Glen Mitchell's Real Estate Blog

Links rentals Description 5 bedroom 3 bath home.  2260 sq feet.  2 car garage.  Laundry room in house.  End of street location.  Views towards light house.  Easy commute location.  Perfect back yard. Features Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Year Built: 1974 Lot Size: 7000 Garage Size: 2 Square Footage: 2260 Agent Name: Glen Mitchell Location 240 12th Montara CA 94037 Powered by vFlyer.com vFlyer Id: 61430003

http://www.coastalrentalslp.com

According to About.com, following are the best Santa Cruz beaches by type:

Amusements: Main Beach. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is located at Main Beach. It's one of California's most classic oceanfront amusement parks. 

Beach Volleyball: Capitola and Main Beach. You'll find plenty of nets on both beaches.

Bonfires: Seacliff and Sunset. These are popular places for beach bonfires, so arrive early to stake out the best spots.

For Kids: Main Beach. With the boardwalk nearby and lifeguards on duty during the busiest times, this beach has lots to do.

People-Watching: Main Beach. With all the goings-on a the adjacent amusement park, this place is people-watcher's heaven.

Romantic: Seascape. The long, sandy beach just below this seaside resort is accessible to everyone, but it's seldom crowded. For a romantic, seaside, sunset stroll without getting sand in your shoes, try the walk along West Cliff Drive.

Surfing: Steamer Lane. The place where pioneering big-wave surfers got their start still boasts the area's best surfing. Don't miss the nearby Surfing Museum.

If you are looking for a rental to enjoy these beaches please check out www.coastalrentalslp.com

Santa Cruz , California is the largest city of Santa Cruz County, California in the US. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Santa Cruz had a total population of 59,946. It is located on the northern edge of the Monterey Bay, about 72 mi (115 km) south of San Francisco.  The county is a strip about ten miles (16 km) wide between the coast and the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains at the northern end of the Monterey Bay. It can be divided roughly into four regions: the rugged "north coast"; the urban City of Santa Cruz, Soquel, Capitola, and Aptos; mountainous Bonny Doon, San Lorenzo River Valley; and fertile "south county", including Watsonville. Agriculture is concentrated in the coastal lowlands of the county's northern and southern ends. Most of the coastline is flanked by cliffs.

In the original act, the county was given the name of "Branciforte" after the Spanish pueblo founded there in 1797; a major watercourse in the county, Branciforte Creek, bears this name. Less than two months later, the name was changed to "Santa Cruz" ("Holy Cross"). Mission Santa Cruz, established in 1791 and completed in 1794, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1857, but a smaller-scale replica was erected in 1931.  

The present-day site of Santa Cruz, California was the location of an American Indian settlement since ancient times. It was also one of the earliest settlements of the Spanish during the exploration of Alta California in the later part of the 18th century, including a California Mission, Mission Santa Cruz. During the late 19th century, after California became part of the United States, Santa Cruz became widely popular for its idyllic beaches and coastal redwood forests, establishing itself as a resort community.

Santa Cruz, California is now known for its moderate climate, natural beauty, educational institutions, alternative community lifestyles, and socially liberal leanings. It is also home to University of California, Santa Cruz, a premier research institution and educational hub, as well as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an oceanfront amusement park.

Santa Cruz, California is well-known for watersports such as sailing, diving, swimming, paddling, kiteboarding, and is regarded as one of the best spots in the world for surfing.  The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California’s oldest amusement park and a designated State Historic Landmark. Home to a National Historic Landmark, a 1911 Charles I.D. Looff Carousel and 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster, the Boardwalk has been owned and operated by the Santa Cruz Seaside Company since 1915

The Santa Cruz Wharf is known for fishing, viewing marine mammals and other recreation. Local parks offer many opportunities for birding and butterfly watching, as well as outdoor sports such as skateboarding, cycling, camping, rock climbing and hiking. In addition to its reputation in surfing and skateboarding, Santa Cruz is known for other alternative sports such as disc golf. The De Laveaga Disc Golf Course hosts PDGA tournaments, including the annual Masters Cup. De Laveaga was the disc golf and discathon venue for the WFDF-sanctioned World Disc Games overall event held in Santa Cruz in July 2005.

Santa Cruz, California offers a wealth of cultural experiences.  Santa Cruz County Symphony — Founded in 1958, the Santa Cruz County Symphony is a fully professional ensemble of 65 members which presents an annual concert series at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium and the Mello Center in Watsonville. Additional offerings include musician school visits, free concerts for area school children, family concerts, and pops concerts.  Shakespeare Santa Cruz — An annual summer festival at UC Santa Cruz, the event typically performs two Shakespeare plays and one other play every summer, many of which are performed in a unique outdoor space among the redwoods.  Santa Cruz Film Festival — An annual event for independent filmmakers to share their work with film enthusiasts.

