terri woods real estate: Bed and Breakfast Inns in Santa Cruz, Aptos, La Selva Beach, Capitola - 11/18/13 09:15 AM
Bed and Breakfast Inns in Santa Cruz, Aptos, La Selva Beach, Capitola – perfect for that winter vacation!
Do you remember the hotel room you stayed in 3 years ago? Most people don’t!  But people who stay at Bed and Breakfast Inns do… because staying at a Bed and Breakfast creates memories.
 
The history of Bed and Breakfast Inns dates back to Colonial America. There were few hotels available so people would open their homes and provide a bed for the night to travelers.  After the advent of the railroad and automobile, hotels in towns became more prominent.
During the … (0 comments)

terri woods real estate: HOME PRICES IN APTOS CA for November 2013 - 11/16/13 06:44 AM
HOME PRICES IN APTOS CA for November 2013 (including Aptos, Rio Del Mar, Seacliff, and Seascape)
We have seen several months of dramatic price increases on SOLD HOME PRICES in Aptos (95003) and the surrounding area.  If you are considering buying a home, you can still find deals, but having a good real estate agent who understands the market is a must.  Don’t stay on the fence too long.
As a buyer, to make sure you don’t overpay for your home, you want an agent who knows the market and has the statistics to support an “offer” price. A reminder … (0 comments)

terri woods real estate: HOME PRICES in WATSONVILLE CA (95076)for November 2013 - 11/16/13 06:01 AM
HOME PRICES IN WATSONVILLE CA for November 2013 (including La Selva Beach, Corralitos, Royal Oaks, Mt. Madonna, and Pajaro Dunes)
We have seen several months of price increases on SOLD HOME PRICES in Watsonville (95076) and the surrounding area.  If you are considering buying a home, you can still find deals, but having a good real estate agent who understands the market is a must.  Don’t stay on the fence too long. As you can see in the graph, listings are not selling for their asking price.
To make sure you don’t overpay for your home, you want an agent who … (2 comments)

terri woods real estate: The Dumbest Mistakes SMART PEOPLE MAKE when buying a home (Santa Cruz) - 11/15/13 03:53 AM
THE DUMBEST MISTAKES…
SMART PEOPLE MAKE WHEN BUYING A HOME
 

 
When buying a home in Santa Cruz County and Monterey County, you  need to become the VERY BEST BUYER possible. The benefits include more negotiating power, a smoother transaction, peace of mind and more.  Here are some mistakes that SMART BUYERS have made when purchasing a home.
 
Mistake #1 
Not knowing how much they can afford before they make an offer.
The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to get pre-approved for a mortgage, so you know in advance exactly how much you can afford.
(4 comments)

terri woods real estate: Tales to Tails Literacy Program at La Selva Beach Library - 11/14/13 03:55 AM
Two of a few of my favorite things.... are reading and dogs.
La Selva Beach library has both in their Tales to Tails literacy program in which children have a private twenty minute session to read to an attentive certified therapy dog.
Why read to dogs? 
 

The Tales to Tails program is offered at the La Selva Library on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the library at 831-427-7717 or email pro@santacruzpl.org.
 
La Selva Beach Library is a branch of the Santa Cruz Public Library. Certified therapy dogs … (0 comments)

terri woods real estate: What is the difference in a Condo and a Townhome/Townhouse - 11/12/13 06:49 AM
Many times, the terms condominium and townhome/townhouse are coupled together in the Multiple Listing Service and other real estate search engines.  Why is that… because they are different, aren’t they?
Santa Cruz County and Monterey County Condominiums and Townhomes
 
YES! A condominium and a townhome/townhouse are different.
A condominium (condo) is part of a bigger complex. The owner of the condo owns inside the walls, from carpet to ceiling and shares a common wall/floor/ceiling with other condo units. PLUS the “common areas” (i.e. pools, halls, entry, etc.) are jointly owned with other condo owners.
A townhome/townhouse is essentially a … (4 comments)

terri woods real estate: Why we celebrate Veteran's Day - 11/09/13 11:54 PM
Why we celebrate Veteran’s Day.

