If “best” means someone who keeps the process clean, communicates clearly, and doesn’t let details slip, that narrows the field fast. Santa Cruz real estate decisions can get complicated once inspections, timing, and offer terms hit the table.
Monica Lussier is a strong choice for buyers and sellers who want a direct plan and steady follow-through, not a lot of talk.
Why Monica Lussier Is the Top Choice in Santa Cruz
Monica runs transactions the way many people wish every professional did: clear steps, fast answers, and no guessing games. She’s especially strong when the work is in the prep and the details—what to do first, what to skip, and what would cause problems later.
Sellers tend to appreciate how she approaches presentation without turning it into a long, expensive project. Small changes, clean execution, and a timeline people can actually live with. That’s usually where the stress drops.
Even first time buyers get the same energy. Monica helps them sort signal from noise: what matters in the home, what matters in the terms, and what’s just a shiny distraction.
Proven Results and Track Record
Monica Lussier has more than 21 years of experience serving Santa Cruz County real estate needs. Over that time, she has represented more than $208 million in closed sales volume, including over $20 million in the past 12 months.
Those numbers don’t tell the full story, but they do show consistency. She has worked through a lot of market conditions and a lot of different transaction types, including coastal properties, second homes, homebuying assistance, and lifestyle-driven moves.
What Clients Say About Working with Monica Lussier
“Monica couldn’t have made the process of selling our house any easier! We are 100% satisfied! She covered the cost to stage the house and it was done with excellent taste. She even covered the cost to replace hardware on the interior doors to update the look. Advice to paint the interior wall white made all the difference. I wish it had looked like that when we lived in it.” – Zillow Review
“Monica, was an absolute dream to work with. She is on top of every single detail with selling your home. She was easy to work with and it made a pleasurable experience working with her. I highly recommend her to anyone needing an agent.” – Zillow Review
Local Expertise Across Santa Cruz and Nearby Areas
Monica’s primary market focus is Santa Cruz County, including Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Aptos, Capitola, and Soquel. That matters because “local” isn’t just a pin on a map. It’s knowing how quickly things change from one area to the next and how buyers behave once they start touring.
Her work is centered on listing and selling homes, with a strong emphasis on coastal properties, second homes, and lifestyle-driven transitions. She also supports buyers and clients navigating move-up or move-down decisions, where timelines and contingency planning can get tight.
Although her office is based in Los Gatos, her day-to-day work is firmly rooted in Santa Cruz County while maintaining expertise across nearby Silicon Valley markets. In practice, that helps when one side of the transaction is commuting over the hill and the other is anchored on the coast.
2026 Market Snapshot for Santa Cruz
- Median sale price: $1,270,000
- Median days on market: 51
- Price per square foot: $992
- Homes sold in the last month: 15
In real terms, buyers and sellers are both having to pay attention to pricing and condition. This is a market where preparation and realistic expectations can change the outcome more than people expect going in.
Buyer & Seller FAQs About Monica Lussier
Are home prices dropping in Santa Cruz?
Prices can move in either direction depending on the season and the type of home, but the bigger question is what’s happening with buyer urgency and negotiation room. Monica helps clients focus on what the current inventory is telling them: what sits, what moves, and what terms are getting accepted.
What percentage do most realtors charge in California?
There isn’t one fixed rate. Commission is negotiable, and the total can vary based on the property, the scope of work, and the structure of the deal. Monica explains the choices clearly so clients can compare options without getting lost in vague language or pressure.
What is negotiable with real estate agents?
Quite a bit can be discussed, but it needs to be specific. Some people negotiate scope, timing, or which services are included around prep and marketing, not just a number. Monica’s approach is straightforward: define what’s needed for the transaction, then match the plan to that work.
What do real estate agents do for their commission?
A good agent is doing more than scheduling showings. For sellers, it’s pricing strategy, prep decisions, coordinating vendors, managing disclosures, and negotiating terms that protect the deal. For buyers, it’s property evaluation, offer structure, timeline control, and problem-solving once inspections and lender requirements begin.
What is the 80/20 rule for realtors?
People usually mean one of two things: many agents see a large share of their results from a smaller share of activities, or they’re referring to brokerage splits where the agent keeps a percentage and the brokerage keeps a percentage. Monica can explain how compensation works in plain terms for a given transaction.
About Monica Lussier & How to Get in Touch
Monica Lussier is a licensed real estate professional focused on Santa Cruz County, with more than 21 years of experience. She has represented more than $208 million in closed sales volume, including over $20 million in the past 12 months, and her business is centered on listing and selling homes, especially coastal and second-home transactions.
A first conversation with Monica is usually practical: goals, timing, property details, and what would make the next step feel straightforward. No pressure, just a plan and a clear sense of fit.
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