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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/remodel/</link>
        <description></description>
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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


 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -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 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:46:36 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/gain-insight-before-renovating-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/gain-insight-before-renovating-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Gain Insight Before Renovating Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In honor of Labor Day, you may have a few DIY renovation projects planned for your Santa Cruz home. Instead of plunging right into costly home renovations, you might want to take the long weekend to consider the following tips to gain insight before getting down to work.

&bull;&nbsp;Talk to your parents. Give your elders a call to see what they think about your renovation plans. Those of the older generation have usually lived in many houses and did a lot more fixing up than most property owners do today.

&bull;&nbsp;Consult a professional. Talk with a professional who specializes in the type of renovation that youre planning, such as a carpenter, plumber or electrician. They might charge you for an hour of their time, but youll gain valuable insight and maybe even tips on which building materials to use and where you should purchase them.

&bull;&nbsp;Plan for a permit. Check with your city or township before you do any major renovations or make additions to your Santa Cruz home. Youll want to get a permit if ones needed; otherwise you might be required to undo your hard work and the repercussions could be severe when you eventually try to sell. Theyre not out to get you &mdash; they just want to ensure everything is up to code with the latest safety and security standards.

&bull;&nbsp;Seek advice from a real estate agent. Before you invest any money in your property, ask a real estate agent to come over and give you advice on which renovations get the best return. Also, the real estate agent will be able to provide you with tips on trends, buyers wants and new features you might not have heard about.

Dont rush right into the renovation. Do your research, make plans and talk to experts whove had years of experience. Youll learn from their mistakes and avoid making building blunders of your own. 

If you need help deciding how to renovate your Santa Cruz home, call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information. 

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

Links: 

Permit 

Which renovations get the best return 

Building blunders 

&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/help-the-environment-by-adding-green-to-your-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/help-the-environment-by-adding-green-to-your-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Help the Environment by Adding Green to Your Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Recently, environmentally friendly or &ldquo;green&rdquo; remodeling has become more and more popular. Nearly every day you see a TV show or online article giving tips on how to make your home and life more eco-friendly. 

The catch is that green building can sometimes be extremely expensive. And, in most areas there really arent enough buyers specifically looking for features like rain water catch basins and solar panels to make it worth your investment. However, there are some relatively inexpensive ways you can remodel your Santa Cruz real estate that will benefit the environment and go easy on your wallet at the same time.

&bull;&nbsp;Refurbish what you can while remodeling. If its possible to refinish existing cabinets and woodwork instead of replacing them, youll save yourself tons of money. And, nothing says eco-friendly like re-using old, good quality materials instead of throwing them in a landfill.

&bull;&nbsp;Pay for extra insulation. If youre doing a major remodel or building from scratch, pay for insulation that exceeds the minimum code requirements. Youll see an immediate reduction in utility bills and that can be a great selling feature in the future.

&bull;&nbsp;Use sustainable and green materials. Low VOC paints and bamboo flooring are eco-friendly and still look great. You dont have to sacrifice your overall vision in order to make your home more environmentally sound.

&bull;&nbsp;Invest in new, energy-efficient appliances. Again, youll see an immediate reduction in your power bills. Besides, what buyer wouldnt love brand new kitchen appliances and a modern, tankless water heater?

&bull;&nbsp;Upgrade your windows. The biggest drain on the overall insulation of your home could be old, worn-out windows. By replacing them with new, energy-efficient ones, youll get immediate benefits that your potential buyers will also appreciate. 

With smart planning and careful use of your money, you can remodel your home in ways that will help the environment, save you money and appeal to buyers when its time to sell. 

If you could use help adding some green to your Santa Cruz real estate, call me at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information. 

Please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/expand-your-santa-cruz-home-with-an-outdoor-room.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/expand-your-santa-cruz-home-with-an-outdoor-room.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Expand Your Santa Cruz Home With an Outdoor Room!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Feeling a bit cramped in your Santa Cruz home, but not sure youre prepared to add on? Consider adding an outdoor room. Depending on your site, you may want an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor sleeping space, an outdoor dining area or just an outdoor gathering space. Here are some things to consider.

