Santa Cruz County Home & Community Information

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN HOMES FOR SALE WITH LAND - 1 ACRE +

If you are looking for Santa Cruz county homes for sale with land, over 1 acre +, the best places to look are Aptos, Soquel, Corralitos, Scotts Valley, Bonny Doon, San Lorenzo Valley areas.  You can find some wonderful Santa Cruz mountain homes in these areas with room for gardening, horses and more.

The Santa Cruz mountains is a stunning place to live.  Some of these homes with land have distant ocean views and gorgeous mountain views, you can feel like you are in a remote place in Northern California yet be minutes to town and even be able to commute 'over the hill' to San Jose, Silicon Valley areas.

I have had many people call me that work in the San Jose, Silicon Valley that want to buy a Santa Cruz home with land in the Santa Cruz mountains.  They want a retreat home, somewhere to get away from the rat race and really relax.  Santa Cruz mountain homes with land are a wonderful place for that.  There great prices on homes with land right now and Santa Cruz county home prices are usually much less than in the Silicon Valley and you get more home and property for your money.

Buying a Santa Cruz home with land can be a labor of love.  When you have property there is more to maintain and you are usually on a septic and well system.  But nothing feels better than owning your piece of paradise in the Santa Cruz mountains.  

So what type of homes with land do we have in the Santa Cruz mountains?  Really anything you can think of!   We have rustic, early century redwood cabins, Spanish-style villas with infinity pools and ocean views, horse property, vineyards, dome homes, gardner's dream, organic farms . . . we have something for everyone in Santa Cruz county!

Contact me and we can talk about what your dream Santa Cruz mountain home with land looks like!

SANTA CRUZ CRAFTSMAN HOMES FOR SALE

Santa Cruz has some great Craftsman style homes and Victorian homes for sale, many located on the Westside of Santa Cruz and central Santa Cruz areas.  I love Craftsman style homes and live in one myself that was built in 1920.  You can't beat the feel of a craftsman style home, they just don't make them like that anymore.

Most Santa Cruz Craftsman style homes were built between 1900-1930.  Some of the characteristics of Craftsman style homes are front porches with square or tapered columns, gabled roofs, decorative brackets, exposed rafters.

In the interior of a Santa Cruz Craftsman style home you will often find built-in cabinets, built in seating, hand-carved moldings and trim work, bay windows, wainscoting, hardwood floors, leaded windows, fireplaces, plaster walls.

Many newer homes use features of craftsman style homes to give them the 'old world' feel and a sense of elegance but they can never quite replicate the feel of an authentic Craftsman home, in my opinion.

Craftsman style homes for sale in Santa Cruz are available and are are a joy to own.  When buying a craftsman style home or a home of some age, a buyer must understand what they are getting into.  Older homes need work and lots of maintenance, there is just no getting around that.  I have been in my craftsman home for 5 years and we are still working on it, but it is beautiful and a labor of love.  When you have a home like that it becomes more than a home, almost a being unto itself.

If you would like to buy a craftsman style home or Victorian style home in Santa Cruz, contact me for more details about owning these historic homes.  Go here to see a current list of Santa Cruz Craftsman and Victorian homes for sale

BUYING A BANK OWNED HOME IN SANTA CRUZ

I have helped many clients over the past few years buy bank owned homes in Santa Cruz.  Dealing with the banks and asset managers when buying a bank owned or forclosure home is a little different than a 'normal sale'.

Here are a few tips for those looking to buy a bank owned home in Santa Cruz:

*  This is perhaps the most important thing to understand when buying a bank owned home - Do any and all inspections! research permit history, road/water association dues . . . The bank is the seller but since they have never lived in the home they can't tell you a whole lot about it.  As a buyer's agent I help my clients organize all inspections and connect them with helpful advisers like land use planners, title company, and geologists that really help in researching all aspects of a bank owned home in Santa Cruz. 

