Santa Cruz Real Estate
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In order for someone to be considered a Santa Cruz REALTOR®, that person must go through a training program and obtain a license from the California Board of Real Estate.

Requirements to Become Certified as a REALTOR®:
• Pass Department of Labor and Economic Growth of California Requirements
• Take and Pass Civil rights classes
• Pass Equal Opportunity Training
• Real Estate Classes
• Must Pass Examinations with at Least a 75% Rating

Additional Requirements and Field Experience

Once they have completed these requirements, Santa Cruz REALTORS® may still be required to take additional classes equal to 18 college hours every 3 years to be qualified to keep their state license. These requirements differ from state to state.

After the person has been officially certified as a real estate agent, working alone with clients can begin.  An agent has to work under the supervision of a Broker.  A Real Estate Broker can open his own office and manage agents there.

Although a Santa Cruz REALTOR® is not required to have a Master’s Degree or any college degree at all, he or she does have detailed training that qualifies for assisting someone specifically interested in buying or selling a Santa Cruz home or property.
Santa Cruz REALTORS® Scheduling and Pay
Real Estate Agents work independently for the most part and set their own hours. They certainly do not work the typical 9 to 5 and then close up shop.  Most real estate agents are willing to meet with you in the evenings, weekends, or whatever is most convenient for you.  They usually work on a commission basis without a salary in place. 

Finding the Right Agent for Your Buying and/or Selling
Now that you know more about the rigorous training needed to qualify as Santa Cruz REALTORS®, feel free to call me at 831.662.6522 or email lauren@laurenspencer.com  Perhaps I can help you find the real estate agent just perfect for you!

Links:
1. Requirements

2. REALTOR®

3. Training

Some people are so naïve that they think the only ones who are personally affected by a decline in the housing market are those trying to buy Santa Cruz homes or those trying to sell. 
Obviously, those who are trying to sell their homes during a soft market are told that the dollar value of their homes has dropped drastically.  In order for them to be able to sell their homes, their asking prices must be lowered to coordinate with comparable appraisals. 
People looking to purchase a home in a “buyers market” are at an advantage.  Such a market puts first-time buyers with a good steady work history, good credit and a decent down payment in a good position to own a nicer home than they could have afforded when the market was steady.
Who Is Negatively Affected by a Soft Housing Market?
• Santa Cruz REALTORS®:  Many are laid off and even the companies they work for are forced to close up shop.  The same thing happens to many mortgage companies who could not stay open because of the changes in the market.
• Home Builders: Companies that build new homes also face financial trouble when the market is down.  Consequently, blue collar workers who have been doing well in the construction trade find landing jobs more difficult than at any other time.  Even those who do appraisals on homes look for new careers.
• Title Companies and Escrow Companies: Even they begin to have a hard time staying afloat.  Anybody whose main income is earned through the real estate market will struggle or must switch gears.
Who Benefits from A Soft Housing Market?
Not only home buyers but also investors likewise take advantage of what happens during a declining market.  They are quick to see that they can buy up homes cheaply and sell them at a larger profit when the market comes back up.  Since they have so much power, they are able to squeeze out a lot of the first-time buyers who can’t compete with them.
What to Do?
Don’t panic if and when the market is on a downslide!  Call a Santa Cruz REALTOR® like me at 831.662.6522 or write me at lauren@laurenspencer.com and we will discuss your options.

Links:
1. Purchase a Home

2. Good Credit

3. Market

Although it is sad to see what has happened to many homeowners when the market is down, there is one advantage to those who are looking to purchase a Santa Cruz home during such a time.  When interest rates are down and market value of homes drop, a prospective buyer can own more “house” for the money. 
Home Pricing Limbo: How Low Can You Go?
Santa Cruz homes in most neighborhoods have not decreased greatly in their market value. A Santa Cruz home that would have sold for $900,000 last year can be purchased now for about $850,000.
Assuming that you have the following, your chances of being able to buy a comfortable home for your family are very good. 
Here are the basic requirements for a mortgage:
• A Decent-paying Job
• Good Credit History
• A Down-Payment
A Soft Market Doesn’t Change the Process and General Requirements
Even when the housing market is down, you will still have to go through all the paperwork that is required for a home buyer.  It will still take patience waiting for the final closing of your new home. 
You will be pleasantly surprised when you see lower interest charges on your mortgage.  There will still be regular monthly payments that must be paid on time so as not to incur late fees.
Having house insurance is still a requirement, but it can sometimes be included in your monthly payment.  There will be taxes that must be paid on your home and property.  These taxes will be lower than they would have been a year ago because the real estate market is lower than it was at that time.
More Information
I am sure you have plenty you would like to discuss regarding the changes in the real estate market.  Feel free to contact me today at 831.662.6522 or drop me a line at lauren@laurenspencer.com

Links:
1. Interest Rates

2. Housing Market

3. Mortgage

Curb appeal is practically a cliché in real estate today but why?  Take a drive through one of the better neighborhoods where Santa Cruz homes are for sale.  What is it about certain homes that catch your eye? 

