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        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2020-03/</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/resale-vs-new-construction-which-is-right-for-you.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/resale-vs-new-construction-which-is-right-for-you.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Resale vs. New Construction: Which is Right for You?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



The homebuying process can be difficult.


When looking for a home, there are so many things to consider, such as location, homestyle, and budget. And another important aspect to consider is whether you want to buy resale or new construction.


Santa Cruz real estate has a generous mix of both resale and new construction homes, giving homebuyers plenty of choice.


But what’s the difference between one and the other? Which is better?


Believe it or not, there are crucial differences between the two home styles—all of which could make you rethink what’s best for you.


Here are the differences between buying a resale vs. new construction home in Santa Cruz, CA:


Energy Efficiency and Green Building


Energy efficiency is becoming a high priority for many homebuyers on the Santa Cruz market.


But when you’re on the lookout for resale homes, it can sometimes be difficult to find ones that have the latest green technology.


Depending on the age of the home, it could have out-of-date features and appliances that do not comply with modern energy-efficiency ratings.


And if the home isn’t equipped with energy efficient systems, you could end up paying more money for your energy bill.


But buying a resale home doesn’t mean you can’t modify the place to be more green. You can change out minor things, like light bulbs and showerheads, to be more green.


New construction homes, on the other hand, are almost always built with green living in mind. They have the newest energy efficient systems preloaded into them, so you know for a fact that you’re saving energy and money.


Fixes and Repairs


When buying a resale home, you have to consider the potential for fixes and repairs.


Depending on the age of the home, you might be in for some hefty expenses right off the bat.


When buying these types of homes, you need to consider big ticket items like roofs. A typical roof only lasts for 25 years, and can cost you over $5,000 to replace.


Other repairs you need to watch out for include failures in the heating and air conditioning systems. Central air only lasts for around 15 years here in Santa Cruz.


The lack of expenses on fixes and repairs is one of the benefits of buying a new construction home in Santa Cruz. Everything in these homes is brand new, so you don’t have to worry about big ticket repairs for years to come.


And if anything does breakdown or malfunctions, new builds are typically under warranty for several years, so you’re fully covered.


Charm and Character


Charm and character is one of the top reasons why homebuyers choose to invest in a resale home.


Depending on the age of the home, you can find places that still boast its original features, like hardwood flooring and intricate ceiling details.


Resale homes may even have little quirks to them, like archways between rooms and lovely front porches.


New construction homes simply don’t have the charm or character that resale homes have.


Many new construction homes in Santa Cruz are built with modern architecture that offers clean lines and sleek designs, so everything in these homes looks pristine and untouched.


Choice of Neighborhood


An attractive feature of buying a resale home in Santa Cruz is that you have your pick of any neighborhood in the city.


Many neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are already established, so much of the real estate within is resale.


There are an abundance of options when it comes to buying resale in Santa Cruz, making it a very popular choice for homebuyers.


When you buy new construction, you don’t have much choice in terms of neighborhood and location.


Although more and more new construction homes hit the Santa Cruz real estate market every day, the majority of them are located in Scotts Valley and Aptos where new construction communities are on the rise.


The Bottom Line


There are equal benefits to buying new construction as there are to buying resale here in Santa Cruz. Depending on your lifestyle and budget, you may lean towards one over the other.


But sometimes it’s hard to know what you want without ever testing the water. So on your home search, be sure to tour both new construction and resale homes to see what’s best for you.


Are you buying a home in Santa Cruz? Contact Lauren Spencer today for expert real estate advice She’ll help you with all your real estate needs so the home buying process can be as simple and as stress free as possible.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2020 11:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-get-your-santa-cruz-home-open-house-ready.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-get-your-santa-cruz-home-open-house-ready.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>How to Get Your Santa Cruz Home Open House Ready</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Spring is the best time of year to sell your home in Santa Cruz.


The school year is wrapping up and homebuyers are starting their home searches for the summer.


