Santa Cruz & Silicon Valley Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

March 13, 2024

CURIOUS WHAT YOUR HOME IS REALLY WORTH?

The discrepancy between the mainstream online home value sites like Zillow & Redfin and what your home is actually worth, can be miles apart, we've even seen it as much as $500K over or under actual value. While our home value tool can give you that instant gratification, all you need to do is REACH OUT and we'll do the due diligence necessary to get you an actual number that's fitting to what's really going on.

Here's a quick peek at our process to get you the number you're anxiously waiting for:

Posted in Resources, Sellers
March 13, 2024

HOW TO KNOW THE SECOND YOUR DREAM HOME HITS THE MARKET

 

Whether you're actively house hunting and have specific streets or neighborhoods bookmarked on your wish list across Santa Cruz County, or you just want to know the second your neighbor's house goes on the market, our custom alert system is super easy to set up (we'll even do it for you) and you'll be notified the instant there's activity in your "zone of interest." Access the tool HERE, or EMAIL us to get started.

Here's our quick video on how exactly it works:

Posted in Buyers, Resources, Sellers
March 13, 2024

3 Least Expensive Homes for Sale in Santa Cruz County

805 Fanning Grade Ben Lomond
This week we're looking at the 3 least expensive homes for sale in Santa Cruz County. 

Now, not just any house for sale makes the list... we've specifically chosen homes that...

  • Came on the market in the past 7 days
  • Are detached single family homes (not condos or townhouses)
  • Are practically move-in ready (no fixer uppers or homes in need of major repair)

A Tiny Home Near the Beach

306 Doane St, Santa Cruz isn't going to be for everybody, because it is very small, at just over 400 square feet of living space. But where else can you get a detached residence just 3 blocks to the beach? And it's cute as a button to boot...

https://www.efhomes.com/property/ML81957072/

An Abundance of Natural Light... in the Redwoods

Those aren't two phrases you typically put together, as living in the deep redwood forests usually doesn't mean loads of natural light. But the oversized windows of 805 Fanning Grade, Ben Lomond let in plenty of that natural goodness.

https://www.efhomes.com/property/ML81956759/

Living room of 805 Fanning Grade in Ben Lomond

Senior Living in Watsonville

708 Almond Dr, Watsonville is updated and move-in ready, located in the 55+ community of Adult Village.

https://www.efhomes.com/property/ML81957055/

708 Almond Living Room

More Homes for Sale in Santa Cruz County

Looking for something else? Check out the most up to date list of homes for sale in Santa Cruz County by clicking the link below (and since you're reading a post about cheap homes, we've already sorted the list by cheapest homes first).

Click Here for Cheapest Homes for Sale in Santa Cruz County

Posted in Buyers
March 6, 2024

HOW TO BUY YOUR NEXT HOME BEFORE YOU SELL YOUR CURRENT HOME

How To Buy Before You Sell

 

The financial options are EXTENSIVE and that’s why the ability to BUY BEFORE YOU SELL is 100% possible. The number of financial products available through our vetted partners is just off the charts and there’s likely an option perfect for your situation whether it’s moving across town or the country, it’s never too early to plan.

 

We do also mention our Ready To Sell Program to get your home up to speed with today’s trends to get top dollar. PLUS you won’t need to handle contractors and Home Depot runs, that’s what we do for you, in record time. This program is exclusive to EF Homes and Keller Williams. We do all the heavy lifting to make this a super seamless process that maximizes your ROI (Return On Investment), so it’s the items that can double or triple the investment that are our focus.

 

The beauty of this is that all enhancements are factored into the closing costs so you never have to pay out of pocket.

 

You'll be able to transform your property, including:

 

Exterior/Interior Paint

Roof Repair

Bathroom / Kitchen Enhancements

Repair / Replace Flooring

Cosmetic Renovations

Overhaul Landscaping

 

We're here to help and can't wait to explain the details on all the attributes of BUYING BEFORE SELLING, we're extremely excited and look forward to speaking with you.

 

Before you go, have you checked out our library of resources, including our READY TO Sell program mentioned above, allowing 0% financing for 12 months to fix up bathrooms, your roof, landscaping and so much more so you can sell your home at top value. Plus, our Mortgage & Home Value Calculators will help you crunch your numbers.