&bull;&nbsp;Take an inventory of your outdoor space. Spend time observing where the best views are, how the sun travels through the yard in each season, where hot/cold spots are, where you might need more shade or a windbreak, and of course where doors to your Santa Cruz home are located.

&bull;&nbsp;Cover the deck.&nbsp; If you already have a deck, consider putting some kind of roof over it. Many people find they dont use their outdoor deck because its just too hot and sunny there. Turn it into a porch with ceiling fans, and you may enjoy it more.

&bull;&nbsp;Screen in that porch. If you have a porch on your Santa Cruz home but dont use it at night because of bugs, why not turn it into a screened-in porch? You may even want to sleep out there. 

&bull;&nbsp;Turn the porch into a sunroom. Have your cake and eat it too. This way you have a sunroom in the winter; and, when you open the windows, it becomes a screened-in porch for the summer.

&bull;&nbsp;Build a pavilion or gazebo. These are a charming, romantic option, which come in many different styles. They provide a roof overhead to protect from rain or sun, a floor underfoot, and no walls, for a view in every direction. Add drapes or shades on some sides, if you want privacy or to block a view.

If youre looking for a Santa Cruz home with potential for an outdoor room, call me at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

Please visit my website for more information at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/bring-more-natural-light-into-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/bring-more-natural-light-into-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Bring More Natural Light into Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Why would you want to bring more natural light into your Santa Cruz home? Any time you dont need to turn on a light switch, it saves energy and money. It discourages mold and mildew. Its cheering and feels expansive. Even if your power goes out, you can see and possibly even read by natural light. Here are some ways to do it:

&bull;&nbsp;Paint it bright. You may be amazed at how much brighter a room becomes when the walls are a lighter color. Try it.

&bull;&nbsp;Use mirrors. Hanging a mirror on the wall opposite a window will not only make the room seem bigger, it will bounce the light around and banish dark corners.

&bull;&nbsp;Install a skylight. This is a good solution if your Santa Cruz home is wide and light from windows cant reach the interior.&nbsp;

&bull;&nbsp;Install a tubular skylight. This is not your fathers skylight. This is a smaller, better insulated version that does not afford a view of the sky, but resembles a ceiling light. Tubular skylights emit a surprising amount of light for their size, due to the reflective surface of the tube that comes down from the roof, intensifying the light. Theyre great for internal rooms with no windows or even for closets. Be aware that they also emit moonlight. Some people love to be in touch with the phases of the moon in their bedroom, others do not.

&bull;&nbsp;Install bigger windows. If its time to upgrade to tighter, better insulated windows, consider making them larger on the south side of your Santa Cruz home. Windows on the south side allow more light inside in winter, while keeping sun out in summer. Keep windows on the north side small, as they do the opposite.

&bull;&nbsp;Open up your floor plan. Many homes have interior walls that block sunlight from penetrating into the living area. If you can remove walls that do so, or cut openings in them, it makes the area feel much more spacious. This works especially well if you have a wall between the kitchen and dining room. Some dark hallways can be eliminated entirely.

If youre looking for a Santa Cruz home with lots of natural light, or a fixer-upper you can work on, I can help. Call me today at 831662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

Please visit my website for more information at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-home-improvement-make-your-yard-a-refuge.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-home-improvement-make-your-yard-a-refuge.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Santa Cruz Home Improvement:  Make Your Yard a Refuge</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whats the best thing about owning your Santa Cruz home?&nbsp; Many people say its their yard.&nbsp; No matter your lifestyle, there are things you can do to improve your outdoor space and your quality of life. Here are a few ideas to help you get more enjoyment from your yard:

&bull;&nbsp;Relax:&nbsp;&nbsp; Buy a lounger for sun bathing or a hammock for shade bathing

&bull;&nbsp;Enjoy meals outdoors:&nbsp; Add a picnic table to make eating outdoors easier.

