House hunting is always a challenging task at best and in Santa Cruz during the summer the competition is fierce.  The more organized you are, the easier the process!!

Most Property Management Companies in Santa Cruz County have fairly similar requirements when applying for long-term housing.  Some basics that will be required when you find a unit you want to apply for through Kendall & Potter, will include the following:

1. A completed Rental Application, please, please, fill out ALL fields and remember to sign the authorization line! This will allow the Property Manager to process your application and to obtain references from current & previous landlords.  VERY IMPORTANT.
2. You will need to provide proof of income.  Many times I hear people ask me, “ How do I do that”?  Easy !  If you have a job where you get pay stubs, bring 2 recent pay stubs!  If you are self-employed, or get money from a relative, or receive money any other way – print out 3 months (yes 3 months!) of bank statements.  Our company will also require the 1^st two pages of your most recent tax return.   People comment sometimes  “That’s A lot of Paperwork ”.  Yes, it is a little bit of paperwork to submit, however the reason we require proof of income is because we need to verify that all applicants will be able to afford the rental they are applying for.If you do not qualify for the property of your dreams, we may be able to help you at least find another home you will qualify for
3. Be organized!  You will need to move quickly. If you do find a home you love, chances are others adore it too; have all of your paperwork ready to go with each and every apartment you see.  Landlords are getting pickier in terms of choosing the candidates with the highest credit standards or best financial picture from among multiple applications.  Make sure you are ready with documentation and the application fee quickly to put yourself at the top of the list, and have those rent and security deposit certified checks easily accessible.
4. Renting with 4-legged friends?  Ask about the pet policy for the unit you are applying for.  Our company requires a PET RESUME, which can be found on our website.  Please tell the Leasing Agent at the showing if you have a pet.  Some owners accept them!  Unfortunately, some do not.  Some take dogs, not cats and vice versa.  Be up front about your pet.  Your landlord will find out eventually and it is not worth getting evicted over.  Many landlords will try to work with you.

HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING!!

Local Santa Cruzians already know that we live in a gem of a place.  No matter where we travel, it’s always good to come home to our beautiful beaches, awesome sunsets, eclectic residents.  This is a place to live and a vacation destination like no other.  There is something here for everyone.

In January, 2011, The New York Times Travel section featured Santa Cruz titled “36 hours in Santa Cruz Calif.”

Here are some of the quotes:

All about Santa Cruz

• “This sunny coastal town still has its countercultural wackiness, but you can still watch surfers shred waves, ride a seaside roller coaster and hear street music”
• There was also mention of organic restaurants, a fashionable shopping outdoor mall with everything from cowboy boots to fine jewelry.
• Salsa dancing at Palomar Ballroom and a midnight snack at Red Restaurant & Bar were also mentioned.  These secrets to the locals are now out.
• Hiking and biking are no secret to Santa Cruz; Wilder Ranch State Park on the Old Coast Road is the best for gentle hiking.  A 7,000-acre park takes you thru what nature used to be.

Quoting again:  “walk to nearby Seabright State Beach (East Cliff Drive at Seabright Avenue) a long stretch of tan-white sand, with a midget lighthouse, foghorn and a cave.”

And to end the day, try some “celery raisin ice cream”; see I said we were different.  All natural ice cream at Penny Ice Creamery on Cedar Street offers eccentric flavors that you must try.

If you decide to come for a 36-hour trip, please contact us for a place to hang your hat for a few days and get to know the Santa Cruz that locals love.

Call Kendall & Potter Property Management for lodging at 800 386 6826 or visit us at www.montereycoast.com and see what all the fuss is about.

Plan a romantic weekend in Santa Cruz!

Stay for 3 nights and receive 1 night absolutely FREE! Walk along the beach, hand in hand…Relax by the fire…Watch the sunset…Enjoy an intimate dinner at one of our local restaurants…Visit Santa Cruz Wineries holding special Valentine’s Day events such as Roudon-Smith Winery (offering Wine Tasting for Chocolate Lovers -Saturday, February 13th – Noon-5 pm) and Poetic Cellars (offering Valentine’s Celebration of Wine, Poetry and Chocolate – Saturday and Sunday, February 13 & 14 – Noon-5 pm)…among other events.

Book a romantic weekend vacation to remember and get FREE local sweet treats when you check in!

Enjoy your final morning with a late checkout at 2pm!

Only valid if mentioned at time of booking.

Call toll FREE (800) 386-6826 or email us at kpr@montereycoast.com

Kendall & Potter Property Management

The details in moving are endless and finding a home you like and can afford when you have a pet can also be an additional hassle.  To help in the process, you can prepare ahead of time – here are some helpful tips:

The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. Compile the following documents:

Promote yourself.

Responsible pet owners make excellent residents. Because they must search harder for a place to live, pet caregivers are more likely to stay put. Lower vacancy rates mean lower costs and fewer headaches for landlords and real estate agents. Let prospective landlords and managers know that you understand that living with a companion animal is a privilege, not a right.

• A pet “resume” and/or letter of reference from your current landlord or condominium association verifying that you are a responsible pet owner.  Owners like to know details about your pets regarding, weight, breed, age and that your animal is spayed or neutered.
• Written proof that your adult dog has completed a training class, or that your puppy is enrolled in one.
• A letter from your veterinarian stating that you have been diligent in your pet’s medical care. Supply documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies. (Sterilized pets are healthier, calmer, and far less likely to be a nuisance to neighbors.) Most veterinarians routinely fulfill such requests for their clients.
• Realize that a higher than normal security deposit will be requested.