 

Don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter so you don’t miss out on all our news, trends and market information to keep you in the know too as it’s released each week. Our EFHomes.com/blog has all the resources we’ve mentioned waiting for you.

 

Thank you for letting us be your Santa Cruz County Real Estate resource,

-Erick Fernandez

 

Feb. 26, 2024

FEBRUARY 2024 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY MARKET WATCH

 

THE HOT SPRING MARKET IS HERE: The Stats Don’t Tell The Full Story, Here’s What To Know As A Buyer OR Seller

February 2024 MARKET WATCH

 

The Spring real estate market is already here and the roster of homes in the line up for buyers to choose from is growing by the day. From countless multiple offers to sellers pulling out all the stops to prep their homes, the Santa Cruz County real estate market is HOT and we’re just getting started! Watch this February 2024 edition of Market Watch as Erick Fernandez and Jason Flynn break down the tale of two markets, the one the stats portray VERSUS what we see taking place right before our eyes.

 

It doesn’t matter which side of the deal you’re on, we’re here to guide you through this market and we recognize everyone’s situation is different, so we recommend getting in touch with us sooner than later so we can strategically prepare you for your jump into real estate. Whether you’re a first time buyer or a veteran seller, let’s chat and make sure you’re using all the resources you have available to you.

 

We hope you enjoyed this edition of Market Watch. Have you checked out our library of resources including our recently published DOWNSIZING SERIES our READY TO Sell program allowing 0% financing for 12 months to fix up bathrooms, your roof, landscaping and so much more so you can sell your home at top value. Plus, our Mortgage & Home Value Calculators will help you crunch your numbers.

 

Don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter so you don’t miss out on all our news, trends and market information to keep you in the know too as it’s released each week. Our EFHomes.com/blog has all the resources we’ve mentioned waiting for you.

 

Thank you for letting us be your Santa Cruz County real estate resource!

-Erick Fernandez

 

 

Posted in Market Updates
Feb. 21, 2024

Getting Your Homes Ready to Sell This Spring

Get Your Home Ready to Sell This Spring

Spring is around the corner, and if you're considering putting your home on the market, now is the opportune moment to start prepping. As the real estate market gears up for its busiest season, ensuring your home stands out among the competition is crucial. Here are some essential tips to get your home market-ready:

Clear the Clutter and Organize

First impressions are everything. Before listing your home, invest time in decluttering and organizing each room. Clearing out excess items not only makes spaces appear larger and cleaner but also allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. As Moving.com highlights, decluttering and organizing are vital steps in appealing to potential buyers.

Deep Clean the Kitchen and Bathrooms

The kitchen and bathrooms are focal points for many buyers. Ensure these areas shine by giving them a thorough deep cleaning. Pay attention to details like scrubbing grout lines, polishing fixtures, and keeping countertops clear. A sparkling kitchen and bathroom leave a lasting positive impression on prospective buyers.

 

Maintain Your Yard

 

Curb appeal matters. Your home's exterior is the first thing potential buyers see, so it's essential to make a good impression. Take the time to maintain your yard by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and removing any debris. A well-kept yard not only enhances curb appeal but also indicates that the home has been well cared for, as noted by U.S. News.

 

Partner with a Listing Agent

 

A knowledgeable listing agent can be instrumental in minimizing stress during the selling process. Rely on your agent for guidance on decluttering, staging, and maximizing your home's appeal. Their expertise in market trends and recommendations for contractors and stagers can be invaluable, according to Realtor.com.

In Conclusion

By decluttering, deep cleaning, and maintaining your home's exterior, you can create an inviting atmosphere that resonates with buyers, increasing your chances of a successful sale. Let's collaborate to ensure your home is ready to hit the market this spring. Reach out to discuss your next steps.

Posted in Sellers
Jan. 30, 2024

Debunking the Negative Headlines: Home Prices Are on the Rise

A Closer Look at Home Price Trends

If you’re following the news today, you may feel a bit unsure about what’s happening with home prices and fear whether or not the worst is yet to come. That’s because today’s headlines are painting an unnecessarily negative picture. Contrary to those headlines, home prices aren’t in a freefall. The latest data tells a very different and much more positive story. Local home price trends still vary by market, but here’s what the national data tells us.

