Last year I lost my most wonderful father.  Today would have been his 85 birthday - so please indulge me while I tell you a little bit about this wonderful soul.  My father was the type to not speak ill of people and in fact he loved people and he loved to entertain.  He was even tempered and never raised a hand to me or my brothers and sisters.  He indulged us in every way he could and encouraged us to strive to do our best.  He always reminded us that we each had to make our own mark on the world and we had to remember our roots since it was those roots that gave us grounding.  My father, Richard Halford was born in Ventura, Iowa to Christine and Sidney Halford.  He served in World War II as a Corporal in the United States Army having served in France, England and Germany.  Richard gr... 07/10/2009

by Michael Umphrey on July 9, 2009 Let's conjure up an image of arguably one of the most magical streets in Santa Fe.  Acequia Madre means "mother ditch" and if you've seen the film "Milagro Bean Field  Wars" you know the importance of the culture and livelihood of any neighborhood in New Mexico blessed by flowing waters.  Located in the Historic East Side the narrow street was meant for burros carrying firewood down from the mountains and to accommodate the horse-drawn carriages of inhabitants of adobe homes hidden along its alleyways, invisible to the world. If you explore any of its walking paths and listen to the murmur of the water you may feel that time seems to stop.  The Downtown Subscription is a coffeehouse and favorite meeting place for the locals.  As you step into the café ... 07/09/2009

The Taos High Road Having grown up in Northern New Mexico I had a tendancy to stay around my city of Santa Fe and when I went up to Taos it was along the traditional hiway.  Imagine my delight when years ago some friends invited my husband and I to take the Taos High Road with a visitor from New York. The trip started up Hwy 285 from Santa Fe and we headed in the village of Nambe and then up through Chimayo.  In Chimayo we stopped to visit the Santaurio de Chimayo and picked up some of the miraculous dirt form the inside of the church.  Having no place to put my dirt I removed a small St. Christopher medal my mother had given me and placed some dirt in the pouch.  I thought the combination of my St. Christopher and the holy dirt would be an add assurance of protection on car journeys.  ... 07/06/2009

This weekend was the opening of the Santa Fe Opera Season, and since I have a listing next to the SFO I thought it woudl be a great idea to hold an open house.  Over 30 people came by in the two hours, and many were in town for the opera.  I stood in the massive living room and smiled like I had never smiled before.  I would speak quickly about the home and repeat and repeat.  I was traversing from one wing to another asking if anyone had questions.  Over and over I was asked for my card and about other homes in the area.  If my home didn't meet the criteria I was thrilled I knew some inventory that did.  Hopefully, some of the people who asked numerous questions will be contacting myself or their agent for a second showing, and those who were interested in other properties - I hope the... 07/06/2009

Downtown - The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, New Mexico - Michael's Blog by Michael Umphrey on July 2, 2009  Through 2010 the city is celebrating its 400th anniversary and we're in the mood to party. My office is in the neighborhood of downtown Santa Fe.  I'm looking out my window at the Santa Fe River and the awe- inspiring Sangre de Cristo Mountain range beyond.  The Plaza is three blocks away.  I'm surrounded by world- class restaurants all of which have been given the highest ratings in Conde Naste, Bon Appétit, Travel & Leisure and many others.  The Lensic Performing Arts Theater, The New Mexico Museum of Art, the Georgia O'Keefe Museum, and the Institute for American Indian Arts are all downtown.   This weekend we celebrate Independence Day with the 33rd annual Pancakes on the Plaza ... 07/02/2009

Santa Fe is in the Top 10 Recently Santa Fe was named as one of the top 10 cities to appreciate within the next 10 years by US News and World Report.  This news could not have come at a better time considering the state of the housing market across the country.  Santa Fe has long been considered a great investment due to our climate, beauty and attractions.  We have a strong second and investment home market which has probably attributed to our being named amounst the top 10.  Below is the link so you may enjoy the entire article. http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/real-estate/2009/06/04/the-top-10-housing-markets-for-the-next-10-years.html 06/28/2009

