- Dax Nollenberger

What You Can Actually Build on Your Property in Santa Cruz County

July 31, 2025If you’ve ever wondered “Can I add an ADU?” “Could I split my lot?” “Can I do more with my land?” — you’re not alone. Zoning questions come up all the time in Santa Cruz County, and for good reason: every parcel is unique, and knowing what’s truly possible can help you plan smart and avoid surprises. Why Zoning Matters and How It Helps You Zoning rules spell out what you can do with your land: adding living space, starting small-scale agriculture, or planning improvements...

- Dax Nollenberger

How to Sell a Home in Santa Cruz With Unpermitted Structures

July 30, 2025If you’re a homeowner in Santa Cruz with an unpermitted addition, garage conversion, or backyard unit, you’re not alone. Plenty of local homes, especially older ones, have improvements done over the years without full permits. The good news? You can still sell your home, and you may even get more than you think as long as you handle it the right way. What Is an Unpermitted Structure? An unpermitted structure is any addition, remodel, or conversion that was built without the necessary city or county...

- Dax Nollenberger

Selling and Buying in the Same Market: A Santa Cruz Homeowner’s Guide

July 29, 2025Selling your home and buying another at the same time can feel overwhelming, but more homeowners in Santa Cruz are doing it successfully right now. It just takes a smart plan, realistic timing, and the right tools to bridge the gap. Why It’s Working Right Now Over the past year, we’ve seen more inventory hit the market, giving buyers more choices than they had during the ultra-competitive pandemic years. This means you’re less likely to be forced into a bidding war where you have to...

- Dax Nollenberger

What to Expect When Renting Your Property in Santa Cruz County

July 28, 2025Santa Cruz County’s mix of coastal charm, tight housing supply, and year-round demand has created one of the most competitive rental markets in the country. Whether you own a beachside bungalow, a mountain cabin, or an in-town duplex, understanding the local rental landscape is essential before you decide to lease your property. Long-Term Rentals: Stable Income in a Strong Market Rental rates here remain among the highest in California. Recent Rentometer data gives a clear picture: Unit Type Average Rent Median 25th Percentile 75th Percentile...

- Dax Nollenberger

Discovering Pleasure Point: Surf Culture, Coastal Charm, and True Santa Cruz Vibes

July 25, 2025Pleasure Point is a neighborhood that needs no introduction for surfers and beach lovers — it’s one of Santa Cruz’s most iconic coastal communities. Known for its world-class surf breaks, laid-back streets, and mix of classic beach cottages, stylish remodels, and oceanfront stunners, the Point is pure California beach living. Here, neighbors cross paths with sandy feet, local businesses feel like an extension of the community, and a morning surf check or sunset stroll along East Cliff is just part of daily life. Why Locals...

- Tom Brezsny

Crazy is All Relative

July 25, 2025Crazy is all relative of course. As in... crazy compared to what? That’s especially true when it comes to real estate prices... Crazy price compared to what? In the old days, when people were thinking about moving here from other parts of the country or from other, less expensive areas of California, they would often get blown out of the water by their first introduction to house prices in Santa Cruz. They just couldn’t understand why they got so little house for the big money...

- Dax Nollenberger

How to Sell an Old Home in Santa Cruz (Even If It’s Cluttered or Needs Repairs)

July 24, 2025Thinking about selling an older home can feel daunting, especially if it’s cluttered, needs repairs, or hasn’t seen an update in decades. The good news? Buyers are out there for homes like yours, and with the right plan, you can get the best value for your property and move forward with less stress. Here’s what to know if you’re ready to let go of the burden and sell your house in Santa Cruz, even if it needs some work. Is It Possible to Sell a...

- Dax Nollenberger

Looking for a Short-Term Rental in Santa Cruz? Here’s What You Need to Know

July 23, 2025Buying a vacation rental in Santa Cruz can be an amazing way to generate income, enjoy the coast when you want, and build long-term equity. But it’s not as simple as picking any cute beach cottage and listing it on Airbnb. Local restrictions and permit rules can make or break your plan, and the right guidance upfront saves you from costly surprises. Why Not Every Santa Cruz Home Can Be a Vacation Rental Over the years, Santa Cruz County and local cities have tightened the...

- Dax Nollenberger

Selling Smart: How a Live Oak Fixer Became a Multiple-Offer Success

July 22, 2025When a property needs work, it can be hard to know where to start. That was the case with a recent Live Oak listing—dated, worn, and filled with years of memories. The sellers were ready to move on to a new chapter in another part of the state, but wanted to make sure they handled this sale thoughtfully. At our first meeting, I laid out four clear paths they could consider: Sell off-market to an investor for speed and simplicity Sell on-market as-is, with no...

- Dax Nollenberger

Santa Cruz Tops the Nation for Rental Prices Again. What That Means for Buyers and Sellers

July 21, 2025For the third straight year, Santa Cruz County has been named the least affordable rental market in the U.S., according to a recent report from Lookout Santa Cruz. Fair market rent for a two-bedroom sits at $4,223/month, and renters must earn $81.21/hour, or roughly $168,000 per year, to avoid being considered rent-burdened. For those earning minimum wage, it would take 4.9 full-time jobs just to afford that same unit. These numbers are staggering, but they don’t just impact renters—they send ripple effects throughout the entire...

- Tom Brezsny

Adult Children with Aging Parents

July 18, 2025We’re talking about the growing number of adult children who are trying to help their aging parents move out of the home they’ve lived in for thirty or forty years. Where to start? It goes without saying, leaving a longtime home is a daunting task. Even more so, when folks are in their 80s and 90s and wrestling with the entire spectrum of worries that come along with aging. For them, moving most often feels like an existential threat. Things are frequently in crisis mode...

- Dax Nollenberger

Should You Hold or Sell Your Inherited Home? | Santa Cruz Real Estate Guide

July 18, 2025Inheriting a home can feel like a meaningful gift and a big responsibility at the same time. Many people in Santa Cruz face the same question: should you keep the house or let it go? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — only what works best for your family’s situation, finances, and goals. Understanding Your Real Options When you inherit a home, your options usually come down to three paths: live in it yourself, rent it out long-term or short-term, or sell it. The right choice depends...