Santa Cruz Real Estate News & Information - Lauren Spencer

Everything You Need to Do After Moving Into Your New Santa Cruz Home

You’ve found your perfect home, completed the purchase process, hired movers and successfully moved all your stuff.

That’s it right? Time to enjoy your new life in your new home.

Not quite.

While you’ve nearly crossed the finish line, there are a few details still left to be taken care of. Luckily, we’ve compiled this guide with everything you need to do, after you’ve moved into your new Santa Cruz home.

Check Over Everything

Now that everything has been unloaded from the moving truck, run through everything that’s been unpacked to ensure nothing has been missed. Hopefully you’ve prepared a checklist of packed items that you can reference.

If something is missing, you’ll want to notify the movers as soon as possible. You should then…

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Forget San Francisco: Why Home Buyers are Choosing Santa Cruz

Home buyers are choosing Santa Cruz.

And the reason are clear: The wonderfully picturesque coastal community boasts incredible year-round weather, not to mention miles upon miles of breathtaking beaches.

This is just one of several reasons why homebuyers are choosing Santa Cruz over the more major big-city of San Francisco, less than two hours to the north. Let’s explore what else Santa Cruz has going for it.

A Lower Cost of Living

Housing is almost certainly the number one cost of living for residents of any city. And this in this regard, Santa Cruz home owners are laughing. The cost of purchasing a home is as much as 50% higher in San Francisco in some cases. The median price of a home in Santa Cruz is $909,500 compared to $1,378,300 in…

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Do's and Don’ts for Buying Santa Cruz Real Estate Investment Properties

With beautiful beaches, a charming small-town atmosphere, and plenty of real estate options, it's little wonder why Santa Cruz is one of the most popular coastal communities in California. When you invest in Santa Cruz real estate at the right time, at the right price, it is proven to be a solid investment— whether it's you're looking for something to rent out to long-term tenants or a part-time residence for yourself and short-term renters.  

Before you commit, here's what you need to know about the dos and don't of buying an investment property: 

Considerations Before Buying Your First Investment Home

Before jumping in head-first with your first investment property, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Owning investment…

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Santa Cruz’s Best Takeout Options for 2020

Life may be slowly returning to normal, but the current public health crisis has justly left many wary of eating out. A number of Santa Cruz's top and most established culinary institutions showed plenty of tenacity and ingenuity in order to remain open - shifting to a takeout style menu and enacting required public health requirements.

But, even if there weren't a global pandemic out there, what's better than takeout on the beach?

That being said, take a look at our picks for the top takeout options currently available in the city of Santa Cruz. Feel free to let us know if we missed any of your favorites in the comments below.

Lillian's Italian Kitchen

1148 Soquel Avenue - Santa Cruz, CA
www.lilliansitaliankitchen.com/

At Lillian's…

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Santa Cruz Condo Buyer’s Guide 2020

Condos are a great option anywhere - not least of all in Santa Cruz.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer, a second vacation home buyer or looking for a sound investment, condos have a lot going for them. Santa Cruz’s real estate is competitive, but the condo market is especially swift.

The sunny California coast and its appealing, laid-back lifestyle makes it an especially attractive locale. Condos offer an accessible way to enter the market, but the low-maintenance lifestyle they offer also make them especially perfect for part-time living, as well as short and long term rentals.

The process of purchasing a condo certainly has a lot in common with that of a single-family home, but there are certain differences that can make buying a…

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Listing Spotlight: 219 Farley Dr in Aptos, CA

This Rio Del Mar charmer is overflowing with classic charm and brimming with an irresistible Central California character.

It’s got everything you’d want in a compact beach house.

It’s location and intelligent interior layout effortlessly marry interior and exterior spaces, creating a welcoming and homely environment that would make it a fantastic vacation home or investment rental property.

Explore 219 Farley Drive with a 3D Tour!

Classic Rio Del Mar Curb Appeal

Originally constructed in 1961, 219 Farley Drive has been thoughtfully renovated and updated to modern tastes, while maintaining its original charm. Inside, interested home buyers will be greeted by immaculate oak flooring, crown molding and recessed lighting. A wide-open…

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Santa Cruz’s Most Instagrammable Spots

It’s undeniable that Santa Cruz is one of the most gorgeous cities in the state, with its spectacular coastal location and unbeatable scenery.

No matter where you go in this city, you’re bound to find picture-worthy spots that you’ll want to share with all your followers on social media.

So, without further ado, here are Santa Cruz’s most instagrammable spots:

Natural Bridges State Beach

Natural Bridges State Beach is one of the most instagrammable locations in Santa Cruz for its outstanding landscape that defines the area.

Just off the coast, there’s a natural rock formation that looks like a bridge or an archway in the water. This spot is absolutely breathtaking and is sure to impress all your followers on Instagram.

You can visit…

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Popular Home Styles of Santa Cruz Real Estate

The real estate market in Santa Cruz is a mature one. There are classic examples of home styles popularized throughout the 20th century and before.

Join us as we explore a few of the home styles that you'll most commonly see come on the market in Santa Cruz. I'm sure you'll recognize many of these styles in the numerous neighborhoods that make up Santa Cruz and the surrounding area.

Search All Available Homes in Santa Cruz!

Craftsman

The Craftsman style home came to prominence around the turn of the 20th century - many believe, as a response to the over-the-top architecture of the Victorian era. The style emphasizes hand-worked features and a simplicity of form. Despite the style being over a hundred years old, it’s still as popular as…

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What Is An Escrow Account & How Does It Differ From The Escrow Process?

When buying your first home, it's easy to get caught up in the various new terminology for things.

Some things like insurance, interest rate, conditions, home inspections are fairly straightforward, but escrow may be a whole new term to you.

To ease any confusion, here's a quick summary of what an escrow account is and how it differs from the escrow process when buying your first home. 

What Is An Escrow Account?

Escrow accounts are sometimes called "impound" accounts. These accounts are set up to help manage payments of property taxes and homeowner's insurance.

Depending on the individual requirements of the lender, you may be asked to pay as much as one-quarter of these upfront and they will be put into the account for the…

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4 Great Santa Cruz Parks You Can Escape to This Weekend

We all need to blow off some steam from time to time.

Our hectic lives can get away from us at the best of times, without even considering how the current state of the world has complicated things even further. But, try not to let the stresses of everyday life get you down.

We happen to live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and there are plenty of opportunities to let the healing powers of the outdoors reinvigorate your mind, body and soul.

Here are 4 great Santa Cruz parks you can escape to this weekend, and leave your problems behind...at least for a few hours.

Wilder Ranch State Park

If you’re looking to experience the full diversity of the Central California coast, Wilder Ranch State Park is a fantastic choice. The…

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