*  The bank will usually have their own addendum which is attached to the regular California Purchase Agreement and all terms in the bank contract supercede the CAR contract.  Many of the terms in the bank's addendum are not favorable to a buyer of a bank owned home.  The bank usually asks the buyer to waive many rights.  Some of the banks terms may not even be legal in California, it is always advised to consult a lawyer for specifics about the bank's addendum.

*  Contingencies - When you buy a bank owned home in Santa Cruz or anywhere in California you will usually have a contingency period in order to do your inspections and secure your loan.  Many times the bank will counter with a very short physical contingency period - I have had them insist on a 5 day contingency period, which can be done but on some country properties where you have well and septic inspections in addition to normal inspections that can be a challenge.

* Another thing to watch out for:  Passive Contingency Release - In the normal California Purchase Agreement contingencies are only released when a buyer signs a contingency release form.  In many of the bank's addendums they change the contingency to a passive release which means that after a certain day if you do not contact the bank/seller to tell them otherwise your contingencies are automatically released and your deposit is in jeopardy if you do not complete the sale.

* If you do find condition issues during your inspection of a bank owned property, you always have the right to ask for repairs or a credit - but you must document what you are asking for with inspection reports and contractor bids.  When I ask for a credit for a buyer I always submit supporting documents to make a case to get the concession, and it usually works.

You can get a substantial discount when you buy a bank owned home in Santa Cruz, and with an experienced Realtor to help you navigate the process you will have success! 

Go here to view a current list bank owned homes for sale in Santa Cruz and contact me for more information about how to buy a bank owned home.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER PROGRAMS IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

There are many first time home buyer programs available to potential buyers in Santa Cruz County.

These programs can really help you buy your first home.  I have had several clients use them and the process is not difficult.  Contact me at (831) 419-9345 to see if you can qualify for First Time Home Buyer Programs in Santa Cruz County.

Here is a brief run down of some of the different First Time home Buyer programs in Santa Cruz County:

Measure J - These are below market homes located in the County of Santa Cruz.  With this program a buyer can only buy a Measure J classified home.  Contact me for a list of Measure J homes currently for sale in Santa Cruz.

Measure O - These are below market homes in the City of Santa Cruz and can be condos or homes.  Contact me for a list of Measure O homes for salein Santa Cruz.

The cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Scotts Valley have downpayment assistance programs for home buyers.  Each of these cities have different terms for the amount they loan, contact me for details.

My personal favorite is the County of Santa Cruz Downpayment Assistance Program.  For properties located in the County of Santa Cruz and outside the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Watsonville, a home buyer can receive up to $150,000 to help them buy a home.  The interest is 3% simple interest and you can defer payment on it for the life of the loan.  There are no restrictions when you go to sell the property so you can realize equity when you sell.  See my post Success in using Santa Cruz first time buyer programs for an example of how this worked for my clients.

Santa Cruz Housing Foundation:  This foundation provides grants for closing costs and HOA dues for first time home buyers in Santa Cruz. 

These first time home buyer programs in Santa Cruz are great and have helped many become homeowners.  With today's low interest rates, discounted property prices and programs like these, home-ownership in Santa Cruz County is becoming attainable for manymore people!  Contact me at 831 419 9345 to see if you qualify for these programs.

FHA APPROVED CONDOS SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Buying a property with an FHA loan is a great option for first time home buyers.  You can put as little at 3.5% down!  For those looking to buy a condo in Santa Cruz County with a FHA loan, you should know that you can only buy a a condo in an FHA approved condo complex.  This means the entire project needs to be FHA approved, they are no longer doing spot approvals for individual units.

If you are using an FHA loan to buy a condo, this will limit the choices you have but you can buy with 3.5% down with is great.  There are several FHA approved Condos in Santa Cruz, here is the latest list:

Capitola Knolls is an FHA approved condo complex, this is fairly recent.  Capitola Knolls is located near New Brighton State Beach and is walking distance to Capitola Village.  Most units are 2 bedroom, but there are some 3 bedroom units and there is a community pool.

Woodland Heights is a Santa Cruz FHA approved condo complex, located on Hampton Lane in Santa Cruz.

