Santa Cruz County Home & Community Information

OCEAN VIEW HOME FOR SALE IN APTOS WITH GUEST UNIT!  611 BAYVIEW DR, APTOS

Aptos, Ca incorporates Rio del Mar, Seascape and Seacliff is a great Beach Community located in the South of Santa Cruz County.  There are many great ocean view homes for sale in Aptos and it is a great place to own a second home or vacation home.  People love to come to Aptos in the summertime to beat the heat in the interior places of California.  The coastal fog in Aptos acts as a natural air conditioner and keeps the climate very mild.

This ocean view home for sale in Aptos is located in a great beach neighborhood in Rio del Mar.  There are ocean views from the second story where the main living areas are located.

Aptos home for sale is right across the street from an unbuildable lot so your ocean views are protected.

There is a lovely guest home that would be ideal for extended family.  You could also use it as a rental unit for extra income!

The guest cottage is totally separate from the main home for sale and has a private back yard.

You can walk to the beach from this ocean view home for sale as well as shopping and restaurants.  Aptos, Rio del Mar, Seascape make up a great community with many activities for the whole family like tennis, golf, surfing, hiking, jogging, mountain biking and more!

Go here to search for all Aptos Homes for Sale

For more info about this ocean view home for sale or other ocean view homes for sale in Aptos call Jessica at (831) 419-9345

Capitola home for sale with separate guest unit - Investment opportunity in Capitola - 416 Loma Avenue

If you have ever been 'Capitola Dreaming' about owning a home in the lovely beach community of Capitola this new home for sale may now make it possible!  This Capitola home for sale is made up of a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home PLUS a separate 1 bedroom guest unit!  This property would be great as a Vacation Home or Second Home.  It would be a fantastic primary residence as well with the separate unit there is potential for rental income.

This Capitola home for sale is located only a few minutes walk from Capitola Village and Beach, Gayles Bakery and shopping.  It is also walking distance to local schools!  What a great location!

The 3 bedroom main home of the Capitola home for sale is very clean and well maintained and has lots of light.

Both the Main 3 bedroom home for sale and the separate 1 bedroom guest unit have their own yards and lots of space and privacy.

Capitola is a wonderful Beach Community located in Santa Cruz County.  This particular street is quiet and close to everything - it can't get much better.  Go here for a list of other Capitola Homes for Sale - including Foreclosures!

For more affordable Capitola Real Estate read my post:  Capitola Condos

CAPITOLA CONDOS FOR SALE - LIVE NEAR THE CAPITOLA BEACH FOR LESS!

Capitola is one of top 20 small towns in the West, according to Sunset magazine and according to me as well!  I grew up in Capitola and feel very fortunate to have done so.  Capitola is a beautiful little beach town in Santa Cruz County of less than 2 square miles.  Many people visit in the summer to enjoy the cool ocean breezes and fun restaurants and shopping. Homes in Capitola can be expensive, but for those looking to buy a little beach pad for less, Capitola Condos for sale are a good option.

Capitola Condos for sale range in price depending on size and if it is a condo with an Ocean View  In 2009 the median price of a Capitola Condo for sale was $287,500.  For those looking to spend less than $300,000 on a Captiola Beach Condo, it is now possible!

One place you can buy a Capitola Condo for less is the Capitola Knolls Condo Complex.  The Capitola Knolls is just a short walk to New Brighton State Beach and a not so long walk to Capitola Village.  Most of the Capitola Condos for sale here are 2 bedroom, 1 bath units and there is a pool and spa.  The grounds are well maintained and the price & location can't be beat.

Another place where you can find lower priced Capitola condos for sale in the Villas of Capitola.  These condos are located on Clares St, right of 41st Avenue.  You can walk to the Capitola Village and Beach easily from here and all the shopping and restaurants on 41st Avenue and Capitola Mall.  There have been some Capitola condo foreclosures in the Villas of Capitola in 2010 for under $300,000.

The Capitola Shores Condos are located in the Jewell Box of Capitola, a great Capitola Neighborhood.  These are mostly 2 bedroom units and there are some single level condos.  These Capitola condos for sale are great for vacation homes or seniors because they are easy to maintain and are in a great walk to beach location.  The Capitola Shores Condos have nice grounds and a pool.

