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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2010-07/</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>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/should-you-stay-in-your-santa-cruz-home-or-should-you-go.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/should-you-stay-in-your-santa-cruz-home-or-should-you-go.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Should You Stay in Your Santa Cruz Home or Should You Go?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Have you ever seen a child right after a huge chewing gum bubble pops on his face? A mess everywhere, eyes wide, mouth in an “O” – rather reminiscent of the real estate industry when its own bubble popped. Homeowners panicked and began trying to sell their Santa Cruz homes. 

As more pushed to unload the instantly unwanted “step child” of homeownership, the real estate market became glutted, resulting in lower sales prices. Two years later, some owners are still trying to sell their Santa Cruz homes, still panicking, and still worried about what the future will bring. However, you might be like some homeowners, who are indecisive about selling their homes or who realize they don’t really want to sell.

Stop.

Take a deep breath.

Quit worrying for a moment and ask yourself… Why am I selling?

There are good reasons to sell:


Your house has become hard to afford. 

You’re getting older and need to move somewhere that doesn’t take as much maintenance. 

You need to relocate for your job.


But there are a lot of not-so-good reasons to sell: 


You’ve read so much about people who have been unable to sell their homes that you became alarmed and put yours on the market “just in case” you want to sell it later. 

You’re simply tired of your home.  If that’s the case, all you actually need to do is update or redecorate your home to make it sparkle again.

You’d just like to see what you can get for your home.


It may seem strange for a real estate agent to speak against selling Santa Cruz homes. However, my first motivation is always doing what’s best for my client, including giving them the best advice I can. So, I urge you to take a moment and think about it:  do you really need to sell your home now? 

Even if your home has lost some of its value, there are many ways that your home is still very valuable:


Building credit - Home ownership is still a good way to build credit. With good credit you can borrow for other major expenses, such as a new car. 

Building equity – The average home equity for the U.S. is approximately $38,000. When you consider how much your home costs, that may not seem like much. However, when you are ready to sell, that equity will be there to put toward your next home purchase or your retirement savings.

Saving money on taxes – Owning a home offers several tax benefits.  For most Americans, the biggest benefit is deducting the annual interest paid on a mortgage.

Living well – There’s a reason why homeownership is still called the American Dream.  It simply feels good to live in a home you love.  That you can decorate any way you want.  A home that’s your very own.


Now think about why you bought your home in the first place. Do the things still exist that made you value the home enough to buy it?  If yes, maybe you should stay.

If you do need (or want) to sell your home, I can help. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links:  

Indecisive about selling their homes

Building credit 

Owning a home offers several tax benefits
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/preparing-santa-cruz-homes-for-quick-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/preparing-santa-cruz-homes-for-quick-sale.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Preparing Santa Cruz Homes for Quick Sale</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
For homeowners getting ready to put their Santa Cruz homes on the market, here are a few stunningly-easy tips to help get your home sold faster and maybe even for more money.

Keep in mind that your prospective buyers will most likely be viewing several Santa Cruz homes on the same day as your showing. The emotional elements you include will have a profound impact on their memory, and will make your home standout when they review what they’ve seen with their agents at day’s end.

Preparing your home for the perfect showing is essential and comprises three basic elements that will make your home sparkle.

Atmosphere


Soft classical music

Simmering potpourri

Bake an apple pie in the oven.  Or, if you have a bread machine, bake bread.

Well-lit rooms and inviting indirect lighting

Air conditioning or heating set at a comfortable temperature


Decorations


Garden-fresh bouquet of flowers near the entrance or on the kitchen table

Fresh neutral-colored paint and cleaned or new carpet

Remove family photos or personal items (allows buyer to imagine it is their home)


Cleanliness 


Meticulously spotless kitchen and bath

Walls washed and spackled as needed

No clutter whatsoever (uncluttered rooms look larger)

No pets – kennel them if needed (buyer may be allergic)

Clean closets (yes, people peek in your closets)


Remember it’s the little things in life that matter, and the same is absolutely true when it comes to a buyer looking for a place to call home-sweet-home.

For more ideas on how to sell fast and make the most from the sale of your Santa Cruz home, call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

Links:

Preparing your home

Simmering potpourri

Neutral-colored paint
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/ill-sell-my-own-santa-cruz-real-estate-thanks.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/ill-sell-my-own-santa-cruz-real-estate-thanks.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>I’ll Sell My Own Santa Cruz Real Estate, Thanks</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
As I’m sure you know, the real estate industry is in a down market, and the last thing you want to do is pay commission to a Santa Cruz real estate agent. Not to mention that you’re almost positive you can sell your home just fine on your own. Before sticking a “For Sale by Owner” sign up, however, make sure you’re ready for the work and headaches.


