Real Estate Gazette

Las Cruces NM Home Sales Statistics

Las Cruces NM Home Sales Statistics

The Las Cruces Real Estate market has remained resilient in the first 6 months of 2011.  The area’s economy remains stronger than many other areas of the country but Las Cruces and Dona Ana County are far from being immune to the recession.  The first six months of 2010 witnessed 682 home sales.  Over that same time frame in 2011, the Las Cruces Real Estate market produced 559 home sales, a drop in sold homes by 18%.  Average price of homes sold has also declined.  A year ago the average sales price in Las Cruces was $192,612.  For the same time period in 2011 the average sales price is $186,859, down 3% showing values have not dropped significantly when looking at the market as a whole.

 There is a large disparity between the average sold price and the average active price which is currently $259,550. This disparity can be attributed to the lack of high end homes being sold but also a lack of effective pricing by many home sellers.  The average days on the market for homes sold are roughly 126 days.  The average active home has been on the market 158 days.  Some things in real estate never change; pricing homes correctly improves the chances of any particular home selling. 

Sales of real estate can vary by price range or neighborhood so for any true indication of a specific market, a professional home analysis is in order. While the overall market may be performing a certain way, there are definitely sectors that are outperforming the rest of the market.  One of the best ways to determine a certain part of the market can be local absorption reports.  For those reports CLICK HERE. Connie and Zane would be happy to look at your home and provide an in-depth analysis for you.

Forbes Magazine ranks Las Cruces No. 14 on its "Best Small Places for Business and Careers" list!

Las Cruces is once again in the national spotlight with another listing by Forbes.com! Las Cruces ranked # 14 in the category “Best Small Places for Business and Careers.”

The ranking results from statistics indicating high job growth levels, low unemployment rates, and projected annual growth. Also factored in is employment in high tech fields of almost 10%. (Employers such as White Sands Missile Range and White Sands Test Facility are major contributors to the number of federal government employees living in the city.)

The presence of New Mexico State University contributes to a placing of #43 in the Education category, and no doubt contributes to the fact that almost 27% of residents have college attainment.

Historically agriculture has provided a steady economic base in contrast to the high tech industries that are rapidly expanding in the area. Las Cruces boasts exceptionally good weather and the fertile Mesilla valley as assets in agriculture, but the climate also contributes to residents’ enjoyment.

Forbes ranked the cost of living in Las Cruces at 10.7% less than the national average. Combined with low unemployment rates, high job growth expectations, great quality of education, and a beautiful natural setting, Las Cruces offers exceptional opportunities for a high quality of life.

Construction Spending in Las Cruces, NM Growing!

Great article written by John Hummer, President and Qualifying Broker at Steinborn & Associates Real Estate here in Las Cruces NM.  I wanted to share this, I believe it is very interesting and revealing of what is currently happening in Las Cruces Real Estate.

 

Invest In Las Cruces and Dona Ana County, New Mexico!

by:  John L. Hummer

Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, New Mexico:   For the first 10 months of 2010, annualized, the following is a quick diagnosis of the health of the local construction spending in our community.

New Single Family Home Permits:

# Permits Over/Under 2009:  -5%

Value of Permits:  + 29% or $44,237,400

New Commercial Building Permits:

# Permits Over / Under 2009:  + 89%

Value of Permits:  + 127% or $3,440,676

All Permits Combined:

This includes new residential / commercial structures, remodels, demolition, churches, barns, metal buildings, rock walls, storage structures, garages, carports, swimming pools, expansions

# Permits Over / Under 2009:  + 1%

Value of Permits:  + 30% or $70,628,441

We expect this growth to continue well into the future based on, but not limited to, the following key factors:

1.  Growth of Ft. Bliss, TX (45 minutes to the south).  Ft. Bliss is undergoing a $5 Billion expansion.  Ft. Bliss has a shortage of 2,200 homes to house the 70,000 increase in soldiers and family members.  Add another 30,000 population from the increase in service industry spinning off to support this growth.  Las Cruces continues to be an attractive bedroom community to accommodate this growth.

2.  Our Reputation.  Las Cruces continues to grow based on its own merits as evidenced by the continued national recognition.  A few examples of such are:

• Projected 2009 - 2001 Employment Growth: 5th in US. Strengths: low business costs, population growth, military/govt.employment.
• Milken 2010 Best Performing Cities: Ranking #8.
• Money Magazine 2010 Ranking: 14th Best County in the nation for job growth over the last 9 years.
• Where to Retire / AARP: Over the past decade, Las Cruces has consistently ranked in the top 10 of best places to retire.

3.  City of the Future.  

a. Spaceport America.  The world's first purpose built commercial spaceport will open its launch pads and runways to the world in 2011.  Virgin Galactic, Armadillo Aerospace and UP Aerospace are but a few of the burgeoning companies who have called our community home.   

b. White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico State University's Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) and Arrowhead Research Park.  These entities in concert with the Department of Defense, NASA, Honeywell, Raytheon and many others are leading efforts in the testing and design of unmanned aviation technology.

c. Alternative Energy.  Dona Ana County is ground zero for the future growth of solar energy and biofuels.    Sapphire Energy (biofuel) and Edison Solar are two new companies that speak to such growth.

d. Diversity, The Great Outdoors & The Arts. Las Cruces has to be one of the most tolerant, diverse communities in the nation.  Its proud Spanish heritage combined with pioneering spirit of the Wild West has blended one of the most inviting communities.                 

Hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature trails are in abundance throughout our fertile Mesilla Valley or at the base of the majestic Organ Mountains. Our community also boasts outstanding and growing art, theatre, symphony and recreational activities.

