Just Sold In Live OakAnother successful sale in beautiful Live Oak! 🏡✨ Congratulations to our buyers on finding their dream home featuring 2 bedrooms, a loft, and 2 bathrooms in the heart of Santa Cruz. Ready to find your perfect coastal property? Let’s make it happen!Created by: Amèlia Camps-McCaffrey 12/19/2024

Local Events in Santa Cruz CountyDecember 19th - 31st Celebrate the holidays in Santa Cruz with magical events for everyone! From whimsical train rides and Nutcracker performances to cozy Yule gatherings and dazzling candlelight concerts, there's something to spark joy this season. Don't miss out-mark your calendars and bring family and friends to share the holiday spirit!Created by: Amèlia Camps-McCaffrey 12/18/2024

Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA During the Holidays The holiday season is here and one of my favorite traditions, the Lighted Boat Parade at the Santa Cruz Harbor, is happening this Saturday at 5:30 PM. It’s such a magical sight to see the harbor illuminated with festive lights!Santa Cruz truly shines during the holidays, with so many fun events to enjoy. I’ve created a fun video (below) that captures the spirit of Santa Cruz during the Holidays.  Here are a few of my favorite Santa Cruz Holiday Events & Activities:  Lighted Boat Parade - Saturday, December 7th, 5:30 PM Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade - Saturday, December 7th, 10 AM Capitola Holiday Cookie Walk - Saturday, December 7th, 11 AM - 4PM Victorian Holiday Experience at Wilder Ranch - Saturday, December 14th, 11 AM–3 PM Sant... 12/06/2024

Local Events in Santa Cruz CountyDecember 4th - 18th The holiday season has already started in Santa Cruz and there's so much to do. From Christmas markets, to wreath making and holiday movies on the beach there's something for everyone!Created by: Amèlia Camps-McCaffrey   12/05/2024

October has brought a steady rhythm to Santa Cruz County’s real estate market, with stable pricing, a gradual increase in inventory, and a more balanced pace between buyers and sellers. Here’s what you need to know about the latest trends in the area.Average and Median Pricing TrendsIn terms of pricing, both single-family homes and condos/townhomes are showing consistency. Single-family homes hold a median price of around $1.4 million, reflecting minimal fluctuation month-over-month.Condos and townhomes are still ranging between $800,000 and $900,000, appealing to buyers seeking more affordable options than single-family homes.Days on Market (DOM) TrendThe median days on market (DOM) has seen a slight uptick, signaling a moderate approach from buyers. Single-family homes are averaging 1... 11/17/2024

 Why Santa Cruz Home Sellers Should Get Inspections UpfrontWhen selling a home in Santa Cruz, CA, conducting upfront inspections—such as home, termite, roof, sewer, and septic inspections—can give sellers a competitive edge in the market. While it may seem like an added expense, these inspections can save you time, help maximize your sale price, and ensure a smoother transaction process. Here’s why getting inspections done before listing your home can be a smart strategy for Santa Cruz sellers.1. Transparency Builds Trust with Buyers In today’s real estate market, buyers appreciate transparency. By offering upfront inspection reports, you provide potential buyers with a clear understanding of your property’s condition. This transparency can build trust, especially for “as is” sales, hel... 11/12/2024

What Does Selling a Home "As Is" Mean for Santa Cruz Home Sellers?If you're a homeowner in Santa Cruz and you've been considering selling your property "as is," you may have a lot of questions. What does it really mean to sell a home "as is"? How does it impact your sale price and timeline? And what should you consider before deciding to go this route in the Santa Cruz real estate market? Jessica Wallace, Realtor, is here to break down what you need to know.Selling a home "as is" can be an appealing option, especially if you’re looking for a faster sale or want to avoid the hassle of repairs. However, there are key factors every Santa Cruz homeowner should understand before making this choice. Let’s dive into what "as is" really means, how it affects your sale, and how working with an e... 11/10/2024

Holiday Wreath Making WorkshopSunday, November 24th    I    1 pm - 3 pm   I   Birdsong OrchardsNothing sings of the holidays like making a seasonal wreath to decorate your space. Join us on Sunday, November 24th, from 1 pm to 3 pm, for a hands on workshop where you will make your own wreath to take home.The multi-talented Jessica Tunis will be leading this workshop, and I will be there for backup help as well. For beginners who have never made a wreath before, Jessica will guide you through the basic techniques of wreath making and help you craft a unique  design. For more experienced wreath makers, please enjoy an opportunity to try a different design and work with new plants, textures and colors.