The Capitola Venetians are the most famous Capitola Condos.  The Capitola Venetians are rumored to be one of the first condo complexes in California.  These colorful Mediterranean style Capitola Condos are located right on Capitola Beach near the wharf and volleyball courts.  The Capitola Venetians rarely come up for sale and when they do their prices are well over 1 million dollars.  The Venetians are lovely Capitola Ocean View condos.  There are other Capitola Ocean view condos for sale, contact me for a list.

Capitola is a wonderful community to live full or part time.  For a list of Capitola Homes for sale or Capitola condos for sale, contact me at 831.419.9345.

HELPING FIRST TIME BUYERS AND FHA LOAN BUYERS PURCHASE A HOME IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

I recently had a very rewarding transaction where I helped a young couple with 4 children buy a home in Santa Cruz County.  Both were teachers and had been renting a townhome.  They decided to get prequalifed and found out that with the home price drop in Santa Cruz County they could afford to buy a home.  In fact, they would be paying less for their mortgage than for the small townhome they had been renting.

They were First Time Buyersand were prequalifed for an FHA loan, with the 3.5 % downpayment.  For many first time buyers or buyers with low downpayment, FHA loans are a great option. You do have to pay mortgage insurance but you are able to buy a home with less money down. 

I worked with this first time buyer young couple for several months in the early part of this year.  We saw many homes and wrote quite a few offers.  Every home we wrote an offer on had multiple offers and were often bank owned or foreclosed homes.  Sometimes and all cash offer would come in and the seller would choose to accept their offer over ours.  I counseled my clients to not be discouraged and that with persistence and patience we would find them a great home.

One day a lovely 3 bedroom home on 1/2 acre came up for sale.  We wrote an offer on it right away and it was accepted over a few others.  We closed escrow in March 2010.  My clients were estatic that they were able to purchase a home with a 3.5 % downpayment FHA loan with a great rate.  They were now paying less for their mortgage than they had been paying in rent!

I was invited to their housewarming party.  Their 4 children were thrilled to have more space to enjoy both inside and out, it really is a great family home.  They will enjoy owning this home for years to come and will raise their family comfortably there.

Sometimes it does take some persistance on both the part of the real estate agent and buyers to purchase your home, but it is definitely worth it.  I commit 100% to my clients and work until everyone is satisfied.

For those first time buyers considering buying a home in Santa Cruz CountyI suggest speaking to a lender to see what you may be qualified to buy.  If you don't have a large downpayment, ask about an FHA loan.  You could be surprised about what type of home you can affort to buy in Santa Cruz and even pay less for your mortgage than to rent!

For more details about how to buy a home in Santa Cruz County contact me at (831) 419-9345 or cjess4homes@yahoo.com

CORRALITOS HOME FOR SALE - 325 SHADOW CREEK RD - 2 YEARS NEW CUSTOM HOME!

This home for sale in Corralitos really has the 'wow' factor!  It is not often that you can find a 2 year new home in the Corralitos area built with this quality for under 1 million dollars.  This new listing is priced to sell at $799,000. 

This Corralitos home for sale has 3 bedrooms plus office/den could be 4th Bedroom.  3 Full Bathrooms.   

Corralitos home for sale set on a 3 + acres with plenty of sun, it would be a great solar energy site.  Stucco outside with a slate covered front porch to enjoy your coffee and relaxing mountain views.

The kitchen in the Corralitos home for sale has granite slab countertops, maple cabinets with cherry finish,  G.E. Profile Stainless Steel appliances, travertine floors, window over sink, island with gas cooktop/range.

The tumbled Travetine Floors, Anderson & Bay Windows, Wood Burning Fireplace, high ceilings, structured media in all rooms make the living areas of this Corralitos home for sale very elegant and comfortable at the same time.

 Luxury Master Bath with Radiant Heat Floors, Jacuzzi Tub, Title Shower, Double Sinks

Spacious Master Suite with Walk In Closet and lots of Light.

This Custom home for sale in Corraltios is a Must See, such attention to detail and quality craftsmanship is hard to find.

325 Shadow Creek Rd, Corralitos - Cross St Eureka Canyon Rd

Corraltios, CA is a lovely community in Santa Cruz County located between Aptos in Watsonville.  The setting is rolling hills and fields.  You will find orchards and vineyards, Muliti Million Dollar Estate Homes and Rustic Mountain Cabins.  Located close to Highway 1 for easy access to Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Jose, Corralitos is a great place for those looking to get away from it all and relax in their own private property. 

