Real Talk, Real Val
Meet Your Tanoan Neighbor: Valerie Almanzar. Your Go To Guide for Life, Tanoan Living, Life Negotiations & Family First Living
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A Santa Fe native, Albuquerque resident, psychologist major‑turned‑real‑estate pro, and proud mother of two, Valerie Almanzar is here to share insider insight on buying, selling, and thriving right here in Tanoan.
A True Tanoan Local
Valerie and her family call the tree‑lined streets of Tanoan home. As a mom juggling school drop‑offs, neighborhood baseball games, and weekend get-togethers, she knows firsthand what families in our community value most: safe streets, top‑rated schools, and a strong sense of belonging. When she’s not out walking around the neighborhood, or selling real estate, you’ll find her hosting informal “coffee chats” around the neighborhood—inviting neighbors to share questions, feedback, and ideas about living well in Tanoan.
Psychology Meets Property
With dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of New Mexico and an MBA in Marketing and Operations Management, Valerie brings a unique blend of empathy, communication savvy, and analytical rigor to every transaction. Her psychology background helps her read between the lines in negotiations—anticipating needs, easing anxieties, and crafting win‑win outcomes for buyers and sellers alike.
From Pulte Homes to Top Producer
Valerie launched her career in 2006 at Pulte Homes, then quickly moved to a boutique brokerage that became RE/MAX. When the 2008 market downturn hit, many agents left the industry—but Valerie doubled down. By 2009 she was the highest‑producing agent in her RE/MAX office, earning a 40 Under 40 honor from New Mexico Business First. In 2010, REALTOR® magazine recognized her as one of its 30 Under 30, and she joined Keller Williams Realty—where she amassed credentials in Internet Marketing, Luxury Homes, Distressed Properties, and more.
Balancing Deals & Diapers
As a working mom, Valerie knows that a home is more than an investment—it’s the backdrop for first steps, family movie nights, and backyard birthday parties. She leverages her sales and negotiation expertise to secure the best terms for clients while always keeping their children’s needs front and center: proximity to playgrounds, homework‑friendly layouts, and safe walk‑to‑school routes.
Your Insider on Tanoan & Beyond
In her new column, Valerie will dive into topics that matter most to our neighborhood:
- Local Market Snapshots: What rising interest rates mean for Tanoan homeowners—and where the best value lies in nearby East Mountains communities.
- Negotiation Tactics: How to make compelling offers in a competitive market, drawing on proven sales strategies and her psychology toolkit.
- Family‑Focused Advice: From choosing the right school district to creating kid‑friendly backyard retreats, she’ll offer practical tips for parents at every stage.
- Community Spotlights: Interviews with local business owners, profiles of upcoming developments, and highlights of Tanoan’s hidden gems.
“I’m excited to give back to the community that’s given my family so much,” Valerie says. “Think of this column as your friendly neighbor popping by with real‑world advice—grounded in data, driven by heart.”
A Note from Our Editor
“Valerie’s deep ties to Tanoan, combined with her award‑winning track record and background in psychology, make her the perfect addition to our team. We can’t wait for her to bring fresh, family‑centric perspectives to our pages.”
— Publisher, Stroll Magazine
Don’t Miss Valerie’s First Column: Look for “Tanoan Trends & Tips” in our July issue, in mailboxes by July 10th— Got a question about your home, neighborhood, next move or anything you would like to ask? Drop Valerie a line at .