Benefits of working with a Senior Real Estate Specialist

Retired Americans grew up in a different time. Instead of today’s world of self-service, where we scan our own groceries and never know the name of our bank manager, seniors tend to prefer more personalized service from a real person. Purchasing a home is undoubtedly one of the largest transactions you will ever make, so it’s, even more, important to work with someone who is going to provide the type of service you want and make you feel comfortable and confident.

A Senior Real Estate Specialist®, or SRES®, is a realtor who specializes in real estate transactions for seniors. There are many benefits and advantages to using an SRES®. Some of the most significant features include:

They Understand the Unique Needs of Senior Clients

If we use a…

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Santa Cruz has the third-highest wellbeing in the country

Santa Cruz has been ranked as having the third-best well-being index in the country! This year’s rankings, by Gallup-Healthways, examined 189 communities across the country and ranked them based on the five elements of well-being, purpose, social, financial, community, and physical. While this is no surprise to people who live and work here, getting ranked as the third-best for well-being in the country is a great way to encourage new residents moving to Santa Cruz as well as giving current residents living in Santa Cruz something to be proud of.

Why Was Santa Cruz Ranked So Highly?

It’s no wonder that Santa Cruz was ranked so highly in this research since Santa Cruz experiences gorgeous weather and is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and…

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affordable housing for artists in Santa Cruz, CA

When you think about Santa Cruz housing, the words “low-income” often don’t cross your mind. But that’s soon to change with the amazing affordable housing options created by the Tannery Arts Center.

After the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland, where 36 artists lost their lives, communities in California and around the country are looking for better options to serve artists and low-income individuals. One of the most significant steps towards this type of sustainable and safe affordable housing is located in Santa Cruz with the Tannery Arts Center.

What is the Tannery Arts Center?

Formerly the Salz Tannery, this area, located on River Street, was once home to the thriving leather industry that Santa Cruz was built on. The tannery operated…

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how to find an investment property in an expensive market

It’s no secret that Santa Cruz is not an inexpensive market. In fact, many statistics and studies are showing that Santa Cruz is one of the most expensive markets in California. As the average price of a home in Santa Cruz edges over the $900,000 mark, it will be more common for residents in the area to seek rental units over mortgages. This provides a great opportunity for those looking for an investment property.

Here are some tips and tricks to find an exceptional investment property in an expensive market like Santa Cruz:

Be on the Lookout for Sales and Deals

In order to find a great property at a reasonable price, you’ll need to have your finger on the pulse of the real estate market in your area. This means working with a seasoned real…

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Kitchen Trends to watch for in 2017

Renovating your kitchen is a great way to improve your life and add value to your home. Typically, kitchen trends change more quickly than other rooms in the home, so it’s easy to become a little overwhelmed when it comes to planning your kitchen remodel.

You might be asking yourself, which trends are worth investing in and which should be left behind? Here’s our guide to 7 of the biggest kitchen trends to watch for in 2017:

1. Function Over Form

Many hardware and cabinet designers are streamlining their products, creating hydraulic cabinets and drawers with damping. This modern take on cabinets and drawers allows homeowners to open and close their drawers with the push of a button. These futuristic features are great for maximizing space in…

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For recent retirees or empty nesters, the idea of downsizing may seem as exciting as it is daunting. For starters, you will have less to maintain and clean, giving you more time to enjoy your retirement and relax. Additionally, downsizing often means moving to a more modern home, which also results in reduced energy bills and fewer repairs over the years. For retirees on a fixed income, this is vital.

One of the negative aspects of downsizing is the stress involved. For many homeowners, they have lived in their family homes for decades, so going through everything for a move can be overwhelming and unpleasant.

If you’re wondering how to downsize into a smaller home, here are some of our best tips and tricks that will give you more confidence…

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For professionals in real estate, one of the most exciting moments of the year might be when Realtor.com publishes its annual National Housing Forecast. This crystal ball looks at a number of important economic indicators to make predictions about what buyers and sellers can expect in the coming year. Though the 2017 forecast notes that national market growth may be slowing compared to previous years, there's also a lot that savvy sellers can learn from about housing trends in Santa Cruz.

More Millennials?

According to the forecast, shifting demographics will play a huge role in shaping the real estate market in the U.S. over the next decade. In particular, millennials—a generation of first-time homebuyers—are expected to make up 33% of the…

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After years in the workforce, it’s finally time to step into retirement and enjoy life. Retiring is an exciting life transition. As you finally begin to properly relax, there are many decisions to be made on how to enjoy these golden years. Once the kids have gone their ways and the home becomes more than what they need, many retirees choose to relocate or move to a new home better suited for retired individuals.

While shopping for a retirement house or condo, there are many things you need to consider. Of course, there are the logistical considerations such as the price and mortgage, but there are also other choices that will have a direct impact on you'll enjoy your retirement.

Here are several things to look for in a retirement home:

…

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West Santa Cruz home for sale

This beautiful home in West Santa Cruz is one of the best hidden gems in the market right now. Tucked away on the hillside just off Western Drive, 191 Cypress Park offers a beautiful views with convenience access to UC Santa Cruz and the Cabrillo Highway.

About 191 Cypress Park


This exceptional two-story home offers a Traditional and Craftsman design with a modest floorplan and refined interior features. The three bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home was originally built in 1998 but has since had several upgrades to keep it fresh and modern, including granite countertops, maple cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, and hardwood floors. The kitchen also includes a gas range, breakfast bar, and a small patio with sliding glass door, which is…

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If you’re thinking about buying a townhome in the coming months, then we have exciting news for you! A new townhome community has just been announced in Scotts Valley, which will bring 20 beautiful new condos to Lundy Lane near Hocus Pocus Park. The project was originally planned for 2011, however the economic decline had investors worried about its success. Now, with a thriving economy and bustling real estate market, the original developer is excited to make this long-time vision a reality, and it couldn’t come soon enough.

Santa Cruz developer, Brooks Properties, who recently completed De Laveaga Park in Santa Cruz, is spearheading the project in collaboration with Bill Kempf, a local architect who also designed the Pinnacle View townhome…

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