Open Studios Art Tour — The art fair has been run for more than three decades and draws artists and patrons from around the area.  O’Neill Cold Water Classic — An annual surfing event that draws crowds at the popular Steamer Lane.  Wharf to Wharf Race — An annual race which has been held for more than three decades.  Woodies on the Wharf — An annual woodies show that takes place on the Santa Cruz Wharf.  Santa Cruz Farmers Market – Several year-round outdoor markets showcasing the agricultural diversity of the Central Coast region with emphasis on sustainable agriculture and organic food. Regional specialties include strawberry, apple, artichoke, artisan goat cheeses and brassica. The main market is held downtown on Wednesdays.

For more information on staying in Santa Cruz, buying or renting property in Santa Cruz or living in Santa Cruz visit www.coastalrentalslp.com

www.maui4rent.com

Ever since my last U2 concert, I've had the desire to watch another from the "inner circle." The desire became a quest. I had to find my way to the base of the red arrow. In the center of the giant U2 360 tour spaceship/ claw.

So almost 2 years ago I bought my tickets and began to plan it out. Summer 2010 was approaching fast. I had a friend going who had been in the center multiple times, so with his help it was going to be a sure thing. Then the news hit... Bono was going to be having back surgery and the Tour might have to be canceled / postponed. Sure enough it was canceled and pushed out to the following summer. Although disappointed it gave me something to look forward to. As the date drew closer I got my next set of bad news. My expert friend had decided due to health issues and shoulder surgery that he would not be attempting to get into the inner circle this time. The quest had become too strong though and I could not let this deter me. At this point I was dodging all kinds of obstacles, parents couldn't watch the kids, other local kid watchers were busy or didn't have the ability to watch for the number of hours needed. Parking lot wasn't going to open when I needed it too. My wife wanted to drop the kids off at school in the morning before going moving me further back in the line up. At that point I had heard people were already camping out, in Oakland. OK so I was only partially crazy, but not camping crazing. I weighed the consequences and decided marriage won and I just needed to relax and tell myself there would be another time if this didn't work out. All I could do was give it my best shot. I'd worked as hard as I could for two weeks to make sure I didn't have anything real estate related to worry about. Fortunately the concert was mid week so I didn't have to worry too much about weekend house showings and I had my trusty Droid all charged up to handle everything needed by email. Kids were dropped off and my wife and I were off. We swung by Peets Coffee to get myself an iced coffee to help calm my excitement. Figured if I got there and the line wrapped around the coliseum 10 times at least I'd feel comforted to have my favorite coffee with me. We arrived and to my disbelief the line was rather short. Folding chairs went up, made new friends with my neighbors for the following wait. (story would get too long, but within a short time my above mentioned friend and family showed up, so we got to hang out with them too.) The anticipation grew as the morning and early afternoon wore on. At this point I was fairly sure I was in. By late afternoon with my inner circle wrist band on I really knew I was in. Several hours later I was within feet of my favorite band as they moved around the stage. My waiting had ended, and my goal was accomplished! Time to scratch that item off the bucket list. However in all truth, there were a couple line items under that one, like get invited on stage, handed a guitar, invited to the after party etc. Also I need to add getting a better smaller camera. The larger one I use for real estate wouldn't have been fun to carry around all day. Here are my Droid shots...

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Now I just need to get the band members to use me for their next real estate transaction in California or Hawaii. Actually, in case any one reading this can refer me, I will get a license in what ever state they needed me to.

If your favorite band is U2 and you want to go house hunting and listen to their music at the same time then don't hesitate to call. I'd love to make your real estate dreams/goals a reality.

U2 360 Tour. Bono Paul Hewson, The Edge David Evans, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullens Jr.

www.atu2.com

www.u2.interference.com

Setlist for 6/7/2011

1. Even Better Than The Real Thing
2. I Will Follow
3. Get On Your Boots
4. Magnificent
5. Mysterious Ways / Norwegian Wood
6. Elevation
7. Until The End Of The World / Anthem  / Where Have All The Flowers Gone?
8. Perfect Day  / Happy Birthday
9. All I Want Is You
10. Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
11. Beautiful Day / Space Oddity
12. Pride (In The Name Of Love)
13. Miss Sarajevo
14. Zooropa
15. City Of Blinding Lights
16. Vertigo / Dirty Boulevard
17. Crazy Tonight / Discothèque / Life During Wartime  / Psycho Killer
18. Sunday Bloody Sunday
19. Scarlet
20. Walk On / You'll Never Walk Alone
21. One
22. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow  / Where The Streets Have No Name
23. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me
24. With Or Without You
25. Moment of Surrender

Living in Half Moon Bay California

Half Moon Bay, California is a coastal city in San Mateo County, California.  Located approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of San Francisco, 10 miles (16 km) west of San Mateo and 45 miles (72 km) north of Santa Cruz.  It is 6.5 square miles in size with a population of approximately 11,300. 

