A Blend of Coastal Comfort and Tech-Savvy Living

The stunning Santa Cruz beaches have long been a beacon for those seeking a coastal haven. When checking out ads for houses for sale or land for sale in Santa Cruz and trying to understand the different types of real estate in the area, you'll notice some features that stand out consistently.

Whether you have a house by the beach in Aptos, (ADU) accessory dwelling units in the quiet Capitola Village, California, or a residence surrounded by redwood-filled scenery in Felton, it's essential to grasp the features that potential homebuyers value. This knowledge will guide your decisions on what to do next.

Culinary Delight: Updated Kitchens and Bathrooms for Modern Living

What do you think most people perusing homes for sale listings really want? It's pretty straightforward: they want modern kitchens and bathrooms. Whether we are talking about someone interested in exploring the idyllic Capitola Village or Aptos or those interested in (ADU) accessory dwelling units, everyone seems to be placing a premium on updated kitchens and baths.

If you have a home for sale, you must understand that for buyers, these spaces aren't just functional—they become gourmet havens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and creative storage options. A kitchen, for example, is the center of attention in the house and should skillfully combine design and functionality attractive design to create a welcoming space that is perfect for entertaining and cooking.

First-time homeowners and millennials have a distinct preference: they want trendy bathrooms and kitchens. According to a recent Metropolitan Regional Information Systems Inc. poll, a striking 81 percent of participants give upgraded kitchens and bathrooms top priority when choosing a place to buy. The good news is that while renovating these areas may provide outstanding returns on investment, you don't have to invest a lot of money to draw in first-time buyers.

Assess similar properties in your neighborhood to optimize attractiveness, then make thoughtful upgrades to stand out from the crowd. Keep in mind that if, for example, homes for sale at San Lorenzo Vally or other small towns near Santa Cruz are going at an average of $800,000, you might not need to rebuild your kitchen or bathroom for $150,000. However, try to make your kitchen a bit more appalling compared to similar properties in the neighborhood.

Open Floor Plans: A Coastal Aesthetic

In the quest for coastal comfort, the allure of open floor plans is undeniable. Buyers are often looking for designs that not only capture the essence of the region's laid-back lifestyle but also optimize natural light and ocean breezes. A buyer considering purchasing a home on the beachfront in Santa Cruz, like in Aptos and West Santa Cruz, is often looking for an expansive layout that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living.

Open floor plans are a big hit because they create a spacious and inviting feel in the home. Moreover, modern layouts that particularly appeal to the tech-savvy audience are becoming more and more popular in Capitola, where residential beauty blends with city life. Next time someone asks yo, "What is among the top things folks are seeking in houses for sale in the City of Capitola, CA, or the delightful Capitola Village, CA?" The answer is crystal clear – open floor plans!

Low-Maintenance Features: Embracing Coastal Living

Living by the sea means opting for homes that require minimal maintenance. Whether you want to build a vacation home in Santa Cruz for future sale or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the gorgeous San Lorenzo Valley for rental, materials such as composite decking and weather-resistant siding are excellent choices.

Buyers looking for houses near Santa Cruz beaches choose buildings constructed with materials that have a longer lifespan and can endure the impacts of salty air and periodic marine layers without major issues.

Energy Efficiency: Sustainably Modern Living

Living sustainably is a common belief in Santa Cruz, and you can see it in the focus on energy-efficient features. Ask anyone who has ever placed ads such as "Santa Cruz Homes For Sale," "Home for Sale Watsonville, CA," or "Pasatiempo Homes for Sale." They will tell you that the majority of Santa Cruz and Californian homebuyers are prepared to pay a premium for properties featuring things such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and well-insulated windows.

Buyers are drawn to homes with energy-efficient features like windows because they assist in regulating the inside temperature and save money for the homeowners. Indeed, replacing windows isn't an easy or cheap house renovation. Still, if you're considering a redesign, you need to know how valuable energy-efficient windows and appliances are. When selling your real estate property, be sure to emphasize any existing certifications that your windows may have.

Beyond reducing the negative environmental impact and reducing running costs in the long run, these features are consistent with the Santa Cruz region's eco-conscious culture, making them appealing not only in the residential but also in the Santa Cruz commercial real estate market.

Wireless Connectivity: Tech-Savvy Homes for Modern Living

As Silicon Valley's impact extends to Santa Cruz, having strong wireless connectivity is a must-have for many homebuyers. In tech-heavy neighborhoods like Scotts Valley, modern buyers are well-informed and give top priority to houses with stable internet connections. This meets the growing needs of remote work and the rising popularity of smart home technologies while also guaranteeing a flawless online experience that is in line with contemporary lifestyles.

