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Living Well Los Alamos: Free Application For Federal Student Aid

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By HELEN IDZOREK
County Extension Service

Graduation is a mere four months away. Whether you are a high school senior preparing to enter college next fall or a non-traditional student who is planning to return to school as an adult learner, many people will be completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA determines eligibility for student loans, grants, need-based student employment and other forms of aid. Everyone should fill out a FAFSA even if they believe they (or their parents) make too much money, they have poor grades, are too old or that the form is too difficult Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Tips For Updating Lighting Fixtures

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Mark the Electrician, right, and staff person Virgil install paper flowers on an oversized Ikea light fixture. Courtesy photo
 
By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

Good lighting can literally light up your life. It can make the difference between “nice place” and “wow, love your pad.” But, in most homes, the lighting is too complicated and too dim. Before you do anything else to your home, consider changing your lighting.

Whether you live in an apartment or own a house, we’ve all had that moment where we realize it’s time to switch things up. One of the quickest and easiest Read More

Study Names Los Alamos County Top Place To Get Mortgages In New Mexico

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Courtesy/©iStock/DNY59

COMMUNITY News:

SmartAsset, a New York financial technology company, recently released its second annual study on the Best Places to Get a Mortgage.

The study determines the top markets by comparing the likelihood of mortgage approval by county, in addition to mortgage rates, average five-year borrowing costs, and property taxes.

Los Alamos County cracked the list at number 1 in New Mexico, up from its rank of 4 in 2015.

How Los Alamos County compares to other counties in New Mexico:

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Homewise Launches Online Interactive Storybook

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HOMEWISE News:
 
SANTA FE ― In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Homewise is launching an interactive storybook online.
 
This new online feature will include a timeline of client stories and milestones as well as a “then and now” comparison of life in New Mexico in 1986 to today.
 
Clients will also be invited to share their own stories of their journey to homeownership as well as personal anecdotes and experiences as Homewise owners.
 
Homewise will be celebrating with special events throughout the year, including a community
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Barclay: A Good Home Investment Trend

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By PAULA BARCLAY
RE/MAX of Los Alamos
 
People often ask me what are good investments to make in their home.
 
One of the fastest growing trends I’m seeing is the installation of ductless, mini-split heat pumps. They’re quick and easy to install, offer room-by-room temperature control, good air filtration and are very quiet. They’re also energy-efficient. Compared to large, single-zone, ducted AC, these units are zoned so every room has a thermostat.

These systems are called ‘split systems’ because they consist of two components: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor
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Food On The Hill: Sauced Burritos

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A pan of sauced burritos after baking. Photo by Felicia Orth

Sauced Burritos

This is another of my “best intentions” recipes; I set out to make chicken enchiladas and wound up with chicken and vegetable burritos drenched in enchilada sauce. The homemade red chile (chile colorado) sauce is the only critical element of the dish; everything else can be changed or made simpler by shortcut. Do not be tempted to save time by using canned enchilada sauce; this homemade sauce can be made quickly with items typically found in a New Mexican pantry and it is well worth the effort. If you have the sauce already Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Cool Stuff

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Cell phone charging pads and tables make life easier. Courtesy photo
 
By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

While researching the latest trends, I came upon technology items being brought to market that are the coolest things I have seen in a while. I thought I would share them before I move on to other design stories.

Transparent TV. Courtesy photo

Television

The first thing to catch my eye was a transparent television. The transparent TV designed by Michael Friebe is a marvelous piece of technology that combines conventional LCD and the latest TOLED display technology. This allows to create non-transparent Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Highlights Of 2016 International Builders Show

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White kitchen with wood accents. Courtesy photo
 
 
By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos
 

The last column I wrote indicated design trends for 2016. Let’s continue the conversation and take a look at some residential design trends that judges of the Best in American Living Awards (BASA) at last week’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, predicted would be this year’s most prominent.

High on the list were intimate outdoor spaces, intricate stairwells, and Mid-Century Modern detailing. Repurposed wood, which has also become a staple accent throughout many styles Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: Organizing Your Kitchen

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Store lids with containers. Courtesy photo
 
By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos

Although January is nearing its close and many a New Year’s resolutions have fallen by the wayside, I’ve decided to let my neat-freak flag fly and get down ‘n dirty with home organization.

If you’ve been bitten by a similar clean-up bug and are looking to organize your own home—I’ve got you covered in the kitchen! These tips, tricks, and techniques will have you in the organizing groove well into the new year!

The kitchen is an area of your home that gets used more often than most other areas. So it stands to reason that Read More

Los Alamos 4th Quarter 2015 Housing Data Released

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LAAOR News:
 
Single Family home sales in Los Alamos rose from 44 in the 4th Quarter of 2014 to 57 this Quarter, according to the Los Alamos Association of REALTORS® (LAAOR).
 
LAAOR President David Horpedahl
 
Single Family home sales volumes also jumped from $12.4 million in 2014 to $16.7 million for the 4th Quarter of 2015. Condo and Townhome sales noted an increase in the 4th Quarter of 2015 to 16 units compared to 10 units sold in the same Quarter of 2014.
 
The median price of Single Family Home sales saw an uptick in Los Alamos
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