The show will include some upbeat marches, folk melodies, a ragtime medley, a gospel tune, a light-opera overture and a piece celebrating New Mexico culture, which I’m very much looking forward to.

The marches range from John Phillip Sousa's "Barnum & Bailey Favorite March" to "Lola Flores" and "Lassus Trombone." Percy Grainger's "Irish Tune from County Derry" and Rossini's "L'Italiana in Algeri" overture are also on the program, among other works. 

Under the direction of Dr. William Clark, the Mesilla Valley Concert Band has about 100 members and has been performing for over 25 years. I have heard them perform a few times, and have always enjoyed myself. Instrumental music can be so inspiring, and provides a nice contrast to the music we constantly hear on the radio. I am really looking forward to the show.

What: Mesilla Valley Concert Band Live Performance 

When: Saturday, May 19, 6 p.m.

Where: Mesilla Plaza

Cost: FREE

For all of your Real Estate needs The Evelyn Bruder Team is here to assist you.
Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces' Only Cyberstar

For more information on Las Cruces, visit our Guide to Las Cruces website.

There will be an annular solar eclipse that will only be visible to Earthlings in a few select locations, including Las Cruces, New Mexico. Annular means that it won't be a total eclipse, but 91% of the Sun's light will be blocked in this case. Consider yourself lucky. The next solar eclipse visible from Las Cruces or anywhere in New Mexico won't be until 2023, so you should be sure not to miss this one.

Even during an eclipse, it's common sense not to look directly at the Sun. On Saturday, members of NMSU's Astronomy department will be selling viewing glasses at the downtown farmers market.

The New Mexico State University Astronomy department, the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces, and the Las Cruces Natural History Museum are holding a free event so that you can safely watch the eclipse. They will have special solar telescopes and other safe Sun viewing equipment set up in the Southwest parking lot of the Mesilla Valley Mall. Viewing glasses will be for sale for $1 each or four for $3.

Another event will be held at the same time (6 to 8 p.m.) by the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces in the parking lot of Morning Star United Methodist Church.

If you don't feel like attending either events, but would still like to watch the eclipse, at least make sure to pick up some of the viewing glasses so that you can keep your eyes safe.

Other options to aid in watching include making a pinhole projector, where you poke a hole in a piece of paper, hold it above another piece of paper, let the light shine through, and create an image of the sun. You can also use welder's glass #14.

Sunglasses, tinted glass, and welder's glass #1-13 don't block enough light. Do not try to use these to watch the eclipse.

Here is a breakdown of the information for the two events being held:
   Safe Viewing of the Last Solar Eclipse visible in New Mexico until 2023

When:   May 20, 6-8pm

Where: Southwest corner of Mesilla Valley Mall parking lot
700 S. Telshor Blvd. Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011

  and
               Parking Lot of Morning Star United Methodist Church
               2941 Morningstar Drive Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011

                     It's FREE and If you have any questions, call 215-962-4772

For all of your Real Estate needs The Evelyn Bruder Team is here to assist you.
Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces' Only Cyberstar

For more information on all types of activities available for you in Las Cruces, visit our Guide to Las Cruces website

It's a great family event! They provide food and entertainment along with the tournament. You can be young or old, you can be a beginner or a pro all you have to do is assemble your team and register on site at the field of dreams. The money The Gus Macker raises from the registration fees go to a good cause. The two organizations they are supporting this year is Casa de Peregrinos, and The Boys and Girls Club of Las Cruces. Casa De Peregrinos is a nonprofit and nondenominational emergency food program, provides free supplemental groceries to individuals and families at risk of hunger in Las Cruces and Dona Ana County. The Boys and Girls Club of Las Cruces enables all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The team registration fee is $136.00 and you have to get there early to get a spot in the tournament. There are prizes for those who excel through the tournament, and Tshirts and more for the players. Come out and play or watch as our friendly community comes together to raise money and have a little fun in the sun.

For more activities and events in Las Cruces feel free to visit our website.

