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        <atom:link href="https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2020-07/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate News &amp; Information</title>
        <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/2020-07/</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/popular-home-styles-of-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/popular-home-styles-of-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Popular Home Styles of Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



The real estate market in Santa Cruz is a mature one. There are classic examples of home styles popularized throughout the 20th century and before.


Join us as we explore a few of the home styles that you'll most commonly see come on the market in Santa Cruz. I'm sure you'll recognize many of these styles in the numerous neighborhoods that make up Santa Cruz and the surrounding area.


Search All Available Homes in Santa Cruz


Craftsman


The Craftsman style home came to prominence around the turn of the 20th century - many believe, as a response to the over-the-top architecture of the Victorian era. The style emphasizes hand-worked features and a simplicity of form. Despite the style being over a hundred years old, it’s still as popular as ever. Many home buyers actively search out craftsman-style real estate.


Craftsman-style homes have several distinct features that set them apart, especially in contrast to Victorian styles. Horizontal lines are emphasized, with low-pitched roofs that extend out beyond the exterior walls - often beams, rafters and other structural elements will remain visible.


Bungalow


The bungalow is another supremely popular style of home that never seems to lose its lustre.


It’s a robust style of home that can come in a wide range of variations based on many different architectural styles. It’s the layout and the flow of the interior of these homes that truly makes a bungalow a bungalow.


Bungalows tend to be smaller homes, a single story or 1.5 stories with an open floor plan designed to make the most of the more limited interior space. Many bungalows also feature larger front porches that act as a kind of outdoor room, adding additional livable space. Building materials can vary quite a bit, but stucco is the defining building material of most of the California-style bungalows found in Santa Cruz.


Spanish


Common throughout California, Spanish-style originally took their design cues from the California Missions originally constructed by Spanish colonists in the mid 18th century. Although called Spanish-style, the term usually more broadly refers to European influenced designs from the mediterranean and elsewhere in that part of the world.


An instantly recognizable style, common design features include curved and arched doorways, painted tile accents and terracotta roofs. The stucco-clad exteriors are the hallmarks of Spanish-style architecture, but their layouts also tend to feature balconies that flow from the interiors of the home and regularly feature courtyards.


Contemporary


Contemporary style architecture can’t really be accurately described as a specific style at all. Instead, it more accurately refers to innovative styles of homes that push the boundaries of architecture into new directions. They often take their cues from a number of different architectural styles, finding ways to combine them (or contrast them) in fascinating ways.


If contemporary homes could be said to have any defining characteristic, it’s that they tend to be asymmetrical and will often employ contrasting materials to create interesting effects.


Also, as a side note, as contemporary styles naturally tend to be newer, they’ll commonly use newer and more state-of-the-art building materials that help make them more energy efficient. They are also more likely to integrate technology right into their construction.


If you're interested in learning more about the homes found in Santa Cruz, be sure to contact Lauren Spencer online or call 1.800.226.4717 to learn more about the area She’s your local real estate expert and is always happy to help you with all your questions.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2020 09:12:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/get-the-overview-on-escrow-accounts.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/get-the-overview-on-escrow-accounts.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>What Is An Escrow Account &amp; How Does It Differ From The Escrow Process? </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



When buying your first home, it's easy to get caught up in the various new terminology for things.


Some things like insurance, interest rate, conditions, home inspections are fairly straightforward, but escrow may be a whole new term to you.


To ease any confusion, here's a quick summary of what an escrow account is and how it differs from the escrow process when buying your first home. 





What Is An Escrow Account?


Escrow accounts are sometimes called &quot;impound&quot; accounts. These accounts are set up to help manage payments of property taxes and homeowner's insurance.


Depending on the individual requirements of the lender, you may be asked to pay as much as one-quarter of these upfront and they will be put into the account for the purposes of making payments.


How Does An Escrow Account Differ From The Escrow Process? 


Buying and selling real estate is a significant transaction.


As a buyer, you're putting thousands of your hard-earned dollars on the table, along with borrowed money. As a seller, you're putting your long-time investment on the line. While we always want to assume everyone has the best intentions, when the stakes are this high, it's important that each party feels protected. That's where an escrow process comes in.


You bring in a third-party individual or company to hold on to the assets until both parties meet their obligations. 


Who Controls Escrow Accounts?


Lenders have complete control over escrow accounts. However, Scottsdale homeowners are entitled to receive an annual statement advising them of their escrow balance.


If there is an increase or decrease in insurance payments through the year, a homeowner may request the lender evaluates the escrow account and change the amount that is paid.


Is Interest Paid On Escrow Accounts?


There is no mandate to pay interest on escrow accounts.


When you refinance your home, the funds for your taxes and insurance are calculated into your overall payment. The portion that is to be used to pay taxes and insurance is placed in escrow. Arizona laws do not require lenders to pay interest on these accounts.


