The Realtor® Lady

2025 is here, and it's time for your market update! In my latest podcast episode, I break down what's happening now, what could be coming next, and - if you stick around until the end - I'll share bonus tips to help you get ahead of the market and prepare to buy or sell with confidence!

Here are a few tips to secure your private information while buying and selling real estate. It is not easy to keep your info private but I have a few tips to help you try!!

Should I get a second home inspection if the seller has already provided one?Why? What will that do? Besides emphasizing the importance of inspections for both buyers and sellers this year, I've been advocating for multiple inspections. Even if the seller provides an inspection report, getting a second one can help identify issues that might have been missed or overlooked, giving you a clearer picture before moving forward. Watch my video to find out more! 

The Ultimate Guide to Estate Sales: What to Do When You're Emptying a Home. You need to get the house ready to sell, but what should you do with all the stuff? An estate sale may be the way to go. I'll explain how they work and why you should consider having one."Let me know if you'd like any further adjustments!

What is happening in the real estate market? In my latest podcast episode, I go over the trends, and what realtors are seeing A LOT OF, and share some tips along the way. I also discuss what I'm seeing in the Santa Cruz market and share it here!

Here I explain what a home warranty is what it does and how to get the most out of them! Including a link here for Fidelity to find out more: https://www.homewarranty.com/homeownerI am not being paid for this just wanted to highlight how they work and why they are a good idea!

In this episode, I cover the International Residential Code (IRC) and its relevance to California's standards. California doesn't require bedrooms to have closets, though many buyers prefer them. To qualify as a bedroom, a room must be at least 70 square feet, have natural light covering 8% of the floor area, allow for natural ventilation, include a window for egress, have a door for privacy, and accommodate a bed. When selling, be mindful of local building codes; rooms not meeting buyer expectations might be better marketed as a den, office, or extra space.

It's an election year, and if you're thinking about buying or selling a home, you might wonder if elections affect the housing market. In the past, they've had only a small impact on the decision to buy or sell a home. Here's what typically happens.

Thinking of buying a beach rental what you need to know from rental laws, taxes and areas that it is allowed. Not as easy as it would seem.Gabrielle Coppel works with me at Coldwell Banker Realty and specializes in Ocean front properties and knows the ins and outs of beach rentals in the Santa Cruz county area.

Santa Cruz Real Estate Market Update for April, statistics, where money walks, see who is coming here and where are people moving to, link below. And a gift! Use this equity tracker so you can see how much your home is worth any time. link here

This episode explains the purpose of a home inspection who orders them, what is the scope of the inspection and we also discuss if provided a report should a buyer get their own inspection.Jack MancarellaAmerican Inspection Service831-588-3854

Sometimes real estate agents just cannot tell the truth or the whole truth and I explain here why sometimes as real estate agents we are bound by law to not tell all we know as we could be infringing on other's rights or be considered to be acting in a discriminatory manner. I explain here. 

What does ADU Stand for what is it and how can I get one? Additional Dwelling Units have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units and more. In this video I talk with Ray Guanill of Nonna Homes he goes over how they are built, cost and different aspects of ADU's and bonus his company helps with financing and there are government grants too! NONNA HOMESRay Guanill, PresidentNonna ADU and Solar Serving Sacramento, Bay Area, and San Diego Regions 800-734-7238https://www.nonnahomes.comCity of Santa Cruz info:https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/planning-and-community-development/accessory-dwelling-units-adusSanta Cruz County Info:https://www.sccoplanning.com/adu.aspxGrant info:https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/adu/

Market Update for March 2023. Want to know what the market is doing right now, it is all here from statistics, to predictions and stay until the end where I give the market update you need to know now.  Click here for my new buyer's guide for buying in Santa Cruzhttps://live-the-santa-cruz-life.ck.page/buyerguide

This episode I welcome Roxanne Olson, Trust attorney with Fine Point Law to help with my goal of getting more homeowners to understand the importance of trusts! She is with Fine Point Law and is the most down to earth, warm, thoughtful attorney I think I have ever spoken with. This is a must hear episode! Make sure to listen for the one reason you will decide against having a will.If you want more information on putting a trust together or revisiting your current trust to make sure it is in order please contact her! https://www.finepointlaw.com/

Brian Dean is my guest he explains mortgage buydowns, why now is a good time to buy and a prediction for the Spring. There are links included to look over how it is better to buy now and how a seller buy down works.   Brian Dean    Senior Mortgage Advisor    M 408.489.0952    D 831.600.4706    W TheBrianDeanTeam.com    E brian.dean@myccmortgage.com   

If you have owned a property for a long time and it has been an investment property, or vacant, and you have a lot of equity, there are two ways in which you might consider selling it to avoid taxes and avoiding benefit curtailment.Why do it: The upsides of the installment sale .Why not do it: Downsides of owner financing.This could be a way to avoid higher interest rates and help a seller preserve their investment.