If you want more information on the Gus Macker Click the image below to be directed to their website.

jwplayer('mediaplayer88a725').setup({ 'id':'flvmovie88a725', 'width':'320', 'height':'240', 'controlbar.position':'bottom', 'flashplayer': "http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com/player.swf", 'file': "http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com/videos/stream/las_cruces_homes_sales___market_report___1st_q__2012.flv", autostart: true, events: { onReady: function() { this.play(); } } }); //

The Evelyn Bruder Las Cruces Real Estate Dream Team is extremely happy to report that Single Family Home Sales have increased significantly versus this same period last year.

This has been the best First Quarter for home sales since 2008.

The number of Las Cruces homes sold each of the 3- months of this 1st Quarter of 2012 is up an average of 10% versus the same month in 2011. Not only are number of sales up versus 2011, but the number of homes sold has steadily increased each month during this 1st Q. February’s home sales were up 29% over the number sold in January, and the trend continued with March’s home sales up another 22% over February.

These Statistics give us every reason to believe that the Las Cruces Real Estate Market may be well on its way to recovery.

These statistics for Las Cruces Homes Sold are even more impressive when we consider that we have not yet entered our Spring Selling Season. The Spring Months of April, May, and June are the peak months for Las Cruces Home Sales.

We are not alone in our optimism…

An extensive article on Forbes.com on March 27th lead with the headline: "This Spring Could Be The Best Home-Buying Season In Years"

And USATODAY.com on April 1st quoted a number of Economists, Realtors, and Wall Street Analysts as saying that they have ”Great Expectations for the housing market's spring season."

IN CONCLUSION

HOME BUYERS: Need to be aware that the current “Buyer’s Market” presents them with a great opportunity to buy a home while there are still a lot of homes available at very affordable low prices. Now is the right time to buy a Las Cruces Home. This buyer's market may not last past this Spring’s Buying Season. With increased demand, the Market will be much more competitive.

HOME OWNERS / HOME SELLERS: Anyone that is even thinking about selling a home in Las Cruces needs to know that: NOW!!! IS THE TIME TO SELL The rise in Demand expected during this Spring Buying Season, should result in Higher Home Values for Sellers.

For those with homes already listed for sale, and for those that want to sell their home this spring, you can use this link for 2 additional videos and accompanying Articles.

• The Top 10 things to do to sell your home this Spring

• 7- home-selling blunders to avoid to get your home sold this spring

If you want to know more about selling your home visit our dedicated Seller’s Website: http://www.SellingAHomeInLasCruces.com

On July 16, 1945, at 05:29:45AM Mountain War Time (MWT) the world changed with the explosion of the first atomic bomb. The explosion took place at Trinity Site which is on what is now White Sands Missile Range.

The 19-kiloton explosion not only led to a quick end to the war in the Pacific, but this devastating technology also ushered the world into the atomic age. All life on Earth has been touched by the event which took place here.

When he observed the test, Robert Oppenheimer (who could be called the Father of this Atomic Bomb), is quoted as saying “Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.” (A line from Hindu Scripture)

Trinity is a national historic landmark which is open to the public only twice a year on the first Saturday in April and the First Saturday in October. Open House dates in 2012 are 7 April and 6 Oct. I have visited twice, and no matter your feelings about “the Bomb” and its subsequent use, it is worth the long trip to see this historic site.
See How to Get There: Directions to the site for the biannual Open House.

The 51,500-acre area was declared a national historic landmark in 1975.

The landmark and what visitors are allowed to see includes: base camp, where the scientists and support group lived, the obelisk that marks ground zero, where the bomb was placed for the explosion, and the McDonald ranch house, where the plutonium core to the bomb was assembled. The fence around Ground Zero has a display of historical photos. (SITE MAP)

A few words about what happened seems appropriate here:

The device exploded with an energy equivalent to around 20 Kilotons of TNT. The heat of the blast vaporized the steel tower and melted the desert sand and turned it into a green radioactive glassy substance. It was called Trinitite, and it can still be seen in the area. It left a crater in the desert 10 feet (3 m) deep and 1,100 feet (330 m) wide. The shock wave was felt over 100 miles (160 km) away, and the mushroom cloud reached 7.5 miles (12 km) in height.

The Alamogordo Air Base issued a 50-word press release that "a remotely located ammunitions magazine containing a considerable amount of high explosives and pyrotechnics exploded," but that "there was no loss of life or limb to anyone." A newspaper article published the same day stated that "the blast was seen and felt throughout an area extending from El Paso, to Silver City, Gallup, Socorro, and Albuquerque.

