About Us

Keli Cox

I’ve been a multi-million dollar producer every year since earning my New Mexico Real Estate License in 2005. In 2014 I was honored as “REALTOR of the Year” for Ruidoso/Lincoln County Association of REALTORS. I have served on the Board of Directors of RLCAR, served as Secretary and chaired many committees.

Clients choose to work with me for the full service I provide and my local experience, knowledge and expertise. I’m fortunate to have loyal repeat customers to support my success in a very competitive sales environment.

I was born in Austin, Texas and raised in the rural community of Dripping Springs, Texas and attended college at Southwest Texas State University (Texas State) in San Marcos, Texas.

In 1987 I married Johnny Cox, a rancher and Hall of Fame race horse jockey. I was working in civil engineering when in 1991; I began helping my husband full time with the cattle operation while pursuing my own interest in barrel racing.

We moved to Ruidoso in 2001 to enjoy the good climate, good friends and continue our ranching and horse interests.

I look forward to the possibilities of working with you. Although my background is conducive to selling ranches, which I do, I’m very knowledgeable representing buyers and sellers’ interests in luxury homes, cabins, condos, and acreages.

I’m ready to go to work for you!

Rye Richardson

I was born in Lincoln County and have remained in this beautiful paradise my entire life. I grew up with a ranching and equestrian background, I was involved in 4-H and showing horses. I married the man of my dreams in 2013, we are both local kids whose families homesteaded in Lincoln County and have no desire to ever leave our “home”. I graduated from NMSU in 2004 and 2012 with degrees in Animal Science and Nursing. I enjoy serving and exploring my community, meeting new people, and sharing my knowledge about the uniqueness of this special place with others. I received my real estate license in 2021 amid the pandemic, to further serve my community by helping people who seek a slower pace away from the stress of big city life.

Nick Cortese

Nick Cortese was born and raised in Fort Sumner, NM. His family owned and operated Valley Feed and Grain, as well as farming and ranching. After graduating from high school, Nick attended NMSU. While in college he was a member of the Rodeo Team, Livestock Judging Team and Block and Bridle. In 1973, Nick graduated with a degree in Ag Education and began teaching Agriculture at Gadsden HS in Anthony, NM. After teaching for a couple of years, Nick and Karen moved to Loving, NM to farm & ranch with his father-in-law, Jim Ogden. Feeling the tug to move back home and partner with his dad and brother, Nick and Karen moved back home to the plains of Eastern New Mexico in 1977. He worked in the family corporation until 1999 at which time, he and Karen opened a meat processing plant. Deciding to sell Cortese Meats in 2004 and join long-time realtor Emmet Fallon, enabled Nick to use all of his accumulated knowledge, experiences, and contacts to become a successful realtor. With a reputation of honesty and integrity, Nick has broadened his real estate dealings from Eastern New Mexico into all four corners of New Mexico. Nick serves as the qualifying broker for Fallon Cortese Land.

Kelly Sparks

Kelly was raised on the west side of New Mexico, in Glenwood. In high school, she was involved in sports and rodeo. She attended college at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, NM on a rodeo scholarship. After graduating from MesaLand with a degree in equine science, she attended ENMU getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Ag Economics. Following graduation, Kelly managed a ranch in Eastern NM as well as taking care of wheat cattle. Kelly continues to train horses and compete in barrel races. She moved to Ft. Sumner in 2008 and began working for Fallon Cortese Land in 2011 as an associate broker.

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Higgins

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Higgins is from a long time ranching family, having grown up on large ranches in Colorado. She and her husband, Dawson, now reside in Union County, NM, where they have a cow – calf operation. She also works with Dawson’s parents who are longtime area residents, and with her parents who have retired to a smaller ranching operation.

Jackie is a proud graduate of Texas Tech University, and holds a degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics with a minor in Animal Science.

Jackie has a variety of work experience that has prepared her for entry into real estate sales. She was a legislative aide, she has worked in NMSU Cooperative Extension, as well as research and USDA government programs.

Jackie is a member of the Texline Church of Christ and enjoys serving her community through church related events as well as many other events and organizations. She is an avid horsewoman who enjoys riding in and working at barrel races when she can. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, canning, John Wayne movies, and US history.

Contact Jackie to buy or list your residential property, farm property, or ranch property in northeastern New Mexico today. She knows the people, the area, the land, and the local resources. We believe that you will find no other representative in this area to work harder for you!

Curtis Hunt

Curtis Hunt is a lifelong resident of Muleshoe. He and his wife, Lavon, are the owners of Primehome Real Estate in Muleshoe, Texas. Curtis is a licensed broker in Texas and a qualifying broker in New Mexico.

Curtis and Lavon have raised two sons and enjoy the benefit of having five grandchildren. They have owned and operated a successful real estate business in Muleshoe for many years. Curtis has been licensed in New Mexico since 2021 and has been selling real estate in the Ruidoso area and is proud to be joining forces with Zia Real Estate.

Curtis has a strong work ethic, which has helped him to build a successful business and create many contacts in the real estate industry. They enjoy living in Ruidoso and have established many friends in the Ruidoso/Lincoln County area. He is joining forces with Zia Real Estate to better serve his clients and customers in Ruidoso and is looking forward to helping those wanting to find their dream place. Whether it’s a new home, second home, or an investment property you're looking for, please give him a call today!

Donda Richardson

More Info Coming Soon!