The Roller-Coaster Ride called a Short Sale

The New York Times has a great story today about understanding and navigating short sales. The story’s New York-centric of course, but the lessons and ideas are – sadly – universal.  Here in Santa Fe we have a smaller number of short sales, but they are at every price range, and in every location from Airport Road to Las Campanas.

Short sales are a gentler alternative to foreclosure for both sellers and lenders. “Compared to a foreclosure, a short sale generally allows an easier transition for the borrower, less impact on their credit history, and larger net proceeds to the loan’s owner,” said Tom Kelly, a spokesman for JPMorgan Chase, adding that Chase encourages borrowers who are unable to keep their homes to consider short sales.

Another great New York Times story about Santa Fe!

http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/travel/07santafe.html?src=twt&twt=nytimesvisual

Santa Fe still holds out a promise of renewal, of exactly what Lawrence was looking for when he came to this area: a place that could change not only one’s external life but also one’s inner, spiritual life. “Touch the country,” he said of New Mexico, “and you will never be the same again.”

What is Santa Fe? A place of healing, since the tuberculosis sufferers started coming over a century ago. A spiritual mini-mecca for a semi-godless age. A sumptuous adobe haven for a few super-rich. A land of hope for thousands of illegal immigrants. A hothouse of talent and IQ, with an extraordinary concentration of Ph.D.’s, and more artists than any American city its size…..

Posted via email from Santa Fe Life & Real Estate

The Thrifty Wintery Charms of Santa Fe – NY Times

Santa Fe, New mexico

SANTA FE has an international art scene, year-round celebrities and hotel rooms that go for up to $450 a night, so “affordable” may not be the first word that comes to mind in describing it. But with some creative choices and a willingness to stray from the plaza of postcard fame, it can be surprisingly easy on a budget. A couple on a three-day weekend can stay at immaculate adobe-style hotels, browse at world-class art galleries, tour historic churches, eat flavorful Southwestern cuisine, hike, ski and even soak in a private Japanese hot tub — all for under $500.

- from an interesting New York Times article on Santa Fe in winter.