Though the actual cause was not publicly acknowledged until after the August 6th Bombing of Hiroshima, the people of New Mexico knew what had happened.

The following references are well worth your time.  Take a few moments to read and learn more about this historic event and site that make up an important part of the very fabric of New Mexico and the United States. You will get some insight into WWII, the Manhattan Project, and especially important is the theory and reasons behind the bomb.

http://www.wsmr.army.mil/PAO/Trinity/Pages/default.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_%28nuclear_test%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_Project

INFO:

There is no admission fee for this event. Food and souvenirs are sold there. Cameras are allowed at Trinity Site but their use is strictly prohibited anywhere else on White Sands Missile Range. There are no ceremonies or speakers.

For more information:
Contact the missile range Public Affairs Office at (575) 678-1134

See How to Get There: Directions to the site for the biannual Open House.

A splash of cobalt on the walls will make white cabinetry and framed photos pop. Instantly! Balance out the brightness with accents on the warmer side, like a mod orange vase or fresh veggies in a centrepiece bowl.

Home offices are all about efficiency, so their colors should be anything but sleepy! Keep the energy level up with a combo of high-contrast hues like apple green, orange, and espresso. Multicolored file folders and a funky chair cushion add even more eye-catching appeal.

Create an inviting entryway with a rich tone like orange that begs to be noticed the moment you walk through the door. Painting the opposite wall another warm shade like deep yellow creates depth (hint: adding a wall mirror enhances the effect). Also, play with patterns. A scrolled rug and floral furniture complement the color scheme without overpowering it.

Who knew books and tchotchkes could make such a stylish statement? Grouping similarly hued objects brings focus to a cluttered bookcase. Stagger your boldest colors on key shelves, like the top, bottom, and middle, leaving neutral space in between. You can also create this look on a windowsill, console table, or nightstand.

Your home is such a wonderful place to call your own and express your personality, color is a great way to do that. It's easy, and low cost!  Go to a home improvement store and start collecting paint swatches you can see what colors look good together and start exploring what color scheme you would like in your home.

For more tips for home owners, Real Estate News, Local news and events, and much more more, check back with our blog and our website at www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

As we learn more and more about toxins, organic products vs. non-organic, and how the harsh chemicals in our daily cleaning products can harm your family and your pets I decided to look up somerecipes for some alternative natural home cleaning products. I have discovered that the switch to natural cleaning products can have a tremendous impact on the quality of life in our home environment while creating a healthy and pleasant home cleaning experience.  Many products you buy have very harsh chemicals in them also the companies that make these products have "trade secrets" which allows them to not list all of the ingredients used in commercial cleaning products. These products may be affecting your health and the health of your family! Here are a few Natural Recipes I found for make-your-own cleaning products.

Alice's Wonder Spray All-Purpose Household Cleaner
Ingredients: Liquid Castile soap, white distilled vinegar, borax, purified water, and an essential oil for fragrance.

What Else You'll Need: A clean 16-oz. trigger spray bottle.

How to Make Your Own:

Mix 2 tbsp. of vinegar with 1 tsp. borax .
Fill the rest of the bottle with very hot water.
Shake until the borax is dissolved.
Add the 1/4 cup of liquid soap or.
To scent, add 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil.

I like to use a combination of lavender and lemon. Because minerals in the water inhibit cleaning, it's best to use purified or distilled water especially for this recipe. It's important to dissolve the borax in hot water so that it doesn't clog the spray nozzle. And don't mix the soap and vinegar directly together, because the soap will clump up. Please follow the order of the recipe by mixing the vinegar, borax, and water first and adding the soap last.

How to Use:
Spray and Wipe. Use Alice's Wonder Spray as you would any other all-purpose household cleaner.

Make Your Own Natural Healthy Dishwashing liquids:

1/4 cup soap flakes
2 cups hot water
1/4 cup glycerin
1/2 teaspoon lemon essential oil

1) In bowl combine soap flakes and water and stir until the soap is dissolved. Cool to luke warm.

2) Stir in the glycerin and the essential oil, leave to cool. As it cools it will form a loose gel. Stir with a fork and break up the gel and then pour into a narrow-necked bottle. An old shampoo bottle makes an excellent container.

