Santa Cruz, CA Real Estate Blog

Approach to the 13th Green at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Babcock – Pasatiempo Golf Club. Natural splendor, outdoor activities, cultural diversity, and a close-knit community are all things that Santa Cruz real estate has in spades. It has made this place a popular choice among those looking for a unique and satisfying coastal lifestyle in California. The people of Santa Cruz have a stellar reputation for being very communal. Many local activities, such as farmers' markets and neighborhood get-togethers, bring people from the area together and make everyone feel at home.   The surrounding redwood forests, like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, offer residents easy access to breathtaking stands of old trees, and there are lots of places to hike, camp, and unwind by the beach. The local real estate market is also experiencing tremendous growth. Here are some of Santa Cruz's most sought-after neighborhoods for prospective homeowners. Santa Cruz's Top 7 Best Places to Buy Real Est...

It can take time to figure out what to do when buying a house. Having options is crucial and can help protect both buyers and sellers. Some conditions or terms must be met before a real estate deal can go through. The deal can be broken without fees if these conditions aren't met. This piece will detail the different kinds of contingencies, their importance, and how to get rid of them so that the home-buying process goes smoothly.   What are Real Estate Contingencies/ Contract Contingencies Contract contingencies must be met for a real estate deal to be legally binding. Parts of real estate contracts called "contingencies" let buyers and sellers back out of the deal if certain conditions are unmet. These conditions must be met to protect both parties and ensure that the whole home-buying process is finished to everyone's satisfaction. Types of Real Estate Contingencies Financing Contingency A financial contingency, also called a mortgage contingency, lets the buyer ba...

One of life's greatest thrills for a Californian is becoming the owner of one of those beautiful  homes for sale in Santa Cruz, CA . But let's be honest: Figuring out the amount of a home you can afford can be daunting. No one wants to go into a house mortgage to find out they cannot repay it. The question now is,  what kind of house can I afford ? Now, let's dissect it for you. The "Should vs Could" of Mortgage Affordability Determine how much you really need to borrow, not how much you could, before you give any  homes for sale  ads any more attention and apply for a mortgage. "Should" refers to the mortgage amount that aligns with your aspirations and financial situation in the far future. It considers items like income, spending, and retirement or emergency savings.   The "could" indicates the highest possible home loan amount a lender will provide you, considering your income, credit score, and other relevant variables. It may be tempting ...

  Are you seeking to safeguard your investment or ensure the integrity of your dream home in Santa Cruz? Look no further! In this informative guide, we'll explore the myriad types of home inspections essential for navigating the real estate landscape with confidence and peace of mind. From pest infestations to structural integrity, each inspection serves as a vital checkpoint in the journey toward homeownership or property maintenance. Join us as we embark on a journey of different kinds of home inspection, empowering you to make informed decisions and secure the sanctity of your Santa Cruz abode. What are the Different Kinds of Home Inspections? General Inspection The most important part of any property review is the general home inspection, which looks at the whole house to see how it's doing. An experienced home inspector carefully checks every part of a house, such as the structure, the outside, the inside, the roof, the plumbing, the electricity, the heating, ventilation, ...