In his latest newsletter, local title company executive Alan Ball points out, reluctantly, that things aren't that great with Santa Fe real estate sales and probably won't be for a while yet.

"The last 12 month have seen a decline for Santa Fe city and county, with the percentage change from 6-30-08 to 6-30-09 a negative 28 percent."

And if things don't improve in the third quarter of the year, "we are likely to see numerous homes go off the market and become anything from rentals managed by owners to just bank-owned vacant homes for rodents and weeds," he said, adding, "if you do not have to sell this year, I strongly recommend taking your home off the market for a couple of years. This will help bring some balance to the opposing needs of sellers and buyers."

Despite the problems with real estate sales, Ball is not ready to give up on a city he finds wonderful. "So let's decide to tighten our belts and prepare for some hard work as we try to reduce our inventory of homes and find buyers ready to make a decision and stick with it," he said.


The Brown Cow boutique at Tropic of Capricorn has a new look and has expanded its offerings, specializing in high-end lines and luxury horse products.

These range from headstalls and breast collars to western tack, chaps, spurs and weavings for the home.

The owner of Brown Cow is third-generation Santa Fe native Christina Bergh, whose grandmother, Cornelia Thompson, was a founder of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society.

Tropic of Capricorn, owned by Michael Clark, is at 86 Old Las Vegas Highway, next to Harry's Roadhouse. For more information, call 983-2700.


Karen and Kevin McLaughlin, songwriters and singers, have started a new business "rather than run after chase after a job" in these tough economic times, Kevin McLaughlin said in an e-mail.

They perform songs from their album, With Love and Appreciation (When a Loved One Dies), at local retirement communities. The next performance is Aug. 12 at Ponce de Leon Retirement Community.

"We are also creating opportunities to perform and offer support to those who have lost loved ones," Kevin McLaughlin said.

For more information, call 503-720-8343.


Mr. D'Clutter, Larry Krauss of Santa Fe, is a professional organizer who specializes in what he calls "neat and simple living."

He specializes in solutions for the home and office that eliminate frustration, create more time and save money.

Call 603-7879 or visit www.MrDClutter.com.