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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/home-improvements/</link>
        <description></description>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/save-energy-and-increase-comfort-in-your-santa-cruz-home-this-winter.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/save-energy-and-increase-comfort-in-your-santa-cruz-home-this-winter.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Save Energy and Increase Comfort in Your Santa Cruz Home this Winter</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Love it or hate it, winter is here. If you’re having a hard time appreciating that fact, there are some things you can do to make your Santa Cruz home more comfortable this winter, without running up your heat bill. Here are some to try:


• Check and lock windows. Even if you think your windows are shut, go around and check each one to make sure it’s snug - and lock it.


• Use ceiling fans. Consider adding ceiling fans to every room; they truly make a difference. Set them spinning in the correct direction to pull air up this winter so they displace warm air at the ceiling and send it down the walls. Set on the lowest speed, a ceiling fan evens out indoor temperature without creating drafts.


• Invest in insulated window treatments. Stop the costly escape of household heat and absorb solar heat during the day.  Thermal window shades can stop up to 80% of heat loss.


• Close drapes/shades at night. This keeps the cold out and the warmth in.


• Bake! Remember when it was too hot last summer to even think about cooking? Now is the time to indulge in home-baked goodies.


• Drink warm tea. There is a tea for every constitution. If you haven’t discovered the soothing comforts of tea drinking, start exploring!


• Dress for winter. Don’t be in denial and run around in a T-shirt. It’s winter! Wear layers, wear wool, wear corduroy, wear flannel—then you can turn down the thermostat.


• Humidify. If you heat with wood, don’t forget to place a decorative ceramic container of water on the stove to increase indoor humidity. You can place a few drops of your favorite essential oil in the water for nice ambience.


• Sleep in flannel sheets. There is nothing cozier or more inviting. Flannel bedclothes mean instant warmth.


• Get a programmable thermostat. You can set it to drop the temperature a few degrees while you sleep, and bring it back up before you rise.


• Get off the couch! If you hibernate too much, you may get the blues. Be sure to dress warm and get outside—walk, ice-skate, sled, ski—whatever you enjoy, just get some fresh air and exercise. Then you can scurry back into your comfy Santa Cruz home, feeling refreshed and grateful to have shelter from the cold winds.


If you’re looking for a snug Santa Cruz home to purchase, I can help. Contact me at 831.662.6522 or Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links


Insulated window treatments


Tea


Programmable thermostat
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:06:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/safety-tips-for-using-the-fireplace-in-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/safety-tips-for-using-the-fireplace-in-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Safety Tips for Using the Fireplace in Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Is there anything cozier than enjoying a warm fire inside during the winter months? There is something primal about watching the flames of a contained fire that reaches back into our ancient human past.


If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace or woodstove in your Santa Cruz home, please follow these precautions:


• Call in a chimney sweep. Every year, you should have your chimney cleaned to remove creosote buildup. This keeps air flow unobstructed and prevents a chimney fire, which would be devastating to your Santa Cruz home. A professional chimney sweep should also check for cracks in the flue liner and proper functioning of the damper.


• Inspect your chimney cap. The chimney cap keeps the rain and snow out of your flue. It also prevents birds or other animals from entering the flue. The sides of the chimney cap are wire mesh, which also needs to be kept clear of creosote. Otherwise air flow will be hampered and smoke will enter your home instead of being properly drawn up the chimney.


• Burn only dry, seasoned wood. Wood that has not been aged long enough will sputter, smolder and smoke, causing excess build up of creosote.


• Burn only untreated wood. Do not burn treated wood, plastic or other debris in your fireplace or woodstove. These give off toxic fumes you do not want inside your home.


• Wait until ashes are cool before removing them. If you try to clean out the fireplace or stove while there are live coals or embers in the ashes, they will give off smoke into your home while in the ash bucket. They could also result in burns, if dropped on the floor.


• Install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas produced during incomplete combustion. The only way to know if it is in your home is by using a detector.


• Keep the damper closed when not burning a fire. This will prevent the warm air from going up the chimney.


If you’re looking for a Santa Cruz home with a fireplace, I can help you buy one. Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


Please visit www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com for additional information.


Links


Creosote


Damper


Carbon monoxide


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/remove-clutter-for-good-from-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/remove-clutter-for-good-from-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Remove Clutter for Good from Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
There are hundreds of real estate blogs and property-selling advice articles that tell you to stage and clear clutter before putting your Santa Cruz home on the market. However, you can’t just throw everything into the closet like you might be tempted to do, because buyers will open those doors.


If you’re about to put your house on the market, take advantage of this opportunity to not only clean up the clutter — but get it out of your house for good! Then you’ll have less mess to move to your new house. You might even make a little money on the side.