We will both gather all the materials you will need, foraging extensively from my farm a... 10/29/2024

Just Listed753 The Shoreline, La Selva Beach, CA                     $2,699,000                                                                                           4 BED   4 BATH   1,750 SQFT   View Listing   Open House Times Thu, Oct 10                             Sat, Oct. 12                             Sun, Oct 13 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm                                         1:00 pm - 4:00 pm                                         1:00pm - 4:00 pm     10/10/2024

What is Santa Cruz best known for?Santa Cruz, CA is situated on the idyllic coastline of Central California and is a perfect destination for enjoying a day off to its fullest. Best known for it's expansive beaches and high-stoke surf culture, there's plenty more to capture your attention in this beach town. Here's a tentative itinerary to enjoying your day to its fullest in Santa Cruz:Morning: Start with Scenic Views and BreakfastExplore West Cliff Drive: Start your day with a walk or bike ride along West Cliff Drive. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views while you stroll beside the Monterey Bay. Watch for epic surfers brave the waves from Lighthouse Point. The fresh sea breeze is a great way to kickstart your day and soak in the natural beauty of the area.Breakfast at a Local Café: After your... 09/30/2024

In August 2024, the Santa Cruz County real estate market continued to evolve, offering valuable insights for both buyers and sellers. Over the past month, we observed notable shifts in sale prices, listing trends, and overall market activity for both single-family homes and condos/townhomes. Here’s an in-depth look at the key highlights and trends shaping the Santa Cruz County real estate landscape:Average Price TrendThe average price trend for August shows a continuation of July’s stability. Single-family homes continue to hover around $1.5 million, following a slight correction earlier in the year. This suggests the market has found its footing after the sharp price escalations of 2022, with more measured growth now in place. Condos and townhomes, on the other hand, are showing steadi... 09/08/2024

On November 29th, 2021 - I was run over by a truck pulling a commercial trailer while riding my bike in a bike lane. It was a hit and run. I was permanently disabled that day and now live handicapped with titanium rods in the bone marrow of my left leg and hip. I'm blessed they miraculously caught the driver.I woke up in the hospital after 4 days and some surgery, and already I was seeing the world differently. With no feeling from the waist down, I feared the worst and thought I'd be paralyzed for life. Turns out it was the epidural and pain blockers.Thank God I survived that day and am able to tell the story today.  Here's why I titled this "Seeing the world differently" because it has multiple meanings and application. I saw the world so differently laying in the street in pain and h... 09/04/2024

Nestled in the heart of Surf City, Huntington Beach, CA, the Huntington Beach Farmers Market stands as a vibrant testament to the city's lively coastal life and its community's dedication to sustainability and local commerce. Huntington Beach, famed for its beautiful beaches and perfect surf, is also home to a vibrant market that offers locals and tourists a genuine local experience. This blog post will take you through everything the Farmers Market in Huntington Beach offers, from its wide array of fresh produce and artisan goods to the cultural activities that make it a must-visit destination in the city.At the Huntington Beach Farmers Market, you'll find food and products and a lively atmosphere that captures the city's essence. Whether you're a resident looking to shop for the week'... 08/11/2024

Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA, serves as more than just a surfer's retreat—it's a gastronomic delight. The city boasts a diverse dining landscape, ranging from cozy bistros to opulent dining establishments, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Coast. In this blog, we dive into the top 10 Huntington Beach restaurants on the water, providing a culinary roadmap for both locals and visitors craving a meal with a view.Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a family outing, or a solo adventure, these waterfront dining spots promise more than just delicious meals—they offer a complete sensory experience. So, let's explore the best Huntington Beach restaurants on the water, where every dish comes with stunning ocean views.Why Choose Huntington Beach for Dinin... 08/11/2024