The Gateway to Homebuyer Heaven

Certainly, you will be more attracted to those homes that look like new with a fresh coat of paint or new siding.   Clean windows are always impressive, as well as a sharp-looking front door with no damage.   A freshly-painted white picket fence is a real turn-on!

Manicured Yard—A Premium Preference

A yard perfectly mowed (grass cut on a diagonal) is extremely inviting.  Add to that a perfectly trimmed yard with no unsightly junk lying or toys in sight.  Keep the garage door shut.  This door must also be pristine also with no signs of damage or age.

The Essence of a Beautiful Home Exterior

If there is a porch facing the front, eyes seem to zone in on that area.  Therefore, it is mandatory that the porch be kept immaculate and in good repair.  There can be no broken steps or hanging railings. 

Paint cannot be peeling or graying.  The house exterior can even be power-washed which does a lot to improve its appearance. 

Peace and Quiet—A Favorite among Buyer Benefits

Although a beautiful family dog lying on the rug in front of the fireplace makes a beautiful homey image, there is nothing that can ruin the image more than a constantly barking dog.  Driving by a Santa Cruz home for sale with a barking dog is a sure way to lose the interest of potential buyers! 

The Magical Sparkle of Paradise

When you are driving around looking at Santa Cruz homes after dark, there are different things that make you wish you lived there.  A soft glow of light showing through drapes that are neatly held back will give you that warm cozy feeling that you are hoping for in your future home.  Now, that is curb appeal!

Ready to get started on making your buyer believe your Santa Cruz home will fulfill their dreams?  Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

Links:

1. Paint
2. Porch
3. Get Started

If you have never purchased a Santa Cruz home before, you may not yet recognize how crucial it is to acquire the services of a Santa Cruz real estate agent. 

Buying a home will probably be the most expensive purchase you’ll make.  Therefore, you undoubtedly should consider enlisting the help of a Santa Cruz real estate agent who is experienced and has integrity.

Benefits of using a professional Santa Cruz real estate agent

Having your own personal Santa Cruz real estate agent to take care of home searches will save you a lot of time and stress. 

You decide:

• Size of Home Desired
• Style Preferred
• Location
• Price Range

That’s easy!  With this basic information, your agent begins the hard part: searching for the perfect home for you and your family.

Your agent helps with:

• Generating A Small Defined List of Good Choices
• Forming a Realistic Budget
• Financing
• Making Offers For You
• Negotiating with the Seller
• Determining What A Home Is Really Worth
• Alleviating/Eliminating Pressure Due to the Process
• Explaining/Demystifying Taxes, Interest, and other Particulars

All the hours your agent invests assisting you are well worth the real estate commission he or she receives after you finalize your purchase.  What is also very valuable is all the time and effort you save.

Rather than coming home with a headache and upset stomach, you can enjoy free time with family.  Your agent handles everything except the fun stuff. 

Where to find a Santa Cruz Real Estate Agent

I specialize in helping people just like you buy Santa Cruz real estate.  Let’s get started!  Give me a call today at 831-662-6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

Links:
1. Buying A Home

2. Benefits
3. Commission

Although there is an expense to hiring a Santa Cruz REALTOR® to sell your Santa Cruz home, you may find that it is worth the cost.  Perhaps you have friends or relatives who have been trying to influence you to sell your Santa Cruz home on your own.

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of selling your Santa Cruz home with the help of a Santa Cruz REALTOR® versus doing it by yourself.

Financial Investment

As a Santa Cruz REALTOR®, I charge a certain percentage of the sale price of your Santa Cruz home.   But statistics show that homes sold by REALTORS® get a higher sales price than homes sold by the owners.  The net result is more money in your pocket.

Which method seems most advantageous when you consider finances?

