<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2020-05/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2020-05/</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/make-the-most-out-of-your-santa-cruz-home-during-quarantine.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/make-the-most-out-of-your-santa-cruz-home-during-quarantine.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Make the Most Out of Your Santa Cruz Home During Quarantine</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



There are signs out there that shelter in place restrictions are starting to ease.


But, the advice is still to stay home as much as possible to avoid the public and flatten the curve. But all that you know.


With all this free time at home, you have to come up with something to fill the hours. There are only so many 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, true crime podcasts and Netflix series to binge watch. Eventually, you’ll find yourself in a productive mood.


With that in mind, here are a few ways you can make the most of your Santa Cruz home during quarantine.


Re-arrange Your Home


Shelter in place restrictions are in place, so even if you were to go out, you can accurately expect long, socially-distanced line ups to get into your favorite stores. Unless you’ve run out of the essentials, trips like these are seldom worth it.


Instead, why not work with what you have at home?


Start by taking this opportunity to simply re-arrange how the current items in your home are laid out. You can start by moving the furniture around your living room, to create a fresh look for your space. It’s amazing what simply moving the sectional to the opposite corner of the room can do re-invigorate your space.


Then, you can move onto decluttering. This is a way to make the best use of the space you have and make it all appear bigger. Plus, it’ll just feel tidier.


And, if you’ve scrounged up a few extra picture frames while decluttering, why not re-arrange your wall space as well. Take this opportunity to fill up any spare frames and display all those family photos you’ve been meaning to do something with.


Once you’re done, it’ll feel like a brand-new home


Start A New Deep-Cleaning Project


It may take a little while to get here, but a deep clean can do incredible things for improving the look and feel of your space.


Now, we’re not talking about the things that get done on the regular, like vacuuming or sweeping the floors. These are the jobs that you’ve been meaning to get to for months, but never found the time. Well, guess what - you’ve got time now.


So, take a look at your vents and baseboards. They could probably use a good dust, right?


And what about those windows? The bottom of the window frame is tailor-made for collecting dust and other gunk. Go grab a rag and butter knife and clean out every nook and cranny.


Take a closer look in the kitchen too. Big appliances like the oven or refrigerator are the recipients of regular attention while smaller appliances tend to get neglected. Take a look in the toaster oven, wipe down the inside of the microwave and check the crumb trap in the toaster.


Before you know it, the afternoons all gone


Take It Outdoors


Just because we're stuck at home, it doesn't mean we have to be confined indoors. It’s springtime after all, so why don’t you take care of the spring cleaning.


This could be great time to get your patio and outdoor space ready for summer. Give the patio furniture a good clean, sweep or power-wash the patio itself and declutter in general.


Once that’s done, turn your attention to the lawn. You can remove the last remnants of winter by collecting any lingering dead leaves or pines cones. Moving onto the garden, take this opportunity to remove the litany of weeds from the flower bed, and clean any useful pots. When you’re ready to go, these will be ready for planting.


If It’s Safe To Head Out


If you can get out safely, take a few moments to pick up a few revamping supplies.


While stuck at home, breathing new life into that old, tired furniture can be a great way to spend some time. All you’ll need is some sandpaper, rubbing alcohol and fresh paint.


Have a bit of paint lying around already, but not enough to paint a whole room? Create an accent wall. By painting one wall of a room in a contrasting shade, you can create a pretty cool effect. Even a bit of wallpaper can create a nice, new feature in the room of your choice.


Now, if you are able to make it out to a hardware store safely. There are number of big improvements you can make without spending a lot of money.


Take a look at lighting fixtures. Are they a bit dated or past their prime?


How about your cabinets? Aside from a fresh coat of paint, simply replacing the hardware with something newer and more contemporary can do wonders.


Things are bound to return to normalcy before you know it, but until then try to make the most of your time at home


If you're interested in making a home in the Santa Cruz area, please contact Lauren Spencer online or call 1.800.226.4717 today
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2020 08:21:00 -0700</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-best-fruits-and-vegetables-to-plant-in-your-santa-cruz-garden.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-best-fruits-and-vegetables-to-plant-in-your-santa-cruz-garden.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>The Best Fruits and Vegetables to Plant in Your Santa Cruz Garden</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



For gardening enthusiasts in Santa Cruz, spring and summer are an exciting time of year.


It’s when you can really let your green thumb guide you and create a beautiful garden in your home. Whether you prefer perennials or produce, there’s no doubt that a Santa Cruz home garden is a great addition to your property.


Gardening not only offers stress relief, it’s also environmentally friendly and helps add gorgeous lush greenery to your property.


Plus, many of us are finding ourselves with a little more free time at home lately. Are you considering hopping on the urban agriculture train?


Here are some of the best fruits and vegetables to plant in Santa Cruz:


Popular Vegetables


One of the best things about living in California is the climate. Warm weather and a lot of sunshine are great for many different types of vegetables. You can pretty much grow anything in California, although some vegetables are easier to grow than others.


Some of the most popular vegetables for homeowners to grow include:






Carrots


Tomatoes


Lettuce


Cauliflower


Artichokes






This is by no means a comprehensive list, but these vegetables are among the most popular and easy veggies to grow.


Best Fruit to Grow


Homeowners in Santa Cruz are warming up to the idea of growing their own fruits and vegetables for many reasons. It’s therapeutic, affordable, and eating your own grown food feels rewarding and special. Popular fruits to grow in Santa Cruz include lemons, strawberries, grapes, and more.


Since Santa Cruz is part of the Central Region in terms of the eight growing regions in the state, there is a lot of variety as to what you can grow here.


Getting Help


If gardening doesn’t come naturally to you, there are many resources throughout the area that can help you create a beautiful and functional garden at home.


