STRIKE OFF; FILMS TO MOVE AHEAD

The Screen Actors Guild and the producers union agreed on a new contract finally. For NM, this should mean several new films starting here. We knew there were several in the wings but everything was on hold. Both the ABQ and NM Film Offices report that more scouts are scouting, so to speak. Hey you scouts......"Call me. We'll do lunch."

Thousands for 100 Jobs

So yesterday 2000 people reportedly showed up for the 100 jobs being offerred by ReelZNetwork. Welcome to ABQ!

ANN WERNER IS AMAZING

Well, Ann entertained a group of executive women the other night with stories of films being made here in ABQ and shared her plan to make us #2 in the country for filmmaking. And why not? With the support of Mayor Chavez, she has used her talent to bring films here and to keep all of us here in ABQ excited about our new fame as a film site. The revenue coming in is amazing and the opportunity for employment locally is growing by leaps and bounds. Lots of film people are buying homes here they are so sure this will be a happening place.

I have one word for all of you: Call me and I'll get you lined up with great financing and find you a perfect house. Oh and my second word is we are just plain lucky to have Ann!!!!

"Breaking Bad" Emmy for Cranston Good for NM

Congratulations to Bryan Cranston who won an Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Drama last week for his performances in "Breaking Bad". We know him as the nicest guy in TV and nothing has changed. He doesn't gloat but will reportedly pull out his Emmy for all to view. And why not?!? I do that with my new car and that just shows how much I am in denial about the economy; his pride is well earned. He was nominated three times for playing the dad in "Malcolm in the Middle". The award is good for New Mexico because it mean the show is likely to stay on the air longer. Shooting can be seen all over Albuquerque. They were up in my High Desert neighborhood not long ago. We love the excitement and hope for more of the same. Way to go, Bryan!

Breaking Bad Filming

Breaking Bad film crews seem to show up all over the city. Everyone here likes the series and there is a rush still when one drives by all the trucks associated with a shoot. The novelty hasn't worn off for us here so bring on some more films Hollywood......

DON'T MESS WITH OUR TOMMY LEE

Well, Tommy Lee Jones starred in that great movie "No Country for Old Men" and now claims the studio owes him $10 million. The film was made here in New Mexico and I am sorry I didn't see him when he was here. Apparently he was promised box office business which was $160 million. Not insignificant. Hope he gets it as he was terrific and of course the film one best film.

If you are here now filming and are interested in real estate or leasing, give me a call. Judy Pierson 220-9193, Coldwell Banker Legacy

"Swing Vote" Out in Theatres

Well, our own Kevin Costner who hung around ABQ for several months filming, can now be seen in "Swing Vote". Look for scenes filmed here locally! Annette Johnson is one of the adorable little girls in the film. Annette's father flies back and forth with my husband each week to work in LA. A proud father, indeed.

JACK BLACK BRINGS IT TO NEW MEXICO!

The "Year One" staring Jack Black will be filmed in New Mexico. The ABQ Journal describes the role as a "neolithic road tripper" and I am not sure what that is. Maybe I am dating myself, but I do like Jack Black. The film is described as a road trip through ancient times which is a genre we haven't seen for awhile. More details are not available except that it will be filming in ABQ for three weeks. Wonder where he will hang out.

Well, give me a call if you are with the film and need anything of a real estate nature.
Judy

MIKE TODD DIED IN NM 50 YEARS AGO

The headline of the Journal on March 22,1958 was “Air Crash Near Grants Kills Mike Todd.” He and Elizabeth Taylor married less than a year earlier and I remember being so sad for her. Todd was purported to be the love of her life… how sad for her. Mike Todd was known for his award winning “Around the World in 80 Days”. Todd was flying from Burbank, CA to New York City in a leased aircraft. Elizabeth stayed home with a cold and begged him not to go. The plane crashed over Zuni after the pilot moderate icing and was reportedly heavily overloaded. The plane slammed into a pasture. Three days earlier he had flown into ABQ for a premiere of the film at the Hiland Theatre. There is no marker at the site which is so respectful. That kind of respect instead of capitalizing on a tragedy which is what happens in Hollywood is one of the things I just love about New Mexico!

