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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2010-11/</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/top-10-reasons-people-sell-their-santa-cruz-county-homes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/top-10-reasons-people-sell-their-santa-cruz-county-homes.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Top 10 Reasons People Sell Their Santa Cruz County Homes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Selling a home is never an easy decision.  If you’ve ever wondered how most people make this decision, you’ll enjoy this top 10 list.  Here are the top 10 reasons people sell their Santa Cruz County homes.

1. Death or divorce. Death and divorce can cause major changes to a family’s financial situation. Homeowners are often unable to cover the maintenance and cost of the home on a single income and are forced to sell their home.

2. School district. People move to certain neighborhoods to be in the school district. They also leave neighborhoods because the schools have changed or to be in a district that better meets their child’s needs.

3. Job. A very common reason for selling a home is a job change. The family may need to move to a new area because of a new job. A job loss can mean the owners can no longer afford their home.

4. Marriage. When a couple with separate homes marries, they often choose to live in one home and sell the other. Marriage can also mean a change in finances.

5. Too much debt. Sometimes medical bills or consumer debt can become so overwhelming that homeowners have no recourse but to sell their Santa Cruz County homes. Homeowners may sell their homes to avoid foreclosure or bankruptcy.

6. Need more space. Growing families need more space. A couple may discover that their cozy bungalow does not meet the needs of their small children. They may sell their home so they can upgrade.

7. Need less space. As children move out, some owners may find they need less space. They may no longer want to be responsible for cleaning and maintaining a large home.

8. Neighborhood. Neighborhoods change as people move in and out. What seemed like the perfect area when the owners bought their home may no longer fit their lifestyle. For this reason, people sell their Santa Cruz County homes.

9. Climate. People living in the north may decide they want a break from the snow. Residents of the south sometimes want to be in a cooler climate.

10. Home defects. Homeowners may find themselves faced with major repairs that they don’t have the time or money to fix. Selling their home and moving is sometimes a better option.

Trying to decide if you’re ready to sell?  I can help. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or for more information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links: 

School district 

Avoid foreclosure 

Neighborhoods 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-county-real-estate-selling-mistake-1364-the-forgotten-spaces.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-county-real-estate-selling-mistake-1364-the-forgotten-spaces.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Santa Cruz County Real Estate Selling Mistake 1,364: The Forgotten Spaces</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
You’re going down the checklist just before your agent puts your Santa Cruz County real estate on the market:

Curb appeal: checkTasteful fall decorations: checkNo major repairs needed: checkMinor repairs fixed: checkClutter gone: check

You’re pretty sure you haven’t forgotten anything. However, one of the many selling mistakes both big and small that people make is forgetting to check all the nooks and crannies of the property.

How old is your Santa Cruz County real estate? The older a home is the more chance there is of having an easily forgotten, seldom seen crawlspace. The problem with crawlspaces is you never know what they might be crawling with – and neither does the potential buyer until they ask to see it.

What are the challenges with crawlspaces?Because the crawlspace is an area, normally shallow, between the dirt and the first floor, it’s an unprotected, usually dirty, area of your home. Termites, spiders, rodents (as in, rats, mice and other biting things with teeth), mold and other types of fungus could all be making their homes below yours. As well, it can be a place heat and air conditioning escapes, raising your heating bills. 

A good school of thought to remember is if it’s in your crawlspace it’s in your house. While this might not (necessarily) mean the rodents and bugs are in your home, it does mean the air from the crawlspace is part of the air you breathe. Water can collect and cause mold in the air that rises through the floorboards. Humid summer air can make it more expensive to cool the house.

What can you do? A crawlspace liner helps protect the home from moisture, little biting animals and destructive insects. It helps keep your home more energy efficient, providing up to 18 less energy loss. It cuts down on mold. Lastly, it ensures even the nooks and crannies of your Santa Cruz County real estate are ready for the buyer – no matter where they want to look.

If you’d like to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or for more information visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Tasteful fall decorations

Termites

Crawlspace liner

 
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    <pubDate>Sat, 27 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/spicing-up-homes-for-sale-in-santa-cruz-county-cider-wassail-recipe-for-your-open-house.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/spicing-up-homes-for-sale-in-santa-cruz-county-cider-wassail-recipe-for-your-open-house.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Spicing Up Homes for Sale in Santa Cruz County: Cider Wassail Recipe for Your Open House</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, the fall is a great time to sell homes for sale in Santa Cruz County. Nostalgia runs rampant in potential buyers. That “nesting” feeling pushes them to look harder for the perfect home. After all, who wouldn’t want Thanksgiving or Christmas to be the day their friends and family see the gorgeous new home?

With this in mind, many sellers hold open houses in the fall. It gives potential buyers the opportunity to walk through homes for sale in Santa Cruz County looking for that dream home they can call their own. Agents, homeowners or both smile, nod, and graciously offer drinks and snacks. It’s a beautiful thing.