On an added note – Be honest.

Don’t try to sneak your pet in. Keeping an animal in violation of a no-pets rule contributes to the general inclination of landlords not to allow pets. You also may be subject to possible eviction or other legal action.

Read information on dog friendly places in Santa Cruz County.

There have been several auto & residential burglaries lately, in Aptos. We advise everyone to not leave anything valuable in their cars; anything that can be seen from the outside of your car. Examples include GPS systems, cell phone chargers, cell phones, laptops, wallets, anything that may entice burglars to break into your car.

Make sure to report any thefts or suspicious activity/people around your neighborhood to the non-emergency number 471-1124.

From our Sheriff Wowak and his staff, here are some great tips for all residents and vacationers:

Holiday Safety Tips

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has seen a spike in theft related crimes in recent weeks both from homes and vehicles. This rise in theft related crime has been taxing on our staff and equally as frustrating for crime victims. A common theme in these cases has been hard to identify but basic prevention techniques to thwart these crimes remains consistent. Our deputies are very diligent in their patrols and any increase in thefts, especially those that are preventable, warrant extra enforcement efforts wherever possible. Our patrol staff has encouraged me to write this article to help educate the community in crime prevention techniques.

Over the last 24 months, Santa Cruz County has seen nearly a 20% rise in Property Crimes (thefts, vandalism and burglary). One common factor in thefts from unattended vehicles is that citizens often leave valuables visible to passersby. Also, many victims fail to lock their cars. A vast majority of recent thefts may have been prevented by doing the obvious, securing belongings and locking your vehicle EVERY time you leave it unattended. A majority of thefts like these are designated as crimes of opportunity. Crimes of opportunity are those which occur because the suspect(s) are given an enticing target coupled with an ability to complete a crime undeterred.

Taking action that can prevent a crime is more important than the apprehension of a suspect in a completed criminal act. In response to the recent increase of thefts and the annual crime statistics, the Sheriff’s Office would like to suggest some basic techniques that can help you have a safe and crime-free holiday season. Below are a few helpful tips to reduce your risk of becoming a victim not only during the holidays but every day of the year.

Home Safety:

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even if just for a few minutes.

• Don’t put large displays of gifts in view of your windows or doors.
• When going on trips or out for the evenings, use automatic timers to turn on indoor lights to make it appear you are home.

• After the holidays, mark your new gifts with your California Drivers License or ID Number.
• Don’t leave spare house keys under mats, rocks, planters, or other obvious places.
• Be aware of suspicious persons or vehicles in your neighborhood and don’t be hesitant to report them to the 911 center.

• Be proactive in your neighborhood and consider forming a Neighborhood Watch group with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office or your City Police Department.

Vehicle and holiday shopping Safety:

• Lock your car and make sure the windows are closed even when leaving it unattended for a brief time.

• Take valuables inside your home, keeping them out of view, i.e. GPS units, I
• Ipods, backpacks, purses, sunglasses etc.
• Park in well-lighted areas, close to store entrances if possible.
• Be aware of persons in parking lots, especially near your car. Report suspicious persons and activity.

• If shopping late in the evening, consider shopping with a friend.
• Lock all packages in your trunk.
• Carry only the charge cards and cash that you will need.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t allow your attention to become distracted from your purse or packages.

• If you have to wait for a ride, wait in a busy, well-lit location.

Sheriff Wowak & Staff, “Holiday Tips from Sheriff Wowak & Staff”, Aptos, 2010.

Finally, if you are a victim of a crime, report it to the police immediately by calling 9-1-1.

“Reported thefts are often difficult to solve but unreported crimes never get solved.” – Sheriff Wowak

We hope these tips will help you stay safe during this holiday season, as well as all year long.

Happy Holidays to everyone from Kendall & Potter Property Management!

WANT TO KNOW A SECRET?  The best-kept secret in Santa Cruz County is our wineries.  For those of you who are wine aficionados, Santa Cruz County has 76 wineries and produces 822,000 cases of wine per year.

350,000 acres of grapes are grown in the mountains of Santa Cruz.  From the peak of Mount Madonna to the sparkling waters of Half Moon Bay, the Santa Cruz Mountain vineyards are among the precious few California vineyards situated close to the ocean.  Many wineries boast breathtaking ocean views.

Wine was first produced in this region in the late 1800’s.  Even then the grapes grown in this area commanded higher prices due to their superior quality.

The small size of our operations allows for more attention to detail and handcrafted quality that maximizes the potential of the wines.

Many wineries have won awards for their wines including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet.

The upcoming wine event is Fall Wine Passport Program November 20, 2010, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  For more information go to www.scmwa.com.

Other events through the year include Pathway to Pinot Paradise, Technical Session (special tastings) Grand Cruz Tasting, (35 Pinot Noir producers with culinary samples)

VIP Grand Cruz Tasting (first exclusive tastes)

FREE WINERY MAPS AVAILABLE…………….

Santa Cruz is full of great attractions; worth visiting for our wineries alone! If you are planning a vacation, come visit Santa Cruz County, you will be glad you did! Kendall & Potter Property Management offers beautiful vacation rentals from Santa Cruz, and Capitola to Aptos and La Selva beach for a vacation of a lifetime! Hundreds of satisfied customers!

Visit our office for a free map of all the wineries and tasting rooms.

Kendall & Potter Property Management, Inc.

783 Rio Del Mar Blvd #7

Aptos, CA  95003

For vacation rentals and lodging information call 800-386-6826 or visit our web site at www.montereycoast.com