Santa Cruz Real Estate
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If you’ve considered selling your home in a slow real estate market you may wonder if you can get a fair price for your home. Fortunately, you don’t have to be afraid of the rising foreclosure rate. Smart sellers know how to compete with foreclosures when selling their Santa Cruz home.

1. Smart sellers ask for what their home is worth. You need to set your asking price based on the market value of your Santa Cruz home. The bank wants to get as much money as possible for their properties. Their asking price for foreclosures is as close as possible to the current market value of the home.

2. Smart sellers make sure their home is in its best possible condition.  Before your home goes on the market, touch up paint, replant the garden, and service appliances.  If a foreclosed home is selling for significantly less than other homes in the area, it is usually because the home needs major repairs.

3. Smart sellers give information to their potential buyers.  Tell potential buyers about home improvements and repairs, renovations, and the condition of major appliances. Don’t keep information from your buyer. Foreclosures are sold “as is” which means the bank is not making any guarantees about the property’s condition. Furthermore, lenders are exempt from disclosure laws so they aren’t required to tell buyers about any major problems with the home.

4. Smart sellers do what they can to expedite the closing. You should make the selling process as easy as possible for your buyer. Buying a foreclosure is a complicated process that can take weeks or months to complete. Most buyers simply cannot wait that long and deal with the extra paperwork involved.

5. Smart sellers know they may need to adjust the price.   If your home stays on the market while others sell, you may need to adjust your asking price or offer something extra, like a home warranty, to the buyer. The real estate market is constantly fluctuating, and it is possible for your home’s market value to decrease while it is on the market.

Don’t let competing foreclosures keep you from selling your home. Let me help you sell your Santa Cruz home for top dollar. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

LINKS:

1. Paint 

2. Appliances 

3. Home warranty

Back in the 50’s and 60’s, you could just leave your house open and your Santa Cruz real estate agent could come in and show the home at any time.  When you listed a home with a Santa Cruz real estate agent, you handed over the keys and they placed them on a hook in the brokerage office.  Anyone could grab them and take them! There were almost no security issues.  Now, because of security issues, we have the handy, dandy lock box.

Lock Box History

Attached to a door handle, gate, water or gas meter, lock boxes hold keys to the house for sale.  They were invented back in the 70’s, and at that time the lock box was opened by a key that the Santa Cruz real estate agent had. In the 90’s, the electronic lock box replaced the old one; the electronic type is what most real estate agents use today to make sure your home remains safe while it’s for sale. 

In 2008, the electronic lock box took another big step forward in technology.  This high-tech electronic lock box can:

• Alert as many as 5 emergency contacts when its “panic button” is activated 
• Tell the seller’s agent when a house has been shown
• Provide the buyer’s agent with extra information about the home including instructions from the home owner such as “Don’t Feed the Dog.” 

 
Why Should You Use a Lock box

Homes that let Santa Cruz real estate agents use a lock box are shown more often because it’s easier for agents to have access to the home when the owners are at work.  There are different fees charged for the use of a lock box, but the price usual sits around $100 plus tax.  When you hire a professional real estate agent, you’ll get the use of the lock box for free as part of the agent’s service.

When to Use a Lock box

You may want to have your agent put your lock box on a schedule instead of making the house available around the clock.  You shouldn’t allow it to be opened after a certain time at night or before a certain hour in the morning.  This will allow you to control the use of the house, and ensure that no one uses it during off hours.

All in all, the use of a lock box by your Santa Cruz real estate agent is a great idea.  It’s safe and convenient, not only for you but also for agents and potential buyers.

If you’re ready to sell your home with an agent who puts your safety and convenience first, give me a call at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com  I look forward to hearing from you!

 Links:

1. make sure your home remains safe

2. High-tech electronic lock box

3. buyer’s agent

When you sell your Santa Cruz home, you want it look as good as possible. To do this, your real estate agent will help you stage your home or, if needed, help you find a professional to stage your home. This means de-cluttering your home, re-arranging furniture, and de-personalizing each room.

