Santa Cruz Real Estate . . . . Come along for the ride!

Santa Cruz Real Estate, such an eclectic mix.  From Ultra modern, then right next door,  a Victorian and that one butting up to a rancher.   You can live your style Here!
Within very short distances you will find a farm in the city, spectacular views while perched on a bluff, to being hidden away in the redwoods, all worlds apart but you can walk from one to the other.

Decided to take a look at not only the current properties for sale today but see everything up close and personal from the seat of my bike.

The first week of Spring, a chill in the air, bright clear blue skies, perfect.  I head out, down the hill past trees budding, daffodils dancing and a soft fragrance of wisteria and cut grass.  What's not to like about Santa Cruz???

My first stop in Soquel, an Eco-home in a great spot in fog free Soquel with a great community feel, that even had a chicken coop, all it was missing was the Bee hive and it would be self contained.    Light, bright and built with a lot of thought.  Even a vacant lot nearby, ready to build just what you want with all the Eco-friendly products to choose from.  Get creative!

I push off feeling I have just left a little Oasis, on to my next stop.  Ahhh, I get drawn into Gayle's, literally the smell yanked me off my bike, for a tasty temptation.  The reason I am on my bike in the first place - burn fat not fuel!!

Ok, this careen through the Village and up the hill to Opal Cliffs will cancel the guilt.  This classic area unfolds some of the charming cliff hugging homes that have enjoyed forever views for decades and voila, a well designed very comfortable re-do has enticed me in.  Well worth the stop and water break with a peak of the ocean from the living rooms' raised viewing perch!!  Charming!

Along East Cliff, past O'Neill's ramshackle cliff hugger, the surf dotted with 'Surfers', the cliffs with 'strollers', the beaches with 'sunners',  I peddle along weaving through the area and remembering my earlier days ---  doing the very same thing!!  Still the low key and accessible local of yesterday, just being 'Gentrified'.

Near my favorite veggie stand, is a show stopper, Beach retreat.  Custom everything, chiseled kitchen counter, European stainless appliances, Nano folding french doors, fire pits surrounded by custom seating all ensconced down 16th Ave. Plenty of private space, open flowing entertaining area and a short stroll to Sunny Cove, one of the hidden treasures along East Cliff.

This is just a partial view of my trip, I have enjoyed many more like it and many more secreted areas to revel.  Just Call Me.  I love helping people "Live the Life they Love" and discovering the hidden treasures.

Marlene MoeBEST-Henderson, Broker/Owner

MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management

Office - 831-429-9091
Cell - 831-419-9091http://bestsantacruzproperties.com/
http://www.facebook.com/moebesthenderson
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http://bestsantacruzproperties.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/BestMarlene

"When only the BEST will do . . . . .

MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management"

The Seller's Market has arrived

The selling season isn't supposed to be till Spring but it is roaring around here.
The sequence of events has been slowly building over the last 8 months and it feels like this is going to be the turnaround year for Sellers.
The Seller's Market has arrived!
This is not just from my experiences but others in the 'BIZ' are recanting the same tale.
Homes that are "READY" for the market, priced correctly (at or under market) are getting multiple offers and it is typical to have the closing price be above asking.
 Yes, the long dry spell is over.
The underwaters are coming up for air and those interest rates are still excitingly LOW.
Our inventories are anemic and what does come on the market, done right, is in contract in days.
The days of languishing on the market are over.  This is not to say the prices are back to prior 2005 but they are increasing.  So if you have been waiting to move on in life, either up or down with your housing needs  the time is RIPE!!
And there is help for those in need of a larger downpayment
Want the facts?  You can dig them out here  or you can Call me, I'll give you some excellent examples and make sure you are well informed.

This will be an exciting time, a New Day is Dawning and I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to make the changes YOU NEED.

Marlene Henderson, Broker/Realtor
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management

#00599374

Office - 831-429-9091
Cell - 831-419-9091

http://bestsantacruzproperties.com/
http://www.facebook.com/moebesthenderson
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=42142779&trk=tab_pro
http://bestsantacruzproperties.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/BestMarlene

"When only the BEST will do . . . . .

MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management"

So, your looking to get into the Real Estate Market - Don't wait too long.

