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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2011-02/</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/whats-the-real-value-of-santa-cruz-homes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/whats-the-real-value-of-santa-cruz-homes.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>What’s the Real Value of Santa Cruz Homes?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
As a society, it seems like we’ve gotten away from appreciating our Santa Cruz homes for their emotional and sentimental worth.  Instead, we focus solely on their monetary value.  An appraiser can estimate a Santa Cruz home's monetary value, but to gain a true concept of your home’s worth, you must also take into consideration:

1. Pride of ownership.  You don’t buy a pair of Prada shoes because you’re going to be able to resell them and make a profit.  You buy them because they make you look good and feel good.

2. Security and stability.  Your home provides a roof over your head that’s in your control.  You can decorate it how you want.  You don’t have to worry about a landlord selling the property or asking you to move out.  In the “olden days” (or should I say “golden days”), we called our homes our castles because, as owners, we felt like the kings and queens of our Santa Cruz homes.  You can still feel that way  Claim your castle and crown yourself king or queen today.

3. A safe haven.  After a tough day at work or a day of disappointments, where’s the first place you think of going?  Home  As Dorothy says, “There’s no place like home.”

4. A place to make memories.  Your son’s tree house and daughter’s playhouse.  The markings on the wall that tracked your children’s growth.  The porch swing where you start and end every anniversary celebration.     

5. A neighborhood full of friends.  In the event of an emergency, your neighbors are your first line of defense.  They’re also the simplest, best and least expensive form of security.  Additionally, they may have the exact tool you need for a project; the extra pair of hands you need to complete a project or children to become playmates with yours. Neighbors also give you that much needed in-person, up-close social network. 

Even if your home’s economic value has dropped, you continue to benefit from its emotional values of community, stability, security and success.

Thinking of buying a home?  I can help you evaluate the emotional and monetary worth of homes and find a home that fits your values and lifestyle.  Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com. For additional information visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Monetary value 

Pride of ownership 

Economic value

 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/is-it-time-to-switch-to-a-new-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/is-it-time-to-switch-to-a-new-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Is it Time to Switch to a New Santa Cruz Real Estate Agent?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
For some frustrated sellers, the answer to “Why isn’t my home selling?” is “It’s the agent’s fault”  If your immediate instinct is to drop your Santa Cruz real estate agent for a new one, you might want to take a deep breath and consider the following:

1. Do you think agents are like lottery tickets?  Going through Santa Cruz real estate agents as fast as scratch-off lottery tickets isn’t going to get your home sold faster.  In fact, it usually slows down the process.

2. Is your home priced correctly?  That’s probably the number one difference between homes that sell fast and homes that sit on the market.  A poorly priced home could be your agent’s fault.  Then again, you could be partially to blame.  Did you insist on a specific price even though your agent strongly recommended a lower price?  Did you refuse to lower the price when your agent suggested lowering it?  If you’re inflexible about price, switching agents will not help.  

3. Did you make the home improvements recommended by your agent?  If your agent suggested you paint, clean carpets, reduce clutter or complete any other inexpensive, easy-to-accomplish task, and you didn’t do it, you’re greatly reducing your opportunity to get your home sold.  You chose to work with your agent because he is a knowledgeable professional.  Take his advice and get those home improvement tasks done now.

4. Has your listing agreement expired?  If your listing contract has expired, this is the perfect time to consider switching agents.  Go back to the start, identify 3 new agents and interview the agents.  If you find one that fits your needs better than your current agent, let your agent know you won’t be renewing your contract.

5. Did your agent market your home?  If your agent has not done all the marketing he promised, point this out and ask him when he’ll get the marketing in place.  Follow up to be sure it’s done on time and professionally.  If he still doesn’t market your home like he said he would, it may be time to switch agents.  

6. Are you being impatient?  If you made all the home improvements recommended by your agent, your home is properly priced, and all marketing tasks are completed, you may just need to have a little patience.  This is a slow real estate market.  That means your home isn’t going to sell overnight.  Ask your agent the average number of days it takes a home to sell in your area, then wait that length of time before thinking about changing agents.

Don’t replace your agent just because you don’t know what else to do.  You’ll be wasting time and effort.  Instead, work with your agent to determine what else can be done to get your home sold.

If you decide to search for a new Santa Cruz real estate agent, I’d be honored if you’d allow me to interview for the job.  Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to schedule an interview. For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Home improvements Listing agreement

Interview the agents
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-get-santa-cruz-homes-sold-in-this-buyers-market.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-get-santa-cruz-homes-sold-in-this-buyers-market.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How to Get Santa Cruz Homes Sold in this Buyer’s Market</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
You know it’s a buyer’s market.  But you really need to sell your home now.  Here are 6 tips to get Santa Cruz homes sold even in today’s real estate market:

1. Price your home competitively from the start.  Ask your agent to find out what similar homes in your neighborhood sold for in the last 6 months.  Don’t bother looking at pricing prior to that.  And don’t base your decision on listing prices.  A lot of homeowners price their Santa Cruz homes high to start with but end up drastically reducing the price in order to get them sold. 