A staged home is more appealing to buyers and helps to highlight your home’s positive features. However, staging is not meant to cover major flaws in your home. Some things just have to be repaired.

1. Roof problems. It doesn’t matter how pretty your Santa Cruz home is, your buyer is going to expect you to fix roof problems or adjust your price to cover them. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home.

2. Cracked tile. Of course, you can use throw rugs to cover cracks in your tile, but chances are your buyers are going to look under them. Then they may think you are trying to hide a serious problem like a shifting foundation. Save yourself the headache and have your floors fixed.

3. Broken windows. You have to expect your buyers to walk around your home checking out the views from the windows. They’re going to notice any cracks. If you have the budget, consider upgrading your windows and making your home more marketable. At the very least, you should have the glass replaced.

4. Torn screens. If you have torn screens, your buyers may think you don’t take care of your property. Yet, screens are fairly easy to fix on your own. With the right supplies from your local hardware store, you can have new, sleek screens in less than a day.

As your agent, I will make sure your Santa Cruz home is ready to sell fast. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

 LINKS:

1. Common roof problems

2. New windows

3. How to repair a screen

If you have fuel burning appliances in your Santa Cruz home, you need to be concerned about carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is odorless and invisible. It is often called the “silent killer” because symptoms creep up without warning. Fortunately, you can easily prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by taking a few safety measures.

1. Check your gas appliances. Fuel burning appliances like furnaces, hot water heaters, and stoves can become damaged over time. You may never know one of them was leaking until it’s too late. Have a professional come to your Santa Cruz home at least once a year to make sure your gas appliances are working properly.

2. Install a carbon monoxide detector. Smoke detectors are designed to alert you to smoke. They do not pick up carbon monoxide. Make sure you choose a carbon monoxide detector with the approved code. It will be listed on the label.

3. Don’t use a generator inside. Gasoline-powered generators produce carbon monoxide and are designed to be used outside. When you use them inside, you fill your home with dangerous carbon monoxide. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to operate your generator.

4. Use common sense around your fireplace. Make sure they are repaired and cleaned. Always open the flue before starting a fire in your fireplace. Never burn trash or cardboard boxes in your fireplace. Have a professional chimney sweep inspect your chimney each year for cracks, blockages, and leaks.

Your family’s safety is important. Let me help you find a Santa Cruz home your family will love. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

LINKS:

1. Carbon monoxide detector

2. Generators

3. Chimney safety

Remodeling your Santa Cruz home is a great way to increase its value and marketability. Home values are only partially based on the size of a home. Buyers often prefer homes with modern touches. The key to a successful remodel is the right contractor. You want to find a skilled contractor whose work and word you can trust.

Here’s how you can do this.

• Ask for referrals. Word of mouth is still one of the most honest forms of advertising. Chances are you already know someone who has done some work on their Santa Cruz home. Ask them about the contractor they used. Find out if they were satisfied with the contractor’s work and whether or not they would use them again. If you really don’t know anyone who’s remodeled recently, you can also check with building inspectors and trade organizations for recommendations.  Or, get a referral from an online service like Angie’s List who provides recommendations for local contractors.

• Check their documentation. More than half of the states in the U.S. require general contractors to be licensed. Nearly all of them have licensing requirements for plumbers and electricians. If you live in one of these states, make sure your contractor is licensed by your state board. This means they had to show the state that they know what they’re doing. If the work is unsatisfactory, you can file a complaint against them. In addition to their state license, make sure they carry their own liability insurance. Otherwise you can be held responsible for accidents that happen on your property.

• Watch out for red flags. Some behaviors just cannot be ignored and are sure signs that you cannot trust this person. Do not hire a contractor who expects you to get your own building permits, only accepts cash payments, or refuses to give you a written estimate. Although it’s perfectly acceptable to pay a down payment on your project, you should never pay for the entire job upfront.