Villa Bonita - another FHA approved condo in Capitola on Rosedale Ave

Villas of Capitola - Right on 46th Ave in Capitola, walk to the Capitola Mall and Capitola Village

Opal Cliff West - Right on Opal Cliffs Dr, prime location in Capitola!

Woodside Terrace - the Willowbrook units in Aptos are FHA approved, these are really nice units and there is a community pool here too.  Close to Cabrillo College and New Brighton State Beach.

Hidden Oaks - Located on Bean Creek Rd, this is a Scotts Valley FHA approved condo complex.

Condos in Santa Cruz are more affordable than ever.  With an FHA loan you can buy with little down and take advantage of the super low interest rates we are seeing now.

Contact me for more info on buying a home or condo with and FHA loan and a current list of FHA approved condos for sale in Santa Cruz.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY HOME FOR SALE UNDER $200,000!  ARTISTIC REMODEL, RIVERSIDE HOME

**REYNOLDS DR, BOULDER CREEK - For Sale at $199,000

Welcome home to your private oasis.  This Boulder Creek home for sale is priced under $200,000, amazing value! 

Artistically and thoughtfully remodeled to take advantage of the riverside setting and majestic redwood trees.  The large private courtyard features a built in table, deck over looking the river, built in bench, custom storage shed, fire pit area.

The interior of this Boulder Creek home for sale is filled with light and has high ceilings in the living area and skylights in most rooms.

The Kitchen in this riverside Boulder Creek home for sale features granite slab counters, gas stove, windows overlooking the creek and a skylight.

Another fantastic feature is the built-in breakfast nook with garden window.

Other features of this Boulder Creek home include:  larger bedroom with 2 closets and slider out to deck, 2nd bedroom has cute sleeping alcove overlooking the creek, storage shed + storage room under the home, fenced yard, skylights in most rooms, double paned windows, hardwood floors in the living room and more! 

There are not many homes in Santa Cruz County priced under $200,000, this has to be the best! Come and see before it is gone!  You will be proud to call this one home.

** This HOME SOLD in October 2011 for $200,000!  Call me for more information about buying or selling your next home! 

See the YouTube video below for more photos.

SANTA CRUZ SINGLE LEVEL HOMES FOR SALE

Many buyers come to me with a request for a single level home in Santa Cruz.  Lots of people want to live in a single level home, and not just older folks.  Single level homes are comfortable and easy for young families with children as well.

How easy is it to find single level homes for sale in Santa Cruz?  Currently, on the Westside there are 16 single level homes for sale in Santa Cruz.  With a total of 52 homes for sale on the Westside, the single level homes for sale make up about 30% of the market.

In Capitola there are 10 single level homes for sale out of a total of 24, making about 40% currently for sale are single level homes.

Aptos has 35 single level homes for sale, out of 106 total, so about 30% of the market are single level homes.

Generally, about 30%-40% of the market are single level homes for sale in Santa Cruz.  Homes with ground floor bedrooms are also popular.  Many people want a ground floor bedroom for live-in parents or visiting inlaws that have trouble with stairs.

Start here to Search for Single Level Homes for Sale in Santa Cruz.  Feel free to contact me directly and we can talk about your needs in a home and I will find the best home for you!

SANTA CRUZ FIXER HOME FOR SALE ON HUGE LOT!

606 Rodriguez St, Santa Cruz

 Santa Cruz fixer home for sale on huge lot (almost 17,000 SF) is located on Rodriguez St, just off 7th Avenue.  You are minutes to Highway 1, Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and beaches. 

The older farmhouse is a fixer home and has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.  It is livable now but needs work - this property is a contractor's special!  There are also 2 detached out buildings with water, electricity and sewer.  They can be used for a workshop, gym, office, bonus room . . .

Detached outbuilding:

Another great potential for this Santa Cruz fixer home for sale on a huge lot is to do a lot split.  The seller had plans and permits to do a lot split so you can build a whole other home here = Developer opportunity!

