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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2013-03/</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/santa-cruz-market-trends-report1.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-market-trends-report1.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Santa Cruz Market Trends Report</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ Please click here to view the Santa Cruz Market Trends Report ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 30 Mar 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-green-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-green-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>What to Look for in a Green Santa Cruz Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In today’s environmentally conscious world, more homeowners are looking for property with green characteristics. Not only is an eco-friendly house better for the environment, but it also cuts down on the cost of utility bills. If you’re about to purchase a Santa Cruz home and want to go green, see below for a few eco-friendly features you should include on your checklist.


Proximity to public transportation or work


Taking a bus or a bike to work instead of driving can really reduce your carbon footprint, so definitely take into consideration a house’s location. Insurance companies might even provide cheaper rates to owners who live close to public transportation.


Quality of insulation


Look for a house that is insulated well at the right rating for the climate. The better the house is insulated, the more heat it will retain and the happier you’ll be with the utility bills.


Water heating system


When looking for a green property, a tankless water heater is an efficient alternative. It will produce hot water on demand instead of keeping a storage tank of water warm when it’s not needed.


Green appliances


If the house you are buying comes with appliances, check to see whether they are newer energy-saving models. These efficient appliances can save you an impressive amount on your utility bills  and modern plumbing fixtures can cut down on the amount of water you waste.


Building codes


If you are buying a brand new Santa Cruz home, ask the builder about the building codes with which they comply. If the building is advertised as being built to green building standards, you should do some research and find out exactly what that includes. The definition of green real estate can vary from builder to builder.


These are just a few things to look for when buying eco-friendly real estate. If you’d like more suggestions for finding a green Santa Cruz home, 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 home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.


Links:


Environmentally Conscious


Eco-Friendly Features


Insulated Well 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-to-do-when-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-loan-is-declined.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-to-do-when-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-loan-is-declined.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>What To Do When Your Santa Cruz Real Estate Loan is Declined</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
There are many reasons why a mortgage loan for your Santa Cruz real estate could be declined. It doesn’t have to be the end of your real estate dreams. Here are a few things to consider if you’ve been turned down for a mortgage:


Loan-to-Value RatioThe loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is the percentage of the appraised value of the Santa Cruz real estate that you are trying to finance. For example, if you are trying to finance a home that costs $100,000, and want to borrow $75,000, your LTV is 75.


Lenders don’t like a high LTV. The higher the ratio, the harder it is to qualify for a mortgage. To reduce the percentage, you can save up a bigger down payment. Some lenders may approve the loan if you buy mortgage insurance, which protects the lender in the case of default, but makes your mortgage payment higher.


Credit-to-Debt RatioLenders will be less likely to approve your mortgage loan if you have a high credit-to-debt ratio. The ratio is figured by dividing the amount of credit available to you on a credit card or auto loan, and dividing it by how much you are currently owe.


High debt loads will scare away most lenders. Try to keep your debt to under 50 of what is available to you. Lenders will appreciate it, and you will be more likely to get approved for a mortgage.


No Credit or Bad CreditFew things can derail your mortgage loan approval like credit issues. Having no credit record can be as bad for your approval chances as bad credit. With no record of timely loan payments from anywhere, a lender is unable to determine your likelihood to repay the mortgage. Some lenders will consider other records of payment, like utility bills and rent reports from your landlord.


If you have frequent late charges or collections, you’ll need to work at getting those paid on time, every time. There aren’t many lenders who’ll approve someone with bad credit, especially in today's market.


Talk to your loan office to determine which problem applies to you, and learn the steps to fix it. Then, you can finance the Santa Cruz real estate of your dreams.


If you're ready to buy a home or condo, I can help. Together, we'll determine how much you can afford, and I'll negotiate to get you the best price and terms. Give me a call now at 831.662.6522 to get started


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

LINKS:Loan-to-value ratio


Appraised value


Mortgage insurance


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/staging-tips-to-set-the-mood-at-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale1.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/staging-tips-to-set-the-mood-at-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale1.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Staging Tips to Set the Mood at Your Santa Cruz Home for Sale</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Staging is the art of preparing your Santa Cruz home for sale before showing it to prospective buyers. The point of staging is to highlight the house’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses and make it more appealing.


