Insights & Tips
Local market insights, buyer and seller tips, and neighborhood guides from a REALTOR who knows Santa Cruz County from the inside out.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 31 - November 1
Your verified Halloween weekend guide to Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, October 31 - November 1: Halloween at the Boardwalk, trick-or-treating on the Wharf with the Thriller flash mob, the Aptos Village Halloween Parade, Downtown Santa Cruz and Pacific Avenue candy crawls, Felton and Boulder Creek merchant trick-or-treats, Castroville's NCRPD Halloween Fun, Downtown Salinas and Malloween, Monterey's Trick-or-Treat by the Bay, Watsonville's Día de Muertos weekend with Calles Libres and the Film Festival celebration, MILPA's Día de los Muertos in North Salinas, Pajaro Valley Arts' Day of the Dead opening, monarchs at Natural Bridges, Elkhorn Slough, farmers markets, and live music. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Neighborhood Spotlight Royal Oaks Neighborhood Spotlight: Country Living in North Monterey County
An inside look at Royal Oaks, California: a quiet agricultural community in North Monterey County with oak-studded acreage, Royal Oaks Park (the oldest park in the Monterey County system), North Monterey County USD schools, country home styles, and an October 2026 market snapshot with a median list price near $1.01 million. Local insights from REALTOR Kieron Bery with Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & North Monterey Counties Market Update - October 2026
The October 22, 2026 market update for Santa Cruz County and the North Monterey County communities Kieron Bery serves: median home prices through September, year-over-year trends, active inventory, days on market, homes sold, mortgage rates, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers right now. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 24-25
Your verified October 24-25 weekend guide to Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: the Boardwalk Chili Cook-Off, Thrill the World's Thriller flash mobs, a Hocus Pocus movie night on the Wharf, the California Seaweed Festival's Monterey debut, Thomas & Percy's final Halloween weekend at Roaring Camp, the Capitola Village Halloween Parade, Monterey Bay FC soccer, Watsonville's Día de Muertos ceremony and candy crawl, and live music. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Seasonal Selling & Buying Tips Pre-Holiday Selling & Buying Guide for Santa Cruz County: Beat the Winter Lull
Late October 2026 Santa Cruz and Monterey County market guide: median prices, inventory, days on market, what sellers should do before the winter rains, and buyer timing with rates near three-year highs. Seasonal selling and buying tips from REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update - October 2026
The latest October 2026 market data for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: median home prices through September, year-over-year trends, active inventory, months of supply, days on market, homes sold, mortgage rates, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers right now. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 17-18
Your October 17-18 weekend guide to Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: the Santa Cruz Film Festival's final weekend, the Open Studios Art Tour all-county finale, Wilder Ranch's Heritage Harvest Festival, the UCSC Farm Harvest Festival, Thomas & Percy's Halloween Party at Roaring Camp, the Santa Cruz Comedy Festival, the Monterey Tequila Festival, Uncork Corralitos, surf contests at Steamer Lane and Capitola, pumpkin patches, and live music. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Monthly Market Snapshot: Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties - October 2026
The October 2026 monthly market snapshot for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: median sale price, average days on market, and active inventory, with month-over-month changes, a plain-English takeaway for buyers and sellers, and cited sources and data dates. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Home Improvement & Staging Small Renovations That Add Real Value in Coastal Santa Cruz County
Garage doors, entry doors, ADUs, and solar: the small renovations that add the most resale value in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, and what to skip before you list. Researched guidance from REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update - October 2026
The latest October 2026 market data for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: median home prices through August, year-over-year trends, active inventory, months of supply, days on market, homes sold, mortgage rates, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers right now. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 10-11
Your October 10-11 weekend guide to Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: the Japanese Cultural Fair, Open Farm Tours with 13 farms, Open Studios Art Tour North County, Thomas's Halloween Party at Roaring Camp, the Monterey Grain Festival, Old Fisherman's Wharf's 181st birthday, pumpkin patches, live music, and farmers markets. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Neighborhood Spotlight Felton Neighborhood Spotlight: Redwood Living in the Santa Cruz Mountains
An inside look at Felton, California: the cultural and commercial heart of the San Lorenzo Valley, old-growth redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, historic steam trains at Roaring Camp Railroads, mountain home styles, and what the local real estate market looks like in October 2026. Local insights from REALTOR Kieron Bery with Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update - October 2026
