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

In March, Santa Cruz County's real estate market really picked up.  I am seeing more homes sell with multiple offers so far this year than last year.  Single-family homes reached a median sale price of $1,215,000.  Homes are selling quickly at a median of 15 days on the market.  Many homes are selling with more than one offers and for over the asking price. Key Market Indicators: Single-family homes in Santa Cruz County sold for an average of 101% of the listing price, signaling robust demand. The median sale price for single-family homes was $1,215,000. It kept rising, as seen in recent months. Properties are selling quickly. The median days on market (DOM) is 15 days. This suggests that listings are being snapped up rapidly. Inventory levels slightly increased, providing more options ... 04/10/2024

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANTS AND TAQUERIAS IN SANTA CRUZ, CAEveryone has their own opinion about where to find the best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Cruz County and being a life long resident of Santa Cruz I certainly have my opinion!  Here are my pics for some of the top Mexican food restaurants and taquerias in Santa Cruz.  Check out the map to view them all:  Manuel's Restaurant:Right by Seacliff State Beach you will find Manuel's Restaurant which has been a beloved fixture in the local dining scene for over five decades. This family-owned establishment prides itself on serving traditional Mexican fare made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. My daughter loves the carne asada tacos and I am a big fan of the chile relleno and Margaritas.  The restaurant's cozy ambiance and great serv... 02/16/2024

WHERE TO WATCH THE SUPER BOWL IN SANTA CRUZ, CAThere are quite a few places to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday in Santa Cruz, CA.  Check out this map to see a comprehensive list of Super Bowl Watch parties:  As a devoted San Francisco 49ers fan living in Santa Cruz, the anticipation for the Super Bowl is palpable. Whether you bleed red and gold or simply enjoy the thrill of football's biggest game, finding the perfect spot to watch the Super Bowl in Santa Cruz is crucial. Fortunately, this vibrant coastal city offers a variety of venues that cater to sports enthusiasts, providing an ideal setting to cheer on your favorite team. 1. **Jack O'Neill Lounge at the Dream Inn**:Located right on the Santa Cruz beach, the Jack O'Neill Lounge at the Dream Inn offers a picturesque backdrop to enj... 02/09/2024

When is the best time to sell a home in Santa Cruz, CA?The best time to sell a home in Santa Cruz, CA is . . . .  NOW!  Just kidding, but it just might be!  We currently have less than 200 homes actively in the market in the entire county.  That is low even by recent standards.  I am seeing an increase in multiple offers in the past 2 weeks in Santa Cruz and properties going for over the asking price.  The best time to sell a home actually depends on quite a few factors, one of the most important ones depends on YOU.  When are you ready to let go and move on?  When are you ready to make a major change in your life and lifestyle?  That depends on you.  But I can tell you a few tips from a Realtor's perspective about when is the absolute best time to sell a home in Santa Cruz.If you are a... 02/07/2024

SANTA CRUZ REAL ESTATE - 2023 RECAP & PREDICITIONS FOR 2024 If someone had told me 2 years ago that interest rates would hit 8% in 2023, I would have predicted that home values in Santa Cruz would drop but by much more that they actually did - which in 2023 was 5.1%.  This is the first time that we have had a decrease in home values since 2011 but it could have been worse. What kept our prices up was the lack of inventory.  Even with super high rates and less buyer demand, the lack of homes for sale played just as important of a role.  Santa Cruz Real Estate Report - 2023 Year over Year Depreciation of Home Sale Prices: 5.1% Average Home Sale Price:  $1,395,000 Average Days on Market:  35 Sale Price to List Price Ratio:  97.8% Total # of Home Sales: 1,197 Another statistic that jumps ou... 01/15/2024

Having spent so many years in the real estate industry, the one question I was asked most by people, not in real estate was, "Do I need, or should I use a REALTOR®?" What a great question, even after all these years. Looking back I have learned so much about the industry and that question in particular.There are many reasons why you should use a REALTOR®. Here are just a few: REALTORS® have the knowledge and experience to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. They know the local market inside and out, and they can use their expertise to price your home competitively and market it to the right buyers. REALTORS® can help you avoid costly mistakes. The home selling process is complex, and there are many pitfalls that can cost you money. A REALTOR can help you avoid these mistakes by g... 04/21/2023

BEFORE & AFTER - HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME TO SELL FOR MORE MONEYBY JESSICA WALLCE - YOUR SANTA CRUZ REALTORAs a real estate agent, my ultimate goal is to help my clients achieve the highest possible price for their homes. And I’m proud to say that I achieved just that with this special Westside Santa Cruz home.When I first saw this property, I saw its true potential. It was clear to me that with the right updates and a bit of TLC, this home could really shine. It was built in 1950 and had never been sold before. There were so many cool vintage elements that I wanted to enhance and stay true to the character of the home. BEFORE - KITCHEN AFTER KITCHEN We started with refinishing the hardwood floors that were hidden under the old carpets. This small update alone made a world of differen... 04/17/2023

1 / 2 Living in Soquel, California from a Local's Perspective By: Jessica Wallace, Your Santa Cruz Realtor Soquel, California is a small coastal town located in Santa Cruz County. It is known for its picturesque scenery, friendly community, and close proximity to the beach. With a population of around 9,000 people, and it's a great place to call home for those looking for a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle. I grew up in the Soquel & Capitola area an attended local schools such as Soquel High School. One of the things I love most about living in Soquel is the sense of community. The town is small enough that you get to know your neighbors and see familiar faces around town. The local businesses also play a big role in creating a tight-knit community. Many of them are family-owned and ope... 01/25/2023

Wow what an interesting year!  We started off with a bang and the housing market in Santa Cruz was super hot, with homes selling with as much as 25 offers and prices rising so rapidly it was head spinning.  Then interest rates doubled, inflation increased and the stock market got bumpy.  This did slow down the housing market in Santa Cruz, but overall we saw 10% appreciation in home values county wide in 2022.  We were heading for closer to 20% before the market cooled off. Check out my video on the latest in the Santa Cruz Real Estate Market here: Here is the real data on our Housing Market in Santa Cruz county in 2022:Single family home price appreciation:  10%Average sale price: $1,471,162Average days on market: 24 Total number of home sales in 2022:  1,480 (vs 2,089 home sales in 20... 01/24/2023

I just love helping clients prepare their homes for sale!  My process combines strategic thinking, project management, market intelligence, and art.    I use an extensive checklist to methodically and impartially score the property.     Then I help my clients understand the current market, it's possible direction, and all of their options.     If they'd like to improve their rating, and improve their odds of a successful profitable sale, I'll prepare a custom to-do list and timeline.In this case, one seller was handy and had a flexible schedule and the other was an artist.   Working as a team, we got this place up to a great score!   When we're able to get 2 offers, and sell at asking price despite the market changing, I'm reminded this is my calling.When I get a heartfelt, thoughtful 5... 10/20/2022