• Give sentimental items to family and friends.  Set aside valuable goods, still-useful furniture or family heirlooms to give to dear friends, family members and children. These are the items that others can still get joy from but that you don’t use anymore or need to purge because of downsizing.


• Have a yard sale. It’s always satisfying to get some cash for goods that you no longer need. Try to hold your yard sale on the first weekend of the month, as a lot of bargain hunters receive paychecks at the end or beginning of each month. Advertise it in your local newspaper. While having a yard sale takes quite a bit of work, you might bring in enough money to make minor improvements to your property before putting it on the market.


• Donate to a local charity. After the yard sale, pack up whatever is left and donate it to a local charity or resale store. You’ll ensure your discarded belongings get to people who could actually use them, and you’ll save money by getting a tax write-off.


Whether your Santa Cruz home is just a little cluttered or it looks like something off of “Hoarders,” take the time to clean up the clutter and actually get rid of it once and for all.


If you’d like to put your Santa Cruz home on the market, I can help you get it ready to sell. Please call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.


Visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com for additional information.


Links:


Downsizing


Yard sale


Get it ready to sell


 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-sell-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-this-winter.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-sell-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-this-winter.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How to Sell Your Santa Cruz Real Estate this Winter</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you need (or want) to sell your Santa Cruz real estate this winter, you’ll have to step up your game a bit. People tend to be less likely to buy in the winter because the weather keeps them indoors rather than out house hunting. And let’s face it, most homes just don’t look as good in the brown, drab winter as they do in the spicy spring and summer.


If you’re one of the lucky owners with a home for sale in an area that stays beautiful all year long, you can still find a few tips here to help get your home ready to sell.


Six tips to help you sell your home this winter:


1. Keep it cozy. You want your home to be warm so people can comfortably take their time viewing your Santa Cruz real estate. Saving money on heating costs isn’t worth it if it means freezing out your potential buyers.


2. Turn up the light. Keep curtains and blinds open during the day. Turn on your lights, both inside and out, at night. Put your lights on timers if you won’t be home until after dark. Use motion detectors to light up in the evening when a potential buyer approaches your doorstep.


3. Point out cold-weather benefits. Have mass transit within walking distance? That’s a big benefit in bad weather because you don’t have to de-ice or dig your car out of the snow in order to get to work. Have an attached garage? Ditto.


4. Take advantage of good winter locations. If your home is in a location that people flock to in the winter, say an area with great outdoor winter sports such as skiing or a warm-weather area like Florida, now is the time prime time to promote your house! Put all you’ve got into marketing the benefits of living where it’s always sunny or where winter living is fun.


5. Set the mood. Play soft, classical music. Toss afghans or throws across the back of your sofa. Hang plush robes in your bedroom or bathroom.


6. Clear away snow and ice. Shovel a path through the snow so potential buyers don’t have to get out their snowshoes. De-ice your driveway, sidewalk, steps and porch to prevent slips and falls.


If you’re ready to sell your Santa Cruz real estate this winter, I can help. Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.


Visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com for additional information.


Links:Keep it cozy


Motion detectors


De-ice your driveway
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-install-a-programmable-thermostat-in-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-install-a-programmable-thermostat-in-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How to Install a Programmable Thermostat in Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Here is a painless way to reduce your energy use and your heating bill: Set your thermostat to go down 5 to 10 degrees while you’re gone all day and while you sleep at night. This could reduce your heating bill by 15% without compromising comfort.


Programmable thermostats cost anywhere from $30 to $150, so they quickly pay for themselves. By programming your thermostat to return to  your comfort level before you arrive home or get up in the morning, your Santa Cruz home will be just as comfortable as what you’re used to, and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint.


Here is how easy it is to install a programmable thermostat:


• Turn off the circuit breaker for the thermostat. Since you will be handling wiring, you must cut off the electricity going to the thermostat first of all. If your Santa Cruz home has electric baseboard heat, don’t do this update yourself--the wiring carries higher voltages and should only be worked on by a qualified electrician.


• Remove the old thermostat. Older thermostats contain mercury, so handle it carefully and do not throw it into the trash. Check with local recycling centers or waste handlers to learn how to safely dispose of mercury.


• Tape wires to the wall. You don’t want the wires to fall inside the wall. Note where they were attached to the old thermostat and label them accordingly.


• Mount new wall plate. Follow the instructions that came with the new unit to mount the plate over the area of the old base.


• Connect new thermostat to wiring. Again, follow the instructions included with your new unit.


• Mount the new thermostat onto the new base.


• Turn the circuit breaker back on.