Time. Yes, can sell your Santa Cruz real estate on your own without the help of an agent, but it takes a lot of preparation and time. How much is your time worth and how much time do you have? Before you step out on your own, make sure you can afford the time and energy investment.

Extra services for better value. You’ll lose out on a wide variety of services offered by real estate agents.  For example, many agents now provide home staging services as well as extensive advertising and marketing services both online and off.

Dealing with the legalities. Selling a home involves contracts, closings and a multitude of legal issues that can make or break a sale. Real estate transactions have occasionally led to outcomes that were unexpected, including lawsuits. A professional helps ensure that the contracts are legally sound and binding.

Knowing the market. Real estate agents have instant access to current market information. We can find an accurate selling range within minutes. Since the real estate market constantly fluctuates, it’s important to know what area homes sell for before pricing your own. Otherwise, your risk underselling or overpricing your home.


These are just a few points. You also need exposure to buyers, experience with legal contracts and excellent negotiating skills.  Can you sell your own Santa Cruz real estate? Yes, but can you really afford to?

If you’re trying to sell your home and need professional expertise, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links:

Home staging

Closings

Overpricing your home 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-set-a-kitchen-renovation-budget-on-santa-cruz-homes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-set-a-kitchen-renovation-budget-on-santa-cruz-homes.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How to Set a Kitchen Renovation Budget on Santa Cruz Homes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
There are many Santa Cruz homes currently for sale.  An obvious question you must ask yourself in today’s market is how to make your home stand out.    

Whether you’re a real estate investor wanting to flip several Santa Cruz homes or a homeowner selling your current home, one of the top ways to increase your home’s value is remodeling the kitchen.  The kitchen is the central meeting place of the American family and people want it to be modern and up to date.

Do a Price Comparison among Santa Cruz Homes

Your renovation budget is one of the primary concerns to take into account before you begin.  The current value of your home, as compared to other homes in your neighborhood, is one way to determine how much you should spend on your kitchen renovation.


Higher Price Range = Lower Budget Needed.  Is your home worth about the same or more than most homes in your neighborhood?  This indicates a diminished chance of selling for much more, even after enhancements.  Stick with a moderate budget.  This may seem contrary to instinct but it’s true. 

Lower Price Range = Higher Budget Needed.  On the other hand, if your home is appraising lower than those in the area (or is decidedly on the lower end of the scale) investing more in excellent kitchen remodeling is a great way to increase the value of your home.


Overspending Yields Lower Rate of Return

Investing too much on one aspect of your home (especially a home that's already approaching the price ceiling for the area) is a potential money burner.  Keep a moderate budget, and if you have more money to spend, invest it in other areas of your home (exterior improvements, for example).

Perception Is Reality

Once you decide on a budget, remember that appearance is everything.  Faux marble, for instance, looks about as nice as marble.  The only reason for genuine marble or solid oak is bragging rights.  A new faucet on a moderately up-to-date sink is almost as impressive visually as a totally new sink.

“Do one thing… And do it well,” applies here.  If you must add luxury, add it to one element and cover the rest with perception strategies. 

If you’d like additional advice on the home improvements that are most likely to increase the value of your home, I’d be happy to help.  Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

Links:

Renovation budget

Kitchen remodeling

Home improvements
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-buy-santa-cruz-real-estate-after-a-previous-bankruptcy.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-buy-santa-cruz-real-estate-after-a-previous-bankruptcy.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How to Buy Santa Cruz Real Estate after a Previous Bankruptcy</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
A past filing of bankruptcy does not mean you can’t buy Santa Cruz real estate.  Your real estate agent may be able to help you get a mortgage or find other ways to buy a home, if you do get turned down for a traditional mortgage.  

Before you meet with your Santa Cruz real estate agent, here are a few ways to prepare:


Have a copy of your current bank statement

Have written proof of your monthly income

Make a list of all your current monthly bills

Collect all your recent credit card statements

Have a copy of your bankruptcy agreement 


Put all this info in a file folder and take it to your meeting.  Your Santa Cruz real estate agent will appreciate you doing your homework

If you have straightened out your credit since the bankruptcy, you are in a much better position to get a mortgage. Hopefully, you are currently paying all your monthly bills on time and rebuilding your credit rating. 

The bigger your down payment, the easier it will be to get a mortgage.  So, where can you get money for a down payment?


Have you been having money taken out of your checks and put into a savings?

Do you have any money market accounts? 

Do you have money invested in mutual funds?

Do you have certificates of deposit about to come due? 

Will you be receiving a bonus from your employer?

How about a friend or relative who would loan you the down payment?


