By LC Kelly "Find the Silver Lining" If I had a dollar for every amazing buyer who wanted  to own a home but froze at the first lender checklist, I’d have my own mini-estate by now. Not kidding. Mi gente, let’s get real: showing up to see a lender’s list of documents shouldn’t feel like a threat; yet many of you walk in convinced that if you don’t make exactly  what they ask, you’ll be stuck in debt forever or risk foreclosure. That fear doesn’t just slow you down, it stops y

(A Story About Opportunity, Timing, and the Return of Balance in Real Estate) For nearly four years, the housing market has felt like a whirlwind. Fast, unpredictable, and at times overwhelming for everyday families. Anyone who tried to buy between 2020 and 2024 remembers the bidding wars, the wave of all-cash offers, and the pressure to make life-changing decisions in minutes. Prices soared, rates climbed, and inventory seemed to evaporate overnight. Many hopeful buyers quie

Rare new construction offered at 4.99% The real estate market often shifts with the seasons, but this November, a notable change is catching the attention of both buyers and sellers. After months of uncertainty and rising interest rates, the recent drop in mortgage rates is sparking renewed enthusiasm among homebuyers. This shift is reshaping the winter market, traditionally slower, into a more active and promising period. Understanding how these lower rates affect your buyin

By Leslie Cruz-Kelly, Your Bay-to-Beach Realtor® Fall is one of the most magical seasons here in Santa Cruz. Between the crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and cozy gatherings, there’s no better time to not only enjoy our community but also to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. If you’re a homeowner thinking about maximizing comfort, lowering energy bills, and adding value before selling, fall is the perfect season for upgrades. And if you’re not moving anytime soon

Santa Cruz has always been one of California’s most unique real estate markets. With its stunning coastline, eclectic culture, strong...

Find out what homes you can lock in for 30 years and 4.99% fixed...

"Home equity" gets tossed around a lot in real estate conversations—but what does it actually mean, and why should it matter to you?...

Economy: Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Real GDP reflects the total value of goods and services produced within Santa Cruz County and...

The Santa Cruz real estate market has seen significant changes in the year-to-date landscape. As local residents looking to buy, sell, or...

Dear Friends and Neighbors, As someone who has navigated challenges in my own journey, I understand how overwhelming life can feel when...

The real estate landscape is shifting with the upcoming NAR settlement  changes set to take effect on August 17, 2024. Many real estate...

Earlier this month, the Santa Cruz City Council had the audacity to reject a crucial proposal aimed at eliminating the unfair treatment...

Relocating to a new state is a big step, one that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. As you embark on this journey, it's essential...

The peak moving season is upon us. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September.1 And while...

From wildfires to floods, the past few years have brought a historic number of devastating climate and weather events to the United...

From wildfires to floods, the past few years have brought a historic number of devastating climate and weather events to the United...

One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to make it truly your own with design choices that reflect your personality and...

A growing share of home buyers and sellers sat on the sidelines last year as the pace of home sales continued its downward trajectory.1...

It's the most wonderful time of the year. But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it's also the most wasteful....

Helpful tips to make your home look stylish for small dent on the wallet.