So, your looking to make your move, in the Real Estate Market, after the bloodbath of 2005 - present. Maybe it's a job relocation, life change, or maybe you are looking to get back into the ownership world after a Foreclosure or short sale and the sting has dulled.
Well, this is a prime time for home buying!  Interest rates can't get much better and the prices of real estate in prime areas, are creeping up. Make sure you are understanding WHY!  Read my previous blogs.  Then, the crucial issue is DON'T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD.

There are many dynamics that are in play in the Real Estate Market nationaly, so unless you are a heavy hitter, come in prepared, prepared, prepared!  Those are the golden words in home buying.

Before you do anything, align yourself with an Experienced, Professional Real Estate Broker.  Next move, get the all important assessment of your financial picture by your Financial advisor/Banker.  With a clear understanding of this, the rest of the pieces fall into place for your home buying experience.

In the areas that I work, Monterey Bay area/San Francisco Bay area and Lake Tahoe, there are incredible properties out there that are still up to 40% less than the height of the market back in 2005.  Don't miss out on your chance to secure your personal retreat.  Truly the time is now to settle in on the property you want to make your long term home.
Here are a couple,   that could do anyone,   nicely!

Put my 35+ years of Buying, Selling, Exchanging all types of Real Estate to work for you.  Call now.


Marlene Henderson - Your Personal Broker
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management
Office - 831-429-9091
Cell    - 831- 419-9091
www.BestSantaCruzProperties.com

"When only the BEST will do . . . .

             MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management"

Another Bubble?

Going through all the info of local transactions, state trends, national stand-out investment broadcasts, rates, ratios and percentage increases --- there is one thing that keeps circling around in my experienced life in Real Estate.  This is getting to smell like another bubble. . . .   And more documentation.

New devices or tools being designed, entities created over the past couple years that have amassed amazing amounts of $money$ and investing in the degraded Real Estate market.  Snapping up astounding quantities of properties with billions, (that's with a 'B') dollars directly from 'The Banks'.

Sure there are the 'Normal' sales going on and great prices on properties that could have been untouchable if the spiral kept spinning.  Interest rates are great and you know what - Everyone Should have a home!!  This is the basis of our society and what creates a stable infrastructure both physically and mentally.

My advice, get out there, find the home that you plan on 'rooting in' and make it your HOME.   Don't pay attention to "Others Guesswork".  Times have changed.  Make sure you are protecting Your future.  Building Your wealth and not letting these Investment Pools edge you out of one of the building blocks of our American Dream!  Yes, money is power but there is also strength in numbers.
Don't pass up this window of opportunity! Changes are taking place. Don't let Another Bubble affect you. Be the determinint in your financial life!
Call me, I will be happy to help you secure a part of your future.

Marlene Henderson, Owner/Broker
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties
and Property Management

Office 831-429-9091

The Real Estate Recovery is Building as long as . . .

Well..... what can I say.      As long as we see economic growth and confidence in that?
For the past eight months, there has been  a strong indication, that Real Estate, around the country, is RECOVERING.  Here is a little info for your reading pleasure.

I see it in the markets I work in and track.  Now the incidents of multiple offers and over asking price sales is taking hold, to actually make it news worthy.

Keep in mind what is driving this Real Estate Recovery and keep a level head in making YOUR move.

~  The message is constantly being repeated the "The Bottom is Behind Us". --- Time to jump in!
~  Strong pent up desire by those qualified &  agonizingly waiting to become a home owner (again?)
~  THE LOOOOWWWWEST interest rates to be seen in decades AND pricing that makes it all more affordable than renting!!!
~  All of the above making ROI Very attractive for investors.
~   The last key point   SUPPLY is down.  Check around,  the #'s of homes on the market, depending on area, are calculated to be  anywhere from 3-6 months supply.  A far cry from the 9 to 18 months and an overbearing amount of them shorts and REO's.

This  driving of the prices up, even if it is just the reported 5% helps those that have been "UNDERWATER" by moving them closer to an equity position and allowing for refi's that don't eat them alive with fees and other gymnastics the BANKS have been putting the suffering homeowner through that, in most cases, turning out to be a major waste of time.

The time is now, prices are climbing and interest rates are NOT. 
Santa Cruz will NEVER loose it's idyllic climate and this will always be HOME to me.   Let me help YOU find the right spot!     You will have everything to pick from

"From the Mountains to the Sea"

I know of a lot of  Hidden Spots!!