It’s amazing what a little extra touch can do to spice up an open house. A cider wassail bowl may be just the extra touch that could help sell your home this fall.

This wassail bowl is a hot and spicy cider punch. Traditionally, it’s made with ale or wine, but you never want to overdo it with the alcohol at an open house. You can make it hours before, and put it in a slow cooker on very low to keep it warm. This recipe makes 12 servings.

Ingredients3 tablespoons light corn syrup3 tablespoons sugar¼ teaspoon cinnamon5 small red cooking apples2 quarts apple cider1 lemon, thinly sliced1 stick cinnamon4 whole cloves

DirectionsHeat corn syrup in a small pan; combine sugar and ¼ tsp. cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each apple in hot syrup, then in the sugar. Arrange on a baking pan and bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes (apples shouldn’t lose their shape).

In a large pan, slowly heat the apple cider, lemon, stick of cinnamon and cloves over a very low heat. Don’t let it boil; boiled apple cider gets a bitter taste. Before serving, strain out the spices and add the roasted apples. Serve piping hot.

This is my favorite cider recipe to use, but this wassail bowl recipe is equally tasty.

When you have multiple homes for sale in Santa Cruz County, like I do, you quickly learn the things that work and the things that don’t. Whether you serve apple cider, cider wassail or just a plain fruit punch, the little things can make all the difference. 

If you’d like to get your home sold over the holiday season, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or visit my website at www.MySantaRealEstate.com for more information.

Links:

The perfect home 

Red cooking apples

Wassail bowl recipe
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/re-laminate-your-santa-cruz-county-homes-countertops.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/re-laminate-your-santa-cruz-county-homes-countertops.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Re-laminate Your Santa Cruz County Home’s Countertops</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you want to freshen up your Santa Cruz County home’s kitchen, redoing the countertops might be a good choice.  It’s quick and easy to install new laminate, and you’ll have almost limitless styles to choose from.  Here’s how to install new laminate on your kitchen countertop:

Measure CountertopMeasure your existing countertop in your Santa Cruz County home’s kitchen and total the results.  Add a few inches to the side and bottom measurements to give you a little wiggle room.  You’ll need to buy contact cement, a putty knife and a utility knife at the home improvement store at the same time as the laminate.

Prepare the AreaFirst, you’ll have to remove the old laminate.  Leftover laminate and adhesives can make it hard for the new laminate to properly attach to the countertop.  Use a three to four inch putty knife to scrape off the old laminate. 

After you’ve removed it all, sand the surface underneath to make sure that any left over adhesive has been completely removed.  Work carefully from one end of the counter to the other and double check your work.  Then wipe the area down with a clean cloth and dry it.

Cut the Laminate and Apply the CementNext, you’ll measure and cut the new laminate to the correct size with the utility knife.  Apply the contact cement to the edge of the countertop and press the laminate into place.  Then spread the cement on top of the counter, and press down evenly on the laminate to properly adhere it to the surface. 

Go over the entire counter again with equal pressure to seal the contact cement.  Trim the excess laminate with the utility knife.  Then clean the work area with a damp cloth.

You’ll be able to use the countertop shortly after the contact cement dries.  Re-doing the laminate can breathe new life into your Santa Cruz County home’s kitchen without emptying your wallet.

www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com 

 

Links: 

Install new laminate 

Measure Countertop 

Laminate
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/myths-about-santa-cruz-county-real-estate-agents.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/myths-about-santa-cruz-county-real-estate-agents.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Myths About Santa Cruz County Real Estate Agents</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ask anyone about their experiences with Santa Cruz County real estate agents, and you will no doubt hear a variety of responses. This is why there are so many myths about agents circulating. A good real estate agent is worth every penny you spend for their expertise. Let’s examine some popular myths about Santa Cruz County real estate agents.

1. They make too much money. The truth is that the median salary for real estate agents in 2009 was approximately $54,000. Agents have to pay business expenses such as broker’s fees, professional organization memberships and MLS listing fees.  One of their biggest expenses is marketing homes for sale for buyers and sellers like you. These expenses quickly add up and take away a large percentage of their commission.

2. They won’t get you a good deal because they make a commission on the sale price. Yes, real estate commissions are based on a percentage of the sale price. However, the commission on a $185,000 home is $5550, while the commission on a $200,000 home is $6000. That’s a difference of $450, which is hardly worth creating a negative impression by getting you a bad deal.

3. They say anything to make a sale. Professional Santa Cruz County real estate agents work for you, and they want you to have a positive experience with them. After all, most of their business comes from referrals. They want you to be happy so you will tell your friends and family about their excellent service. 