&bull;&nbsp;Grow a garden:&nbsp; Whether its a vegetable, herb or flower garden there is nothing more rewarding than eating food or smelling flowers that you grew yourself. Start small if youve never gardened before. Like anything else, its easy to get burned out if you bite off more than you can chew. A few of your favorite vegetables and herbs will ensure success this year and have you planning more for next year.

&bull;&nbsp;Install a water feature:&nbsp; You can put in a fountain or a pond. These neednt be elaborate constructions, as there are small ready-made versions available.

&bull;&nbsp;Go green by adding a clothesline: Believe it or not, there is something very satisfying about hanging your clothes out on the line and letting nature do its job. Its using low-tech solar and wind energy to save you money. Your clothes, towels and sheets will have a truly fresh smell, as opposed to the cloying smell left by fabric softener.

&bull;&nbsp;Invest in Solar-powered lighting:&nbsp; Options range from path lights that have built-in solar collectors, to string lights, to glow-in-the-dark globes that make your yard a magical nighttime delight. With no power cords to trip on, installation is a snap, and, of course, none of these features will add to your electric bill.

Day or night, there is nothing like having your own outdoor space. If youre looking for a new Santa Cruz home with a yard you can make your own, call me at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

hammockhttp://www.twinoakshammocks.com/

fountainhttp://www.homeandgardenideas.com/outdoor-living/landscaping/fountains-and-ornamentation/installing-outdoor-fountain 

solar-powered lightinghttp://www.solarhome.org/infobenefitsofsolarlighting.html
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            <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/get-fired-up-with-quick-fixes-that-will-pay-off-for-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/get-fired-up-with-quick-fixes-that-will-pay-off-for-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Get Fired Up with Quick Fixes that Will Pay Off for Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
With people gathering for summer pool parties and barbecues, its time to spruce up your Santa Cruz home. Almost every house could use some remodeling here and there, but if youre thinking about putting your house on the market in the near future, youll also need to consider investing in updates that will provide a return. 

So, before you fire up your grill, below are a few quick repairs to spark motivation, kindle a good investment and put fire behind a speedy sale of your Santa Cruz home. 

&bull;&nbsp;Flooring.&nbsp; Consider refinishing hardwood floors, if they havent been done in a while; its worth the investment. Carpet should be in great shape. If not, replace it with a new neutral color. Also, make sure there arent any noticeable cracks in tile floors.

&bull;&nbsp;Kitchens. Consider updating your countertops. Granite is great, but most markets still appreciate nice laminate. You can refinish cabinets with paint or stain, if theyre looking old and tired. If nothing else, a few dollars worth of drawer pulls will go a long way to sprucing up the look of your kitchen. Finally, consider replacing a worn-out faucet &mdash; its easy, and most home owners can probably do it themselves.

&bull;&nbsp;Paint and wallpaper. Remove your wallpaper. Even buyers that like wallpaper will hate yours &mdash; its just a fact of life. Also, make sure every room looks freshly painted. Most buyers want a finished house, not a bunch of projects.

&bull;&nbsp;Roof. Consider replacing your roof, if it needs it. Youll get most of your money back, and your house will sell a lot faster. Buyers will likely move on from properties needing large repairs.

&bull;&nbsp;Exterior. Patch cracks in the cement, plant flowers and replace dated door hardware. These are all inexpensive fixes that will pay off with a quick sale for more money.