• Program the thermostat following manufacturer’s instructions. Digital devices can be hard to program, so hang onto those instructions and keep them where you can find them.


Now your Santa Cruz home can be greener, more economical and more comfortable.


Want to buy a home that’s green, energy-efficient and comfortable? I can help. Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


Visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com for additional information.


LinksCarbon footprint


Qualified electrician


Mercury
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-downsize-to-a-smaller-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-downsize-to-a-smaller-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How to Downsize to a Smaller Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Many people are downsizing these days, either because they're empty nesters and no longer need the room, they’re getting older and want a smaller space to maintain, or they’re reducing their financial burdens or environmental impact.


If you’ve made the decision to downsize to a smaller Santa Cruz home, here are five tips to help you make the transition:


1. Start early: Downsizing to a smaller home is much less stressful if you have plenty of time to sort through your belongings to figure out what you’re getting rid of and what you’re keeping. Plan to do this at least a month before you put your home up for sale. (Bonus benefit: it makes your house less cluttered and more desirable to buyers.)


2. Evaluate your needs: Take an honest look at your lifestyle and what you truly enjoy. Are you really going to learn to play that piano? If you haven’t used it or thought about it in over a year, the answer is probably no. Advertise it in your local newspaper and sell it! With anything you’re having a hard time letting go of, put it in storage for six months. If you don’t think about it during that time, give it away or sell it.


3. Measure the rooms in your new Santa Cruz home: Measure the rooms in your new home as well as the furniture you want to take with you. Then, create a floor plan of your new home, including the location of doors and windows and where you can place each piece of furniture. You know what to do with any furniture that doesn’t fit.


4. Assess the storage in your new home: While you’re getting room measurements, make sure to evaluate the storage situation in your new home. Will you have fewer kitchen cabinets? How many closets will you have? To make up for lost space, search for hidden storage options and consider investing in inexpensive storage systems.


5. Relax and enjoy: You no longer have to worry about the financial burden or time-draining tasks of maintaining a big home.


If you need help selling your current home or finding a smaller Santa Cruz home to buy, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com. 


For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Create a floor plan


Hidden storage


Storage systems


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/energy-efficient-window-treatments-for-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/energy-efficient-window-treatments-for-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Energy-Efficient Window Treatments for Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Now that winter is here, you may want to invest in new, energy-efficient window treatments that will make your Santa Cruz home more comfortable and attractive. Here are some options to consider.

Insulated Drapes

To make the most of this option:

&bull;&nbsp;Install a cornice over the top of the drapes to hide hardware and keep cold air encased around the window while drapes are closed at night.

&bull;&nbsp;Make sure drapes reach to the floor or the windowsill to form an enclosed box around the window.

&bull;&nbsp;Allow drapes to overlap in the middle by several inches.

&bull;&nbsp;Use heavy, insulated drapes with a separate liner to trap a layer of insulating air.

Roman Shades 

These are a nice option if you have beautiful woodwork and dont want it hidden by heavy drapes. Roman shades fold into horizontal pleats when lifted, and hang flat when lowered. They can be easily made by anyone who sews. Fiberfill layers can be added between the liner and outer material, or the shades can be made from quilted fabric.

Cellular Shades 

These are ingenious shades made of honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air, forming an insulated panel between the window and your Santa Cruz homes interior. You can get single-cell or double-cell, light-filtering or light-blocking cellular shades. When lifted, cellular shades fit more compactly against the top of the window frame than roman shades do.

These window treatments will help to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

If youd like additional tips on affordable upgrades to make your Santa Cruz home more comfortable and attractive in this buyers market, call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links 

Window treatments&nbsp;

Roman shades&nbsp; 

Cellular shades 
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            <pubDate>Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-find-a-reputable-santa-cruz-home-inspector.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-find-a-reputable-santa-cruz-home-inspector.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How to Find a Reputable Santa Cruz Home Inspector</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Before you sign on the dotted line for your new Santa Cruz home, be sure to get the information you need to make a sound financial decision. That includes getting a thorough home inspection by a qualified professional. 

This may seem like one more hoop to jump through, but a detailed and complete inspection can reveal some unpleasant surprises about your new Santa Cruz home purchase. It can also impact the price you pay for the property. Remember, part of your offer should include a clause that specifies who will pay for any necessary repairs discovered by the inspection. 

When looking for an inspector:

&bull;&nbsp;Ask your friends: Word of mouth is still the best way to go, as their good experience can lead to yours. 

&bull;&nbsp;Ask your real estate agent: Agents have worked with many buyers and sellers and have heard the stories of money saved by a solid inspection. 