4. They don’t do anything you can’t do on your own. The truth is that buying and selling real estate can be a complicated and time consuming process. Sure, you can order home inspections and surveys on your own. You can even negotiate for your terms. However, professional Santa Cruz County real estate agents are trained to do this and have experience at it. As a result, they’ll save you money, time and make your life less complicated throughout process.

Don’t underestimate the value of a professional real estate agent. 

Let me help you save time and money when buying or selling your home. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or for additional information about me, visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Real Estate Commissions 

Median salary for real estate agents

Home inspections
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/make-small-changes-to-get-big-energy-savings-at-your-santa-cruz-county-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/make-small-changes-to-get-big-energy-savings-at-your-santa-cruz-county-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Make Small Changes to Get Big Energy Savings at Your Santa Cruz County Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
A survey conducted by “Money” magazine and Lowe’s found that out of 21 common projects, energy updates gave DIYers the most satisfaction, given the time and money.  Get some satisfaction this week by implementing one or two of these easy energy savers at your Santa Cruz County home:

1. Add dimmers: If every home in the U.S replaced two standard light switches with a dimmer, we could save $1.5 billion in electricity.

2. Recycle rechargeable batteries, plastic bags and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs):  It’s as easy as taking them to your local Lowe’s Recycling Center.  Simply drop the items in the bins near the store’s entrance.

3. Stop energy leaks:  Seal all holes and cracks in your Santa Cruz County home.  Add weather stripping or caulk to leaky doors and windows.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates these changes can save you up to 20 on heating and cooling costs.

4. Wrap up your water heater:  Cover your water heater with an insulating jacket.

5. Install a programmable thermostat:  By lowering the temperature in your Santa Cruz County home slightly while you’re at work or on vacation, the thermostat saves you up to $180 a year.

6. Repair Leaky Toilets:  According to the EPA, a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water a day. Depending how much you’re charged for water, a leaky toilet could add as much as $400 a year to your water bill. Check for leaks by putting food coloring in the tank. If you have a leak, color will appear in the bowl within 15 minutes. Flush as soon as you're done with this test to avoid staining the bowl.

7. Use a power strip:  Save electricity and more than $500 over five years by plugging devices with standby power, such as TVs and stereos, into a power strip. When not in use, you can turn them all off at once by turning off the power strip.

Saving energy not only helps the environment, it also lowers your expenses considerably.

Want to buy an energy-efficient home?  I can help.  Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Dimmer

Lowe’s Recycling Center 

Environmental Protection Agency
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    <pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/is-a-santa-cruz-county-condo-right-for-you.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/is-a-santa-cruz-county-condo-right-for-you.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Is a Santa Cruz County Condo Right for You?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
A home doesn’t have to be a house. It can also be a condominium. Condos can be townhouses, apartments, or even separate structures as long as you only own the space between the walls. For some people, single family homes may be too large or cost too much money. They can still enjoy the benefits of home ownership through a condo. How do you know if a Santa Cruz County condo is right for you?

Pros of Owning a Santa Cruz County Condo

• Maintenance. With a condominium, you are only responsible for the interior of your unit. You don’t have to mow the yard or paint the exterior. If you have a busy lifestyle or don’t have the ability or desire to maintain the outside of your property, a condo may be a good choice for you.

• Location. Many condos are built in popular areas surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Homes in these areas may be out of your price range, but you can still live there in a condo and have the same neighborhood amenities.

Cons of Owning a Santa Cruz County Condo

• Condo Fees. Most condominiums have monthly fees that go toward the maintenance of the property. These fees are in addition to your mortgage payment and can raise your monthly payment considerably.

• Condo Associations. Condominium owners serve on boards that decide how condo fees are spent. They may even decide to use fees for something you will never use.

Need more help deciding if a condo is right for you?  Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.  I’m happy to help

Links:

Condominium

Condo Fees

Condo Associations
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-county-homes-become-more-affordable.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-county-homes-become-more-affordable.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Santa Cruz County Homes Become More Affordable</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Don’t you just love it when the evening news finally shares some good news?  I do too  So, I want to do my part and share some good news with you today:  Santa Cruz County homes and homes nationwide are becoming more affordable.   In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, housing affordability is close to reaching an all-time high.  

Big Benefit to Buyers

Exactly how does this benefit the buyers of Santa Cruz County homes?  A typical buyer can pay much less in mortgage costs for the same home, or buy a better home without increasing their monthly payment. 

Reasons for Improvement

There are several reasons housing affordability is improving: 

1. Lower mortgage rates.  The primary reason Santa Cruz County homes are now more affordable is that we have the lowest mortgage rates in history.

2. Declining house prices.  As with all things real estate, local markets dictate housing prices, but, overall, prices of homes have dropped across the nation.  Some markets encountered only minimal price declines while others experienced major declines.

3. Higher wages.  You probably don’t feel like there’s been an increase in wages, but there has been a small one.  In 2009, the average wage rate rose 3 percent and is up an additional 1.2 percent so far this year.

