The Ruidoso News reported yesterday that current legislative efforts in Santa Fe, to help Ruidoso Downs Race Track with “tax parity” is essentially “dead” as currently written. State lawmakers are in no mood to grant tax concessions to race tracks and casinos – given the $600 million budget gap the state is facing. It appears that new legislation may be substituted, whereby local property tax or gross receipt tax dollars would be used to offset the track’s annual losses. This option seems to have support in the Capitol – and within the Senate Finance Committee, where Chairman John Arthur Smith ( D-Deming, NM) has previously opposed the tax parity bill. Last November, the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino applied with the New Mexico Racing Commission to move it’s operations to Las Cruce... 01/29/2010

UPDATED Link - July 27, 2011:   Click here,  View upper Canyon Homes for Sale The Upper Canyon is a popular area located on the far west end of Ruidoso, and is comprised of several separate subdivisions. Main Rd. follows the path of the Ruidoso River from Mechem Dr, west to the Mescalero Apache Reservation border. Many of the homes in the Upper Canyon area were built in the 1930s thru the 1960s. Some have been remodeled and some have not. There are many nice, large homes located on the Ruidoso River as well as many small cabins scattered along the valley and hill sides. The subdivisions I have included for this article, and analysis of recent sales data, are: Central, Chateaux Village, Cree, Dufo, Flume Canyon, McCarty, McDaniel Heights, Pinescape, Sherwood Forest, Sleepy Hollow, Singin... 08/12/2009

Hello, It is that time of the year when the cool pine of Ruidoso sounds like a great idea. Ruidoso has the best summer time temperature . . . mild with little humidity. The night can get chilly and that makes for great sleeping. Open the windows let the fresh cool air in and smell the pines. You can sit on a deck and see thousands of stars above. You can even see the Milky Way. Day time activities can be hiking, fishing, and shopping. The jockeys are back in town and the races are running again for the summer.  Need a mountain home? No problem I can help you find your dream home. Inventory is high, so call me and I can help you make that real estate deal!   Annie Snow Associate Broker BuyRuidoso.com Cell: 575-808-2721 Think Snow, Think Annie Snow Referrals are appreciated! Visit me at:h... 05/28/2009

The Spring & Summer Events Calendar for Ruidoso has some great shows scheduled. From a very worthwhile fundraiser for Hospice at the Flying J Ranch, to concerts at the Inn of the Mountain Gods and Ruidoso Downs Race Track, the lineup for 2009 is a good one ! Here are some of the many events on schedule for April-June. Detailed links to these events may be viewed at the Ruidoso Blog website.   * 3rd Annual Kite Festival - Ruidoso - April 24, 25, 26   * Kenny Rogers - Inn of the Mountain Gods - May 1   * Annual Hospice Fundraiser - Flying J Ranch - May 2   * Rodney Carrington- Inn of the Mountain Gods - May 14   * Military Appreciation Weekend - Ruidoso, May 14-17   * Aspencash Motorcycle Run & Trade Show - Ruidoso Convention Center - May 14-17   * Ruidoso Downs Racetrack Opening Day -May... 04/11/2009

As I have mentioned before, there are a lot of potential home buyers on the sideline, looking for deals steals, and trying to gauge a market bottom. Nothing new with this strategy ( buying as low as possible ) especially in light of today’s uncertainty in the market. The “experts” continue to weigh in, and I thought I would pass on a few points taken from today’s online article When home Prices Hit Bottom, over at CNNMoney.com .   1. If you are thinking of selling, you might want to wait due to high inventory & lower prices   2. Nationwide, home prices may hit bottom in late 2009, assuming government action works.   3. Recovery may be gradual. Prices may not return to 2006 levels for another decade.   4. Buyers need to think long term, take advantage of record low interest rates, and kn... 04/02/2009

Like many real estate markets across the nation, Lincoln County’s numbers are down 25 per cent or more, depending on which area you look at. Total dollar volume and number of units sold, for the entire county, has declined by 24 per cent, comparing 2008 vs. 2007. Ruidoso’s total dollar volume on sale of residential units dropped about 19 per cent, while number of units sold declined about 22 per cent. Alto Lakes Golf & CC dollar volume declined about 42 percent, while the area surrounding Alto ( N. Ruidoso to Bonito River ) was down about 6 per cent. Buyers Market: The opportunities for buyers continue to improve as motivated sellers are reducing their prices. There is a constant negative media drumbeat of a troubled economy, government stimulus bills pending, and job losses nationwide.... 03/14/2009