What Happens If I Sell My home Or Refinance?


When you sell or refinance your Scottsdale home, your escrow account will be credited at closing. The amount may be used to lower your out-of-pocket costs or may be turned over to you as a direct payment.


What Happens If There Is Not Enough/Too Much Money In Escrow?


If your lender has underestimated your escrow payments, they may request you send an additional payment to make up the difference. In the event you are paying too much into escrow, your lender has the discretion to release the overage amount directly to you.


In most cases, shortfalls or overages of $50 or less are typically not a major concern.


If your lender requires you to have an escrow account for the taxes and insurance portion of your mortgage payment, it can be very helpful. Escrow accounts help ensure you do not have to come up with a large payment once a year for insurance or quarterly for taxes. In some cases, if a lender does not require an escrow account, as a borrower, you may request they escrow your taxes and insurance for convenience.


For more information about buying and selling a Santa Cruz home, please contact me online or give me a call at 831.662.6522.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:52:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/4-great-santa-cruz-parks-you-can-escape-to-this-weekend.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/4-great-santa-cruz-parks-you-can-escape-to-this-weekend.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>4 Great Santa Cruz Parks You Can Escape to This Weekend</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



We all need to blow off some steam from time to time.


Our hectic lives can get away from us at the best of times, without even considering how the current state of the world has complicated things even further. But, try not to let the stresses of everyday life get you down.


We happen to live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and there are plenty of opportunities to let the healing powers of the outdoors reinvigorate your mind, body and soul.


Here are 4 great Santa Cruz parks you can escape to this weekend, and leave your problems behind...at least for a few hours.


Wilder Ranch State Park


If you’re looking to experience the full diversity of the Central California coast, Wilder Ranch State Park is a fantastic choice. The network of trails takes visitors from grasslands and forests full of coastal redwoods and douglas firs to beautiful and rugged coastlines with hidden beaches and tide pools to be explored.


The park features 34 miles of trails. Among the most popular is the Old Cove Landing Trail - it’s 7.5 miles round trip and boasts incredible wildflowers. The trail itself is packed down regularly as to make it very accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. This makes a great day trip for the whole family.


Wilder Ranch is easily accessible from Highway 1, less than 20 minutes west of Santa Cruz.


UCSC Arboretum &amp; Botanic Garden


Ok, so we cheated a little bit. The Arboretum isn’t a park exactly, but it does offer a great way to escape to nature.


The Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is a living museum set on 135 acres. The grounds are filled with an absolutely stunning array of rare and unique plant species. You’ll find 300 plant families representing countries from all over the world, including several mediterranean countries, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.


The Arboretum’s dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to conservation and research.


The Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are located on the west side of the UCSC Campus. The campus is located on High Street, accessible via Bay Street from Highway 1.


Big Basin Redwoods State Park


Big Basin Redwoods State Park holds the distinction of being California’s oldest state park. It is also home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco.


And the park is huge. Inside you’ll find more than 80 miles of trails, great for hiking, biking and even extended backpacking trips - all in the heart of the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains. As you wander among the ancient redwoods (some older than the Roman Empire), you’ll likely encounter stunning waterfalls, as well as plenty of the local wildlife.


The most popular access point to the park can be found less than an hour north of Santa Cruz. Take Highway 9 to the small community of Boulder Creek, then turn west along the Big Basin Highway. You’ll be glad you did


West Cliff Drive


Here we are cheating again. Of course, West Cliff Drive isn’t so much a park at all but a wonderful way to take in the full beauty of the Monterey coastline. It’s definitely worth a look though.


We’d recommend starting at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn and making your way along West Cliff Drive, following the bay. You’ll start at the famed Santa Cruz Wharf and make your way to the popular Natural Bridges State Park. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Steamer Lane surf spot as well as an old brick lighthouse that currently serves as a surfing museum.


Hot tip. If the waves are moving, pause between Auburn and Chico Avenue. Here you may catch a glimpse of the “blowhole”. Check it out and you’ll find out what we mean.


The return route is about 6 miles and you can start at either end. West Cliff Drive can be found right along Santa Cruz’s most iconic stretch of waterfront.


If all of this doesn’t already catch your attention, be sure to contact Lauren Spencer online or call 1.800.226.4717 to learn more about the Santa Cruz area She’s your local real estate expert and is always happy to help you with all your questions.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2020 06:30:00 -0700</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/community-spotlight-corralitos.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/community-spotlight-corralitos.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>Community Spotlight: Corralitos, CA</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 




In Corralitos, it’s all about fruit orchards, wineries, and wide-open spaces. This stunning, small community is beautifully positioned in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains. Many of the homes here are found within the beautiful mountain landscape, which features stunning views of Monterey Bay in the distance and the Santa Cruz atmosphere in all directions.



