<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2012-12/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2012-12/</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/best-wishes-for-a-happy-new-year-in-your-santa-cruz-home1.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/best-wishes-for-a-happy-new-year-in-your-santa-cruz-home1.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Best Wishes for a Happy New Year in Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Happy New Year Now that the champagne corks have been popped and Auld Lang Syne sung, the clean slate of a fresh year may have you busily writing up resolution lists of 2013 goals.


Top of the list for my goals is to continue providing exceptional customer service to my clients


Whether you’re a long-standing client I've seen through several purchases or a first-time home buyer considering taking the plunge, I want to make sure you're as happy as you can be with your Santa Cruz home.  I always welcome suggestions on how I may be of more help, so please connect with me and share your thoughts.


If you're like many Americans, your resolutions probably involve ways to become healthier and happier. Buying your first Santa Cruz home or moving to a home that better fits your needs could certainly add to a happier 2013.


Maybe your family is growing and you need more room. Or maybe the kids have grown and gone, and you'd like to downsize to a more manageable space. Perhaps you’re considering investing in a second home; now that prices are low, buying a second home makes sense as a long-term investment.


I believe in envisioning the future you want. So make a plan today that includes the Santa Cruz home of your dreams; a place where family and friends gather in friendship and good will.


May 2013 bring you fresh opportunities to realize your dreams. And again, Happy New Year


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

Links:


Auld Lang Syne


Resolutions


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 29 Dec 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-to-sell-your-property-quickly-even-in-a-slow-market.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-to-sell-your-property-quickly-even-in-a-slow-market.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Tips to Sell Your Property Quickly Even in a Slow Market</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In a booming market, a house, which does not sell in a month, is considered to have a problem.  However, in a slow market, selling a Santa Cruz home may take as much as 6 months to one year.  Slowing that we have witnessed in recent times has shaped a lot of uncertainty in the real estate market.  The rates of properties are dropping drastically and a majority of individuals is looking for a quick sale for their property.  If you are also one of them, then here are a few tips that can help you in selling your property quickly even in a slow market:


• Make a video of your Santa Cruz home, both inside and outside, and watch it as if you are a potential buyer.  Make sure that your lawn is not bare or weedy, and your house is spotlessly scrubbed and uncluttered.  It is a fact that clean and well-maintained properties sell faster than the ones that seem to be too lived-in.


• Re-consider your Santa Cruz homes listing price.  Visit other homes in your area and look if similar houses are priced lower than what you are asking.  Selling rates might have dropped since you did your first comparative analysis.  If you are not getting any buyers for your home, chances are that you have over-priced it.  If you reduce your asking rate, chances are that you will sell your home quickly even in a slow market.


• Try not to be at home when potential buyers come to visit.  Your presence may make it difficult or awkward for the buyers to discuss openly with their agent or partner.


• Once a potential buyer has visited your home, pay attention to what feedback they have to give. This can help you in toning down the décor, getting home repairs and improving landscaping.


• You can consider offering benefits to the buyers, such as closing costs, cash bonus, and owner financing.


In a slow market, you might end up selling your Santa Cruz home at a loss.  Therefore, it is significant to consider every offer you come across.


If you are ready to sell your home, or would like information about the Santa Cruz Market, call me 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


Listing price


Slow market


Feedback
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-saving-energy-in-your-santa-cruz-home-over-the-holidays.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-saving-energy-in-your-santa-cruz-home-over-the-holidays.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Tips for Saving Energy in Your Santa Cruz Home Over the Holidays</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
With all of the last-minute holiday craziness — hosting parties, baking cookies, fixing a great family dinner — it is easy to run up the energy bill.  After purchasing presents and giving gifts, the last thing you want to deal with is outrageous electricity fees come January.  So, avoid a high bill this holiday season with these simple tips for conserving energy in your Santa Cruz home.


• Go LED.  This year you should invest in LED lights for the outside of your Santa Cruz home.  They are shatterproof, present no fire hazard, and are safe to touch.  Also, purchase an automatic timer, so that you do not accidently leave lights on all night, which definitely adds up if it happens repeatedly.


• Lower the thermostat.  Your house will stay very warm when it is full of people and there is a lot of baking action in the kitchen with the oven on.  Knock down the set temperature a few degrees and put those savings toward your holiday credit card bill.


