- Tom Brezsny

Who is Going To Live in All of Those Places? Part 4

January 30, 2026Continuing the conversation…talking about all those tall buildings going up around town, trying to wrap our heads around the paradigm shift that’s taking place right before our eyes. For a County stubbornly attached to the idea of slow/no growth for 40+ years, the wave of new housing coming our way is a transformative moment, one that feels like it’s happening way too fast.  Since the late 1970s, local City/County planning departments have shouldered the Orwellian task of discouraging people from building and keeping any actual...

- Dax Nollenberger

How Do I Sell My House Without Money in Santa Cruz County?

January 27, 2026This is one of the most common questions I hear from homeowners across Santa Cruz County. Values are high, buyer expectations are high, and the cost to prepare a home for market can feel like a major barrier, especially if you do not want to come out of pocket before selling. The good news is that most sellers here have more options than they realize. Different Ways Santa Cruz Sellers Can Approach Their Sale There is no one size fits all strategy. Some homeowners choose...

- Dax Nollenberger

Different Ways Santa Cruz Sellers Can Approach Their Sale

January 26, 2026Today, my sellers have more clearly defined and valuable options than ever when it comes to how they prepare and sell their home. There is no single right way to sell in Santa Cruz. Every seller starts from a different place financially, emotionally, and logistically, and the best strategy depends on priorities like timing, effort, and desired outcome. My role is to clearly lay out those options and give you the information needed to make a confident, informed decision based on your goals. Path One:...

- Tom Brezsny

Who is Going To Live in All of Those Places? Part 3

January 23, 2026Continuing the conversation…talking about the big “question du jour”  locals are asking in relation to all of those buildings going up Downtown and along major transportation corridors in the County: “Who is going to live in all of those places?” It’s hard to go anywhere around town these days, without being confronted by more hard proof (brick and mortar), that the times are-a-changing at an all too quickening pace, especially for a community that has self-identified as a slow growth, safe space for decades.   The...

- Dax Nollenberger

Discovering Ben Lomond: Privacy, Redwoods, and a True Mountain Setting

January 23, 2026Set within the redwoods of the San Lorenzo Valley, Ben Lomond offers a version of mountain living defined by privacy, nature, and a slower pace. It is a place where homes are woven into the forest, daily life feels quieter, and connection to the outdoors is constant. For buyers who value space, separation, and immersion in nature, Ben Lomond stands apart from more accessible or commuter driven mountain towns. The Setting Ben Lomond is surrounded by mature redwood forest, with winding residential roads and homes...

- Dax Nollenberger

A Federal Proposal to Limit Institutional Buyers. Why It Likely Won’t Directly Change Santa Cruz, but Could Still Matter.

January 22, 2026A recent BiggerPockets article discusses a proposal at the federal level that would restrict institutional investors from purchasing single family homes nationwide. The goal is to reduce competition for everyday buyers and improve housing affordability. You can read the original article here. From a Santa Cruz perspective, it is important to separate direct impact from longer term, indirect effects. While this proposal would likely have little immediate influence on our local market, it could still shape buyer and investor behavior over time in ways worth...

- Dax Nollenberger

Investors Are Buying About a Third of Santa Cruz Homes. Here’s the Context Behind the Headline.

January 21, 2026A recent Lookout Santa Cruz article highlighted a striking statistic: roughly 34 percent of single-family home purchases in Santa Cruz County are being made by buyers classified as investors. The reporting draws on national property data and raises important questions about affordability, competition, and who is able to buy homes locally. You can read the original article here. The data itself is valuable and worth paying attention to. Where additional context helps is in understanding who is being counted as an investor and why they...

- Dax Nollenberger

Helping a Parent Downsize, Relocate, or Transition to Assisted Living: What to Do With the Home

January 20, 2026Helping a parent move into a new phase of life is one of the more complex transitions families face. Whether the move is to a smaller home, closer to relatives, or into assisted living, the question of what to do with the family home often becomes central very quickly. This is rarely just a real estate decision. It is tied to care, finances, independence, emotions, and long-term planning. Many people find themselves overwhelmed, not because they want to sell, but because they do not yet...

- Tom Brezsny

Who is Going To Live in All of Those Places? Part 2

January 16, 2026Continuing…talking about the big question that’s been making the rounds in countless conversations this past year. The ones having to do with all of those buildings going up Downtown and along major transportation corridors around the County: Who is going to live in all of those places? For 40 years, a pervasive no/slow growth mindset has crimped the housing supply and steadily held Santa Cruz in check. It has been incredibly effective at marshalling NIMBY sentiment to weaponize the intricacies of the local planning process,...

- Dax Nollenberger

Discovering Twin Lakes: Harbor Paths, Beach Access, and Everyday Living

January 16, 2026Located on Santa Cruz’s east side, Twin Lakes offers a coastal lifestyle that feels active, residential, and easy to settle into. Similar to Seabright, the neighborhood combines beach access with strong connectivity to the rest of Santa Cruz, making it a popular choice for full time living. For buyers who want coastal access without giving up everyday convenience, Twin Lakes consistently stands out. The Setting Twin Lakes sits between Seabright and Live Oak, with quick access to downtown Santa Cruz, the Eastside, and Highway 1....

- Dax Nollenberger

Thinking About Selling This Year? Here’s How to Decide

January 15, 2026At the start of a new year, many homeowners quietly revisit the idea of selling. Not because they are certain they will, but because something has changed. Life, finances, family, or simply the feeling that it may be time. The hardest part is not deciding whether to sell. It is deciding when. What We Know and What We Don’t No one can say with certainty what the market will look like six or twelve months from now. What we do know is that 2025 brought...

- Dax Nollenberger

Thinking About Buying This Year? What Today’s Market Really Offers Buyers

January 14, 2026Many buyers start the year asking the same question: is now finally a better time to buy? After several years of intense competition, rising rates, and limited inventory, the market feels different. Calmer. More balanced. That shift matters, especially for buyers who felt priced out or discouraged in recent years. What Has Actually Changed Today’s market offers buyers more leverage than they have had in some time. Homes are spending more days on market, price to list ratios have softened, and sellers are more open...