If you are a returning visitor to this blog, you may have noticed that I’ve fallen a bit behind on my postings lately. Like everyone else, I think that I was numbed by the circumstances over the last several months, and I really did not know what to write about because circumstances were changing daily. The stock market, the economy, the new administration… there are so many changes occurring all over the country. It’s interesting however, that Ruidoso always seems to stay the same, regardless of what is happening in the outside world. In Ruidoso, we still hope for snow to make the skiers happy, we still watch for deer crossing the road, we still go to Casa Blanca for our fried green chile strips and margaritas. Now here we are, already starting FEBRUARY in a brand NEW YEAR! Where the h... 02/05/2009

Just a brief update on cleanup and rebuilding efforts in Ruidoso, after last weekend’s flood that hit the river areas of Upper Canyon, Hwy 70 campgrounds / RV parks, and the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. Property owners who can provide proof of residence, have been allowed back in to their homes that were flooded, even though water and sewer services are out in some areas. Ruidoso flood- bridge at Eagle Dr. - one of several bridges destroyed in flood See recent news stories on the cleanup efforts at: KOAT - Albuquerque Officials from FEMA have been working in the Village to assess damage, and determine whether federal aid from FEMA will be available to help with repairs. Residents living in the Upper Canyon and Black Forest remain under a “boil water” advisory. Work to clear debris from the ... 08/06/2008

I wanted to write a brief update on land - and just a few of the subdivisions in or near Ruidoso where you can buy lots or acreage, and compare how prices and features will vary among these areas.The areas I’ll be writing about are White Mountain Meadows, Alpine Village, Cedar Creek Ranchettes and Camelot. White Mountain Meadows is one of Ruidoso’s mid to upper priced developments. Existing site built homes in this subdivision are listed at a median price of $449,900 (prices ranging from $175K to $690K, med. sq. ft price of $163 / ft) and currently there are 19 homes on the market. Available lots in this area are in short supply. There are currently, 6 lots listed in White Mountain Meadows, prices range from $50,000 to $99,000. (Median price is $53,500) These lots generally will be at l... 07/27/2008

The Southwest region of the United States is known for its lush native culture and the art it births. From Native American pottery and jewelry to beautiful sunset paintings, the region is home to many talented artists. Every year, the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce hosts the Ruidoso Art Fest at the convention center. Local artists, as well as those from surrounding states, bring their wares to display and sell to private collectors or soon-to-be collectors. The Ruidoso Art Fest is a juried show, not all applicants are selected to participate. Here you will see stunning works of glass, wood, acrylic, sculpture, and much more. A silent auction will be held near the front entrance to benefit a local charity. To learn more about the Art Festival in Ruidoso please visit the Ruidoso Blog. 07/26/2008

The Lincoln National Forest has fun for the whole family. If you like to hike, fish, camp, or just sit back and enjoy the breath taking views this is the place to be. Home to the legendary Smoky Bear, the Lincoln National Forest has over a million acres to play in. Elevation runs from 4,000 to 11,500 feet, and both deserts and sub-alpine forests are located within Lincoln's boundaries. Summer fun in the tall pines is waiting for you! 07/25/2008

Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally Starts September 17-21, 2008. Ride the beautifull Billy the Kid Loop, at this falls rally. There is a 86,400 ft Trade Show, 5 Different poker runs/tours, Bike Judging, Free Meals & chances at winning a New Harley-Davidson. Join the parade on Saturday 10 am, no fees it is free! 07/25/2008

Looking for a condo this summer in Ruidoso? Currently, our local MLS is showing 141 listings of either condos / town homes in the Village. Prices vary widely from a low of $54,900 for a 640 sq. ft, older unit on Mechem Dr. to a high of $600,000 for a 2550 sq.ft. new unit at River Crossing. Ruidoso River Resort - near downtown ( Don & Nancy Lincoln, Coldwell Banker SDC, listing brokers ) Ruidoso River Resort - near downtown ( Don & Nancy Lincoln, Coldwell Banker SDC, listing brokers )   The following chart shows the current condo and town home inventory by price, price per sq. ft., and days on market ( DOM ). Features and amenities: The lower priced condos are generally smaller units ranging from 500-900 sq.ft, often 1 bed room, and older construction built in the 1980s, or before. The m... 07/17/2008

