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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-you-must-disclose-when-selling-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-you-must-disclose-when-selling-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>What You Must Disclose When Selling Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
According to the National Association of REALTORS®' recently released 2011 Legal Scan: Legal Issues Facing Real-Estate Professionals, nondisclosure of a property's problems is becoming a bigger issue. That could result in more lawsuits against sellers who have not provided full disclosure of problems with their property.


As a seller, you must disclose anything that might impact the value of your Santa Cruz home. That includes something as small as a toilet that doesn’t flush properly to something as big as an unstable foundation.  Anyone selling a Santa Cruz home, even in “as-is” condition, must obey disclosure laws.


Here are six things you, as the seller, must reveal:


1. Termites.  If your Santa Cruz home has or had a problem with termites, it must be disclosed to the buyer.


2. Lead.  If your home was built before 1978, you must comply with the federal law requiring disclosure of all known lead-based paint and hazards in or around the house.  Buyers must receive a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency’s pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home, and they must be allowed a ten-day window to test the house for lead.  If this process is not followed, the buyer can sue for triple the amount of damages suffered.


3. Water damage or mold.  If there was mold caused by a leaky roof, flooded basement or dampness, these water issues must be disclosed.  Water damage is one of the biggest causes of disclosure-related lawsuits.


4. Repairs.  Any repairs made to the property must be disclosed on the seller’s disclosure statement, even if the problem has been resolved.  This includes repairs disclosed by previous owners. In many cases, potential home buyers are relieved to know that things have been repaired and are no longer a problem.


5. Infamous history.  A home’s notorious or criminal past must be disclosed.


6. Natural hazards.  Some states require sellers to disclose any risk of natural disasters such as being in a flood plain or earthquake zone, in addition to susceptibility to wildfires. 


Historical or special zoning should also be disclosed as it limits what the buyer may be able to do with or to the property.


If you’re unsure as to whether you should disclose something, disclose it. If you have even the smallest question about whether to disclose something to potential buyers, avoid the potential for liability and tell all.


If you’re considering selling your Santa Cruz home, I can help you determine what needs to be disclosed. Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 if you’d like a more detailed description of any of this information, or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to request additional information.


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

Links:


Full Disclosure


Disclosure Laws


Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 03 Jun 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-happens-after-youve-signed-a-contract-to-buy-a-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-happens-after-youve-signed-a-contract-to-buy-a-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>What Happens After You’ve Signed a Contract to Buy a Santa Cruz Home?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You’ve found the Santa Cruz home you want to live in, you and the seller have come to terms, and you now have a signed contract. What happens next?


Here’s an overview of the things you need to do after you and the seller have signed the real estate contract:


1. Get answers to your questions: If you have any questions, now is the time to ask them. Sit down with your team of real estate professionals, including your agent, home inspector, and lender to get answers to all your questions. Keep asking questions until you completely understand every step of the process and all the paperwork.


2. Dive into the disclosure: Carefully review the disclosure documents to be sure you're aware of any past or present problems.


3. Finalize your mortgage: You’ve already been pre-approved. Now’s the time to make a final decision on the type of loan you want and lock-in the interest rate you’ll pay.


4. Find out the results of the home appraisal: As the buyer of the Santa Cruz home, you are entitled by federal law to a copy of the appraisal you paid for. Look over the appraisal and notify the lender of any errors that could have affected the appraiser's opinion of the home's value.


5. Have the property professionally inspected: It’s important that you attend the property inspection. It gives you the opportunity to see for yourself what the home inspector discovers. Also ask the inspector to show you where the major systems of the home are located and how they work.  Bring the list of disclosures so you can share them with the inspector to be sure those problems have been taken care of.


6. Attend the closing: The closing is the last step in the legal process of transferring ownership of the home from the seller to you.


7. Celebrate! All your hard work has paid off, and you can now enjoy your new Santa Cruz home.


Would you like to work with a real estate agent who’ll be by your side every step of the way through this process? I’d be honored to be that real estate agent. Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to set up a time to talk.


