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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-filling-flowerbeds-at-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-filling-flowerbeds-at-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>info@mysantacruzrealestate.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Tips for Filling Flowerbeds at Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Flowerbeds can be a very attractive addition to any Santa Cruz home — if you have the time to set up and maintain them. Flowerbeds don’t necessarily require a profusion of costly flowers that need to be fertilized, mulched, covered during severe weather and possibly re-planted on a yearly basis.


So put on your green thumb and brave the outdoors this spring. With the tips below, you’ll keep your flowerbeds filled and your house looking cheery without a huge money or time commitment.


Weed EradicationBefore you even start picking out roses and tulips, take care of the weeds. Gardens get weeds because there are already pesky roots hiding below the surface. Dig up the soil and weeds before you plant. It will save you hours of maintenance in the long run and keep your flowers healthy.


Perennial WildflowersWildflower mixes native to your area are often a good choice if you want an array of flowers, but don’t have the time or the motivation to take care of them. These flowers can grow back easily every year and are well adapted to the climate and soil conditions in your area. Native wildflowers may need little more than watering and the occasional weeding.


Decorative RockFilling the beds with attractive decorative rock provides maintenance-free curb appeal to your Santa Cruz home. Several colors of decorative rock are available and can be chosen to off-set the color of your house. Planters may also be placed amongst the rocks to add live plants to your flower beds, and those plants can easily be moved inside before the weather gets too cold for them.


Low-Growing ShrubsFor low-maintenance ground cover in your flowerbeds, plant low-growing shrubs, such as various strains of boxwood or juniper. The main issue with this option is that the shrubs take a while to grow and fill in. But once established, the only maintenance required is the occasional trimming of overgrown branches.


Vacant flowerbeds detract from the overall look of your house and contribute to an air of neglect. Attractive fillers do not have to be either expensive or difficult to put into place.


If you'd like additional tips on how to spruce up the outside your Santa Cruz home, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.


Links:


Wildflower Mixes 


Decorative Rock


Juniper
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 04 Jun 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/think-about-the-future-when-buying-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/think-about-the-future-when-buying-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>info@mysantacruzrealestate.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Think About the Future When Buying Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Buying Santa Cruz real estate is usually a long-term investment that will affect you for decades. When you are looking to buy a home, it is important to think about not just what you are looking for now, but what will be the most advantageous situation for you in the future.


Of course, it is impossible to predict the future accurately, as times change and unexpected events can occur. However, when you are buying a home, you should do your best to think about what your needs will be and how the area could change over time.


How Will Your Family Grow?


If you are a young couple buying a house together, think ahead to the next few decades and consider who might eventually live with you. You’ll want to make sure the house has enough bedrooms and a safe backyard for children. Also, you might want to consider the possibility of a parent moving in with you as they get older.


How Will the Neighborhood Develop?


When it comes to buying Santa Cruz real estate, it is worth finding out more about the future of the neighborhood. If there is a large development, such as a block of apartments or a shopping center being planned, you should ask your REALTOR how it could affect housing prices and the overall feeling of the area.


What is the Resale Value of the Home?


Although you might not be considering selling the home for years, it is still important to think about the resale value. Does it have more than one bathroom? Does it have a good layout? Is it in a good location? Imagine yourself selling the home and think about what buyers will be looking for.


Planning for the future is important when you are buying a home. Although you cannot predict exactly what will happen, make sure that you look ahead to all the possibilities when you are investing in Santa Cruz real estate.


If you have any questions or want to find out more about purchasing a home, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com. 


Links:


Young Couple Buying a House


Future of the Neighborhood


Resale Value
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 02 Jun 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/staging-your-living-room-when-selling-a-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/staging-your-living-room-when-selling-a-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>info@mysantacruzrealestate.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Staging Your Living Room When Selling a Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Everyone knows that first impressions are important. By carefully staging your Santa Cruz home, you can positively influence the feelings your potential buyers have when they are viewing the property.


Staging is the art of decorating and arranging the spaces within your house to make it more appealing to buyers. If you can adapt the rooms to create an attractive and welcoming zone that homebuyers can see themselves in, they will be more likely to buy your property.


