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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2016-11/</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/best-places-to-live-in-santa-cruz-if-you-love-to-eat.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/best-places-to-live-in-santa-cruz-if-you-love-to-eat.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Best Places To Live In Santa Cruz If You Love To Eat</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



As a major urban center and home to over 60,000 people, Santa Cruz is not only an excellent place to raise a family, but a great place to explore a wide range of dining options. With over 300 restaurants in the city, there's plenty of opportunities to test new flavors, delight in the comfort of classic family favorites, and challenge your palate no matter where you are in the city.


Here are a few local hot spots that you should explore if food is your passion as well as brief description of the homes you'd find in each of these neighborhoods.


Santa Cruz Waterfront


Homes along the waterfront aren't just contemporary luxury houses. With their elegant exteriors and vibrant designs they embody the Californian beachfront lifestyle. Many of them are just waiting for you to move in and call them your home.


Of course, Santa Cruz waterfront homes for sale don't just afford stunning views of the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. Many ocean front houses in this area are also a short distance from the Municipal Wharf. And if you like seafood, down by the wharf is the place to be.


The Stagnaro Brothers menu offers over twenty different types of fresh seafood each day. They also deal in fresh fish you can take home and prepare yourself. With a full bar, a breathtaking view, and a swanky selection of fine eats, Johnny's Haborside is another sure stop for the seafood enthusiast. There's also Firefish Grill, which specializes in seafood served California-style. The grill has been a permanent wharf fixture for over thirty years.


East Santa Cruz


Located across the San Lorenzo River from the downtown core, eastside Santa Cruz real estate tends to take the form of single-family homes. In this region, you'll find a mixture of freshly constructed houses as well as sturdy old residences.


Along Soquel Avenue, you'll find unique shops like the Crepe Place and the Bagelry that specialize in desserts with a twist. In addition to spiced apple and cinnamon swirl crepes, at the Crepe Place, you'll find savory crepes packed with sharp cheeses and veggies.


There's also a killer Italian place, Lilian's Italian Kitchen. This venue is a bit pricey, but with its traditional Sicilian recipes, broad selection of wines, and cozy ambiance, it makes a perfect date-night destination if you have a special someone you'd like to impress.


Downtown


Straddling the border between East and West Santa Cruz, the Downtown district offers more restaurants per square mile than anywhere else in the city.


Laili is a picturesque Mediterranean eatery. With red and green vines winding up the walls, a handsome marble bar top, and an enclosed garden patio, this restaurant not only creates strong flavors that will delight your taste buds, but a beautiful space to enjoy them in.


Oswald is another top-rated restaurant that has everything from beef lasagna to Alaskan halibut. Each month, Oswald features a local artist. From stunning photographs of the natural world to mosaics made up of brilliant shards of color, you'll be able to delight in art of all kinds in this venue.


Seabright


Surrounded by water on three sides, the district of Seabright has a unique look and feel. Properties in the west face the San Lorenzo River, and homes in the east face the Woods Lagood and the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor. Luxury villas dot the shores of this neighborhood and offer residents breathtaking views each evening as the sun dips below the horizon, tie-dying the beaches warm hues of pink, orange, and yellow.


Inside, Seabright homes for sale have spacious master suites, vast picture windows, and attractive updated kitchens. There are also a number of affordable single-family homes in the area complete with fenced backyards and room for a flower bed.


Clustered around the intersection of Seabright Avenue and Murray Street, three excellent restaurants are engaged in close competition for the best Italian joint in town. Tramonti specializes in pizza and pasta and gets its name from the small Italian village along the Amalfi Coast. Engfer Pizza Works boasts a wood-fired pizza oven and chilled craft beers, making this locale is perfect for a casual Friday night out. They even have a ping-pong table for a playful game. La Posta prides itself on using local ingredients that are in season, meaning that dishes are always at their most flavorful and fresh.


There's also the Seabright Brewery which offers eight unique in-house brews ranging from the honey colored hues of their Pelican Pale ale to the dark rich flavors of the Oatmeal Stout.