Market Update for January 2023, where we were, where we are, and where we are going! I do a year-end round up, appreciation rate for real estate for 2022, and why this market will be busy as ever despite the financial news!  

Wondering about the weather in Santa Cruz? Thinking of buying here? I explain what you need to think about when buying in the area. We have lots of micro climates and physical geography that makes this area unique and beautiful yet these same elements can cause problems. 

2023 might be another doozy of a year here in Santa Cruz, I tell a story of a buyer looking at a property and what happened all within about 24 hours.

2023 Real Estate Forecast with a guest my broker Greg Mann of Coldwell Banker Realty. We discuss the market what happened this year, Prop 19 which did not change the real estate inventory as expected, and while prices did stay flat they did not go down. Then we discuss how the market may sneak up on buyers and sellers.My guest is my broker, Greg Mann at Coldwell Banker Realty.  I welcome his knowledge and his access to many professionals in the real estate field who he cites. Dr. Lawrence Yun of the National Association of RealtorsDr. Eisenberg Courtesy of MLS Listings

Foreclosures on the rise? What is happening in this segment of the market? Here we explain the foreclosure process, what that means to people in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure, we talk about changes that may impact the consumer regarding foreclosure proceedings. We also explore the process of how to buy a foreclosure on the courthouse steps and why it is so hard to buy a foreclosure.My guest is Brandi Jones who is an amazing specialist in the foreclosure and short sale arena and Simmons and Purdy is her go to attorney firm. Her recommendations are Simmons And Purdy for foreclosure, short sale questions.https://www.facebook.com/LawOfficeOfSimmonsAndPurdy/

#SantaCruzRealEstate #livethesantacruzlife Market Update for November. What is the real estate market doing? Projections for 2023, why are some real estate markets going down and Santa Cruz county isn't? This is local real estate information you need if you are going to buy or sell in Santa Cruz county.https://fortune.com/2022/11/13/pandemic-housing-bubble-is-bursting-home-prices-falling-15-percent-says-kpmg/?showAdminBar=true

Buying a Foreclosure in CaliforniaHow to buy a foreclosed home in California, buy a pre-foreclosed home, or short sale. Maybe you need to sell your home and you have not made a payment, this is the video for you! Useful link below for you too!California Foreclosure and Short sale info: https://www.courts.ca.gov/1048.htm?rdeLocaleAttr=enSubscribe to the Santa Cruz record for foreclosure info:https://santacruzrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/scr10-25-22.pdfTimeline info: https://www.debtstoppers.com/blog/california-foreclosure-process-timeline/

What happens to homeowners when the market crashes? The market is definitely changing does that mean people will lose their homes? What does it mean when the market shifts? I discuss a few things I am seeing and I explain them. I also discuss short sales and foreclosures please make sure to call me if you are having trouble with your mortgage payments. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-10/here-s-how-weird-things-are-getting-in-the-housing-market

Don't miss this episode where a local lender Brian Dean explains how the mortgage rates are not the Federal Funds rate, why he thinks rates are going to go down, and how to ask a seller help you get into their house. Very informative!Brian Dean has been in the mortgage industry serving Santa Cruz County for 25 years. I am available 24/7 to answer any mortgage lending related questions and can be found at www.TheBrianDeanTeam.com or by phone at 831-600-4706Brian DeanCrossCountry Mortgage, LLC133 Mission Street, Suite 210Santa Cruz, CA 95060Personal NMLS243411 Branch NMLS2306642Company NMLS3029

Cash offers in Real Estate- is cash really king? In this video I discuss what you need to know about cash offers from a seller perspective and a buyer side. Stay to the end I will tell a secret about cash offers.

What does a real estate agent do? What is the job description, it is not all getting your nails done and fancy cars! We have so much we do and don't do! We help with home selling by:PricingPreparationMarketing CollaborationNegotiationGetting it all done, keeping it together is job one!Here are some silly things I found for our job description: • Maintain a good relationship with lenders, appraisers, home inspectors and escrow companies-- Yes we should and it should not have to be written down! • Prepare necessary paperwork such as closing statements, deeds (the title company does this) I do not do this!• Compile lists of real estate properties with location, square footage and features- Nope Zillow does this just fine, but I will look for listings you may have not seen! And give you the scoop about the listings and the neighborhoods in a way Zillow could never do!• Promote sale of properties through open houses, engagement in multiple listing services and advertisements- Yes this my job marketing! • Evaluate clients' financial abilities and research properties within their buying power. This is the job of lenders and mortgage providers... and besides this information is confidential and between you and your lender!

