Monica Lussier Blog

Santa Cruz homeowners face a unique real estate landscape in 2026, where coastal charm meets shifting buyer expectations. Preparing a property for the market requires more than just a fresh coat of paint and some staging furniture. Buyers are actively looking for homes that can withstand the coastal climate while…

If you are preparing to list your property this year, you likely want to know exactly how long to sell my home in Santa Cruz CA. The local market has shifted significantly, and the days of throwing a sign in the yard and receiving multiple offers by the weekend are…

The Santa Cruz real estate market has entered a new phase of stability in 2026, shifting away from the extreme volatility of recent years. Buyers and sellers are now approaching transactions with a much sharper focus on accurate pricing and long-term equity. Getting a precise property valuation Santa Cruz CA…

Buying a home in our coastal community involves more than just budgeting for a mortgage and insurance. Understanding how property taxes in Santa Cruz CA work is a critical step for any prospective buyer looking to accurately plan their monthly expenses. State laws and local district fees combine to create…

If you are looking at real estate on the California coast, you’ve likely felt the pull of two very different magnetic fields. On one side, you have the vibrant, cotton-candy energy of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and the bustling neighborhoods that surround it. On the other, just a short drive…

It is the conversation I have almost every week with buyers. We are sitting down, looking at the pre-approval letter, and realizing that the dream of a renovated bungalow on the Westside of Santa Cruz doesn’t quite match the monthly payment reality. For many buyers in 2026, the choice comes…

Santa Cruz County might look small on a map, but locals know it offers two completely distinct worlds separated by just 7 to 10 miles. On one side, you have the energetic, salty air of the coast. On the other, the quiet, towering canopy of the San Lorenzo Valley. For…

If you are looking to buy a home in our corner of the Central Coast, you’ve likely realized that driving just ten minutes can completely change your lifestyle. Santa Cruz and Soquel might share a border, but they often feel like entirely different worlds. When I sit down with buyers,…

If you drive down Highway 1 long enough, you hit a spot where the frantic energy of the Bay Area just… dissolves. You smell the salt air mixed with the earthy scent of ancient redwoods, and you know you’ve arrived in Santa Cruz. For decades, this town has been the…

You’ve probably heard the rumors, or maybe you’ve experienced the sticker shock firsthand while browsing Zillow. Santa Cruz is undeniably one of the most beautiful places to live in the United States, but that beauty comes with a literal price tag. If you are thinking about moving to Santa Cruz,…