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

Links:


Disclosure


Home appraisal


Finalize your mortgage


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-a-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent-has-that-you-dont.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-a-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent-has-that-you-dont.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>What a Santa Cruz Real Estate Agent Has That You Don’t</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Selling a home is stressful enough without having to worry about developing marketing strategies, showing the house and dealing with contracts. That’s where a Santa Cruz real estate agent can help.


Whether they’re helping you buy or sell property, Santa Cruz real estate agents have extensive experience and training that makes it easier to find the buyer or house that meets your standards. Using the multitude of tools at their fingertips, real estate professionals reach out to more potential buyers, have access to listing databases and can easily determine a good offer from a bad one.


Without an agent, you could be missing out on many of the following tools, resources and expertise he or she has to offer:


• Valuable Experience – From staging a home to evaluating its list price, agents have ridden the economic tides. They know what buyers are looking for and how much they’re willing to spend.


• Knowledge of Contracts – Seasoned professionals can walk you through every part of the paperwork process and answer questions you have along the way. They’re there to ensure your contracts are completely correct, negotiate offers as they come in and catch any questionable clauses that might be slipped into the proposal. Without a trained eye, you could miss something that turns out to be a major deal breaker.


• Advice and Referrals – Having been through this process often and worked with many professionals in the industry, local agents can provide you with advice and references for the best home inspectors and contractors in the area. It’s good to get the inside scoop to ensure that you put your home in the hands of professionals.


• MLS – Real estate agents can list homes on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is a national database that is used to promote homes for sale. Having your home listed in this database connects you to agents all over the country and widens your net to help catch the right buyer.


Don’t struggle through the home selling or buying process without a Santa Cruz real estate agent. Please call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information on how I can help you achieve your real estate goals.


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

Links:


Staging


Negotiate offers


MLS
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-every-santa-cruz-home-buyer-should-know.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-every-santa-cruz-home-buyer-should-know.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Tips Every Santa Cruz Home Buyer Should Know</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As home buying picks up pace with spring in full bloom, here are a few tips every Santa Cruz home buyer should keep in mind:


1. Plan to stay in the property more than 5 years.  Typically, home values appreciate 7% per year; that number has been 2% to 5% recently, so it will take longer to break even and begin making a profit or building equity in your home.


2. Do the math.  First, figure out what price range you can afford.  Then, calculate how much income is left after paying the mortgage, taxes and insurance.  Use an online affordability calculator to make this easier.


3. Explore the neighborhood.  At various times of the day and night, visit the neighborhood of a Santa Cruz home you are interested in.  Find out if it’s an area in which you’ll enjoy living.  How are the schools, the traffic, the noise and the neighbors?


4. Find the right agent.  Interview at least three agents.  Make sure they’re experienced, knowledgeable and professional and that your communication styles mesh.  They will be overseeing the most expensive decision of your life, so take the time to find the best person for the job. 


5. Shop for your mortgage.  Shaving even half of a percentage point off your mortgage rate can save you thousands of dollars.


6. Get pre-approved. Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage. You’ll save yourself the grief of looking at houses you can't afford. Being pre-approved will also improve your chances of getting the sellers to say yes to your offer. Not to be confused with pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history.


7. Hire a home inspector. Have the property checked out by a professional home inspector. Even if you and your agent carefully look over the home, there can be hidden problems only a home inspector can find.


If you’re looking for a real estate agent to help you buy a Santa Cruz home, I’d be honored to be considered for the job. Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to schedule a time to interview me.


For additional information about my real estate services, please visit my homepage at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Online affordability calculator


Shop for your mortgage


Pre-approved for a mortgage
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 28 May 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/ten-repairs-you-must-do-before-putting-your-santa-cruz-home-up-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/ten-repairs-you-must-do-before-putting-your-santa-cruz-home-up-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Ten Repairs You Must Do Before Putting Your Santa Cruz Home Up for Sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you’re getting ready to put your Santa Cruz home up for sale, it’s time to make all those repairs that have been simmering on the back burner.  When buyers come looking, they want things in tip-top shape, otherwise they think you have not been taking care of the property.


