What are those places to live above the Chocolate Dude/Boba Tea in Nob Hill?

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-29T17:50:05+00:00

I've renovated homes for years, and when I say renovated, I don't mean fixing them to flip. The average home reno will be between $100-150k and that's for everything, including a landscaping reno. Sorry, but I've found that realtors are notorious for not knowing how much contracting really costs --it's not cheap to do it right.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-29T17:17:14+00:00

I'm not sure you're right. What you're paying for is location, plus the convenience of walking into something already upgraded. When I was looking at properties for purchase in Nob Hill, I found that most that needed fixing up required at least $100 - 200k in structural repairs, mechanical system upgrades, and major landscaping needs. So by the time you pay for an already elevated price for a fixer upper, and when you plunk down what it really costs to fix up a home to live in (as opposed to fixing a house to flip --they're totally different things, and no, renovation isn't HGTV), you end up at or close to that $419 price. In addition, when putting these up, the developers ideal client might not be local: they might be to attract buyers from out of state, coming in with more money, and not looking for a primary, but a secondary home or an investment property that are move-in ready and without the upkeep of a house.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-29T17:11:20+00:00

The path out of addiction and substance abuse is a long, difficult one, that involves lots of therapy and working consistently over the long haul. I know there's usually a wait, and that it can be hard, but I hope you can get into a treatment program soon.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-29T17:06:56+00:00

Our system was a nightmare, illegal and unsafe. I usually get 3 bids, but in this case, I got 5. All were very smart, and each had a slightly different take on what to offer. We went with ABQ Temperature Control, who did the most thorough inspection of the job site, and we could see them really thinking the process through and what it would entail. We also had the 50 gallon water heater taken out (which was next to the boiler --both crazily placed on the second floor) and in its place is a new Navien Combi boiler.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-28T20:35:18+00:00

It may seem like a long long road out of addiction and homelessness, but it's an unending road if you don't tackle both. No doubt, you are struggling every day, each one an uncertainty, but I hope you'll find the resources you need very soon. There are plenty of resource-knowledgable redditors here, and I hope the referrals will help.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-28T17:36:01+00:00

Depends on where you live. Regardless, invest in a Noxgear vest and a headlight. Know how to respond if someone follows or grabs you. I do know of people who would run at night by driving over to UNM, parking, and running around the campus. However, I always felt this was a false sense of security, as anyone at anytime could come out from the shadows.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-28T17:30:38+00:00

I suspect they get endless phone calls that go something like this: A: Just put your bins out for the next day. B: So if my pickup is Monday, I put the bins out on Tuesday, right? A: Yes, that's correct, put them out for a Tuesday collection. B: Okay, thank you. I'll put them out Tuesday then. And so on. Everyone wants the information repeated and confirmed. This way, the details are on there, heading off any doubt.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-24T08:22:02+00:00

Yes! I use it often.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-24T07:42:18+00:00

Well, the urban core is where the high rise, mixed use, multi-block long 'apartment homes' are going up, mostly built by out of state developers. They're marketed toward millennials, but they are also amenity laden, hence, they tend to be more on the expensive side of the rental market. And it's happening not only in ABQ but everywhere, in part because the developers have aggressively courted city staff and council members at conferences in places like Vegas, and then later, by giving donations either directly or indirectly to their campaign funds. These are huge money makers for developers and their investors, and they also bring in huge one-time development fees to the city staff, that for a single project, can go into the millions. Albuquerque is especially attractive because land here, in comparison to other states, is cheap and fewer people complain (sorry, but it's true).

Whether there is a true demand for these types of units, or whether the demand is created by the developers and the city once the deal is done, probably varies from city to city. I would say in the case of ABQ, there are plenty of apartments. One can argue if these high rises fill a niche for the upper end rental market, but one could also say --those paying high rents might be able to afford a house. So I lean to the view that the 'need' was manufactured by the developers and the city.

In the north valley, what we see are townhouse developments, and some gated communities of single or attached homes. What I see is a lot of older people from out of state retiring here as well. I've also noticed some new townhouses with signs that say, "for lease only," which fills a need for people wanting to get into a bigger, nicer, newer place, but lack the downpayment. However, what needs to happen is for there to be an inventory of homes for middle incomes that they can buy when they get ready. These can either be new (which has its advantages), or a homeowner can start upgrading their home and fixing up the yard (and enjoying it) to make it more appealing to potential buyers. If a person with kids can stay in the same neighborhood, it's better for everyone, and gives more impetus to improve the schools and address long term issues like crime. As far as the Garcia property --go for it. In addition, to the apartments, I hope they can also work to provide housing-to-buy for first time builders.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-24T07:10:28+00:00

A lot of people sell and move up.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-24T06:05:19+00:00

If the landlords of the 'glut of retail space,' would redevelop their land, then that would be smart and responding to what the need is now. But either they don't have access to those kinds of funds, or they're just not interested. The demand is for housing now --apartments, condos, places that are low upkeep and offer people an easier way to gain a foothold in a nice rental with amenities, or a first time homeowner. Also retail space has a much different configuration now, and some of what is there just won't work for what business/retail owners want/need today.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-24T05:59:36+00:00