Half Moon Bay, California is situated on a bay of the same name. Major local industries include agriculture (houseplants, floriculture, Christmas trees, pumpkins, artichokes), fishing and tourism. Historically, Half Moon Bay, California had been known as San Benito and Spanishtown, but is known today as the Coastside.

The Half Moon Bay, California and Coastside areas comfortably takes its place between the dramatic, green coastal mountain range to the east and the powerful blue-green Pacific Ocean to the west.  Because it is somewhat isolated from its major metropolitan neighbors, the area has not changed as much as it might have over the years.

The 20th century brought the greatest changes to Half Moon Bay, California and the Coastside area—especially the construction of the Ocean Shore Railroad.  From 1907 through 1920 the railroad hugged the shoreline from San Francisco to Tunitas Glen—just south of town.  Passengers marveled at the stretches of sandy beaches, perfect for picnics, kite flying, horseback riding and exploring.  The towns of Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada and other neighborhoods were laid out by developers anticipating  the influx of San Franciscans.

From the 1920s to the present, growth has been slow and steady.  Present day visitors of Half Moon Bay, California and the Coastside will see original farms dating back to the 1800s.  There are miles of unchanged, white and sandy beaches, redwood forests, beautiful state parks, and fields of wild and cultivated flowers—hiking and biking trails along ocean bluffs and among the mountains continue to make Half Moon Bay, California and the Coastside a joy for modern day explorers.

Half Moon Bay, California boasts of truly unique lodging.  The Coastside area offers quaint hill-top retreats, breathtaking Oceanside inns, sumptuous hotels, lighthouse hostels, and seaside RV camping.  All of the lodging facilities are first rate, and many are included in the work's most prestigious travel guides. 

Half Moon Bay, California dining  provides you fabulous views, and a variety of fine and casual dining experiences featuring seafood and produce.  Choose from an array of cuisines—Italian, Mediterranean, French, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, English or American; as well as a range of memorable settings—from indoor and outdoor seating with breathtaking ocean and harbor views, patios with warm firepits to gather ‘round, bakeries, whimsical gallery cafés and cozy bistros and pubs.

When it comes to fun and leisure, Half Moon Bay, California and the Coastside have it all;  fresh air, scenic country roads, ocean panoramic views, golf courses, sport fishing, whale-watching tours, recreational sailing, kayaking, surfing, horseback riding on the beach, well-known bird watching areas, day spas, historic sites, natural beauty, marvelous restaurants and superb hotels and inns.

Half Moon Bay, California and Coastside real estate range from original farms dating back to the 1800s to 6,000 square foot homes on a top-rated golf course overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  Miles of deserted white sandy beaches, redwood forests, beautiful state parks, fields of wild flowers and hiking and biking trails along ocean bluffs and mountain ridges  as well as Half Moon Bay, California and the Coastside’s proximity to Silicon Valley and San Francisco has kept the real estate market healthy.  For more real estate information, go to our website at www.maui4rent.com  

This is the first in a series showing how some agents choose to advertise listings on the MLS.  These are the  primary, main photos, that create first impressions in a real estate world where the majority of buyers begin their house hunt.  Some of them will make you laugh, some might make you cry(if it was your house) and some you will just scratch your head and say "What were they thinking?"  If you are an agent hopefully these aren't your photos, if you are a seller hopefully you will hire your next agent with a little more research, and if you are a buyer and see a similar photo, know you can probably get the price lower(be sure you hire a buyers agent though, don't make the same mistake as the seller.)

#1.  Maybe not the worst shot in the world, there are times of the day when nature doesn't cooperate, but as a primary MLS photo this just doesn't scream curb appeal.

Photo #2  Not only is this room cluttered, nothing in it is currently in style.  Plus you have family photos up which your better agents would know it helps to remove, not rephotograph for the world to see.  (I really hope the agent didn't hire a stager here.  that would need an entirely new blog to discuss.)

Photo #3  No need to get out of the car for this one.  What???  This home was listed for over $1,000,000 and the agent couldn't take the time to get a better photo or get out of the car?  Wow, sure bet the seller was happy to pay the large commission to get this kind of service.

Photo #4  Honey grab the car keys, we have got to check out this home!!!!  (Reminder, these photos were all the primary photos on the mls.  The one picked up by multiple web sites to maximize advertising, if agents even hopefully knew how to accomplish.)

Photo #5  Maybe they were going for artistic on this one.  My first thought is that's one steep driveway.  They get bonus honesty points though showing the bus wires.  I would have cropped those :)

That's it for today.  I have more so check back soon for Part 2.  I have saved my favorite mls post for that blog.

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