One of the most important rooms to stage is the living room, because it is such a central part of the house. This is where a lot of the social activity occurs, so it should appear comfortable and welcoming. Here are some tips to keep in mind when staging your living room before the next showing of your Santa Cruz home:


• Clear out the clutter. The most important step is to declutter, because a mess will turn off potential buyers. Clear away any papers, toys and other items to make your living room as clean and minimalist as possible. • Go zen. The main purpose of a living room is for relaxation, so make the space look as comfortable as possible. Try a soft throw on the sofa, plush cushions and a big chair that is just begging you to come curl up with a book. • Strategically place furniture. Arrange the living room furniture to create areas of conversation, such as two sofas facing each other with a low coffee table in the middle. • Depersonalize. Remove your personal items. If you have too many family photos and personal effects in the room, it can make it difficult for your potential buyers to imagine their own family living there. • Remove the bulk. If your living room feels small, you can remove some of the furniture to give it the illusion of being bigger. • Channel your green thumb. You might want to consider bringing in some plants to make the space feel fresh. • Brighten it up. If your living room has dark corners, invest in upright lamps that will help illuminate the space and provide an aura of intimacy.


With these tips, the living room in your Santa Cruz home will be much more appealing to potential buyers. For more information about selling your house, please feel free to call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


Links:


Declutter


Arrange the Living Room Furniture


The Illusion of Being Bigger
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/smart-solutions-for-awkward-spaces-in-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/smart-solutions-for-awkward-spaces-in-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>info@mysantacruzrealestate.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Smart Solutions for Awkward Spaces in Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In almost every Santa Cruz home, there are awkward spaces that are difficult to utilize. In older houses especially there are rooms, closets and nooks that once had a purpose that is now outdated. So before you try to cover it up or fill it with junk, take a look at the smart solutions below to see how you can revitalize those problematic spaces and turn them into something useful.


The space under the stairsWhile this is likely to be more of a hiding spot for dust-bunnies than teenage wizards, it is valuable space that you don’t have to board up. Use it for storage! Create cabinets, or if it’s near the kitchen, build in a wine refrigerator or display shelves for china. Build in a coat or shoe closet if the stairs are in the front entryway.


The bedroom too small for a bedYou might have an office that sometimes needs to be used as a bedroom or a bedroom that could fit a bed and nothing else. If these issues strike a chord, then you might want to invest in a Murphy bed. These space-saving inventions allow you to use a small space for another purpose during the day, and then miraculously have a place to sleep at night.


The unused closetEspecially in an older Santa Cruz home, you’ll run across closets that just don’t make sense. If you don’t need it for storage, then turn it into something creative, such as a small library or toy room. Take off the door, add adjustable shelves, build a comfortable cushioned bench and install attractive lighting. Now you and your family can curl up for story time in your new book nook.


Don’t write off awkward spaces in your Santa Cruz home as lost causes. With a little ingenuity, hard work and smart design, you can create a useful area that everyone in your family can use and enjoy.


If you’d like additional tips for making your house more functional, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.


For additional information please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Space Under the Stairs


Murphy Bed


Book Nook
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-making-an-immediate-offer-on-a-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-making-an-immediate-offer-on-a-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>info@mysantacruzrealestate.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>The Pros and Cons of Making an Immediate Offer on a Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Once you’ve found a house you are interested in buying, it’s difficult to know when to make an offer. If you like the Santa Cruz home, there are likely other buyers who like it too. You’re not the only one who can spot a good buy. If you take too long to make a bid, someone else could beat you to the prize.


If the property you are looking at is in good condition, priced right and is in a good location, it will likely be snapped up quickly. This means that you should place your offer as soon as possible — as long as you have cancellation rights.


Advantages of immediately making an offer


Of course, the main advantage of placing a bid quickly is to prevent anyone else from buying the [city} home that you love. The seller may accept your offer and although they can accept a backup offer, this is only valid if your contract fails to close.


If you make the first offer, you will be able to negotiate on the price and terms of buying the property. You can even try making a lowball offer. But if there are already multiple offers on the house, your ability to negotiate is limited. Even if there are other buyers, they will generally lose interest if the seller accepts your offer, which means then you are free to renegotiate after the house inspection.


Disadvantages of immediately making an offer


There are also disadvantages to immediately putting in an offer on a property. For example, if you are deciding between two different properties and you get into a contract on the first one, the second one might not still be available if you change your mind. Also, your earnest money deposit will not be returned automatically. Another disadvantage is that you will have likely paid inspection and appraisal fees, which are usually non-refundable.


