

Deborah created masks for First Responders, Native American communities, and the homeless. She personally donated funds and made over 2,000 masks at the beginning of the pandemic. 

Recognizing those who go above and beyond for the community, the Good Neighbor Award recognizes local REALTORS® for their charitable impact on the community. Good Neighbors are REALTORS® and Affiliates that dedicate themselves to volunteer service. They donate gifts, money, and – most importantly –  a lot of time to their charity. 

MaskUpNM

Sometimes trying to save will actually cost you more. Here’s when that happens.

You've got all the loyalty apps (free burrito after you buy 10!), you shopped around for the lowest rate on your mortgage, and you never go to the grocery store when you're hungry. You're frugal, and the rising amount in your savings account is a testament to that.

Since saving cash is never a bad thing, you've got nothing to worry about, right?

Unless, of course, you venture so far past frugality you enter the world of cheap. And cheap homeowners always end up paying more in the end when quick fixes and half-solved issues become big, pricey problems. 

Here are six things homeowners do when they're trying to be frugal, but instead they're really being cheap

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction and destination for kids of all ages. For more than four decades, the first week in October brings the smell of roasting chiles and the beautiful, magical moving picture show of hot air balloons sailing silently through the crisp fall air.

Guests from all over the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate ballooning. Literally, hundreds of balloons will be taking flight from the Balloon Fiesta Park this year October 7-15, 2017.

From its modest beginnings in 1972 with 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to multiple events launching year-round at the custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. Our signature event remains Balloon

Like cleaning your siding — just be sure to start from the bottom and go up.

Could it really be summer?!

Tackle these five summer maintenance tasks during June's longer days and better weather — and save yourself time and money this winter.

#1 Update Outdoor Lighting

In June, winter nights are probably the last thing on your mind. But early summer is the perfect time to plan for those "OMG it's only 4:30, and it's already dark " moments by adding or updating landscape lighting.

The most energy-efficient, easy-to-install option is solar lighting, but it won't perform as well on dark or snowy days. For light no matter the weather, install electric.

LED bulbs last up to five times longer and also use less energy than comparable bulbs.

Recognizing those who go above and beyond for the community, the Good Neighbor Award recognizes local realtors for their charitable impact on the community. The latest recipient of this award is Jenn Cody Martin. She received the award for her contributions to the  Domestic Violence Resource Center and has dedicated hundreds of hours towards helping victims break the cycle of domestic violence. Jenn Cody Martin discusses her work and all she does for the community. 

REALTOR®  Jenn Cody Martin was recognized as a GAAR Good Neighbor for her contributions to Domestic Violence Resource Center.

The incidence of domestic violence tends to be 10% higher in New Mexico than the national average. And 30-40% of that violence is witnessed by children in the

Todd Clarke Receives Good Neighbor Award

Recognizing those who go above and beyond for the community, the Good Neighbor Award recognizes local REALTORS® for their charitable impact on the community. Good Neighbors are REALTORS® and Affiliates that dedicate themselves to volunteer service. They donate gifts, money, and – most importantly –  a lot of time to their charity. 

Todd Clarke was recognized as a GAAR Good Neighbor for his contributions to the Ventana Fund. The Ventana Fund is a New Mexico-based non-profit organization and Certified Development Financial Institution that provides low-interest loans to create and preserve affordable rental housing. 

Ventana Fund was established in 2014 to meet the critical need for an increased

Whether you want to customize an afternoon tour, plan an off-site event at a unique venue or just go out for a couple of brews, the breweries in Las Cruces, New Mexico can accommodate your needs.

Download the Ale Trail Map HERE.

Bosque Brewing Taproom bosquebrewing.com – Defending champion of the New  Mexico IPA Challenge, this brewery specializes in artisan crafted beers and fine ales.

Pecan Grill and Brewery pecangrill.com – Family-owned restaurant and brewery offering over a dozen specially brewed craft beers, including a pecan flavored beer.

High Desert Brewery highdesertbrewingco.com – Known for its large selection of handcrafted ales and lagers, High Desert offers rotating beers produced on the premises as well as a