Santa Cruz Real Estate Blog

Absentee Property Owners: How to Manage (or Sell) Your Property from Afar

Tucked away on California's stunning northern Monterey Coast, just under an hour's drive from the bustling heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz is blossoming into a vibrant cultural and business center. It's rapidly gaining popularity as a prime spot for residential and commercial real estate investment.

Santa Cruz real estate—whether it’s an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) in the beach town of Capitola, a rental property in the charming streets of Scotts Valley, or a residential unit in the peaceful hills of Aptos—can be a lucrative investment. But for absentee homeowners who aren’t living in the area, managing the property remotely comes with unique challenges. Absentee landlords often have to deal with various challenges, such as tenant problems…

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How to Buy a Beach Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Santa Cruz is more than just a beautiful coastal city—it’s a lifestyle. From the iconic West Cliff Drive to the charming Capitola Village, this area offers some of the most sought-after beachfront properties in California. If you're thinking about a beach house in Santa Cruz—whether it's for getting away, living there full-time, or as a smart investment—it's a big step that calls for some serious thought and guidance from local experts.

As a local realtor with years of experience helping buyers in neighborhoods like Scotts Valley, Los Gatos, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel, Watsonville, and the San Lorenzo Valley, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities of this ever-changing Santa Cruz real estate market. I'm here to make this whole thing…

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From Shared Barns to Riding Trails: The Charm of California’s Equestrian Homes

Most know California state and Santa Cruz County for surf breaks and tech hubs—but just minutes from downtown, private  trails run through towering redwoods here, and high-end barns lie tucked against the dramatic coastal foothills. It is not hard to find carefully designed horse communities that offer equestrians proximity to well-tended trail networks, first-rate amenities, and turnkey estates featuring custom tack rooms and dedicated vet quarters.

Inside this Article:

• Benefits of Living in an Equestrian Community
• Finding Your Perfect Equestrian Community: A Buyer's Guide
• 1. Adequate Amenities and Facilities
• 2. Exceptional Stable and Barn Services
• 3. Clear and Fair Community Guidelines
• 4. Superior Infrastructure…

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What are the New Smart Home Features?

Santa Cruz is a place of breathtaking coastal beauty, a community deeply committed to sustainability, and a lifestyle that embraces both innovation and nature. It’s no surprise that smart home technology is gaining traction here. As a homeowner, you may have realized that making your home more energy efficient is not only a win for the environment but also a win for your wallet. Sure, some of the green equipment may seem expensive at first. But they tend to pay for themselves in the long run with lower energy bills and increased home value.

Inside this Article:

• What Smart Home Features Are Most Valuable for Santa Cruz Homeowners?
• 1. Energy-Efficient Smart Thermostats
• 2. Solar Panels and Solar-Powered Smart Systems
• 3. Climate…

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Stuck in Place: Smart Strategies for Homeowners Facing a Tough Housing Market

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Not too long ago, homeowners who secured ultra-low mortgage rates felt like they had won the real estate lottery. Fast forward to today, and that same golden ticket has turned into a set of golden handcuffs. With interest rates now soaring past 7%, many homeowners feel financially trapped, unable to move without taking a major hit. If you’re one of the millions feeling stuck in place, here’s what you need to know—and how you can maneuver through the uncertainty.

Higher Borrowing Costs Have Slowed Home Sales

Mortgage rates have more than doubled in the past two years, and that shift has put home sales on ice. If you’re considering selling, you might have already done the math: Even if you walk away with a hefty profit, buying your…

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The 7 Most Valuable Real Estate Markets in the World

Real estate has long been one of the most lucrative investment opportunities, with certain global cities commanding sky-high property prices. The demand for properties in these locations is driven by economic strength, international appeal, and a limited supply of land. Below, we explore the seven most valuable real estate markets worldwide and what makes them so desirable.

Inside this Article:

• 1. New York City, USA
• 2. London, United Kingdom
• 3. Hong Kong, China
• 4. Tokyo, Japan
• 5. Paris, France
• 6. Sydney, Australia
• 7. San Francisco, USA

1. New York City, USA

New York City remains one of the world’s most expensive real estate markets, thanks to its role as a financial, cultural, and business hub.…

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6 Key Factors That Drive the Real Estate Market

The real estate market is influenced by various factors, both macro and microeconomic, that determine property values, demand, and investment trends. Understanding these key drivers can help buyers, sellers, and investors make informed decisions. In this article, we explore six essential factors that impact the real estate market and shape its growth.

Inside this Article:

• 1. Economic Indicators and Market Trends
• 2. Interest Rates and Mortgage Accessibility
• 3. Supply and Demand Dynamics
• 4. Government Policies and Regulations
• 5. Location and Neighborhood Development
• 6. Demographics and Population Trends

1. Economic Indicators and Market Trends

The overall economic condition of a country or region plays a…

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What are the New Real Estate Trends?

The real estate market is so much more than just buying and selling homes—it's about understanding the stories behind the trends and how they impact the way we live, work, and invest. Currently, one of the most significant talking points is mortgage rates. With rates climbing higher than we've seen in years, affordability has become a real challenge, leaving some buyers hesitant to take the plunge. But that's only part of the picture.

In Santa Cruz County, we're seeing significant changes in what buyers want. Take the rise of remote work: it's made places like Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz popular for people who want both nature and modern life. Also, after the recent wildfires, people are looking for homes that are not only nice but also safe and…

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What You Should Know About Selling a House "As-Is"

Putting your home on the market can be overwhelming, particularly when you consider all the necessary repairs and improvements before you list it. Perhaps you want to progress but lack the time, funds, or motivation to resolve everything. If that seems recognizable, selling your home as-is could be the ideal answer.

Inside this Article:

• What is Selling a House "As-Is"?
• Why Some Homeowners Choose to Sell As-Is
• What Are the Seller’s Disclosure Requirements?
• Pros and Cons of Selling a House As-Is
• How to Sell a House As-Is
• What to Expect When Buying an As-Is Home as a Buyer
• Pros of Buying an As-Is Home
• Cons of Buying an As-Is Home
• Expert Tips for Buying an As-Is Home
• Key Considerations When Negotiating and Finalizing…

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California Homeowners: Guide to Fire Insurance

With the devastating wildfires that have struck recently—like those in Los Angeles County that displaced nearly 200,000 people—you can see just how critical it is to prepare your home for potential threats. Fires don’t just happen somewhere else; they can hit close to home, and when they do, the impact can be life changing.

In 2023, fire departments across the United States responded to about 1.39 million fires, a massive number highlighting the risk we all face. These fires claimed the lives of an estimated 3,670 people, injured another 13,350, and caused property losses soaring to $23 billion. If you break it down, fire departments answered calls every 23 seconds. Residential fires were particularly common, with a home structure fire reported every…

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