The mild climate makes the area ideal for the cultivation of a pretty broad range of produce, including avocados, apples, and citrus fruits. Amid the sparsely spaced residences, visitors will undoubtedly notice countless fruit trees and snaking grape vines. Corralitos is a popular commuter community. Located just minutes outside of Watsonville and Aptos, residents can easily reach those larger centers as well as Santa Cruz.


The Corralitos Real Estate Market


The area that makes up Corralitos is expansive, but sparsely populated for the most part. In contrast to many of the homes available within or closer to nearby cities, Corralitos real estate provides a little more breathing room. The lots are typically a quarter acre or more, and can range all the way up to larger, country-style estates. The available homes are also typically on the upper end of the luxury real estate market. The best properties offer sweeping views of Monterey Bay from lovingly created homes.



Special care has been taken to create unique homes that take full advantage of Corralitos’ incredible landscape, from the wide-open interiors featuring large windows to exteriors that are expertly laid out and landscaped.



Not surprisingly, homes don’t tend to come on the market often in Corralitos. Property owners tend to be long-time residents. If you see something you like, it’s recommended you act quickly because properties here likely won’t stay available long.




Featured Corralitos Home Listings





View All Available Real Estate Listings



The Corralitos Community


There's definitely more of suburban feel to Corralitos than other communities of Santa Cruz County. The homes here are spaced out and loosely congregated. There isn't much in the way of amenities in the community itself, but Watsonville is just minutes away, as is the pleasing town center of Aptos Village.



Corralitos is largely undeveloped. The area features large swathes of stunning wilderness and towering redwoods. Many weekends can easily be wasted away touring through the extensive hiking trails, picking fresh fruit from local orchards or sipping wines in one of the county's top wineries. Alfaro Family Vineyard Winery and Windy Oaks Winery are among the most prominent names on that list.



If all of this doesn’t already catch your attention, be sure to contact Lauren Spencer online or call 1.800.226.4717 to learn more about the Corralitos area She’s your local real estate expert and is always happy to help you with all your questions.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2020 08:23:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-top-towns-near-santa-cruz-that-you-need-to-know-about.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/the-top-towns-near-santa-cruz-that-you-need-to-know-about.html</link>
        <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
        <title>The Top Towns Near Santa Cruz That You Need To Know About</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Santa Cruz County is one of the best places to live in California. The soaring redwoods, perfect beaches, and beautiful towns combine to make this a truly special place to be in. And it's not just Santa Cruz itself that's hogging all the glory - scattered across the area are some exceptional small communities...



Not sure where to start? Well here is a list of some of the best towns around Santa Cruz to live in or visit.


Aptos


Less than 20 minutes east of Santa Cruz, the beach town of Aptos overlooks a long stretch of beach around Soquel Cove. The charming central village of Aptos hosts many one-of-a-kind stores, as well as some entertaining events throughout the year.



The area boasts a wide variety of properties, from beachside condos, to sprawling estates nestled in the nearby hills. Residents here enjoy quick access to Santa Cruz, as well as the Nisen Marks State Park.



Browse available Aptos real estate listings


Bonny Doon


This small, hillside community northwest of Santa Cruz features many spacious properties distributed over a wide area of mountainous forest. Here you can choose between stately working farms, or rustic cabins - whatever you fancy for your rural Santa Cruz getaway.



Residents in Bonny Doon also enjoy a quick back-route into the scenic San Lorenzo Valley, and a collection of quiet, secluded beaches in the other direction.



If you're looking for a bit of extra elbow room in the midst of California's majestic redwoods, then Bonny Doon may be your paradise.



Browse available Bonny Doon real estate listings


Felton


At the gateway to the San Lorenzo Valley, just 15 minutes north of central Santa Cruz, the community of Felton has a quaint downtown strip with some top-notch eateries and cafes.



The hills around Felton crowd in close, providing natural getaways only a short distance from the town center. This mix of forested hills near Felton means that the real estate market sports a good mix of hidden cabins, and large suburban homes.



Felton is also an excellent location for convenient amenities, including great schools, banks, grocery stores, and city services. If you get to visit, make sure to take in the historic covered bridge built in the 1890’s.



Browse available Felton real estate listings


Corralitos


Corralitos is a small inland community north of Watsonville, and east of both Santa Cruz and Aptos. Residents here appreciate the extra space provided by the larger lot sizes and lower overall density.



This is an excellent area to start a hobby farm, or even purchase a working one. Nestled beneath the hills are vineyards, fields, and greenhouses, all mixed together with loosely congregated homes in a more suburban style.



If you're looking for some peace and quiet in a beautiful location, along with prices lower than many coastal properties, look no further than Corralitos.



Browse available Corralitos real estate listings


 


If you're interested in learning more about any of these communities, you can contact Lauren Spencer online or call 1.800.226.4717.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2020 14:07:00 -0700</pubDate>
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