Notice of Availability of Senior Citizen Exemption

Attention Property Owners in the Santa Cruz City Schools

Elementary and High School Districts

Notice of Availability of Senior Citizen Exemption

From 2011-12 Parcel Taxes

Seniors can apply for exemption from the parcel taxes currently in effect by filing an application with the District between May 1 and July 1 each year. Seniors can request that an application be mailed to them by calling the District's Business Office at 831-429-3410, ext. 223. Seniors can also download the application and instructions from this website during May and June each year. The parcel tax exemption program is for property owners who are 65 years of age or older on July 1st preceding the tax year. The exemption is for the principal place of residence only and applies to one parcel only. Exemptions which are approved are effective for the life of the parcel tax, unless ownership of the property changes. Applications are due on or before July 1st.

• 2011-12 Application form
• Instructions for completing Application form

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 8^th

Upcoming Local Events

Presented by the Bonny Doon Community School Foundation

• The Hidden Gardens of Bonny Doon Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m… Buy Tickets…

• Annual Bonny Doon Art & Wine Festival Saturday, June 4-- 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Bonny Doon Airport Gardens, Empire Grade Road…Buy Tickets…

Here is a link to our May e-Newsletter

Don't miss this month's cover story: "PRE-LOVED - Why Resale Homes Stand out In Today's Market"

Visit our May E-Newsletter online now by clicking the URL above. Then turn to Pages 2, 3, and 4 for more timely articles of interest to today's sellers, buyers and homeowners.

• "Long-Term Homeownership"
• "New Thinking To Make A Room Pop"
• "True Comps?"
• "Know Your Mortgage Options"
• "Knowing When You're Ready To Buy Your Next Or First Home"
• "Know Your Coverage"

Tap Our Expertise
Even if you're not ready to buy or sell a home right now, we would be happy to keep you up-to-date on developments in the real estate industry, mortgage financing and our local market. Simply reply to this e-mail or give us a call!

Oh by the way, did you know you can now get an automated investment analysis of your neighborhood - complete with Active, Pending and Sold homes all mapped out - sent directly to your email inbox every month? Now you can always know the value of your home. Try it today. It's informative, it's accurate, and it's free. Oh, and please tell a friend or neighbor too!

Check it out and see what you think at Free Market Snapshot

P.S.: Remember to visit my blogs for Local and National real estate and related information and updates!

We hope you enjoy this monthly electronic newsletter. Please forward the link above to a friend who would also appreciate the information. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to us. Or, if you would like answers to your specific real estate questions, we'd be happy to help!

Frank Murphy
831-457-5550
1414 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, California 95062

DRE License #01014048
Frank@FrankMurphy.net
www.LiveInSantaCruz.com

April Newsletter

Tax Reminder:

Taxpayers have an extra weekend to file this year because of a District of Columbia holiday. The deadline for 2011 is Monday April 18, instead of Friday April 15.

Remember to file your taxes or file an extension.

Click here for more information.

Upcoming Local Events

Presented by the Bonny Doon Community School Foundation

• The Hidden Gardens of Bonny Doon Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m… Buy Tickets…

• Annual Bonny Doon Art & Wine Festival Saturday, June 4-- 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Bonny Doon Airport Gardens, Empire Grade Road…Buy Tickets…

Here is a link to our April e-Newsletter

Don't miss this month's cover story: "PRICE: How To Sell Your Home And Get Top Dollar In Today's Market"

Visit our April E-Newsletter online now by clicking the URL above. Then turn to Pages 2, 3, and 4 for more timely articles of interest to today's sellers, buyers and homeowners.

• "6 Reasons Overpricing Doesn't Pay"
• "8 Inside Tips For Serious Sellers"
• "Get The Best Appraisal Possible"
• "Easy Green Home Improvements"
• "Sure-Fire Ways To Boost Your Savings"
• "Options Available To Help You Keep Your Home"
• "Choosing Color Wisely"

Tap Our Expertise
Even if you're not ready to buy or sell a home right now, we would be happy to keep you up-to-date on developments in the real estate industry, mortgage financing and our local market. Simply reply to this e-mail or give us a call!