3) To use, squirt 3 teaspoonfuls into hot running water.

Liquid castile soap

10 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops eucalyptus essential oil

1) Fill a clean 22-ounce plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate).
2) Add the essential oils.
3) To use, squirt 3 teaspoonfuls into hot running water

Make Your Own Natural Healthy Disinfectant Spray:
2 Cups Water
1/4 Cup White Vinegar
1/4 tsp. Tea Tree Oil
1/4 tsp. Lavender Oil

Combine and store in a spray bottle. Shake occasionally. Use where ever a disinfectant spray is needed.

This is only a few recipes you can find many others online.  We here at The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team like to provide you with lots of useful tips for your home, News about the Real Estate Market, and even fun things to do around town.  Please visit our blog often and make sure to check out our website.  We are very proud of our website and all the information it provides for our community.  Thanks for reading our blog! Have a great day

Here is one review of the show I found online.

"My children are 3 and 4yrs old (boy and girl). They sang along and danced the whole time. The characters did very well keeping the attention of toddlers and the older kids. This was well spent money and time!"

This looks like a great event to spend with your children or grandchildren I know my grandbabies would sure have a blast! You can find more information about this event online >HERE<

For more information on local events, news, Real Estate news, etc... Visit our website at www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

Here is a video promo for the Live event!

Activities in the wilderness include backpacking, bird watching, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.There are several popular hot springs in the area. The closest wilderness hot spring, Lightfeather, is a 20-minute walk from the Gila Visitor Center. The most popular is Jordan, a 6 or 8 mile hike from the Visitor Center, depending upon the trailhead used. Private hot springs are also located in the community of Gila Hotsprings, four miles from the Monument.  If you enjoy the outdoors and would enjoy taking a beautiful hike in nature then this is the perfect day trip for you.  New Mexico is a stunning place and it is always fun to get out and see what our lovely state has to offer.

If you would like to visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings here is how to get there

Take State Highway 15 north from Silver City. Although the distance from Silver City is only 44 miles, the travel time is approximately two hours due to twisting and winding mountain terrain. An alternative route from Silver City is along State Highway 35 and goes through the Mimbres Valley. Even though it is 25 miles longer than Highway 15, it is less winding, wider, more level, and easier to travel; therefore it takes about the same amount of time to drive. NOTE: If your vehicle, travel trailer, or RV is over 20 feet in length, you should take Highway 35.

For more information about The Gila Cliff Dwellings please visit www.nps.gov/gicl If you are intested in other great things to do around town visit our website by clicking below.

Take a drive to Roswell and enter the world of the unexplained at the UFO Museum

Open since 1992 the mesum has attracted everyone from the curious to the silly to serious researchers. The Museum provides information to the general public on all aspects of the UFO phenomena. People from around the world travel to Roswell to see what the Museum has to offer and to simply "be in Roswell where it happened."

Museum exhibits include information on the Roswell Incident, crop circles, UFO sightings, Area 51, ancient astronauts and abductions. The exhibits are designed not to convince anyone to believe one way or another about their subjects. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions. Many visitors come numerous times and some spend days or even weeks doing research in the library.While in Roswell, most visitors at least buy gas and a soda, or they may spend a week learning about the phenomena and Roswell. Since its opening, the Museum has outgrown two downtown locations, finally landing in the old Plains Theater on North Main Street in Roswell. The number of visitors continues to be the envy of many other tourist attractions in the state.  Not only is there the museum that you can visit year round but every year in the first week of July the annual UFO Festival is held.  It is a Festival for the curious and has been a very successful event.  Activities range from carnivals to trade shows, from alien costume contests to UFO lectures, from Fourth of July fireworks to a parade downtown, from Hollywood celebrities to local children in costume and on roller blades. Known UFO researchers attend to present the most up-to-date information on the subject.

If you are looking for a truely unique experience, if you are a believer or not, this museum is sure to please.  For more information on the Museum you can find them at http://www.roswellufomuseum.com

I will be highlighting more local and state attractions on our lifestyle blog every week.  Be sure to visit our blog often for more information on things to do around town, Real Estate news and tips, and much much more!