Hello to all, With all the recent rains the forest has open once again. You can hike, camp, and fish in the state and national parks. Enjoy the natural beauty that is Ruidoso, New Mexico.   This is a great time to visit the area. Summer fun for the whole family. Thanks! 07/12/2008

Let's talk about the mild Ruidoso summers. No need to break a sweat this summer. The temperature rarely reaches into the 90's and now that the monsoon rains have started reaching the 80's will be hard to do. The rains have painted the mountain green and bought up the blooms of wildflowers. This is my favorite time of the year. If your ready to leave hot muggy summers behind then give me a call. I can help you enjoy your summers. Thanks! 07/08/2008

Here in the Sacramento Mountains and throughout the Lincoln National Forest, we are so blessed to have a glorious arid climate, over 300 species of wildlife, and a large diversity of habitats for the native animals. Our deer and turkey populations are thriving. I’ve seen more wild turkey this year than I have seen in all my years in the area. Seeing more and more of these magnificent creatures means that the temptation to put the feed out for them increases. When it comes to mule deer and the cute little fawns wobbling behind their mothers, it’s tempting to want to leave out a snack thinking that surely the extra calories can’t hurt. And who doesn’t like to see beautiful bucks and speckled fawns just outside the front door? What many people don’t realize, however, is that their good int... 05/18/2008

If you have been working on a summer escape to Ruidoso that includes camping, you have probably discovered that the Lincoln National Forest has been closed until we receive some precipitation to relieve the dry conditions in our area. Currently, within the village limits of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs, no outdoor open flame of any kind is allowed, including cigarette smoking and gas grills. For a more comprehensive look of what the fire restrictions are in town and within the rest of the county, please take a look at the list of the Lincoln County fire restrictions. Don’t let the fire danger prevent a trip to our beautiful area. There are still so many wonderful things to do here, and I’ve included a list below to help guide you in the right direction. Not only will the racing season begi... 05/17/2008

One of the benefits of living in Ruidoso is the fact that the summer temperatures are mild with little or no humidity, so you can really enjoy the great outdoors. Sadly, our national forest is being closed for an indeterminate amount of time beginning May 1, which is going to make having a picnic a little more difficult. However, there is one option that, (for me), offers the best of both worlds. In the heart of Mid-town and just a slight walk down Eagle Drive, you can find an inviting little restaurant called Picnics Deli. They’ve been there for a few years now, making fresh deli sandwiches and soups. Everything is homemade - not an easy thing to come by in many restaurants these days. The ham is carved straight from the bone, the brisket is slow cooked, not barbecued, and 25 lb. turke... 05/14/2008

The trend of purchasing a second home has become very popular, not just in mountain resort areas, but with vacation property across the nation, especially with the retirement of baby boomers. When evaluating a second home there are a number of important factors to consider: Will the home be for vacation / retirement or purely a financial investment?How close will your vacation home be to your primary residence?Recreational activities are important to most buyers. Research several areas, & compare cost, before deciding. Golf, skiing, hiking are just a few outdoor pastimes that Ruidoso offers.Are you planning to rent out the property? Knowing when and how long it can be rented, vacancy / occupancy rates, & property management fees will factor into the purchase. For more tips and discussio... 05/06/2008

As summer approaches, I’ve received an increasing number of calls from people planning to visit Ruidoso over the next few weeks with thoughts of purchasing a “summer get-away”. In most, but not all cases, these folks are coming from somewhere in Texas and their primary goal is to purchase a second home that they can use in the summer to escape the heat. Most are not wanting to spend over $150,000, and many have a secondary goal of renting their property out on a nightly basis, to help recoup some of the expense. Most people are picturing a rustic but updated log cabin located on at least an acre with a creek running through it. Oops…we’re talking about $150K here, so lets get back to reality….   One of the questions I ask people in this situation is “are you willing to consider a condom... 05/06/2008