An inflated price might discourage prospective buyers and prolong the sale of your home.  Financially, it seems a definite advantage to sell your home yourself. However, you have to consider the cost of advertising the sale of your Santa Cruz home.

How valuable is Your Time?

Consider how much time and effort must be invested in putting on Open Houses to sell your Santa Cruz home.   The time involved with advertising Open Houses alone will cost you many hours away from career and family.  Contacting potential buyers to invite them to these Open Houses eats up more valuable hours.

When you hire one of the many qualified Santa Cruz REALTORS®, you do not have to sacrifice all those hours.  Instead, you can spend that time with family, working in your chosen career, or decorating your current Santa Cruz home in anticipation of its sale.  Your Santa Cruz REALTOR® takes care of all the time-consuming details.

Definite advantage of hiring a Santa Cruz REALTOR®

Once someone makes an offer on your home, you meet with your Santa Cruz REALTOR®  to discuss the offer and decide whether or not you will accept it.  Assuming you accept, your job is simply to sign papers and receive money from the sale of your Santa Cruz home.  Without an agent, you are really on your own, totally confused and exhausted!

Let me be that agent who takes care of those time-consuming details.  Contact me at 831-662-6522 or lauren@laurenspencer.com and let’s get that house sold.

Links:
1. Sale Price

2. Time and Effort

3. Sign Papers

Relocating to another city or state can be more of a challenge than just moving across town. However, many things are the same with any move.This is certainly true when relocating to a Santa Cruz home.

Obviously, there is packing to do.  Whether you are renting or purchasing your current home, effort has to be made to leave it clean and in good condition.

Don’t get overwhelmed and procrastinate until the last minute. On the other extreme, don’t try to get it all done in one weekend and exhaust yourself.

Moving Prep Tips

• Make a List: Before you get started, devise an organized plan of action.  Make sure you get it down on paper so it is removed from your weary mind!
• Enlist Help: Delegate as many tasks as possible.  Involve the whole family. Have each one write down the jobs they will be required to do.
• Time-management: Decide how much time should be spent daily to get ready for this move.
• Make it fun: Set up rewards for jobs well done. Preparing to relocate can become an exciting adventure rather than a nerve-racking job!
• Utilize Your Support System: Call a friend or family member outside your household for encouragement when things get crazy.

Other Considerations

Now that the family is all excited to relocate, ask yourself:

• Are you planning to rent or purchase?
• Are you open to apartment or condo living?
• Will you require a Santa Cruz real estate agent?
• How soon will you move to Santa Cruz?
• Will you be taking your furniture or disposing of it before the move?
• How will you transport furniture and belongings?
• Will you hire a moving company?  Or will you rent a moving van and drive it to Santa Cruz yourself?

Here I Come To Save the Day!

There is much to consider before you are able to relocate to a Santa Cruz home, but help is available to manage this life transition.  That’s why I’m here! 

You will feel a great sense of relief once we have discussed your situation.  Give me a call at 831-662-6522 or email lauren@laurenspencer.com and I’ll do the stressing for you.

Links:
1. Relocating to Another City
2. Leave it Clean
3. Moving Company

anta Cruz condos or Santa Cruz homes: that is the question! 

For a couple or small family, you may be thinking of getting a home but wondering how much space you really need. If you opt to look at Santa Cruz homes, your choices are vast.  Homes both large and small are available. Your selection should be based on current and near-future needs.

The same is true with your options among Santa Cruz condos. Even though condos are typically smaller than houses, there are large condos available (even ones larger than some small homes).

Let’s demystify the differences and clarify your selection, shall we? 

• Space: Space is a negotiable aspect of both homes and condos in Santa Cruz.   Is your family growing?  Planning to add a few members?  A house may be the way to go.
• Price: Condos can be more affordable, especially the smaller ones.
• Location: If you want a condo with a great view, close to work, for example, prepare for a premium.  Conversely, many homes with great yards and locations are quite affordable.  Not choosy?  Competitive pricing awaits you with either choice!
• Luxury: lavish condos, much like ideally-located ones, are often steeply-priced.  Hope you have a great loan officer and thick wallet.  Luxury in homes will be a bundle, too, but modern amenities are a bit more commonplace and expected in today’s homes.
• Availability: There are simply more houses on the market than condos, so your selection is greater with homes.
• Privacy: Homes offer more in the way of privacy.
• Acreage: If a smaller yard doesn’t bother you, a condo can offer excellent square footage and lower payments.  Looking for land?  A home is your best go.

 
Still Unsure?

