19 Oct 2022

Will the market drop in 2023?

Fannie Mae sure thinks so.  They expect home prices to fall next year. As the Federal Reserve policymakers struggle with inflation, Fannie Mae’s predictions are: National home prices to decline by 1.5 percent in 2023, and home sales predicted to fall by 21 percent. While the fight to control inflation by tightening the monetary policy continues, the slowing effect on the housing market of the higher mortgage rate environment is predictable and evident. Prices are

By Christine Schneider | | In California Real Estate Trends | Read moreLeave a comment
26 Apr 2022

Negotiation Skills of a Successful Real Estate Agent: A Dive into Tactical Empathy

After more than a decade in the real estate industry and working as a broker in central California, I have fine-tuned my answer to these questions and would like to share my insights into how real estate agents can use “tactical empathy” to negotiate on behalf of their clients.

By Christine Schneider | | In Home Buying Tips and Advice, Home Selling Tips and Advice | Read moreLeave a comment
24 Nov 2021

Santa Cruz County: Vacation Rentals Ordinance (November 2021)

Located along California’s Central Coast, approximately 70 miles south of San Jose, Santa Cruz County enjoys a $1.1 billion annual tourism industry. Its beautiful beaches, stunning trails, and family activities bring visitors from all around the globe. As a result, more homeowners are interested in turning their properties into vacation rentals! Before venturing down this path, however, it is essential for people to understand what is permitted regarding vacation rentals in Santa Cruz County. Santa

By Christine Schneider | | In All About Santa Cruz County, California Real Estate Trends | Read moreLeave a comment
23 Aug 2021

Discussions Continue in Santa Cruz County About Loosening ADU Ordinances

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has been discussing the need for changes to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) handbook for months with the expectation that outstanding issues would be resolved at this month’s meeting. However, the discussion will continue as the board rejected proposed recommendations at the August 10 gathering.

By Christine Schneider | | In All About Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Legislation and Your Real Estate | Read moreLeave a comment
20 Nov 2020

Looking Deeper: Will the tide soon turn in our booming real estate market?

Since 2011, the residential real estate market has been steadily climbing. Housing prices have increased year-over-year in most major markets, with the housing medium rising 55% over the last decade (June 2010 to June 2020). This bullish market has proven beneficial to investors and homeowners across the country. However, as a result of the 2020 market, some analysts predict that 2021 may experience a significant shift. We may be transitioning to a bear market as

By Christine Schneider | | In California Real Estate Trends | Read moreLeave a comment
12 Nov 2020

What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About Un-permitted Work

Un-permitted work on a home can prove to be damaging to a home sale. It can be both timely and costly.   So, for those looking to buy or sell a home, be sure to stay updated on the critical aspects of permits and understand what to do if there is un-permitted work on a home. What Home Projects Need A Permit? The first question I often get is What projects actually need permits? Overall, any

By Christine Schneider | | In Home Buying Tips and Advice, Home Renovation, Maintenance and Care, Home Selling Tips and Advice | Read moreLeave a comment
8 Sep 2020

9 Ways to Improve your Offer on a Home

Earlier this year we started to witness an increase in transaction velocity for homes across the county. This was a direct result of the Fed cutting rates, which ultimately provided Americans a chance to purchase a home at a historically low interest rate.  When the pandemic swept the globe a short time later, analysis predicted that velocity would slow down as a result of two factors: 1) People fearing the impact of the virus, and

By Christine Schneider | | In California Real Estate Trends, Home Buying Tips and Advice | Read moreLeave a comment
23 Oct 2019

ADUs get a Boost from New California Laws

Governor Newsom of California has recently signed a string of new laws aimed directly at the growing problem of housing costs. As Newsome recently said, “the high cost of housing and rent is putting the squeeze on family budgets, and our housing shortage threatens our economic growth and long-term prosperity.” Since his election in January, Newsom’s administration has indeed taken several steps toward solving California’s housing affordability crisis. According to Newsom, “in 2019, California has

By Christine Schneider | | In California Real Estate Trends, Home Renovation, Maintenance and Care, Santa Cruz Real Estate Trends | Read moreLeave a comment
21 Aug 2019

Homeowner Tips to Live More Sustainably

It is no doubt that Climate Change will require large-scale solutions. However, to tackle this gigantic problem, we will all need to make changes to the way we live, and the sooner we do so, the better. To help bring more environmental conscientiousness to homeownership, we've provided some tips below on how to reduce water and electricity use as well as waste in our homes. Save Water According to the EPA, the average American family

By Christine Schneider | | In California Real Estate Trends, Climate Change and Real Estate | Read moreLeave a comment
2 Aug 2019

Santa Cruz City Task Force, Rent Control, Just Cause for Eviction – Where We are Now?