• Dim the interior lights.  By installing a dimmer, you will not only create mood lighting for parties and festive dinners, but you will also be lengthening the lifespan of your bulbs.


• Plan your meal.  If you can manage to arrange your holiday dinners so that everything cooks at the same time, then you will save yourself time in the kitchen and reduce your energy usage by running your oven less.


• Use your dishwasher.  Be sure to use your dishwasher instead of hand washing dinner dishes and pots.  It will conserve more water than rinsing and washing every dirty utensil.  Just be sure not to use the heat setting; you can open the door and let them air dry.


Do not let this month of excess get the best of you. Utilize these simple precautions for energy savings and come January you will be reminiscing the good memories — instead of turning into a Scrooge and cursing the bills. 


If you would like additional suggestions for how to save energy in your Santa Cruz home this holiday season, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.


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

Links:


Invest in LED lights


Installing a Dimmer


Use Your Dishwasher
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/insuring-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/insuring-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Insuring Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, there are already rumors that many owners do not have enough insurance to cover the damages to their properties. Unfortunately, the fact is that most homeowners don't even know they aren't fully covered until it's too late.  Many people just don’t think about checking up on their policies until disaster strikes.


Purchasing the appropriate insurance is not a difficult task.  Just consult with your real estate agent about what disasters you should prepare for and then call a reputable insurance agent.  If you have one, it might be time to revisit your policy, which can sometimes look confusing, so below are a few key words to look for in order to get you on track to having all your bases covered.


• Dwelling or Building Coverage – Look for the amount listed under this title and divide it by the square footage of your Santa Cruz home.  Talk to your insurance agent, your real estate agent and maybe even your contractor to determine if your current amount is enough.  You will want to take into account lot size and building materials.


• Liability Protection – This amount goes toward covering you if someone is injured on your property and decides to sue.  Whether your dog bit someone’s hand or a guest slipped around your pool, lawsuits are expensive and most liability policies start at $100,000.


• Valuable Add-Ons – Many policies do not cover valuables, such as art, jewelry, antiques, gold, or wine collections in the basic plan.  However, you can usually add them for a small annual fee.  So talk to your insurance agent to ensure your precious items are covered.


• Condominium Stipulations – Condominium coverage is different from housing coverage in that it normally only includes the items within the walls of your unit.  Just to be sure, take your homeowners association policy to your insurance agent for confirmation.


A little coverage goes a long way when it comes to unforeseen disasters.  Be sure to give your insurance agent all the information you have.  If something looks misleading, then your claim could be rejected. 


Please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information about insuring your Santa Cruz home.


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

Links:


Your Real Estate Agent


Square Footage


Insurance Agent


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How to Choose a Santa Cruz Real Estate Agent</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whether you are buying a new home or you are selling your previous home, you should use the services of a Santa Cruz real estate agent.  The agent will help you in a number of ways.  If you have made up your mind to hire the services of a real estate agent, there are some tips that you should apply.  Below are some of the tips that will enable you to get a good, reliable, and experienced Santa Cruz real estate agent.


Is the agent a full-time or part time real estate agent?


It is advisable that you work with an agent that is into the business full-time rather than working with a person that works part-time.  A full-time agent will have time to deal with the transaction judiciously.  Home buying or selling involves a lot of transactions and processes.  A part-time agent may not be able to deal with every detail of the transaction very well.


Does a competent body license the agent?


Buying a home is a great investment that normally costs a lot of money.  Therefore, it is advisable that you hire the services of a registered and licensed Santa Cruz real estate agent.  You can find out if an agent is registered or not by asking questions or by confirming from the state’s governing agency.


Is the agent a member of a reputable online home buyer’s search site or Multiple Listing Services?


This is important for people that are searching for Santa Cruz home real estate agents through the internet.  There are many fraudsters operating through the internet in many fields.  The real estate market is no exception.  However, if an agent belongs to any MLS or any of these buyer’s search service sites, it is an indication that they are real.


Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com so I can show you my credentials as a licensed Santa Cruz real estate agent and help you start the home buying process.


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

Links


Is the agent a full-time or part time real estate agent?


Does a competent body license the agent?


Is the agent a member of a reputable online homebuyer’s search site or Multiple Listing Services?


