The changing of chain stores in our largest mall in Capitola is a sign of the times. Sometimes business take on too much debt with expansions, other times their product mix is poor. Is it a surprise that in this stock market meltdown that Walmart is doing well?

My own experience was that Mervyn's, which had the mid priced name brand merchandise was usually about 20% higher than I would have expected. I will not miss them, as Kohl's is a competitor in the same product space/price as Target. I think they will do well, as well as also bringing another national name brand to the Capitola Mall.

The mall has a good mix of stores with Gottschalks and Macy's and Sears anchoring the shopping center, as well as Ross in a stand alone store. Capitola Beach homes are…

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Santa Cruz is a beautiful spot to visit any time of year. With millions of tourists, Santa Cruz is often on the list for those who put it on their itinerary when they visit San Francisco or have business in Silicon Valley.

While our tourism is highest during the summer, the winter time is quite pretty as well, and less crowded. Santa Cruz beach homes are often in demand for rentals when people come back once they have determined that yes, this is a cool spot to visit or live. While Santa Cruz was on the top 10 a few years ago as a vacation spot, it is good once again to be recognized by a national magazine, Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Magazine- Top places to enjoy Christmas Some of the Top 10 places are in the states and world wide. Here is the…

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I co-sponsored the recent Santa Cruz Seniors Symposium, which was important to me as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. The workshop was put on by Dan Nicholas, who is a long term care insurance specialist.

The workshop was well attended as people wrestle with the huge silver tsunami that will be sweeping our generation soon. Many in the general public do not know to get this insurance, and the goverment has been doing this care in a costly manor.

For those who have older parents, the cost that you are facing for long term care are staggering and can lead to financial wipe out and destitution unless one is very well to do, or you have planned ahead and have gotten long term car insurance. The fact is many who have gotten long term care have it kick in…

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 Alzheimers' is a disease that affects more and more of us.It is one of those diseases that is tragic in more ways than most. While I won't go into all the ways, suffice to say that it is a disease that robs the living almost as much as the afflicted, emotionally, physically and monetarily. For an interactive tour of what goes on in the brain of an Alzheimers patient check out the link. It is pretty informative.

Today is National Memory Screening Day ,follow the link to see the closest location for you for screening today November 18th, 2008. There is no location in Santa Cruz, California, but nearby in Freedon,Ca you can take you loved one for testing today at

Name of Organization: Kmart Pharmacy … Read Full Post

Santa Cruz Homebuying Sale Prices

Home Sales Recorded in September 2008-Santa Cruz home sales medians.The number of Santa Cruz home buyers,buying single family residences and condos.

The Watsonville market is teeming with first time homebuyers and investors and their activity has surpassed the sales unit total of Santa Cruz home buyers.The market there is flooded with foreclosures and short sales of bank owned homes,which leads to great Watsonville home buying opportunities. The prices are really great and offers many who can't buy in Santa Cruz, the opportunity to get out from renting and become a home owner.

Some of the other areas are seeing activity as Santa Cruz first time homebuyers start to get over their fears and venture out. The opportunites…

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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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