With the right decorating techniques, you can win buyers over the moment they step through the door. Below are a few staging tips to help make your house irresistible to potential buyers.


Put everything away


The first step is to put away anything that is not essential. This will open up the house so that it appears more spacious. Even if you have to rent a storage unit, finding a new home for all of your family’s projects and debris should clear some space and help buyers imagine their own stuff in your Santa Cruz home for sale.


Get rid of clutter


Be sure to clear off the things that gather on kitchen counters and surfaces, such as old magazines and stacks of mail. Also, emptying out your closets of half of the things inside them will make them look much roomier. And look on the bright side; moving into a new house will be much easier after you have donated your unneeded items to a charity.


Fresh scents make sense


You would be surprised by how much the sense of smell comes into play when buyers are viewing a house. To avoid turning them off with pet or smoke odors, make sure you give each room a deep clean, including the air vents and carpeting. Just covering up stale odors with air fresheners won’t do the job.


Let In the light


Buyers are looking for spacious rooms with a lot of natural light, so make sure you open the blinds and turn on all the lights. If you have rooms that are a bit dark, you can add floor lamps to make them brighter or flowers to suggest sunlight.


Staging can make a big difference in how potential buyers see your Santa Cruz home for sale, so make sure you set the mood to make it as attractive as possible. Please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information about staging.


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

Links:


Preparing Your Home for Sale


Appears More Spacious


Staging Can Make a Big Difference
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 24 Mar 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-purchasing-investment-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-purchasing-investment-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Tips for Purchasing Investment Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
With the housing market still making a comeback and many people renting homes, now may be the right time to invest in Santa Cruz real estate as rental property. The additional income could make it a solid investment if you are looking for something long term. When looking for rental property, here are several factors to consider to ensure your investment is profitable.


Financing


If you plan to take out a mortgage to purchase the property, be sure to check your credit report through the three major credit bureaus and clean up any errors. If your score is low, you’ll need to work on improving your credit rating to get the best interest rate on your loan. In addition, consider that you may have periods without a tenant, so plan ahead to cover payments when that happens.


Location


Find out if the house is near a school and affords easy access to major roads and stores. These features appeal to people with kids and those who commute. Stay away from neighborhoods in decline and those with high foreclosure rates — these factors will bring down the value of your investment.


Expenses


From HOA dues to upkeep and maintenance of the premises, there are many expenses that come with owning Santa Cruz real estate for rent. Take into consideration these expenses, along with property taxes and insurance, when deciding whether to purchase rental property.


Rental Amount


Research the area to determine the cost of rent for similar Santa Cruz real estate listings. The amount you charge for rent should be comparable; adjust it based on upgrades or special amenities. Then add up all of your monthly expenses, including mortgage payments, insurance and a built-in maintenance plan, and compare the total to what you could feasibly charge for rent. If you’ll be covering all of your costs and making a little extra, then it might be worth the investment.


Purchasing rental property can be a rewarding way to invest your money for the long term. If you’re interested in learning more, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for additional information.


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

Links:


Solid Investment


Check Your Credit Report


Interested in Learning More
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-negotiating-your-santa-cruz-home-price.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-negotiating-your-santa-cruz-home-price.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Tips for Negotiating Your Santa Cruz Home Price</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When you are looking to buy a Santa Cruz home, it is important to keep in mind that no real estate price is set in stone. There is always room for negotiation, and with the right techniques you can end up saving thousands of dollars on your dream house.


However, it can be tricky to get the right reaction when you are negotiating. An offer that is too low can cause the seller to dismiss you, which will leave you disappointed and empty-handed. Here are a few tips that will help you to haggle your way to the best deal.


