CROWS NEST BEACH PARTY SCHEULDE 2019 - FREE CONCERTS ON THE BEACH IN SANTA CRUZ!Santa Cruz has some much free entertainment during the summer and year rounds.   The Crow's Nest Beach Parties are an local favorite held on the beach in front of the Crow's Nest Restaurant starting at 5:30 pm Thursday night in the summer. Here is the line up for the Crow's Nest Thursday Night Beach Parties for the summer of 2019 June 20th - The House Rockers June 27th - The Leftovers July 4th - No beach party due to the Holiday July 11th - Extra Large July 18th - Sambada July 25th - Viva Santana August 1st - The Lost Boys with James Durbin August 8th - Soulwise August 15th - Sambada August 22nd - Hall Pass August 29th - Extra Large Hope to see you out there this sumner!  Your Santa Cruz Realtor, Jessica Wal... 06/21/2019

Closing Costs in Santa CruzClosing Costs are the fees and expenses that buyers and sellers can expect to pay for when buying or selling homes. There are many costs involved in a real estate transaction aside from the actual price of the property. You will want to know these fees, especially if you are planning on buying or selling real estate in the future. The average closing cost in the city of Santa Cruz is between 2% and 5% of the price of the house.  Check out our original blog post at https://ambermelenudo.com/. Buyer's Closing Costs Loan Origination Fee Generally around 1% of the loan amount. Points Each point is equal to 1% of the loan amount. Points buy down the interest rate typically by 0.25% per point. Application Fee Paid to the lender or the broker to check credit and proc... 06/10/2019

Lost Boys June 19 Open Beach Boardwalk Free Movie Nights  Love movies? Love the beach? Love free fun?    Then mark June 19 on the calendar as "The Lost Boys" opens the summer 2019 season of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Free Movie Nights. On Wednesdays at 9:00 pm from June 19 through August 14, the Beach Boardwalk begins the summer season of Free Movie Nights. The iconic teenage vampire film, "The Lost Boys" stars the classic duo of "the Coreys"-Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. Dianne Wiest, Kiefer Sutherland, Jamie Gertz and Jason Patric also feature. Much of the flick was filmed locally, including key scenes on the iconic Beach Boardwalk, Carousel and beach with Santa Cruz standing in for "Santa Carla-the vampire capital of the world." With the theme of "Sleep all day. Party all night. ... 06/06/2019

FREE Friday Night Bands on the Beach at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalkby Michelle Carr-Crowe, Silicon Valley expert and San Jose real estate agentLooking for some FREE fun on the weekends this summer? Whether you live in Santa Clara or Santa Cruz County, just call some friends, pack a beach blanket, jacket and chairs then experience the FREE Friday night concerts at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Each Friday night during the summer season from June 14 through August 30, 2019, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk sponsors two FREE shows, one at 6:30 and one at 8:30. You can hear the music playing whether riding the Big Dipper roller coaster, eating a corn dog on the boardwalk, dining on the pier or just chilling with your toes in the sand on the beach. The Summer 2019 band line-up includes Smash ... 05/28/2019

Cost of Living in Santa Cruz, CACost of Living IndexCost of living is the day to day expenses a household has to spend at a given time in order to maintain a good quality of life in a particular area. There are several factors affecting the total amount including housing price, utilities, transportation, food, services, healthcare, and more. If you plan to move into a new city knowing how much you're likely to pay to live there is an excellent way to see if the move would be financially good for you.The table below showcases the different factors of the cost of living in Santa Cruz compared to the national and state average. These are scored based on a point system method with 100 points being the national average. These costs can go up or down depending on various studies that identify... 05/03/2019

Santa Cruz, CA Market Report for 2018Santa Cruz County in California is a coastal region of cities, unincorporated communities, and nature preserves on the western coast of the country, located south of San Jose and San Francisco. It is known for its beautiful beaches, nature preserves, small towns, and the highly urbanized city center of the city of Santa Cruz. Other notable towns and communities in the county are Scotts Valley, Capitola, Watsonville, Aptos, Bonny Doon, Brookdale, Corralitos, Felton, Larkin Valley, La Selva Beach, Los Gatos Mountains, Rio del Mar, Scotts Valley, Seacliff, and Soquel.The diverse land area of Santa Cruz county offers a wide selection of housing options for families planning to purchase a home in the region. There are apartment buildings, townhouses, cond... 03/12/2019