So, if you're interested in buying a Santa Cruz home for sale, but aren't sure where to start, contact My Santa Cruz Real Estate. We can help you find homes close to the amenities you care about for a price you can afford.


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    <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2016 15:49:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-spot-the-perfect-retirement-property.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-spot-the-perfect-retirement-property.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How To Spot The Perfect Retirement Property</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



After years in the workforce, it’s finally time to step into retirement and enjoy life. Retiring is an exciting life transition. As you finally begin to properly relax, there are many decisions to be made on how to enjoy these golden years. Once the kids have gone their ways and the home becomes more than what they need, many retirees choose to relocate or move to a new home better suited for retired individuals.


While shopping for a retirement house or condo, there are many things you need to consider. Of course, there are the logistical considerations such as the price and mortgage, but there are also other choices that will have a direct impact on you'll enjoy your retirement.


Here are several things to look for in a retirement home:


Location, Location, Location


Whether you’re looking to relocate to a new city or stay in the same general area, retirees need to make sure the location of their new home is right for them. Some things to consider are proximity to grocery stores and amenities since you’ll have more time to enjoy them as a retired person as well as whether or not there is healthcare readily available. As we begin to age, we tend to require more attention from doctors and healthcare specialists.


It’s also a good idea to consider your interests and needs. Are you an avid golfer? You may want to want to relocate closer to a golf course. Do you prefer fishing or boating? A waterfront property may be more suitable.


How Will You Get Around?


Transportation is another key consideration when choosing a retirement property. Although you may feel comfortable behind the wheel right now, chances are when you get to be 80 or 90 years old, you may not want to drive as often. Choosing a property with clean and reliable public transportation is key for the future.


Which Type of Property is Best?


For retirees, simplicity is key. One-story, open-concept bungalows are a popular choice because they are easy to maintain, do not contain many stairs to navigate, and are relatively inexpensive in terms of utilities. These properties often come with modern fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom, one or two spare bedrooms for guests and a light, airy ambiance that is ideal for enjoying your golden years.


When choosing a property, you should also consider the outdoor property as well. Is there a large yard that will require extensive maintenance? For retirees, it’s a good idea to choose a property with as little maintenance as possible. You’ll want to enjoy life rather than spend your days mowing grass and pulling weeds.


Consider Bathroom Safety


Another thing to consider before investing in a retirement home is looking at the bathrooms. Did you know that the bathroom is the most common room to experience a household accident? Take a look at the bathroom of your potential new home and make sure the bathroom either has safety provisions already installed or has the space to install your own grab bars and other safety features.


Whether you’re looking to relocate, downsize, or simply make a change in your living space as you transition into retirement, the experts at Santa Cruz Real Estate can help. Call 800-226-4717 today and speak with one of our experienced agents.


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    <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2016 08:17:00 -0800</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/dont-miss-these-great-holiday-craft-fairs-in-santa-cruz-2016.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/dont-miss-these-great-holiday-craft-fairs-in-santa-cruz-2016.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Don’t Miss These Great Holiday Craft Fairs In Santa Cruz - 2016</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



While Black Friday is considered to be the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season, those with a proactive mindset are likely already halfway done. From Playstations to VR headsets and drones to fitness trackers, this year is all about the tech, especially in California where we're at the epicenter of it all. Beyond the gizmos and gadgets, there’s another emerging trend that we couldn’t be more excited to promote, and that's locally produced handmade goods.


Santa Cruz is filled with homegrown talent; you just have to know where to find it. Give back to the local economy, support arts and culture, and give awesome gifts your friends will remember for years to come, it’s a win-win


Check out this year’s hot Christmas craft fairs in Santa Cruz County:


Sip, Shop, &amp; Be Merry


Date: November 17, 2016 Where: Art Inspired in Capitola Village Time: 5pm – 9pm


Bring your friends to sip some festive beverages and shop at Art Inspired this holiday season Take advantage of special discounts on November 17th to find handmade jewelry, pottery, and other decorative household items.


