Santa Cruz Real Estate Blog - Selling Real Estate

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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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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Don’t Make These 6 Common Mistakes in Selling Your Home?

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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7 Steps to Take if You're Having Trouble with Your Mortgage

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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Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

Highlights

This year's report reveals that home buyers are struggling due to high mortgage rates averaging 7. 02 percent and rising home prices, making it hard for first-time buyers to achieve their goals. First-time buyers fell to 24 percent, a significant drop from 40 percent before 2008. The median income for first-time buyers is $97,000, while their average age is now 38.

There is a contrast in the market, as repeat buyers can offer larger downpayments, benefiting from increased housing equity. The median age for repeat buyers is 61. Many buyers, especially married couples, preferred using real estate agents and reported being satisfied with the buying process. Sellers typically sold homes at asking prices within three weeks.

Reprinted…

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Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Monterey County Real Estate Market Update

The real estate market in Santa Cruz County remains robust, with the median sale price for residential properties reaching an impressive $1.2 million over the last 90 days. This figure, based on a substantial sample size of 414 closed sales, reflects the continued high demand for housing in this desirable coastal region. Despite the lofty price point, properties are moving quickly, with a median days on market of just 21, indicating that well-priced homes in good condition are being snapped up by eager buyers. The average price per square foot now stands at $803, a testament to the premium that homebuyers are willing to pay for the lifestyle and amenities that Santa Cruz County offers. With its picturesque beaches, redwood forests, vibrant communities,…

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12 Essential Tips to Prep Your Home to Sell

Imagine you've found a gorgeous new house in the Santa Cruz hills, the California coast, or the quaint hamlet of Capitola and are ready to relocate. You tell yourself, "This is such a great deal; I can't wait to move in," so you buy it. However, as you expected a swift sale of your present house, viable bidders began to back out. Suddenly, you're faced with the frightening prospect of supporting the expenditures of two residences at once. There have been examples in Santa Cruz when homeowners have had to dramatically drop their asking price to sell their present residences. It is a tough situation to be in.

To avoid this, sell one house before buying another. However, as we all know, this is only sometimes as easy as it sounds. With a few carefully…

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Why a Home Inspection Matters and How Home Inspectors Can Help

Inside this Article:

• What Does a Home Inspection Involve?
• Why Is a Home Inspection Important?
• Why Choose a Professional Inspector?

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make, and getting a thorough home inspection is a crucial step in ensuring that investment is a sound one. Many homebuyers wonder if hiring an inspector is truly necessary, especially if a property seems to be in excellent condition at first glance. The truth is, even homes that look perfect can have hidden issues that might be costly or problematic down the road. This is where a professional home inspection, such as those provided by reputable companies like Pillar to Post, comes in.

What Does a Home Inspection Involve?

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How Long Are Appraisals Good for?

If you've ever taken a keen interest in Santa Cruz, CA and you noticed the pivotal role that appraisals play in shaping this dynamic real estate landscape. A home appraisal is a process that determines the real market value of a property, similar to how a valuation for jewelry or a vehicle or boat is done. It is a gold mine of information for anybody in the market to purchase or sell a property.

The value of a house may and will fluctuate over time, so it's reasonable to assume that appraisals for homes for sale will also expire, sometimes even before they find buyers. It will become "old news" and need a fresh evaluation at some point. Then, what duration are appraisals good for? In considering this, keep the following in mind:

Inside this…

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What to Do If a House Won’t Sell

Whether you are selling in a stagnant or hot seller’s market, the lack of bids on your house can cause frustration and concern. If a property stays unsold for an extended period, the market may perceive it as "stale," reducing the likelihood of a future sale. Some people even end up withdrawing their property from the market altogether.

What duration is too long to wait? Although a definitive answer is not easy, some emotional benchmarks warrant consideration. In a sluggish market, it is typical for properties to remain unsold for six months to a year. The best way to go about it is to examine previous sales of comparable houses for sale in your neighborhood and see if your property has strangely stayed for “too long." Conversely, if your home…

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