2. Offer incentives.  There are a lot of similar properties on the market, so in addition to competitively pricing your home, you should consider including incentives.  You could offer a home warranty, to pay part of the closing costs or to leave the big screen television that fits perfectly over your fireplace.

3. Pick the right agent. Look for local agents who are listing, marketing, and selling in your neighborhood even though the market is slow. Interview several of them and ask what price they recommend and how they’ll market your property.

4. Get your home in tip-top shape.  You cannot afford to let anything slip through the cracks… literally.  If you have cracks in your driveway, walls or foundation, get them fixed before you put your home up for sale.  Make your home shine.

5. Be flexible on the deposit.  In a slow market, you may need to settle for a smaller deposit than you’d typically require.  If the buyer is pre-approved for a loan and no other offers are on the table, reducing the deposit may convince the buyer to make an offer. 

6. Negotiate.  Buyers can and will be demanding in today’s real estate market.  Prepare yourself for some tough negotiating.  Make sure you’re working with an agent who excels at negotiating, and then let her do her job.

Want to work with a local agent who is an expert negotiator and knows how to get Santa Cruz homes sold in this buyer’s market?  Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com

Links:

Home warranty 

Cracks in your driveway

Pre-approved for a loan
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-brighten-the-rooms-in-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-brighten-the-rooms-in-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How to Brighten the Rooms in Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ideally, to make a room light and bright you want a lot of large windows that let in natural light. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have large windows in every room of our Santa Cruz homes.  So, what do we do to brighten those dark rooms?

Increase Natural Light

If a room has one large window, make the most of this natural light by placing a mirror opposite that window.  The mirror will scatter and reflect the ambient daylight throughout the room. 

Add Artificial Light

Another great way to lighten window-challenged rooms in your Santa Cruz home is to add artificial ambient lighting.  Ambient lighting, whether natural or artificial, sets the tone and mood of each room. Here are several ways to add artificial ambient light to your rooms: 

• Recessed fixtures:  Recessed fixtures throw light downward in a cone shape, so place them in an evenly spaced grid pattern.  This allows pools of light to overlap and provide consistent lighting.

• Chandeliers:  A chandelier can overpower a room if it’s too big or seem out of proportion if it’s too small.  To calculate the best size chandelier for your room, measure the width of the room in feet.  Double that number to get the diameter of the ideal chandelier in inches.  For example, a room that’s 10 feet wide should have a chandelier no wider than 20 inches in diameter.

• Surface-mounted fixtures:  Unlike recessed fixtures, surface-mounted fixtures do not disappear into the ceiling or wall.  If you want to achieve a unified look, match the color of the surface-mounted light with the color of the ceiling or wall. Surface-mounted lights come in a wide range of styles.  They can be very functional fluorescent types with white diffusing plastic covers or decorative crystal designs that add sparkle and drama to the foyers and hallways.

The best ambient lighting is subtle lighting that comes from all directions and softens the look of your room, making it more livable.

Looking for a Santa Cruz home with a lot of windows or well-place ambient lighting?  I can help.  Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional real estate information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com

Links:

Ambient lighting

Evenly spaced grid pattern

Best size chandelier

 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/does-buying-national-and-santa-cruz-real-estate-still-make-financial-sense.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/does-buying-national-and-santa-cruz-real-estate-still-make-financial-sense.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Does Buying National and Santa Cruz  Real Estate Still Make Financial Sense?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Considering deflated real estate values, you might wonder if buying national and Santa Cruz  real estate still makes good financial sense.  According to the National Association of REALTORS® eighth annual Housing Opportunity Pulse Survey, nearly 8 out of 10 respondents believe buying a home does make good financial sense.

Surprised?  Let’s examine three reasons Americans believe buying national and Santa Cruz  real estate remains a good financial choice:

1. Lower home prices and low mortgage interest rates are making homes more affordable.  

2. Almost 7 out of 10 believe that home values have stabilized in their area; the same number expects home sales to remain about the same through the end of the year.

3. The rate of foreclosures is also seen as stabilizing; 51 percent say the rate is about the same as last year. 

Another big advantage for you may be the tax benefits of home ownership.  You will still, as always, be able to deduct the interest you pay, as well as other real estate related items on your income tax return. For most people that deduction equates to a sizeable chunk of money. It can mean the difference between owing the government more money at the end of the year, and getting a refund.