La Selva Beach Holiday Fair


Date: November 19, 2016  Where: La Selva Beach Clubhouse  Time: 10am – 4pm


The La Selva Beach Holiday Fair will feature over 30 artisans from various disciplines offering up a great assortment of handmade goods for everyone on your list. The event will also include a large used book sale, freshly baked treats, a selection of locally produced beers, and live music Best of all, admission is FREE


Santa Cruz Mountains Holiday Makers Market


Date: November 26, 2016  Where: Felton Community Hall  Time: 10am – 5pm


Enjoy live music, great food, and shop the many handmade items The Santa Cruz Mountains Holiday Market doesn’t just give exposure to local artists and craft creators, it’s also a fundraiser for Mountain Community Resources, a local outreach initiative that takes aim at improving the lives of families in the community. You’ll find everything from rugs to handbags and soap to clothing under the roof of the Felton Community Hall.


Artisans Holiday Gift Sale


Date: December 3 – 4, 2016 Where: The Vets Hall Time: 10am – 4pm


Find gifts as unique as your friendships is easy at the Artisans Holiday Gift Sale this December. From boho chic to coastal kitsch and eco-friendly soaps to artisan spices, this gift market specializes in one-of-a-kind gifts that are all only $25 or less


Christmas shopping can be a trying time, but buying a home doesn’t have to be Work with an agent who’s shaped her career around the Santa Cruz real estate market. With over 30 years of experience, Lauren Spencer can help you find a home that speaks to you, faster and easier than shopping for your loved ones this holiday season. Send her a message or give her a call at 800.226.4717 today


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 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2016 10:35:00 -0800</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/6-ways-to-save-money-and-make-your-home-more-eco-friendly.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/6-ways-to-save-money-and-make-your-home-more-eco-friendly.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>6 Ways to Save Money and Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Living in Santa Cruz has endless benefits. Not only are we close to the coast with beautiful views and exceptional weather, but we are also proud to live in a community on the brink of technology with neighbors who may be working on making the world a better place to live.


Why not take this sentiment home and opt for a few eco-friendly changes to your lifestyle that will help save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint?


Try some of these tips today:


Improve Your AC Efficiency


If you run an air conditioner in the summer, make sure it’s working at peak efficiency by investing in AC maintenance and keeping your air filters clean. Other ways to reduce air conditioning costs is by running a ceiling fan and keeping your curtains closed during the day to keep things cool inside. It’s also recommended to turn the AC off at night when things get cooler. Open your windows and get some fresh air when the sun goes down and your home will be cooler in the morning when you turn the AC back on.


Unplug Electronics When They are Not in Use


Many electronics such as your TV and computers still use a small amount of electricity even if they are turned off. Save electricity and lower your energy bill by unplugging these appliances when they are not in use.


Wash Your Clothes with Cold Water


You would be shocked to find out how much energy goes into heating water used for laundry. In today’s market, we have numerous detergents that are actually designed to work better with cold water. Switch to doing laundry with cold water and notice the difference it makes in your energy bill. Washing in cold water is also better for your clothes in many cases and prevents shrinking for many materials.


Upgrade Your Plumbing


A lot of water is wasted from an inefficient plumbing system. Inspect your pipes and repair any small leaks to save water. Install a dual-flush or low-flow toilet to use less water when you flush. Your water bill will be noticeably lower and you will waste less water on a daily basis.


Collect Compost


Even if you don’t have a green thumb, collecting compost in your yard is a great way to give back to the local environment. Contributing to a compost pile will reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and water. It will also reduce your household waste if you separate garbage from compost.


Invest in Green Home Décor


There are also ways to incorporate the environment into your home décor. Use houseplants around your home to purify the air and try using an eco-friendly paint with a low VOC index on your walls. Instead of using candles and aerosol sprays created with chemicals, try heating some essential oils in your home for an even better olfactory experience.


For more tips and tricks on making the most out of living in Santa Cruz, call My Santa Cruz Real Estate at 800-226-4717 today.
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    <pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2016 08:02:00 -0700</pubDate>
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