- Tom Brezsny

It’s Halloween in Santa Cruz

October 24, 2024It’s almost Halloween in Santa Cruz! Time to get your game- face on and button up your costumed alter-ego. Here on the reservation, we embrace this night with a particular passion.   I’m going to be heading to the big real estate Halloween party you probably don’t even know about. Think Burning Man – but just for Realtors.  It always ends at midnight when they crank up the David Byrne song and torch a giant effigy of a suburban tract house. It started fifteen years ago,...

- Tom Brezsny

It isn’t Just for the 1% Anymore

October 18, 2024We’re talking about staging. And how it has morphed over the years from casual afterthought to an indispensable part of the everyday routine that goes into prepping most homes for the market. At least for those sellers who are committed to getting the best results from the sale of their homes. In the old days, staging was the exception rather than the rule, something that agents saw as “extra effort” or an “added expense”. Or as something that only pertained to higher-priced listings owned by...

- Marika Strauss

Embracing Community: The Benefits of Living in Cohousing

October 17, 2024In a world that often feels disconnected and isolating, cohousing offers a refreshing alternative. This innovative living arrangement combines private residences with shared communal spaces, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among residents. Here are some of the many benefits of living in a cohousing community. 1. Strong Sense of Community One of the most significant advantages of cohousing is the strong sense of belonging it creates. Residents often share meals, organize events, and engage in community projects. This camaraderie not only enhances social...

- Dax Nollenberger

Luxury Cars in Santa Cruz: Where Style Meets the Open Road

October 11, 2024Santa Cruz might be known for its surf and laid-back coastal lifestyle, but it’s also a hidden gem for luxury car enthusiasts. High-performance vehicles often make their way over the hill from Silicon Valley, where tech executives and car lovers alike bring their Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches to enjoy the scenic beauty and unmatched driving experiences along Highway 1. It’s not uncommon for visitors to come for a drive and fall in love with the area, drawn by both the scenery and the unique charm...

- Tom Brezsny

Back When it Was “Staging-Light”

October 11, 2024Today’s Question: How did we ever manage to sell homes back in the old days when staging wasn’t a “thing” like it is now? Especially when so few Sellers or Agents were inclined to put much effort into painting, primping or preparing new listings before they hit the market?   Did those hundreds of places I sold back in the 90s just get up and sell themselves? By today’s standards, they were a motley assortment of fixer-uppers and former rentals. A slew of 60s ranch homes...