Including smart home technologies in homes is also becoming increasingly important for buyers in Santa Cruz. Whether your property is in the city or the quieter small towns near Santa Cruz like Pasatiempo, Capitola Village, California, or Felton, Santa Cruz, tech-savvy residents in the area are drawn to features like smart thermostats, security systems, and automatic lighting.

Garage Storage Space: Active Living and Practical Storage

A garage appeals to most home buyers in Santa Cruz for several practical and lifestyle reasons. Here's why:

• Weather Protection: Santa Cruz's coastal weather can be foggy or wet at times. A garage, in the eye of a homebuyer, is like a secure haven for their cars, protecting them from the elements and preventing them from eroding because of salty air.
• Outdoor Storage: Someone looking for a property in Santa Cruz probably enjoys an outdoor lifestyle. Someone looking to live in this hamlet most likely wants to enjoy sports such as surfing on Santa Cruz beaches and hiking in the adjacent hills. A garage provides prospective buyers with extra space to safely store sports equipment, tools, and other goods, making them conveniently accessible. Therefore, whether it's for beach equipment in Aptos Santa Cruz or hiking gear in Scotts Valley, having a well-organized garage not only enhances the functionality of homes but also adds to their appeal to potential buyers.
• Workshop or Additional Space: Some buyers appreciate garages as versatile spaces. They can be used as workshops or home gyms or even converted into additional living spaces like (ADU) accessory dwelling units.
• Convenience: Homebuyers in Santa Cruz and adjacent communities choose residences with garages for practical reasons. A garage provides a handy parking alternative, particularly in places where street parking is limited. It also saves time and effort by removing the need to hunt for available parking spaces. Thus, selecting a home with a garage corresponds with someone's goal for efficiency and convenience, making daily living easier in their future home.
• Security: Having a garage adds an extra layer of security for both vehicles and belongings. It decreases the chances of theft or vandalism, adding to the property's overall safety.
• Home Resale Value: Properties with a garage tend to have a higher resale value. Many homebuyers see a garage as a desirable feature, and it can positively influence their decision to purchase.

Walk-In Pantry: Organization in Style

Wide walk-in pantry spaces are highly valued in West Santa Cruz, the City of Capitola, California, Scotts Valley, and other neighboring small towns near Santa Cruz. A walk-in pantry is more than simply a functional storage solution; it also represents ordered living. Having a large, dedicated room for keeping food and kitchen supplies is critical for anyone buying a home.

However, if your home does not come with a walk-in pantry, building one may be difficult. Even if you or the existing homeowners get by without a pantry, potential buyers may prefer the extra storage. Because it is such an important consideration for many purchasers, attempt to make room for pantry items if possible. This allows potential buyers to understand how to make the best use of the kitchen storage.

Curb Appeal It's time to update the exterior of your Santa Cruz house after you've finished furnishing the interior. Ask any Santa Cruz residential or commercial real estate agents worth their salt, and they will tell you that curb appeal is important, especially if you're trying to sell your house.

Improving curb appeal doesn't have to be difficult; all you need to do is think about adding some indoor plants, fresh mulch, and bush pruning. Your property might seem more appealing with new address numbers or a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Check your home's front, roof, and garage doors to see whether they need to be cleaned or replaced.

Scenic Views: Connecting with Nature

Scenic views are a hallmark of Santa Cruz living. A home with panoramic vistas, whether overlooking the ocean in Aptos or capturing the beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Scotts Valley, holds a distinct allure. Buyers are seeking properties that provide a visual connection with the region's natural splendor.

The Bottom line

Ultimately, when potential homebuyers research Santa Cruz's bustling real estate market, it becomes clear that certain features are very appealing. The community's seaside attractiveness and active lifestyle influenced buyers' tastes. From the practicalities of a well-organized garage that provides secure storage for outdoor gear for someone who loves hiking in Santa Cruz to the intrinsic enjoyment of being close to beachfront Santa Cruz and hills for recreational activities, these typical aspects reflect the distinct essence of Santa Cruz life.

Understanding these desired attributes, whether it's parking convenience or a space that matches an outdoor-centric lifestyle, may help both buyers and sellers make successful transactions in this lovely seaside town.

Paul Burrowes, CRS, CCEC, SFR, NHCP, LHC, REALTOR® Licensed REALTOR® with over 15 years of experience and expertise. Commits to being on time and transparent. Acts as your consultant to ensure you make the best decisions to fit your transaction at every step in the process. Negotiates towards a low stress, win-win outcome. Handles all the details for you, ensuring the hundreds of steps in your real estate transaction go smoothly. Proudly serving Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties! | DRE# 01955563 | (831) 295-5130 | paul@burrowes.com |