Buying a Beach Home in Santa Cruz takes some research, what kind of beach home do you want, where, it is more than just living by the beach, there is beach front, ocean view, ocean front, I explain it all here. A little bit of story time and some things to think about buying a beach home in Santa Cruz. 

Real Estate market update for Santa Cruz! The market is NOT slowing as national news would have you believe! Remember REAL ESTATE is local and this update is for Santa Cruz. Buyers are buying and sellers are selling! The market is still moving along!  #SantaCruzRealEstate 

Why did I name my podcast the Realtor Lady I explain here and explain the explosion of cellphones in real estate.

"Home is your secret super power" This episode addresses the power of home and I believe it can help us with the stress of life.Lynlea West describes how she help people design their home asking them how they want to feel. We also talk about how to help  with overwhelm in design and focus them on their space when looking online Pinterest and the like.She has online classes to help you discover your new super power!Lynlea WestDIRECTORLYNLEA WEST STUDIOt. +44 (0)7984 420 827lynlea@lynleaweststudio.comwww.lynleaweststudio.comHead here for my ‘2 minute Interior Design Secrets'Instagram - @lynleaweststudio

A home should nurture you, recharge you and make you feel safe. Look around is your home giving you the fuel you need? I explain with a little story of the importance of home.

Because the Real Estate market is changing so fast I outline here what it takes to sell and buy right now, I talk about my current listings and what activity they have had and what buyers and sellers are doing.

This episode we talk about new construction in Texas, what the differences are, they do a live a bit like the wild west, if you are moving to Texas. This is for you! About my guest: I'm a small-town native Texan that moved to Houston and fell in love with the city over 20yrs ago.  My life is real estate, art, riding my bike, and my dog Amelia. Leslie Don Wilson, Realtor - Houston - 281-804-2291 DFW - 214-702-3447 www.TexasreBOSS.com Texas Pride Realty GroupBrokered by: HomeSmart Stars 

We know the market is going to change what does this look like, we explore this a bit but we also explore a change that may radically alter the way buyers buy homes in the United States and the change may reflect how houses are sold in Europe. Dean has a great perspective on real estate, his family have bought and sold many houses and he has worked different markets, we also touch on HGTV effect on buyers impression of buying homes.

This episode I talk with my broker at Coldwell Banker Realty about the changes coming to the market it is good to note that the changes we know are coming filter through slower than the news cycle would have the buyers and sellers understand.https://linktr.ee/livethesantacruzlife

Selling a house as-is is it that easy, is it a good idea, what are the pros and cons. What does selling as is mean. How does selling as is work? I explain here.Want to fix up your home yet your equity is tied up check this link to see how you can make improvements with no out of pocket costs.About Revitalize https://www.michelesellsforyou.com/realvitalize.php

This episode we talk about the newest component to waste services, food waste pick up and composting and how it works with Caylie Soon. We talk about what the curbside food scrap program is and why it is important. Caylie Soon Waste Reduction Assistant City of Santa Cruz cityofsantacruz.com/recyclerightwww.cityofsantacruz.com/foodwaste

In this very fun episode we explore what it takes to have the best experience with a real estate agent. How to communicate, maybe lifestyle, understand the lines between friendship and professional. How a consumer can distinguish if they are a commodity = customer Or client =taken care of with heart Who you work with matters! Then story time!A Southerner who lived throughout the south, Dea moved "north" to North Carolina in 2012 with her husband and the last of 8 children. In 2013, she got her RE license and began working throughout the Research Triangle of North Carolina. She believes that the role of a REALTOR is to help people realize their real estate dreams. Contact- deairby@kw.com, 919-764-4729, deairby.kw.comSocial- https://www.facebook.com/nctrianglerealestate  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deairby/

