Mistakes of first-time homebuyersWhen you make the decision to buy your first home, there’s a whole spectrum of emotions that typically come into play. With so much money on the line and the commitment of a mortgage, it’s no wonder that home buying is regarded as one of the biggest decisionsf your life. It's also one of the most exciting, too! Here are a few common mistakes of new buyers to avoid if you’re thinking about purchasing your very first home.

 

Skipping Important Steps

With so much excitement and anticipation of home shopping, all too often many of the little details are either missed or completely disregarded. Things like home inspections and researching the neighborhood are crucial to how you’re going to live in and enjoy living in your home. As eager as you may…

1375 Views, 0 Comments

If you’re looking for ways to save money, reduce your impact on the environment, and add value to your Santa Cruz home, then you should definitely consider switching to solar power. Here are the top 5 reasons why now is the best time to invest in this awesome renewable energy.

1) Save Money Every Month On Your Electric Bill

Recent statistics show that the average electricity bill in Santa Cruz is $88, and the average home requires 573kHw per month. Residents in Santa Cruz are paying nearly 31% more for their energy than the national average. While switching to solar power probably won’t entirely eliminate your dependency on the local power grid, it will substantially reduce it.

2) Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

According to an article on the…

1414 Views, 0 Comments

Have you been thinking about doing a renovation lately? Before you spend thousands of dollars on an all-out renovation, consider switching up your lights first. Something as simple as updating your home's lighting can have a significant effect on the interior 'feel' of your space. Here's a quick rundown of some of the most common types of contemporary types of lighting that will add light and a dash style to your home. What a bright idea!

Interior Lighting 101

It all starts with a plan. How do you want to use the space? How is the room currently styled? Is there anything you'd like to highlight in your space, like a picture or furniture? These are all important considerations when choosing your lights. As a general rule of thumb, you should budget…

1389 Views, 0 Comments

There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a home that go beyond the details of a listing. Is it close to great schools? What’s the crime rate like? Is there any recreation nearby? Questions about the community are something that real estate agents are asked every single day. A community with a homeowners association, for instance, can answer a lot of these questions just by the nature of their organization, but they aren’t for everybody. Here are a few of the pros and cons to help you decide if an HOA neighborhood is right for you.

Pros To Living In An HOA Community

Community Appearance and Exterior Aesthetics

Homes in an HOA community are required to abide by the standards set by the association. Everything from the number of cars in…

1124 Views, 0 Comments