best places to live in Santa Cruz if you love the beach

There are so many reasons why people choose to relocate to Santa Cruz.

Some come for the ancient redwood forests. And others come for the relaxed lifestyle.

But out of all the possible reasons why homebuyers choose to live in Santa Cruz the most common is to be near the beach.

Santa Cruz is famous for its gorgeous white sand beaches that expand for miles along the coast line. These beaches are not only perfect for anything from suntanning to surfing.

And so much of the Santa Cruz lifestyle has to do with our beaches.

So if you’re on the hunt for a home, here are the best places to live in Santa Cruz if you love the beach:

Seabright

Located to the east of the San Lorenzo River, Seabright is one of the most popular waterfront…

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Buying a foreclosure home in Santa Cruz

When buying a home in Santa Cruz, it’s hard not to be attracted to a foreclosure.

Not only are these homes priced below market value, they are often located in some of the most desirable neighborhoods around Santa Cruz.

But sometimes, these homes are too good to be true.

They often come with a number of stipulations that you should know about before jumping at the opportunity.

To help you with your real estate journey, here are a few things you should know before you commit to buying a foreclosure property.

  • Types of Foreclosure Properties
  • Things To Watch Out For If You're Considering A Foreclosure
  • Tips for Buying a Foreclosed Home in Santa Cruz

Types Of Foreclosure Properties

There are four stages of a foreclosure…

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Buying a home in Santa Cruz during the coronavirus pandemic

It’s possible to say that every single industry in America has been affected by COVID-19. This is especially true for those in California.

Because of the virus, many businesses in Santa Cruz have had to shut their doors indefinitely. And others have had to completely reinvent the way they retail.

And that’s exactly what’s happening with the real estate industry.

Buying a home during this pandemic is a little different than it once was since buyers can no longer visit open houses or walk through properties as freely as they once could, but the real estate industry in Santa Cruz has been classified as an essential business, which means that we can help you buy or sell a home during this time.

Here is a complete guide to buying a home in…

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what to do in Santa Cruz during self isolation

Spring is usually a busy time of the year in Santa Cruz. As the weather gets warmer, locals and visitors alike take to the parks and beaches to enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer.

But this year looks a little different.

With COVID-19 affecting our community, popular amenities like beaches and shopping centers have been closed down to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Each and every person has also been asked to self-isolate in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

This means that many of us are cooped up in our homes until everything gets back under control.

Even though staying at home is the best thing to do in a situation like this, it can make you feel stir crazy.

If you’re starting to get a little bored, here’s…

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New construction vs resale homes in santac cruz california

The homebuying process can be difficult.

When looking for a home, there are so many things to consider, such as location, homestyle, and budget. And another important aspect to consider is whether you want to buy resale or new construction.

Santa Cruz real estate has a generous mix of both resale and new construction homes, giving homebuyers plenty of choice.

But what’s the difference between one and the other? Which is better?

Believe it or not, there are crucial differences between the two home styles—all of which could make you rethink what’s best for you.

Here are the differences between buying a resale vs. new construction home in Santa Cruz, CA:

Energy Efficiency and Green Building

Energy efficiency is becoming a high…

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how to get your santa cruz home open house ready

Spring is the best time of year to sell your home in Santa Cruz.

The school year is wrapping up and homebuyers are starting their home searches for the summer.

This means that there’s no better time to list your home and to host an open house!

Open houses are the best way to get potential homebuyers into your home so that they can see it for all its worth.

And since it’s important to make a good impression, you’ll want to prepare your home for this event.

Follow these tips on how to get your Santa Cruz home open house ready so you can make the most out of your event:

Clean Anything and Everything

Tidying up your home before an open house may seem obvious. But it requires a little more effort than just vacuuming and doing the…

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Guide to camping in santa cruz

Spring is upon us, which means everyone in Santa Cruz can once again enjoy all the wonderful activities that make this city one of the best places to live in California.

One of the most popular activities to do in Santa Cruz is camping. And there’s no wonder why.

Santa Cruz has countless state parks and campgrounds that are home to dense redwood forests and miles of tree-lined trails.

The natural beauty alone is enough to attract people from all over the place to camp in these state forests.

So, if you’re planning on joining in on the fun, here’s the ultimate guide to camping in Santa Cruz:

  • Where to Camp
  • When to Camp
  • Tips for Camping in Santa Cruz

Where to Camp in Santa Cruz

There are tons of spots in and around…

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 Staging your Santa Cruz Home

In Santa Cruz’s competitive real estate market, you need all the tools you can get to sell your home quickly and for the best price possible.

One of the most useful tools is a firm marketing strategy. And the best way to market a home is to make it attractive to all types of homebuyers.

This is where staging comes in.

Staging is one of the biggest advantages you can give your home in the Santa Cruz market because it puts your space above and beyond the average.

But does staging actually work? Is it worth all the money spent?

Learn the facts behind the myths about professionally staging your Santa Cruz home:

MYTH #1: Professional Home Stagers are Too Expensive

Fact: Professional home staging is more affordable than you think. The…

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San Lorenzo Valley real estate

Take a drive north of Santa Cruz along Highway 9 and you'll encounter a string of charming small towns, majestic parks, and rustic mountain homes.

The San Lorenzo Valley between Santa Cruz and the Bay Area is a treasure trove of galleries, museums, quaint stores, hiking trails, and spacious properties shaded by tall Sequoia trees. It's along these winding rounds that you'll find the perfect sanctuary from urban life.

Here you'll find a chain of closely-connected communities: Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, and Felton, each with its own unique character.

Buying a Home in San Lorenzo Valley

From a real estate perspective, the San Lorenzo Valley is one of the most diverse places in Santa Cruz County.

You can find anything from…

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History of Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a spectacular place.

Not only does the city have gorgeous redwood forests and world-class beaches, but it has an arts and culture scene unlike any other mid-sized city in America.

But what made Santa Cruz the city it is today?

Here’s a brief history of Santa Cruz so you can see how the city got its start:

The First Settlers

Although anthropologists have found evidence that people lived in the Santa Cruz area over 12,000 years ago, the city’s history began in 1769 when the first settlers made it to the shores of the city.

The first settlers were Spanish explorers on the Portola Expedition. They were the first non-native people to explore the coast of the Santa Cruz region.

Explorer Don Gaspar de Portola set foot on…

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