 

I Love helping others find the place they want to call home, let me help you.  Call anytime, but just to get you warmed up, you can search my website by area, price, size and other particulars.  See what I am talking about.

 

Don't wait too long --- you don't want to miss this boat!!
 






Marlene MoeBEST-Henderson, Broker/Realtor
Properties and Property Management
Office 831-429-9091
Cell     831-419-9091

"When Only the BEST will do . . . . . . .

                          MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management"

 

Beyond the Real Estate Headlines means . . . .

If you really want to know what is accurate information . . . .  not  just the 'Come on' -- there needs to be homework!

Lots of positive blogs, articles, projections, all to create a sense of forward motion, growth and hope for a quick fix, are out there but there is just as much negative extolling for the same areas, let's find the meat!
Yes, that means work, reading beyond the Real Estate headlines to find out the back story in the case of Real Estate. The actual price points of that local ---- NOT THE NATIONAL AVERAGE!

There is also an overarching need and requirement to understand the global investments/involvement too, to see how this affects, what is taking place locally!  What could trickle down to the small property holder.

Right now is a prime time to invest.  Fantastic interest rates!!   The prices are just recovering in prime areas.  Sellers have had 6 years to be educated on pricing their property according to the market - or else!

The Monterey Bay area, Silicon Valley and San Francisco have all had there smack down but have proven to be resilliant and holding there own, very nicely I might add.  Amazing amount of cash sales and international buyers keeping this areas mostly out of the nastiness of massive SS and REO's.

On the ground expertise is where to head.  Everything about Real Estate is LOCAL.  Or location, location . . . .     the old adage! 

First - developing a relationship with a knowledgeable, professional in the area is your best bet.  Someone that tracks a specific neighborhood, town/city.   Is invested in that community/region and graceful with their information.  Truly wanting to aid YOU on your investment path.  Develop trust!

Second - Check everything out!  Go beyond the Real Estate Headlines, click the links - discover.    You will be surprised at how much more knowledgeable you will be, to make these important decisions.

Third - For  accurate information on the Monterey Bay area and the entire Lake Tahoe Basin call me, Marlene Henderson and register on my website for up-to-date MLS info.  You won't be sorry you did!

Real Estate is second nature to me and I love helping people

 "Live the Life they Love".

Marlene Henderson, Broker - Realtor - Ca/Nv
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management

00599374/0025598

831-429-9091 Office

831-419-9091 Cell
http://bestsantacruzproperties.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/moebesthenderson http://bestsantacruzproperties.blogspot.com http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top http://www.meetup.com/Professionals-of-Santa-Cruz-County/
http://bees2love.wordpress.com/



" When only the BEST will do . . . .
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management"

"Fiscal Cliff" Legislation and the effect on Real Estate

Those of us interested in how the "Fiscal Cliff" legislation shook out for Real Estate, you will be happy to see little  'grunions' like me, have been digging around to find out.   This is a recap directly from the NAR site:

Real Estate Tax Extenders

• Mortgage Cancellation Relief is extended for one year to Jan. 1, 2014
• Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012
• 15-year straight-line cost recovery for qualified leasehold improvements on commercial properties is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012
• 10 percent tax credit (up to $500) for homeowners for energy improvements to existing homes is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012

AND

Capital Gains

Capital Gains rate stays at 15 percent for those in the top rate of $400,000 (individual) and $450,000 (joint) return. After that, any gains above those amounts will be taxed at 20 percent. The $250,000/$500,000 exclusion for sale of principal residence remains in place. But remember Obamacare adds 3.8% by this calculation   http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8886224080781153404#editor/target=post;postID=1214489800176084526
make sure you read it.

http://speakingofrealestate.blogs.realtor.org/2012/10/09/3-8-tax-whats-true-whats-not/
In  addition, make sure you watch it!!

Estate Tax

The first $5 million dollars in individual estates and $10 million for family estates are now exempted from the estate tax. After that the rate will be 40 percent, up from 35 percent. The exemption amounts are indexed for inflation.

There are still more very important issues like MID (mortgage interest deduction) that have NOT be addressed.  I will keep digging around.  This is a very important aspect of the Real Estate industry and one of the chief incentives in becoming a home owner, so stay tuned.

I always do all I can to keep my clients informed, so they can 'Live the Life they Love'.