Real estate investments are still going strong and will probably continue to be a popular method of financial gain into the future. Real estate is solid. It is a tangible product that is attractive to both beginning investors and experienced pros. The most important part of getting started in Santa Cruz real estate investing is knowing what you're getting into and what to watch out for.

Here are 4 top tips from real estate investment professionals:

Understand the Realities

Real estate investment, like any form of investment, is risky. Do not use money you cannot afford to lose. Careful study, understanding the market, and practice help alleviate a lot of the risks but things happen in the best of situations so don’t play with what you can't afford to…

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What is home staging and how will it help you sell your home?  Staging Santa Cruz homes for sale is, quite literally, setting the stage for buyers.  You want the home to look good, you want it to have the right atmosphere to attract buyers, and you want the first impression to blow them away.

Staging a home can mean sprucing up the paint job, eliminating clutter, moving furniture around – practically anything that makes your home look better to the buyer is staging.  Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a home staging professional, it can, and will, help you sell your home. 

Here are a few pointers on how to stage your home and how each suggestion can help sell your home faster or for more money:

1. Style – Although the decorating styles of…

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Thanks to President Obama’s ambitious plan to improve the housing market, being on the list of foreclosures in Santa Cruz doesn’t necessarily mean that foreclosure is inevitable.  You have options, and the President’s loan modification program makes keeping your home even more possible. 

Overview of the Plan

The President’s plan to reduce foreclosures in Santa Cruz is based on the thought that struggling homeowners wouldn’t sell their houses if they could only make the monthly payments.  Due to this belief, participating lenders are required to reduce monthly payments for homeowners who qualify until they’re no more than 38% of the homeowner’s monthly gross income.  After that, the government lends a helping hand.  Between the lender and the…

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If you’re looking to get a good deal by buying one of the Santa Cruz foreclosures, keep in mind that many of the homeowners not only didn’t have money for the mortgage, they probably didn’t have money for the upkeep of the house either.  If you’ve found a home you’re interested in, here’s a short checklist to follow even before you decide to contact a home inspector.

Structure

For some Santa Cruz foreclosures, structure is a definite issue.  Pay close attention to the following, as they may indicate more severe problems:

• Are the interior walls in good condition?  Any cracks and stains?
• Are the floors in good condition?  What are they made of?  Some floors are made of substandard materials, unsafe for more than casual use.
• Is the roof in good repair…

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Preparing to buy Santa Cruz homes for sale can cause much excitement. But before you start daydreaming about all the possibilities, you need to concentrate on ways to save for a down payment.

First, pay off debt

One of the best ways to save for a house is to get out of debt first. From credit cards to personal loans, if you're still sending more of your money out of the house than you're keeping in, you need to make a point to significantly cut debt.

Get an extra job

Although not glamorous, another job will put money in your pocket to help you buy Santa Cruz homes for sale. Just make sure when you see the fruit of your labor, you set it aside as a down payment for your new home.

Hold a garage sale

Got clothes you're not wearing? What about that CD…

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Selling a home requires preparation. While there are many things to consider, one of the first things you should do is to ensure that your home makes a great first impression. That's why it's important to de-clutter in an effort to prepare your Santa Cruz home for sale.

1.  Start with the kitchen
Potential buyers will open drawers and cabinets.  So, be sure to de-clutter your pantry, cupboards and drawers. Throw away trash and unsightly items.  Organize things such as pots, dishes and utensils for a fresh, tidy appearance. 

2.  Organize your closet
We've all been there. You have company coming over and the quickest way to clean up is to throw everything in a closet. While this may be okay if you're having a visit from friends, it's not okay if you're…

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From household cleaning supplies to clothing, everything is going green. The same goes for the real estate market. Many potential home buyers want eco-friendly Santa Cruz real estate. Before you simply buy a home that's touted as green, consider these few tips for finding a truly green home.

1.  Work with an expert
It may be difficult for you to figure out what criteria designate a green home. That's why it's important to seek out a green real estate professional whose main focus is to help you sort through fact from fiction in the green housing industry.

2.  Buy in an eco-friendly neighborhood
Purchasing green Santa Cruz real estate doesn't necessarily mean the location will be environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, buyers may not factor in this…

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There are several important criteria to consider when buying Santa Cruz real estate for investment. Some of the items will vary depending on the reason you are buying and the type of investment you are looking to make.

Long term investments such as rental properties can take longer to pay off but the income is consistent.  Short term investments such as buying for quick flips may pay off larger but can be a less regular form of income.

When buying a home for either long or short term real estate investments, it is very important to know exactly what your costs will be compared to potential income. That should be your primary deciding factor when buying investment properties.

Short Term Santa Cruz Real Estate Investments

When you are looking at…

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Selling your property, whether it is a primary home or income property, is easier if you have the information your buyers are likely to want to know on hand. Type up an info sheet answering the most commonly asked questions buyers have when looking at Santa Cruz real estate for sale such as:

• How old is the roof?

• What comes with the property?  Window treatments? Do all of the appliances come with the property?

• How old are the appliances?

• Does the basement leak?

• Where are the hot water heater, the electrical service panel, and other important maintenance items located? Are they easy to access?

• Are you open to owner financing?

• What is the age and condition of the plumbing and wiring?

• Are there schools nearby?

• What is the average…

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Choosing a Santa Cruz real estate agent is a lot like finding the perfect mate: there are plenty out there but just because they are available doesn't mean a relationship will work. There are plenty of real estate agents out there to help you purchase Santa Cruz real estate, and like the old saying about relationships says, there's someone for everyone.

Simply walking in off the street and signing a contract with the first REALTOR® you meet is a pretty sure way to end up in real estate divorce.  Here are some tips on how to make the relationship last.

• Get referrals: Although contacting past clients isn't exactly as good as talking to girlfriends about the guys they've dated, it is a good way to find out if others have been satisfied with the way a…

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