A Santa Cruz home is a great investment. Let me help you find your next home. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

LINKS:

1. Get local referrals

2. State contractor licensing requirements

3. Written estimate 

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

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

A beautiful yard is an excellent selling point for your Santa Cruz real estate because it increases curb appeal. However, traditional landscaping can be time consuming. Xeriscaping is a great way to plan your landscaping so that it’s easier to take care of and uses less water. With a little planning, you can have a beautiful yard that fits your lifestyle. Here’s how you can get started.

1. The first thing you have to do is draw a map of your property. Make sure it is to scale so you have an accurate idea of what kind of space you have in your yard. Include the location of your Santa Cruz real estate, the orientation of the sun, outdoor structures and outcroppings, and existing vegetation. This will help you decide the best place for each plant.

2. Once your base map is complete, look around your yard and decide which places you want to emphasize or hide. For example, you may want to cover an old water pump. Mark drainage problems, like areas where water stands after a rain. Note how much sun and shade each area of your yard receives during the day.

3. Divide your yard into sections: public, private, or service. Public sections are those that can be seen from the street. Private sections are those used by you and your family. Service areas are the places you walk through to reach the private sections or to access the electric and water hook-ups. Plan your plants for each section. You want public areas to be the most attractive, practical private sections, and easily accessible service regions.

4. Choose the right native plants for each area of your yard. Native plants require less water, attract fewer pests, and use less fertilizer than plants from other regions. They are also already adapted to your climate and will last longer than other plants. Native plants are simply easier to take care of and are better for the environment.

Renovating your yard is just one way to help your Santa Cruz real estate sell. Let me help you sell your home fast. Call me today 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com

LINKS:

1. Draw a base map

2. Common drainage problems

3. Guide to native plants

An energy efficient Santa Cruz home does more than help protect the environment. It can also save you money on your utility bill. With a few minor changes, you can make your home more energy efficient.

1. In the living room. You may be surprised to find out how much air escapes from your Santa Cruz home through your windows and doors. Install new, double pane windows designed to keep your precious heated and cooled air inside your home. Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.

2. In the bathroom. Solar water heaters work just as well as their traditional counterparts, but they use a completely renewable energy source that won’t affect your utility bill. Dual-flush toilets use half the amount of water as standard toilets and help protect our water resources.

3. In the kitchen. Unplug appliances when you’re not using them and remind everyone to close the refrigerator door. In the summer, use your microwave and outdoor grill for cooking so you don’t heat the entire house just to cook dinner. Likewise, cook and bake indoors as much as possible during the winter.

4. In your utility room. Hang your clothes out to dry. Why spend money to dry your clothes inside when you can do it for free outside? Install a clothesline outside or set up a drying rack on your patio. Your clothes will smell fresher, your home will be cooler, and you will save money on your utility bill.

5. In the air. Keep your thermostat set between 75 and 80 in the summer and below 68 in the winter. This can reduce your energy consumption by 15% and results in big savings. Dress appropriately for the weather and use your ceiling fans.

6. In the yard. Set up containers around your yard to collect rainwater, and use it to water plants around your yard. Landscape with plants native to your area so you won’t have to water them as frequently.

A green Santa Cruz home is better for your health and for the environment. Let me help you find your next home. Call me today at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com 

LINKS:

1. Solar water heaters

2. How to install a clothesline

3. Advantages of native plants

California’s housing market can see a very faint glimmer at the end of the tunnel. Slow sales and rising inventories made home prices more affordable. More bargain-hunters have been attracted to the market, according to Ryan Ratcliff, an Anderson Forecast economist.
In the San Francisco Bay Area sales were down year-over-year more than 23 percent, as home sales in May dipped to their slowest pace at least since 1988, when DataQuick began monitoring sales. One in four homes sold in May in the 9-county area were foreclosure properties..

The median price paid for a Bay Area home was $517,000, down a record 21.7 percent from $660,000 in May last year and down 22.3 percent from the peak $665,000 median in June and July 2007.

The last time the Bay Area median was lower than $517,000 was back in September 2004, when it was $510,000.