I will come out and say it I am a registered Democrat and that is about the gist of it.  I serve as the chair of our local real estate government affairs committee, the vice-chair (incoming chair) of our state associations legislative committee, and finance chair of our county democratic committee.  I am also an RPAC trustee.  All of this is great since in the real estate committees we do our best to stay non-partisan and address issues which effect property rights. But boy can it be scary when you get in a car with potential clients and they begin asking those soft political questions.  I just smile and tell the real estate committees I sit on but I am very careful not to let anymore slip.  In the car with clients is not the place to spew our political beliefs, it is the place to talk ... 06/27/2009

by Michael Umphrey on June 24, 2009  The Inn at Loretto  I don't think I'll soon run out of wonderful places to write about that are still within walking distance from our home in Santa Fe.  The short walk to Museum Hill is one of our favorites.  Set among the Pinon and Juniper pines that pepper the landscape are four world-class museums: the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.  Of course, they each have their own unique gift shops.   In The Museum Hill Café you can enjoy the full service and food hosted by Walter Burke Catering while marveling at some of the most exquisite hilltop vistas of the town.  July 11-12 the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market will be held... 06/24/2009

Yesterday I read an ActiveRain blog titled A Little Ancedote About Strangulation and Baseball.  The blog was very touching having been written by a husband whose wife has terminal breast cancer.  He spoke of the negativitiy of people and their very hurtful comments when his wife lost her hair due to the chemo treatments.  But most of all it was his relaying an experience at a baseball game they attended and her hair was beginning to grow back.  The nasty comments finally got to him and he snapped.  I couldn't blame him this was someone he loved and wanted to shelter.  It is sometimes hard to turn that other cheek when a person has nothing pleasant and only hurtful things to say.  It always amazes me how many cruel and negative people there are out there.  Whether it be in a store, while... 06/19/2009

  by MICHAEL UMPHREY on JUNE 18, 2009 Anyone who is a hiker in Santa Fe has enjoyed the trek on the Atalaya Mountain Hiking Trail.  The trailhead begins at one of the premiere neighborhoods in the city, Wilderness Gate.  Overlooking the city and the Rio Grande Valley, the luxury homes are sited on 5-acre parcels surrounded by tall Ponderosa Pines.  These spectacular woodlands contain a micro climate and you’ll find flora not seen elsewhere.  Close enough to the city to walk to town, Wilderness Gate is adjacent to the campus of St. John’s College. This prestigious school offers the Great Books program, which is a four year curriculum of Western civilization’s most prominent contributors to philosophy, theology, mathematics, science, music, poetry and literature. Take a look at Luxury Hom... 06/18/2009

Santa Fe National Forest Downtown Santa Fe has so much to offer - the Palace of the Governors (the oldest continuously used government building in the United States, the New Mexico Fine Arts Musuem, Fray Angelico History Library, New Mexico History Musuem and of course the often photographed Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.  But what many are unaware of is only a few blocks away is the road leading to the Santa Fe Ski Area nestled in the Santa Fe National Forest.  This pristine area is filled with walking, biking trails, fishing and camping in the Spring, Summer and Fall, and in the winter downhill, crosscountry and sledding.  One of the most spectacular sites is the turning of the Aspens in early fall.  The mountainside facing Santa Fe becomes the most wonderful combination of golds... 06/17/2009

Our Culture & History The unique cultural mix that gives Santa Fe its special ambience is the product of centuries of co-existence among Native Americans, Spanish, Mexican, European and African Americans.  This blending of cultures is responsible for the distinctive architecture, cuisine and overall aesthetic that gave rise to Santa Fe's nickname, "The City Different." Historical and Cultural DestinationsAll explorations of Santa Fe begin at the historic Plaza, where historic buildings and Old World Ambience tell the story of 400 years of existence.  The city's other attraction areas are a short walk away or accessible by city bus. The Palace of the Governors - The Oldest Continuous Government Building in the CountryConstructed of adobe in the early 17th Century, the Palace served as Sp... 06/17/2009

Located in the high desert that is Santa Fe, The Hondo Hills corridor is just a five minute drive south of town and is home to horse lovers from around the world.  Most homeowners live on sites no less than 5 acres and have access to miles of the old ranch lands that are still a part of our history.   The Arroyo Hondo Pueblo is an archaeological site founded in 1300 AD.  The Old Pecos Trail (Route 66) and The Old Santa Fe Trail run directly through the area as do well - preserved wagon ruts.  The diverse and beautiful landscape contains protected wetlands and Ponderosa Pine and can be a wonderland if you explore on foot or on horseback.  The spectacular views are of outrageous sunsets, the Turquoise hills, the Ortiz, The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the lights of Albuquerque beyond th... 06/11/2009