The latest October 2026 market data for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: median home prices, year-over-year trends, active inventory levels, days on market, homes sold, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers right now. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 3-4
Your October 3-4 weekend guide to Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: the Santa Cruz County Multicultural Fair, the Downtown Harvest Festival, Zoom Honk Smash Touch A Truck at Capitola Mall, First Friday art walks, live music at The Guild Theatre, Felton Music Hall and The Ritz, and Monterey events. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Buying Tips First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Santa Cruz County, Fall 2026
Fall 2026 first-time buyer guide for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: mortgage rates near 7%, CalHFA Dream For All and MyHome down payment assistance, entry-level neighborhoods like Watsonville and Capitola, and what to expect from REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update - September 2026
The complete September 2026 market update for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: median home prices through August 2026, year-over-year trends, active inventory, days on market, homes sold, mortgage rates, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Neighborhood Spotlight Watsonville Neighborhood Spotlight: Value, History & the Strawberry Capital
An inside look at Watsonville, California: the Strawberry Capital of the World, historic downtown Plaza, an affordable Santa Cruz County market, diverse home styles, and what buyers and sellers should know in 2026. Local insights from REALTOR Kieron Bery with Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — September 2026
The latest September 2026 market data for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties through August: median home prices, year-over-year trends, active inventory levels, days on market, sales volume, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers right now. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Home Improvement & Staging Fall Home Prep for Sellers: A Coastal Santa Cruz County Checklist
Fall selling prep for coastal Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: rainy season timing, roof and gutter work, fog and mold prevention, exterior weatherproofing, high-ROI improvements, and autumn staging from REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — September 2026
The latest September 2026 market data for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties through August: median home prices, year-over-year trends, active inventory levels, days on market, sales volume, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers right now. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Seasonal Selling & Buying Tips Fall 2026 Guide: Selling & Buying in Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties
Fall 2026 market guide for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. August median prices, inventory and days on market, seasonal selling prep, what buyers should watch, from REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 2-4
First Friday art walks in Santa Cruz and Monterey, Poodle Day in Carmel, the Santa Cruz Symphony season opener, the Carmel International Film Festival, vintage racing at Laguna Seca, farmers markets at peak fall harvest, and whale watching. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, September 25-27
Monterey Jazz Festival with Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, and Cécile McLorin Salvant, the Salinas Airshow with the Thunderbirds, Fiesta en la Playa at the Boardwalk, Duck Island Festival, Boulder Creek Harvest Festival, Aloha Outrigger Races, Capitola Beach Festival, farmers markets, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026
Late-summer 2026 real estate market data for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Median home prices, neighborhood trends, inventory levels, days on market, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers right now. From REALTOR Kieron Bery, Century 21 Masters.
Selling Tips First-Time Seller Guide: Selling Your Home in Santa Cruz County
Everything first-time home sellers in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties need to know. Pricing, timing, disclosures, costs, and what to expect from REALTOR Kieron Bery with Century 21 Masters.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, September 18-20
Santa Cruz County Fair with Andy Vargas and drone shows, Boardwalk PRIDE, the Great Carmel Sandcastle Contest, Bonny Doon Art, Wine and Brew Festival, Coastal Cleanup Day, Cedar Street Music Festival, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Neighborhood Spotlight Santa Cruz Neighborhood Spotlight: Three Cities in One
A deep dive into Santa Cruz's most loved neighborhoods: the Westside surf culture, Eastside family-friendly streets, and Downtown's walkable energy. Local insights from REALTOR Kieron Bery with Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026
The latest late-summer real estate data for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Median home prices, neighborhood trends, inventory levels, days on market, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers right now. From REALTOR Kieron Bery, Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026
Fresh July and August 2026 real estate data for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Median home prices, inventory trends, neighborhood breakdowns, and what the latest numbers mean for buyers and sellers. From REALTOR Kieron Bery, Century 21 Masters.
