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The waves breaking along the Santa Cruz shoreline aren’t the only forces of change this year. For landlords, tenants, and property managers across California—and especially here in Santa Cruz County—2025 has brought a new tide of housing regulations that will directly impact how we rent, manage, and live in our homes.

Santa Cruz is a community like no other. It’s where surf culture meets university life, where professionals commute to Silicon Valley while families put down deep local roots, and where a strong rental market supports all of the above. This diversity creates both opportunity and challenge: demand for housing is intense, turnover is high, and fairness in the market matters more than ever.

Taking all this into account, Governor Gavin…

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In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, perched above the vibrant town of Los Gatos, lies an offering so rare and exceptional it redefines the concept of a luxury homesite. This is not merely land; it is a sprawling, ready-to-build canvas for a trophy estate, an exclusive entry into the legendary Black Ridge Vineyard Estates. Spanning over 23 acres across four distinct, legal parcels, this listing is the ultimate confluence of privacy, prestige, and unparalleled natural beauty, all while remaining mere minutes from the sophisticated pulse of Silicon Valley.


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For the visionary seeking to establish an enduring family compound, an elite corporate retreat, or a spectacular private winery,…

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Moving is never just about packing boxes. For individuals with disabilities, it can surface physical, emotional, and logistical tensions that often go unspoken—until a new environment exposes them. Planning for this shift isn’t about “starting fresh.” It’s about continuity. About knowing your needs won’t be forgotten in the chaos of change. Whether you're moving across town or into your first fully accessible space, every decision—from layout to light switches—carries weight. This guide doesn’t promise ease. It offers footing. Real tools. Human-centered strategy. The kind that supports safety, clarity, and control from the very first walkthrough.

Design Isn’t a Detail—It’s the Beginning

Accessible design isn't just…

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Santa Cruz is no stranger to change. Our coastal community—where the surf meets redwoods and UC Santa Cruz drives a steady demand for housing—has always balanced two forces: preserving its laid-back charm and adapting to waves of economic, demographic, and policy shifts. In 2025, the balance tips again.

Inside this Article:

  • 2025: A Landmark Year for Housing and Investment
    • California’s 2025 Rental Laws: Tenant Protections & Landlord Responsibilities
    • The OBBBA Tax Reforms: A New Era for Investors
    • What This Means for Santa Cruz’s Rental Market

Downtown Santa Cruz CA

2025: A Landmark Year for Housing and Investment

If you’re renting in Santa Cruz, you’ve probably felt it: the rules have often seemed stacked against you. Sky-high…

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The rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages has fallen to 6.17%, a new low for the year.  This decline is largely influenced by investor expectations of future Federal Reserve rate cuts, as a weakening job market is seen as a greater concern than inflation.

Refinancing Surge

Homeowners have responded to the lower rates in a big way. Mortgage refinance applications surged by 58% last week compared to the prior week and were up 70% year-over-year. Nearly 60% of all mortgage applications were for refinances. The average refinance loan size reached a record high of $461,300, the highest in the 35-year history of the Mortgage Bankers Association's survey.

High Demand for Purchase Mortgages

Requests for purchase mortgages have increased for the second…

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Overhead view of homes in Los Feliz

Los Feliz has long been one of Los Angeles’ most desirable neighborhoods. With its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, proximity to Griffith Park, and vibrant mix of culture, it’s no wonder that so many people dream of calling this area home.

But as exciting as buying a home in Los Feliz can be, the move itself often creates challenges. From navigating narrow streets and steep driveways to ensuring valuable items are protected, relocation is not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about safeguarding your new investment and setting the right tone for your life in a new home.

This is why many homeowners turn to professional Los Feliz movers—specialists who understand the unique logistics of the neighborhood and provide peace of…

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The right tweaks can make a classic house feel current without erasing its character. Today’s buyers want a home that looks fresh, functions efficiently, and photographs beautifully. That means good light, smart systems, low-maintenance finishes, and rooms that flow. You don’t need a gut renovation to get there; a focused list and a few weekend projects can shift first impressions fast. Treat curb appeal, lighting, water, comfort, and kitchens as your highest-return zones. With a clear plan, you’ll earn more showings, stronger offers, and smoother inspections.

Inside this Article:

  • Boost curb appeal first
    • Layer modern, efficient lighting
    • Cut water waste and freshen fixtures
    • Stage rooms for flow, not furniture…

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Water can make or break a property. In Santa Cruz County, where private wells remain a common water source for rural and semi-rural homes, the condition of that well is just as important as the roof or foundation. Starting September 1, 2025, Santa Cruz County is rolling out a new requirement that puts wells front and center in real estate transactions.

If you’re buying or selling, this isn’t just fine print — it’s a step that could impact timelines, negotiations, and peace of mind. Understanding what’s changing and preparing early will help you stay ahead of the process.

Inside this Article:

  • What’s the New Well Point of Sale Rule?
    • Who Does This Affect?
    • What Exactly Gets Tested?
    • Do Sellers Have to Fix Problems Right…

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Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newbie in the real estate industry, you likely have already experienced how dynamic the sector can be. With the first half of 2025 already behind us, there have been a wide range of market fluctuations that have challenged the way traditional real estate processes are carried out.

With the introduction of new advanced technologies, quickly shifting seller and buyer preferences, and the availability of more personalized real estate services, there are many reasons why following new trends is essential for anyone wanting to buy, sell, or market new properties.

Below, we’ll cover 12 trends that have emerged in the real estate sector throughout 2025 and are expected to continue for the…

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Welcome to Santa Cruz—a place where world-class surf meets redwood serenity, where tech talent from Silicon Valley mixes with beach-town charm. It’s one of the most desirable corners of California—and one of the most complicated. In fact, Santa Cruz has now held the dubious title of least affordable rental market in the nation for three years running. And as we enter 2026, the local housing scene is evolving fast.

Inside this Article:

  • 2025–2030 Five-Year Housing Market Predictions & Santa Cruz Outlook
    • Sales Activity Is (Finally) Gaining Momentum
    • Expect Home Prices to Rise—But Affordability Will Still Be an Issue
    • Mortgage Rates: Some Relief Coming, But Not a Game-Changer
    • New Construction: Demand's Still There—but So Are…

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