Here are your ten must-do repairs before putting your Santa Cruz home up for sale:


1. Repair the roof.  Maintaining a sound roof literally tops the list of crucial home repairs. Replace missing shingles and fix damaged shingles.2. Clean, clear and caulk gutters.  When the weather is dry, get on a ladder and clean out all the leaves and debris from the gutters.  Check their condition, repair any loose sections and caulk around the end caps.3. Fix sagging screen doors and other front-of-the-home problems.  This is what a buyer sees first, therefore, these are must-do repairs.  Approach your home as a potential buyer and see it through his or her eyes. Fix everything that looks shabby.4. Patch nail holes.  Walk through all the rooms, and fill in all nail holes with lightweight putty.  Wait for it to dry, and then paint the walls.5. Eliminate odors.  The last things buyers want to smell are mold, a cat box and smoke in the house.  Using scented candles and plug-in room fresheners just smells of cover-up.  Deep clean bathrooms with bleach.  Wash walls with ammonia-type cleaners.  Paint with a Kilz primer to seal cigarette smoke in and on walls.  Then cover with a fresh coat of paint.6. Repair or replace damaged flooring.  If you have vinyl flooring, check for holes, tears and discoloring.  Get a professional to replace flooring if necessary. 7. Reseal the toilet.  If the toilet rocks when you sit down on it, the seal needs to be replaced.  You do not have to call in a professional to do this; just make sure you have a friend handy who can help you lift it.  8. Stop faucet drips.  Dripping faucets are easy to repair.  Turn off the water under the sink. (While under there, look for any moisture problems.)  Dismantle the hot and cold handles, take them to the hardware store and buy new parts.  Reassemble at home and turn the water back on.9. Renew dinged baseboards.  Clean them to remove scrapes and smudges from pets and children’s toys.  Fill in dents, sand smooth and repaint.10. Fill in cabinet scratches.  Old English scratch cover or a scratch stick work wonders here.


If you’re ready to put your Santa Cruz home up for sale, I can help. Give me a call today 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:


Repair damaged shingles


Reseal the toilet


Dismantle the hot and cold handles
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 26 May 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/shop-like-a-pro-at-santa-cruz-real-estate-open-houses.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/shop-like-a-pro-at-santa-cruz-real-estate-open-houses.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Shop like a Pro at Santa Cruz Real Estate Open Houses</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You can just have fun visiting open houses when you’re not ready to buy Santa Cruz real estate.  But get serious and shop like a pro when the time is right for you to buy.


Here are tips that’ll have you shopping like a real estate pro at the next open house you attend:




Preview the Santa Cruz real estate online: Don’t waste your time attending open houses for properties that don’t meet your minimum requirements.


Remove the emotion: Professional real estate investorsand agents don’t allow emotions or gut feelings to determine which propertythey should buy. Instead, focus on the facts and figures.


Dig deep: Don’t fall for the fresh coat of paint and new carpeting. Peel back those layers to see what condition the homeis in. Open under-sink cabinets and flush toilets.  You’ll discover any obvious plumbing problems or water damage, and get some insight into how well the sellers have cared for the home.


Rely on your senses. Do you smell cigarette smoke or pet odors? Can you hear traffic noise inside the home with all the windows and doors shut? Does the woodwork and wall around the window feel damp?


Talk with the neighbors. Take a walk around the neighborhood and ask the neighbors what they like and dislike about living in the area. Look to see how well the neighbors keep up their homes and yards.


Observe the amenities: If there’s a pool, park or other play areas, check them out. Maintenance of these spaces can give you clues to how well the homeowner’s association functions.


Keep an eye on what you see before entering. Are there any missing, curling or buckling roof shingles?  Is the exterior paint peeling? Is there an extensive garden you’d have to maintain?




If you’re ready to buy Santa Cruz real estate, let me help you find a home that fits your needs and get it at a great price. Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to get started.


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

Links:


Water damage


Homeowner’s association


Buckling roof shingles


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/seven-tips-for-a-painless-closing-on-your-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/seven-tips-for-a-painless-closing-on-your-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Seven Tips for a Painless Closing on Your Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The closing is the final step in purchasing your Santa Cruz real estate. The closing date is set during the negotiation phase and is usually several weeks after the offer is formally accepted. During the closing, the buyer and seller complete the purchase contract and ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer.


