Schooner Realty, Inc

10/10/2026

A taqueria isn’t just a place to grab a bite, it can become the heartbeat of a neighborhood.

When a new food spot opens its doors in Santa Cruz, it often does more than add dining options. These places draw neighbors out of their routines, giving people a reason to gather, linger, and connect. A taqueria with welcoming tables and local flair invites spontaneous conversations between regulars and new faces, and hosts everything from weeknight dinners to quick catch-ups after a day at the beach.

It’s not only about the food. New restaurants, community gardens, and food events across Santa Cruz County are sparking public spaces where friendships form and traditions take root. Local food spots, whether established or brand new, can anchor a sense of belonging, create new stories, and offer a reliable place for community life to unfold.

What would make you choose a neighborhood spot as your go-to gathering place?

10/08/2026

Your property deserves personalized care and expert management. Let Schooner Realty take care of the details while you enjoy peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about our full service property management.

10/08/2026

A solid purchase-readiness plan puts you in control before you even tour your first home.

Getting prepared in Santa Cruz County means more than just a pre-qualification letter. Build a clear affordability plan, know what payment you’re comfortable sustaining and preserve funds for both the down payment and closing costs. Programs like Measure J and CalHome have their own eligibility rules, so if you’re considering assistance, verify your options and requirements before shopping.

Homebuyer education isn’t just a box to check here. Completing an approved course is required for local assistance programs, but it’s also your edge in understanding the process and avoiding common missteps. Local resources offer counseling and education with practical, step-by-step guidance you can put to use right away.

The Santa Cruz County market still demands a thoughtful approach, set your budget ceiling realistically, compare your spending comfort against ongoing ownership costs, and always double-check that any property meets both your lender’s requirements and any program criteria you’re using. This preparation leads to better decisions and smoother tours when you’re ready to see homes.

What’s the one step you think makes buyers feel most confident before touring homes? Share your perspective below.

10/02/2026

Santa Cruz Porchfest is coming to Downtown Santa Cruz tomorrow October 3!
From 12–6 PM, porches throughout downtown will become stages for an afternoon of live music, local talent, and community. Come wander the neighborhood, discover new music, and enjoy one of the best things about Santa Cruz — our local community.
Catch performances from Jack Mazza, Girl Band, Zirzuví, Annie Rye & Wild Flour, and Diggin Trails throughout the day.
Saturday, October 3
12–6 PM
Downtown Santa Cruz
Free and open to all ages
Music on every porch, kindness on every block.

10/02/2026

Smart pricing keeps your Santa Cruz rental from sitting empty.

Renters today are weighing value more carefully than ever, so setting a number that matches both market realities and your unit’s true condition gives you a real edge. Overshooting what renters are willing to pay can lead to longer vacancies or faster turnovers, especially as affordability stays top of mind for most tenants.

Start by making sure your unit shines in all the right ways, prompt repairs, visible upgrades, and everything working as it should. With regular inspections required locally, keeping your unit compliant and habitable isn’t just smart, it’s essential.

When you approach a turnover, lean on clear documentation of the unit’s condition and communicate upcoming maintenance or improvements with potential renters. The right balance of transparency, readiness, and fair pricing helps you stand out from the competition and attract tenants who want stability.

What’s one thing you consider most when pricing a rental in Santa Cruz? Tell me below.

09/25/2026

09/23/2026

Strong rental demand in Santa Cruz can help fill vacancies, but it doesn’t guarantee stable tenants or reduce turnover on its own.

Even with interest from renters, affordability concerns and property expectations vary across neighborhoods, so relying solely on demand may leave you with payment stress, mismatched expectations, or frequent turnover. Consistent communication, clear maintenance processes, and transparent renewal conversations do more to keep reliable tenants than simply listing a unit.

Setting up a practical turnover workflow, like documenting move-out condition, coordinating repairs quickly, and keeping thorough records, makes transitions smoother and can prevent preventable vacancy. Addressing habitability issues promptly and notifying tenants about repairs or inspections in writing also strengthens trust and helps meet local requirements.

Santa Cruz landlords who focus on retention, ongoing communication, and proactive property care see more consistent results than those who assume demand alone will handle turnover.

How do you keep your tenants happy and your rental running smoothly? Share your best approach below.

09/22/2026

Apartment for Rent in Santa Cruz 755 14th Ave, Unit #214 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 799 Sq. Ft.

Enjoy walking to the beach, parks, harbor, and local farmers market.

Contact us today: (831) 425-1515 [email protected] schoonerrealty.com

09/20/2026

Santa Cruz Porchfest is coming to Downtown Santa Cruz on October 3!
From 12–6 PM, porches throughout downtown will become stages for an afternoon of live music, local talent, and community. Come wander the neighborhood, discover new music, and enjoy one of the best things about Santa Cruz — our local community.
Catch performances from Jack Mazza, Girl Band, Zirzuví, Annie Rye & Wild Flour, and Diggin Trails throughout the day.
Saturday, October 3
12–6 PM
Downtown Santa Cruz
Free and open to all ages
Music on every porch, kindness on every block!