For more information about Corralitos Homes for sale or the community don't hesitate to call (831) 419-9345.

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CAPITOLA 55+ SENIOR MOBILE HOME PARK - TRADEWINDS PARK IN CAPITOLA

Tradewinds Mobile Home Park located in Capitola, CA is a resident owned park for those 55+ and seniors.  Capitola, CA is a small city located in Santa Cruz County.  Capitola has a moderate climate and is geographically beautiful place.  Capitola Real Estate can be pricey and Tradewinds Mobile Home Park offers a good alternative for 55+ active adults that want to live in Capitola for less.

Tradewinds Mobile Home Park is located off Jade St in the Jewel Box area of Capitola.  Tradewinds is walking distance to Capitola Beach, 41st Avenue commercial hub, restaurants and parks.  Jade St Community Center and Park is located adjacent to Tradewinds.

Tradewinds 55+ Mobile Home Park in Capitola has newer manufactured homes as well as older double wide homes.  You can pull out a older home and replace with a newer manufactured home. 

Many of the homes in Tradewinds Park in Capitola have been replaced with newer units.  Residents take pride in maintaining their lots and park.  There are many lovely landscaped front yards with flower boxes and trellises.  Tradewinds Senior Mobile Home Park has a nice clubhouse as well as a bocci ball court.

Tradewinds Senior Mobile Home Park is a great option for seniors and those over 55+ looking to downsize from their larger homes in Santa Cruz County.  The Capitola Tradewinds Park is a low maintenance place to live and is in an ideal location.  You can walk to shopping, beaches, restaurants and public transportation.  The convenient location combined with the ideal Capitola climate makes Tradewinds Park a great place to retire and enjoy yourself.

SANTA CRUZ GATED COMMUNITY - WOODS COVE, SCOTTS VALLEY CA

Woods Cove is a newer gated community in Santa Cruz County.  It is located in between Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz off Graham Hill Rd.  This is an ideal location for commuters to San Jose or Silicon Valley.  You are just minutes from the beach and lovely state parks like Henry Cowell Redwoods. 

Woods Cove, gated community,  has a wonderful park like feel.  The lots are not fenced off from each other so there is an sense of wide open spaces.  There are redwoods and oak trees and deer that leisurely stroll around the grounds.

Homes for sale in Woods Cove are well over 1 million, some almost 2 million.  In the southern part of Scotts Valley where Woods Cove is located the median sale price in 2009 was $810,000.

Homes in Woods Cove are luxury homes.  Most are 4000 + square feet and have amenities like outdoor fireplaces, granite, hardwood, walk in closets, high end fixtures and finishes, top of the line appliances, beautiful wood trim, skylights, 2 story windows, 3 car garages and more.

Scotts Valley is a great community for families and kids.  There are many out door activities to enjoy like hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, soccer camps, amd more.  Woods Cove, gated community in Santa Cruz, is minutes to Santa Cruz Beach and Downtown where there are many shopping and dining options.

For a list of homes for sale in Woods Cove or Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz area please contact me.  I can also provide information about what your Scotts Valley or Santa Cruz home is worth in today's market.  Go here to read about another luxury Gated Community in Santa Cruz County

BROOKDALE, CA HOME FOR SALE - YES YOU CAN OWN A HOME IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY!  180 Reed St, Brookdale, CA

*This Home Sold in May 2010 for $240,000*  Contact Jessica at (831) 419-9345 or cjess4homes@yahoo.com for a list of homes currently for sale.  Thinking about selling your home?  Contact me for an estimate of your homes value.

This home for sale in Brookdale, CA is perfect for the First Time Home Buyer or someone looking to own a clean low maintenance home.  With the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers (expires July 31st, 2010) combined with the new California Home Buyer Tax Credit for $10,000, people ready to buy now are in luck!  This home for sale in Brookdale, CA is a high quality, recent remodel - Offered for the bargain price of $240,000 you can't find a better home for less in this area!

Brookdale, CA is located in Santa Cruz County in the San Lorenzo Valley between Felton and Boulder Creek.  This Brookdale home is located just off Highway 9 near the landmark Brookdale lodge.  The neighborhood is friendly and desirable - a great place for kids and pets, there is a real sense of community here.  

