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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2013-04/</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/could-the-right-color-help-sell-your-santa-cruz-home-faster.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/could-the-right-color-help-sell-your-santa-cruz-home-faster.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Could the Right Color Help Sell Your Santa Cruz Home Faster?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When it comes to selling your Santa Cruz home, you’ve probably thought of the most common staging tricks, such as clearing out the clutter to make your rooms look bigger and bringing in more light to brighten things up. However, have you considered that the colors in your house might have an effect on whether buyers are interested?


Color has a psychological effect on people, whether they are aware of it or not. First impressions are everything when you are selling a house, so think about how the colors you choose will influence your potential buyers. A new paint job could be a simple and effective way to make your house more appealing.


Choose Mellow, Neutral Shades


When a potential buyer is looking at your house, they want to be able to imagine themselves living there. If your walls are painted in lime green or hot pink, it can be difficult for a buyer to relate the house to their own tastes. Instead, use neutral colors, such as cream, olive, beige and ivory. Then the walls become a blank canvas where they can project their own style preferences.


Create the Illusion of Space


In order to make a space within your Santa Cruz home feel larger, you can use a very light neutral color such as white, tan or pale grey. This will reflect more light and give the impression of a more expansive interior. You can also try painting the moldings the same color as the walls, which will make the ceilings look higher.


Don’t Forget About Exterior Color


It’s easy to focus on the interior of a house and forget about the outside, but the front of the house is the first thing potential buyers will see. Curb appeal can be a huge factor in their decision. Make sure your fence, mailbox and deck are all freshly painted with a bold and vibrant shade such as deep green, red or navy blue.


You’ll be amazed at the difference the right colors can make in selling your Santa Cruz home. Please call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more tips.


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

Resources:


Color Has a Psychological EffectThe Colors You ChooseCurb Appeal
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-facts-about-santa-cruz-real-estate-disclosures.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-facts-about-santa-cruz-real-estate-disclosures.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>The Facts About Santa Cruz Real Estate Disclosures</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
From new landscaping and a fresh coat of paint, to appliance upgrades and room remodeling, homeowners will go to great lengths to present their Santa Cruz real estate for sale in the best light possible. However, sellers need to be aware that while they’re fixing up current flaws in their home, they shouldn’t cover up past ones.


That’s where the disclosure comes in. All sellers will need to fill out disclosure forms about their properties, and every buyer should triple-check this form before signing on the dotted line of a contract. Below are a few facts about disclosures to help sellers ensure they’re doing the right thing when listing Santa Cruz real estate.


The Purpose of a Disclosure


Disclosures come in a variety of forms, but their primary function is to inform buyers about the state of a home, its past and its neighborhood. They also provide sellers with a safety net in case there is legal trouble down the road.


If You Know It, Disclose It


Disclosure laws vary from state to state, so check with your REALTOR to ensure you’re filling out the proper paperwork. When listing past renovations, insurance claims from natural disasters, or new neighborhood construction, it’s best to err on the side of caution. List everything you can possibly think of, so the buyer can never say they weren’t warned.


When to Disclose


The seller usually provides the disclosure after they’ve accepted the buyer’s bid. In most cases, buyers can back out of the deal without losing their escrow deposit if they find something unfavorable in the disclosure. Some sellers even like to provide the disclosure to any potential buyers up front, so they know what they’re dealing with before ever placing an offer.


Disclosure Versus an Inspection


While a seller’s disclosure form gives a property inspector a jumping-off point for things to double-check, they are not the same thing. The buyer hires a property inspector after they’ve placed a bid on the home to ensure there are no major issues. There could be problems of which even the seller is unaware.


If you’re getting ready to sell your Santa Cruz real estate and would like more information on what you should disclose, 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:


A Contract


Realtor


Property Inspector
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-purchasing-a-condo-versus-an-unattached-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-purchasing-a-condo-versus-an-unattached-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>The Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Condo Versus an Unattached Santa Cruz Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
From location to age, many factors play into the desire to purchase a condominium instead of an unattached Santa Cruz home. If you want to live in a large city, freestanding houses may be few and far between. If you are older and don’t want to worry about yard work, then a complex where that’s taken care of might be for you.


Making the decision to purchase a condo rather than an unattached property can be tough. So below we’ve outlined some of the pros and cons of each option.