West Santa Cruz, California Community Information and Market ReportReal Estate in West Santa Cruz, California West Santa Cruz is the part of the city between the Wilder Ranch State Park and San Lorenzo River. The district includes several neighborhoods including Westlake, Escalona, Laurel, Beach Hill, Bay Laurent, Alta Vista, Moore Creek, Garfield Park Circles, Wrigley Plant, Lower West Side, Lighthouse Cowell, and many more. The downtown neighborhood located west of the river is also included in the district as well as the California State University Santa Cruz Campus.Residential Real Estate in West Santa Cruz houses a good portion of the city's population. These include suburban neighborhoods with single-family homes, exclusive gated communities, beach communities, mobile home parks, ... 02/02/2019

East Santa Cruz, California Community Information and Market ReportReal Estate in East Santa Cruz, CaliforniaEast Santa Cruz includes parts of the city that are located east of the San Lorenzo River. The land area of the district consists of the eastern part of Downtown Santa Cruz as well as the many neighborhoods west of Live Oak and Twin Lakes. Residential areas in the region are in the northern and southern parts of the city while the areas along Soquel Avenue and East Downtown are commercially developed districts. Real Estate in the community is diverse and it includes single-family homes, beach homes, condominiums, townhouses, apartments, luxury homes, mobile homes, and many more. Check out our original neighborhood page at https://ambermelenudo.wpengine.com/. East Santa Cruz Ameni... 02/02/2019

Westlake, Santa Cruz, California Community Information and Market ReportReal Estate in Westlake, Santa Cruz, CaliforniaWestlake is a residential neighborhood in the northwestern part of the city of Santa Cruz, California. The primarily suburban community is between the University of California Santa Cruz Campus and the downtown area of the city. Real Estate in Westlake is mostly suburban single-family homes which cover a good portion of the district. There are also low-rise condominiums and luxury properties in different areas of the neighborhood. Homes in the community similar to other residential developments in Santa Cruz come in different custom designs and architecture. Residences in the area also provide various features that give additional value to the property. These include sw... 02/02/2019

Seabright, Santa Cruz, California Community Information and Market ReportReal Estate in Seabright, Santa Cruz, CaliforniaSeabright is a mostly residential neighborhood located in the southeastern corner of Santa Cruz, California. The district is bordered by the Live Oaks and Twin Lakes neighborhoods to the east, Soquel Avenue to the north, the San Lorenzo River to the west, and the ocean to the south. Seabright primarily has single-family homes within its many residential city blocks. These homes vary in design, architecture, price, layout, features, and many other factors. There are also prime real estate properties near the beaches providing fantastic views of the ocean and various beachside amenities. Check out our original neighborhood page at https://ambermelenudo.wpengine.com/. Se... 02/02/2019

Live Oak, Santa Cruz, California Community Information and Market ReportReal Estate in Live Oak, Santa Cruz, CaliforniaLive Oak is a census-designated town and unincorporated community between the cities of Santa Cruz and Capitola in Santa Cruz County, California. The district serves primarily as a bedroom area for the metropolitan region. The many residential neighborhoods in Live Oak are home to over 17,000 residents. Homes in the community is diverse that provide buyers several options when making a purchase. These include single-family homes, mobile homes, townhouses, condominiums, apartments, and luxury homes. Check out our original neighborhood page at https://ambermelenudo.com/. Live Oak AmenitiesThe well-developed community of Live Oaks has different businesses, outdoor parks, a... 02/02/2019

Santa Cruz, California Community Information and Market ReportReal Estate in Santa Cruz, CaliforniaSanta Cruz is the county seat and population center of Santa Cruz County, California. The city is composed of various commercial districts, residential neighborhoods, cultural centers, recreational attractions, and beautiful beaches. If you plan to move into the area, there is a diverse selection of homes you can purchase for your family. Real Estate in the city are primarily suburban single-family homes, but there are also luxury residential residences, apartment complexes, townhouses, and beachfront properties. If you would like help finding a home that best suits your needs our team can help you schedule visits to properties you might be interested in. Check out our original neighborhoo... 02/02/2019

Moving out of your home? Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or moving to a new state, you're now at the point where you've decided to sell your Santa Cruz CA oceanview home. If you think you can simply put up a For Sale sign on your yard and wait for buyers to flock to your doorstep, think again. Many people think it's easy to sell a beachfront home. After all, who doesn't want to own a property with a great view and the opportunity to be close to the ocean? Truth is, selling an oceanfront property takes a lot of more experience and skill than selling a single-story home or condo in the suburb. There are special considerations you have to make if you want to sell your Santa Cruz beachfront property successfully. Top tips on how to sell your oceanview home Here are my best tips to help... 10/14/2018