If you would like more information on how owning Santa Cruz  real estate can make sense for you, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com

Links:

Housing Opportunity Pulse Survey

Low mortgage interest rates

Tax benefits of home ownership
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-buyers-are-happier-with-local-agents.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-buyers-are-happier-with-local-agents.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate:  Buyers are Happier with Local Agents</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
According to a recent study, buyers prefer to work with Santa Cruz real estate agents who live in the neighborhood in which they want to buy a home.  Buyers are happier when they work with local agents because they believe the agents are:

1. Familiar with the neighborhood.  They know the schools, zoning laws and crime rates.  They can tell you the best places to shop and give you referrals to the best mechanics and home contractors.  

2. Knowledgeable about the Santa Cruz real estate market.  Local agents know the history of houses; they know the streets on which properties sell faster and for more money; and they can steer you towards the better deals.

3. Involved in the community.  Agents who are involved in community improvement projects are doing much more than just selling houses.  They’re contributing to higher real estate values, better schools and less crime.  Wouldn’t you prefer to work with an agent like that?

4. More attentive.  When an agent knows they’re going to bump into you in the supermarket or hardware store, he’s going to give you the very best service possible.  He wants to ensure that you have no complaints and will give neighbors a glowing review about his real estate services. 

If you’d like to work with a professional agent who lives in Santa Cruz and specializes in Santa Cruz real estate, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For local contractors and other service providers please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com  

Links:

Zoning laws 

Crime rates

Home contractors
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/9-tips-for-first-time-santa-cruz-home-buyers.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/9-tips-for-first-time-santa-cruz-home-buyers.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>9 Tips for First-time Santa Cruz Home Buyers</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Are you a first-time home buyer?  There are a lot of things you’ll want to learn before making that first purchase.  Here are 9 tips to help you get a Santa Cruz home you’ll love and be prepared for additional costs you may not have considered:

1. Ask yourself if you're ready. Are you financially ready to buy a Santa Cruz home?  Do you have a steady job and income?  Do you have money for the down payment?

2. Get pre-approved.  When you get pre-approved for a mortgage loan, your lender checks your credit and lets you know the amount of mortgage for which you qualify.  Having a pre-approved loan will put you at the top of the list when presenting an offer.

3. Identify closing costs. The cost of closing on the sale of your Santa Cruz home shouldn't be overlooked. Closing costs include origination fees, title and settlement fees, taxes and prepaid items such as homeowner’s insurance or homeowner’s association fees.

4. Calculate your total monthly housing cost.  Include taxes and homeowners insurance.  In some areas, what you'll pay for your taxes and insurance escrow almost doubles your mortgage payment.

5. Include home maintenance expenses in your budget.  Maintaining your investment can be labor-intensive and expensive. Unexpected costs for new appliances, roof repairs and plumbing problems can drain your bank account.

6. Find a Santa Cruz home.  Identify the neighborhood, you want to live in.  Hire a full-time REALTOR® who specializes in that neighborhood to help you find and negotiate the purchase of the home.

7. Get a home inspection.  Make sure your agent includes a home inspection contingency in your offer to buy a home. If you're unsatisfied with anything found in the home inspection, have your agent negotiate with the seller to make repairs, pay for repairs or lower the price.

8. Make it to closing.  You have your financing, your offer has been accepted, and you’re anxiously awaiting the day you close on your home.  Now, you just have to make sure you don’t do anything to jeopardize your credit.  Do not change jobs, buy a new car or apply for credit cards.

9. Celebrate.  Congratulations  You’re now the proud owner of your first home. 

Buying your first home can be exciting, especially if you’re knowledgeable about the process and prepared.

If your goal for this year is to be a first-time homeowner, let me guide you through the process of finding and buying a home.  Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com

Links:

Home maintenance expenses

Home inspection

First-time homeowner
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/5-steps-to-hiring-the-best-contractor-for-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-project.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/5-steps-to-hiring-the-best-contractor-for-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-project.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>5 Steps to Hiring the Best Contractor for Your Santa Cruz Real Estate Project</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whether you need a contractor for a minor project like a plumbing problem or a major project like a room addition, it’s important to evaluate potential contractors before hiring them.  Here are 5 steps to finding the best contractor for your Santa Cruz real estate project: 

1. Get multiple quotes.  Even if your toilet is overflowing onto your living room’s carpet, take the time to get 2 or 3 estimates.  Haste can cost a lot more than replacing the carpet in your Santa Cruz real estate.

2. Check references.  Talk with the former clients of the contractor you’re considering hiring.  Find out what it was really like to work with the contractor.  Two of the best questions to ask are:a. What was your favorite thing about the contractor?  b. What was your least favorite thing about the contractor?