Pros and Cons of a Condo


• Tax benefits. Purchasing a condo gives you the same tax benefits as owning a house. You can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from your federal taxes.• Equity. Just as when you own a single-family property, you’ll be building equity and increasing your personal wealth. • Association fee. On top of your mortgage payment, you’ll need to factor in your homeowners association fee. This is usually paid monthly or annually and goes toward maintenance of your building and grounds.• Upkeep. If you’re not a natural handyman or gardener, then a condo might be right up your alley. There’s usually a hired maintenance person to fix any heating issues or leaking roofs.• Noise. Be aware that you’ll share walls. This could be a major drawback if you have noisy neighbors.


Pros and Cons of an Unattached Santa Cruz Home


• Land. You own the land as well as the building. You have the freedom to add on to or knock down and rebuild a house without having to get approval from anyone, such as a condominium board. Although, you might have to file for city building permits.• Maintenance. You’re in charge of the yard and the condition of your house. If anything breaks or is damaged, you’ll be the one who has to replace it.• Privacy. You won’t have to worry about meeting neighbors in hallways, sharing thin walls or trying to fit your garbage into an already full trash can.


If you’re looking for a new Santa Cruz home and would like more information on either condominiums or single-family  houses, 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:Purchase a Condo


Building Equity


You’re in Charge of the Yard
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/searching-for-a-solar-panel-system-for-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/searching-for-a-solar-panel-system-for-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Searching for a Solar Panel System for Your Santa Cruz Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you’ve been considering taking your Santa Cruz home in a green direction, April is the perfect month to make an environmentally friendly update. Celebrate Earth Day by installing a solar energy system. Solar panels turn sunlight into energy that can save you money


The federal government and many states are now providing tax incentives and rebates for installing solar panels in 2013. So don’t waste the opportunity to go green this spring. However, there are many installers that might not have the necessary experience, so be sure to ask the questions below when searching for your solar energy system.


How many solar panel systems have they installed?


You want to make sure to find a reputable company that has significant solar experience and has successfully completed at least 50 installations. Ask for references before you sign anything.


What is the output in kWh per year?


Many times, solar panel brands will claim to be more efficient than others. You’ll want to weigh the annual output against the price to determine what system is going to be the most cost effective for your Santa Cruz home.


How long is the warranty on the panels?


Most solar panel systems have a warranty of 25 years. Top-of-the-line panels usually guarantee an output of no less than 90 percent after ten years and no less than 80 percent after 25 years. Be wary of any company whose panels don’t come with a warranty.


Do they include a warranty on labor?


Many states require a warranty on labor in order to receive your rebate. Reputable installers should have no problem including at least a 10-year warranty.


What is the final price?


Don’t get separate pricing for the parts, labor and rebates. Get a comprehensive price, so you can directly compare the total cost and kWh per year among providers. Taking into consideration warranties and servicing fees, the outcome should be that you choose whoever can give you the most output at the best price.


If you’d like to celebrate Earth Day this month in your Santa Cruz home and have more questions on ways to go green, 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:


Tax Incentives and Rebates


Solar Panel Brands


Come With a Warranty


 


 


 


 


 


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-save-for-a-down-payment-on-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-save-for-a-down-payment-on-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How to Save for a Down Payment on Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are planning to invest in Santa Cruz real estate, it’s always wise to make as much of a down payment as you can. The more money you can deliver up front, the smaller your mortgage will be. With a smaller mortgage, you will pay less interest over the years, which will save you money in the long run.


The advice from most financial experts is that you should have enough money for a 20 percent down payment before buying a home. This might seem like an overwhelming task, so here are some tips to effectively save money for a down payment on your Santa Cruz real estate.


Eliminate Debt


Get rid of any debt you might have. If you are wasting your money on credit card interest each month, pay off these bills before you start saving. This will free up some cash in your monthly budget, which you can then start putting into a savings account.


Consider Another Source of Income


Take on a second job for a while, perhaps on weekends or a few evenings during the week. Any income from your second job can go straight toward your down payment.


Make a Plan and Stick to It


Create a budget to outline where all of your money goes on a monthly basis. You might be surprised to find out how much you have been spending on shopping or entertainment. Look at areas of your life where you can spend less so that you can put that money into your savings instead. 


Purge Your Belongings


Sell everything you don’t need. Do you really need that second car? What about all the junk in your garage that you haven’t used in years? Go through your possessions and be brutally honest with yourself as to whether you will ever actually use it again. Then you can sell your unwanted goods online or at a garage sale, and put the money toward your down payment.


Putting away money for a down payment to purchase Santa Cruz real estate takes patience and dedication, but it will save you thousands of dollars in interest over the years.


