The Yucca - New Mexico's State Flower

This Yucca is now blooming in our front yard; the birds love to nest in this yucca. The yucca was adopted as the State Flower of New Mexico on March 14, 1927. The yucca is a member of the lily family and a symbol of sturdiness as well as beauty. In the early summer, pale ivory flowers bloom at the tips of its long, fibrous stalks. At the base of the plant are broad, sharp-edged leaves that look like stilettos. The yucca sometimes grows to the height of a small tree.

Randall Phillips, Associate Broker

Good News About Placitas Home Sales

We have some Good News! Home sales in Placitas in February were up 300% from the previous year. Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors chief economist, said we’re seeing the continuation of an uneven but higher sales pattern. “The spring home buying season looks bright because of an elevated level of contract offers so far this year,” he said. “If activity is sustained near present levels, existing-home sales will see their best performance in five years. Based on all of the factors in the current market, that’s what we’re expecting with sales rising 7 to 10 percent in 2012.” Good News Indeed!

Sandy Poling, Associate Broker

I am truly blessed to live and work here in Placitas Each time I walk out of my work place I marvel at my beautiful view of the Sandias. Sometimes I just go out to see what pleasure awaits me.

Gail McGough-Maduena, Associate Broker

You know it is spring when the bees are bringing several different shades of pollen. I tried to get a picture of them coming back to the hive showing their pollen sacks filled but they don't stop and pose for me. I will have to work on that. The colors range from white to almost a chartreuse green and it is a combination of the elm trees, juniper and wild mustard, I am sure there are other things opening too but these are the ones I know. There are lots of fruit trees that will be opening soon and they will be getting the pollen from those too. That old saying "busy as a bee" is really true!

Julie Denison, Associate Broker

Great Skiing in New Mexico Close to Placitas

Wow, what a great winter it has been! Snow in the mountains means great Southwest skiing -warm, mild sunny days, and Rocky Mountain powder. From Placitas, skiing is abundant! Sandia Peak, 30 minutes to the tram and a glorious ride to the top - Santa Fe Ski Basin, just over an hour - Taos and Angel Fire, 2.5 hours. Not to mention Red River, Pajarito and Sipapu ski areas. Here's a great website for additional info: http://www.skinewmexico.com/ .

Load up on sun screen, head to the slopes and no snow to shovel at home!

Jennise Phillips, Associate Broker

Placitas Real Estate Statistics/Placitas in the Spring

Wow, it’s the end of February already. Time is flying and we’re really busy here at La Puerta. Today there are 21 homes and 3 pieces of land that are under contract in Placitas and there are 6 homes and 3 pieces of land that have closed since January 1st. As usual, La Puerta is involved in almost all of the transactions. Our brokers were responsible for 4 sides (either representing the buyer or seller) in the 6 homes sold, 5 sides in the 3 pieces of land sold, 10 sides of the 21 homes in pending and 1 side in the 3 pieces of land in pending. That is significant considering we have only 12 agents in our office! Not bad for a slow market! Spring has sprung. The Junipers are giving us sneezing fits, but Life is Good in Placitas.

Sandy Poling

Associate Broker

Placitas: No UFO's - just the beauty of wildlife and angels

Some places in New Mexico boast UFO's. We attract wild horses, bears, wildcats and angels. :)

Pepi Strahl, Associate Broker