This means that there’s no better time to list your home and to host an open house


Open houses are the best way to get potential homebuyers into your home so that they can see it for all its worth.


And since it’s important to make a good impression, you’ll want to prepare your home for this event.


Follow these tips on how to get your Santa Cruz home open house ready so you can make the most out of your event:


Clean Anything and Everything


Tidying up your home before an open house may seem obvious. But it requires a little more effort than just vacuuming and doing the dishes.


Before you host an open house, you’ll want to clean anything and everything in your home—even the most unlikely things, like your indoor plants and the tops of your TV sets.


You’ll want to start your deep clean in the weeks leading up to your event. This is the time that you’ll want to clean out your closets and clear out anything in your home that no longer needs to be there.


The day before the open house is when you’ll want to do all the major cleaning tasks, like vacuuming, washing the windows, and wiping the kitchen down. By this point, the home should be nearly ready for the open house.


On the day of the open house is when you should do the final touches to make your home look perfect for the event


Landscape the Yard


The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see when they come to visit your open house. So, make a good impression by sprucing up your yard.


Many front yards in Santa Cruz are covered by leaves at this time of the year, so make sure you rake everything up and mow the lawn.


You’ll also want to trim back any overgrown trees and shrubs.


And if you feel like putting in the effort, you can plant flowers around your home to make a good first impression. Santa Cruz is full of color at this time of year, so it’s nice to see blooming flowers at an open house


Selling your home in Santa Cruz? Contact Lauren Spencer to get your home sold quickly and for the highest price possible


Add Homey Touches


When you bring potential homebuyers into your home, the goal is to get them to imagine themselves living there.


Although this sometimes means removing personal items, like pictures and trophies, it also means making your house feel more like a home.


One of the best ways to do this is to decorate for the occasion.


Make your house a home by adding throw blankets on your sofas and decorative pillows on the bed.


One tip is to choose your decorations based on the season. So this spring, choose decorations that add a little color to the space. At other times of the year, add seasonal elements that remind people of home.


Another tip for making your house feel homey for your event is to bake cookies.


If you bake cookies a few hours before the open house, your home will not only smell delicious, but it will remind people of their own homes. Because of this potential homebuyers are more inclined to imagine themselves using the kitchen and baking cookies.


Take Away Your Valuables


Although a real estate agent would be in your home the entire open house, it’s impossible to keep an eye on every single person walking around.


And it’s for this reason that you want to air on the side of caution when it comes to your valuables.


Before your open house, take away any jewelry and precious items.


You should also clear out your medicine cabinet so people don’t snoop through your medications.


If you do this, you avoid any mishaps from happening during your open house.


Leave Your Home


Even though it’s tempting to stay in your home during an open house, it’s best for you to leave.


Potential homebuyers feel far more comfortable going through homes while the homeowners aren’t around.


If you have any pets, you should take them out of the house with you.


But spending a day out in Santa Cruz isn’t so bad


There are so many great things you can do to pass the time, like going for a hike or spending time at the beach. If you happen to have your dog with you, there are tons of great spots around the city where you can enjoy a pint with the company of your dog.


The best way to get your Santa Cruz home open house ready is to hire a real estate professional. Lauren Spencer is the best in business when it comes to real estate in Santa Cruz For more information on hosting an open house, contact Lauren Spencer today.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:10:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-camping-in-santa-cruz.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-camping-in-santa-cruz.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Santa Cruz</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Spring is upon us, which means everyone in Santa Cruz can once again enjoy all the wonderful activities that make this city one of the best places to live in California. One of the most popular activities to do in Santa Cruz is camping. And there’s no wonder why



Santa Cruz has countless state parks and campgrounds that are home to dense redwood forests and miles of tree-lined trails. The natural beauty alone is enough to attract people from all over the place to camp in these state forests. So, if you’re planning on joining in on the fun, here’s the ultimate guide to camping in Santa Cruz:




Where to Camp


When to Camp


Tips for Camping in Santa Cruz





Where to Camp in Santa Cruz


There are tons of spots in and around Santa Cruz that are known for their fantastic campgrounds and facilities.


Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park


Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is one of the most popular camping spots in all of Santa Cruz. It’s home to over 40 acres of old growth redwood trees that skyrocket higher than trees in any other park.



The best place to hike in this park is in the Fall Creek Unit, which has over 20 miles of scenic hiking trails. You can also visit a place called Garden of Eden which has a natural spring where visitors can swim and enjoy the weather. The park has over 100 campsites for tents and RVs. These sites are extremely private, making it one of the most preferable parks. There are also restrooms and showers for campers in the area.


Big Basin Redwoods State Park


Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest state park and is only less than an hour from the city of Santa Cruz. If you’re an advanced hiker and camper, you’ll love this park. It has striking landscapes that span from sea level to 2,000 feet above.



The park is best known for its Skyline-To-The-Sea Trail which connects with another nearby state park. It’s a challenging, yet rewarding hike. Although there are many trails for advanced hikers, beginners and families are also welcome. There’s a slew of beginner trails through this beautiful park. There are 150 campsites spread across five camping areas. There are options for tents, group camping, and biker/hiker specific locations.


Little Basin Redwoods State Park


Little Basin is right next to Big Basin, but is a bit smaller (hence the name). This park was only recently acquired by the state and is one of Santa Cruz’s hidden gems. There are only 38 tent sites here, but if you happen to snatch a spot, you’ll be thrilled with the beauty of the area.


Manresa Uplands Campground


Located on the coast, Manresa Uplands Campground is a phenomenal spot for campers looking to be close to the water. When you camp here, you wake up to the sound of the waves every single morning. Though, the campsites are protected from the water by large sand dunes.



This campground is located 15 miles south of Santa Cruz, but it’s definitely worth the trek. You won’t find a better beach spot than this. There are a ton of other campgrounds in and around Santa Cruz to check out Depending on what you want to do on your camping trip, you might find one place is better for you than another.



Search the latest listing of homes for sale near some of the most gorgeous state parks near Santa Cruz Register with the site to get up-to-date listings sent directly to your email.



When to Camp in Santa Cruz


The great thing about the California coast is that the weather is almost always nice. But this doesn’t mean it’s always perfect for camping. In fact, there are certain times of the year that are better for camping then others:


Spring: April - June


Between April and June is possibly the best time to go camping in Santa Cruz. It’s right at the start of the season, so the popular campgrounds aren’t too busy just yet. Also, the weather at this time of year is ideal for camping. It’s not too hot or too cold.


Summer: June - August


The months between June and August are the most popular months for camping. The state forests swell with visitors, so take note that you’ll be among many others. If you love the heat, then summer is the best time to visit. This is when the weather is at its hottest. Just make sure to make your campsite reservation early to ensure you can get a spot


Fall: September - November


Fall is an ideal time to go camping, especially if you want to stay away from the crowds. As kids go back to school, the state parks are emptier than usual, so you’re more likely to get a reservation. The weather is also great for camping. While the summer heat still lingers during the day, the temperature cools down at night, making it extremely comfortable.


Winter: December - February


This is the least popular time to go camping in Santa Cruz. And there’s a reason for it. Many state parks actually close down for the season so you can’t go camping. So, before you plan a trip, make sure the park is taking reservations for campgrounds.



Tips for Camping in Santa Cruz




Book campground reservations months in advance, especially for summer camping.


Check for fire regulations beforehand.


Don’t rush your camping trip. There’s so much to see





Are you interested in buying a home in the beautiful city of Santa Cruz? Contact Lauren Spencer today to learn more about the real estate in the local area

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:30:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/6-myths-about-professionally-staging-santa-cruz-homes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/6-myths-about-professionally-staging-santa-cruz-homes.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>6 Myths About Professionally Staging Santa Cruz Homes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


In Santa Cruz’s competitive real estate market, you need all the tools you can get to sell your home quickly and for the best price possible.