 
Veteran’s Day is a day we honor all those brave men and women in the Armed Forces who served and fought to keep our country safe.
History:
November 11, 1918 at 11:11 a.m. - Fighting ceased for World War 1
November 11, 1921 at 11:11 a.m. - The United States, France and England buried an unknown soldier in honor of those who died in World War I
1926 Congress resolved to officially call November 11th Armistice Day
1938 The day became a National Holiday
1954 President Eisenhower changed the name to Veteran’s … (4 comments)

terri woods real estate: Housing Stats for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties - Hot Off the Press - 11/08/13 12:16 AM
Whether you are in the market to buy, sell or invest right now, or you love your home and plan on staying there 'forever,' knowing the statistics of the local real estate market is very beneficial.
The graph below represents the single family homes in Santa Cruz, Monterey and other counties. 
If you would like additional statistics related to your neighborhood, contact me and I would be happy to get those to you.
I also have a FREE monthly ePublication called Market Insider that is localized and gives you additional information on schools, crime, income median and insider tips. Click here to … (2 comments)

terri woods real estate: What Can You Afford? And Why is getting Pre-Approved important? - 11/06/13 09:01 AM
WHAT CAN YOU AFFORD? And Why is getting Pre-Approved Important?
Real Estate 101 in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties
Pre-approval program
Many buyers are applying for a loan and obtaining approval before they find the home they wish to buy.
Benefits of pre-approval
 · You look at the “right” homes
· You save money dealing with a comfortable seller
· You close more quickly
· You minimize trauma of not knowing if you qualify
There are many different loans available.  Your loan officer is the best source to discuss the many different possible scenarios. 
When you visit with your lender, Ask for… ...a Good Faith … (0 comments)

terri woods real estate: Mr. Seller...Did you wait too long? The Market has Shifted - 11/05/13 02:29 AM
The real estate market has shifted in Watsonville,
La Selva Beach and Corralitos and the proof is in
the numbers.
Even though interest rates are still at historical lows, the buyers have seemed to slow down on buying - as evidenced in a higher inventory of homes for sale (even compared to last year).
So, what does that mean if you are a BUYER? If you were one of those buyers who was out-bidded during the buying frenzy of the summer, this is great news for you. You have a bit of room to breathe. The inventory is … (2 comments)

terri woods real estate: Who Pays the Buyer's Agent? - 11/03/13 12:49 AM
Does the Buyer or Seller Pay the Buyer's Agent?
What is the 'norm' in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties for Buyer's Agent?
 
Answer:  In a traditional real estate transaction, the Seller has chosen to work with a Seller’s Agent. The Seller’s Agent normally markets the home in several different ways. One way the property is marketed is through the Multiple Listing Service.  In the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the Seller’s Agent agrees to pay a Buyer’s Agent a determined amount.  In short, the Seller pays the Seller’s Agent and the Seller’s Agent pays the Buyer’s Agent.  (a.k.a. Buyers work with Buyer’s Agents for … (29 comments)

terri woods real estate: Understanding Agency - Who works for Whom? - 11/02/13 08:27 AM
Understanding Agency - Who works for Whom?
Know who you are talking to when you call your a real estate agent in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Most buyers do not understand that when they call the agent that has the sign in the yard, they are actually calling the Seller's Agent - the agent that has been "hired" by the seller to market the home.  Sometimes, Buyers give T.M.I. (TOO MUCH INFORMATION) about themselves, their financial situation, and other seemingly innocent things.
However, whatever information the Buyer discloses to a Seller's Agent CAN and WILL be used against them...in a court of … (3 comments)

terri woods real estate: Is it better to BUY or RENT? - 11/01/13 04:44 AM
Is it better to buy or rent in Santa Cruz County or Monterey County?
Because I enjoy selling real estate as a career, one would think that my first response is… BUY!  Sales prices are still low. Interest rates are still low. There are even programs designed to get people back in homeownership sooner than later after a foreclosure or bankruptcy.
But is it better FOR YOU to buy or rent?
Only you can answer that question.  There are many factors to consider.  How long you stay in your home is a big variable.  The New York Times Business Day has … (2 comments)

terri woods real estate: Is A Foreclosure a Good Deal? Foreclosure 101 in Santa Cruz County - 10/30/13 08:36 AM
Is a Foreclosure a Good Deal? Foreclosure 101 in Santa Cruz County
Have you ever wanted to buy a foreclosure because you thought it would be a great deal?

Foreclosure is a process in which the owner of the home was not able to make the monthly mortgage.  After several missed payments, the bank who holds the 
mortgage attempts to redeem the mortgage amount through a sale at the courthouse steps. (NOTE: This is a Reader’s Digest version of the process.)
At the courthouse steps, if no buyer comes forward to pay the minimum amount, the bank becomes the proud new owner … (0 comments)

terri woods real estate: It's Baaacccckkkkk! - A Haunted House in La Selva Beach, CA - 10/29/13 03:46 AM
It's Baaaccccckkkkk!  Is there a Haunted House in La Selva Beach? 