There are some fantastic real estate deals on the market right now. From properties in various stages of foreclosure to already foreclosed -bank-owned properties. You have a great opportunity to get the home you want at a bargain price. But what about those holes in the wall and that pet stained carpet? Looking past these stressful items can help you reap huge benefits financially.

Over the past several years we have seen huge numbers of distressed sales. According to RealtyTrac, 23% of all U.S. home sales in 2011 were in some stage of foreclosure. So nearly one in every four homes sold in 2011 was a distress sale. Couple this with the fact that these distressed homes sell at a significant discount to the non-distress sales (up to 40% discount for some bank-owned homes), there is a huge opportunity for buyers.

When considering buying a Foreclosure Property, look Past the Cosmetic Items: The paint may be ugly or the carpet may have spots. Or the kitchen may not be as clean as you like. None of these items should ever be a deal breaker in that they are easy and relatively inexpensive to remedy.

Focus on the Space: If you fall in love with a place that meets all of your other needs but it really requires some minor renovation, repairs or new carpet and paint that's ok too. Just make sure you estimate the cost into the overall price of the home.

Be Aware of "Too Much Work" Syndrome: When many buyers look at properties, they will often say that there's just too much work with that property. Sometimes you get that lazy feeling...or your human nature takes over and you want it to be perfect right now! Don't let this keep you from getting the best property at the lowest price. If you do find a screaming deal in a great location but it needs a new kitchen, bathroom...etc., don't hesitate to go for it.

These foreclosure properties are often the best deals in today's real estate market.  Once you've gone through the "minor" items above and have decided that this property has big potential, go ahead and hire a qualified individual to review the home for any major defects including a review of the structure, mechanical systems, roof,...etc.

Once you have a list of items to be completed, create an estimate for each item to determine your total investment required and be sure you are still getting a good deal on the home.

When comparing the cost to update and purchase a foreclosure property with a regular re-sale home, it can be difficult to stay focused on what's important. Keep in mind, if you end up adding a new kitchen or bathroom, and doing the repairs and renovations to the foreclosure property, you will get exactly what you want, and at a great price.

GET A FREE LIST OF ALL LAS CRUCES FORECLOSURES BY CLICKING THE IMAGE BELOW

Take 1-Minute to watch the Video below, and you'll find out that...

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BUYING A HOME, WITHOUT A DOUBT,
THE BEST DEALS ARE THE FORECLOSURE PROPERTIES.

Having a Buyer's Agent - especially one with Foreclosure Expertise -
assures that you will have a Personal, Trusted Advisor to guide you
so you end up buying the best home available for the best price.

Click Here - See All Of the VIP Buyer Services I Provide

The official first day of spring is March 21, but in Las Cruces, it is beginning to feel like spring is already in the air.

For some reason, outdoor jobs that must be done in the spring become enjoyable activities while they're simply chores at other times of the year. Perhaps it is the anticipation of a new season about to begin and visions of colorful, fragrant blooms that are soon to appear.

So let's get outside and see what we can do.

Look at that lawn!
It might be a bit of a sorry sight after the winter, but with a bit of TLC, you can coax it back to verdant life. If you can see a fair amount of thatch (the dead, straw-like stuff that is often tangled near the grass roots) you will need to rake it out before you attempt any other lawn care projects. The reason? Anything you add, such as new seed or fertilizer will simply sit on the thatch, rather than getting down into the soil, unless it is removed.

Once you have de-thatched your lawn, you can add a fertilizer. Most garden centers carry a variety of lawn fertilizers. If you're uncertain, describe your lawn conditions to the manager at the garden center and ask him or her to recommend a particular type of fertilizer. If that doesn't help, you can always drop an e-mail to steve@landsteward.org and I'll try to help. Above all, when using fertilizer, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly!

If you need to re-seed (sometimes called overseeding), that's the final step after any de-thatching or fertilizing that your lawn needed.

Plant and transplant
March is a good time to plant those new roses, berries, fruit trees and most deciduous plants. If you're still not sure what to plant, there's still time to go online and do some research but don't leave it too long.

As for transplanting existing plants from one spot to another, time is running out, so do it as soon as you can because many plants are already starting their annual spring growth.

