25% increase in costs

Ever feel that knot in your stomach when you hear about rising prices? You’re not alone. Everybody is watching the news, wondering how the 2025 Trump tariffs and other policies will affect their wallets.

Picture this: You’ve been saving for that beautiful kitchen remodel, only to discover your imported Italian tile just jumped 25% in price. Or maybe you’ve been considering solar panels to cut energy costs—only to hear installation prices are about to surge. As a Santa Cruz realtor who’s helped dozens of homeowners navigate these exact challenges, I’ll share a secret: The window to save is still open—but it’s closing fast.

Inside this Article:

  • The Tariff Landscape and Its Local Impact
    • Strategic Upgrades to Consider Now in Santa…

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Silver Lining on Tariffs

When President Trump announced his sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" in April 2025, you probably heard a lot of doom and gloom—higher prices, supply chain headaches, and job losses. And yeah, there's some short-term pain. But as a Santa Cruz resident, you might be surprised to learn that these policies could bring some long-term relief to our crazy housing market.

First off, I’m not in favor of the current tariffs! Let's break down how these tariffs could potentially reshape things right here in our backyard:

Inside this Article:

  • Trump Tariffs and the Cooling of Foreign Home Buying
    • Home Sweet Homegrown: Boosting Local Construction
    • Tariffs and the Shift Toward More Affordable Housing Options
    • The Rise of the Prefab Revolution
    • …

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How to Navigate Mortgage Rates

Buying a home in 2025 may feel like a roller coaster. If you're trying to buy a home in Santa Cruz—or anywhere in California—you've probably noticed the market feels a little...off. One week, mortgage rates are steady. Next, they're up half a point. And now, with the 2025 U.S. tariff proposals rolling out, things look even more unpredictable.

Inside this Article:

    • How Will the 2025 US Tariffs Impact California Real Estate?
      • Mortgage Strategies for Rising Home Prices Amid Tariffs
      • Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
    • Managing Mortgage Payments During Tariff-Driven Inflation
    • FAQs

These new policies include a 10% baseline tariff on all imported goods, with even higher rates for select countries. While…

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Home Sellers celebrating

Closing day should be the triumphant finale of your home-selling process—but without proper preparation, it can become a stressful scramble. For Santa Cruz County sellers (whether you’re in the Scotts Valley foothills or Capitola’s beachside communities), the final weeks before closing demand careful attention to detail.

Inside this Article:

  • Prior to the Closing Day
    • The signing of the PSA (purchase and sale agreement)
    • Seller’s Closing Checklist
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Partner With a Local Expert for a Seamless Sale

One missed signature, unresolved repair, or last-minute paperwork hiccup can delay your sale by weeks or even jeopardize the deal entirely. This checklist covers the non-negotiable tasks every local…

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