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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2012-could-be-your-year-to-buy-a-second-home-in-santa-cruz.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2012-could-be-your-year-to-buy-a-second-home-in-santa-cruz.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>2012 Could Be Your Year to Buy a Second Home in Santa Cruz</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you've ever dreamed of purchasing investment property, owning a vacation home or buying a home in Santa Cruz for a family member, this could be the year to check that off your bucket list.  With record low interest rates and decreased prices, it is a buyer’s market, particularly in the second-home market. 


Before you sign on the dotted line of another mortgage, be it for a beach condo in Florida or a home in Santa Cruz that you plan to rent, be sure to:


• Check your credit. The same rules apply for a getting a mortgage on a second home as on a first.  Good credit means better loan terms.


• Save for a down payment. The more money you can put down, the lower your mortgage.  If you put 20% down, you can save money by avoiding Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) requirements


• Check your budget.  It may be cheaper to rent that ski villa or palm tree paradise for a month than pay a mortgage year round. Consider what you really want in a second home, and what you are willing to pay for that. 


• Check your time.  Choose a second home carefully and make sure that you will really use it, or can rent it when you are not using it. There is no sense paying for a second home that remains shuttered and locked. 


Once you consider the basics of your situation, you can begin looking for a second home with the confidence that you can afford the time and expense it requires.  Your second home could be just around the corner – or palm tree.


If buying a second home in Santa Cruz is on your bucket list, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


For additional information please visit www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Good credit


Private Mortgage Insurance


Ski villa


 
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            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/brush-up-on-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent-acronyms-before-buying-or-selling.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/brush-up-on-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent-acronyms-before-buying-or-selling.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Brush Up on Santa Cruz Real Estate Agent Acronyms before Buying or Selling</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, finding the perfect Santa Cruz real estate agent can be tough. The process is often overwhelming and you want to ensure that you have the right person by your side — someone who’s trustworthy, hard-working and knows what they’re doing!


That is why it’s extremely important to do your research thoroughly when it comes to Santa Cruz real estate agents. You need to interview several agents, follow through on referrals and ensure they have the proper credentials.


All the acronyms after agents’ names can be confusing, so here are a few that describe specializations you might need:


• SRES – This stands for Senior Real Estate Specialist. The SRES designation is for agents who work with buyers and sellers over the age of 55. If you’re over the age of 55 or are helping your parents who are over the age of 55 buy or sell, you may want to find an agent with an SRES designation.


• NAR’s Green Designation – This designation means the agent has had training in green building qualifications and sustainable business practices. Look for an agent with these acronyms if green living is on your home checklist.


• SFR -- This acronym stands for Short Sale &amp; Foreclosure Resource – As the certification indicates, these are agents who specialize in short sales and foreclosures. With the economy forcing many homeowners into one of these categories, it could be valuable to have an expert with this designation to help you successfully navigate the tricky processes.


Just because agents have an acronym or two or three after their names doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right fit for you. However, the designations can give you some clues as to their level of knowledge and areas in which they specialize.


If you have more questions about real estate acronyms and designations or are looking for a qualified, professional Santa Cruz real estate agent, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


For additional information please visit www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Interview several agents


Green building


Home checklist


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/avoid-mortgage-application-rejection-on-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-purchase.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/avoid-mortgage-application-rejection-on-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-purchase.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Avoid Mortgage Application Rejection on Your Santa Cruz Real Estate Purchase</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The mortgage application process can be confusing -- so you only want to have to go through it once when buying Santa Cruz real estate.  Keep these tips in mind as you complete the application process to make sure you get the answer you want: Approved!


• Make Sure Your Credit is Clear: If there are any lingering issues on your credit report, get them resolved prior to application and get your credit in high standing for the best loan rates. 


• Lower Your Debt: If you meet the income requirements, but have substantial debts elsewhere – car payments, student loans, credit card debt – your application may be denied.  Budget, save up and pay off as much as you can. 


• Have the Required Income: With the tightening of regulations, any wiggle room you may have had before is gone. You must meet the income requirements for the loan.  Remember that not all income may be counted toward your loan – rental property income, for instance, is often excluded.   


• Negotiate the Repair of Any Condition Issues with the Seller: Lenders are leery of extending loans on any Santa Cruz real estate that could later be deemed distressed.  Issues exposed during the appraisal process should be addressed for loan purposes, as well as for your own comfort and safety.


• Follow the Instructions: The stacks of paperwork documenting your application are a nuisance, yes, but they are required.  Do the work and make sure your application is complete.


Put these tips into action and your application is more likely to be approved.


If you’re ready to buy Santa Cruz real estate, I can help. Whether you need help finding a reputable lender or a home to buy, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


For additional information please visit www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Credit


Student loans


Budget


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:20:45 -0800</pubDate>
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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/resolution-for-2012-buy-a-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/resolution-for-2012-buy-a-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Resolution for 2012: Buy a Santa Cruz Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As the new year starts, pursuing your dream of buying a Santa Cruz home may be on your list of resolutions. Prices and interest rates are extremely low, which means 2012 could be the perfect year to buy a home. As exciting as that is, I bet it can also feel a little overwhelming.


One of the best ways to attack a big goal is to break it down into smaller goals. So here are four smaller goals you can tackle to accomplish your larger goal of buying a home:


1) Prepare for battle: Before you begin looking for a house, look at your financial situation. Do what you can to clean up any credit blemishes, pay off debt and save toward a down payment.


2) Check your qualifications: There's no sense looking at million dollar mansions if that's not in your budget. Talk to a mortgage professional, or preferably several, to get an idea of what loan amount is available to you. Get preapproved for your mortgage so that you're ready to make an offer when you locate your perfect Santa Cruz home.


3) Build your army: Finding a real estate agent that you click with can make all the difference in navigating the home buying process successfully. He or she can save you tons of time by pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of neighborhoods and homes so that you only look at places that truly fit your needs.


4) Define your perfect space: It's worth spending some time considering which characteristics of a home are most important to you. Think about the neighborhood, school system, and commute times, along with basics like number of bedrooms and square footage.


Once you have a clear understanding of your financial situation, know what you're looking for, and have the help you need to find the perfect Santa Cruz home, you will be amazed at how much more prepared you feel to take the next steps in the process.


If you want to discuss more details on the home buying process, contact me today at 831.662.6522 or Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


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

Links:


Break it down into smaller goals


Credit blemishes


Preapproved for your mortgage
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <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


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <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


 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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