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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2009-05/</link>
        <description>Lifestyle, community, day trips, restaurants, real estate, home improvements, and more. Discover what makes Santa Cruz County such a great place to live. Presented by My Santa Cruz Real Estate.</description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-can-homeowners-remove-from-santa-cruz-real-estate-in-foreclosure.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-can-homeowners-remove-from-santa-cruz-real-estate-in-foreclosure.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>What Can Homeowners Remove From Santa Cruz Real Estate In Foreclosure?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Santa Cruz real estate in foreclosure is sometimes found stripped of all appliances and fixtures after the trustee’s sale.  Some property owners believe they have the right to remove everything but the walls of the house when they leave.  The law states that anything that is not personal property, that is in fact an asset of the property, may not be removed.  

Homeowners in foreclosure may be prosecuted for removing the following items:

• Most appliances that are on the property.  This includes the stove, dishwasher and garbage disposal.

• The air conditioning unit and the furnace must stay on the property.

• Ceiling fans, light fixtures, and any electrical wiring.

• The plumbing and all the fixtures must stay in place.  The sink, shower, toilets, and the cabinets may not be removed from the premises.

• Landscaping and fencing may not be removed before foreclosure.  Built in pools and hot tubs must also stay on the property.  

Homeowners are allowed to remove any personal property from Santa Cruz real estate in foreclosure.  In fact, in most cases they are required to remove any objects they brought into the house when they moved in.  This includes the furniture and clothing they own.  They are allowed to take dishes, pans and silverware as well as electronics like computers or stereo equipment.  The new electronic thermostat they installed has to stay because it is now a fixture of the house.

The refrigerator is the appliance that is the exception to the &quot;everything must stay&quot; rule.  Homeowners are allowed to take any portable fans and heaters that are in the house.  A good rule of thumb is if homeowners have to use dollies or screwdrivers to take things with them, they may need to double check their right to the objects. 

If you're looking to buy Santa Cruz real estate in foreclosure, I can help you find property that's in good condition.  Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

 

LINKS:

Foreclosure  

Personal property

Dolly
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2009 13:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-find-santa-cruz-foreclosures.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-find-santa-cruz-foreclosures.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How to Find Santa Cruz Foreclosures</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In today's real estate market, it's fairly easy to find Santa Cruz foreclosures, but what about finding good foreclosures in a steady market?  Whether the market is strong or soft, here are a few tips on finding foreclosed houses:

Real Estate Signs

First and foremost, drive through your neighborhood and surrounding areas.  Signs that say &quot;Foreclosure,&quot; &quot;Bank-Owned&quot; or &quot;Bank Repo&quot; let you know they're Santa Cruz foreclosures.  But your best bet, if you want to get a jump on other buyers and get the best price and terms, is to work with a professional real estate agent.

Government Agencies

Depending on the agency, you may have to have the services of a real estate agent to make a purchase offer.  The requirements are posted at each site, along with more information.  Some of these government agencies include Housing Urban Development (HUD), Fannie Mae, the Department of the Treasury (homes seized by the IRS) and the Small Business Association (SBA).

Bank Websites

Banks are an excellent place to get listings for Santa Cruz foreclosures, and several banks have those lists online.  Some of the national mortgage lenders with online listings include Countrywide, Bank of America, Chase Mortgage and U.S. Bank.

Auction Houses

Sometimes an auction house will sell as many as one hundred homes in a day.  Although they often get higher prices because of bidder frenzy, you can find some excellent deals in their inventory if you bid carefully.  These auction houses include J.P. King, Williams and Williams, Bid4Assets, United Country Auction Services and Real Estate Disposition Corporation.

Web Foreclosure Companies

Foreclosure companies on the internet charge a fee for a list of foreclosed properties.  They need to charge because it does take time and a lot of work to find and build accurate lists.  Examples of internet foreclosure companies are Foreclosure.com and Realty Trac.

Buying foreclosures can leave some extra cash in your wallet, but you have to know where to find them.  If you'd like help buying Santa Cruz foreclosures, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

 

LINKS:

Bank of America  

Foreclosure.com 

Realty Trac 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2009 12:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/buying-a-new-santa-cruz-home-read-this-first.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/buying-a-new-santa-cruz-home-read-this-first.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Buying a New Santa Cruz Home? Read This First</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whether you are new to home buying or an experienced home buyer, you should take a minute to read this information before you set out to look for your new Santa Cruz home.