3. Call the insurer and licensing board.  Confirm that the contractor you’re thinking about hiring has adequate and current liability coverage and a current license.  Just asking the contractor is not sufficient.

4. Search for complaints.  Search online on the company name plus the word “complaints.”  It’s often surprising what you’ll find.  Also, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been registered with them. 

5. Negotiate a maximum hourly rate.  If the job goes quickly, you won’t pay what could be a higher estimate.

I know it’s easier to just hire the first contractor who returns your call.  Don’t do it.  Taking the easy way out can cost you hours, days or weeks of frustration and hundreds of dollars.

Need the name of a professional contractor for a project on your Santa Cruz real estate?   I’ve worked with several great contractors and would be happy to give you some recommendations.  Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For a full list of my preferred contractors and service providers, visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com  

Links:

Check references

Better Business Bureau

Professional contractor

 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/4-surprising-reasons-to-buy-santa-cruz-real-estate-now.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/4-surprising-reasons-to-buy-santa-cruz-real-estate-now.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>4 Surprising Reasons to Buy Santa Cruz Real Estate Now</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
You already know all the usual reasons agents and other experts think now is a good time to buy Santa Cruz real estate.  Here are 4 reasons to buy Santa Cruz real estate now that just might surprise you:

1. Homes are in tip-top condition. Instead of selling and moving into a more expensive home, many owners have invested their money in home maintenance, repair and updates, so says the Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. 

2. Outstanding homes are coming on the market. Many homeowners who have been waiting for the real estate market to take an upturn are now putting their homes on the market.  And, those homes are in great shape (see 1). 

3. Appraisals reflect reality. We can all be thankful that Fannie Mae adjusted its guidelines so that home appraisals can be more in alignment with today’s real estate market. That means more deals will make it all the way through to closing.

4. Housing programs. There are still programs to help people buy homes:a. Workforce Housing Programs encourage middle-class families to buy houses. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by     combining one of these programs with today's low mortgage rates.b. American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) provides low-income first-time earners (single family: $44,400; family of four: $63,450) with a city loan equal to 6 of the purchase price or up to $10,000, whichever is greater. Each state receives ADDI funds proportionate to the percentage of the national total of low-income households residing in rental housing in the state, as determined by the most recent available U.S. Census data.c. Mortgage Credit Certificate Program is a federal tax credit (15 or 20 of the mortgage interest, depending on property location) that helps low and moderate earners qualify for a higher first mortgage and reduced federal income tax.

Talk with a mortgage specialist or Santa Cruz real estate professional to find out which programs your state has funded.

Now isn’t just a good time to buy, it’s one of the best times ever.  If you’re ready to buy a home, I can help.   Give me a call at 831.662.6522 or email me today at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com

Links:  

Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies

Workforce housing

Mortgage Credit Certificate Program

 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:26:09 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/winter-blues-9-easy-ways-to-brighten-your-home-and-your-spirit.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/winter-blues-9-easy-ways-to-brighten-your-home-and-your-spirit.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Winter Blues?  9 Easy Ways to Brighten Your Home and Your Spirit</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
These gray, dreary winter days can really sap your energy and dull your enjoyment of life.  To survive the winter doldrums, brighten your Santa Cruz County home using these easy tips:

1. Open your home’s window treatments during the day to let the light brighten and warm your room.  Close them again as soon as night falls to retain heat.

2. Brighten dark rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture.

3. Add a mirror.  Wherever a mirror reflects light in a room, it visually doubles that light.  Place a mirror opposite a window to immediately brighten your space.  No window?  Hang a large mirror above a console table and place a pair of lamps in front of the mirror. 

4. Install higher watt bulbs in rooms that tend to be dark.

5. Eliminate dark corners by adding recessed lighting.

6. Use full spectrum lighting in areas where you read, knit or do other up-close work. 

7. Lighten living areas with colorful throws and pillows.

8. Lift the winter blues by adding flowers and plants to your decor.  Colorful indoor blooming plants include the African violet, Cyclamen, Orchid and desert cactus.  Use tropical flowers to transport yourself mentally to climates where the sun always shines.

9. Do a little winter cleaning:a. Wash the inside of your windows. Fireplace and candle soot coats windows with a dingy film that blocks the sun.b. Polish your furniture. Shiny furniture reflects ambient light.c. Wash ceiling light fixtures in soapy water. Light is muted when filtered through dirty light fixtures. 

Lighting can change how you (and potential buyers) feel about your Santa Cruz County home. It’s one of the easiest and least expensive ways to quickly improve the ambiance of your home.

If you’d like to sell your home, I can help.  Give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com

Links:

Console table 

Full spectrum lighting 

Winter cleaning 

 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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