women in wheelchair

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Relocating comes with unique obstacles for individuals with disabilities, but the right approach can make the process smoother. Careful planning and helpful resources can turn the move into a positive change. Using technology and securing a home warranty can provide added convenience and peace of mind. Financial aid programs and accessible housing choices help create a more comfortable transition. A well-prepared move ensures the new space feels both functional and inviting.

Inside this Article:

  • Enhancing Your Move with Technology
    • Protecting Your New Home
    • Navigating Financial Assistance for Your Move
    • Navigating Financial Aid for Accessible Home Modifications
    • Emotional Resilience During Relocation

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House on the coast in Northern California

If you’re considering selling your home in 2025, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Selling a home is a major decision, and the last thing you want is to make mistakes that could end up costing you time or money. In a competitive market like Santa Cruz, it’s easy to overlook potential pitfalls that could trip you up.

Having been part of the Santa Cruz local community for many years, I've watched numerous homeowners make mistakes that could have been avoided and derailed sales or left money on the table. Whether you live in Aptos, Scotts Valley, Capitola, or any of the surrounding communities, here are some major mistakes to remember that will get your sale through with flying colors and maximum return on investment.

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Man with a chart indicating cap rate

Your Cap Rate: A Crucial Metric for Real Estate Investors

Real estate investment can be a lucrative venture. Statistics show that savvy investors can earn a return of 10% or more annually. But how do you measure potential returns? Enter the capitalization rate, or cap rate, a key figure to understand before diving into property investment.

Cap rate is a percentage that helps you determine how quickly you can expect to recoup your investment. It provides clarity on how properties generate income. This article will explain how to calculate your cap rate, interpret the data, and use it wisely in your investment decisions.

Inside this Article:

  • Calculating Your Cap Rate: A Step-by-Step Guide
    • Interpreting Your Cap Rate: What Does It…

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Deer-in-the-Santa-Cruz-Mountains

It’s no secret that the cost of housing has soared in recent years, and Santa Cruz is no exception. With the median home price in the area consistently among the highest in the country, more and more homeowners are finding it increasingly tough to keep up with their mortgage payments.

In fact, the financial strain that many Americans are facing is not just a national issue—it's something that many in our own community are dealing with.

Inside this Article:

  • National Trends Reflect the Pressure to Afford Housing Payments:
    • 1. Why is it important to contact your mortgage lender right away?
    • 2. What does forbearance mean in terms of mortgage payments?
    • 3. How can refinancing help change your interest rate terms?s
    • 4. In what ways…

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Husband pouring coffee into his wife's cup sitting on couch

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Moving closer to family as an empty nester is a transformative journey that offers the promise of enriched relationships and new experiences. This decision, while filled with excitement, demands careful planning to ensure a seamless transition. By focusing on these strategies, you can create a supportive and fulfilling lifestyle that enhances your connection with loved ones.

Inside this Article:

  • Adapt to New Climate
    • How can vertical storage enhance the functionality of your new home?
    • What benefits does a warranty provide for protecting your new home?
    • How can you effectively connect with your new community after moving in?
    • What steps should you take to research senior living options for future care needs?

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Santa Cruz view over ocean

Inside this Article:

  • What to Expect From the 2025 Housing Market in Santa Cruz County
    • Is 2025 the Right Time to Buy a Home?

As we begin 2025, it was just a while ago that the Federal Reserve made its third consecutive interest rate cut of the year. On December 18, 2024, the Fed reduced the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it back down to a range of 4.25-4.5%, a level not seen since late 2022 and early 2023. While inflation has cooled somewhat over the past two years, home prices have remained stubbornly high, especially in desirable areas like Santa Cruz. With the presidential election now behind us, history suggests that home sales typically get a small boost in the wake of an election, regardless of…

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Unlocking ADU's: How SB 1211 Transforms Homeowners' Building Experience

Finding affordable housing is a challenge for many homeowners. However, thanks to the passing of Senate Bill 1211 (SB 1211), homeowners now have a transformational solution: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs offer homeowners the opportunity to create additional living spaces on their existing property, allowing them to supplement their income or provide housing for family members.

Inside this Article:

  • Understanding SB 1211 and its Impact on Homeowners
  • Benefits of Building an ADU
  • Key Provisions of SB 1211
  • How SB 1211 Simplifies the ADU Building Process
  • Steps to Take When Planning an ADU Under SB 1211
  • Financing Options for ADU Construction
  • Design…

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Resources for Californians Impacted by Los Angeles Fires

Homeowners throughout California are offering, renting and selling their residences to assist families and individuals displaced by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Thousands of families are currently in urgent need of temporary housing.

Officials project that roughly 10,000 structures have been ravaged by the fires. As a result, many displaced persons will be in search of new accommodations, a challenging endeavor in Los Angeles given the existing scarcity of available properties in the county. The victims affected by the fires in Los Angeles are unlikely to return to their communities in the foreseeable future, as it typically requires at least two years to rebuild.

Earlier this week,…

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BY LEVI SUMAGAYSAY, CalMatters, JANUARY 9, 2025

IN SUMMARY
The state’s plan to fix the insurance crisis had barely rolled out when the Los Angeles fires began. Can the market recover and stabilize?

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Reprinted with permission.

The deadly and destructive fires in Los Angeles — which some say could be the costliest in the state’s history — will further strain the insurance market and worsen the financial position of California’s insurer of last resort.

Data about Pacific Palisades, the devastated LA neighborhood whose residents include movie stars and directors, help illustrate the insurance problems plaguing the state. An estimated 1 in 5 homes in the upscale neighborhood were covered by the…

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Man drinking coffee, writing and looking at laptop computerImage: Freepik

Starting a home-based business while relocating presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This dual endeavor requires careful planning and a proactive approach to ensure both your business and personal life thrive. By focusing on strategic planning and leveraging available resources, you can transform this period of transition into a foundation for future success. Embracing the change with a clear vision and adaptable mindset will allow you to build a business that not only survives but flourishes in its new environment.

Inside this Article:

  • Write a Detailed Business Plan
    • Create a Balanced Schedule for Moving and Running Your Business
    • Earn a Degree to Enhance Your Business
    • Optimize Your Home Office…

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