Las Cruces, New Mexico is a vibrant city whose maximum potential is yet to be realized.  Come grow with us!

 

NMSU Provides Las Cruces New Enthusiasm

Many of us living in Las Cruces have noticed a few more people around town.  Many of these additional faces display unbridled enthusiasm.  It happens every year about this time as new students come to Las Cruces with dreams and aspirations of receiving a top notch education at New Mexico State University.  Many students are experiencing not only a new school but a new town, new friends, and new opportunities.  As I see these students pile into dorm rooms, I cannot help but appreciate the optimism that all these new students have. 

This is also the time of the year when many students come back to Las Cruces from summer vacation or maybe an internship.  It is exciting to see all of their friends once again.  Soon Las Cruces will be full of college students all working towards improving their career opportunities.  Last year over 18,000 students were on the Las Cruces campus of NMSU.

We are very lucky to live in a college town.  The diversity and events a campus like NMSU can provide adds to our quality of life.  This year, more than ever, I appreciate seeing the hope and enthusiasm that NMSU inspires.  The hope that this fall brings Aggie football and Coach Walker more wins. . .  The opportunity for Aggie Volleyball to continue to increase its place on the national volleyball scene. . .  The chance for graduates to proudly finish school and realize their dreams.  This time of year in Las Cruces allows us to forget about the economy.  This time of year in Las Cruces is all about opportunity.  While we may not be freshmen arriving at NMSU this week, we can learn from those freshmen.  This is a great opportunity for all of us to regain our focus on what is important, what our goals are, and how we are going to achieve those goals.  It is a great time to regain our passion for life.  I look forward to growing and reaching my goals this year just like thousands of students across this great nation.

GO AGGIES!!!

 

Zane Fikany

575.640.4374

www.LasCrucesNMProperties.com

Zane@LasCrucesNMProperties.com

www.RealEstateGazetteLC.com   The Finest Real Estate Newsletter in Las Cruces.

Steinborn & Associates Real Estate

575.523.2850

Las Cruces NM Home for Sale, exceptional location!

This Las Cruces New Mexico home has an terrific location and great features for the area.  This is a great investment opportunity or for a primary residence.  The home has been well cared for and upgraded.  This home must be seen.

Don't miss this chance!  Click here to view pictures and information.  And as always go to www.LasCrucesNMProperties.comfor all Las Cruces and Mesilla MLS information
 

Dona Ana County Ranks 14 in CNN Money Article!

CNNMoney.com lists Dona Ana County number 14 on thier list of 25 "Where the Jobs Are".  The article references 34.5% job growth from year 2000 to 2009.  Click the link to check it out!http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/moneymag/1007/gallery.best_places_job_growth.moneymag/index.html

Home for sale in Mesilla Park with lots of Potential!

Very large home in Mesilla Park for sale.  This home has character! 3739 Sq. Ft. 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms  Large lot, Great Location.  Must take a look at : http://www.lascrucesnmproperties.com/Mesilla/New_Mexico/Homes/Mesilla_Park/Agent/Listing_20619819.html

To see all of the Listings in Mesilla and Las Cruces go to www.LascrucesNMProperties.com

 

New Home for sale in Las Cruces NM, Sonoma Ranch

In a time of uncertainty people tend to go with what they know and in Las Cruces we know Binns Construction has been building homes in Las Cruces for 47 years.  Those 47 years of experience were put into this home.  The home has high ceilings, is bright and open.  This is a home that must be seen to truly enjoy.  Large bedrooms are just one of the features that set this home apart.

 

See this Home here

Check out all Las Cruces homes and Mesilla Real Estate at www.LasCrucesNMProperties.com

Beekeeping, Another Las Cruces Economic Factor?

We knew Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico led the way for chile production.  We also knew about all the pecans raised in the Mesilla Valley.  . . and the onions, alfalfa and produce  grown in the area’s  fertile soil.  We even knew there were some wineries in the area.  What we didn’t know was Southern New Mexico is home to the two largest beekeeping operations in the state!

Bees?  Now we know bees are essential in the pollination process, but did you know that Mesilla Valley bees are shipped to other areas of the country?  The weather, location, and accessibility make Las Cruces a good place for beekeepers to raise their bees which they can rent to farmers around the country, especially California where they pollinate much of the produce we all eat.  Adding  to their productivity in pollination is their valuable by-product—HONEY!  No wonder beekeeping in the Mesilla Valley is a sweet deal!  

This is just one more example of the diversity that exists in southern New Mexico.  Read the article on bees in the Las Cruces Sun News here.  http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_15473372?IADID=Search-www.lcsun-news.com-www.lcsun-news.com

Call Zane and Connie for all your Las Cruces Information Needs!

Las Cruces Home Sales for first six months of 2010 higher than same period in 2009

Results for the Las Cruces real estate market for the first 6 months of 2010 show a 9% increase in sales over the same period in 2009.  A strong showing in May (147 homes sold) and June (140 homes sold) boosted the first six months of 2010 total.  The total of 147 homes sold in Las Cruces in May was the best month of home sales since August 2007.  Last October came close with 145 homes sold. The 2010 sales year started slow with only 62 homes sold in the month of January, the lowest home count in recent history, but seems to be heating up.  Sales have improved and finished the first half of 2010 on a strong note. 

There is little doubt Las Cruces has a good real estate market but the real determining factor in selecting the best home always comes down to neighborhoods.  This is an area where only a strong Las Cruces Realtor can provide the correct information.  Connie and Zane are always happy to help you compare homes and  neighborhoods.  Call Zane Fikany and Connie Hettinga for all of your real estate needs.