Santa Cruz Real Estate
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Condo living is a great option for those who want to own their own home, but live a busy lifestyle. The amenities, social network, and ease of ownership are all great reasons to consider buying a Santa Cruz condo. With a condo, you get the benefits of home ownership without all the responsibility.

1. Benefits of home ownership. When you own a condo, you’re still considered a home owner. This means your mortgage interest is tax deductible. Your condo is also an investment that should go up in value while you own it. Ideally, you can sell it for a profit when you’re ready to move.

2. Less home maintenance. If you’re like most people, your life is already busy. You may not have time to mow the grass or shovel snow. With a condo, you are only responsible for maintaining what’s inside your unit. Most condo associations take care of the building’s exterior which will free up your valuable time for your other interests.

3. Added security.  When you buy a Santa Cruz condo, you become part of a community that is different from most single family home subdivisions. You and your neighbors share common areas like the swimming pool and recreation facilities. This familiarity gives you an added security because you and your neighbors get to know each other. For this reason, you are all more likely to notice anything suspicious in your community.

If the condo lifestyle seems right for you, now is a great time to buy. Let me help you find the perfect  Santa Cruz condo for you. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

LINKS:

1. Tax deductions for home owners

2. Common home repairs

3. Form a neighborhood watch

When the real estate market starts to decline, everyone starts talking about short sales. A short sale happens when the bank is willing to accept less than what the sellers owe on their Santa Cruz real estate. This means you may find a great deal on your next home. However, short sales aren’t right for everyone. Before you decide to buy a short sale, you need to ask yourself some important questions.

1. Can you afford to buy the property as-is? You can and should have an inspection done before you buy Santa Cruz real estate. However, with a short sale, the seller is most likely not going to be able to make any repairs before they sell the property. After all, they’re selling it because they don’t have the money to make the payments. Make sure you’re able to afford any repairs the property will need.

2. Is it really a good deal? You need to pay attention to the home’s value. How does the price compare with what other homes are selling for? Paying $175,000 for a home when other homes are selling for $130,000 means you’re really not getting a good deal. Just because the home is a short sale doesn’t mean it’s worth your time and money.

3. Are you prepared to deal with the bank? The bank’s only concern is getting their money from the home sale. To ensure this happens, the bank will require extra paperwork. They will even take their time negotiating if the seller has more than one mortgage. It doesn’t matter to them how long you have to wait. If you don’t have time to wait for the bank to approve the short sale, you probably should look for a different home.

Right now is a great time to buy a home, whether it’s a short sale or not. Let me help you find the Santa Cruz real estate that best fits your budget and needs. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

LINKS:

1. Inspection 

2. Home’s value calculator

3. Mortgage rates

Nothing zaps your energy or your utility bill like summer heat. In fact, you can easily watch your bill double during the summer months. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to cool your Santa Cruz home for less this summer. Here’s how.

1. Raise your thermostat. When you’re not home, raise the thermostat to 80 degrees. Lower it two or three degrees when you are home and use ceiling fans to keep rooms cool. Moving your thermostat from 75 to 80 will lower your consumption by 15%. Your Santa Cruz home will still feel comfortable, and you will notice significant savings on your next utility bill.

2. Take a look at your windows. You’d be surprised to find out how much heat enters your home from old, single pane windows. Newer energy efficient windows with double panes block more heat and keep more cool air inside. If you can’t afford new windows now, at least cover the ones you have with heavy curtains or shades to keep out heat.

3. Check for leaks. Leaky duct work and poorly sealed doors can let as much cool air out of your home as an open window. Walk around your home checking under your doors and around your windows to feel for escaping air. Hire a professional to check your air conditioning systems for you. Take the time to have duct leaks repaired and seal all your doors.

4. Dress appropriately. There’s no reason to keep your home so cold that you have to wear extra layers of clothing when you’re inside. Wear light, loose fitting clothing. You’ll be more comfortable in slightly warmer temperatures. Keep light throw blankets handy for anyone who easily gets cold under a ceiling fan.  The right temperature at your Santa Cruz home can save you money.

The right real estate agent can save you money when you buy or sell a home. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com to learn how I can help you save money.

LINKS:

1. Ceiling fans

2. Energy efficient windows

3. How to seal doors

Although you may not think much about the air quality inside your Santa Cruz home, it is important. After all, think about how much time you spend inside your home each day breathing in the same air. This indoor air can be extremely polluted and contribute to respiratory illnesses and allergies. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce the air pollution inside your home.

1. Decorate with green plants. Switch out the silk plants in your Santa Cruz home for the real thing. Green plants reduce the amount of toxins in the air. English ivy, peace lily, and mother-in-law tongue plants are all great at improving air quality and are easy to take care of.