I’d love to assist in your juggling act.  Call me at 831-662-6522 or lauren@laurenspencer.com and together we’ll narrow down parameters affecting whether to look more closely at Santa Cruz homes or Santa Cruz condos.

Links:
1. That Is The Question:

2. How Much Space

3. Condos

Santa Cruz real estate advice for sellers is everywhere!  Turn on the TV, radio, or computer and you’re practically saturated in ideas on how to prepare your Santa Cruz home for sale to the highest bidder.

Curb Appeal: It’s Elementary, My Dear Watson

Sometimes the simplest solutions are right under our nose.  Sure, renovations, additions, upgrades and updates are great—and should not be overlooked. But common sense says a Santa Cruz home needs maintenance if it is to be sellable.

You need to start thinking about basic things you should be doing to maintain the home, particularly the exterior.

Increasingly Discerning Buyers in Today’s Santa Cruz Real Estate Market

The Santa Cruz real estate market right now is a challenging one for sellers—hence, all the more reason why every little detail matters! Buyers know they are in a strong marketing position and literally won’t put up with any rubbish when window shopping for homes.

Remember that before a potential buyer even considers an in-home showing, they want curb appeal—and not just any curb appeal, mind you. The discerning home buyer of today wants everything “just so.”

Here’s what Buyers look for in a Home’s Exterior:

• Precision lawn care is Key—that means weekly mowing and edging in the warm months and snow or ice removal in the cold months.  The perfect model home features mowing done in precise straight lines resulting in a very symmetrical, uniform look.  Don’t forget to trim around the driveway, stones, garden, trees, and especially at the sidewalk.
• No junk lying Around: Pack rats, you know who you are!  Put things in storage!  Don’t have old cars up on jacks or bikes and toys strewn everywhere!
• Beautify: Pick up leaves, weeds, branches and other debris; plant beautiful flowers (you can even buy pre-bloomed flowers and replant)
• Splash o’ Color: Paint the house, garage, and shutters in neutral, updated colors 
• Fix and Re-Finish: wooden decks or porch railings should be in tip-top shape

Shoot for Showroom Shine

Just imagine that you are trying to win a contest for best looking home in the Santa Cruz area. Think model-home quality.

You’ve got a Friend!

To help you get the most out of your precious Santa Cruz real estate, I’m here for you at 831-662-6522 or lauren@laurenspencer.com. I can help you with more tips and advice right away.

Links:
1. Strong Marketing Position

2. Curb Appeal
3. Precision Lawn Care

When you consider fulfilling the American Dream of owning that home your family has always longed for, it is actually quite frustrating to go through the motions of having to choose from Santa Cruz homes for sale. 

Even with an excellent and qualified agent, going to showing after showing can be downright exhausting for you and your family—not to mention time-consuming.

What if there was a way to get exactly what you wanted even from the existing Santa Cruz homes currently on the market? Good news: there is!

The road to the perfect Santa Cruz homes for you and your family lies in a little nugget we like to call new construction!

Benefits of Newly Constructed Santa Cruz Homes

• No hidden problems: New builds lack flaws, blemishes, patchy fix-up jobs and other ticking time bombs found in older homes (due to wear and tear over time)
• Updated construction: They contain the latest materials and utilize modern building techniques
• Kitchen and bath: These crucial rooms always feature today’s cutting edge designs
• Modern Look and Feel: Overall layout and design are updated throughout, without the extra cost associated with sellers who have invested time and money in renovations
• Customizability: Many builders are flexible enough to add a room or move a wall

The Sky Is the Limit

Another small effect of a truly new home which, believe it or not, has an impact on your well-being each day is that smell of fresh wood.  Think about how nice it feels to test drive new vehicles you’ve been considering. 

Imagine: all these years you may have limited yourself to pre-owned homes.  What if you did that with your vehicle purchases?  How restricting would that feel?  Very!

New builds open up a whole world of choices, not only in finding a perfectly up-to-date home, but also in having your dream home made to order—every detail contoured specially to the whims and desires of you and your family.

Finding Your Dream Home

Now that you’re ready to find out what your choices are in terms of Santa Cruz homes for sale including new builds, call me today at 831-662-6522 or write me a quick note at lauren@laurenspencer.com.  It will be my pleasure to walk you through the plethora of options, and develop the perfect short list of Santa Cruz homes for you and your family to choose from.

Links:
1. New Construction
2. Dream Home Made to Order
3. New Builds