Is 2026 finally the year to stop renting — or does it still make sense to wait? In this episode of Albuquerque Real Estate Talk, we take a deeper, more honest look at the rent vs. buy decision without the fear-based headlines or oversimplified math.

This conversation is part of our January: The Reality Check series, where we’re helping buyers and sellers recalibrate expectations for the year ahead. Instead of asking “What should I do?” we focus on the better question: “What actually fits my life right now?”

We break down:

Why time horizon matters more than people realize

How income stability plays into the rent vs. buy decision

The real cost of “surprise repairs” — and what they say about readiness

Control vs. convenience: lifestyle tradeoffs renters and owners face

Why equal monthly payments don’t always mean equal outcomes

We also run a reality-check segment where Leah walks Tracy and Tego through real-world scenarios to debate when renting makes sense — and when buying becomes the smarter long-term move.

This episode isn’t about pushing anyone into a decision. It’s about helping you understand where you are today, so you can make smarter moves tomorrow.

🎧 Whether you’re renting, buying, or somewhere in between, this episode is designed to help you think more clearly about what 2026 should look like for you.

Ep. 564 – Housing Resolutions & Real Estate Myths to Leave Behind in 2025

📄 Description:

🎯 Highlights:

Why “waiting for rates to drop” might be the wrong move

The myth of crashing home prices (again)

New Year tips for move-up buyers

Planning your real estate goals with data, not drama

💡 Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching the market—this episode is packed with real-world advice and grounded insights from two of Albuquerque’s top real estate experts.

It’s the final episode of 2025! Tego and Tracy Venturi wrap up the year by reviewing the "Rights, the Wrongs, and the Lobos". In this candid retrospective, the "Stat-Matic" and Tracy break down where their 2025 predictions hit the mark and where they missed completely.

In this episode:

The Wrongs: Tego owns up to his mortgage rate prediction (we didn't quite hit the high 5% range) and why "buy downs" became the real story of the year.

The Rights: Why the predicted "housing crash" never happened and why the lock-in effect is still real.

Myth Busting: Debunking the viral news story that claimed 71% of Albuquerque buyers were cash (spoiler: it was actually closer to 14%).

Market Shifts: The surprising flip where Rio Rancho’s median price is now higher than Albuquerque’s.

The Fun Stuff: A heated luxury chicken coop in Corrales with automated doors , the legend of "Sparkling Moullah Road" , and cheering on the UNM Lobos in their upcoming bowl game.

Happy Holidays and see you in 2026!

Thinking about buying a home in New Mexico but not sure where to start?

If you've ever wondered:

…this full walkthrough answers it all.

You'll also learn insider pro-tips from two of Albuquerque’s most experienced real estate professionals — including how to navigate trade-offs, avoid stressful surprises, and set yourself up for a successful move-in day.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or returning to the market, this is your complete, start-to-finish roadmap to New Mexico homeownership.

☎️ Need help buying in New Mexico?

Is the holiday season really the worst time to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque?

We explore why serious buyers are out right now, why low inventory creates opportunity, and how sellers can still celebrate the season while keeping their homes market-ready. The team also talks open house strategies, holiday décor do’s and don’ts, and whether buyers can actually get under contract and close before the end of the year.

Plus, we share a first look at our 2026 Real Estate FAQ video initiative—what questions YOU want simple, straightforward answers to—and we dive into the growing trend of new agents joining teams instead of going solo in today’s fast-moving market.

And because it’s December, we wrap up with Albuquerque’s best holiday light displays, luminaria traditions, the River of Lights, and local neighborhood favorites to visit this season.

Topics in this episode:

Why the “holiday freeze” is a myth

Serious buyers vs. looky-loos during December

Whether sellers should decorate for the holidays

Open house themes and trends

How fast you can realistically close before year-end

New construction incentives in December

Why more realtors are joining teams for 2026

Albuquerque’s can’t-miss holiday lights and events

Have a real estate question you want answered in 60 seconds for our upcoming FAQ series?

Welcome to Episode 560 of Albuquerque Real Estate Talk! 🦃 Tego and Tracy Venturi dive into the end-of-year real estate market, discuss why people aren't moving, and break down the big economic news hitting Sandoval County.

We’re giving thanks for the ability to help over 4,000 families with their real estate goals and reminding everyone that homeownership is one of the best ways to build generational wealth.

Creative Deals & Financing Solutions: We're seeing a lot of creative deal-making—seller financing, trades, and out-of-the-box contracts. We also explain the difference between assumable mortgages (VA, FHA, USDA) and the new idea of Portable Mortgages that lets you take your low interest rate with you to a new property.

The 2026 Forecast is Here: Tego breaks down the latest economic outlook from NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Hu:

New Mexico home values are up over 58% in the last five years.

The 2026 forecast projects a 14% increase in home sales and 4% price appreciation nationwide.

The long-term value of ownership remains strong: homeowners' net worth is $430,000 versus $10,000 for renters.

BIG NEWS for Rio Rancho Housing: A major company is building a hypersonic missile manufacturing facility in unincorporated Sandoval County (Rio Rancho Estates). This site is expected to bring around 1,000 permanent, high-paying jobs to the area , making new construction properties in the Northwest a strong investment opportunity.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Contact The Venturi Realty Group:

Call us at 505-448-8888

Online at welcomehomeabq.com

Is a half-century mortgage the answer to the housing affordability crisis, or is it a fast track to paying excessive interest?

In this episode of Albuquerque Real Estate Talk, host Tego Venturi sits down with New Mexico real estate legend Bill McCoy. With 50 years of industry experience under his belt, Bill brings a unique historical perspective to the table to discuss the controversial introduction of the 50-year mortgage term.

Together, they break down the math, the mindset, and the market mechanics behind this new lending option. While it may lower monthly payments for a select few, the long-term costs are staggering. Tego and Bill move beyond the headlines to discuss what this means for buyers in Albuquerque, the state of housing supply, and why financial literacy is more critical now than ever.

The 50-Year Mortgage Deep Dive: Who is this actually for? We analyze the trade-off between slightly lower monthly payments and significantly higher total interest costs.

A Half-Century of Perspective: Bill McCoy compares current market conditions to the high-interest eras of the past.

The "Missing Middle": How regulatory challenges and zoning laws are strangling the supply of affordable homes.

Alternative Housing: The debate between modular vs. manufactured homes and shifting societal standards.

Financial Strategy: Why paying off a mortgage early is still a key to wealth building, regardless of the term length.

00:00 – Introduction: What is the 50-Year Mortgage?

00:46 – Meet Bill McCoy: 50 Years of NM Real Estate Experience

01:58 – The Controversy: Why this loan product is making waves

07:07 – Historical Context: Rates and terms through the decades

14:31 – The Importance of Financial Literacy for Buyers

17:49 – Red Tape: Regulatory challenges hurting affordability

21:26 – Modular vs. Manufactured Homes

26:41 – How Mortgage Rates Impact Buying Power

35:02 – Final Verdict: The Pros and Cons of the 50-Year Term

38:57 – Closing Thoughts on Homeownership

Connect with Us: Have questions about the Albuquerque market or navigating these new loan options? Reach out to the Venturi Realty Group today!

Subscribe to Albuquerque Real Estate Talk for weekly updates on the New Mexico housing market.

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