What is the function of Home Owners Associations and maybe Florida understand the real value of them.What is going to happen this year, is the market going to crash why not?What is going to happen in the future of real estate with the Department of Justice changing the rules on how real estate buyer agents get paid? Will a robot be showing you a home in the future? We discuss it here!EDMUND BOGENedmund.bogen@elliman.comM: 561.235.7575ABOUT EDMUNDEdmund Bogen is a seasoned sales professional, entrepreneur and real estate investor. Edmund started his career in public relations growing his New York City based company as a solo practitioner to greater than 30 employees. After exiting his firm, Edmund used proceeds to invest in properties in NYC, Maryland and Indiana. He also founded First Degree, a marketing company with offices in NYC and London. First Degree was designed to help business owners grow their own client base. In thirteen years, First Degree has served more than 2000 customers.  For clients interested in luxury home ownership, Edmund is a sought-after broker who understands the ins and outs of this special real estate niche. Entirely focused on the luxury market, Edmund's portfolio includes the homes of St Andrews Country Club and South Florida.  "I moved my family to Boca Raton from New York City just over 3 years ago and I truly understand what families need to make the move to South Florida," says Edmund. "I have all the pertinent information including neighborhood dynamics, schools, contractors and any other service provider and I enjoy sharing my own experiences to help them find the perfect place to make their home." Sellers can count on him to know what is selling in the area and to utilize creative marketing techniques, creating a picture of life in a new home for the buyer.  By actively listening to his clients and addressing their concerns, Edmund places emphasis on honestly demonstrating the true cost of home ownership and is always at the ready with alternative properties that could better fit their needs and expectations.    

This week, we are talking about all the pros and cons of living in Santa Cruz!! Though living here can be expensive, you get gorgeous weather and LOTS of activities to do - whether you are a pro or con you can never be bored here! 

I speak with Douglas Katz is a 20 + veteran of the lending industry with a focus on helping divorcing couples manage the property disposition during a split. We learn about how to divorce and buy your next home. Doug talks about how properly understanding this process can help the divorce to go smoother and make it easy on the family.He also helps military veterans and service members in buying or refinancing their homes. He is a US Army disabled veteran, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and Loyola University Chicago.Contact Information for Doug KatzDouglas Katz – MBA, CDLP, CCRSLoan Officer NMLS 217026, 1846554 O: 630.257.7777  x1004C: 708.829.1336 F:  815.261.1632 doug@ontimemtg.com https://ontimemtg.com 

Santa Cruz market update for March, I talk statistics, the difference in median prices between real estate sites, Zillow, redfin and realtor.com they all cannot agree on the median home price. I also describe the selling/marketing cycle. Missing out on properties, it might be because you are at the end of the cycle of the listing. This market update gives a summary so you do not have to try to sort out all the conflicting information out there! 

"Misinformation continues to prevent homeless people and their condition from being understood. Tatiana Stone who works with Wings a homeless advocacy organization, explains the top myths and misconceptions about the houseless community in Santa Cruz. While this is a local issue this can be applied to national houseless issues. For information on where you can help please email Wings or Tatiana below:Wings Homeless AdvocacyPO Box 1509 Felton, CA 95018fundraiser@wingsadvocacy.orgTatiana Stonetatiana@georgiaranchconsulting.com"

This week we go from the sunny shores of Florida to the snow of the East. Jackie Baker explains buying in New Jersey and things to consider. Jackie outlines living in the suburbs that service New York, the environmental conditions to consider and the real estate market there. Jackie is extremely knowledgeable and warm.Jackie Baker Contact:Jackie Baker Coldwell Banker RealtyI service Bergen County New Jersey and parts of Essex, Passaic and Morris Counties.Cell: 845-629-0984Email: jackiebakersellsnj@gmail.comYouTube:  Jackie Baker Sells NJ

Lauren took time to explain Florida to me, she describes how to prepare for Hurricanes, why people love Florida so much, we talk about HOA communities which is a big part of real estate home ownership in Florida. And we talk about Iguanas. Lauren is a knowledgeable realtor in South Florida who helps people buy and sell homes for primary, secondary, and investment properties.She is very responsive, and considerate of her clients needs. It would be her pleasure to work with you!Lauren Laski Skye Louis Realty (954)461-8572 Lic.SL3398531  Iheartrealestate.biz https://www.zillow.com/profile/laurenlaskirealtor/ https://www.facebook.com/iheartrealestate.biz/ 

Online home buying with Hailey DesserHailey Desser works in Boca Raton Florida and works with clients from around the world and often they buy online without seeing the house! She tells funny stories of what can happen just wondering around filming... And she has a process to make the buying experience seam less. Moving to Florida check her outHailey Desser EXP Realty LLC License #: 3482604. EXP Realty LLC 5039 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key, FL 34242(410) 382-0824

New year resolutions! These are ones you can keep! I'm talking about your house. If you're a buyer, seller, homeowner, I recommend a process that my husband and I have been doing since 2007. This is a list of stuff that we want to get done on the house, get redone or improve. And we do it every year. So we make a list of stuff. In 2017, 18 and 19 then 2020 hit and I might actually have to torch this list because with COVID and life, we just didn't get to a lot of what we had planned done. But what we put on paper. Lots of ideas here to not get overwhelmed with home improvement needs.