Real estate questions, answered.

Jon Mick (Jonathan Mick) is a REALTOR® and New Mexico Associate Broker with Patino Real Estate in Las Cruces. He helps people buy and sell homes in Las Cruces, Mesilla and across Doña Ana County. Call or text (575) 312-9897.

Talking with Jon and searching homes costs nothing. How a buyer’s agent is paid is agreed in writing before you tour, and on many homes, including most new construction, the seller or builder covers it. Jon walks you through exactly how it works on day one.

Online estimates miss what makes your home different. Send your address through the home value form and Jon prepares a free comparative market analysis from real closed sales near you.

Yes. It comes down to timing and financing. Jon builds the plan around which comes first, how the money moves, and how to avoid paying for two homes or moving twice.

All of Las Cruces plus Mesilla, Doña Ana, Organ, Santa Teresa, Anthony, Sunland Park, Hatch, Radium Springs and Chaparral.

Yes. The home search shows every home for sale in the Southern New Mexico MLS, refreshed every 15 minutes, with alerts for new matches.

From closed sales of similar homes near yours, adjusted for size, condition, lot and upgrades, then checked against the homes you will actually be competing with. You see every comp and the reasoning behind the number.

It depends on price, condition and season. A well priced, well presented home sells faster than one that sits and then chases the market down. Your market analysis shows how long similar homes near you took.

Not always. Jon walks the home with you and points out the few things that actually move price or prevent problems in inspection, and what is not worth the money.

A private login where you can follow your listing step by step, from photos and launch to inspection, appraisal and closing, so you always know what is done and what is next.

Commission is negotiable and is always agreed in writing before you sign anything. Jon also gives you an estimated net sheet so you know what you walk away with.

Start with a lender to learn your real budget, then set up a home search with alerts. Jon helps with both, and you can start searching right now on the home search.

How a buyer’s agent is paid is agreed in writing before you tour homes. On many homes, including most new construction, the seller or builder pays it. Jon explains your options up front.

It depends on what you value. New homes come with warranties and modern layouts; resale homes often sit on bigger lots in established areas. Jon compares both on real numbers for you.

Yes. The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority offers down payment assistance programs, and VA and FHA loans can need little or nothing down. A lender confirms what you qualify for.

Fast. Offers are written and signed online, so when the right home comes up you can move the same day.

It depends on your equity, your loan options and the market for your home. Selling first gives you certainty on your money; buying first means you only move once. Jon lays out both paths with real numbers.

Yes, an offer can be contingent on the sale of your current home. Sellers weigh it differently, so pricing and timing your sale well makes that offer much stronger.

You can negotiate extra time to stay in the home after closing, or line up a short term rental. Jon plans this before you list so there is no scramble.

Yes. Jon can tour homes for you on live video, send detailed walkthroughs, and handle signatures online. Many buyers still visit once before closing, and Jon plans that trip around the homes you like best.

High desert: lots of sunshine, hot summers, mild winters, and low humidity. Snow is rare in the city and usually melts the same day.

About 45 minutes by car on Interstate 10, including the El Paso International Airport.

It depends on what similar homes near yours actually sold for, adjusted for size, condition, lot, upgrades and the homes you would be competing with today. Send Jon your address and he will prepare a free comparative market analysis from real closed sales.

They are a starting point. Automated estimates cannot see your remodel, your view, your lot, or the condition of the home next door that just sold. A market analysis from closed sales near you is far more reliable.

No. A comparative market analysis is a pricing opinion from a licensed broker based on recent sales. An appraisal is done by a licensed appraiser, usually for a lender. For a divorce, an estate or a court matter, use a licensed appraiser.

No. The market analysis is free and there is no obligation to list your home.

The closed sales near you, the homes you would be competing with right now, a suggested list range, and an estimate of what you would net after selling costs.

You do not have to, but you should have one. The sales rep at the model home works for the builder. Your own agent reads the contract, the incentive fine print, the lot premium and the upgrade sheet with you, and on most new construction the builder pays the buyer’s agent.

On your very first visit. Many builders only register an agent who is with you at the first visit or who registers you before it. Walk in alone and that option can be gone. Text Jon before you go.

Hakes Brothers, French Brothers, KT Homes, Edwards Homes and Desert View Homes are among the active builders, along with several smaller local builders. Jon can walk any of them with you.

Sometimes. A rate buydown or closing cost credit tied to the builder’s preferred lender can be real money, or it can be priced into the house. Jon compares the incentive against the price and the other lenders so you see the real number.