Encouraging Signs: Stabilization and Rebound in the Market

If we take a year-over-year view, home prices stayed positive – they just appreciated more slowly than they did at the peak of the pandemic. To get a more detailed picture of some of the trends in the market, we need to look at monthly data.

 

The story this more detailed monthly view tells us is that the last year has been a tale of two halves in the housing market. In the first half of 2022, home prices were climbing, and they peaked in June. Then, in July, home prices started to decline (shown in red in the graphs above). And by roughly August or September, the trend began to stabilize. As we look at the most recent data for the early part of 2023, these graphs also show a recent rebound in momentum with prices ticking back up. Monthly changes in home prices are gaining steam as we move into the busier spring season.

While one to two months doesn’t make a trend, the fact that all three reports show prices have stabilized is an encouraging sign for the housing market. The month-over-month data conveys a clear, but early, consensus that a national shift is taking place today. In essence, home prices are starting to tick back up.

Andy Walden, Vice President of Enterprise Research at Black Knight, says this about home price trends:

 

“Just five months ago, prices were declining on a seasonally adjusted month-over-month basis in 92% of all major U.S. markets. Fast forward to March, and the situation has done a literal 180, with prices now rising in 92% of markets from February.”

 

Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains the limited supply of homes available for sale is contributing to this positive turn:

 

“ . . . prices in many large metros appeared to have turned the corner, with the U.S. recording a second month of consecutive monthly gains. . . . The monthly rebound in home prices underscores the lack of inventory in this housing cycle.”

 

What This Means for Sellers and Buyers

Here’s What This Means for You

Sellers: If you’ve been holding off on selling because you’re worried about what was happening with home prices and how it would impact the value of your home, it may be time to jump back in and partner with an agent to list your house. You don’t have to put your needs on hold any longer because the latest data shows a turn in your favor.

 

Buyers: If you’ve been waiting to buy because you didn’t want to purchase something that would decrease in value, you now have the peace of mind things are looking up. Buying now lets you make your move before home prices climb more and gives you the chance to own an asset that typically grows in value over time.

Bottom Line

If you put off your plans to move because you were worried about home prices falling, data shows the worst is already behind us and prices are actually rising nationally. Let’s connect so you have an expert on the local market to explain what we’re seeing with home prices in our area.

Posted in Buyers, Sellers
Jan. 25, 2024

JANUARY 2024 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY MARKET WATCH

 

THE 2024 SANTA CRUZ REAL ESTATE MARKET IS ALREADY HEATING UP, HERE’S WHAT’S COMING

 

January 2024 MARKET WATCH

 

The 2024 Santa Cruz real estate market has everyone asking what’s next? Is the buyer’s market on its way, why are so many homes not listed online, and so many more questions are answered in this January 2024 edition of Market Watch as Erick and Jason break down the stats from 2023 and give you a supremely good sense of where the real estate market is headed here in Q1 2024.

 

0:00 How’s the Santa Cruz real estate market?

 

0:30 What are 2023 stats & takeaways for buyers & sellers?

 

2:04 What did Q4 2023 tell us as 2024 gets started?

 

2:16 Full 2023 vs 2023 comparison: New Listings, Listings Sold & Median Sales Price

 

2:55 What inventory looks like coming off of 2023

 

3:30 Why are close to 30% of homes for sale not on Zillow and Redfin?

 

4:45 2024 Spring Santa Cruz County real estate predictions

 

5:32 How do interest rates affect Santa Cruz homes for sale?

 

7:07 How to get a personalized real estate update

 

 

It doesn’t matter which side of the deal you’re on, we’re here to guide you through this market and we recognize everyone’s situation is different, so we recommend getting in touch with us sooner than later so we can strategically prepare you for your jump into real estate. Whether you’re a first time buyer or a veteran seller, let’s chat and make sure you’re using all the resources you have available to you.

 

We hope you enjoyed this edition of Market Watch. Have you checked out our library of resources, including our READY TO Sell program allowing 0% financing for 12 months to fix up bathrooms, your roof, landscaping and so much more so you can sell your home at top value. Plus, our Mortgage & Home Value Calculators will help you crunch your numbers.

 

And if you just want to stay in the know when it comes to your neighborhood or your dream street across the Bay, state, or nation, our personalized alert tool will let you know the second a property comes on the market...we'll even set it up for you!