Pruning
If you need to prune ornamental trees and shrubs, the best time to do so is before growth starts. The exceptions to that rule are spring-flowering shrubs. For those, you need to wait until after they finish flowering. This would be a good time to prune roses if they look like they need a trim. Again, I'm happy to advise on any specific pruning questions you might have.

Weeding
Probably everyone's least-favorite garden activity, perhaps because it feels destructive rather than constructive, and it can be backbreaking work. As I've said before, do a little at a time, interspersed with more enjoyable garden activities, and it will seem less of a pain in the, uh, knees.

If you're using a cultivator as part of your spring gardening project, don't be tempted to use it in bulb beds. Remove the weeds by hand or you'll risk injuring the delicate root systems.

Pick your perennials
Even if it is still too early to plant perennials in your area, take a look around your landscape and decide if you can brighten the place up with a few new "faces." Gardening books and magazines and online Web sites should give you plenty of ideas, once you determine the amount of sunlight and the soil conditions affecting that part of your landscape.

Buying perennials that have already experienced at least one full growing season is worth the additional cost as they will probably be sturdier and more likely to thrive than smaller, cheaper options.

I like to think of perennial plants as the backbone of the flower garden because they're the plants with staying power. Their leaves die back as winter approaches, but with luck, the following spring, they come back. Some plants are short-lived, but old favorites like daylilies, and hostas can thrive for decades.

Get outside, breathe in that fresh (almost) spring air and learn why you love your landscape all over again!

If you are thinking about selling your home curb appeal
followed by that landscaped back yard sells homes.

It's a tough market.

You want YOUR Home to be the one that will sell!
Staging is positioning your home to be at the top of the buyer's list.

Properly staged homes outshine the competition every time!
We want to help CLICK and learn all about Staging Your Home to SELL!

For more tips for your home, Real Estate News, Local Arts and Culture, Events, and much much more... Visit our website www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

• NAR's Housing Affordability Index rose to a record high 206.1 in January.

• An index of 100 is defined as the point where a median-income household has exactly enough income to qualify for the purchase of a median-priced existing single-family home, assuming a 20 percent downpayment and 25 percent of gross income devoted to mortgage principal and interest payments

This is the first time the housing affordability index has broken the two hundred mark, meaning: the typical family has roughly double the income needed to purchase a median-priced home.

"For buyers who can qualify for a mortgage, now is a very good time to become a homeowner." NAR President Moe Veissi says this latest data underscores buyer opportunities in today's market.

NAR projects the affordability index for all of 2012 will remain at all time highs.

For more information, visit www.realtor.org
This portion of the blog is based on an Article printed from RISMedia: http://rismedia.com
URL to article: http://rismedia.com/2012-03-08/housing-affordability-index-hits-record-high/

So What does this mean for us here in Las Cruces?

In Las cruces, during the last 12 Months 960 single family homes sold. The median price of these Las Cruces Homes was $159,450 (This means that half of the homes sold were under $160,000). Use our affordability calculator below to see that  homes in this price range are extremely affordable. However, you will want to do a few things before starting out to buy that house.

First is to check out this list of eight things you should have squared away before you consider buying a home.

Then Determine What Price Home Can YOU Afford to Buy. The amount that you are "qualified to borrow," will allow you to determine:
• What price home you can you afford.
• How much of a Mortgage you will qualify for.
• What will your Monthly Payment Be?

The amount of loan you qualify for will be based on your credit score, current salary, employment history, and current debt. You can use this "Affordability Calculator." It Will give you a good idea of what price home you are qualified to buy even before visiting Lenders, and it will enable you to see what things you need to change in your life to qualify for the home you want to buy.

Lastly, use our FREE, Online, No Obligation VIP ADVANCED MLS Search to see all of the homes available in your price range?

For more info about buying a home in Las Cruces please visit www.buyingahomeinlascruces.com

2012 Las Cruces Arts Fair

March 16 -18, 2012 in the Las Cruces Convention Center

In its 2nd year, the Las Cruces Arts Fair is the newest juried fine arts and crafts event in the Southwest. The 2012 Arts Fair will be held in the Las Cruces Convention Center, a venue that maximizes space for artists and artisans to show their work to an enthusiastic public. The inaugural Arts Fair was a huge success for participating artists and the art aficionados from New Mexico, Texas and the Southwestern borderland.

