Rental-market woes

• Appraisers hope rule changes ease burdens

  If a first-time buyer's home loan isn't approved, if a refinance package hits the skids or a builder's solar water-heating system fails to boost the value of a remodeled house, there is one person who seems to catch the blame — the appraiser. »Story,

• Fixer-upper fixes 'house addict'

  PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — People used to drive by the little battleship-gray bungalow with nary a glimpse. Inside, the Palm Springs home's warren of small, dark rooms with popcorn ceilings were equally unimpressive. Craig Ferree recalls other problems. »Story,

• Green Building Summit and Expo set to go

  Constructing a truly green, energy-efficient home means much more than just tacking a few solar panels on the roof and installing slow-flow shower heads in the bathrooms. »Story,

• Denman & Associates have been producing it for 28 years

  Denman & Associates, a 28-year-old Santa Fe design and construction firm, recently completed tenant improvements for the Bioneers organization in the two-story building at the north end of the Santa Fe Farmers Market. Another recent project was a stuccoed addition to a log cabin in Tesuque. "It's a very well-insulated building made with aerated concrete, and there's an organic garden and the house has a solar hot-water system, " Burke Denman said. "That's the kind of client that's just exciting to come across." »Story,

• HOME DESIGN: No more 'amen' to amenities

  Santa Fe home builders, trying to make the most of sales opportunities as first-time buyers rush to meet a tax-credit deadline, are rethinking how they design, market and price their products in the midst of a major attitude adjustment among buyers. »Story,

• Neighborhoods & Communities: On the streets of El Rito

  One of the big stories right now in any story about El Rito, New Mexico, is the closing of Martin's Store. "That just happened on Aug. 31. It was the heart of the community," said lifelong resident Carmen Campos. "It's really very, very sad. But Greg Martin, the owner, has been so good to the community and it's time for him to enjoy his life. He was putting in a lot of time. »Story,

• Report details home and commercial water use

  A city initiative going into effect next Jan. 1 is designed to save water, and it will probably tie some tongues, too. Dale Lyons, water resource coordinator with the city's Sangre de Cristo Water Department, said they're calling it the Water Budget Requirements Ordinance. »Story,

• Profile: Frank Yardman III

  This interview series focuses on Realtors in the Santa Fe area. Frank Yardman III is an associate broker with Santa Fe Realty Partners and runs his family's business, Frank Yardman Construction. »Story,

• Mostly sustainable gorgeousness

  Denman & Associates, a 28-year-old Santa Fe design and construction firm, recently completed tenant improvements for the Bioneers organization in the two-story building at the north end of the Santa Fe Farmers Market. Another recent project was a stuccoed addition to a log cabin in Tesuque. "It's a very well-insulated building made with aerated concrete, and there's an organic garden and the house has a solar hot-water system," Burke Denman said. "That's the kind of client that's just exciting to come across." »Story,

• Inside Adobe Walls: A double penthouse at Quail Run

  This condominium is unique at Quail Run. A wall between two penthouse units on the second floor of the main Clubhouse building was taken out to create a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-kitchen condominum suite. "This unit is the poster child for Quail Run," said Realtor Paul Stenberg, who is representing the 1,730-square-foot property with Patricia Love. »Story,

• Healthy Home Corner: My readers respond!

  Occasionally I hear from readers of the Healthy Home Corner and it is great to know that you are actually out there. Last month's column brought many thoughtful responses. Here are a few: »Story,

• Understanding Adobe -- Sitting back: advice from the source

  Twelve years ago, the National Trust for Historic Preservation held its annual conference in Santa Fe. Being at the time deeply involved in the conservation of both the adobe churches of New Mexico and, in a much more restricted way, the Pueblos, I was asked to put together a panel to present what the Trust called "Lessons Learned." »Story,