If you’ve been following the Santa Cruz City Council legislative process, there’s no doubt that you’re curious where the Council stands today on Rent Control and Just Cause for Eviction legislation, the Rental Housing Task Force, the Housing Blueprint, and other legislative measures that have been proposed and accepted or rejected along the way. In this article we’ll give a broad overview of the City’s legislative actions related to these housing-related topics and discuss where

By Christine Schneider | | In All About Santa Cruz County, Rent Control, Rent Control and Just Cause For Eviction, Santa Cruz Legislation and Your Real Estate, Santa Cruz Real Estate Trends, Uncategorized | Read moreLeave a comment
2 Aug 2019

Can I Live in A Yurt in Santa Cruz County?

Are you one of the growing numbers of people interested in alternative (and often less expensive) housing options like yurts? If so, it’s important to understand your local government’s rules and regulations related to living in these structures year round, as a primary residence. Read on to explore the option of living in a yurt in Santa Cruz County. What is A Yurt? Traditionally, yurts consisted of an expanding wooden circular frame overlaid with a

By Christine Schneider | | In All About Santa Cruz County, California Real Estate Trends, Home Buying Tips and Advice, Uncategorized | Read moreLeave a comment
31 Jan 2019

Buying a Home with A Reverse Mortgage?

Did you know that, if you are 62 or older, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to purchase a home? In this article we cover how you can use the equity in your current residence to purchase property; different Reverse Mortgage options on the market today, and how this financial decision will impact your heirs. Using a Reverse Mortgages to Buy a Home You may have heard of using a Reverse Mortgages

By Christine Schneider | | In California Real Estate Trends, Home Buying Tips and Advice, Home Selling Tips and Advice | Read moreLeave a comment
5 Jan 2018

What’s Coming: the 2018 Santa Cruz Real Estate Market

At the beginning 2018, there are some important changes on the horizon for Santa Cruz Real Estate. The Tax Cuts and Jobs act, which is making its way through the House and Senate, will be a major determinant of 2018 housing market health. We've written about its potential impact on the California real estate market in a separate blog post, and will provide regular updates on this topic. Here, we summarize some other major factors

By Christine Schneider | | In California Real Estate Trends, Home Buying Tips and Advice, Home Selling Tips and Advice, Santa Cruz Real Estate Trends | Read more1 Comment
2 Aug 2017

Owning a Vacation Rental in Santa Cruz County

Have you ever considered Vacation Rentals? Are you considering purchasing a second home, or currently own one? Do you have an extra room or portion of your house or duplex available? Santa Cruz County, with all of its many splendors ranging from gorgeous coastlines and legendary surf spots, to majestically scenic redwood drives and hikes, to iconic landmarks and family-friendly entertainment, provides a great opportunity to venture into the proposition of gaining extra income from

By Christine Schneider | | In Home Buying Tips and Advice, Vacation Rental Santa Cruz | Read moreLeave a comment
28 Jun 2017

Changing Vacation Rental Laws in Santa Cruz City

This just in: this Thursday, June 29th, at 7:00 p.m. the Santa Cruz City Planning Commission will consider new rules to govern short-term vacation rentals (included Airbnb and VRBO properties). The Planning Commission is taking a long, hard look at the affordable housing crisis in Santa Cruz City. Their decisions will have a direct impact on propertyowner’s ability to take part in the vacation rental program in the City.   The City Planning Commission elected

By Christine Schneider | | In Santa Cruz Legislation and Your Real Estate, Santa Cruz Real Estate Trends, Vacation Rental Santa Cruz | Read moreLeave a comment