Come join in the fun for La Selva Beach's Annual Halloween Party.
WHEN?  October 31st
TIME? 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
WHAT?  Games, Prizes, Food and the HAUNTED HOUSE.  Boo!
WHERE? At La Selva Beach Clubhouse
 
Come dressed and ready to have lots and lots of fun.  
 
And call me if you are considering buying or selling a home. I would like to be your agent of choice.
 
(0 comments)

terri woods real estate: Just a few more days to get your pumpkin in Watsonville, CA - 10/24/13 10:21 AM
Just a few more days to get your pumpkin in Watsonville, California, and I know the perfect place.  Jimmy's Pumpkin Patch on East Lake Avenue near the Fairgrounds in Watsonville, CA.
There are still plenty of pumpkins to choose between. 
Make sure to bring your camera. There are many things for the little ones to do like a coloring station, a photo op and rows of pumpkins.  Just don't pick them up by the stem.
For more information, visit his Facebook Page or call 831-288-2343.
Here are a few fun facts about pumpkins. 
Did You Know:
·  Pumpkins are really a squash? 
(2 comments)

terri woods real estate: It's not just a Pumpkin Patch... It's a Destination! Crystal Bay Farm - 10/19/13 01:29 PM
It's not just a Pumpkin Patch... It's a Destination!  Crystal Bay Farm in La Selva Beach, CA 
Fall is officially here in Santa Cruz / Monterey Counties. Leaves begin to change color, the ocean breeze is just a bit cooler, and we see pumpkins everywhere.  From wonderful pumpkin drinks to fall decorations, October is here!
What would put that exclamation mark on October?  How about a visit to Crystal Bay Farm in La Selva Beach, CA.  Want a little fright? Or a little fun? Or do you just want to pick out the perfect pumpkin? (You might be overwhelmed when you … (10 comments)

terri woods real estate: Buying a Beachfront Home in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties - 10/18/13 08:35 AM
Buying a Beachfront Home in Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties
Beachfront living is an exciting and relaxing lifestyle.For many homeowners, a beachfront home represents one of the highest level of luxury.  If you have dreamed of owning a beachfront home to use as a vacation home or a full-time residence, now is the time to buy.
Beachfront Communities
La Selva Beach, Rio Del Mar, Seascape, Seacliff, Pajaro Dunes and the surrounding areas are small, friendly communities that offer amenities for everyone. A quick jog down on the sand, basking in the sun, surfing, nightlife in Santa Cruz and Capitola makes this … (0 comments)

terri woods real estate: Are you a Clutter Bumpkim? (a.k.a. Hoarder) - 10/16/13 03:18 AM
Are you a Clutter Bumpkin? (a.k.a. Hoarder)
Many of us want to simplify our lives. We want to cut stress from our lives. Consider how many magazine articles, books, blogs, websites are devoted to helping us achieve less stress.
Physical and mental health professionals are attributing illnesses, nervousness, spasms, chronic fatigue and even cancer to the stress in our lives.  Consider this... we are accessible 24/7/365. In a recent study in Norway, addiction to social media is showing the same damage in the brain as addiction to alcohol, cocaine, and may actually be just as addictive.
I was astounded to read … (45 comments)

terri woods real estate: Family-Friendly Fair and Pumpkin Patch (La Selva Beach, Watsonville) - 10/02/13 10:11 AM
Remember Linus in the "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown?"   Does that bring back some fun memories? 

Saturday is a day that you can make some new fun memories with your family.  
 
High Ground Organic Farm in Watsonville will host their 5th Annual family-friendly Harvest Fair and Pumpkin Patch this Saturday, October 5, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  
 
There will be live music, a petting zoo, pony and horse rides, cider pressing, arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, a hay ride and lots of other fun things.  The proceeds will benefit Linscott Charter … (2 comments)

 
Terri Woods, Selling Homes and Land in Oregon (Benton, Linn and Douglas Counties)

Terri Woods

Selling Homes and Land in Oregon

Days Creek, OR

More about me…

Benton, Linn and Douglas Counties

Address: San Antonio, Texas, Bexar and Comal Counties

Mobile: 210-802-8422



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