GayRealEstate USA

LGBT Retirement -- Birds of a Feather -- New Mexico

By Jeff Adolph

Special Interest

In 2006 I made mention of a new LGBT retirement complex that was being developed, called 'Birds of a Feather'.

Birds of a Feather, for those of you who are not familiar with the community, is situated 25 miles southeast of Santa Fe, and is set on 140 acres of pine forest and meadows in the foothills of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, in New Mexico.

This retirement complex sold Phase I allotments between 2004-2006, and is currently seeking approval for Phase II of development. If all goes well, the allotments should begin being sold by the end of this year.

Phase I of Birds of a Feather, consists of 8 Casitas and 10 single family homes, also known as EcoNests (pictured left), which are situated on 18 separate allotments. Allotments in this Phase were priced from $74,000, and at this time the price of Phase II allotments are unknown.

What makes Birds of a Feather truly unique is the design of homes. For example - EcoNests are single family homes of approximately 1200 sq ft in size, and are eco-friendly in design, in that Econests are constructed from clay, straw and timber, and are the innovative concept of architect Paula Baker-Laporte, and her husband, Robert Laporte, a builder. 

For more information on Econests please visit www.econest.com

Please Note- that owner's of EcoNests, at Birds of a Feather, are welcome to help construct their homes and that these homes can be custom designed to suit the owner's specific needs.

Future plans for Birds of a Feather include a dance hall, hobby rooms, convenience store, library and health and fitness center.

For more information please visit www.flock2it.com

Article Source: Birds of a Feather (2009); available online at http://www.flock2it.com

Image Source: www.flock2it.com

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Around the Nation -- Residential Real Estate Update - New Mexico

By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state

Situated in the Southwestern region of the U.S.A, this state is ranked as the 37th largest by population with 1,819,046 people residing in the area. Albuquerque is the largest city by population but Santa Fe is the states capital.

This states economy relies heavily on glass production, clay and stone extraction, and potash, salt and copper ore mining, as well as laser and solar energy manufacturing, and data processing.

Income tax in this state comprises of 4 brackets ranging from 1.7 - 5.3%, and while there is no sales tax in this area of America the state does have a 5% gross receipt tax which is transfered to the consumer. Property tax in this state is valued and taxed based on the market value of the property and is charged using a sales-comparison approach.

Santa Fe

There are currently more sellers than buyers in this region with homes typically sitting on the market for more than 120 days. The market trend in this area is increasing and there is a good supply of homes within all price ranges.

The median price for homes in Santa Fe hovers around the $400,000 range and buyers are getting 90- 95% of their asking price. Repeat buyers represent the area of most activity with homes prices up by 5-10% compared to this time last year.

LGBT Real Estate Facts: There are approximately 4,496 same-sex couples residing in New Mexico making this region the 33rd gayest state in America. The gayest zip codes in this locality are 87505 Eldorado/ La Cieriaga - Santa Fe; 87501 Santa Fe; 87105, 87106, 87107, 87108, 87110, and 87120 Albuquerque; 87124 Rio Rancho. -- gaydemographics.com

Main Story Source: House Hunt (2008) Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Picture Source: wikipedia.org and degrees360.com

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Have Your Say On the LGBT Political Front - August 19th 2007

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

In a national first, the Democrats are challenging the Republicans by staging a debate that is dedicated to the LGBT community and will answer many of the issues facing Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual's and the Transgendered across the nation.

The leading candidates for the Democratic  nomination for presidency will actively involve themselves in this debate on August the 9th, which is being telecast by LOGO, a gay cable network. Alternatively, you may view proceedings on http://www.logoonline.com/ if you are unable to access the network.

Participants in the debate will include Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards (pictured above), with the moderators being singer Melissa Etheridge and Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign's president.

If you would like to actively participate by lodging questions for the candidates to answer you may do so by logging on to LOGOonline.com as well as on HRC.org.

Source: Demorcrats to Hold Gay Debate (2007) available online at www.wweek.com

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Housing Time Capsule

By Jeff Adolph

Historically Speaking

Ever thought about the past in relation to housing costs and rental prices?

