Rebeca Finn Realtor at David Lyng Real Estate

Real Estate is very active in Santa Cruz right now. Let me know if you have any real estate needs or questions!

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Our favorite is the refrigerator island. What were they even thinking? Happy #Saturday!

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Are Higher Home Prices Spooking Buyers? Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, September 29, 2015 Contracts to buy homes dropped nationwide in August, as home prices continued to inch upward, the National Association of REALTORS reports. Modest increases in pending home sales in the West were offset by declines in all other regions last month.... Pending Home Sales By Region Northeast: pending home sales dropped 5.6 percent to 93.3 last month, but remain 8.9 percent above a year ago. Midwest: pending home sales were down 0.4 percent to 107.4 in August, but are 6.5 percent above August 2014 levels. South: pending home sales dropped 2.2 percent to an index reading of 121.5, but are 4.1 percent above year ago levels. West: pending home sales increased 1.8 percent in August to 104.9, and are 7.6 percent above a year ago. Source: National Association of REALTORS Buyer demand is continuing to outpace the housing supply and it’s also prompting home prices to increase in many markets across the country, says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. Pending sales have leveled off since mid-summer, with buyers being bounded by rising prices and few available and affordable properties within their budget, Yun says. Even with existing-housing supply barely budging all summer and no relief coming from new construction, contract activity is still higher than earlier this year and a year ago. Yun predicts that sales will maintain their current pace in the months ahead. But, he cautions, there are several headwinds that could impact housing. The possibility of a government shutdown and any ongoing instability in the equity markets could cause some households to put off buying for the time being, Yun says. Furthermore, adapting to the changes being implemented next month in the mortgage closing process could delay some sales. Still, NAR says the national median existing-home price will likely rise 5.8 percent this year, reaching $220,300. Also, existing-home sales likely will rise 7 percent to around 5.28 million 25 percent below the prior peak set in 2005.

5 DIY Projects Under $1000 You Can Do This Weekend Your home is your refuge, and it's important to take stock occasionally and consider some improvements, even if you are not planning to sell.... Home improvement projects don't have to break the bank or take weeks of your time. There are plenty of projects you can handle yourself in just a weekend. Here are 5 suggestions that are all smart improvements and will not cost more than $1,000. No. 1: Freshen Up Your Entry If the first sight that meets your eyes when you arrive home is a tired front door with zero curb appeal, it's time to freshen things up. An inviting entrance makes the whole house better, and it's not hard to create. Decide whether you need to replace your front door entirely. It's often enough to apply fresh paint and hardware to your existing door. Consider putting your house number on the door, and adding an attractive, updated light fixture. Depending on the space, you might consider adding some flowers or greenery in an attractive planter, some comfortable seating, or a colorful doormat. No. 2: Update Lighting Changing out light fixtures is a quick DIY project that instantly improves the look of a room. Create a harmonious feel by selecting fixtures that complement each other and your home's overall style. For under-illuminated areas, add a handsome table or floor lamp. Overhead lighting can be too harsh for most rooms, so make your home comfortable and functional. If you're on a really tight budget, try spray-painting some of your existing fixtures. No. 3: Modernize the Bathroom The bath is a great place to look for a quick project, and modernizing this small space can be easy and fast. Even if you need to hire a plumber for some jobs, you can still get a lot done for under $1,000. You can put in a beautiful new vanity within this budget. Or maybe you just need to update the hardware. Put sleek stainless pulls on drawers and cabinets, add a wonderful new showerhead for your morning drench. These small improvements add up to big impact. No. 4: Replace Kitchen Hardware You'll be amazed at the difference you can make in your kitchen by just changing the cabinet and drawer hardware. The cabinetry makes up the bulk of your kitchen space, so this change is really dramatic. You'll find hardware in a huge range of styles and price points. Look at your favorite home store, or shop online. No. 5: Add Storage As George Carlin famously said, your home is a "place for your stuff." So this weekend why not create an attractive place for your stuff? Adding shelving is a very doable DIY project that will come in well under $1,000. You can create your own shelves or buy them ready to hang for under $100. Then choose some of your favorite "stuff" and put it on display! These improvements will make your home a little sweeter and give you a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Give yourself the gift of better surroundings, and enjoy your home more every day.