HOUSING RECOVERY LATE 2009

Forecast Positive for Second Half of 2008Thursday, March 06, 2008 National Realty News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The volume of existing-home sales is expected to hold steady through late spring, with a gradual recovery during the second half of the year as the mortgage situation improves in high-cost areas, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said many buyers have been waiting for higher mortgage loan limits. “The higher loan limits for both FHA and conventional loans will increase consumer choice and provide greater access to lower interest rate mortgages in high-cost regions,” he said. “Therefore, a notable rise in home sales can be anticipated in the second half of the year." Realtors locally report that calls off of signs and activity has picked up in since the start of March.
In ABQ, the number of sales is off by 35% from last year this month, but the average sales price has increase about 1% a month so far this year. A pattern of disparate price performance continues around the country with a roughly even split between up and down markets. Many areas that have lost jobs are showing price declines which might be why ABQ looks good. We are gaining jobs.
“New-home sales nationally should decline 23.7 percent to 590,000 this year before rising 7.2 percent to 633,000 in 2009. Locally, KB Homes has announced that they are leaving ABQ. For years they successfully built for starter-homes at the low end, but their last move to higher priced homes here has proven to be a poor strategic move.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which has moved erratically in recent weeks, is expected to hover around 5.8 percent most of the year, and then rise to an average of 6.3 percent in 2009. Growth in the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) should be 1.5 percent this year and 2.4 percent in 2009. The unemployment rate is projected to average 5.4 percent in 2008 and 5.5 percent next year. Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, will probably be 3.2 percent this year and 1.5 percent in 2009. Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income is expected to grow 1.4 percent in 2008 and 3.1 percent next year.

If you are looking for homes to rent, buy or for location shots, give me a call at 505-220-9193.

Judy Pierson, CB Legacy
New Mexico's Hollywood Realtor

HOMES TO BUY OR FOR LOCATION

There are just great deals here in ABQ to buy second homes with sellers eager to make a deal, any deal. Some are willing to rent or generate revenue by having them be used as a location set. There are some million dollar beauties in the High Desert area and just about any age, type or model of home. I just listed a terrific townhome owned by an artist which would be a great second home here in ABQ. Check out Eastridge on my website www.JudyPierson.com. Call me.

This Week's Real Estate Update

Here is a link to my weekly "REAL ESTATE NEWS CHANNEL":Click Here This week's segments are full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.Some of the topics covered this week are:Real Estate Outlook - Every week, it seems, there's a battle of conflicting numbers when it comes to housing. The latest existing home sales survey from the National Association of Realtors is a perfect example.Mortgage Moment - Jan Demas discusses "Stated Income Loans"Market Condition - Local market expert Realtor Craig Martin, reports Greenville, South Carolina, is one of the few cities bucking the national trends.Ask the Expert - "Can anyone steer me to a report that will tell me the U.S Real Estate Appreciation Rates by state for the last 15 to 20 years?" Video of the Week - This week's amazing video.You can also tour my latest listing as well as view some of my personal favorites.I hope you enjoy this week's show. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to me.If you do not wish to receive this each week, please reply to this e-mail with the word 'REMOVE' in the subject line.Sincerely,Judy Pierson

REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER

Here is a link to my "March Real Estate Update":http://realtytimes.com/112/JudyPiersonThis Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.This month's issue includes topics such as: "When Selling Your Home, Using Scents Makes Sense!";"Condos Pay Off As Second Homes";"Timing Is Everything: When And How To Move"; "How To Stop ID Theft Cold";"Use Home Equity Protection"; Plus a roundup of February real estate activity as well as much more advice and information.I hope you enjoy this monthly newsletter. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to me. Or, if you would like to see a certain topic covered in future months, let me know that too! If you do not wish to receive this Newsletter each month, please reply to this e-mail with the word 'REMOVE' in the subject line.Sincerely,Judy Pierson

NM IS A WINNER AT OSCARS!

Who by now doesn't know that No Country for Old Men won the Oscar as best picture and several other awards to boot. What may not be known is that it was filmed here in New Mexico in one of our proud historic towns called Las Vegas. Las Vegas was on the original Santa Fe trail and like Pasadena, CA had rich families from the mid-west settle there at the turn of the century. There are wonderful grand old homes that are being updated and attracting buyers from out-of-state who want to retire in NM but live in elegance. Charming town! I just sold a fast food drive-in to a Taco Bell franchise so even the food is getting upgraded!!

