Advice for Buying your dream home in santa cruz county
If you're thinking about buying a home in Santa Cruz, here's what I’d tell you if we were grabbing coffee:
Get your financing lined up early.
Homes can move fast here. Having your pre-approval ready makes everything smoother—and gives you way more confidence when it's time to make an offer.
Be ready to act quickly (but smartly).
Good homes don't sit around. When you find “the one,” it’s important to move fast while still making smart, informed decisions.
Be flexible and open-minded.
Santa Cruz County is full of amazing cities/towns, each with its own vibe. You might start your search thinking you want to live in one spot, but fall in love with another you didn’t expect.
Lean on your local team.
Having someone who knows the neighborhoods, the off-market opportunities, and how to navigate the competition can make a huge difference. (And that's where I come in!)
Don’t be scared of a little work.
Some of the best opportunities are homes that just need a little love. Paint and flooring are easy fixes—and can help you build instant equity in a place you love.
Stay Positive— it’s worth it
The right home is out there. It might take a little patience and strategy, but when you get the keys in your hand, it's one of the best feelings ever.
wondering if you can afford a home?
Questions Frequently Asked by Buyers
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It depends on the loan type and property, but many buyers put down between 3%–20%. Some programs even allow as little as 0% down!
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Yes! Getting pre-approved shows sellers you're serious and helps you understand your true budget.
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Typically 30–45 days from offer acceptance to close, but it can be quicker or longer depending on the situation.
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Closing costs usually range from 2%–5% of the purchase price. They cover things like lender fees, title insurance, and escrow services.
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We’ll work together to strategize—options could include negotiating with the seller, challenging the appraisal, or adjusting financing.
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There are certain points in the process (contingencies) where you can cancel and keep your deposit safe. I’ll walk you through those steps to protect you.
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In some areas, we may face multiple offers. That’s why we create a clear offer strategy tailored to your goals and the property.
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That’s very common and doable! I’ll help you coordinate timelines so you can move seamlessly without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
My custom process for buying your dream home in Santa Cruz County.
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1. Discovery
We’ll sit down and discuss your goals, must-haves in a home, budget, and timeline. I connect you with trusted local lenders to get pre-approved if you need a loan.
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2. Search for your Dream Home
I find properties that fit your criteria (on and off-market), schedule showings, and break down the pros/cons of each home.
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3. Make a Strategic Offer
When you're ready, I run comps and guide you in making a strong, smart offer. Then I negotiate on your behalf to get you the best terms.
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4. Close & celebrate!
I help you through the entire escrow timeline until we hand you the keys — making the process smooth and stress-free.