Since this is the neighborhood in which I live, I'm excited to tell you about this thriving district.  Settled at the turn of the last century there was need for housing close to the bustling Santa Fe Rail Yard. Homes here were built with Victorian architecture, Territorial brick design and Pueblo Revival styles; many of them made of adobe. From our house, we can walk to everything Santa Fe has to offer, including the new trains in the Rail Yard District, the downtown plaza, museums and the Santa Fe River.   The New Mexico Rail Runner will take you to Albuquerque for a mere $8.00. The neighborhood is home to The Farmer's Market, fabulous art galleries, fine dining and cafes, and excellent shopping opportunities. Of course, the beautiful State Capitol building is here and is presided ove... 06/04/2009

Rich in art and history, Canyon Road is the cultural center of Santa Fe.  Located in the heart of the Historic Eastside, the art galleries found on the ¾ mile lane are what help make Santa Fe not only a world-class travel destination but also the 2nd largest art market in the country.  My family takes its daily walk on Canyon Road from our home in the south Capitol District.  One of our favorite destinations is The Teahouse, on the corner of Palace Avenue and Canyon Road, where we stop for one of their exotic teas and a decadent pastry. The adobe walls and gardens are a spectacular sight this time of year and it's a delight when we can discover who and what lives behind them. Santa Fe was once known as the Lilac Capitol of the world.  The word "Gringo" was given to us during the Mexican... 05/30/2009

 Hyde Park Road, a National Scenic Byway, connects downtown Santa Fe with a world -class ski basin at the top of the Santa Fe National Forest.  The enclave of The Santa Fe Summit is located just five miles up that road from town.  It is a gated community of high-end, luxury estates and most have spectacular views of sunsets, city lights, and Mt. Antonito in Colorado 100 miles to the west.  The landscape offers tall pines, sweeping vistas. High mountain wildflowers abound.  Adjacent to the unique Asian style mountain spa resort of 10,000 Waves, the scenery, forest and weather are reminiscent of the Japanese Alps.  The vision of the developer draws the elite of the world to the neighborhood and I‘d love to show it to you.  To see the fine homes currently for sale in The Summit be sure to ... 05/21/2009

So what does this have to do with real estate - simple networking.  I have made quite a few connections and each of those movies needs locations.  It is time to think outside of the box and look for other avenues to promote our listings.   .... AND Do you have that listing for that incredible million dollar home that is furnished and sitting empty - How About Having it Rented to One of the Stars of the Film or to be used for a few days for a location shoot.  Many of your states on their websites will have a film office site.  You can set yourself up as a location manager or scout.  Who knows locations better than us?  We are out there all of the time scouting that perfect home for someone - well here is another way to use that resource.  The pay - pretty darn good. Many years ago I, at ... 05/09/2009

Today, I'm excited to tell you about the neighborhood of Las Estrellas.  Just a few minutes from the heart of Santa Fe is the new 550 acre community of townhouses, condominiums and custom crafted homes. There are open spaces, walking trails and panoramic views of the mountains and brilliant stars.  If you work at the Thornberg Campus, you can walk to work at their new facility, which opened in March of this year.  Click here to view Homes For Sale in Las Estrellas.Here is the link to a beautiful residence I represent for sale in the neighborhood, which was a model home.  www.1730RidgePointeLoop.com Michael's Bit of Real Estate How much energy does your home waste? AHA !, Advanced Home Analysts, can perform a range of assessments on your existing home, from a simple walk-through energy a... 05/07/2009

The Ranch of the Swallows El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a living history museum located on 200 acres in a rural farming valley just south of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The museum, dedicated to the heritage and culture of Spanish Colonial New Mexico, opened in 1972. Original colonial buildings on the site date from the early 18th century. In addition, historic buildings from other parts of northern New Mexico have been reconstructed at Las Golondrinas. Villagers clothed in the styles of the times show how life was lived in early New Mexico. Special festivals and theme weekends offer visitors an in-depth look into the celebrations, music, dance and many other aspects of life in the period when this part of the United States was ruled by Spain and Mexico. 05/01/2009

Benefits of Living in Santa Fe Crisp and temperate winters Cool and breezy summers Clear, dry air Spectacular scenic beauty A friendly community that's brimming with bright, creative, and energetic residents A vibrant and growing economy The nation's second largest arts market with a $1.6 billion annual arts economy A growing center of clean industries, such as renewable energies  These are just a few of the reasons to come visit and live in my beautiful city. 05/01/2009