Casita Journal Issue 6
Notes on Real Estate, Design, and Everyday Living in New Mexico
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This past week felt full in the best way. I kicked things off Friday with a walk through the Albuquerque Artwalk—hot, yes, but worth it. One vendor stood out with his handmade deer-horn mask and steampunk goggles, a strange and beautiful mix of wild and whimsical. I always love how Artwalk blends creativity with the city’s grit, especially when paired with downtown’s architecture. The KiMo Theater stopped me in my tracks again—its curves, color, and detail never get old. I also spent a good day touring South Valley listings with one of my favorite clients who’s considering a move to this lush, uniquely New Mexican corner of the city. These homes have such personality—no cookie-cutter vibes here, just land, greenery, and charm. Elsewhere, clients B+S are moving steadily through their inspections, and I heard from a Colorado client about a possible North Valley investment sale. I’m also scheming up some fresh angles to move a tricky land listing in Tijeras that’s been sitting too long. And in a fun twist, I joined a trading group on Discord—it’s been energizing learning the ropes of options trading and thinking about ways to grow some “money babies” again (house-flipping style, but digital). Earlier this week, I even squeezed in a last-minute date night to see The Marías live. Packed crowd, dreamy set—who knew Albuquerque had so many fans?
Thanks for being here. As always, I love sharing with you.
—Melissa 🩷
Melissa Salinas
Casita Journal
Real Estate + Design in Albuquerque, NM
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For Sale in ABQ - part 1
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As of Thursday, July 17, 2025, the current average interest rate for the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.78%. - Bankrate
As of July 17 there are 48 new homes for sale on the market in Albuquerque and below is a short list of some of my picks.
Under 300K /
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A Northeast heights Townhome with affordable HOA - really cute yard.
Ladera Heights Townhome with major upgrades; super clean.
A Northeast Heights house close to the South Foothills, needs a little work could be a great fit for investor buyer.
Between 300K - 600K /
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A UNM South Blue /Turquoise gem; I like the style of these 1930s University heights homes; 🫶the kitchen table 😁
I’m not big on track style homes but this ABQ Acres West house has some unique details that make it stand out: stained glass art, pops of color, tasteful wallpaper, and great outdoor lounging.
Beautiful green grass with this Foothills South single story; great location to the foothill mountain trails.
Between 600K - 1M /
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5000 square feet! in this UNM Territorial single story - I like how it backs up to UNM North Golf Course.
A very soft and modernized Academy West home with nice angles and where everything is perfectly displayed. The yard is immaculate.
Vineyard Estates - very 1994 ✨ when life was more carefree - nice pool!
North of 1M /
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A remarkable upgrade to this North Valley Adobe - love the low hanging Vigas!
Amazing views from this Foothills North 4 bedroom where the wildlife might peek in on you eating breakfast.
Curious about something specific or want to tour one of these in person? Shoot me an email—I'd love to walk you through the next steps!
Design Directory—fresh finds, inspiring spaces, & standout sources
- Part 2
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Boutique stores always have something unique - sarabande HOME in the North Valley has summer fun inventory right now.
The Range Cafe in Bernalillo is going to have a Pop Up Pottery event not this weekend, but next weekend. 😊
Los Ranchos is having their annual Lavendar celebration this weekend.
Stuff I Saved, Screenshotted, Laughed at Cried at
- part 3
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“Mi Amigo the Pigeon” - Vicente Telles, NM (b. 1983)
Back in July of 2022, a scrawny little pigeon landed in my yard and we named him solovino cacahuate (the peanut that came alone).
Cacahuate stuck around because my domestic, but not domesticated, partner kept feeding him. I told him not to otherwise the dang bird would not leave!
Well he stuck around for three years pooping all over my storage which he took over as his very own pigeon man cave, but didn’t stop there… he would poop on the porch, the corners of the roof, the cars, everywhere! And then I couldn’t go outside without him landing on my head and trying to peck the heck out of me. 😂 or anyone that came around for that matter.
I even once tried to take him on the sneaks one evening in a shoebox to Tingley Beach and release him to live out the rest of his life with the the fowl that dwells there. I chucked him out of the window and he swiftly flew on top of the car so I got out and started swatting him away until finally he flew into a tree and I got in my car as quickly as possible and sped off like I robbed a bank!
I was so relieved he was gone and then the next morning I saw him eating breakfast with my chickens! I was so steamed, but it was funny. I told my hunnybunny and he cursed me for trying to do it on the sneaks and not letting him say goodbye.
Well, the last time I saw him was this past weekend and again my partner questioned me and I swore this time it wasn’t me even though he had complete doubts. I swear to baby Jesus it wasn’t me this time! I even have an alibi, I was showing houses all weekend!
I told him a sky hunter probably got the best of him, or maybe he found a pigeon wife and eloped. I was sad for my partner as that was his daily fighting buddy; while maintaining his rental fleet every day, Cacahuate would sit on his shoulder and peck the heck out of his hats and poop on his tees!
It was so funny. 🕊️ RIP Solovino Cacahuate 🕊️
An ode to our feathery friends.
Image credits:
Header photo / Melissa Salinas
Image 2-5/ SWMLS
Image 6 / Sarabande Home
Image 7 / Painting by Vicente Telles, Mi Amigo the Pigeon
Melissa Salinas
Real Estate Investor and Associate Broker
cell:505-977-4640
Se Habla Espanol
J M A R T I N G R O U P
Realty One of New Mexico
9673-4 Eagle Ranch Road
Albuquerque, NM 87114
www.R1NewMexico.com
office: 505.883.9400
This is Melissa’s Substack.