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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2016-02/</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/santa-cruz-millennials-how-to-buy-your-first-home-in-an-expensive-market.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-millennials-how-to-buy-your-first-home-in-an-expensive-market.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Santa Cruz Millennials: How To Buy Your First Home In An Expensive Market </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

The Santa Cruz real estate market is still simmering from its red-hot year in 2015. Prices remain high, inventory is low and the demand for homes is still remarkably high. So where does that leave first-time homebuyers? With rental prices at an all-time high, it may be time to ask yourself the tough questions. Are you ready to buy a home? Can you picture yourself spending the next few years here? Are you financially and mentally ready to commit? If you can honestly answer those questions with a yes, then you’re nearly halfway there.


1) Ask All Of The Questions


Ask your friends, family, coworkers, web forums, industry professionals, essentially everyone and anyone you can to find out more about things like financing, the buying process, home ownership, local taxes, home inspections, and anything else you can think of. The more that you can learn about each of these things, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions and ask the important questions. Ask your agent to setup an informative meeting with you and they’ll be happy to give you an overview of the process, the current market, and let you know where you stand as a prospective homebuyer.


2) Get Pre-Approved To Determine Your Budget


After determining what kind of loan you’re interested in applying for, it’s time to pay a visit to your preferred lender to find out how much you can spend on a home. In this type of market, a joint-mortgage could be a tactical move to help increase your budget, but it also means that if your partner can’t make their share of the mortgage payment one month, you could be on the hook for the difference.


3) Stay Positive &amp; Set A Realistic Timeline


It’s a tough market right now, but it will all be worth it in the long run. One of the best things that you can do is set a realistic timeline for yourself, and don’t rush the process by feeling stressed out that you haven’t found the house yet. The right house will come along, and you’ll know when it does.


Lauren can help you build a thorough wants vs needs list, and when the right house comes along, she’ll help you in the bidding war to secure that home for you. If you arm yourself with pre-approval, solid employment, and a good down payment, then you’re well on your way to owning a great home in Santa Cruz county.


Check out our other blogs with local real estate advice for first-time homebuyer:




Closing Costs Explained: A Resource For First-Time Buyers


4 Tips for Buying a Santa Cruz Home For Sale (Doing It Right The First Time)


First Time Homebuyer: Are You Ready For Home Ownership?




When you’re ready to start the process and start your own real estate story, give Lauren a call or send her a message.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2016 14:10:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/romantic-valentines-day-date-ideas-in-santa-cruz-netflix-not-included.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/romantic-valentines-day-date-ideas-in-santa-cruz-netflix-not-included.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Romantic Valentine's Day Date Ideas In Santa Cruz - Netflix Not Included</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Retail shelves are stocked with chocolate, florists are in a frenzy, and love is in the air. Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what's better than showering your partner in gifts of chocolate, jewelry, or flowers, is the gift that can withstand the test of time — making great memories together.


If you haven't already started planning your romantic adventures, here are a few ideas to keep things fun and spontaneous this Valentine's Day in Santa Cruz.


For The Thrill-Seeking Duo


Take your sweety on a sky-high adventure at The Boardwalk, where all rides are on sale at 2-for-1 this weekend. Cling to each other in the Fright Walk, strike up some friendly competition over a round of mini golf, and watch as the sun sets over the ocean from your private chair on the Ferris Wheel. The Boardwalk is open until 6pm, so when you're done with your adrenaline rush you can head on over to the Ideal Bar &amp; Grill for great eats in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.


For The Nature Loving Pair


Experience the call of the wild in this informative, two-hour trek through the wild redwoods at the Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Learn more about the birds and the bees of the natural flora and fauna in this region and enjoy the peaceful serenity of Mother Nature in this private preserve. Find out more about the event at the California State Parks website.


For The Sophisticated Twosome


Start your day off with a relaxing couples massage at the Chaminade Resort &amp; Spa, complete with chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne When you're both nice and relaxed, head out to the Santa Cruz Warf to enjoy a selection of wines at the Vino Prima Wine Bar. Sip and savor a robust red or white wine while soaking up the sun with your hunny bun. Then, for dinner, satisfy your discerning palate with some quality eats from Cafe Mare on Front Street. Finish your night with a stay at one of Santa Cruz' best luxury resorts and take advantage their of low-season pricing.


From budget-friendly hangouts to lavish day trips, you can be as modest or frivolous with your Valentine's Day plans as you want No matter what you're plans are, even if you've been together for four days, four month, or fourty years, you can never go wrong with a relaxing, sunset walk on the beach.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:32:00 -0800</pubDate>
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