2. Open your doors and windows. Unless you use a window unit with a vent control, your air conditioner just circulates the same old air throughout your home. Open your doors and windows occasionally to let in fresh air and force out the stale air.

3. Change your air filter. Your air filter’s job is to collect pollutants from indoor air and keep them from re-entering through your air conditioner. It cannot do this when it’s clogged. Choose a high quality air filter and change it monthly.

4. Switch to green cleaning products. There’s no point in contaminating your air while you clean. Yet, when you use commercial cleaning products you fill the air with harmful chemicals. If you use green cleaning products, everyone can breathe easier and you get the same level of cleaning.

5. Get rid of the carpet. Carpet traps pollutants like dirt, pet dander, and mold. Most carpet padding and adhesives also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute the air. Tile, laminate, and hardwood flooring can easily be cleaned and make your air cleaner.

You deserve a Santa Cruz home with clean, healthy air. Let me help you find a home that has good air quality and meets all your needs. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

 LINKS:

1. Toxin reducing green plants

2. How to maintain your air conditioner

3. Green cleaning products

Are you looking for something to do around your Santa Cruz home this weekend that will also help the environment? Why not do a quick green renovation at home. Incorporating green products and practices in your home helps save our natural resources and are better for your health. Here are a few simple projects you can work on this weekend.

1. Floors. You can easily replace the floor in a room during a weekend. Bamboo and cork floors are excellent, environmentally-friendly choices because they are renewable sources. They come in a variety of colors and styles so you can find something that will match your current décor.

2. Paint. Painting a room is a quick and easy way to change its look. However, traditional paint is loaded with toxic fumes that can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma. When you paint your next room, choose a paint that contains less or no amounts of dangerous chemicals. Your room will look just as good, and your lungs will be happier.

3. Windows. If you still have old, single pane windows in your Santa Cruz home, it’s time to replace them with double pane energy efficient windows. These newer windows will lower your energy consumption by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Make sure you seal the windows properly so they don’t let air escape.

4. Insulation. A well insulated home saves money on your utility bill and cuts back on the amount of energy you use. Make sure you have adequate insulation in your attic. Check your doors and windows for cracks and leaks that allow air to escape. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping.

Are you looking for a green Santa Cruz home? I can help you find one. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

LINKS:

1. How to install cork floors

2. Eco-friendly paint

3. Energy efficient windows

In some ways selling Santa Cruz vacant land is no different from selling a single family home. Basically, you want to make sure your land looks as good as possible. Even though vacant land doesn’t have a home for you to prepare for sale, you still need to consider what the buyer will see when they look at your property. There are a few quick and easy improvements you can do so your land is easier to sell.

1. Keep the grass mowed. Nothing will turn away a buyer quicker than overgrown property. All they will see is the amount of work they will have to do to maintain the Santa Cruz vacant land. You certainly don’t have to landscape the property like it’s your front lawn, but you should at least be able to walk around on it.

2. Remove overgrown trees and bushes. Overgrown trees and plants are a sure sign that you haven’t taken care of the property. Your buyer may wonder if you’re trying to hide flaws on the property. This can convince them to look elsewhere.

3. Add a fence. A fence defines your property. This makes it easier for buyers to see exactly what they’re getting. It can also be an important selling point. If your buyer has children or pets who will play on the property, they will appreciate knowing they can let them run around outside without getting too far away.

Make sure your Santa Cruz vacant land looks as good as possible when you put it on the market. Let me help sell your vacant land. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

 LINKS:

1. Grass cutting tips

2. How to trim trees

3. Types of fences

When you buy a Santa Cruz home, the last thing you want to deal with is a natural disaster like a flood. Although you cannot prevent a flood from happening, there certainly are steps you can take to reduce your home’s risk of flooding. This starts with purchasing a home that is not in a low-lying area. Even if your seller doesn’t tell you if your home is a potential flood hazard, it’s easy enough to find out on your own.

1. Check the FEMA maps. The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) regulates the 100-year floodplain for many bodies of water. FEMA maintains Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that show these floodplains. You can find these maps on file at your local city hall or county government office. They can tell you if your Santa Cruz home is in a flood plain.

2. Look at the property. Water doesn’t quickly drain from low-lying land after a storm. This is what leads to flooding in wetlands. If it’s possible, visit the property after a heavy rain. This way you can see yourself how well water drains, which direction it flows, and if any areas retain water.

3. Pay attention to the plants and soil. Certain plants and trees thrive in wetlands. Water-friendly plants and trees like cypress, willows, cattails, and sphagnum moss are a sure sign the property is low. A local horticulturist or nursery manager can give you tips for spotting wetlands vegetation in your neighborhood.