The Arts Fair is a juried event for artists producing original work in acrylics, pastels, pencil, pen and ink, oils, watercolors, fabric, leather, weaving, glass, jewelry, metals, mix media, photography, porcelain, pottery, sculpture, and wood. Mass-produced or factory-produced work in any category is not permitted.

The 2012 Las Cruces Arts Fair begins on Friday evening, March 16, 2012, with a ticketed VIP preview. Artists and artisans will have the opportunity to connect with collectors and aficionados. The show opens to the general public on Saturday morning, March 17, and will run through Sunday evening, March 18.

Businesses and corporations interested in underwriting and sponsorship opportunities please contact the Doña Ana Arts Council Development Committee. Call the Arts Council Executive Director Ceci Vasconcellos at (575) 523-6403.

Here is a video report of Last Years Arts Fair

Our community offers an extensive array of arts and cultural opportunities ranging from art galleries and studios, museums, to a wonderful variety of performing arts, theater, music and dance.

To learn more about Las Cruces Arts and Culture visit our guide to Las Cruces website

by clicking the image below

13th Cowboy Days festival

March 17 and 18, 2012
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Farm and Ranch Heritage museum's
annual tribute to New Mexico's ranching heritage,
Begins on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, and continues on Sunday, March 18.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Admission is $4 per person. Children 4 and under are admitted free.

The festival also will have a centennial flavor this year as New Mexico celebrates 100 years as a state. A living history performance, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each day, is called "Time Travel to 1912: A New Mexico Statehood Celebration" where visitors can interact with characters from that era as they celebrate statehood, debate issues of the day, deliver soapbox speeches, play games and introduce you to life in 1912

Wonderful and diverse activities for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages will take place over the weekend.

• A centennial scavenger hunt also will take place, with finishers eligible for prizes. Junior Cowpoke Training returns for the second straight year and children who go through a series of fun activities and games are eligible for a certificate. Pony rides, featuring the museum's new ponies, will be offered, and there also will be horseback rides in the pasture and stagecoach rides around the parking lot.

• Some of the top ropers in the area will compete at the museum's roping arena both days, and the charros from Vado, N.M., return to do Mexican-style rodeo demonstrations at 3:30 p.m. each day.

• Demonstrations are a popular element in all of the museum's special events. Attendees may enjoy blacksmithing, horseshoeing, roping, sewing, weaving, dowsing, and chuck wagon cooking. On Sunday only, Pat Howard and his working dogs will demonstrate herding.

• Live music will be ongoing at three different venues, and performers such as Hot Lead, Eddie Harrison, Chris Freeh, Kenny Arroyos, James Michael, Yolanda Martinez, Skunk Valley, Jim Jones, and Randy Granger will be among the entertainers. Authors from the Western Writers of America will do readings in the museum's theater, and cowboy poet Bob Neely, and author Slim Randles also will entertain.

The popular gunfight re-enactments will take place twice both days, and there also will be an old-fashioned medicine show, and a 19th Century Fashion Show.

A variety of arts and crafts vendors will have booths throughout the museum campus, and there also will be plenty of food.

Also during the event, the museum will host a plant and tree sale at its greenhouse. Admission is required for the sale.

For more information, visit www.nmcowboydays.com or call the museum at (575) 522-4100, or Helping Hands Event Planning at (575) 527-1232.

Our community offers an extensive array of arts and cultural opportunities ranging from art galleries and studios, museums, to a wonderful variety of performing arts, theater, music and dance.

To learn more about Las Cruces Arts and Culture visit our
Guide to Las Cruces Website

SHOW HOURS:Saturday: 9am - 5pmSunday: 10am - 4pm

The Home & Garden Show is a regional public marketplace showcasing businesses that cater to the home improvement and new home construction markets. People who want to build homes or improve their existing ones are invited to bring their project materials and questions to the show and receive advice from industry professionals. Entertainment includes over 100 exhibitors, cooking demonstrations, garden and outdoor living features, and experts performing how-to demonstrations. Attendance for the two-day Show is typically over 5,000 people.