Look Before You Leap

Anyone who has bought a home in the past knows how good one can look when you walk through it. Even after you close on the sale and move in, all looks good, for a while. Then you begin to notice the little things. Things you should have known to look for when viewing. Be sure to have your home thoroughly inspected by a professional home inspector.

Avoid Problems at Closing

Title company issues can put a damper on your closing and possibly cause you to be without a home.  How? Once your current home is sold and the new owners want to move in, you'll be looking for a place to live until you can get the closing issues resolved.   Or, if you're renting and your lease is up, you'll need to get out or sign for another term.  Work with a professional real estate agent who can successfully guide you through the home buying and home closing process.

Avoid First-Time Buyer Mistakes

Beyond the hidden problems of a home there are typical first time buyer mistakes to avoid when looking for your Santa Cruz home such as: 

• How to estimate the cost of fixing up an older home.

• How to negotiate a better price and terms.

• The burdens of a long commute and how to decide how far is too far.

Buying a new home is fun and exhilarating, if you do your homework first to avoid making costly mistakes.

Whether you just want a recommendation for a professional home inspector or are looking for a new Santa Cruz home, I can help.  Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com  

 

LINKS:

Professional home inspector

Home closing process

First time buyer mistakes

 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 08:23:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/stimulus-plan-brings-hope-to-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/stimulus-plan-brings-hope-to-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Stimulus Plan Brings Hope to Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The President's stimulus plan has many hoping for a ray of sunshine in a gloomy Santa Cruz real estate market. Here are a few ways the new plan can help give the market a shot in the arm:

• The stimulus plan includes a financial boost for the mortgage industry to help with new loans on housing. 

• There is a tax incentive included that will give first-time home buyers a huge tax break.

• 50 billion dollars targeted at bailing out failing mortgage institutions means there will be financial opportunities for home buyers.

Along with the stimulus plan, home sellers are getting creative in selling their homes. Making sure their properties are in excellent condition and have good curb appeal is more important than ever before.

Selling your Santa Cruz real estate is easier, faster and more profitable for you if your home is appealing as possible.

Tips to Help Home Sellers:

• Clean up the clutter. Get rid of the things you don't absolutely need. We all have much more in our homes than we actually use. If you don't want to throw it away, put it in storage until you get into your new home.

• Spruce it up. A fresh coat of paint and a good steam cleaning for the carpets goes a long way toward making your home more appealing.

• Create curb appeal.  If the exterior of your home is unattractive, buyers will drive away without looking inside.  Clean or paint your front door and trim your lawn and bushes.  Another inexpensive way to update your home's exterior is to replace old hardware such as house numbers and overhead light fixtures. 

• Price it right. Ask a professional real estate agent for his opinion on a good price for your home. There is no room for sentiment in the current housing market.

Find out other ways your Santa Cruz real estate professional can help you sell your home faster and for the most money.  Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

 

LINKS:

Stimulus plan

Create curb appeal 

Selling your Santa Cruz real estate

 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 12:13:00 -0700</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/prepare-for-your-santa-cruz-home-inspection.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/prepare-for-your-santa-cruz-home-inspection.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Prepare For Your Santa Cruz Home Inspection</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Few things can derail your plans to sell your Santa Cruz home like failing a home inspection.  Most states require that a home inspection be completed and turned over to the buyer before the contract is finalized.

To prepare for your Santa Cruz home inspection, you’ll want to thoroughly clean your home.  It’s also a good idea to examine all the appliances to make sure they're in good working condition.

What Will the Inspector Do?

You may be surprised to learn that the inspector will turn on the stove and test the dishwasher and garbage disposal.  They'll make sure the furnace and air conditioning systems work.  You’ll want to clear out the area around the furnace and hot water heater because the inspector will need a few feet of space towork in.

If you plan to leave the Santa Cruz home before selling it, be sure to leave the pilot lights lit for the inspection.  Most of the inspectors will not re-light pilot lights because of insurance regulations.  This can delay the completion of the inspection and cause the loan process to take longer.

The inspector will test the water pressure by flushing the toilets and turning on all the faucets.  This process can reveal leaks or clogs in the system.

It will be easier for the inspector if you aren’t in the house at the time.  Try to arrange to be out of the house for the inspection, and take your pets with you.  Pets can be an unnecessary distraction to the inspector.

What's Next?

Hopefully your home passed inspection with no problem.  If you get a repair request from the inspector, don’t worry.  You aren’t obligated to make the repairs unless it’s stated in the contract.  However, you run the risk of the contract being canceled if you refuse to make reasonable repairs.