Think of the 1960s and 70s; peace, love, truth and freedom, hippie communes and Bob Dylan and the nostalgic ambiance will probably transport you back in time to a by-gone era.

In the 60s the United States Census Bureau estimated Santa Fe's population to be approximately 33,000. Ten years later this had risen to 41,000.

In 1964 Eli Levin also known as Jo Basiste, a painter paid $18 a month in rent for a dwelling on Cerro Gordo Road. Whereas, Jeweler, Doug Magnus paid $35 a month for his home off Canyon Road.

As Magnus said, 'there was such a sense of freedom. It was an easy place to live at that time. It was nonjudgmental and welcoming and inexpensive; unbelievably inexpensive.'

According to the US Census the median price of a home in New Mexico in the 1940s was $6,800 by 1950 this had risen to $34,500 and $52,700 by the 60s. Some 40 years later in 2000 that same median had risen to $108,100 and today sits around $519,500.

Oh for the love of a time machine...

The Bureau then summarizes the national median when it states, 'median home values for single-family homes in the United States rose from $30,600 in 1940 to $199,600 in 2000, after adjusting for inflation. Among states the District of Columbia (treated as a state) had the highest median home value from 1940 to 1950. In 1960, Hawaii became a leader and has remained there. Over the 60 year period from 1940 to 2000, the lowest median home values were generally found in southern states, such as Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.'

By comparing the statistical data of real estate in a historical sense it often becomes apparent where the best investment opportunities are, and for any investor it is vital that they do their homework before investing so they make a good return.

Source: Schneider, W (2007) Peace, Love and Freedom; available online at http://www.santafenewmexican.com and The US Census online at http://www.gov

Images: Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov

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$1 Million and What it Buys in Terms of Real Estate...

By Jeff Adolph

Property Value Comparison

One million dollars to some may sound like a great deal of money but to others it represents an everyday occurrence. So for those of you who are not familiar with shopping for a home within this price bracket it often raises the question of, 'if I had a million dollars exactly what would it buy in terms of real estate?'

In order for you to see exactly what one million dollars does buy three locations and styles of homes have been compared, and in terms of value for money, you may very well be quite surprised.

Location 1: California; Sonoma - Bet Terreno Community (pictured above)

Home: 4 bedrooms with a 2 bedroom separate unit

Price: $1,075,000

Price per Square Foot: $453

Home Size: 1,728 sq feet

Year Built: 2006

Land: .2 acres

Home Features: Cherry-wood floors; granite kitchen bench tops; patio with mountain views; 3 baths; separate 2 car garage; gas fire

Taxes: $13,500 annually

Any Other Fees:  N/A

Location 2: Santa Fe; New Mexico - Above Upper Canyon and Cerro Gordo

Home: 3,006 feet

Price: $1,095,000

Price per Square Foot: $364

Home Size: 3,006 feet

Year Built: 1991

Land:  .73 acres

Home Features: Patio and decking with mountain views and hot tub; Saltillo tiled floors and wooden ceiling beams; Adobe styled fireplaces inside and out; 2.5 baths one with jet tub; sunken living area; hand-carved banister's; 2 car garage

Taxes: $3,978 annually

Any Other Fees: Home owners association $725 annually

Location 3: Georgia; Savannah - Historic District of Bull and Jones Streets (pictured above)

Home: 2 bedroom condominium

Price: $1,050,000

Price per Square Foot: $552

Home Size: 1,849 feet

Year Built: 1849

Land: N/A

Home Features: Gut renovated with periodic styled interior; 2.5 baths; gas fire; hardwood and marble floors; quartz and granite kitchen with Bosch and Wolf stainless steel appliances; private veranda with city views

Taxes: $16,000 annually

Any Other Fees: Condominium association fees - $225 monthly

Source and Images: Bahney, A (2007) What You Get for... $1,000,000 available online at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/realestate/greathomes/07GH-WHAT.html?_r=2&ref=realestate&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

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By Jeff Adolph

Property Value Comparison

One million dollars to some may sound like a great deal of money but to others it represents an everyday occurrence. So for those of you who are not familiar with shopping for a home within this price bracket it often raises the question of, 'if I had a million dollars exactly what would it buy in terms of real estate?'