Hopefully, you are now ready to go shopping for your new home. To get started, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

Links:

Bankruptcy

Rebuilding your credit rating 

Down payment
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/need-extra-time-to-finalize-your-santa-cruz-home-purchase-to-qualify-for-tax-credits.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/need-extra-time-to-finalize-your-santa-cruz-home-purchase-to-qualify-for-tax-credits.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Need Extra Time to Finalize Your Santa Cruz Home Purchase to Qualify for Tax Credits?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
On June 16, the Senate approved a plan to give homebuyers an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives.  If the plan passes, it means you’ll have until September 30, 2010, to close on your Santa Cruz home and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000.  (First-time buyers were eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. Current owners who bought and moved into another home could qualify for a credit of up to $6,500.)

Who Qualifies?

Originally, you had to sign a contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010, and close no later than June 30, 2010.  With this extension, anyone who had a signed purchase agreement by April 30 would have until September 30 to close on the sale of that home.

Why the Extension?

Mortgage lenders have been swamped with borrowers trying to get their Santa Cruz home purchases approved by June 30.  Many potential borrowers are having difficulty meeting that deadline.  The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) estimates that 180,000 buyers are likely to miss the June 30 deadline &quot;because of delays in the process.&quot; That's particularly true of short sales, the NAR noted.

Is it Approved?

Unfortunately, an extension of the deadline for the federal homebuyer tax credit remains tied to Senate legislation that would extend unemployment benefits, complicating efforts to get the deadline extended before the expiration date of June 30. 

But don’t give up hope.  If lawmakers extend the deadline after June 30, the language in both the House and Senate bills will apply retroactively.

Have questions about the federal tax credits?  Or any other questions about Santa Cruz homes?  Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.  I’ll respond promptly and personally.

Links:

National Association of REALTORS® 

Short sales

Federal homebuyer tax credit 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/does-your-vacant-santa-cruz-real-estate-need-protection.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/does-your-vacant-santa-cruz-real-estate-need-protection.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Does Your Vacant Santa Cruz Real Estate Need Protection?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
At the end of 2009, there were about 18.8 million empty homes in the U.S., according to Census Bureau estimates.  This number includes foreclosures, residences for sale and vacation homes.  Do you know what this means for your Santa Cruz real estate?

Unfortunately, the rise of empty housing has caused a rise in vandalism, and your empty Santa Cruz real estate may very well become a victim. Since no one is around to report the intrusion, the damage caused by vandals is often worse than it might otherwise be. 

You may think that you don’t need to secure your vacant home because there’s nothing of value to steal.  Think again.  Light fixtures, appliances, copper plumbing,  heating and air conditioning systems and even solid wood doors and mantles have a high street value to thieves.

Protect Your Home

Your homeowner’s insurance policy most likely does not cover your home after it is vacant.  Although homeowner’s insurance for vacant properties can be costly, it might save you a lot of heartache in the long run. 

In addition to purchasing vacant property insurance, here are a few things you can do to protect your property until it’s sold:


Rent your property or hire a house sitter.

Install a home security system. Not only can this keep your property safer, it may also help lower your current insurance.

Make the property look used.  Have someone grab your mail (or have the post office hold it), park a car in your driveway, have timers that turn lights on and off at different times.

Keep the lawn mowed or snow shoveled.


In the meantime, make sure you have a good real estate agent with a track record for selling in a slow market. Your Santa Cruz real estate is a huge investment. Protect it

If you’re ready to get your home sold, I can help.  Call me now at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

Links:

18.8 million empty homes

Homeowners insurance for vacant properties

Home security system 

 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/5-tips-to-creating-stress-free-santa-cruz-homes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/5-tips-to-creating-stress-free-santa-cruz-homes.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>5 Tips to Creating Stress-Free Santa Cruz Homes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Many people have trouble relaxing, even in their Santa Cruz homes.  Why?  Frequently, it’s because of too much visual stimuli such as unfinished projects, knickknacks and clutter. 

You may think the answer to being able to relax is to move into a “better” home.  However, what usually happens is that you move your unfinished projects and clutter with you.  Instead, if you take the time to get organized, you may find – like many owners who have backed out of a sale – that you don’t need to move, you just need to re-organize. 

Take a moment from your busy, stressful life to read these tips and discover how you can improve and de-stress your personal castle:

1. Add money to your wallet. Unwanted or unused items can be turned into cash. eBay and Craigslist are two heavily-used websites where you can sell your unwanted/unused items.  Make a little cash and clear the clutter.

2. Be generous. If you don’t want to sell your items, don’t throw them away.  Donate them to places such as Goodwill.  Online, there’s FreeCycle, where you can share your items and give them away to those who really need them.