 

Don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter so you don’t miss out on all our news, trends and market information to keep you in the know too as it’s released each week. Our EFHomes.com/blog has all the resources we’ve mentioned waiting for you.

 

Thank you for letting us be your real estate resource!

-Erick Fernandez

Posted in Market Updates
Jan. 2, 2024

DOWNSIZE CHAPTER 2: HOW TO USE PROP 19

THE ART OF THE DOWNSIZE CHECKLIST SERIES

 

CHAPTER TWO: Proposition 19

The very thought of downsizing may be overwhelming, but your vision of the end result is what has brought you here. In this series we’re covering the six important steps or chapters in this case to go through as you navigate the process. If you’ve missed a step or want to skip ahead, just head to our online Downsizing Headquarters to get what you need. This includes our downloadable The Art of the Downsize workbook that walks you through all the little details to consider and have as part of your process to make your downsizing that much easier.

In this episode, we cover the game changer that is California's Prop 19. It continues to be a well kept secret since its April 2021 introduction. Basically, Prop 19 allows you to keep that lower tax basis you might already have from being in your home for potentially multiple decades and take it anywhere within Santa Cruz County or anywhere else throughout the State of CA. Basically, if you or your co-owner are 55 and over or you have a homeowner with certain disabilities, you’re a military veteran, or you're a victim of recent wildfires or natural disasters, you will likely now qualify for this awesome opportunity. 

 

As a specialist on Proposition 19, I’m here to answer all your questions, so feel free to reach out via email, text or phone and we’ll get you the details you need as there are some intricacies to dive into that may even be able to open up additional opportunity.

 

We hope you enjoyed this overview of the series we’ve developed for anyone considering a future downsize. Have you checked out our library of resources, including our READY TO Sell program allowing 0% financing for 12 months to fix up bathrooms, your roof, landscaping and so much more so you can sell your home at top value. Plus, our Mortgage & Home Value Calculators will help you crunch your numbers.

 

Don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter so you don’t miss out on all our news, trends and market information to keep you in the know too as it’s released each week. Our Vlog Bio or EFHomes.com/blog has all the resources we’ve mentioned waiting for you.

 

Thank you for letting us be your real estate resource!

-Erick Fernandez

 

 

Posted in DOWNSIZING, Prop 19, Sellers
Jan. 2, 2024

DOWNSIZE CHAPTER 1: EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

 

THE ART OF THE DOWNSIZE CHECKLIST SERIES

CHAPTER ONE: Explore Your Options

 

The very thought of downsizing may be overwhelming, but your vision of the end result is what has brought you here. In this series we’re covering the six important steps or chapters in this case to go through as you navigate the process. If you’ve missed a step or want to skip ahead, just head to our online Downsizing Headquarters to get what you need. This includes our downloadable The Art of the Downsize workbook that walks you through all the little details to consider and have as part of your process to make your downsizing that much easier.

 

In this episode, we cover the initial step of really weighing what your downsize looks like. Maybe it’s purely location for walkability and access to essentials or maybe it’s the format of your home and the elements of that arrangement. As we mention in this video, your timeline might be off in the distance, but there could be logistics, whether tax or timing-related so it’s always best to reach out to us. From taking advantage of our system that emails you the second a new home of your specifications in a particular market comes on the market to our Ready To Sell program that gets your upgrades taken care of with just handing us the keys…it’s worth a chat with us via phone, text or email, or just drop by our upper Capitola Village location next to Gayle’s Bakery.

 

And as we always say, it’s never too early to begin planning as there could be anything from tax advantages to deadlines that could be a gamechanger to your situation so it’s always best to have a chat with us as we live and breathe downsizing with our clients on a daily basis.

 

We hope you enjoyed this overview of the series we’ve developed for anyone considering a future downsize. Have you checked out our library of resources, including our READY TO Sell program allowing 0% financing for 12 months to fix up bathrooms, your roof, landscaping and so much more so you can sell your home at top value. Plus, our Mortgage & Home Value Calculators will help you crunch your numbers.

 

Don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter so you don’t miss out on all our news, trends and market information to keep you in the know too as it’s released each week. Our Vlog Bio or EFHomes.com/blog has all the resources we’ve mentioned waiting for you.

 

Thank you for letting us be your real estate resource!

-Erick Fernandez

 

 

Posted in DOWNSIZING, Sellers