If you’re thinking about selling in real estate in Santa Cruz, it usually starts with something practical: what do you need this move to do for you? Maybe you want more space (or less). Maybe you’re relocating, cashing out equity, or simplifying life after a long stretch in the same place.
Whatever the reason, the goal is the same: make the process predictable, protect your time, and keep surprises to a minimum.
Buyers don’t shop Santa Cruz as one big blur. They shop pockets. The Westside’s older streets and classic homes feel different from Pleasure Point’s beach-vibe bungalows, and that difference matters when you’re positioning a home.
Lifestyle is a real part of the decision here—and it’s why presentation and timing carry weight.
What’s Your Home Worth?
If you want a clear number before you make any decisions, start with a real valuation—not a generic estimate. I’ll look at recent sales in your pocket, your home’s condition, and the features buyers are paying for right now. You’ll get a tight range you can actually use.
Listing Strategy That Wins
When selling in Santa Cruz, you need a well crafted listing strategy.
Local Expertise
Santa Cruz isn’t a “set it and forget it” market. Coastal commissions and geological reports can come up, and I plan for that early so you’re not scrambling mid-escrow. Neighborhood nuance matters too—what works on the Westside doesn’t always translate the same way in Pleasure Point.
Property Presentation
Santa Cruz buyers want the indoor-outdoor feel to read instantly. A deep clean, fresh paint in the right spots, and lighting that photographs well can do more than big projects that eat time and budget. Simple upgrades; sharp payoff.
Pricing & Exposure
We start where serious buyers start: recent sales and active competition in your exact pocket, not a citywide average. The goal is week-one momentum—strong photos, a clean showing experience, and pricing that fits what people are already seeing in their alerts. The MLS gives you broad reach, and targeted promotion helps pull in over-the-hill shoppers watching Santa Cruz closely.
Offer Management
Headline price isn’t the whole story. Down payment strength, pre-approval quality, timing, and contingencies can change your real net fast. I lay out the trade-offs in plain language so you can choose the cleanest path without guesswork.
Closing
From accepted offer to recorded sale, it’s mostly coordination—inspections, appraisal, deadlines, and a lot of paperwork. I stay on top of escrow and keep the timeline moving, while making sure California-mandated disclosures are handled correctly and on time.
What Does It Cost to Sell a Home in Santa Cruz?
In CA, total selling expenses usually land around 10–11%. That range covers all services and fees, including agent commissions and routine closing costs.
Depending on the property, you may also see title insurance, escrow fees, and prorated property taxes, plus any HOA items if applicable. Santa Cruz sellers should also factor mandatory inspections mentioned for the area, along with optional prep like staging, light repairs, and deep cleaning.
We’ll build a simple estimated net sheet so you can see where the dollars go.
Santa Cruz Market Snapshot
Prices are up +4.2% year over year and homes average 18 days on market—fast enough that week-one readiness and sharp presentation still make the difference.
- Median List Price: $1,295,000 (June 2025)
- Year-over-year Price Change: +4.2% year-over-year
- Average Days on Market (DOM): 18
Ready to List in Santa Cruz?
I’m Monica Lussier, and I help Santa Cruz County homeowners sell with a clear plan and clean execution—especially when coastal details (like commissions and geological reports) can affect timing and buyer confidence. I’ve been in real estate for more than 21 years, and I’ve represented more than $208 million in closed sales volume, including over $20 million in the past 12 months.
My work is heavily listing-focused, with a lot of experience in coastal properties, second homes, and lifestyle-driven transitions where preparation and positioning decide how the sale feels—and how it finishes.
If you want a straight answer on value, timing, and what to do first, start a plan.