Many Santa Cruz residents trust their gardens to the experts at The Garden Company. This local garden center offers amazing pest-free plants, flowers, bulbs, and more. Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to answer your gardening questions and help guide you through your gardening adventure.


Fill in the Gaps at the Farmer’s Market


Santa Cruz is also known for its farmer’s markets.


With fresh produce grown all across the region, homeowners with no time or space to garden at home can still support local farmers and enjoy the wonderful produce that is grown in the area. With numerous markets across the community and more popping up each year, residents can find an exceptional farmer’s market almost any day of the week at all times of the year.


Farmer’s markets are also great because it gives people the chance to talk to farmers and get to know their local produce scene. Farmer’s market prices are also significantly cheaper than your local grocery store and by going to the market; you are directly supporting the farmers in your area.


Looking to buy or sell a home in Santa Cruz? Find out more about the area from the local experts at My Santa Cruz Real Estate. Call 800-226-4717 today or contact us online for more information.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2020 07:40:00 -0700</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/listing-spotlight-63-ortalon-ave-in-santa-cruz-ca.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/listing-spotlight-63-ortalon-ave-in-santa-cruz-ca.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Listing Spotlight: 63 Ortalon Ave in Santa Cruz, CA</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



This classic single-level home in beautiful, sunny West Santa Cruz is all about wide-open spaces and bringing the outside in. From the entryway, you are greeted by a simple elegance that is highlighted by high ceilings, recessed lighting and huge skylights. The brilliant California sunshine fills every corner


The natural aesthetic is also reflected in the stunning maple wood floors throughout 63 Ortalon Avenue. In the kitchen, the granite counter tops are a perfect contrast to the beautiful maple cabinets and the state-of-the-art, chef-grade appliances.


As is often the case, the literal and figurative center of the home is the living room, and this one doesn't disappoint. The wide-open space features a stucco-framed fireplace and a wonderful over-sized sliding door that leads out to the lush and tastefully landscaped backyard and patio space. This will undoubtedly be the scene of many a backyard BBQ


Experience 63 Ortalon Ave in Stunning 3D






View the Full Real Estate Listing






A Top West Santa Cruz Community


63 Ortalon Avenue is positioned in one of West Santa Cruz's most popular and desirable neighborhoods, Westlake. This highly walkable, quiet and serene community is populated by friendly neighbors with West Elementary School and Westlake pond just a short walk away. Westlake is especially desirable for its convenient position, close to both downtown Santa Cruz and the UCSC campus.


Santa Cruz is the gleaming gem of the Central California coast. Equally heralded for its pristine beaches, rolling hills and towering red wood forests, the city has made a name for itself as a diverse community with a lot to offer home owners.


Take the Video Tour





 


If you'd like to view 63 Ortalon Avenue or learn more about Santa Cruz, please contact Lauren Spencer online or call 1.800.226.4717
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2020 10:27:00 -0700</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/you-should-buy-a-home-in-santa-cruz-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-heres-why.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/you-should-buy-a-home-in-santa-cruz-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-heres-why.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>You Should Buy a Home During the Pandemic, Here’s Why</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



It’s become somewhat cliche, but these are certainly unpredictable, and unprecedented, times.


Springtime is traditionally the start of the hot selling season in real estate markets across the United States, but of course, Spring 2020 is anything but ordinary.


Communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have gone to varying degrees of shut down, with many businesses closing completely, while others have had to significantly change the way they operate.


With all this going on and many jobs being lost, it’s not surprising that many may be a little hesitant to jump into the real estate market.


It’s Actually a Great Time to Buy


Despite what you might think, it’s actually a uniquely great time to buy.


A number of market conditions have all come together to create a kind of perfect storm - to your benefit as a buyer.


Right now, due to the uncertainty in the marketplace there are actually less buyers out there. This means there is less competition making offers on your Santa Cruz dream home. This same uncertainly is also affecting sellers, making them more motivated and more likely to accept your offer.


Also, if you’re looking to keep your money safe, there are few better, more stable investments then real estate. Mortgage lending rates are also extremely favorable - they are lower than they’ve been in years


But, Don’t Delay


The current softening of the market isn’t likely to last long. You’ll have to take advantage soon before this window slams shut


There’s less competition now, but local and state governments, such as those in our very own Santa Cruz, are already planning a return to normal.


While real estate sales nationwide are expected to be down by up to 60 this selling season, home prices aren’t expected to be impacted very much and will likely see a much quicker recovery.


Therefore, we are likely to see a strong rebound in the market once this is all over (and it will be over). Pent up demand could then manifest itself through even higher sales prices than before - all the more reason to act now before it's too late


Stay Safe Out There


Restrictions have recently loosened for some local industries, but we still have to remain vigilant to keep those most vulnerable in our community safe.


We take this duty very seriously.


Local shelter in place orders for Santa Cruz have restricted the way real estate transactions can be completed - only small gatherings are allowed, and open houses are basically not a possibility right now.


Luckily, technology has made it possible to go through essentially the entire process of buying a home virtually. Docusign, video conferencing and 3D / video tours have all made it possible to complete each step of the real estate transaction as if you were there in person - all from the comfort (and safely) of your home.


The process may be a little different than what you’re used to, but if you want to take advantage of the uniquely advantageous Santa Cruz real estate market conditions, get your home search started now. We’re here to guide you through this weird and wonderful new process.


The times may be a uncertain and confusing but the process of buying your new home doesn’t have to be.


Are you interested in entering the Santa Cruz real estate market? Please contact Lauren Spencer online or call 1.800.226.4717.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2020 09:56:00 -0700</pubDate>
</item>
    </channel>
</rss>