Buying

Purchasing Your Home

Any major purchase requires research, careful analysis, consideration, and thought. Home buying isn't any different! Determining the right location, the number of bedrooms or bathrooms needed, and outdoor space is the easier things. However, there are many other factors to think about in your home search. From your initial search to the moment you get the keys to your new home, I will be there, guiding you through the process. I can even help connect you with mortgage professionals to get the best rates. 

As an area expert, I can help educate you on the different neighborhoods, schools, and other local community amenities that suit your lifestyle. 

Home Buying Can Be Easy
As your buying agent, I can help streamline the process of buying a home and make it easier for you. I’ve aligned myself with the top professionals in the industry, and once an offer has been accepted, I will personally help facilitate the process to close on the home. By working closely with mortgage brokers, title and escrow companies, home inspectors, and home warranty companies I will provide you with the best service possible!

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Considering selling or refinancing your home? Get an INSTANT property valuation now!

Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!

Buying a Home in Albuquerque: How It Works

1. Talk with us and sign a buyer agreement. Before we tour homes, we'll put in writing what we'll do for you and how our compensation works.
2. Get pre-approved. A lender's pre-approval tells you your price range and makes your offer stronger. Ask about FHA, VA and conventional options, and about down-payment help from the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority.
3. Search by neighborhood. Start with the Northeast Heights, North Valley, Westside, Rio Rancho or the East Mountains, and save a search to get new listings by email.
4. Make an offer. We'll write the purchase agreement with your price, earnest money, financing and inspection terms, and the dates for each step.
5. Inspect and review. During your inspection period, get a home inspection and any specialty inspections, and review the seller's disclosures, the title commitment, any association documents and any public improvement district (PID) disclosure.
6. Appraisal and loan approval. Your lender orders the appraisal and finishes underwriting.
7. Close. You sign at the title company, the deed is recorded, and you get the keys.

Albuquerque-Specific Things to Know

• Property taxes reset on sale. The Bernalillo County Assessor revalues a home at market value when it sells, so your taxes may be higher than the seller's.
• PIDs. Several Albuquerque neighborhoods, including Mesa del Sol and parts of the northwest Westside, are in public improvement districts that add a special levy to the tax bill.
• Wells and septic. In the East Mountains, Placitas, Corrales and parts of the valley, many homes use a well and septic system, which need their own inspections.
• Title insurance rates are set by the state. In New Mexico, title insurance premiums are promulgated by the Office of Superintendent of Insurance.

Ready to start? Call Albuquerque Realty at (505) 226-2083. Broker Leland Titus has worked in New Mexico real estate for more than 20 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need for a down payment on an Albuquerque home?

It depends on the loan. FHA loans can allow as little as 3.5% down for qualified borrowers, VA loans can allow eligible veterans and service members to buy with no down payment, and conventional loans vary. Housing New Mexico (the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority) also offers down-payment assistance programs. A lender can tell you what you qualify for.

How competitive is the Albuquerque housing market right now?

In September 2026, detached homes across the Greater Albuquerque MLS area sold in a median of 18 days for about 98.6% of list price, with about 3.3 months of supply, according to GAAR's September 2026 Market Review. Buyers have more choice than a year ago, but well-priced homes still move quickly.

Will my property taxes change after I buy?

Probably. In Bernalillo County the Assessor revalues a home at market value when it sells, so a new owner's taxes can be higher than the seller's. After that, increases in taxable value on an owner's residence are generally limited to 3% a year.

What is a PID, and how do I know if a home has one?

A public improvement district, or PID, pays for roads, utilities and other infrastructure through a special levy on the property tax bill. Mesa del Sol and several northwest Albuquerque communities have one. Ask for the PID disclosure before you make an offer, and we'll check every home you consider.

Do I have to sign an agreement with a buyer's agent?

Yes. Before we tour homes together, we'll sign a written buyer agreement that explains the services we provide and how our compensation works. Commission is negotiable, and we'll go over the options with you up front.

Can you help me buy outside Albuquerque?

Yes. Albuquerque Realty works with buyers in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, the Town of Bernalillo, Placitas, Los Ranchos and the East Mountains, including Tijeras and Cedar Crest.

Last updated October 2026 by Albuquerque Realty, 500 Marquette Ave NW, Suite 1200, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Call (505) 226-2083.