community spotlight, rio del mar

Located in the Aptos area of California, just a short distance east of Santa Cruz, the neighborhood of Rio Del Mar overlooks the waters of Monterey Bay from its winding streets and rolling bluffs. Homes in Rio Del Mar display a varied range of California beachside properties, from frame-and-board cottages, to modernist bungalows, to Spanish-revival haciendas. Balconies and walkways are common for talking in the beautiful ocean or fairway views.

Community Attractions in Rio Del Mar, CA

From Rio Del Mar you can descend to Rio, Platform or Beer Can beach to enjoy miles of sandy shores, grassy banks, and surf-friendly waves. Or, visit the world-class Seascape Golf Club for a round of golf. Rio Del Mar's many ridges and valleys are full of surprising…

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everything you need to know about buying an eco-friendly home in santa cruz, ca

It's hard to live around Santa Cruz and not develop a deep love of nature. The beautiful and breathtaking landscapes invite reverence and respect at every turn.

As such, Santa Cruz residents and the city's government have a long-standing commitment to making local real estate as eco-friendly as possible. Part of that effort is making our homes more environmentally friendly.

Many people want to buy a "green" home in Santa Cruz, yet there's still a lot of lingering confusion as to what exactly "green" means. Are you interested in learning how to spot an eco-friendly home, and what the benefits of owning such a home might be?

Well, we've got the information you're looking for right here:

What Is "Eco-Friendly" Anyway?

We hear a lot of…

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If you're looking for an investment property in Santa Cruz, then you're looking in the right place. Whether you're looking for a rental, or vacation property, or second home, the Santa Cruz real estate market has a lot of opportunities for building your wealth.

However, as with any property investment, the costs and risks are significant, so you'll want to make the decision carefully and based on the best information available. Still on board?

Here we'll discuss some of the factors to consider when looking for an investment property in Santa Cruz, as well as the best areas to go for.

Click here to jump directly to the list of recommended investment communities around Santa Cruz, or keep reading for more information on buying investment…

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There are many great reasons to sell your home in the spring. The biggest of these is the weather - not only are more people out and looking for homes, but homes look a lot better too.

So, spring tends to be the time when we see a lot more homes on the market, and a lot more people buying them. What's the downside?

Competition. You're going to have to work a bit harder to make your home stand out from the rest. To help you along, here's a list of 4 areas where you can focus to ensure that your home sells in a timely manner, and at a price that's good for you.

Let's get started.

1) Right Time, Right Price

When people are ready to buy something, usually the final decision comes down to that "something" appearing at the right time and…

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what's next for santa cruz real in 2019

The real estate market in Santa Cruz has been on such an upward trajectory for the last 10 years that many have been wondering, "how much longer"?

Well, it's finally here: 2019 should be the year when things level out into a more balanced market.

However, as we'll see, some issues remain for buyers...

National Real Estate Projections for 2019

Rapid gains over the last 10 years have erased the losses of 2008. Now we're expecting to enter a cooler market in 2019, favoring buyers a little more than in the past.

However, "greater balance" shouldn't be interpreted to mean stagnation, or even a new status quo. First, prices are still expected to rise, just at a slower rate. And second, where this slowing down goes is still unknown - it could…

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305 & 307 34th ave in santa cruz, ca

Mediterranean Pleasure Point Villa

A slate path, stucco arched entryway, tiled roof, and wrought iron details on the front door and patio railing above bring Mediterranean-style to this large Pleasure Point home, which features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths in the main house and a 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment attached to the 2-car garage. The foyer has a tiled floor and graceful stairway with another wrought iron railing, illuminated by ceiling-level windows above.

The stairs lead upstairs to the open floor plan living spaces. A large, carpeted living room has recessed lights, banks of windows, and a fireplace with a custom plaster hearth along an angled corner of the room. French doors lead to a large, slate tiled deck space with plenty of additional…

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6 great ways to spend new years in santa cruz 2018/2019

Are you still wondering how to spend New Year’s Eve in Santa Cruz?

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive list of New Year’s parties and activities happening in the Santa Cruz area. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled night with drinks, five-course dinners, and sparklers or you are searching for an unconventional and unforgettable way to celebrate, we have something in our list for you.

Check out six great ways to spend New Year’s in Santa Cruz below.

Celebrate in Style

Seascape Beach Resort: New Year's Eve Party
Location: Seascape Beach Resort — 1 Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos
Date: December 31st, 2018
Time: 7:00pm - 12:30am
Price: $150

If you love the glitz and glam of a New Year’s Eve cocktail party, you might…

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where to get great, las-minute gift in & around santa cruz

If you have some last minute shopping to do, and you're in Santa Cruz, then you're in luck!

This town is just brimming with unique retail options, perfect for finding that charming one-of-a-kind gift, or even that I-don't-really-have-time-to-shop gift that's guaranteed to be a hit.

Clothes, homeware, and specialty food items are the big highlight in Santa Cruz, so buckle-up, we're going shopping!

Where to Get Great Last-Minute Gifts in Santa Cruz

Home/Work

Along Soquel Avenue, east of the San Lorenzo River, this store presents a carefully selected range of vintage, and hand-made designer items including decorative ceramics, block-printed fabrics, rugs, pillows, soaps, jewelry, and restored furniture.

Styles, eras, and materials mix…

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Why Winter Is A Great Time to Buy A Home in Santa Cruz

Now that we’re well into November, are you starting to lose hope in your Santa Cruz home search?

Think again.

Even with Santa Cruz’s mild temperatures and gorgeous year-round landscaping, it seems as though sellers and buyers alike choose to hit pause on their real estate journeys until springtime rolls around. The holiday season often puts a stall on the Santa Cruz real estate market, but this can mean more opportunity for the determined and flexible buyer.

While there may be less inventory available, winter can be an ideal time to buy in Santa Cruz; you might just find your dream home at the right price.

If you’re planning to halt your Santa Cruz real estate search until the new year, here are just a few reasons to reconsider.

Santa…

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