Find out the seller’s motivationIf they really need to move and sell the property, it will be easier to convince them to negotiate on price because you will have more bargaining power. For example, they might be relocating for a job or the house might be close to foreclosure, which would give them the motivation to sell quickly at the price you offer.


Investigate how long the property has been on the marketIf the seller has been trying to sell the Santa Cruz home for several months or longer, they will be much more receptive to low offers than a seller who just put their house up for sale last week.


Research comparablesFind out the price of recently sold properties in the same area that are comparable to your prospect. This will give you an idea of how much you should bid on the house. Knowledge is power in any type of negotiation, so arm yourself with as much information as possible.


Keep your coolEven if you are absolutely head-over-heels in love with a property, don’t show your excitement. You could lose any advantage you might have in negotiation if you let the seller and their agent know how much you really want the property.


Don’t offendBe careful not to bid too low. Sometimes sellers are offended by lowball offers and will refuse to work with you afterward.


These are just a few tips to keep in mind for getting a great deal on your dream house. If you’d like more help negotiating the price of a Santa Cruz home, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.


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

Links:


The Right Techniques


Research Comparables


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/mistakes-first-time-buyers-make-with-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/mistakes-first-time-buyers-make-with-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make With Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Buying Santa Cruz real estate for the first time is a very exciting step in life. It is likely to be one of the biggest financial commitments that you make, so it’s very important to navigate the purchasing process wisely.


Many first-time homebuyers make rookie mistakes that bring on negative consequences and a lot of frustration. Outlined below are common errors homebuyers make, so you can learn from their missteps and avoid them yourself.


Buying more than what you can affordJust because the bank says that it will give you a certain amount for a mortgage doesn’t mean that you have to choose a house at the very top of this price range. Many people get carried away and close on an expensive house. Then they find it difficult to keep up with their monthly mortgage payments later on.


Remember that you will also have student loan payments, vehicle costs, credit card bills, health insurance, groceries, retirement savings and other expenses, so make sure that your mortgage payments will comfortably fit within your budget.


Failing to get an inspectionBefore buying a house, you should always have a professional inspection done. Not doing so is a big mistake. You don’t want to get stuck with hidden damage that could saddle you with the expense of ongoing repairs. Hiring a professional to assess the home’s condition is absolutely essential before making your final decision.


Disregarding your futureWhen you are buying Santa Cruz real estate, don’t just think about how the home will work for you in the immediate future. Also consider what your needs will be five, ten or even 20 years from now. Find out the development plans for the neighborhood, look for reputable schools if you intend to start a family, and consider whether the street’s home values are likely to increase or decline in the future.


Don’t let the home-buying process overwhelm you Learn from these common first-time homebuyers’ mistakes, so you can avoid them. Feel free to call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information about buying your first piece of Santa Cruz real estate.


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

Links:


Rookie Mistakes


What You Can Afford


Professional Inspection
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 18 Mar 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/market-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale-like-a-professional.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/market-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale-like-a-professional.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Market Your Santa Cruz Home for Sale Like a Professional</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Anyone preparing their Santa Cruz home for sale can get focused on all the little updates they need to make before it’s ready to be put on the market. However, once the property is listed, they usually just sit back and wait for the offers to roll in — which can be disappointing.


For a fast sale, real estate agents know that the work never stops. Below are insightful tips from property experts to create buzz around your house and get it sold quickly


Bait buyers with visualsMost buyers do their preliminary searches online, so this will be their first impression of your place. Hire a Realtor that uses a professional photographer. Or, take it one step further and make sure a virtual tour video is made — the extra effort might clench the deal.


Create an online social lifeJust posting your Santa Cruz home online might not be enough to attract buyers. However, if you give it a persona on Facebook or tweet about its beautifully refinished hardwood floors, you’ll reach more potential buyers and establish an emotional connection before they ever set foot inside.


Be flexibleIf the market isn’t cooperating with your current strategy, then be prepared to change it. This could mean dropping the price, hosting impromptu open houses or even taking the property off the market for a couple of months. Be sure to stay abreast of local selling trends by speaking with your agent and tracking area comparables.