Before the closing can occur, all terms of the purchase contract must be met. As you can imagine, problems can come up which delay the closing.  Here are seven tips to ensure a smooth and problem-free closing on your Santa Cruz real estate:


1. Communicate. Talk with all parties involved in the deal, from your agent to your lender, and discuss what to expect.  Get in touch with each of them to make sure they have everything they need from you for a hassle-free closing.


2. Do a final walk-through. Before you close, it’s critical to do a final walk-through to check that all repairs agreed upon were actually done. You also want to ensure that everything is in the state that you expect it to be in.


3. Anticipate errors in the paperwork.  There could be missing documents, typos and mistakes in the paperwork.  Before closing day, review all documents thoroughly to catch and fix mistakes.


4. Make sure the money is there.  Talk with your real estate agent to be sure that you will have the money you need, in the right form, at closing.


5. Ask your agent to attend the closing.  You want your trusted agent there to explain to you the purpose of each form you are signing, answer any questions you have and guide you through the process.


6. Expect the unexpected.  Read all documents before signing them.  Any corrections will have to be made before the closing can continue.


7. Plan to take the day off.  You do not want to be late to the closing or be worried about having to go back to work. Spend the rest of the day celebrating!


If you’re ready to work with a professional Santa Cruz real estate agent who will guide you step-by-step through the home-buying process, please contact me.  You can reach me at 831.662.6522 or Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


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

Links:


Final walk-through


Closing


Home-buying process


 


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/fix-up-your-loved-ones-santa-cruz-home-for-sale-this-mothers-day.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/fix-up-your-loved-ones-santa-cruz-home-for-sale-this-mothers-day.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Fix Up Your Loved-One’s Santa Cruz Home for Sale this Mother’s Day</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whether it’s your mother’s, mother-in-law’s or grandmother’s Santa Cruz home for sale that needs work, make the effort this Mother’s Day to give her your time and make a few quick improvements. Fixing up a Santa Cruz home for sale can be overwhelming, especially if costly repairs are needed.


To give you some ideas, here are six fast and inexpensive improvements that will have your loved-one’s Santa Cruz home for sale looking better and selling faster:


1. Neutralize the rooms. Your father might take pride in his fly-fishing-inspired man cave, but potential buyers may not love it. Pack away as much of the fishing memorabilia as dad will allow, and brighten the room by painting it a neutral color.


2. Add lighting. Modern track lighting can help brighten a space and is relatively cheap and easy to install. Even a few inexpensive floor lamps can dramatically improve the look of an otherwise dark or dreary room.


3. Hang art. If your mother’s house has nothing but blank walls, consider buying some cheery and inexpensive art. A few pieces can help a space feel homier and make buyers feel more comfortable.


4. Give the kitchen a facelift. You don’t have to completely renovate to get buyers to see a kitchen as an attractive feature instead of a potential project. Just, replace the most worn-out appliances, paint the cabinets or invest in better countertops.


5. Improve curb appeal. Hard work and a little bit of money can really improve a property’s curb appeal. Plant bright flowers, trim the hedges and add new mulch. A weekend of work can make a huge difference — and your mother will love you for it.


6. Pay attention to bathrooms. Even one really appealing bathroom can help sell a house. Add flowers, paint the walls, or if you can afford it, re-tile. Bathrooms are small but important spaces!


Give the best gift this Mother’s Day — time, labor and motivation — to get her Santa Cruz home for sale sold quickly!


If you would like additional suggestions for home improvement projects that help a home sell faster or for more money, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


For additional information, please visit my homepage at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Neutral color


Paint the cabinets


Improve a property’s curb appeal


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 20 May 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-market-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale-by-owner-online.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-market-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale-by-owner-online.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How to Market Your Santa Cruz Home for Sale by Owner Online</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
These days, over 80% of all home buyers begin their search for homes online. So it’s crucial to market your Santa Cruz home for sale by owner online to reach as many potential buyers as possible.