However, if you have really found the perfect house, submitting an offer quickly will leave you with little doubt that you did everything you could to not let it slip through your fingers. To find out more about finding the perfect Santa Cruz home, call me at 831.662.6522 and email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


Links:


Negotiate on the Price


Earnest Money Deposit


Inspection
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 27 May 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent-will-use-a-lock-box.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent-will-use-a-lock-box.html</link>
            <author>info@mysantacruzrealestate.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How Your Santa Cruz Real Estate Agent Will Use a Lock Box</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Back in the 50’s and 60’s, you could just leave your house open and any Santa Cruz real estate agent could come in and show the home at any time. There were almost no security issues. Now, because of safety problems, we have the handy, dandy lock box.


Lock Box History


Attached to a door handle, gate, water or gas meter, lock boxes hold keys to a house for sale. They were invented in the 70’s, and opened by a key that your REALTOR possessed. In the 90’s, the electronic lock box replaced the older key model. The electronic type is what most property professionals use today to make sure your home remains safe while it's for sale. In 2008, the electronic lock box took another big step forward in technology, and can:


• Alert as many as five emergency contacts when its panic button is activated. • Tell the seller's REALTOR when a house has been shown.• Provide the buyer's agent with extra information about the home, including instructions from the homeowner, such as "Don't Feed the Dog."


Why You Should Use a Lock Box


Homes for sale that use a lock box are shown more often because it's easier for REALTORS to have access when the owners are at work. There are different fees charged for the use of a lock box, but the price usually sits around $100 plus tax. When you hire a property professional, you'll get the use of the lock box for free as part of his or her service.


When to Use a Lock Box


You may want to have your Santa Cruz real agent put your lock box on a schedule instead of making the house available around the clock. This will allow you to control the use of the house, and ensure that no one uses it during off hours.


All in all, the use of a lock box by your Santa Cruz real estate agent is a great idea. It's safe and convenient, not only for you but also for REALTORS and potential buyers.


If you're ready to sell your home with a REALTOR who puts your safety and convenience first, give me a call at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.  I look forward to hearing from you!


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links: Make Sure Your Home Remains Safe


High-Tech Electronic Lock Box


Buyer's Agent


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/know-the-disclosure-laws-before-you-sell-your-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/know-the-disclosure-laws-before-you-sell-your-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>info@mysantacruzrealestate.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Know the Disclosure Laws Before You Sell Your Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When deciding to sell a piece of Santa Cruz real estate, there are certain things you must disclose about the property to the buyer before the sale can go through. Disclosure laws are put in place to protect the buyer from unknowingly purchasing defective property. Not disclosing certain information about the property can jeopardize the sale, or worse, invite a lawsuit.


Some laws are different depending on where you live. The best way to know what you need to disclose in your area is to check with your REALTOR or property attorney and fill out the seller disclosure form.  The main items that need to be disclosed are any defects with the home. This includes, but is not limited to, plumbing problems, water leaks, cracks in the foundation, insect infestations and toxic materials in the home — such as lead, asbestos, carbon monoxide or mold.


Be sure to fully disclose anything that may be pertinent to the buyer before purchase. Some disclosure laws include reporting issues with neighbors and whether the home has a criminal or notorious past. If you are unsure about some information regarding your Santa Cruz real estate, you can simply state that you do not know that information. Remember, if you knowingly withhold information, it can cause the sale to fall through or could be used against you in a lawsuit.


Sellers can also have their home inspected prior to placing the property on the market to prevent any surprises of unknown problems with the home. This way, defects can be fixed before listing the property, and the disclosure form can state the problem has been fixed. Buyers will likely also hire an inspector prior to closing.


Disclosing information does not mean the seller needs to fix the problem. Any disclosed problems with the Santa Cruz real estate can become a negotiation point. Remember, the most important thing is to be honest about any known issues with the property.


If you have any questions regarding disclosure laws, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Things You Must Disclose


REALTOR


Hire an Inspector
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/investing-in-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/investing-in-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>info@mysantacruzrealestate.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Investing in Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
From building a nest egg for retirement to generating more income on a daily basis, there are many reasons people look toward Santa Cruz real estate for a secure investment. If you’re looking to put your money into the property market, you have several options. Below we’ve outline three types of property investing depending on your time and desire to be actively involved.


1. Purchasing Rental PropertiesIf you don’t have time to play the Santa Cruz real estate game and want to make sure you’re making a solid investment with a long-term payoff, then purchasing rental properties might be your ticket. Look for homes that need little work. Check the comparable rentals in the area to make sure you can charge more than what your mortgage payments will be. You’ll need a cushion for maintenance and major repairs.