If you'd like more ideas on preparing your Santa Cruz home for sale, you can find free tips on my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com

 

LINKS:

Home inspection 

Dishwasher 

Pilot lights
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 06:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-the-stimulus-plan-helps-you-buy-a-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-the-stimulus-plan-helps-you-buy-a-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How The Stimulus Plan Helps You Buy a Santa Cruz Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The new stimulus plan has given many people new hope for their housing futures. At first, many worried that the stimulus package would merely help the banks and other financial institutions and not the actual homeowner looking to buy a Santa Cruz home.  But, it has become clear that the people who really win with the new plan are those who count—prospective home buyers.

Stimulus for Banks and Buyers

The stimulus package provides huge tax rebates in 2009, and while that is a limited provision, the savings are enormous for those who get out there and buy a new Santa Cruz home. The fact that the stimulus plan includes relief for the struggling financial industry also helps buyers by making it more likely they will be able to obtain loans.  

Stimulus for Luxury Properties

The stimulus package gives the two major government mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac more power and allows for larger loans for higher priced properties. That is a big incentive if you're looking to buy in a major metropolitan area because you will now be able to get a loan secured by Fannie or Freddie.

The economic boost from the stimulus package will require a little time to really become apparent, but it is working, even now.  Slowly the market is rebounding and new home buyers are able to take advantage of loans and tax incentives while getting houses at prices that are extraordinarily low. 

If you would like more information on how the stimulus package can help you buy a new Santa Cruz home, give me a call at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

 

LINKS:

stimulus plan

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac 

How the stimulus package can help you
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2009 08:27:00 -0700</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/making-your-santa-cruz-home-more-livable.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/making-your-santa-cruz-home-more-livable.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Making Your Santa Cruz Home More Livable</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Okay, maybe you are stuck here for awhile. The housing market is stagnant and you just don't have the desire to fight with trying to sell your Santa Cruz home. As long as you are going to be staying, you may as well make the best of it. 

Taking this time to make improvements will not only make living there nicer, it will make selling it later when the market improves easier.  If it seems like an expensive endeavor, take heart.  There are tons of do-it-yourself home improvement projects that won't break your bank but will make your home nicer to be in—and worth more.

• Tiling bathroom and kitchen floors

• Changing water fixtures

• Adding a deck

• Creating a home theater

• Refinishing cabinets

Tips and Tricks

There are many websites that offer valuable home improvement tips and tricks that will make any Santa Cruz home improvement project go smoother. Remember to always:

• Plan each project carefully

• Check your zoning regulations to be sure you are in compliance

• Find out if improvements will have an impact on your insurance costs

• Stay in control.  Don't let projects overwhelm you to the point where you no longer have time to spend with your family.

Make sure you completely understand the project before starting, and know when you are in over your head. Allowing yourself to doubt your abilities to the point where you are afraid to try anything at all won't get you anywhere.  At the same time, getting carried away and attempting repairs or remodeling that are way beyond your current skill level will end in disaster. Start small and gradually work your way up to bigger and better home improvements. You will learn as you go and have fun doing it.

Santa Cruz home improvement projects can be family fun too. Keep everyone, young and old involved, and they will learn how to be creative and take pride in their home right alongside you.

If you like this tip, sign up to have more like it sent to your email inbox.  All you have to do is subscribe to this blog.  It's easy and free. 

LINKS:

Do-it-yourself home improvement projects

Home improvement tips

Better home improvements
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2009 16:12:00 -0700</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-decorate-your-santa-cruz-condo-on-a-budget.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-decorate-your-santa-cruz-condo-on-a-budget.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How to Decorate Your Santa Cruz Condo on A Budget</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you're itching to redecorate your Santa Cruz condo and your budget is tight, I'd like to share a few ideas with you on how you can make over your condo without spending a lot of money.

• Take stock of what you already have.  You can update your existing picture frames by spray-painting them all one color, and then stagger their placement on the wall.  A set of slipcovers for your current furniture will be cheaper than buying an entire sofa set, and is a quick way to redecorate your Santa Cruz condo.

• Search out garage sales and thrift stores.  It’s true that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  You’d be surprised how many times you can find a good deal on home décor accessories, artwork or furniture that’s secondhand. 

• Check outlet stores for scratch and dent items.  For things that you can't buy used, shop at an outlet store.  Some of the damage on these items may be easily repaired or disguised.  Most outlet stores have inventory that changes regularly, so don’t forget to check back often.