One of the most useful tools is a firm marketing strategy. And the best way to market a home is to make it attractive to all types of homebuyers.


This is where staging comes in.


Staging is one of the biggest advantages you can give your home in the Santa Cruz market because it puts your space above and beyond the average.


But does staging actually work? Is it worth all the money spent?


Learn the facts behind the myths about professionally staging your Santa Cruz home:


MYTH 1: Professional Home Stagers are Too Expensive


Fact: Professional home staging is more affordable than you think. The industry has grown tremendously over the past few years, and because of this, the cost of home staging has become quite competitive.


Many staging businesses offer packages whereby you can choose services based on price and timeline. So, if you’re not keen on staging your entire home, you can pick and choose rooms that will make the most impact on your marketing strategy.


To save money, choose to stage the main areas of the home like the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom. These are the three most common rooms for home sellers to stage.


Also, don’t be afraid of a hefty home staging bill. You’re more than likely to make a return on your investment.


The National Association of REALTORS reported that 71 of seller’s agents believe that a well-staged home increases the dollar value that buyers are willing to offer. https://www.nar.realtor/


They’ve also said that for every $100 you invest in home staging services, your potential return is $400.


So, you can actually make more money than you spend when you stage your home


MYTH 2: It’s Hard to Find a Professional Home Stager


Fact: With so many professional home stagers in Santa Cruz, it’s hard to pick one out of the bunch. Each and every home stager has their own style, so it’s important to pick one that’s best for your home.


Searching through all the potential stagers is a tall order. But not to worry


Many real estate agents have a roster of stagers that they know and trust to market your home. Your agent can help you choose which service is best for your home and your budget


Of course, there is a fee for this service, but the real estate agent will have already done the hiring for you.


If you’re listing your home with Lauren Spencer, be sure to contact her for more information on staging services in Santa Cruz. She’s your local real estate expert and is always happy to help.


MYTH 3: Only High-End Homes Get Staged


Fact: Any home can be staged


No matter if you have a luxury estate or a modest bungalow, your home can benefit from staging services. At the end of the day, staging attracts a wide variety of buyers to your property, which is what all home sellers want—regardless of the size of the home.


With a little bit of staging, any home can look like a buyer’s dream.


MYTH 4: You Shouldn’t Stage Your Home When You Live in It


Fact: We furnish our homes according to our own styles and preferences. And even though we may think our spaces look perfect, they may not appeal to the average home buyer.So, even if you still live in your home, you should stage it so it appeals to as many homebuyers as possible.


Professional stagers are aware that homebuyers may still live in their homes while selling it, so they account for your comfort and livability.


The only way staging will affect your life is by getting your home sold faster than you could have ever imagined.


MYTH 5: Staging Your Home Won’t Make it Sell Faster


Fact: A professionally staged home will in fact sell faster than a non-staged home because it appeals to a broader range of buyers.


The whole purpose behind staging is to make your home look like a home the buyer can't wait to live in. And statistically, it works.


According to the National Association of REALTORS, “83 of buyers’ agents say that staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home.”Because of this, many home sellers who stage their home sell it far faster than those who don’t stage. When you stage your home, the amount of days on the market can drop by half


MYTH 6: Staging Will Make Your Home Look the Same As All the Others


Fact: Having your home professionally staged will actually make it stand out from the competition. This is because it’s tailored to the preferences of the average buyer, making it look more attractive than non-staged homes.


This is exactly the edge you need for buyers to pick your home over the other Santa Cruz homes for sale in your area.


For more information on selling your Santa Cruz home, contact Lauren Spencer today She knows Santa Cruz real estate unlike anyone else in the industry so you know you’ll be in good hands.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2020 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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