Floods don’t have to be a problem for your next Santa Cruz home. Let me help you find the right home for you on dry ground. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

LINKS:

1. National Flood Insurance Program

2. FEMA Map Service Center

3. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

When your Santa Cruz home is in foreclosure, you go through a variety of emotions. It’s embarrassing to give your home back to the bank. It’s also frustrating to know your credit score will drop considerably. However, foreclosures do happen, and you can rebuild your credit after you lose your home.

1. Educate yourself about credit. You need to understand how credit works so you don’t end up in this same situation again. For example, did your Santa Cruz home take up more of your budget than you expected? There are several great books and courses available to show you how to manage your finances.

2. Create a budget. A budget lets you see exactly how much money you have to spend each month. It also helps you track where you spend your money. Put together a budget that fits your lifestyle and then stick to it no matter what.

3. Build an emergency fund. You never know when an emergency will happen. When you’re prepared for a financial emergency, you’re better protected from those financial problems.

4. Get new credit. This can be tricky after a foreclosure. New credit will give you a chance to prove you can manage debt. However, you certainly don’t want to find yourself owing more than you can possibly pay. Choose your new credit wisely.

5. Give yourself time. It takes time to rebuild your credit. Don’t expect your credit score to be in the good or excellent range within weeks or even months after your foreclosure. Your foreclosure is going to stay on your credit report for seven years anyway, so there’s no need to rush.

A foreclosure is not the end of the world. Let me help you find your next Santa Cruz home that fits your budget. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

LINK:

1. Use credit wisely

2. How to create a budget

3. Find your credit score

When you move in to your new Santa Cruz home, you want to make it your own by decorating. Painting a room is a quick and inexpensive way to transform the look of the room. Even if you’ve never painted before, the perfect paint job is easy to achieve if you take your time. Here’s how.

1. Choose the right paint. Consider the size and use of your room when you choose paint. Dark colors can make large rooms feel cozier, while smaller rooms may look bigger with light colors. Glossy paints are easier to clean than flat paints, but they make imperfections more obvious.

2. Test your color. Even if you use the lighting tools at the paint store, you don’t really know how paint will look until it’s inside your Santa Cruz home. Buy a small container of paint and test it on your walls before you invest your time and money in paint that doesn’t look right.

3. Clean thoroughly. Wipe down each wall to remove spider webs and dust. Then wash them with a mild soap so they are clean and ready for new paint. This will also help you see any spots that need extra attention before you get started.

4. Prepare the surface. Fill small cracks and nail holes with spackling paste. After it dries, use fine sandpaper to even out the surface. Remove switch plate covers and tape around anything you don’t want painted.

5. Use enough paint. You really need two coats of paint. The first coat covers the existing paint, which often bleeds through. The second coat of paint makes wall look good. If you’re painting a light color over a dark color, you may need a third coat.

6. Use consistent strokes. Whether you’re using a paint roller or brush, make sure you cover the same amount of wall space with each stroke. This keeps your coverage even. Move in the same direction as you work around the room so you get a uniform finish.

Decorating your Santa Cruz home is one of the benefits of home ownership. Let me help you find your next home. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

LINKS:

1. Choose the right paint brush

2. Easy drywall repairs

3. Tips for choosing the right paint color

Trying to sell your Santa Cruz real estate in a slow market is definitely frustrating. You may find that it takes longer to sell and you cannot get as much money as you could during a booming market. However, you can’t believe all the hype about a sluggish real estate market. Do your research and separate the facts from the fiction.

1. You won’t get a decent price. Your Santa Cruz real estate will sell for whatever a buyer is willing to spend on it. A comparative market analysis shows you what other buyers spent on real estate like yours. Of course, if you bought your real estate when values were up, you may have to take a loss. However, most people can get a fair price and even make a profit in a slow market.

2. Your real estate will stay on the market too long. While it’s true that real estate tends to take longer to sell during a slow market, it’s not impossible to sell them. People do still buy real estate in slower markets. If your real estate is priced right and prepared for sale, you can still sell it within a reasonable amount of time.

3. Buyers only want foreclosures and short sales. The truth is that buyers want good deals, and this can be in the form of money or time. The price of a foreclosure or short sale may certainly be attractive, but they can take a considerable amount of time to close while the banks negotiate their terms. Paying slightly more for a traditional sale is sometimes well worth the time they can save.

Selling your Santa Cruz real estate in a slow market isn’t easy, but it can be done. Using my proven marketing plan, I can help you sell your real estate whether it’s a slow market or a booming market. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

 
LINKS:

1. Find your home’s value

2. Prepare your home for sale

3. How foreclosures work