Ryan Trujillo
Ryan Trujillo, a Taos native and 2008 Taos High School graduate has become quite a familiar face in Northern New Mexico over the past year, particularly in the Real Estate community. He was recently acknowledged as one of the top producing Realtors in New Mexico and #1 Top Producing New Broker in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices system for BHHS New Mexico in 2020.
Trujillo has deep roots in Taos. He was born and raised in El Prado. Grandfather Luis Martinez was the owner of the Gulf gas station on Taos Plaza, county commissioner, and a bus driver. His father, Philip Trujillo is a contractor who built Orlando’s Restaurant (originally a Southwestern art trading post) and his mother, Francina Martinez is a real estate specialist for the U.S. government. Aunt and biggest supporter, Dolores Trujillo, was a long time educator in the Taos school district.
After graduating, Trujillo left Taos for a decade. He played soccer at Occidental College in L.A. traveled in Europe, worked for sports, entertainment, and fast-growing software companies, before coming home to Taos.
The Taos News asked Trujillo about his transition back into the community and his successful first year in the real estate industry, along with his thoughts on the bustling New Mexico market and on preserving the rich history, culture, and heritage of the region.
CONNECTION TO NEW MEXICO
“Growing up in Taos, I’ve been fortunate to be part of a culturally rich community, surrounded by an incredibly diverse landscape that offers a plethora of activities to experience, and breathtaking views,” says Trujillo. “Taos draws people here for so many reasons which makes it an ideal place to live and visit. Growing up here, I experienced living off the land in the truest sense: tending to gardens and orchards, spending time in the mountains skiing, camping, hunting, and fishing.”
In the summer of 2019, he returned to Taos. After 10 years away, he missed his family and the land and wanted to reconnect with his roots. “The decision to get into real estate was born out of my family history here in Northern New Mexico and my enjoyment of the land. I love sharing the land and the rich history of Taos. With that in mind, I became a Realtor in November the same year I returned,” Trujillo says.
Shortly after beginning his new career, he met Page Sullivan, a veteran Realtor who is a wealth of knowledge, who he refers to as the “Queen of real estate” in Northern New Mexico. Page has been a major influence and at the Page Sullivan Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate, he found a team in the truest sense - a group that cares about helping others as if they are helping their own family.
“I want people to feel comfortable, knowledgeable, and confident as they move forward with what may be the most significant purchase of their life. I want to be there for
them and educate people about the community; to be an inside resource to Northern New Mexico,” says Trujillo. With his background working in fast-growing businesses and marketing, he brings his skills to help people navigate the real estate market which relies so much on technology such as remote showings.
PRESERVING THE HISTORY, CULTURE, AND HERITAGE
Having grown up here, Trujillo is passionate about preserving this remarkably special and diverse community. “It all begins with recognizing the beauty of nature around us and respecting Mother Nature, along with acknowledging those who have come before us to shape our rich traditions, especially the indigenous community,” he observes. “Preserving the community includes things like supporting local businesses and artisans, looking for ways to care for our elders and veterans, supporting youth education programs and extracurricular activities, and donating to local charities. I try to support local businesses by consuming their goods and encouraging others to do the same.”
This summer, he is hoping to partner with others to coordinate a clean-up of the mountains around Taos. Another commitment for Trujillo is caring for our elders. “I was fortunate to have my grandfather until he was 100 years old and saw the need for our elders to be appropriately cared for and loved. In the future, I look forward to getting involved in youth sports, local politics, and continuing to promote health and wellness in the community,” he says.
TAOS REAL ESTATE MARKET
When asked about his insights on the current local market, he says “There is a real estate boom across the country, but in Taos it is unique because it is a small town and a very desirable place. While it is a great market, it is also a challenging one. There is limited inventory, which makes it harder on the community and people who seek longer term housing. It’s a balancing act - a challenge to make sure Taos remains a place where everybody has a place to live.”
Trujillo says that if anyone has thought about selling their home or land, now is the best time to do so. For those considering buying property, he points out that interest rates being offered are at historic lows and suggests starting a conversation with a lender.
He advises buyers to develop an understanding of different and unique areas. “Learn about the different architectural styles; the region is known for traditional Southwest adobe, territorials, sustainable Earthships, and more,” he says.
CONTACT RYAN FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS
if you’re thinking about selling your home, buying, or simply want to learn more about the real estate market.
Ryan Trujillo, Associate Broker at Page Sullivan Group | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate | 314 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte A, Taos, NM 87571. E-mail: ryan@homeinnm.com
Phone: C: 575.770.8650 O: 575.758.1924 Website: www.homeinnm.com or follow Ryan on social media @homeinnm on Facebook and Instagram.