Seacliff, CA

Looks like this Pelican is no dummy! Enjoying the sunset at Seacliff Beach and letting someone else do the fishing for him. What a beautiful sunset at Seacliff Beach with the bonus being that when we did a 180 degree turn the full moon was coming up.

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Seacliff is a fantastic residential neighborhood in Aptos. This area is highly desirable because of the close proximity to Seacliff Beach; Most homes are just blocks away. Easy access to Hwy 1, shopping and dining are also key points to the desirability of Seacliff. Styles of homes in the area range from beach bungalow, cottage, contemporary and ocean/bluff front. There have been 10 reported sales in the first six months of 2011 with a low of $390,000, high of $1,075,000 and average sales price of $620,000.

One of my favorite places to eat in Seacliff is Manuels. Not only is their mexican food the best but their margaritas a great.

Manuels Mexican Restaurant

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This landmark is located at Seacliff Beach in Aptos CA. The ship was docked for about ten years then was purchased byt the Seachliff Amusement Co. of Nevada. The ship was towed to Seacliff State Beach where it was grounded in the bay and a long pier was built. In its' hay day there was an arcade, dining room, dance hall and swimming pool. The Seacliff Amusement Company went out of business just a couple years later during the Great Depression. Then, in winter, a storm cracked the ship. The Palo Alto was stripped of all salvagable metal and fixtures and turned into a fishing pier.

The Cement Ship

First Time Buyers

Approaching the task of buying a home can be overwhelming. It is a complex event during which there is so much to learn and to consider. How much can I afford? Where will the down payment come from? How much will I need and where can I find the best loan? How do I begin the look for a home, what should I expect from my real estate agent and what type of home is right for me?

These questions are just the beginning. Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions in one's lifetime, yet most people know very little about it. When embarking on the path to home ownership here are two very important points to remember:

• You can and should understand everything that is happening in the home buying process.
• You will need to learn some new terms, apply some new concepts and take the time to learn about purchasing a home.

Always remember that you are the most important person throughout the entire real estate process. It is easy to think that many others may have more expertise or clout, but the truth is that you, the buyer, are the one person in this transaction that makes it all happen. If you decide not to buy, the entire process comes to a complete stop.

If you plan from the beginning to approach the home buying process intelligently and with confidence, you are much more likely to buy the home you've always wanted, and have the confidence that the best decisions were made.

Steps to Buying a Home

1. Make a decision to rent or buy.
2. Figure out how much you can afford.
3. Find the right real estate agent.
4. Get pre-approved.
5. Decide what kind of home you want.
6. Find the right neighborhood.
7. Begin the home search.
8. Preview the homes.
9. Make an offer.
10. Apply for a mortgage.
11. Have the inspections conducted.
12. Close the transaction.
13. Move into your new home.

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To search for Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay properties please click here, www.SusanGrant.biz, www.SantaCruzAvoidForeclosure.comor contact Susan Grant directly at (831) 247-9140.

Susan Grant, David Lyng Real Estate, Santa Cruz to Carmel

DRE#01331769

Tips for Lowering Homeowner's Insurance Costs

1. Review the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report on the property you're interested in buying. CLUE reports detail the property's claims history for the most recent five years, which insurers may use to deny coverage. Make the sale contingent on a home inspection to ensure that problems identified in the CLUE report have been repaired.

2. Seek insurance coverage as soon as your offer is approved. You must obtain insurance to buy. And you don't want to be told at closing that the insurer has denied your coverage.

3. Maintain good credit. Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to determine premiums.

4. Buy your home owners and auto policies from the same company and you'll usually qualify for savings. But make sure the discount really yields the lowest price.

5. Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower. Avoid making claims under $1,000.

6. Ask about other discounts. For example, retirees who tend to be home more than full-time workers may qualify for a discount on theft insurance. You also may be able to obtain discounts for having smoke detectors, a burglar alarm, or dead-bolt locks.

7. Seek group discounts. If you belong to any groups, such as associations or alumni organizations, they may have deals on insurance coverage.

8. Review your policy limits and the value of your home and possessions annually. Some items depreciate and may not need as much coverage.

9. Investigate a government-backed insurance plan. In some high-risk areas, federal or state government may back plans to lower rates. Ask your agent.

10. Be sure you insure your house for the correct amount. Remember, you're covering replacement cost, not market value.

To search for Santa Cruz properties please click here, www.SusanGrant.biz, www.SantaCruzAvoidForeclosure.com or contact Susan Grant directly at (831) 247-9140.

Susan Grant, David Lyng Real Estate, Santa Cruz CA

DRE#01331769

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.