In order for you to see exactly what one million dollars does buy three locations and styles of homes have been compared, and in terms of value for money, you may very well be quite surprised.

Location 1: California; Sonoma - Bet Terreno Community (pictured above)

Home: 4 bedrooms with a 2 bedroom separate unit

Price: $1,075,000

Price per Square Foot: $453

Home Size: 1,728 sq feet

Year Built: 2006

Land: .2 acres

Home Features: Cherry-wood floors; granite kitchen bench tops; patio with mountain views; 3 baths; separate 2 car garage; gas fire

Taxes: $13,500 annually

Any Other Fees:  N/A

Location 2: Santa Fe; New Mexico - Above Upper Canyon and Cerro Gordo

Home: 3,006 feet

Price: $1,095,000

Price per Square Foot: $364

Home Size: 3,006 feet

Year Built: 1991

Land:  .73 acres

Home Features: Patio and decking with mountain views and hot tub; Saltillo tiled floors and wooden ceiling beams; Adobe styled fireplaces inside and out; 2.5 baths one with jet tub; sunken living area; hand-carved banister's; 2 car garage

Taxes: $3,978 annually

Any Other Fees: Home owners association $725 annually

Location 3: Georgia; Savannah - Historic District of Bull and Jones Streets (pictured above)

Home: 2 bedroom condominium

Price: $1,050,000

Price per Square Foot: $552

Home Size: 1,849 feet

Year Built: 1849

Land: N/A

Home Features: Gut renovated with periodic styled interior; 2.5 baths; gas fire; hardwood and marble floors; quartz and granite kitchen with Bosch and Wolf stainless steel appliances; private veranda with city views

Taxes: $16,000 annually

Any Other Fees: Condominium association fees - $225 monthly

Source and Images: Bahney, A (2007) What You Get for... $1,000,000 available online at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/realestate/greathomes/07GH-WHAT.html?_r=2&ref=realestate&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

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By Jeff Adolph

Property Value Comparison

One million dollars to some may sound like a great deal of money but to others it represents an everyday occurrence. So for those of you who are not familiar with shopping for a home within this price bracket it often raises the question of, 'if I had a million dollars exactly what would it buy in terms of real estate?'

In order for you to see exactly what one million dollars does buy three locations and styles of homes have been compared, and in terms of value for money, you may very well be quite surprised.

Location 1: California; Sonoma - Bet Terreno Community (pictured above)

Home: 4 bedrooms with a 2 bedroom separate unit

Price: $1,075,000

Price per Square Foot: $453

Home Size: 1,728 sq feet

Year Built: 2006

Land: .2 acres

Home Features: Cherry-wood floors; granite kitchen bench tops; patio with mountain views; 3 baths; separate 2 car garage; gas fire

Taxes: $13,500 annually

Any Other Fees:  N/A

Location 2: Santa Fe; New Mexico - Above Upper Canyon and Cerro Gordo

Home: 3,006 feet

Price: $1,095,000

Price per Square Foot: $364

Home Size: 3,006 feet

Year Built: 1991

Land:  .73 acres

Home Features: Patio and decking with mountain views and hot tub; Saltillo tiled floors and wooden ceiling beams; Adobe styled fireplaces inside and out; 2.5 baths one with jet tub; sunken living area; hand-carved banister's; 2 car garage

Taxes: $3,978 annually

Any Other Fees: Home owners association $725 annually

Location 3: Georgia; Savannah - Historic District of Bull and Jones Streets (pictured above)

Home: 2 bedroom condominium

Price: $1,050,000

Price per Square Foot: $552

Home Size: 1,849 feet

Year Built: 1849

Land: N/A

Home Features: Gut renovated with periodic styled interior; 2.5 baths; gas fire; hardwood and marble floors; quartz and granite kitchen with Bosch and Wolf stainless steel appliances; private veranda with city views

Taxes: $16,000 annually

Any Other Fees: Condominium association fees - $225 monthly

Source and Images: Bahney, A (2007) What You Get for... $1,000,000 available online at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/realestate/greathomes/07GH-WHAT.html?_r=2&ref=realestate&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

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Birds of a Feather Flock Together

By Jeff Adolph

Gay Ghettos

Envisage 140 acres of meandering trails laced with tranquil waters and filled with pine scented air and you would be visualizing the new 'Birds of a Feather' GLBT community, with unique housing that provides a quality of life to anyone who wishes to reside there.