An Internet listing of your home gives buyers 24/7 access to your home. Unfortunately, a poorly executed Internet listing can hurt rather than help your home sell.  Here are six tips to effectively market your Santa Cruz home for sale by owner (FSBO) online:


1. Upload the best possible pictures.  Make sure you use a good digital camera.  Cell phone cameras will not work for this purpose.  You want great quality pictures for potential buyers to see all the glory of your home.


2. Include photos of your home’s best features. Whether it’s a great view, the best lawn, a 2-story stone fireplace or a kitchen fit for a gourmet chef, make sure you show its best assets.


3. Provide information that buyers want to know.  They want to know everything. Information on the neighborhood, school system, and proximity to shopping will all entice a buyer to view your Santa Cruz home for sale by owner. Buyers also want to know the details about the home itself:  number of bedrooms and bathrooms, room and lot size, style of home, sales price, description of HVAC, amenities and upgrades.


4. Create a virtual tour of your home.  A picture is worth a thousand words, but a video or virtual tour is even better.  It allows potential buyers to see everything without having to set foot inside your home. Best of all, it can make them want to see more.


5. Print out flyers from your online listing.  Include all the necessary information and pictures. Put the flyers in a box in your front yard for people driving or walking by. Leave them in a prominent spot in your home, such as a kitchen counter or entry table, for potential buyers who visit your home.


6. Promote your home on multiple real estate sites:  List your home on as many real estate sites as possible. Here are a few of the top sites: Zillow.com, Craigslist, Google Base, Bargain Network and Kijiji (which is a classified site from eBay).


When you’re ready to turn all this work over to a real estate agent, I’ll implement my comprehensive plan to market your home both online and offline.  Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to get started.


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

Links:


Internet listing


Virtual tour


Kijiji
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-get-the-best-from-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-get-the-best-from-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How to Get the Best from Your Santa Cruz Real Estate Agent</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You’ve decided it’s time to buy a new home, and you’re ready to hire a Santa Cruz real estate agent to help you through the process. Wise decision!


The agent you hire wants to provide the very best service for you.  Here are several things you can do to help your Santa Cruz real estate agent do the best work for you:


1. Share your expectations. Exactly what do you want your real estate agent to do for you? Do you want him or her to provide an update to you weekly? What’s your preferred method of communicating – phone, email or text?


2. Get pre-approved for a loan. When you’re pre-approved, you have a better chance of getting that perfect home you find because sellers prefer to work with buyers who have been pre-approved for a mortgage. You’ll also know the price range of the home you can afford to buy.


3. Be clear about what you want. Prioritize a list of exactly what you’re looking for in a home and give that to your Santa Cruz real estate agent. Be sure to include as many details as possible, including the price range (which you know since you’ve gotten pre-approved for a loan), the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, the type of neighborhood you prefer to live in and the style of home you want.


4. Be honest and frank. If you have concerns about a home you’ve looked at, speak up. Share exactly what it was you liked and disliked about the home. If the agent is not living up to your expectations, tell him or her. Treat your agent the way you’d like to be treated and your relationship will flourish.


5. Go at your own pace. If you get tired or overwhelmed when you look at more than three homes in one day, tell your agent that you want to limit the number of homes to three per outing.


6. Be prepared to negotiate. Your agent will handle the contract negotiations for you, but you must be open to compromise. When you find a home you love, don’t lose it because you’re unwilling to negotiate. Place an offer and then counter-offer as many times as needed in order to get the home you want.


7. Remember that you have the final word. The agent can and will make suggestions, but the final decision is yours. When you find the home that fits your needs, be ready to say, “Yes, this is the one.”


Just like any other relationship, the client-agent relationship takes work. If you both do your part, you’ll be more relaxed, make better decisions and achieve your real estate goals.


If you are ready to find the right Santa Cruz real estate agent for your needs, please give me the opportunity to interview for the job. Call me today at 831.662.6522, or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to schedule an appointment.


For additional information visit my homepage at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Preapproved for a loan


Style of home


Be prepared to negotiate


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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