The Building Industry Association of Southern NM is a non-profit trade association whose mission is to promote and protect the building industry in Southern New Mexico.

Chartered in 1959, the BIA of Southern New Mexico is comprised of members of the building industry and its affiliates. As the voice of the building industry in Las Cruces, New Mexico, we serve our members and the community by:

•Promoting balanced economic development
•Providing education
•Promoting professionalism
 Phone
1 575.522.1232

Buffett: 'I'd Buy Up a Couple Hundred Thousand' Homes

[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Daily Real Estate News

Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor and Berkshire Hathaway CEO, said on CNBC's "Squawk Box" recently that he'd "buy up a couple hundred thousand" single-family homes if it was practical.

Buffett said that's because he believes purchasing a home with ultra-low mortgage rates and holding it for the long-term has become a better investment than stocks right now.

"Housing will come back, you can be sure of that," Buffett wrote in his annual letter to shareholders recently.
Buffett forecasts an increase in household formations, as more people who moved in with their parents or family members during the recession look to move out and get their own home soon."

Buffett said the recovery in the housing market could vary quite a bit among local housing markets.

How does this translate to Las Cruces residents?

If you are buying your family home or maybe investing in Real Estate you need to know the time to buy has never been better.  Something more to think about is these current great opportunities to buy a home may not last past this spring's buying season!  Prediction after prediciton tells us homes in 2012 will be back on the rise.

Las Cruces home sales are up. This was the best January and Febuary sales since 2009. If you are thinking about buying a home now is the time to make the most of this excellent market before it's gone. 

* January home sales were up 11% over 2011
* February home sales are up 10% over 2011
* AND...February home sales are up 27% over January's sales

Las Cruces' Real Estate Recovery is on its way!

Whether you are a buyer or seller or just want to know, you can get an Analysis of the Real Estate Market
Unlike any other report...our tables and graphs provide a current analysis of the Las Cruces Real Estate market, and market trends.

Just Click And Your Personal Snapshot will be E-mailed to you today

It is an exciting time to purchase a home in Las Cruces and we are excited to help you find exactly what you are looking for.  If you are interested in more information about Real Estate in Las Cruces or how to make the most of this opportunity contact us!

If you want to see Warren Buffett's full interview on CNBC's Squawk Box click here

Willie Nelson Comes to El Paso’s Plaza Theater

Spring is in the air but this wind may keep you from doing too many outdoor activities.  If you are looking for something to do this weekend that is inside and out of the dusty gusts of wind why not visit the beautiful Plaza Theater in El Paso for what is sure to be a great show!  Willie Nelson is known for his southern sound and is a noted songwriter with hits like “Crazy” a chart topping hit for Patsy Cline and “Hello Walls" for Lefty Frizzell.  Enjoy great hits like “On the Road Again” at the historical Plaza Theater.  Willie is 78 years old but don’t let that fool you this guy still knows how to entertain you!  Bring the family and enjoy great music in a beautiful setting.

Who: Willie Nelson and Family

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Plaza Theatre in El Paso

How much: $40, $50 and $75, plus service charges, at the box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and (800) 745-3000

Info: (915) 231-1100, visitelpaso.com, theplazatheatre.org

Hi everyone!

Romance is in the air next week! What is your favorite spot for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner? I think a lot of you might say a home cooked, candle lite dinner, but the rest of us want something fancy! 

My choice is Double Eagle!

It's reportedly haunted by the ghosts of two starcrossed lovers who died tragically but still found a way to hang out in a romantic setting. There are cozy nooks, a lush garden room, an elegant dining area with a gold-plated ceiling, a comfy Victorian bar and even a room spiced with furnishings that once graced the Silver City bordello of the notorious Madam Millie.

Whatever your idea of romance, you're likely to find some aspect of it in the rambling, historic and elegant old adobe that houses the Double Eagle on the Mesilla Plaza.

Take your Valentine for luscious margaritas, hors d'oeuvres (try the green chile wontons for a love-enhancing endorphin rush), lunch or a snack. Get big Valentine's points by springing for the Sunday buffet, a gourmet supper or see if you can get reservations for the special annual St. Valentine's Day Wine Tasting Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

They match wines with foods and prepare a wonderful event. 

For reservations and more info: (575) 523-6700.

See everyone next week!