Putting your home on the market? If you are of selling your oceanview home in Santa Cruz, you’re also likely considering how much to sell it for, how to improve its value, and how to sell it fast. There are many decisions involved in home selling, but the most important thing to consider is the listing price.  Your Santa Cruz oceanview home’s listing price will determine if the house will sell fast or not, so pricing it right is the key.  Finding that sweet spot between not too low nor too high a price will result in a much faster transaction.  How to find your Santa Cruz beachfront home value One of the most common questions I get as a real estate agent is “How much do you think my home is worth?”   Home pricing is part art, part science. It follows procedures, it requires research and... 09/18/2018

You will love living in Santa Cruz!Santa Cruz is located on the northern edge of Monterey Bay and is the quintessential California beach town. This place is known for its many beautiful beaches.Buyers looking for Santa Cruz CA homes for sale are drawn to its stunning coastline, redwood forests, and great weather.  It is home to almost 280,000 residents. Santa Cruz County is the gateway to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of our nation's most spectacular marine protected areas, which offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.It also has 29 miles of coastline and includes numerous state parks and beaches. Living here, you’ll be constantly surrounded by beautiful nature and great surf.  It’s simply a wonderful place to call home.Enjoy the crowning jewel of the Go... 09/14/2018

Have you always wanted to live by the ocean to watch the waves every morning before starting your day? Or maybe you’ve imagined a relaxing retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city?This is your chance to get what you want! Ocean view homes are now for sale in Santa Cruz CA!With many real estate options to choose from, it can be challenging to discern what property to buy. This is especially true if you’re not familiar with what to look for in a home by the ocean.Here are some of my secrets to help you find your new home! Don’t bother with anything that isn’t the bestYour new home will be an investment. Selecting a house that has good resale value will be advantageous if you decide to sell your house in the future.That being said, there are a few things you might want to avoid ... 09/13/2018

Last Free Beach Boardwalk Concert Papa-Doo-Run -Run Aug. 31by Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweFriday, August 31, 2018 is the "Last Free Beach Boardwalk Concert" of the year, featuring the fan favorite season closing "beach music" band, Papa-Doo-Run-Run. The two free shows are at 6:30 and 8:30, leaving plenty of time to hit the Boardwalk for favorite refreshments.The local Silicon Valley band formed years ago in Cupertino. One little-known fact is they (or members) often step in as needed for back-ups for the world-famous Beach Boys.Remember the usual Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk rules-no smoking of any kind, and no glass on the beach. Be courteous to fellow concert-goers by only bringing low-back seating.Thanks for reading "Last Free Beach Boardwalk Concert Papa-Doo-Run-Run Aug.... 08/30/2018

Free Starship Show Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Aug. 24 by Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweLooking for free summertime tunes to start one of the last Silicon Valley summer weekends off right? Enjoy Starship at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Free Friday Night Bands at the Beach on Friday, August 24, 2018 with two shows, one at 6:30 pm and another at 8:30 pm.  In 1979, Mickey Thomas joined the Jefferson Starship as lead vocalist. With his powerful vocals and a new sound, the group was renamed Starship and continued to record amazing hits including "We Built this City," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and "Sara." The show will feature an expanded set list that includes the multi-platinum hits of Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship. Along with an expanded band and ... 08/24/2018

Smash Mouth's Steve Harwell Hospitalized July 13, 2018 Say Band Mates by Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CroweThousands of fans ready for a good time listening to Smash Mouth play Fri., July 13, 2018, at the world famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Free Friday Night Bands at the Beach Concert Season were disappointed to learn lead singer Steve Harwell was hospitalized and wouldn't perform with the band.His Smash Mouth band mates explained Harwell was hospitalized, and gave it their best shot, gamely playing both of the scheduled free shows without him. Smash Mouth is best known for hits such as "All Star", "I'm a Believer" and "Walkin' on the Sun".Folks of faith are encouraged to pray for Steve Harwell's recovery. Beyond being hospitalized, his band mates stated they had no furthe... 07/13/2018

Free Smash Mouth Concert at Beach Boardwalk Fri. July 13 by Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr CrowePopular band Smash Mouth plays two free concerts Fri., July 13, 2018, at the world famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Free Friday Night Bands at the Beach Concert Season with two shows, one at 6:30 pm and another at 8:30 pm. Smash Mouth is best known for hits such as "All Star", "I'm a Believer" and "Walkin' on the Sun". Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk sponsors two  free shows every Friday night during the summer through August 31, 2018. The first show is at 6:30 pm followed by a second show at 8:30 pm.Please limit blanket size to 3’ x 5’ feet per person, about the size of a beach towel. Only low-back chairs are allowed; High-back chairs will be required to move to the back of the beach are... 07/13/2018