Santa Cruz Real Estate's Blog: Santa Cruz real estate and general topics

Capitola California has been a beach town for well over 100 years and has many interesting neighboring areas,including Pot Belly Beach to the south. Many from all parts of the San Francisco Bay have surrendered their summers to Capitola's shores. Capitola used to be a beach town that had a grand hotel and quite a lively business up until the late 1920's. It tragically went down to fire as many did in that day.

Up the streeet at the top of the hill was the train depot that brought passengers from afar. Of course, before that, it was all horse and buggy. The train depot would later be reinvigorated to spendor as the Inn at Depot Hill. The hill or plateau above this town became known as Depot Hill. You can learn more of Capitola and its' communities,…

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Santa Cruz real estate market has opportunitie and pockets of strength

The Santa Cruz real estate market has pockets of strong life.It is what you are looking for and where that determines the strength. There are many first time buyers looking, which great. These sales median prices are from June 2008 versus a year ago and show  trends, some surprising. Look at the month before Santa Cruz real estate statistics .

Santa Cruz vacation and retirement buyers are looking as well and seem to be more interested in the ocean fronting properties. We have more Santa Cruz beach houses available and those nearby in other areas, which gives more choice than normal. This is a great time to show for that retirement home at a discount.

First time buyers have a great…

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Most recently we have had a number of weather events in the media. Flooding in Iowa, and fires here in Corralitos and just this week in Bonny Doon. Real estate in Bonny Doon is varied as the terrain. The area is ruggedly beautiful in areas and gently beautiful in others. There is a wide array of land from towering redwoods to rolling farmland to beautiful vistas over the valley towards Loma Prieta. This is truly a beautiful place if you want some peace of mind and don't want to be too far out.

Bonny Doon is located about 20 minutes north of Santa Cruz. It is a quiet little community that revolves around the Bonny Doon Fire and Rescue Department( all volunteer) and the school. The latter doubling as a meeting center. The fire that just scorched a bunch of…

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So today is another day in life . For some it is a special day they get to be treated like a king, for others it is a day to sell something. While in real estate we'd like to think a kind wife would buy her husband a beach house or the ski chateau, but that happens with rare frequency. Maybe it shouldn't ,and this should be a mothers and fathers day gift to each of you?

As Lexus has tried to sell the idea of buying a 50 or 60 thousand dollar car as a gift, that is more plausible to most, from a financial standpoint. In the Santa Cruz area, almost any real estate is going to cost you $300,000 as a minimun. So if we were to consider what you would pay, cash, for the Lexus, that would be a good down payment on an entry level condominium. So instead of 5…

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You know these stamp changes are a pain. At least postage does not change as fast, and as often as gasoline. I mail letters and sometimes colorful postcards of new real estate listings in Santa Cruz to clients. Since what I mail varies; I have a variety of stamps. Then the postage changes and I have more stamps to make up for the one or two cents that I am short for a first class. So I have a bunch of stamps.In fact a messy drawer full of stamps.

When I mail here in Aptos, there is often a line. It is better in Capitola, and they are always helpful. Just the other day I was in the Santa Cruz post office and I mentioned I had a drawer full of stamps, some of which had no denomination. So does anyone know the value of the stamp with the statue of liberty…

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We often have questions of value. In real estate that is a subjective question. How much is something worth is in part, in the eyes of the beholder. I have many times discussed Santa Cruz real estate prices with colleagues. These discussions have ranged from past history,what is going on with current offers that are out, and what the media mood seems to be.Currently for the second time in recent times I am in a multiple offer again. Yes folks, in all markets, a select few see things just the same way and all make offers on the same property.

In Capitola there is limited supply, so the discussion is more of how close it is to the village. In Rio Del Mar, it might be whether it has an ocean view or not. So value is a subjective thing based upon supply and…

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No one is happy about it, but no matter how we try, our bodies eventually begin to grow old.  Just because we get old, however, it does not mean we have to accept a life filled with misery.  In fact, given the right location and surrounding, there is no reason why your senior years can’t be just as fulfilling as your younger years were.  Not only can you find your elder years to be a very enjoyable time, when given the right location and activities, you can continue to find yourself growing closer to your family as well.

Of course, the right location to help you stay active and involved with your family would need to have pleasant weather year round, be located near places of stunning natural beauty, have a healthy climate with limited pollution, and…

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This is the most recent sales activity for the Santa Cruz County region of California. While sales are down and prices are down, the prudent buyers are starting to snap up deals.

There are still some great values to be had ,with the condo market generally the softest . Get that ocean view beach condo while the prices are low. Call me for the places at 831-818-7524 or visit my www.propertyinsantacruz .com site to find these great values.

 

Data is for the most recent four weeks

Reporting resale single family residences and condos as well as new homes * % Change is from the same month last year.

 

 

SANTA CRUZ

through 04/25/2008

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