July 2024 in Santa Cruz County shows a real estate market that's finding its balance, with steady home prices and more inventory coming into play. Whether buying or selling, it's a great moment to move into this beautiful coastal area.Pricing TrendsThe real estate market in Santa Cruz County remains competitive, with July 2024 seeing continued fluctuation in pricing. Single-family home median prices have stabilized around $1.4 million after a high in April 2024. Meanwhile, condos and townhomes are experiencing median prices of just under $900,000, reflecting consistent demand in these sectors.Market DaysHomes in Santa Cruz County are selling quicker than they did earlier in the year. The median days on the market for single-family homes have decreased, now averaging around 15 days, whil... 08/10/2024

A major shift in Limited 203k re: Septic SystemsA few years ago, I received a call from a HUD employee who knew I was a national trainer. He informed me that several lenders in the Santa Cruz Mountains area of CA were replacing entire septic systems using the Limited 203k. He told me that septic system replacement was regarded as a "structural" repair as if I could stop a lender from misusing the program. It appears that this repair is now included with the Limited 203k.Under the latest 4000.1 guideline, I found what follows.This is from the HUD 4000.1 re Limited 203k'sLimited 203(k) Eligible Improvements The Limited 203(k) may only be used for minor remodeling and nonstructural repairs. The total rehabilitation costs may not exceed $35,000. For the first 15,000 Mortgages secured by Pro... 08/08/2024

The real estate market in Santa Cruz County showed notable trends in June 2024. Here’s a detailed look at the key metrics including inventory, prices, and sales performance for single-family homes and condos/townhomes.Inventory Trend for Santa Cruz CountyIn June 2024, the inventory for single-family homes saw a significant increase, reaching its highest level in recent years. This trend began in early 2023 and continued to rise steadily. For condos and townhomes, the inventory remained relatively stable, with a slight upward trend observed towards mid-2024.Santa Cruz County Median and Average Pricing TrendsThe median price for single-family homes in Santa Cruz County has shown a steady increase throughout 2024, peaking at around $1.4 million in June. This represents a recovery from the ... 07/13/2024

Selling a house might be challenging and take a long time. Smart, low-cost home repairs can make your look much better to people who might want to buy it. If you make changes like these, you can sell your house faster and for more money. Your home can look much better with a few simple steps that won't cost much. These fixes will be divided into a few key groups.First Impression MatterEnhance LandscapingPeople who want to buy your house will first look at the outside. Keeping your yard in good shape is important because it sets the tone for the rest of your house.  A well-kept house has a cut-short yard. When you mow it often, the grass stays healthy, and the yard looks clean. Add new mulch around flower beds to make them look clean and colorful. Mulch also keeps water in the ground and... 06/26/2024

Santa Cruz County Average & Median Pricing TrendsIn May 2024, Santa Cruz County showed significant trends in housing prices. The median price for single-family homes stabilized around $1.3 million, reflecting steady demand. Condos and townhomes maintained median prices near $900,000.Jessica Wallace, a leading Santa Cruz Realtor with Coldwell Banker Santa Cruz, can guide you through these pricing trends to find your ideal home, whether you're looking for a House for Sale in Capitola, CA, or other nearby areas.Median Days on Market Trend in Santa Cruz CountyThe median days on the market for single-family homes and condos in Santa Cruz County fluctuated, peaking in early 2023. As of May 2024, homes spent about 10-15 days on the market, indicating a relatively brisk sales pace. If you're se... 06/14/2024

Overview of Santa Cruz County Real EstateApril 2024 saw vibrant activity in the Santa Cruz County real estate market. Jessica Wallace is the #1 agent at Coldwell Banker Santa Cruz. She explores the key trends and changes in the market.Pricing Dynamics: What's the Market Trend for Homes in Santa Cruz?In April, prices fluctuated. Homes in Santa Cruz peaked early in the year. Then, they stabilized. This change showcased the market's reactiveness. Meanwhile, condos and townhomes in areas like Aptos and Soquel saw minor increases. This reflects growing interest in cheaper housing options in Santa Cruz County.Market Exposure: How Long Are Homes Staying on the Market in Santa Cruz?The median days on the market for single-family homes saw big early-year changes. They were due to seasonal shifts... 05/14/2024