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/guidelines-for-a-successful-negotiation-of-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/guidelines-for-a-successful-negotiation-of-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Guidelines for a Successful Negotiation of Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Every homebuyer or seller will want to get a good bargain in the housing market.  Negotiating for a Santa Cruz home is not easy at all because all the parties involved, whether it is the buyer, seller, agent, the attorney, property inspector, and others will want to be favoured by the transaction.  In order to make some gain from the transaction, you need to have a strong bargaining position.  Here are some negotiating tips that you should apply.


Consider the market


Sometimes, the market may favor the buyer, and other times it may favor the seller.  Though there are some trends that are general in the real estate market, certain situations may give one party an advantage over the other.  For example, if your property is located in a good location and the demand for homes is high, you can take advantage of that and potentially make a good bargain.  In other words, it is necessary that you find out when the market is on your side and then take advantage of that.


Consider the details of the deals


Two Santa Cruz homes may look alike and have the same features but there may be differences in their total cost.  The details of the deal can affect the cost of a home.  For example, a seller may agree to put some of the features of a home in order before selling while another seller may sell without consenting to such arrangements.  Therefore, when you are negotiating for a home, it is important that you consider the details of the home.


Find out how the Santa Cruz home buyer will get financed


It is important that you consider how the buyer will finance the buying of the home.  Has the buyer’s mortgage application been approved?  Or, has he just applied for the loan?  There is no guarantee that every mortgage application will be approved.


How many potential buyers are looking?


The home seller will be at an advantage if more buyers are doing walkthroughs through the home, but the opposite will be the case if few buyers are looking.  Santa Cruz homes are more expensive if many potential buyers are pricing them.


Call me at 831.662.6522 to arrange a time to discuss if now is a buyer or seller’s advantage in the current market.


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

Links 


Consider the market


Consider the details of the deals


Find out how the homebuyer will get financed


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/advice-for-selling-a-home-in-santa-cruz.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/advice-for-selling-a-home-in-santa-cruz.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Advice for Selling a Home in Santa Cruz</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
It is the desire of every real estate investor to make a profit from his or her property.  If you have a home in Santa Cruz that you want to sell, the tips given below will enable you to get a better deal from the sale.


Are you selling at the right time?


Normally, the market value of a home in Santa Cruz is normally high during the spring season because there are a number of potential homeowners searching for homes to buy.  Following the economic principles of supply and demand, the cost of things is normally high when the demand is high and the supply is low.  At this time, the demand is high and the supply is low. Therefore, you are sure of selling at a good price.


Get your home ready to sell


Before listing your home for sale, it is advisable you first prepare it for sale by removing every imperfection.  If you have the cash, you can repaint the home so that it will look nice and give a positive first impression to the buyer.  Change the kitchen and bathroom fixtures.  Buyers do not price homes with poor fixtures very well.  However, if your home has nice looking features, the price is most likely to go up.


Make the rooms look spacious by removing clutter


Homebuyers consider the sizes of the rooms when they are buying a home.  Remove unnecessary items in the rooms.  You can rent a storage unit and keep them there.  This will help to make the rooms look more spacious.


Have an idea of how much your home in Santa Cruz is worth


The current market condition determines the cost of a home.  Before listing your home in Santa Cruz, it is advisable that you find out the market value of your home.  Your local Realtor® can help with that information.


Get an agent to list your home for sale


Most real estate agents will list your home in the MLS.  Look for a reliable agent to render this service to you.


I would be happy to show you the local MLS system for your home in Santa Cruz if you would call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to schedule an appointment.


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

Links


Are you selling at the right time?


Get your home ready for sell


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/a-guide-to-santa-cruz-short-sales.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/a-guide-to-santa-cruz-short-sales.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>A Guide to Santa Cruz Short Sales </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are not able to meet up with your mortgage obligation, rather than foreclosing your home, you can opt for a short sale.  This means selling the home at an amount lower than what you owe.  However, it is good to mention that not all homes or sellers qualify for Santa Cruz short sales.  Even if a home qualifies for short sales, some lenders may not accept it, especially if they will make more gain should you foreclose the property.  Here are some of the tips that you should consider if you are opting for a short sale.


Seek legal advice from a real estate lawyer


Santa Cruz short sales are not always the best. So, it is important that you seek the advice of a real estate lawyer. A lender may still ask you to pay for the difference between the amount owed and the amount the home is short sold. A real estate lawyer can tell whether any deficiency claim can be made on you or not after the short sale.


Get a letter of authorization


Normally, lenders will not reveal your personal information unless you authorize them. So, you need to submit a letter of authorization allowing the lender to speak with the people interested in purchasing your loan.