If youd like a professional opinion on which updates you should make for the best return on your Santa Cruz home this summer, call me at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Remodelinghttp://inhabitat.com/5-tips-for-a-green-home-remodel-from-eco-architect-sarah-susanka/ &nbsp;Refinishing hardwood floorshttp://www.a1-wood-flooring.com/refinishing-hardwood-floor.htm 

Remove your wallpaperhttp://www.hgtv.com/decorating/how-to-remove-wallpaper-patience-is-a-virtue/index.html
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            <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/go-green-in-your-santa-cruz-home-to-save-green.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/go-green-in-your-santa-cruz-home-to-save-green.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Go Green in Your Santa Cruz Home to Save Green</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Is it really possible to go green and save money without spending all your free time recycling?&nbsp; Yes, if you start small and think sensibly.&nbsp; You dont have to singlehandedly save the planet.Keep reading for a few simple things you can do in your Santa Cruz home this week to help the environment, save money and enjoy still enjoy your free time.

Make It

OK, you may be thinking, theres no way Im going to get into making a bunch of stuff.&nbsp; Hear me out before you throw in the towel.&nbsp; You can quickly, easily and inexpensively make green household cleaners.&nbsp; All you need are a few inexpensive ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon.

Buy in Bulk

Do this in a practical way.&nbsp; Dont worry about all that time consuming extreme couponing.&nbsp; Stock up on staples with a long shelf life like canned goods and paper products, when theyre on sale.&nbsp;

Reuse

Dont go crazy trying to figure out how to reuse your aluminum foil or dryer lint.&nbsp; Instead, get a water filter and a reusable water bottle; then stop buying bottled water.

Do-It-Yourself

Youll save serious money when you tackle a few weekend projects to maintain or upgrade your Santa Cruz home.&nbsp; Consider the cost of heating and cooling.&nbsp; If you add weather-stripping, install a programmable thermostat or improve your insulation, youll save big utility bucks.

Borrow instead of Buying

How many times have you actually reread all of the books on your shelf?&nbsp; Once or twice? Rediscover your public library.&nbsp; Its an amazing place these days that has gone way beyond just books.&nbsp; They now have audio books, e-books, DVDs and video games.&nbsp; All for free!

Want to buy a green Santa Cruz home?&nbsp; I can help you find a home thats already green or thats easy to convert.&nbsp; Give me a call today at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/give-your-dads-santa-cruz-home-the-gift-of-renovation-this-fathers-day.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/give-your-dads-santa-cruz-home-the-gift-of-renovation-this-fathers-day.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Give Your Dad’s Santa Cruz Home the Gift of Renovation this Father’s Day</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Todays buyers generally want modernized, updated properties. In a lot of markets, features like stainless steel appliances and granite countertops are almost expected, especially in higher price ranges. As your Fathers Day gift this June, help your dad add value to his Santa Cruz home. 

Five renovation tips that are great gifts and will increase value: 

1.&nbsp;Windows and doors - Almost any upgrade to windows, exterior doors or the garage door will add value to a property and increase its security. However, if you want to make a big impact, splurge for energy-saving windows. These will be especially appealing to buyers looking to lower their carbon footprints and those looking to lower their utility bills &mdash; which is everyone!

2.&nbsp;Curb appeal - The outside of a house is the first thing buyers see, so it makes sense to spend money to keep it looking its best. With a few new plants, a hedge trimmer, a paintbrush and a shovel, even the most inexperienced DIYer can make a significant impact on a propertys curb appeal. 

3.&nbsp;Kitchens and baths - Everyone uses them daily and would like them to be as nice as possible. Any money spent updating the kitchen and bathrooms will see a positive return when your Dad decides to sell his Santa Cruz home. 

4.&nbsp;Dont overdo it - Almost everyone wants granite counters, but maybe you live in a laminate neighborhood. Dont spend so much on updates that your house is far and away the most expensive per square foot in the neighborhood. As a general rule, its always hard to sell the most expensive property on the block.

5.&nbsp;Sweat the small stuff - A few bucks spent on new light switches, faucets and doorknobs can go a long way to improving the look of a house, without any major investment. 

Would you like more renovation ideas that would make great Fathers Day gifts for your Dads Santa Cruz home? Give me a call today at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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