The Bottom Line

If you’d like to buy a home, have good credit and a steady job, the real estate market has never looked more favorable.

Ready to buy a home?  Let me help you find the home of your dreams and get it at a great price.  Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

National Association of REALTORS® 

Higher wages 
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    <pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/7-ways-to-save-money-and-the-environment-in-your-santa-cruz-county-home-this-thanksgiving.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/7-ways-to-save-money-and-the-environment-in-your-santa-cruz-county-home-this-thanksgiving.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>7 Ways to Save Money and the Environment in your Santa Cruz County Home this Thanksgiving</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you’re looking for ways to save money this Thanksgiving, I have a few tips for you.  As an added benefit, you’ll also be helping the environment when you implement these ideas.

1. Bring in the outside:  A lot of people in your Santa Cruz County home, plus the heat from the oven, can make even a November day uncomfortably hot.  Instead of turning on the A/C, open some windows to cool your home down.

2. Buy only a few organic foods:  Organic food is usually more expensive than conventionally grown food.  Instead of buying a lot of organic groceries, purchase only key organic items that are most likely to transmit pesticides to you.  Check out the Dirty Dozen list to discover the produce you should consider purchasing from the organic section for your holiday meal.

3. Compost:  Add your Thanksgiving fruit and vegetable trimmings to your Santa Cruz County home’s compost bin, or start one if you don’t already have one. Next year’s garden will thank you. 

4. Eat locally grown food:  Depending on where you live, there may not be much locally grown produce available in November, but there are other foods you can purchase locally.  Apples and apple butter top my list of things to buy locally this fall.  Purchase turkeys and chickens grown by local farmers.  Buy delicious homemade pies and bread at your local farmer’s market. 

5. Plan a potluck:  Instead of doing all the work yourself, make this turkey day a potluck.  It’s easier and cheaper for you, and allows family and friends to feel more a part of the event.  This is a wonderful new tradition you can start, which others may well continue for years (and generations) to come.

6. Save leftovers in glass jars:  Instead of putting leftovers in plastic bags or Styrofoam containers, use glass jars.  Save glass jam jars or spaghetti sauce jars and reuse them to package leftovers.

7. Wash and reuse:  Use cloth napkins and tablecloths that can be washed and used again.  If you don’t already have some, consider making your own cloth napkins out of material you already have in your Santa Cruz County home.  Not only are they eco-friendly and inexpensive, they’re also elegant and attractive.

Don’t stress about doing everything perfectly.  Putting just a few of these ideas into practice saves money and the environment.  

I wish you and your loved ones a very warm and happy Thanksgiving

Links:

Dirty Dozen

Compost 

Make your own cloth napkins
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    <pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-county-homes-for-sale-29-inside-tasks.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-county-homes-for-sale-29-inside-tasks.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Santa Cruz County Homes for Sale:  29 Inside Tasks</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Those who have never had Santa Cruz County homes for sale before often think selling is as simple as hiring an agent and putting a sign in the yard. It’s not, however, as you’ll soon discover. 

The Inside of Your HomeThe exterior of Santa Cruz County homes for sale is the first up-close impression buyers get.  So, when buyers make it inside, they’re one step closer to actually buying.  However, if the interior is a mess, it could blow the whole deal. 

Here’s a checklist to make your home’s interior buyer ready:

  1. Make sure the front door doesn’t stick  2. Test windows to ensure they open and close easily  3. Wash windows inside and out  4. Move pets and pet supplies to a temporary home  5. Fix leaky faucets  6. Update fixtures on your cabinet hardware and door knobs  7. De-clutter closets and cabinets (yes, people open them)  8. Replace or repair cabinet doors  9. Clean grout  10. Wash the walls if not repainting  11. Repair cracks or holes in the wall  12. Paint walls a neutral color  13. Remove personal items, such as knick-knacks and personal mementos  14. Clean the fireplace  15. Have the chimney professionally cleaned  16. Remove clutter from countertops, tables and shelves  17. Steam clean the carpets  18. Scrub all appliances  19. Clean cobwebs and dead bugs from light fixtures and ceiling fans  20. Make sure every light has a working bulb  21. Degrease the stove and oven  22. De-clutter and clean the attic, basement and garage  23. Make sure crawl spaces have crawl space waterproofing  24. Remove excess furniture  25. Rearrange remaining furniture in good proportion (Or hire a home stager)  26. Clean the drapes   27. Replace broken panels for electrical switches and outlets  28. Wipe down baseboards  29. Clean and wax linoleum floors

While each of the Santa Cruz County homes for sale is unique, with different selling points and selling problems, this list is a good start for any home.

If you’re ready to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or for more information visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Fix leaky faucets

Clean grout

Crawl space waterproofing
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    <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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