2. Flipping HomesIf you’re the type who likes to be immersed in a project and get your hands dirty, then flipping homes might be the type of investment you should make. Make sure you possess the knowledge, skills and connections to purchase materials and do the renovations cheaply — or with your own two hands. Look for downtrodden homes in nice areas; once you increase the home’s value through renovations, then you’ll be able to sell it for a pretty penny.


3. Wholesaling Santa Cruz Real EstateThis option is desirable for investors who have little resources starting out, but have time to watch the market and like to strike a fast deal. Wholesaling is when you put a property under contract and then reassign or resell it to another investor. If your time runs out on the contract, then you have a written-in contingency that allows you to walk away. It’s important as a wholesaler to develop an extensive network of investors.


Whether you just want to sit back and watch a nest egg grow or make a quick buck, purchasing property can be a solid and rewarding investment. If you’d like more tips on rental or property investments, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Purchasing Rental Properties


Flipping Homes


Wholesaling


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/inexpensive-tips-to-add-value-to-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/inexpensive-tips-to-add-value-to-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>info@mysantacruzrealestate.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Inexpensive Tips to Add Value to Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Buying a Santa Cruz home can be a great investment. And growing that investment by making it more valuable before you sell means more money in your pocket. While a lot of projects can be expensive and time consuming, there are a few quick and easy upgrades to make your property worth more to buyers.


Update Kitchen Cabinets You don’t need to completely replace kitchen cabinets to make them appealing. Switching out the doors and drawer fronts can make them appear new. You can also add a fresh coat of paint and replace the hardware on the front of the cabinets to create a new look.


Replace the Front Door The entry point of your Santa Cruz home is the first and last thing potential buyers see. If your front door is old, outdated or looks like it has taken a beating, it may pay off to replace it with a new door. A new door will cost a few hundred dollars, but it will increase the value of your house and curb appeal.


Install New Vanities and Toilets Another key area for potential buyers is the bathroom. Installing a new water-saving toilet for a few hundred dollars can be a great investment, along with replacing old vanities and cabinets that can date your house. A new vanity can cost a couple of hundred dollars, but you may get almost double the return on your investment.


Paint Your Walls Walls with bold or outdated colors are hard for potential buyers to look past. Walls that are dirty or discolored will also discourage buyers and make the house seem less valuable. Applying a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color will make a room appear clean and inviting.


Remember, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to add value to your Santa Cruz home. A few simple upgrades and a little work can go a long way. If you have more questions about what you can do to increase the value of your property, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:Easy Upgrades


Front Door


Water Saving Toilet


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-decent-offer-on-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-decent-offer-on-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>info@mysantacruzrealestate.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How to Tell if You Have a Decent Offer on Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Selling your Santa Cruz home can be an exciting, yet frustrating process. Receiving an offer only to have it be too low or fall through can be disappointing and discouraging. While real estate contracts can vary across the country, be sure to take a hard look at the following sections before accepting an offer.  


1. Purchase Price – This is what the buyer wants to pay. Your real estate agent can help you determine whether it’s a price you can negotiate on or the offer is too low and you should disregard it.


2. Earnest Money – Buyers put a deposit of earnest money into a third-party escrow account in good faith that the transaction will go through. The general rule is, the larger the deposit, the more serious the offer.


3. Financing – Your buyers’ method of financing is important because it tells you whether they have the cash up front or if they’re relying on a bank to approve a loan. If they have the cash, then you know the offer is good.


4. Closing Costs – Double-check this number to see if the buyer has asked you to cover any of his or her costs at closing. Based on the bid, you might want to consult with your realtor to see if this is reasonable.


5. Inclusions and Exclusions – You may have written into the contract items from your Santa Cruz home that you either wish to include in the sale, such as appliances, or that you want to take with you, like a special light fixture. Read this section carefully to make sure the buyer hasn’t added any other conditions.


6. Contingencies – Be sure to review these to make sure there is nothing out of the ordinary before agreeing to the terms of the contract.


7. Closing Date – Check to make sure that the closing date is realistic. It may not work with your schedule if they want to move in within a week or if they want to hold off on closing for months.


If you’re getting ready to put your Santa Cruz home on the market and would like additional advice about what makes an appealing offer, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:Real Estate Agent


Method of Financing


Contingencies
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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