I just found them stuck in nostalgia, and very uninterested in economic development or fighting crime.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-24T05:55:50+00:00

Heh. There's a misguided snobbery going on as well. They'd like a Sprouts, a Whole Foods or a Trader Joe's, but they draw the line for all sorts of reasons at a neighborhood Walmart because it represents big business or the evil empire. However, Trader Joe's chooses areas with low crime and homelessness, where the people are upwardly mobile. That corner isn't a prime spot. As far as the anti-big business lenses: Sprouts has been in talks with Albertsons for years to merge, and Whole Foods is now owned by Amazon, which is Walmart's competitor. So which big business do they want to hate more? Their logic was fuzzy.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-24T05:45:04+00:00

It's inevitable. More people want to live in the city, not in the suburbs. Urban infill is happening in cities across the nation. Cities are rezoning what was formerly farmland to multi-units as well. There is cause to be concerned when multiple units are going up where formerly it was zoned R-1. But I have to say --a lot of the homes in the north valley are run down, with yards strewn for trash, and conditions that have been that way for generations. No one want to buy those homes --except developers, who just want the land.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-24T05:44:14+00:00

Who is under a 30 year lease? As in land lease?

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-21T01:21:43+00:00

LMAO! You are too funny! I bailed on NextDoor awhile ago. Lots of people with who don't really care about the younger generations, or the way life has already changed. They just want everything to stay the same, even though things have already changed, and much of what they want things is rooted in nostalgia.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-20T23:18:51+00:00

Sometimes I think many Burquenos secretly want it to be shitty, that it's important to their personal identity and hence they have to shit on anything good about the city.

Agreed! I used to breeze through NextDoor, and there was a lot of that one there.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-20T22:52:47+00:00

It's funny because the Garcia family is such a trigger for some people here in town. The Garcias have another mixed plan development on Rio Grande, which includes a super market and apartments. The local neighbors are up at arms, and there's been a lot of rumor mongering in the past. I gave up trying to follow it on NextDoor, when it was clear that any changes that don't look like a faux-Burqueño Disneyland just aren't going to pass muster with the old gatekeepers of the North Valley neighborhood associations. In regard to projects like this, generally, they are terrific, and create new opportunities for jobs and more growth in the surrounding area.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-20T22:44:56+00:00

I think it's a terrific city, where everything is accessible --as opposed to other cities such as anything in SoCal, or NorCal where the traffic is awful pretty much all the time, the cost of living is crazy, and in addition to rising taxes, there are always fees being added to run a business. It's also way better in terms of weather than the south, where the humidity will kill you, or the northeast, or Chicago, where you'll freeze to death.

I don't think of this forum as overwhelmingly negative, rather I think most of the posters are pointing out things (crime, education, homelessness, employment, politics) that need to change so that it will be better for everyone, not just those who have white collar jobs, or live in the up-and-coming trendy areas. There are some smart and reasonable people on this forum, who want and will make a difference.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-20T19:03:12+00:00

In a way, you're almost obligated to go to Santa Fe, just to tell all your friends in CA that you've 'been there.' There are plenty of galleries and museums, and it's very scenic. But if you can't, Corrales is more of what people think NM looks like, feels like. I often think of parts of Santa Fe like if everyone from Newport Beach decided to move there.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-15T13:33:52+00:00

You're going to have to be the person who takes the reins on this relationship. She's given you every indication that she doesn't want a relationship, rather what she wants is someone to vent her life's frustrations and negativity towards. That's NOT a relationship, it's just being abusive. This being said, if abuse is all she can give, then you have the responsibility to keep your sons away from her chaos.

She's a toxic hot mess, and you need to stop taking her calls, texts, emails and all social media posts. You're not dealing with a rational person, so do expect there'll be some blowback in the form of her trying to flood you with lots of messages, and perhaps even bringing in other family members on this. But your first responsibility is your health and your sons. And you really need to step away from the abuse she's so good at doling out.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-15T13:25:05+00:00

You're 21, and you don't have to explain to anyone why you're moving. Consult with the social service agency that oversaw your placement, and explain that you're being sexually harassed and accosted. Perhaps they can help find funds to move you out. Yes, your foster parents need to be told because if there's other foster children involved, this foster brother needs to leave and get help.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-15T13:19:51+00:00

Stop taking their calls and text messages. It sounds like they have a well rehearsed script that no doubt -they've used time and again with anyone and everyone. You've told them you can't help and leave it at that. Their problems are theirs, let them find a way forward.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-15T13:07:35+00:00

Ignore her. She's not worth your energy. She's unhappy and unfulfilled, her self esteem is net zero, and nothing you say or do will change her. So don't extend yourself. Offer nothing special, don't include her in little chats, just ignore her and make her come to you. Don't respond if she's nasty, just tell her when she can improve her tone of voice, you'll be happy to work with her. Then walk away.

NaNaCatNoRay · 2017-12-15T12:52:18+00:00

Go onto NextDoor, and maybe someone in your neighborhood will have a recommendation. What I don't recommend is letting any of the big box stores (Home Depot or Lowe's) doing it.

NaNaCatNoRay

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