If you’re looking to get a good deal by buying one of the Santa Cruz foreclosures, keep in mind that many of the homeowners not only didn’t have money for the mortgage, they probably didn’t have money for the upkeep of the house either.  If you’ve found a home you’re interested in, here’s a short checklist to follow even before you decide to contact a home inspector.

Structure

For some Santa Cruz foreclosures, structure is a definite issue.  Pay close attention to the following, as they may indicate more severe problems:

• Are the interior walls in good condition?  Any cracks and stains?
• Are the floors in good condition?  What are they made of?  Some floors are made of substandard materials, unsafe for more than casual use.
• Is the roof in good repair…

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Just when you think you've done everything you need to do to get your home ready for the market, months pass and your home doesn't sell. Consider a few factors that can affect your goal of selling your home.

 Priced Too High – If your home has an excessive asking price, it will be harder to sell. With so many Santa Cruz homes available today, a big price tag may turn buyers off. And, your competition down the street may have the same home but a better price.

 The Market – No longer can you simply put a home on the market and watch the offers roll in. Nowadays, you have to be diligent and knowledgeable in your approach. Research the market value of Santa Cruz homes in your neighborhood and know what kind of competition you're up against.  And,…

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Preparing to buy Santa Cruz homes for sale can cause much excitement. But before you start daydreaming about all the possibilities, you need to concentrate on ways to save for a down payment.

First, pay off debt

One of the best ways to save for a house is to get out of debt first. From credit cards to personal loans, if you're still sending more of your money out of the house than you're keeping in, you need to make a point to significantly cut debt.

Get an extra job

Although not glamorous, another job will put money in your pocket to help you buy Santa Cruz homes for sale. Just make sure when you see the fruit of your labor, you set it aside as a down payment for your new home.

Hold a garage sale

Got clothes you're not wearing? What about that CD…

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Although the housing market has had its fair share of ups and down, many home buyers, particularly first-time home buyers, are reaping the benefits. If you're thinking about purchasing a Santa Cruz home, there are many good reasons to make your move today.  Here are six of them:

1. Low interest rates – Right now, interest rates are lower than ever before. This means you can get an extremely affordable loan and save big on interest payments.

2. Cheaper home prices – Not only are interest rates low, but homes all around are cheaper. Since the market is packed with homes for sale, selling has become harder. As a result, prices have fallen significantly, allowing you to get a more expensive home for less money.

3. Potential tax credits – As a first-time…

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Selling a home requires preparation. While there are many things to consider, one of the first things you should do is to ensure that your home makes a great first impression. That's why it's important to de-clutter in an effort to prepare your Santa Cruz home for sale.

1.  Start with the kitchen
Potential buyers will open drawers and cabinets.  So, be sure to de-clutter your pantry, cupboards and drawers. Throw away trash and unsightly items.  Organize things such as pots, dishes and utensils for a fresh, tidy appearance. 

2.  Organize your closet
We've all been there. You have company coming over and the quickest way to clean up is to throw everything in a closet. While this may be okay if you're having a visit from friends, it's not okay if you're…

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When buying a home, of course everyone wants to work with a dynamic real estate agent. But sometimes, it's hard to know not only what talents you want in a real estate agent but also what you really need. While Santa Cruz real estate agents differ, there are five traits you definitely want the agent you choose to work with to embody.

1. Marketing skills – You need to work with an agent who knows the ins and outs of real estate marketing. If you have a house to sell, your agent should know how to market your home both online and offline. If you're buying a home, your agent should be aware of the latest and greatest homes on the market.

2. Negotiating flair – Once you decide on a property, you don't want to overspend. A good agent will have the skills to…

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Buying Santa Cruz foreclosures can be an exciting task. And the thought of getting a great deal on a home can literally make you giddy. But before you get caught up in all the good things about buying a foreclosure, there are still many details to sort out before you get the keys to your dream home. 

When buying a foreclosure, you should:

1.  Get help
Purchasing a foreclosure requires a lot of knowledge, skill and attention to detail. From real estate agents and home inspectors, to attorneys and investors, you'll need the help of professionals to see you through the process. You will have your hands full, so seek out help ahead of time.

2.  Work fast
When it comes to getting Santa Cruz foreclosures, sometimes, your favorite property may also be someone…

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From household cleaning supplies to clothing, everything is going green. The same goes for the real estate market. Many potential home buyers want eco-friendly Santa Cruz real estate. Before you simply buy a home that's touted as green, consider these few tips for finding a truly green home.

1.  Work with an expert
It may be difficult for you to figure out what criteria designate a green home. That's why it's important to seek out a green real estate professional whose main focus is to help you sort through fact from fiction in the green housing industry.

2.  Buy in an eco-friendly neighborhood
Purchasing green Santa Cruz real estate doesn't necessarily mean the location will be environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, buyers may not factor in this…

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