As the season is upon us where we turn up our thermostats and turn to our heat sources, fire safety is of paramount concern. With the cost of heating fuel increasing and the economony sour, many will be turning to their fireplaces and wood stoves for heat. This is also the time of year that day light saving changes and the light starts getting shorter after work.

So do yourself a favor, and check your smoke detectors. If you have not replaced them in awhile, they are relatively cheap, usually under $10 each. Most 120 volt wired detectors only have about a 10 year life. They sometimes have an easy connect and disconnect plug so you don't need to turn off your circuit breakers. You should consider replacing them, but if in doubt, have an electrician replace…

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Santa Cruz California Home Sale Prices

Home Sales Recorded in August 2008-Santa Cruz real estate medians.
Reporting resale single family residences and condos as well as new homes.

Interesting to note that the Watsonville market is teeming with first time homebuyers and investors.There were almost as many sales in Watsonville as Santa Cruz, which is pretty amazing. The prices are some of the most affordable in Santa Cruz, so this is one of those few chances in lifetime to find truly cheap prices in Santa Cruz. Some of the other areas are yielding good values as well. To find more of these great values go to www.propertyinsantacruz.com

 

County/City/Area # Sold August 2008 August… Read Full Post

Santa Cruz California Home Sales Price Medians

Santa Cruz County housing sales for July 2008

This table shows the value declines in a given month. While it may not be reflective of the area as a whole, is to be considered in finding great real estate investments in Santa Cruz County.These figures are reporting resales of single family residences and condos as well as new homes.

Month to month variances in an area have a seasonailty and should not be construed that an area is stricken necesssarily. Averages vary by the number or sales and the price ranges that are selling.This is measuring the median sales price change from July 2007 to this year, July 2008.

While a decline in value should be taken with a margarita, most homeowners who own their home…

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Capitola's annual Begonia Fesitval happens at the end of August over the labor day weekend. This is a fun family event that starts off Friday night with movies at the beach. Bring your beach chairs and sweatshirts and blankets for this fun event.

Sautrday August 30th is the always fun and creative Sand Castle competition that starts at 8:30 for registration. Be sure to have fun, bring your tools and toys to make a great scuplture and a camera in a zip lock bag to record your artful creation and those of the competition. A great family event. Judging is around noon.

For those who just wish to watch, there is plenty to look at, in addition to the Sand Castle Competition, there is the the art of young local artists on display from 9-12. For a schedule of…

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California Property management and undocumented aliens- California AB 976

In California, we have many undocumented aliens. Right or wrong as it maybe that they are here, they do work that many others don’t or won’t do. They often bring their culture with them and are a valuable part of California life. Because of cultural differences and a reasonable fear of authorities, many live a cash existence. This has some good and bad consequences, namely they do not establish a credit history, which most landlords rely on in evaluating the decision to rent. The plus side is, they don’t have the credit card debt that most Americans have. As a landlord you have to balance many factors in deciding to rent your property. You want a good quality tenant who is…

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Capitola California has been a beach town for well over 100 years and has many interesting neighboring areas,including Pot Belly Beach to the south. Many from all parts of the San Francisco Bay have surrendered their summers to Capitola's shores. Capitola used to be a beach town that had a grand hotel and quite a lively business up until the late 1920's. It tragically went down to fire as many did in that day.

Up the streeet at the top of the hill was the train depot that brought passengers from afar. Of course, before that, it was all horse and buggy. The train depot would later be reinvigorated to spendor as the Inn at Depot Hill. The hill or plateau above this town became known as Depot Hill. You can learn more of Capitola and its' communities,…

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Santa Cruz real estate market has opportunitie and pockets of strength

The Santa Cruz real estate market has pockets of strong life.It is what you are looking for and where that determines the strength. There are many first time buyers looking, which great. These sales median prices are from June 2008 versus a year ago and show  trends, some surprising. Look at the month before Santa Cruz real estate statistics .

Santa Cruz vacation and retirement buyers are looking as well and seem to be more interested in the ocean fronting properties. We have more Santa Cruz beach houses available and those nearby in other areas, which gives more choice than normal. This is a great time to show for that retirement home at a discount.

First time buyers have a great…

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Santa Cruz, California Home Sale Prices

Median Home Price by city in Santa Cruz County-    Home Sales Recorded in May 2008

Reporting single family houses and condos sales as a percentage of change is from the same month last year in the cities of Santa Cruz County,California.   The Santa Cruz real estate market is not as bad as the statistics read at first glance.This is the year to year data for the month of May 2008 against one years agos sales prices. One thing I have noticed is more activity as buyers, yes you reading this- are starting to move out of the negative paralyzed by fear -zone that the media portrays so well, and buy. Pat yourself on the back. If a few years you will see the wisdom of your faith.There are some terriffic values and… Read Full Post