OLD RAIL YARD TO BE FILM COMPLEX

One of the most intriquing historic areas of ABQ is the old railroad yard in the Barleas District just east of downtown. Over the last few years many ideas have been proposed for it's restoration and use, but today the announcement was made that ABQ Studios rent the area from the city indefinitely to develop it as a film complex. ABQ Studios now has it's new sound stages at the Mesa Del Sol area south of the airport. Nick Smerigan, COO of the Studios, is effusive in his excitement about the possibilities at this 27-acre sute. "It's one of the coolest things I saw when I got off the plane. It's beautiful and can be used for so much." His studio recently filmed major movies including "Game", "The Spirit" and the pilot for the new "Terminator" series.

Two Top Sundance Films from New Mexico

Both "Sunshine Cleaning" and "Hamlet 2" were accepted for the 2008 SUndance Festival in Park City, Utah. Alan Arkin, who is a part-time New Mexico resident, stars in the former.

www.cabq.gov is where to find the Abuquerque, New Mexico Film Office website which has information about Why Film in ABQ? plus airport and charter service locations. What isn't on there is the Hollywood Realtor in New Mexico site which is www.JudyPierson.com. Check it out. Coming from Hollywood and "connected", Judy Pierson is one of the top realtors in the city and can assist in finding locations and homes to rent or buy.

New Mexico Movie Wins SAG Award

"No Country for Old Men", up for an Oscar for Best Picture, picked up top honors for overall cas along with a supporting actor prize for Javier Bardem.

www.cabq.gov is where to find the Abuquerque, New Mexico Film Office website which has information about Why Film in ABQ? plus airport and charter service locations. What isn't on there is the Hollywood Realtor in New Mexico site which is www.JudyPierson.com. Check it out. Coming from Hollywood and "connected", Judy Pierson is one of the top realtors in the city and can assist in finding locations and homes to rent or buy.

Oscar Attention Goes to New Mexico

Two movies made in New Mexico are up for Best Picture. One is "There will Be Blood" with Daniel Day-Lewis about the silver minor who discovers oil. The other, of course, is "No Country For Old Men" with Tommy Lee Jones, who has made several films here. The film was written by our own New Mexican, Cormac McCarthy. both Lewis and Jones have been nominated for best Actor awards too. The Western movie "3:10 to Yuma" is one of my favorites and was nominated for Achievement for Sound Mixing and Music Written for Motion Picture. Talk about top billing for our State?!

www.cabq.gov is where to find the Abuquerque, New Mexico Film Office website which has information about Why Film in ABQ? plus airport and charter service locations. What isn't on there is the Hollywood Realtor in New Mexico site which is www.JudyPierson.com. Check it out. Coming from Hollywood and "connected", Judy Pierson is one of the top realtors in the city and can assist in finding locations and homes to rent or buy.

Sony Film and Imageworks Studios in Mesa del Sol

Mesa del Sol is the biggest planned development area to be even contemplated in Albuquerque and it's well underway. It is currently home to the 27 acre live action movie facility called Albuquerque Studios. Coming soon will be the Sony and Sony Pictures Imagworks digital production studio. UNM will be building a site for film studies to tie in the production of local talent for the local productions. Watch out Hollywood, here we come!

www.cabq.gov is where to find the Abuquerque, New Mexico Film Office website which has information about Why Film in ABQ? plus airport and charter service locations. What isn't on there is the Hollywood Realtor in New Mexico site which is www.JudyPierson.com. Check it out. Coming from Hollywood and "connected", Judy Pierson is one of the top realtors in the city and can assist in finding locations and homes to rent or buy.

"Wildfire' Canceled for New Mexico

We here in New Mexico loved Wildfire so we were quite saddened that it was cancelled. Lionsgate studiowho distributed the series to ABC Family network announced the sad news. Ann Lerner, the director of the city of ABQ's film office put out the message that we like TV productions, so bring 'em on. We're ready.

www.cabq.gov is where to find the Abuquerque, New Mexico Film Office website which has information about Why Film in ABQ? plus airport and charter service locations. What isn't on there is the Hollywood Realtor in New Mexico site which is www.JudyPierson.com. Check it out. Coming from Hollywood and "connected", Judy Pierson is one of the top realtors in the city and can assist in finding locations and homes to rent or buy.