Neighborhood Spotlight Soquel Neighborhood Spotlight: Small-Town Charm at the Foot of the Redwoods
An inside look at Soquel, California: historic Soquel Village charm, redwood-rimmed hills, top schools, diverse home styles, and what the local real estate market looks like in 2026. Local insights from REALTOR Kieron Bery with Century 21 Masters.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, September 11-13
Capitola Art & Wine Festival with 125+ artists and local wines, 93rd Annual Festa Italia in Monterey, Boardwalk Fall Campout, Black Uhuru at Moe's Alley, farmers markets, redwood hikes, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, September 4-7
Labor Day weekend guide: Monterey County Fair with rodeo and carnival, Roaring Camp steam trains through the redwoods, Boardwalk summer finale, farmers markets at peak harvest, live music, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Neighborhood Spotlight Scotts Valley Neighborhood Spotlight: Above the Fog, Close to Everything
An inside look at Scotts Valley, California: top-rated schools, redwood parks, the "above the fog" microclimate, family-friendly neighborhoods, and what the local real estate market looks like in 2026. Local insights from REALTOR Kieron Bery with Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026
The latest June 2026 real estate data for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Median home prices, inventory levels, days on market, neighborhood breakdowns, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, August 28-30
Monterey Turkish Arts & Culture Festival with whirling dervishes and Turkish food, final Midtown Fridays Block Party, Capitola Movies on the Beach kicks off, farmers markets at peak season, KBCZ Music Fest in Boulder Creek, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, August 21-23
Sand City West End Celebration, Oliver Tree at the Quarry Amphitheater, Midtown Fridays Block Party, farmers markets at peak harvest, Moe's Alley shows, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Neighborhood Spotlight Capitola Neighborhood Spotlight: California's Oldest Seaside Resort
An inside look at Capitola, California: the colorful Venetian Village, Opal Cliffs bluffs, Capitola Beach lifestyle, walkable dining, and what the local real estate market looks like in 2026. Local insights from REALTOR Kieron Bery with Century 21 Masters.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026
August 2026 market update for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Median home prices, inventory levels, days on market, neighborhood breakdowns, and what the data means for buyers and sellers. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey — August 14-16
Atmosphere at the Quarry Amphitheater, Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival, Ani DiFranco at the Civic, National Roller Coaster Day, Santa Cruz Makers Market, Car Week finale, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey — August 7-9
Jug Band Festival, Monterey Car Week kickoff, Cabrillo Festival world premieres, Midtown Block Party, Tri Santa Cruz, farmers markets at peak season, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey — August 1-2
Three festivals in one weekend. Brewgrass under the redwoods, the Watsonville Strawberry Festival, the Aloha Music & Arts Festival, plus Boardwalk events, farmers markets, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Neighborhood Spotlight Aptos Neighborhood Spotlight: Where the Redwoods Meet the Sea
An inside look at Aptos, California: beach living at Seacliff and Rio Del Mar, redwood trails in Nisene Marks, the Aptos Village lifestyle, and what the local real estate market looks like in mid-2026.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — July 2026
The latest available real estate data for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Median prices, neighborhood breakdowns, inventory trends, days on market, and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Community & Lifestyle Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey — July 25-27
Your weekend guide to Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Festivals, farmers markets, live music, kayaking, Boardwalk events, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Home Improvement & Staging Staging and Improvements That Help Your Santa Cruz County Home Sell
Home staging tips and high-ROI improvements for sellers in Santa Cruz County. What to fix, what to stage, and how to prepare your home for the coastal California market.
Market Insights Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — July 2026
Current median home prices, inventory trends, days on market, and what the July 2026 data means for buyers and sellers in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery.
Community & Lifestyle Summer Living in Santa Cruz County: Events, Festivals & Why Locals Love It
Summer events, local festivals, and the lifestyle that makes people stay in Santa Cruz County. Community highlights from REALTOR® Kieron Bery.
Market Insights Summer 2026 Market Update: Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties
What is happening in the Santa Cruz and Monterey County housing market this summer? Local insights on inventory, pricing, and what buyers and sellers should know.
Buying Tips What to Know Before Buying in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Fire zones, wells, septic, mountain roads, and the magic of redwood living. What every buyer should understand before purchasing a mountain home.
Selling Tips Tips for Sellers in Today's Coastal California Market
Pricing, preparation, and strategy for selling your home in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. What is working right now for sellers.
Selling Tips The Seller's Checklist Before Listing Your Home
A step-by-step guide to preparing your home for the market. From minor repairs to staging, here is what to do before your home goes live.
Market Insights Why Local Knowledge Matters in a Competitive Market
In a market as tight as Santa Cruz County, working with an agent who truly knows the neighborhoods is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
Buying Tips First-Time Buyer's Guide to Santa Cruz County
Everything a first-time buyer needs to know about purchasing a home in Santa Cruz County. From pre-approval to closing day.
Written by Kieron Bery
Kieron Bery is a REALTOR® and Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) with Century 21 Masters, serving Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County. With 50+ years as a local resident and 12+ years as a licensed agent, she shares practical insights on buying, selling, and living in the Santa Cruz County area.
About Kieron Bery