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Insights & Tips

Local market insights, buyer and seller tips, and neighborhood guides from a REALTOR who knows Santa Cruz County from the inside out.

Fall Home Prep for Sellers: A Coastal Santa Cruz County Checklist Home Improvement & Staging
· 5 min read

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.

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Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — September 2026 Market Insights
· 10 min read

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.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 30-November 1 Community & Lifestyle
· 9 min read

Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 30-November 1

Halloween weekend in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties: Boo at the Boardwalk, Trick or Treat By the Bay on Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf, Oingo Boingo Former Members and EagleMania at the Golden State Theatre, Moe's Alley Halloween Bash, pumpkin patches, farmers markets, monarch butterflies, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 23-25 Community & Lifestyle
· 9 min read

Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 23-25

Boardwalk Chili Cook-Off, Thomas & Percy's final Halloween weekend at Roaring Camp, the Great Pumpkin Roll in Carmel, the California Seaweed Festival in Monterey, the Big Sur River Run, pumpkin patches, monarch butterflies, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 16-18 Community & Lifestyle
· 9 min read

Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October 16-18

Open Studios Art Tour, Wilder Ranch Heritage Harvest Festival, Halloween Mask Making Festival, Thomas & Percy at Roaring Camp, Santa Cruz Film Festival, farmers markets, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.

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Fall 2026 Guide: Selling & Buying in Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Seasonal Selling & Buying Tips
· 6 min read

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.

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Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — September 2026 Market Insights
· 10 min read

Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — September 2026

September 2026 market update for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Median home prices, year-over-year trends, active inventory levels, days on market, neighborhood data,and what the numbers mean for buyers and sellers right now. Researched and reported by REALTOR Kieron Bery of Century 21 Masters.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October Er 9-11 Community & Lifestyle
· 9 min read

Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October Er 9-11

Japanese Cultural Fair, Open Farm Tours, Thomasand Percy Halloween trainat Roaming Camp, the 181st Wharf Birthday Party, Banff mountain films atthe Rio, farmers markets,and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October Er 2-4 Community & Lifestyle
· 8 min read

Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, October Er 2-4

First Friday art walks in Santa Cruz,and Monterey, Carmel International Film Festival, Poodle Day, Sequoias At Night, farmers markets, whale watching,and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, September 25-27 Community & Lifestyle
· 9 min read

Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, September 25-27

Monterey Jazz Festival with 500-plus artists and eight stages, California International Airshow Salinas with the Thunderbirds, Fiesta en la Playa at the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Mountain Harvest Festival in Boulder Creek, farmers markets, kayaking, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.

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Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026 Market Insights
· 10 min read

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.

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First-Time Seller Guide: Selling Your Home in Santa Cruz County Selling Tips
· 7 min read

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.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, September 18-20 Community & Lifestyle
· 9 min read

Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, September 18-20

Santa Cruz County Fair with carnival rides and drone shows, Boardwalk PRIDE, GRIDLIFE Laguna Seca, PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach, Coastal Cleanup Day, farmers markets at peak harvest, and more. Written by local REALTOR Kieron Bery.

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Santa Cruz Neighborhood Spotlight: Three Cities in One Neighborhood Spotlight
· 7 min read

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.

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Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026 Market Insights
· 10 min read

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.

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Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026 Market Insights
· 10 min read

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.

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Soquel Neighborhood Spotlight: Small-Town Charm at the Foot of the Redwoods Neighborhood Spotlight
· 7 min read

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.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, September 11-13 Community & Lifestyle
· 9 min read

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.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, September 4-7 Community & Lifestyle
· 10 min read

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.

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Scotts Valley Neighborhood Spotlight: Above the Fog, Close to Everything Neighborhood Spotlight
· 6 min read

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.

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Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026 Market Insights
· 9 min read

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.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, August 28-30 Community & Lifestyle
· 10 min read

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.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey, August 21-23 Community & Lifestyle
· 8 min read

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.

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Capitola Neighborhood Spotlight: California's Oldest Seaside Resort Neighborhood Spotlight
· 7 min read

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.

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Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — August 2026 Market Insights
· 9 min read

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.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey — August 14-16 Community & Lifestyle
· 10 min read

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.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey — August 7-9 Community & Lifestyle
· 9 min read

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.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey — August 1-2 Community & Lifestyle
· 9 min read

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.

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Aptos Neighborhood Spotlight: Where the Redwoods Meet the Sea Neighborhood Spotlight
· 7 min read

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.

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Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — July 2026 Market Insights
· 8 min read

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.

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Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Santa Cruz & Monterey — July 25-27 Community & Lifestyle
· 7 min read

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.

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Staging and Improvements That Help Your Santa Cruz County Home Sell Home Improvement & Staging
· 6 min read

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.

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Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Update — July 2026 Market Insights
· 8 min read

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.

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Summer Living in Santa Cruz County: Events, Festivals & Why Locals Love It Community & Lifestyle
· 6 min read

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.

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Summer 2026 Market Update: Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties Market Insights
· 6 min read

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.

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What to Know Before Buying in the Santa Cruz Mountains Buying Tips
· 7 min read

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.

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Tips for Sellers in Today's Coastal California Market Selling Tips
· 5 min read

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.

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The Seller's Checklist Before Listing Your Home Selling Tips
· 5 min read

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.

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Why Local Knowledge Matters in a Competitive Market Market Insights
· 4 min read

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.

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First-Time Buyer's Guide to Santa Cruz County Buying Tips
· 6 min read

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.

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Kieron Bery REALTOR Century 21 Masters Santa Cruz County

Written by Kieron Bery

Kieron Bery is a REALTOR® and Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) with Century 21 Masters, serving Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. 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