The home for sale in Brookdale, CA features:  double paned windows, hand tooled hardwood floors, high ceilings, new carpet, decks, stainless steel applainces, jacuzzi tub, french door off the master bedroom to private deck, full insulation, central heat and much more.  The property it completely flat and usable and is located across the street from a nature preserve which gives the property a more spacious feeling. 

 There is a lovely Bonus Room that could be a nice office area or studio space.

The interior has high ceilings and a skylight, combined with beautiful light colored hardwood floors and new double paned windows this Brookdale home has a clean and crisp feeling.

The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, new cabinets, tile & butcher block countertops and a nice bar area.  The kitchen is open to the living and dining areas - you will love cooking in this warm and well designed space.

The backyard of this Brookdale home for sale is completely fenced and landscaped.  There is a sunny and private deck where you can enjoy your morning coffee and relax.  Tomato plants and strawberries are already planted and will be ready to enjoy for summertime.

The attention to detail and quality finishes in this Brookdale home for sale will impress you, there really is not a better home for sale in the Brookdale, Boulder Creek area.  Call (831) 419-9345 for more details about this home.

GOOD NEWS CALIFORNIA FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS AND NEW HOME BUYERS!  $10,000 CALIFORNIA STATE TAX CREDIT!

Breaking News!  The Governator has enacted a tax credit for First Time Home Buyers and Buyers of New Homes in California, including Santa Cruz County!  With the Federal Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers expiring July 31st this is good news for home buyers in California.  Really good news for some buyers that are in the sweet spot and will be able to double dip on both the Federal and California State Tax Credits - They have the opportunity to receive as much as $18,000 in Tax Credits!

Here are some quick facts about the New State of California Tax Credit for Home Buyers:

*  You must close escrow on your home in California between May 1st, 1010 and July 31st, 2011.  You have to have a purchase contract signed by Dec 31st, 2010 but you can close escrow as late as July 2011.

* The California Home Buyer Tax Credit is for either 5% of the purchase price or $10,000 which ever is less.

* To be eligible you must be either a California First Time Home Buyer or a Buyer of a new home in California.  There are no income restrictions.

*No repayment!  As long as your occupy the property as your Primary Residence for at least 2 years following purchase.

For Further Details visit California Home Buyer Tax Credit Information

This is a great opportunity for First Time Home Buyers in California.  With low interest rates, lower home prices and tax credits buying a home may really make fiscal sense right now. 

If you or anyone you know is considering buying a home in California this year please contact me at (831) 419-9345 or cjess4homes@yahoo.com  for more information about the California Home Buyer Tax Credit and homes in Santa Cruz County for sale.  There are many great buys out there right now including Foreclosures and Short Sales. 

Capitola Shores - Capitola Condos by the Jewell Box

The Capitola Shores Condos are located in Capitola, CA between the Jewel Box and 41st Avenue.  The Capitola Shores is a group of condos set up in individual buildings with 4 units in each one.  Most buildings have a single level condo which is a downstairs unit & single level upstairs unit plus 2 upstairs/downstairs units.  Most condos are 2 bedroom, 1 bath about 900 square feet with carports.

The Capitola Shores Condos offer some of the lowest priced Real Estate in Capitola.  For those looking to live near the beach in Capitola without paying our typically higher home prices, the Capitola Shores is a good option for you.

The Capitola Shores Condos were built in the 1970's.  There are green spaces for children to play and a pool area.  The Capitola Shores condos is walking distance to 41st Avenue which has the Capitola Mall, Whole Foods, shops and restaurants.  You can also walk to Capitola Village & Beach.  This is a great complex for seniors and Capitola vacation home buyers as it is low maintance and in a very convenient location.

Life in Capitola, CA is tranquil and has a small town feel.  Capitola is a great place to raise a family or retire.  There are a myriad of activities for young people like Capitola Jr LifeGuards in the summertime, surfing of course, great mountain biking nearby, soccer camps, golfing and more!  For both kids and adults it is fun to be involved in the Capitola Community and events like the Capitola Begonia Festival and Capitola Art & Wine Festival. 

Capitola, CA has many other nice condo complexes in various prices ranges.  We even have some oceanview condos and townhomes.  Contact me for a list of available Capitola Condos for sale or start here to Search for Capitola Homes & Condos.