Oh by the way, did you know you can now get an automated investment analysis of your neighborhood - complete with Active, Pending and Sold homes all mapped out - sent directly to your email inbox every month? Now you can always know the value of your home. Try it today. It's informative, it's accurate, and it's free. Oh, and please tell a friend or neighbor too!

Check it out and see what you think at Free Market Snapshot

P.S.: Remember to visit my blogs for Local and National real estate and related information and updates!

We hope you enjoy this monthly electronic newsletter. Please forward the link above to a friend who would also appreciate the information. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to us. Or, if you would like answers to your specific real estate questions, we'd be happy to help!

Frank Murphy
831-457-5550
1414 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, California 95062
DRE License #01014048
Frank@FrankMurphy.net
www.LiveInSantaCruz.com

March Newsletter

Here is a link to our March e-Newsletter

Don't miss this month's cover story: "SMART SELLING: Take Advantage Of This Year’s Spring Selling Season"

Visit our March E-Newsletter online now by clicking the URL above. Then turn to Pages 2, 3, and 4 for more timely articles of interest to today's sellers, buyers and homeowners.

• "There’s A New Score In Town"

• "6 Keys To Mortgage Approval"
• "For Homeowners In Trouble"
• "Tips To Save At Closing Time"
• "Thoughtful Designs For Kids’ Rooms"
• "After Winter’s Toll, Time To Fix It Up"
• "Change Of Pace Is No-Cost Design Trend"

Tap Our Expertise
Even if you're not ready to buy or sell a home right now, we would be happy to keep you up-to-date on developments in the real estate industry, mortgage financing and our local market. Simply reply to this e-mail or give us a call!

Oh by the way, did you know you can now get an automated investment analysis of your neighborhood - complete with Active, Pending and Sold homes all mapped out - sent directly to your email inbox every month? Now you can always know the value of your home. Try it today. It's informative, it's accurate, and it's free. Oh, and please tell a friend or neighbor too!

Check it out and see what you think at Free Market Snapshot

We hope you enjoy this monthly electronic newsletter. Please forward the link above to a friend who would also appreciate the information. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to us. Or, if you would like answers to your specific real estate questions, we'd be happy to help!

Frank Murphy
831-457-5550
1414 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, California 95062
DRE License #01014048
Frank@FrankMurphy.net
www.LiveInSantaCruz.com

Lawn and Garden Tips

Time Saving Tips when Caring for your Lawn and Garden

As the peak of spring approaches, and the sun begins to make its appearance more frequently, this time of year may be the perfect time to start gardening and crafting your property into something picturesque and worth showing off. Your garden and lawn are a large part of your property, and may be just as important as your home itself. So when you finally set outside to conquer those green patches of life around your home, here are some simple tips for beginners - and reminders for those who are experienced - to saving time while also making the most out of your garden this year:

• WEEDS. When weeding, the easiest way to prevent future growths is to make sure you remove the entire weed. Weeding can be as simple as using your very own hands. If you’ve had previous weed issues, a good measure to take would be applying a herbicide to your lawn in the early spring.

• DON’T NEGLECT. After all these colder, rainy months, it is easy to forget that our lawns need to be fed and taken care of, just as flowers do. Remember to water your lawn regularly, and also to fertilize it. However, do not go overboard with the fertilizing, as too much can lead to insects and plant disease.

• GROUP YOUR PLANTS. Grouping your plants by their needs will save you a lot of time in the garden, and will also keep your garden more healthy. Put the plants that need more water together, and those that need less in a separate group. That way, during the numerous times you’ll be out there watering, you won’t have to move around so frequently.

• MULCH. Don’t forget to add mulch to your garden, as this handy soil cover cuts down on your watering, weeding and fertilization time by keeping the plants cool and retaining moisture. It also adds to the attractiveness of your garden.

• TOOLS. A big time saver can be using the right tools for the task at hand. Consult your local gardening store for what tools will suit what you wish to do in your garden, and always remember to wash and clean your tools after working to avoid rust, save money, and to get the most use out of them.