• Re-paint your Santa Cruz condo.  Putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls can make a world of difference in how your home looks.  Pick a neutral color to open up the rooms or a vibrant color to add personality.   Stark white rarely improves the appearance of any home.

• Be creative.  Experiment with different combinations of your furniture.  Try putting inexpensive prints from your local hobby store in garage sale frames.  For an abstract work of art, you could sprinkle potpourri inside the glass of a picture frame.  Carefully assemble the frame, securing the potpourri between both sides; the potpourri visible through the glass becomes art. 

With a little creativity and an open mind you can easily decorate your Santa Cruz condo on a budget.  

Want more tips on how to live well on a budget?  Subscribe to this blog.  You'll get free tips like this one automatically sent to your email inbox once or twice a week.  And, I promise not to share your email address with anyone, anytime for any reason.

LINKS:

Slipcovers 

Outlet stores 

Paint 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 15:17:00 -0700</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-can-obamas-housing-plan-for-santa-cruz-real-estate-help-you.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-can-obamas-housing-plan-for-santa-cruz-real-estate-help-you.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How Can Obama's Housing Plan for Santa Cruz Real Estate Help You?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The housing plan included in President Obama's stimulus package has many good qualities that will help those seeking Santa Cruz real estate. 

There are two main points to the housing plan:

1. To help people once again obtain reasonable mortgages to afford the home of their dreams.

2. To keep people in the homes they already have. If it works the way it is planned, it is reason for a collective sigh of relief for millions of homeowners feeling threatened by foreclosures.

That's really it in a nutshell. There are many incentives wrapped up in each of those two areas to help both homeowners and prospective home buyers, but the very impetus behind the stimulus housing package is simple. 

For Current Homeowners

If you have a current mortgage that you can't handle, now is the time to talk to your mortgage company. Don't wait too long because some of the detailed elements of Obama's housing plan are meant to be short-term in their offer so as not to over-tax the budget. While you have the chance, see if your mortgage can be reduced to reflect current home values. That can provide you with the equity you would have already built up but lost due to a drop in housing values.  It will also lower your monthly mortgage to a manageable level.

For New Home Buyers

This is your market now. The Santa Cruz real estate prices are much lower which gives you a chance to buy a home you might not have been able to afford before.  President Obama's housing plan provides tax incentives for you.  However, just like with current homeowners, the time to do this is now. Because of the stimulus to the Santa Cruz real estate market, housing values are not going to stay as low as they currently are. Also, many of the incentives like the tax credits are valid for a very limited time. 

If you’re ready to take advantage of the stimulus package benefits by buying a home, I can help. Call me now at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

 

LINKS: 

homeowners feeling threatened by foreclosures

stimulus housing package

tax credits
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 12:10:05 -0700</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/buying-bank-owned-santa-cruz-real-estatereos.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/buying-bank-owned-santa-cruz-real-estatereos.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Buying Bank Owned Santa Cruz Real Estate—REOs</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Buying REOs is a very popular method of buying Santa Cruz real estate for investment.  If you're just getting started accumulating investment property, this is one way you can get very good deals and amass a great deal of property quickly. 

REO stands for Real Estate Owned and is the acronym banks place on properties they have taken back from mortgage defaults. REOs are considered non-performing assets meaning they have value but are not bringing in any money—bad for the bank, good for you.

Buy REOs at Foreclosure Auctions

Foreclosure auctions are a great way to get fantastic deals that you might not be able to convince a bank to go with prior to the event. Some savvy investors try to catch properties while they are in pre-foreclosure which avoids a property being bid up in an auction atmosphere.  To do that, you often have to convince the holding bank to &quot;short sale&quot; a property and sell it for less than the note they were holding on it. At a foreclosure auction, the bank is usually desperate to unload the Santa Cruz real estate and often settles for far less than the actual value without all of the short sale paperwork.

Do Your Homework

If you choose to buy properties at auction do your homework. Use foreclosure worksheets to determine the true value of a property and what your maximum bid should be in order to realize a profit from its eventual sale or use as a rental. Doing this prevents you from getting caught up in the moment and over-bidding on a piece of Santa Cruz real estate that has a lot of competitors bidding on it.

If you would like more information on how to acquire REO properties, I can help. Contact me at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

 

LINKS:

REO 

pre-foreclosure

foreclosure worksheets
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 15:23:48 -0700</pubDate>
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