&bull;&nbsp;Ask Google or the Yellow Pages: If no one has a good recommendation, you can always go in blind. Research any prospects you find thoroughly. 

No matter how you find inspectors names, take the time to check them out. 

Once you have a home inspector in mind, be sure to:

&bull;&nbsp;Check licensing: Licensing varies from state to state. Know the rules for your area. 

&bull;&nbsp;Check references: Any reputable inspector should have a list of happy former clients. Call a few of them.

&bull;&nbsp;Check the Better Business Bureau: A few minutes can save you some headaches. You don't want an inspector with 20 complaints lodged against him no matter how wonderful Uncle Eddie says he is. 

&bull;&nbsp;Request sample reports: Review sample reports from the inspector. The reports should be thorough. 

&bull;&nbsp;Check qualifications: Make sure your inspector has a background in engineering, architecture or contracting work. You want someone who can recognize and identify problems. Ask inspectors about their education, experience and professional association membership (such as the American Society of Home Inspectors). 

If youre looking to buy a Santa Cruz home, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com. Ill take you step-by-step through the buying process, including getting the home thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links: 

Check Licensing

Better Business Bureau

American Society of Home Inspectors&nbsp;

&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/holiday-cheer-could-help-your-santa-cruz-home-sell.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/holiday-cheer-could-help-your-santa-cruz-home-sell.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Holiday Cheer Could Help Your Santa Cruz Home Sell</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
A cozy fire, the smell of pine trees and a plate of warm cookies might be all it takes for buyers to envision themselves celebrating many holidays in your Santa Cruz home. So take the time this season to channel Mrs. Claus and cheerfully enhance your house for the holidays with these festive tips:

&bull;&nbsp;Deck the Halls  While you want to remind some buyers of their yearly traditions, you dont want to offend others. If you usually go overboard with decorations, tone it down a little this year and go for a winter nature theme &mdash; think pinecones, snowflakes and the smell of cinnamon. 

&bull;&nbsp;Spruce Up the Winter Curb Appeal  In the dead of winter, yards can look barren and bleak. Dont add to the seasonal depression. Be sure you shovel snow, rake fallen leaves and clear dead flowers from their pots. Also, with darkness settling in so early, turn on both indoor and outdoor lights to give your Santa Cruz home a cozy glow.

&bull;&nbsp;Host a Holiday Open House  With your house in the seasons spirit, its the perfect time to have interested buyers walking through. Offer fresh baked cookies and apple cider to seal the deal.&nbsp; 

&bull;&nbsp;Be Flexible  Put in the extra effort to keep your house clean so that buyers can drop in anytime. Property purchasers looking at this busy time of year will be seriously interested &mdash; and you might be one of the only houses open to them.

By adding a little holiday cheer to your Santa Cruz home, you could remind potential buyers of happy memories and put them in the giving &mdash; or hopefully, buying &mdash; spirit.

If you would like more tips to get your home sold during the holiday season, please phone me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Winter nature theme 

Winter Curb Appeal 

Open House 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/benefits-of-using-ceramic-tile-in-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/benefits-of-using-ceramic-tile-in-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Benefits of Using Ceramic Tile in Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you need to replace flooring, countertops or a backsplash in your Santa Cruz home, consider ceramic tile. Here are some of the great attributes of ceramic tile:

&bull;&nbsp;Natural, renewable and very green. The production of ceramic tile is non-polluting and energy efficient.

&bull;&nbsp;Durable. It can last the lifetime of your home.

&bull;&nbsp;Non-flammable. Great around the fireplace, woodstove and kitchen stove. 

&bull;&nbsp;Wide variety to choose from. Ceramic tile is available in a multitude of textures and colors. You can also create tile patterns to add interest to any dcor.

&bull;&nbsp;Easy to clean. Spills are no big deal.

&bull;&nbsp;Non-allergenic. Carpet is a fur magnet and provides breeding grounds for mold and insects such as fleas. 

&bull;&nbsp;Beautiful. Whether youre the creative type and want to install your own ceramic tile, or you hire an expert and give him or her the okay to be creative, there are few things as stunning as artistically done tile work.

&bull;&nbsp;Energy efficient. Heres where tile outshines wood. If you have south-facing windows and want to make the most of that solar heat gain, tile has thermal mass to absorb the heat and then radiate it back into your Santa Cruz home as night falls.

&bull;&nbsp;Increases resale value. Typically, adding ceramic tile to your home increases its appraised and perceived value.

If youre looking for ideas on how to improve your Santa Cruz home and get it ready to put on the market, I can help. Contact me today at 831.662.6522 or Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links

Backsplash 

Create tile patterns 

Install your own ceramic tile 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:46:36 -0800</pubDate>
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