If you’re thinking about buying a 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:


Mortgage20 Percent Down PaymentCreate a Budget
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 21 Apr 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/questions-to-ask-at-open-houses-for-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/questions-to-ask-at-open-houses-for-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>4 Questions You Should Always Ask At An Open House</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



An open house gives you a great opportunity to get a first-hand look at the property you might be interested in buying. It also affords you the chance to chat with the selling agent so you can bring up any questions or hesitations you have with the home. Knowing exactly what to ask in the moment can be a challenge, so here are examples of questions at the next open house you attend: 


Why has the seller decided to sell now?


If you ask the REALTOR® why the seller is moving, you could learn valuable information to help determine your bid. Knowing whether the owners are about to go into foreclosure or they’ve retired south and completely paid off the home can help you decide how urgently they need to sell their property. 


Have you had any other offers?


The Santa Cruz real estate market is one of the most desirable and competitive markets in the country. When you're visiting an open house, it's imperative that you bare in mind that you are not only negotiating with the seller for a price. There are likely several other potential buyers, all vying for the same beautiful property you're interested in. By asking the simple question of how many other offers there are, you'll be able to get a realistic idea of what you are up against. 


Does the property have special ownership costs?


Ask the REALTOR® about the other costs associated with owning the property, such as any HOA or strata fees that typically come with living in a condominium or a gated community. You can also find out what to expect in terms of the annual property taxes. It’s important to know about these extra expenses in advance so you can make an informed offer.


What furniture and appliances are being sold with the house?


Most of the time, a seller will include their major appliances such as the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher with the home, but this isn’t always the case. If you don’t already have these items, it’s important to know whether they are included in the purchase price.


The open house is a great opportunity to learn more about a home before making the decision to buy it, so be sure you ask the right questions. To find out more about attending Santa Cruz real estate open houses, contact 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:


Why the Seller is Moving


Negotiating With the Seller for a Price


Other Costs
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/mistakes-that-can-prevent-the-sale-of-your-santa-cruz-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/mistakes-that-can-prevent-the-sale-of-your-santa-cruz-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Mistakes that Can Prevent the Sale of Your Santa Cruz Home </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Selling a house in the current market can be tricky, but there are certain mistakes an owner can make that will cause a Santa Cruz home to sit still without a decent offer and cause the listing to go stale. In order to prevent that from happening, make sure you are not making one of the following mistakes when putting your property on the market.


Overpricing


While your Santa Cruz home may hold sentimental value, that value does not translate into dollars. Be realistic about your asking price and know the market. Look at the list price of similar houses on the market to get a rough idea of what you should ask for your property. Your real estate agent can also give you their expert opinion based on experience and comparables.


Neglecting Repairs


Glaring problems with a property will cause the buyer to think the Santa Cruz home was not properly maintained. While it may cost money, repairing things like holes in the walls, broken light fixtures or missing tiles can change a buyer’s entire attitude about a property.


Ignoring Curb Appeal


Overgrown and unweeded yards can cause potential buyers to drive right by. Also, having junk in the front of your house or peeling paint can deter someone from considering the property. Step across the street and take an honest look at your house — and then make necessary adjustments.


Creating Foul Odors


Odorous foods, pet dander and the smell of smoke can be extremely distasteful to buyers. Even if you are used to the smell, others entering your house will not be. Make sure you air out the house, smoke only outdoors, and put away the litter boxes before an open house or showing.


Without even realizing they’re sabotaging a potential sale, homeowners can make several mistakes when first trying to sell a Santa Cruz home. Many mistakes have easy fixes and are even preventable.


To find out what you can do to make your property really stand out to potential buyers, 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:


Current Market


Potential Sale
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-santa-cruz-real-estate-agent.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>What to Look for When Hiring a Santa Cruz Real Estate Agent</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whether you’re purchasing or selling a home, you’ll want to make sure you have a Santa Cruz real estate agent with years of experience and plenty of expertise. Below are a few guidelines to follow when looking to hire the perfect property professional.


Find out if they are full-time or part-time REALTORS.


You want a full-time REALTOR working for you. If he or she is part time and you have to wait until his or her day job is over before placing your bid, then you could miss out on your dream home within a matter of hours. You want your professional’s focus to be in the property game, so that he or she knows what’s on the market, what’s a smart investment and what’s in your best interest.


Make sure he or she is working for you.


You will be the one paying your Santa Cruz real estate agent, so make sure he or she does the work. Ask potential REALTORS what marketing strategies they’ll use to promote your home. If looking to buy, ask how many homes they estimate they can send your way each week. You’re paying them to do the research, so make sure they’re planning to do it.


Look at their Multiple Listing Service (MLS) pages.


All REALTORS have access to the MLS site to list properties on. Ask to see their current listings, so you can evaluate how they’ll market your home. This is the first place many buyers and property professionals go to search for homes for sale, so make sure your REALTOR’S listings stand out.


Check their references.


Many homebuyers and sellers ask for these credentials, but never actually follow up. Call each reference to see what their experience was like; you’ll be surprised at some people’s frankness.


Don’t just settle on the first Santa Cruz real estate agent you find in the phonebook Search for an expert whose standards will match your investment.


If you’re looking for a new home or getting ready to put your house on the market, 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:


What’s a Smart Investment


REALTOR


MLS Site
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/getting-your-santa-cruz-home-ready-to-sell-this-spring.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/getting-your-santa-cruz-home-ready-to-sell-this-spring.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Getting Your Santa Cruz Home Ready to Sell this Spring</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Without a doubt, spring is the best time of year to get your Santa Cruz home on the market and sold fast. The reason behind this trend is understandable. Most people don’t want to look at new houses, pack everything up and move in the cold of winter. Also, families want to wait until the kids get out of school for the summer, so they’ll start shopping in the spring. Thus, when the warm weather returns, so do the buyers in the real estate market.


Before your real estate agent lists your Santa Cruz home, it’s essential for it to look its best. Examine your living space and see it as a buyer would — then double check this list of staging tips to make sure you haven’t overlooked any important details.


• Clear out the clutter. Tidy up counter tops, bookcases, garages and closets. • Pack up your beautiful things. Personal photos and knick-knacks should be boxed up for moving day.• Get a storage unit. Open up space by moving furniture and boxes into storage — it will make the rooms appear bigger.• Remove appliances and fixtures that you want to keep. If you are taking the dining room chandelier or the built-in     microwave, remove them before the house goes on the market.• Make minor repairs. Check that faucets don’t leak, doors close properly and holes in the walls are patched. • Make it pretty Windows, floors and bathrooms should be sparkling. Dust every surface, hang up fresh towels in the bathroom and make sure there are no lingering odors.• Don’t forget the yard. Curb appeal starts at the curb — go figure — so mow the yard, wash down walkways and place yellow flowers near the front door to trigger the emotion to buy.


There are a hundred different ways to give your Santa Cruz home an advantage over the competition in the spring buying market. The better your property looks, the faster it’s going to sell.


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

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

Links:


Staging Tips


Pack Up


Curb Appeal
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/dont-get-fooled-by-tricky-terms-when-purchasing-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/dont-get-fooled-by-tricky-terms-when-purchasing-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Don’t Get Fooled by Tricky Terms When Purchasing Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When looking to buy Santa Cruz real estate, confusing terminology can leave you feeling like a dunce. From a multitude of numbers to marketing jargon, property listings can provide you with an overwhelming amount of information — and it’s hard to know what’s important. So, brush up on the terms below and don’t get fooled this April


Sale-to-List Ratio


This is an important number to pay attention to when choosing a REALTOR. The percentage is calculated by what a home was initially listed for, divided by the actual sale price. The closer an agent’s percentage is to 100, the better. If it’s low, that could be an indication that they routinely list homes too high.


Median Days on Market


The median days on market is the midpoint of how many days it took for homes in that area to sell. If it’s 30 days, then half of the homes sold quicker and half took longer than 30 days. If you compare the Santa Cruz real estate you’re considering to its area’s median days on market and you find that it’s been on longer, the sellers might be willing to take a lower offer.


Distressed Property


Properties are listed as distressed when the owners have defaulted on their loans or are about to. As a buyer, you might be able to get a good deal on a short sale or a foreclosure, as banks usually list them below market value to try and recoup some of their loss.


An Active Versus Pending Status


If you find your dream home and then notice that it has a pending status, brace yourself for disappointment. An active status on a home means the owners are accepting offers, while a pending status indicates that they’ve already accepted an offer. If you know it’s the one for you, you can still place a bid in case the first offer falls through.


Don’t let the month of April turn you into a property fool. If you’re looking to purchase Santa Cruz real estate, please let me help you cut through the jargon and find the home of your dreams.


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:Choosing a REALTOR


Find Your Dream Home


 
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    <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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