Rental crunch has Santa Cruz city officials looking for new solutions.

There could be some new regulations coming from the Santa Cruz City Council in regards to secondary dwellings on your property. Often referred to as 'in-law suites", these detached homes are built with the intention of having somewhere for guests and extended family to stay when they visit, but many homeowners have discovered that they also make great income properties for short-term rentals too, like Airbnb. They're currently unregulated, but the city is considering changing that based on the current need for longer-term rentals.

The Council is concerned that these short-term rentals are leaving fewer and fewer options for long-term renters, like students and newcomers, which…

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Whether you're thinking of having a ghoulish good time with ghosts and guests at your own pumpkin patch or are thinking of heading out for a night on the town, here are a few ideas of things going on in Santa Cruz this Halloween season!

Get Your Monster Mash On

Bust a move at Laurel Park on Saturday, October 24th. Learn the basics and 'Thrill The World' at this flashmob ode to the late Michael Jackson's Thriller. There's a training day on October 17th, and then you'll be ready to strut your stuff on the day of the event.

21st Annual Freakers Ball

This annual adult-only ghostly gala takes place at the Catalyst on Halloween night. Costume is required and tickets start at $25. Over 12 of the hottest acts in the city come together to put on six…

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Top Tech Trends For Your Santa Cruz Home

As technology has evolved, so too have our daily habits. Learn more about how to make your home more interconnected with these ultra-modern, high-tech gadgets that can help simplify your living an add value to your home.

Phillips Hue LED Light Bulbs

Remember the ‘Clapper’? Imagine that, but modernized. Hue light bulbs allow you to fully customize the light in your home. Did you forget to turn the lights off? Want to change the mood of the room? Well, there’s an app for that. The bulbs come with a fully selectable spectrum of colors and light that’s programmable through the smartphone and online app.

Bluetooth Deadbolts & Locks

Has your kid lost their home keys again? Are you sick of fumbling…

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Where Are All The Homes For Sale In Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz real estate market report, sept & oct 2015California Association Of REALTORS® Study Finds Alarming Trends

While home prices continue to rise, homeowners who were once thinking about capitalizing on the value of their home are reconsidering the idea. A study from the California Association of REALTORS® found that more than one-third of California homeowners have thought about selling their home in the past year in an attempt to cash in on the boom, but a majority of them weren't able to afford another home if they sold the one they had. In addition to the affordability crunch, the higher property taxes are another factor that's keeping residents in their current homes.

In the first quarter of 2012, when housing in California was the most…

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