Spread it through word of mouthEnlist the help of all your friends and family to help spread the word. Put flyers out front and pass them around to all of your neighbors — they might want their friends to move in down the street. Also, let local real estate agents know your house is available.


To get your Santa Cruz home sold quickly, take the advice above from successful professionals who know that no effort is too small when it comes to the real estate game.


If you’re getting ready to put your house on the market and would like more selling strategies, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


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

Links:


For a Fast Sale


Create an Online Social Life


Put Flyers Out Front


 


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 16 Mar 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/simple-indoor-diy-projects-for-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/simple-indoor-diy-projects-for-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Simple Indoor DIY Projects for Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
With spring right around the corner, you might be thinking about sprucing up your Santa Cruz home. However, it may not yet be time to work in the garden or on other outside endeavors. If cabin fever is setting in, this is a great time for indoor improvements to brighten your living space and get you warmed up to work outside when the seasons change.


Whether it’s over-stuffed closets or cluttered garages, everyone has problem areas on their property. Maybe you just need to give some attention to an area that has not been touched in a while. Whatever your vision, now is a fantastic time to tackle an indoor project. Below are a few ideas to get you started. Maybe you can even get the kids to lend a hand


Organize that closet Clear out the things you don’t need and make it easier to find the things you do. You can build a closet system for about $100-$500 to put everything at your fingertips.


Create an indoor garden Check out these fun indoor gardening ideas, using recycled materials from around your Santa Cruz home. Get the kids involved and spend an afternoon creating a work of art — and memories


Paint an accent wallOr, you could choose to do an entire room The room you spend the most time in should probably be your starting point. Choose a color that will set the mood you want to foster, such as an energizing red or soothing blue.


Add shelves or a bookcase to a roomIf your house has papers and books stacked up on counters or in cabinets, you may need some additional shelving Built-in bookcases or shelves can help a cluttered area feel more spacious.


Paint your kitchen cabinetsObviously this is more than a one-afternoon project, but it is definitely a low-cost way to give your kitchen a facelift. It’s also a superb way to spend some time with your better half now that football season is over.


No matter which project you choose to tackle, you can keep the whole family busy and ward off the winter doldrums at the same time. If you’d like more suggestions for DIY projects for your Santa Cruz home or want to share some of your own ideas, please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.


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

Links:


Closet System


Indoor Gardening Ideas


Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/improve-the-curb-appeal-of-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/improve-the-curb-appeal-of-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Santa Cruz Home for Sale</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you have a Santa Cruz home for sale, it is important to appreciate the significance of first impressions. When potential buyers drive up to your property and take their first look at your front door, they will instantly be drawing conclusions about your house.


When you are trying to entice a buyer to fall in love with your house, you must consider the curb appeal of your Santa Cruz home for sale. This term describes the way your house looks from the outside or while standing on the curb.


What they see inside could either support or alter that original conclusion, but there is no way to erase a first impression. In fact, some surveys show that curb appeal can affect a buyer’s decision even more than price or square footage. Below are seven simple things you can do to improve your house’s curb appeal:


1. Plant a few shrubs or decorative flowers in the front yard to bring color to your lawn. 2. Is your front door looking a little worse for wear? Give it a fresh coat of paint or replace it with a new one. 3. Keep your grass well watered so it appears green and lush. 4. Remove anything your pet leaves lying around, such as bones, chew toys or droppings. 5. Take a look at your gutters. If they look damaged or are hanging loose from the roof, be sure to have them repaired before showing the house. 6. Clean up your flowerbeds by removing weeds and trimming overgrown plants. 7. Add a bench, a garden ornament or a couple of beautiful pots to make your front yard more attractive.


These are just a few ways you can improve the curb appeal of your Santa Cruz home for sale and make a great first impression on buyers.


Please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information about getting your house ready to sell.


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

Links:


Consider the Curb Appeal


Plant a Few Shrubs


Keep Your Grass Well Watered
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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