Santa Cruz Real Estate Blog

Downsize and Declutter Guide: Step-by-Step to Downsizing

Inside this Article:

• Step 1: Evaluating Your Current Space
• Room-by-Room Assessment
• Storage Capacity
• Accessibility
• Step 2: Letting Go with Ease: What to Declutter
• Tips for Decluttering and Downsizing Possessions
• 1. Home Appliances and Kitchenware
• 2. Memberships and subscriptions
• 3. Clothes
• 4. Furniture and electronics
• 1. Vehicles & Accessories
• 2. Landscaping
• 3. Outside Furniture and Equipment
• Step 3. Maximizing Downsizing: Sell, Give Away (Donate), or Discard
• Selling
• Donating
• Disposing
• Sentimental Downsizing
• Start Early and Proceed at Your Speed
• Rank Things in Order of Emotional Value
• Have a limit
• Create Digital Keepsakes
• Share your sentimental things with your loved…

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Downsize and Declutter Guide: Simplifying Your Life with Confidence

Inside this Article:

• The Basics - What is downsizing?
• Do I Sell My Current Home After or Before Downsizing?
• What You Need to Know Before Getting Started
• Inform your loved ones.
• Start Early
• Plan
• Have patience
• Seniors Downsizing Home in Santa Cruz: The Whys Behind it
• Financial Freedom
• Safety and Accessibility
• Simplicity and Ease
• Empty Nest Syndrome
• Emotional Well-being
• Maintenance Relief
• Location Preferences
• Reflecting on Transitions
• Tips for Downsizing for Seniors: Factors to Consider for a Smooth Transition
• What are your objectives?
• Will it be economically viable?
• Will it be more manageable? 
• What About Capital Gains Taxes?
• Seek Tax Advice
• Can You Exclude Capital…

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105 things a REALTOR® may do to help clients buy a home.

Inside this Article:

• Counseling Session Activities:
• Building a Relationship:
• Educating the Buyer:
• Preparing the Buyer:
• Showing Properties:
• Negotiating Offers:
• Advocating for the Buyer and Facilitating the Close:

Counseling Session Activities:

1. Prepare the buyer for executing a buyer representation agreement.
2. Explain agency relationships to the buyer and get state required legal consent to represent, if needed
3. Inform the buyer of working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies.

Building a Relationship:

4. Learn the buyer’s wants and non-negotiable needs
5. Understand the buyer’s budget and what will be needed financially
6. Help the buyer…

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Long-Term Value Prospects for Homes in Northern California Near Silicon Valley

Inside this Article:

• Infrastructure Expansion
• Economic Stability
• Regulatory Environment
• Demographic Trends
• Urbanization Trends
• Educational Opportunities and Quality of Life Metrics
• Exploring Beyond Silicon Valley: Santa Cruz
• The Bottom Line

California, sometimes known as the "Golden State," is an area known for its breathtaking natural beauty, multicultural residents, and vibrant lifestyle. It's more than just a place to live and invest; it's a way of life that includes everything from the sun-drenched Santa Cruz beaches to the verdant Scotts Valley wineries and the technological hubs of Silicon Valley.

Whether it's West Santa Cruz or the charming Capitola Village, California, each area of the state…

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Affordable Moving and Living Hacks for Newcomers in California

California, the iconic Golden State, captivates newcomers with its diverse landscapes, endless opportunities, and vibrant culture. Its bustling cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, pulse with innovation, creativity, and a spirit of entrepreneurship, attracting dreamers and doers from around the globe. Whether you are savoring farm-to-table cuisine in the culinary mecca of the Bay Area, soaking up the sun on the iconic beaches of Malibu, or hiking through the majestic redwood forests of Northern California, the Golden State invites exploration at every turn. With its commitment to sustainability and diversity, California embraces newcomers with open arms, welcoming them to join in the endless pursuit of the California dream. We…

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Process of Purchasing Land and Building a Home

Inside this Article:

• Process of Buying Land and Building a House
• Buying land to build a house checklist.
• Financing Land Purchase
• Breaking Ground: Where to Buy Land to Build Your Dream Home in Santa Cruz, California.

Maybe you've always wanted to build your dream home close to a winery in Santa Cruz. Perhaps you're frustrated because there aren't many houses for sale near Santa Cruz's beaches or Silicon Valley, the tech powerhouse, or you're considering creating your own in a tranquil area like Capitola Village, California.

You are not alone in this! Data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau show that more than 1.8 million new home permits were issued in March 2022, a 6.7%…

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Market Conditions in the Santa Cruz Area

Inside this Article:

• Santa Cruz Market Conditions
• Overview of the Santa Cruz Real Estate Market
• Inventory Levels
• Days on Market (DOM)
• Interest Rates and Financing
• Popular Neighborhoods and Areas
• Conclusion

Santa Cruz Market Conditions

UCSC Campus

Santa Cruz is a sought-after coastal city in California, known for its beautiful Santa Cruz beaches, redwood forests, and vibrant culture. The city has seen a recent shift in market dynamics from a seller’s frenzy to a more balanced market, but it's still a good time to sell.

There are only 218 homes for sale in the county right now, that's practically nothing. And so when you're selling a home you're really looking at what is the competition out there? And…

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How Do I Get Started in Land Development in California?

Inside this Article:

• How Do You Get Started?
• Costing the Project
• Zoning and Land Use Regulations
• Environmental Issues
• Financing the Construction
• Exploring Lucrative Opportunities: Land Development in Santa Cruz
• Santa Cruz Beaches: A Jewel on the West Coast
• Exploring Small Towns: Capitola and Beyond
• ADU Boom In Santa Cruz

California is a place that is particularly appealing to property developers because of its stunning landscapes and abundance of real estate opportunities. In this article, we'll guide you through the intricate landscape of land development in this picturesque location, focusing on notable locations such as the beachfront in Santa Cruz and the…

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How Smart Home Technology Supports Aging in Place

Smart home technology is becoming a more common solution for many people and for numerous reasons. It promises to transform the way we live in many beneficial ways. But, beyond the conveniences it offers to the general population, it has become a lifeline for seniors looking to age in place gracefully.

The desire to remain in one's own home during the golden years is a heartfelt aspiration for many older adults. Yet, it comes with its challenges – from safety concerns to staying connected with loved ones. Smart home technology offers solutions to these challenges, empowering seniors to maintain their autonomy and well-being.

Enhancing Safety and Security

Apart from receiving high-quality home care, nothing is more vital for seniors than…

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SB 9 Guide – Development Options

Inside this Article:

• Senate Bill 9 (SB9) Development Options
• What is Senate Bill 9 (SB9)?
• Is my project eligible for the SB9 Application Process?
• How many housing units are allowed for SB 9 projects?
• What are Objective Standards?
• What is the SB9 Application Process?
• Step-by-Step Application Directions and Required Forms
• STEP 1: Eligibility & Objective Standards Pre-Screen (Optional)
• STEP 2: Submit Application(s)
• STEP 3: Application Review
• STEP 4: Building Permit and/or Parcel Map Recorded
• City of Santa Cruz - SB 9 GUIDE – DUPLEXES AND LAND DIVISIONS
• New Process Subject to Change

Senate Bill 9 (SB9) Development Options

SB 9 makes two changes to State…

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