This fixer home is a Gardner's Dream.  The 17,000 huge lot will afford tons of space for gardening and you are right in town!  This is an ideal property for those who want space to roam but don't want to drive to the mountains to get it.

Imagine the possibilities: 17,000 huge lot, fixer home, 2 detached out buildings, plans for a lot split . . . 

Priced to sell at $569,000

Listed by Jessica Wallace & Dan Maloney, Century 21 Lad - Call (831) 419-9345 for more info

Go here to see all Fixer Upper homes for sale in Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ BEACH HOMES FOR SALE

Santa Cruz beach homes for sale!  Where to buy the best Santa Cruz beach home?  Santa Cruz is one of the most geographically beautiful beach towns in California, steeped in surfing culture and community spirit.  For those looking for Santa Cruz beach homes for sale there are many great areas to buy a beach home in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas like Aptos, Seacliff, Seascape, and Capitola.  If you are looking for a bargain for a Santa Cruz Beach home go here to see Ocean View Foreclosures in Santa Cruz.

Starting on the Westside of Santa Cruz you will find some great beach homes for sale right off of Westcliff Drive with ocean views and views of the whole Monterey Bay, Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf.  These Westside Santa Cruz beach homes for sale on West Cliff Dr do come with a larger price tag, ranging anywhere from $1.5 to 4 million dollars.  If you are willing to forgo an ocean view and go a few blocks in the home prices drop dramatically and there are some Santa Cruz beach homes for sale under $500,000 on the lower Westside in walk to beach locations.

You will find some wonderful beach homes for sale in the Capitola Village.  The Capitola homes for sale on the bluff in the Jewel Box and Depot Hill neighborhoods will have awesome ocean views and views of Capitola Village.

If you want to find a beach home for sale right on the sand, one of your best bests in Beach Drive in Aptos or Rio del Mar.  These beach homes are steps to the sand on a long stretch of beach perfect for surfing, long walks and jogging.  Homes for sale on Beach Dr, Aptos can range from $1.2 to $3 million dollars or more.  These beach homes for sale are in a great location for second homes or vacation homes.

Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz is a quintessential beach community with many beach homes for sale that can range dramatically in price.  The Ocean View homes in Pleasure Point are amazing and right on the bluff and go for millions of dollars.  There are also small beach cottages and bungalows homes for sale for under $500,000 without ocean views but right in the heart of Pleasure Point.

Opal Cliffs Dr, located between Capitola and Pleasure Point has bluff front beach homes for sale.  Many of these homes are on large lots with big ocean views and views of Capitola Village.  The highest priced beach home sale in the past couple years on Opal Cliffs went for $2.5 million.  Opal Cliff homes for sale that are not on the bluff can sell for much less, in the $700k range.

There are many great areas where you will find Santa Cruz beach homes for sale and in all price ranges, even under $500,000.  Contact me and we can discuss where the best beach home location in Santa Cruz is for you and your budget.  I am happy to help share my local knowledge!

The Vineyards Homes & Neighborhood in Scotts Valley, CA

The Vineyards homes & neighborhood in Scotts Valley, CA is an area of spacious single family homes built in the early 1990's.  The Vineyards homes & neighborhood is located right off Granite Creek Exit off Highway 17, which is a great commute location for workers in Silicon Valley and San Jose. 

The Vineyards neighborhood homes are mostly larger 4 bedroom to 5 bedroom homes on generously sized lots.  The streets are wide and lined with trees with some views of the Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley mountains.

Many of the homes in the Vineyards have 3 car garages, master suites with walk in closets, high valulted 2 story ceilings in the living room, separate laundry rooms.  These Vineyards homes have great floor plans with lots of extra space.

The Vineyards homes & neighborhood in Scotts Valley is located near 3 schools:  Vine Hill Elementary, Scotts Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley High School making it a convenient location for families with school aged children.

Feel free to contact me for more information about Scotts Valley homes for sale, to see what your Scotts Valley Vineyard home is worth, or go here to search for Scotts Valley homes for sale.