watsonville: Blue Sky, Ocean Breeze, Sand, Beautiful Sunsets. La Selva Beach, CA - 01/09/14 09:44 AM
Blue Sky, Ocean Breeze, Sand, Beautiful Sunsets. This is what you get at La Selva Beach, California, just minutes from Santa Cruz. By Terri Woods - Terri sells real estate in Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County, California  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This is one of my favorite beaches because it is less populated. Because there is no direct access to the beach, not many "outsiders" visit this spot, resulting in a calm, comfortable place to rest and enjoy life.  With that being said, there are  public places to park and walk down to the beach, making … (1 comments)

watsonville: Protect Your Plants - Freeze Warning for Santa Cruz, Monterey Counties - 12/02/13 06:47 AM
Freeze Warning for Monterey Bay including Santa Cruz County and Monterey County – PROTECT YOUR PLANTS
By Terri Woods, Selling Homes for Sale in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, Rio Del Mar, La Selva Beach, Pajaro Dunes and North Monterey County on the Monterey Bay, California
 
It’s beginning to FEEL a lot like Christmas. Or at least it will on Wednesday.  The forecast for Santa Cruz County and Monterey County is reporting a FREEZE WARNING.
Santa Cruz Sentinel, Weather.com, Accuweather.com
 
Now is the time to protect your plants.  Below are Frost Protection Tips for Citrus, Avocado and other Sub-Tropical Plants.
 
(0 comments)

watsonville: Black Friday, the dreaded "B" word...Budget, Store Credit Cards, Debt - 11/28/13 11:50 AM
Black Friday is the best day to talk about the dreaded “B” word… Budget
By Terri Woods, Selling real estate in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, La Selva Beach, Watsonville, Pajaro Dunes, and North Monterey County
 
I know Black Friday officially begins tomorrow. Some stores are opening on Thanksgiving to get that jump ahead of the competition.
The temptation is to take advantage of all those great deals. BUT BEWARE. 
 
Did you know that the average household has a credit card debt of over $7000?  
Did you know that nearly half of Americans have more credit card debt … (3 comments)

watsonville: So you want a Fixer-Upper in Santa Cruz County.......Deal or No Deal? - 11/25/13 03:06 PM
Fixer-Uppers in Santa Cruz County
By Terri Woods – Selling Real Estate in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, La Selva Beach and North Monterey County
So you want to buy a fixer upper in Santa Cruz County.  My first response is… WHY?
My experience has shown that there are really two type of Fixer-Upper buyers: Those that know what they are doing and First Time Home buyers.
If you are a first time homeowner, I really really advise against it. Many first time homeowners think it is an easy way to build equity.  Though that may be true, it is also … (3 comments)

watsonville: TOP 10 REASONS to buy a 4 bedroom home in Santa Cruz County - 11/21/13 02:41 AM
Top 10 Reasons Why To Join the 4 Bedroom Club – 4 Bedroom Homes in Santa Cruz County
By Terri Woods – Selling Real Estate in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, La Selva Beach and North Monterey County 
10. Your kid sister-in-law is going to UCSC and wants to live with you.
 
9. Privacy from your Mom and Dad (ever-so-happy Grandparents) when they visit for more than a couple of days.
 
8. Extra closet space for the wife with shoes like Imelda Marcos (History Lesson – she had over 3000 pairs of shoes)
 

7. You found out the 80” … (0 comments)

watsonville: La Selva Beach hosts its 33rd annual Christmas Faire this Saturday. - 11/20/13 11:13 AM
La Selva Beach hosts its 33rd annual Holiday Faire this Saturday
By Terri Woods – Selling Real Estate in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, La Selva Beach and North Monterey County 
 

It is that time of year where festive events are happening, bringing holiday cheer.
And this Saturday, La Selva Beach will host its 33rd Annual Holiday Faire featuring lots of crafts, art, antiques, food... yes, food...
If you are out an about this weekend, make sure drop by. 
 
LA SELVA BEACH HOLIDAY GIFT FAIRE
WHAT: La Selva Beach Holiday Gift Faire with Arts, Antiques and Crafts
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. … (0 comments)

watsonville: Did you know that DREAM HOMES vary by generation? - 11/19/13 05:58 AM
“Why do you cut off the sides of the ham Grandma?” 
I am sure that you heard of the Parable of the Ham.
By Terri Woods – Selling Real Estate in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, La Selva Beach and North Monterey County
A child stood and watched her mother prepare the annual holiday ham. The mother carefully cut each end off the ham before placing it in the pan. The child asked, “Mother, why do you always cut the ends off the ham?” The mother replied, “Well, that’s the way my mother always did it.”
So, the child … (0 comments)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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)

watsonville: 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, 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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