Get a preliminary net sheet


Ask your lawyer to prepare a preliminary net sheet for you. It indicates the expected sales price, unpaid loan, late fees, outstanding payment, real estate commission and any other costs incurred in the sale that add together to make up the estimated closing costs.


Prepare your hardship letter


As the name implies, this letter tells your financial situation and how you, as the homeowner, got there.  It also appeals to the lender to accept the short sale.  It is advisable that you be highly emotional in the letter to win the sympathy of the lender.


Other things that you should get include:


• Comparative market analysis• Your bank statements• Proof of assets and income• Purchase and listing agreement


If you would like to know more about a short sale, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to schedule an appointment.


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

Links


Seek legal advice from a real estate lawyerGet a preliminary net sheetPrepare your hardship letter


 


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 09 Dec 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/4-misleading-promises-santa-cruz-real-estate-developers-make.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/4-misleading-promises-santa-cruz-real-estate-developers-make.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>4 Misleading Promises Santa Cruz Real Estate Developers Make</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When looking to purchase Santa Cruz real estate, it’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and amenities of new developments. However, you need to be extremely careful when looking to settle in these neighborhoods because developers get excited about what they’re creating and tend to interject promises they can’t keep into their sales pitch.


Do your research and don’t get enchanted by possibilities of what you could get; just focus on what you’re actually getting. Below are four common misleading promises that developers make when highlighting the features of their homes for sale.


• There are actual site photographs. If you’re thinking about purchasing Santa Cruz real estate, then visit it in person. Developers usually post photographs of construction to advertise to investors and reassure buyers of progress, but they tend to leave out images of the nearby highway, construction clutter or other unappealing eyesores nearby.


• Prices are soon to be revised. While many developers advertise prelaunch, launch and completion prices, you still might be able to get a lower price with local investors and Realtors, so check all sources.


• Your investment will increase. There is no guarantee that the property value of your home will go up, even if there are promises of a new mall or school in the area. While this might in fact be the case, don’t put too much emphasis on this point when adding it to your list of pros.


• Construction will be completed on time. For construction to finish on time, it largely depends on the funds and management skills of the developer. If you’re on a restricted timeline, then you should ask for references from the developer to see how timely he or she completed past projects.


Don’t set your heart on a property that’s still being developed without doing your homework. The developer might try to sweet talk you into signing, but remember to stay objective and realize that all the promises that have been made might not be able to be kept. If you’re looking to purchase Santa Cruz real estate, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.


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

Links:


Realtors


Property Value


Stay Objective
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-hunting-tips1.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-hunting-tips1.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate Hunting Tips</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Owning a Santa Cruz real estate is a true investment of time and money.  However, it can be very stressful and daunting to buy a property.  This is because many things are involved in the process.  You need expert advice if you want to invest in real estate.  Here are some tips that you can apply in order to get a good property.


Find a good location. When you are hunting for a Santa Cruz real estate, it is important that you consider the location of the property.  If you buy a property in good location, you will make enough gain when you resell your property.  In the real estate market, prices are determined by the location of a property.  There are factors that make a location good for real estate investment, namely,


• Accessibility• Availability of amenities• Crime free


List the features available in the home.  There are certain features that you will want to have in your home.  When you are buying a Santa Cruz real estate, you should first make a list of some of the basic features that you want.  The list will serve as a guide to you when you are searching for your ideal home.  If you do not have any list of the features that you want, you may overlook some.


Know about the real estate market.  The real estate market differs from place to place even though there are some common features.  You should be knowledgeable with the Santa Cruz real estate market trends, the neighborhood, buying process, home sales prices, and others, or make sure to hire a real estate agent who does.


Apply for a mortgage on time.  You have to apply for your mortgage on time.  Before you apply for it, you should have all the necessary documents required by lenders ready.  Your credit report, ID details, and statements of accounts are some of the necessary documents most lenders want.  If you have negative scores on your credit report, it is important that you go for credit repair before applying for the mortgage.


Other things that you should do include• Inspect the home• Hire a good real estate agent and lawyer• Make a list of the items that are available in the home when it is listed.


If you are ready to invest some time and money to find the property that's right for you, please contact me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or 831.662.6522.


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

Links


Find a good location


Know about the real estate market


Apply for a mortgage on time
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 01:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
</item>
    </channel>
</rss>