3. Keep it clean. Set up a system to decide what to do with mail. Many people end up with piles of mail throughout the house. Rather than letting it pile up, decide the day you get it where that mail goes: trash, take action or file away.

4. Include your family in the de-clutter process. After all, your spouse and kids live there, too. As well, if others have a chance to give their input, they may be more willing to keep your Santa Cruz home organized. Let others in your family have a part in the decision-making process and implementation.

5. Take stray worry off your mind. You may be subconsciously worried about things in your home. Reduce the potential stress by creating a sense of safety. For instance, make sure your smoke detectors are working, that you have a radon meter (if necessary) and a carbon monoxide detector.

You may be thinking, “Home isn’t what stresses me out.”  Are you sure?  You might be pleasantly surprised how relaxed you’ll be when your home is de-cluttered. Your Santa Cruz home can truly become a place where you leave the stress at the door.

If you’re looking for a home to relax in after a hard day, I can help. Call me now at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links:

Goodwill

FreeCycle

Keep your home organized
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-condos-vs-houses-which-should-you-choose.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-condos-vs-houses-which-should-you-choose.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Santa Cruz Condos vs. Houses: Which Should You Choose?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Santa Cruz condos or houses:  that is the question

You may be thinking of getting a home but wondering how much space you really need. If you opt to look at houses, your choices are vast.  Houses, both large and small, are abundant in today’s real estate market. 

Even though Santa Cruz condos are typically smaller than most houses, there are large condos available (even condos larger than houses).  And, just like traditional houses, there are a lot of condos available in this buyer’s market.

So, how do you choose?  Your selection should be based on your current and near-future needs.

Let’s demystify the differences and clarify your selection:


Space: Is your family large?  Are you planning to add many more?  Do you work from home?  Consider your plans for the next 5 to 7 years, and buy the size that fits those needs.

Price: Condos can be more affordable, especially the smaller ones.  But, with condos you have to pay condo association fees.

Location: If you want a condo with a great view, close to work, for example, prepare for a premium.  Conversely, many homes with great yards and neighborhoods are quite affordable.  Not choosy?  Competitive pricing awaits you with either choice

Luxury: Lavish Santa Cruz condos, much like ideally-located ones, are often steeply-priced.  Luxury houses are expensive, too.  The good news is that whichever style of housing you choose, you’ll find luxurious versions.

Availability: There are typically more houses on the market than condos, so, in general, your selection is greater with houses.

Privacy: Houses typically offer more in the way of privacy.   But, the trade off is that you also have more responsibilities and maintenance when you own a house.  Want a care-free, low-maintenance lifestyle?  A condo may be your best bet.

Acreage: If a smaller yard (or no yard) doesn’t bother you, a condo can offer excellent square footage and lower payments.  Looking for land?  A home is your best way to go.


Still Unsure?

I’d love to assist in your juggling act.  Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com and together we’ll find the perfect home to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Links:

How much space

Santa Cruz condos

A condo may be your best bet

 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/worried-about-your-home-for-sale-in-santa-cruz-survey-reveals-possibilities.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/worried-about-your-home-for-sale-in-santa-cruz-survey-reveals-possibilities.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Worried About Your Home for Sale in Santa Cruz? Survey Reveals Possibilities</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Many real estate aficionados worried that the ending of the homebuyer tax credits would mean an end to sales. However, a new real estate survey, conducted April, 2010, says homeowners with a home for sale in Santa Cruz and throughout the nation have more chances to sell their homes. 

Survey Group     • 1,000 American consumers     • Ages 25 – 64     • $35,000 + household income

Survey Results     • Over 90 of American consumers think the homebuyer tax credit program helped the real estate industry and first-time buyers.      • 65 actually looking for a home don’t consider the end of the tax credit program to be a factor in their own decisions.      • 46 expect area real estate prices to increase over the next year.     • 12 expect area real estate prices to decline over the next year.      • 79 expect to see an increase in prices over the next five years.     • 20 expect prices to rise significantly over the next five years.      • 75 of renters think renting isn’t as good a long-term choice as owning a home.

How You Can BenefitAs the survey shows, there are still plenty of interested buyers out there.  You just have to know where to find them.

Talk with your agent about which markets are hot in your area. For instance, have older individuals been buying in the area more than young families or vice versa? Maybe energy efficient homes have been selling better. Find out what your home for sale in Santa Cruz has going for it that matches those hot markets. 

Most importantly, don’t give up. Buyers are out there and consumer confidence is rising, which means nothing but good things for the real estate market and your home for sale in Santa Cruz.

Want to work with an agent who can identify and target hot markets for your home?  Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links:

Real estate survey conducted April 2010

Moving to extend the homebuyer tax program

Lowered their home prices

 
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    <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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