Located 25 miles southwest of Santa Fe the 'Birds of a Feather' community is nestled in the Sangre De Cristo foothills and the Pecos wilderness. There are over 1,000 miles of mapped trails that lend themselves to biking, hiking and horse riding. While the streams and lakes create an ambience and allow for water activities, especially with an estimated 313 days of sunshine annually. The average climate of between the low 90's in summer and the 20's in winter caters to all levels of outdoor activity. The nearby Santa Fe ski area sees around 32 inches of snowfall yearly and offers alternative activities to summer endeavors.

What makes 'Birds of a Feather' remarkable is its structure, while it is promoted as a GLBT retirement community it caters to all and is not restrictive in who is able to reside there. Welcoming anyone wishing to live harmoniously in a non-traditional community, as long as these individuals or couples respect each other and are not discriminative of sexual orientation, color, nationality or physical impairment.

The community is also based on eco-friendly design that is energy conscious and balanced with the environment to encourage alternative housing, such as straw-clay (www.econest.com), E-Crete (www.e-crete.com), and Faswall (www.faswall.com). As architect Paula Baker-Lapote who specializes in such designs believes, 'living in harmony with nature is essential to our physical, mental and spiritual well being.' Exactly, what 'Birds of a Feather' is striving to accomplish.

A fascinating resource to visit regarding building and climate change is online at www.architecture2030.org and something many of us will have to consider as the future of our planet rest firmly on our shoulders.

Source: Birds of a Feather (2006) Home: available online at http://www.flock2it.com

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After reading the article above, do you think communities that cater specifically to GLBT culture are warranted, and if so why or why not?

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June 10th, 2006 Marked as an Insightful Day.

By Jeff Adolph

Home Living and Lifestyle Choices

Rainbow Vision, Santa Fe is complete, after three years of planning, building and development this foundational, resort styled, GLBT retirement development, designed for the second fifty (50) years of life, will begin accepting deposits for leased residences.

Designed to create a quality of lifestyle and openness that every member of the GLBT community can enjoy, Rainbow Vision, Santa Fe incorporates luxury with an array of fitness and well-being selections, culinary delights and panoramic views.

The central design, which encompasses twelve point seven (12.7) acres offers a choice of condo ownership or leasing options and a variety of floor plans catering to all styles of living, including assisted, at affordable rates with exclusive membership to club facilities.

The site first purchased on April the 17th, 2003 was fully approved by September 11th of the same year. June the 10th, at noon will see the official opening ceremony begin, with a party being held at 7.30pm and the doors opening to the facility, marking the insight Rainbow Vision had many years prior.

Described as a sharp, creative business woman, Joy Silver, President and Founder of Rainbow Vision LLC Inc., had this to say about the beginnings of Rainbow Vision.

"...We wanted to start to create a community, and the idea of this really comes from the GLBT population and it kind of starts in 1969, when the Stonewall Riots happened. It was at this point when history changed, with the introduction of the Gay Liberation Movement because up until that point Gay people were hiding their past, protecting their present and did not even think about having a future. Rainbow Vision is having a Vision of a Future and therefore envisioning a future for ourselves..."

Santa Fe acclaimed as a city of difference is home to fifteen to twenty percent (15-20%) of the gay population, being one of the largest in America, and is renowned for its cultural diversity, artistic impression, and first-class restaurants and galleries, all of which are bathed in sunshine. Boasting approximately three-hundred (300) days of warmth annually, Santa Fe provides the perfect location for a GLBT retirement village, especially when romantic sunsets and spectacular mountain views surround you.

If you'd like to attend the opening ceremony please R.S.V.P to:

Rainbow Vision, Santa Fe

500 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico

(877) 795-7555 Ext 500.

Source: Rainbow Vision properties Inc. (2006) 'Changing the World, one Community at a Time.' available online at http://www.rainbowvisionprop.com/

CONDO PICTURES By: Rainbow Vision and Lloyd and Associates Architects

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA