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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2014-06/</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/explore-santa-cruzs-attractions-this-summer.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/explore-santa-cruzs-attractions-this-summer.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Explore Santa Cruz's Attractions This Summer</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

As a Santa Cruz resident you don't have to go far from home to find something fun and interesting to do. Stroll along the beach, learn about the history of surfing, or just spend time being a tourist in your own town Check out some of the Santa Cruz attractions-- there are many different activities just waiting to be experienced.


Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk


The iconic oceanfront boardwalk is a fantastic amusement park and has been serving as a tourist attraction in the Santa Cruz area for over a century. The park is open year round and is rich with history and nostalgia. Try your hand at a classic carnival game, ride the 1911 Loof Carousel, or test your courage on the Giant Dipper, the Boardwalk's famous wooden roller coaster. This state historic landmark is a fun Santa Cruz attraction for the whole family.


Cocoanut Grove


Cocoanut Grove is just steps away from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and a fantastic place to dip your toes in the water of Monterey Bay. Known for its legendary history, this venue has a well established reputation for hosting events with personalized style. Check out their events calendar  to learn more about new and exciting happenings


Downtown


Downtown Santa Cruz is a lively and thriving area with lots to see and do. Park the car and check out a movie, find a great restaurant or participate in the monthly Art Tour on the first Friday of every month. This tour is hosted at 80 different venues and supports over 100 local artists.


Santa Cruz Surfing Museum


This museum was the first of its kind and opened its doors in 1986, though people had already been riding the waves in Santa Cruz for over a hundred years. Come and explore unique exhibits that feature the introduction of surfing to the Santa Cruz region and see how the sport has evolved over time.


Museum of Art and History


Another great reason to visit downtown is to check out the Museum of Art and History at the McPherson Centre. Affectionately referred to as MAH, this museum has made it their mission to bring people together through art and history and is one of the more unique Santa Cruz attractions in the area. Celebrate Santa Cruz’s diversity through some of its many programs, exhibitions and events. Learn more about what's happening at MAH today
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2014 11:37:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/habitat-for-humanity-provides-housing-for-deserving-families-in-santa-cruz-county.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/habitat-for-humanity-provides-housing-for-deserving-families-in-santa-cruz-county.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Habitat for Humanity Provides Housing for Deserving Families in Santa Cruz County</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz is a great non-profit organization that sets out to create affordable housing to low income families in need. This is an independently operated and locally funded chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Homes are built for local residents using donated supplies and community man-power. Qualifying families who live and work in Santa Cruz County will receive affordable homeownership with a zero percent mortgage from the HfHSCC; however, this is not a giveaway program. Applicants must prove a need for housing, provide a down payment and be able to make monthly mortgage payments. With local support, this program allows deserving residents of Santa Cruz County to gain economic stability and build a brighter future for their children.


Santa Cruz County Volunteers 


Santa Cruz County volunteers are what help make this program possible. It's a great way to give to a family in need and contribute to community events. In over 23 years, the Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County chapter has built 34 homes. Local Santa Cruz volunteers are involved in every step of the process. A wide range of skills are needed for things like fundraising, construction, administration, advocacy, committee work and more.


Coldwell Banker Supports Habitat for Humanity


Being in the real estate industry, Lauren Spencer and her peers at Coldwell Banker understand the importance of having a safe, stable, and comfortable place to call home. Lauren has been actively involved in fundraising for this great organization, and even purchased 200 raffle tickets to be given as gifts to her clients. Good luck


Donate to Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County


There are many ways to contribute to this organization. Habitat for Humanity Santa Cruz County accepts cash, check and building materials. There are also a number of non-traditional programs set up for people to give:




Employer Matching Gifts


Community Build Days - Corporate, Business or Faith Communities


Gifts from the Heart - Honorary or Memorial Gift Card




Habitat for Humanity of Santa Cruz County is a tax exempt non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2014 11:48:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-to-do-when-your-real-estate-loan-is-declined.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/what-to-do-when-your-real-estate-loan-is-declined.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>What To Do When Your 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 [city] 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 seventy-five percent.


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 using.


High debt loads will scare away most lenders. Try to keep your debt to under fifty percent of what is available to you. Lenders will appreciate it, and you will be more likely to be 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 on 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 the best price and terms for you.


For more helpful tips and information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or give me a call at 831.662.6522.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jun 2014 11:37:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-attract-high-end-buyers-for-your-home-for-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-attract-high-end-buyers-for-your-home-for-sale.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How To Attract High-End Buyers For Your Home For Sale</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
There’s at least one good thing about the drop in the dollar and it’s boosting the real estate market. Many high-end Europeans are now looking toward the U.S. for a vacation home or permanent resident, and that could mean big hope for your Santa Cruz home for sale. However, this also means a different way of selling.


Stage A BenefitNo open house for high-end buyers. Host an event instead – maybe even a benefit dinner for a worthy charity. Let people come and view the property, but give them an avenue to mix and mingle as well. In addition, they get to see how the house handles a bunch of guests.


Showcase A ChefIf you have a gourmet kitchen (or two), check with chefs that would like to showcase their cooking abilities. This creates an entire “house-buying” experience for your guests. Again, they see what that featured kitchen can handles as well as being able to enjoy the culinary arts of a professional chef.


Host A Private TourIf your Santa Cruz home for sale has beautiful gardens and a large landscape, add a private concert or tour of the gardens. A wine cellar and large sitting rooms can turn the event into a stylish wine tasting event.


The biggest trick in attracting high-end buyers is showing off the house’s best features. If the event is hosted at night, you can show how attractive the home is with an overall “candlelight” appearance. You might even go so far as to set the time for when the sky is at it’s best and frames the home just right.


First impressions are everything, so pull out all the stops. Don’t let any great feature go undiscovered, from indoor swimming pools to music rooms and manly dens. Let your Santa Cruz home for sale shine


If you’re getting ready to put a high-end home on the market, I can help. 


For more helpful tips and information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or give me a call at 831.662.6522.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2014 11:27:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/3-cheap-easy-ways-to-make-your-home-for-sale-more-inviting.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/3-cheap-easy-ways-to-make-your-home-for-sale-more-inviting.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>3 Cheap, Easy Ways To Make Your Home For Sale More Inviting</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Many putting up their home for sale on the Santa Cruz market don’t have a lot of available cash to spruce it up. While staging houses is a definite plus, it costs, as does many of the other suggested “to-dos.&quot; Here are a few cheap, easy ways to make your home look more inviting to buyers:


1. Put Up Your Personal StuffNot every buyer looking at a home for sale in Santa Cruz appreciates the fact that someone still lives there. Putting away the following things can help the buyers’ see themselves in the home:


• your pet’s things (toys, litter box, bowls)• your medications, toothbrushes and toilet accessories• any toys • knick-knacks and personal pictures


2. Create More SpaceSmall, closed in spaces are major turnoffs for buyers. Create the illusion of more space by:


• putting up out-of-season clothes or clothes you don’t wear very often to make your closets look bigger• taking one piece of furniture out of your bedroom • packing up the small appliances in your kitchen• taking out all but four chairs in your dining room, as well as extra table leaves


3. Touch On The TrendsChances are that some of the buyers are paying attention to celebrity trends. Feng shui is a big one, and you can do your part with just a few touches:


• add a fresh bowl of fruit to the kitchen• put a comfortable couch or chair on the east side of your living room or den• put a green welcome mat on your porch to symbolize opportunity• get rid of reds


Whether you see or feel a difference doesn’t matter. Keep in mind that you’re trying to appeal to potential buyers of your home for sale in Santa Cruz, not make the home more livable for you. If it helps, pretend that you’re the buyer, seeing the house for the first time.


For more helpful tips and information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or give me a call at 831.662.6522.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2014 11:46:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/summer-fun-in-the-backyard-of-your-own-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/summer-fun-in-the-backyard-of-your-own-home.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Summer Fun In The Backyard Of Your Own Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Summer is gearing up, and the great summer holidays are right around the corner. From 4th of July picnics and fireworks to Memorial Day barbeques, and every sunny day in between, a little preparation can make your Santa Cruz home a spot for summer fun.


Clean Up The GrillOne of the most popular pieces of outdoor party equipment is the barbeque grill. Over winter, it can accumulate a lot of dust. Propane tanks may need recharging and even the tires might need filling. If the grill wasn't cleaned and stored properly, last summer's leftovers may be hanging on for dear life, and be really hard to get rid of. A good oven spray can help a lot. Spray on a generous amount and let your grill sit in the sun for a few hours before attempting to scrub the food surface clean.


Clean Up The YardClutter is not only unsightly it can also be hazardous. Along with making sure toys are picked up and put away, check for branches that could have been knocked down by storms. Also check for holes or uneven areas in the grass where a guest could twist an ankle.


Decorate AppropriatelyDifferent holidays have themes that can be used to make your [city] home's yard and patio look its best. For everyday fun in the yard, situate tiki lamps in strategic spots to keep away flies and mosquitoes. Use brightly colored serving dishes, plates and napkins. You'll find an amazing array of them at your local discount store.


Invite Friends And Family To Share The FunParties are only as good as the people around you. Invite friends and family to make a fun [city] home party even better. One final tip: Have plenty of games on hand for all age groups.


If you would like more tips like this, subscribe to my blog. It'll only take about 30 seconds, and you'll automatically receive tips like this in your email about twice a week.


For more helpful tips and information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or give me a call at 831.662.6522.


For additional real estate information, please visit my home page at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:22:00 -0700</pubDate>
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