Valerie Mishkin Realtor Bailey Properties

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Valerie Mishkin Realtor Bailey Properties Realtor for Buyers and Sellers in Santa Cruz County California. Knows the area from Starter Homes, to Luxury, Land, Manufactured, HOAs, Coastal, and Rural.

Let's get you where you want be. Referrals appreciated. Valerie Mishkin is a world raised traveler, artist, maker, gardener, healthy lifestyle advocate, mother, grandmother, and student of everything and the interconnectedness of it all. Current community involvements: Santa Cruz Association of Realtors Board of Directors , Vice Chair Local Government Relations Committee, City of Santa Cruz Master Recycler Program, Smart Coast California Board, Luna Eco At Gallery Board. Specializing foreclosure, short sale, green properties, land development. Serving Santa Cruz, Corralitos, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Capitola and surrounding areas.

5601 Freedom Boulevard, Aptos, California 95003 List Price: $5,999,999 Unique Investment & Landmark Property. Own a piec...
10/13/2026

5601 Freedom Boulevard, Aptos, California 95003
List Price: $5,999,999
Unique Investment & Landmark Property. Own a piece of California unlike any other. Imagine the possibilities: Family Compound, Retreat Center...or live there and enjoy ample rental income in addition to living on this fabulous property! Home to the Bamboo Giant Nursery, this 30+ acre estate features the largest public bamboo grove in the U.S., along with redwoods, hiking paths, sunny clearings, and a koi pond with a self-sustaining waterfall. The property includes 12 rental units generating steady income: two homes with 2 units each (1,904 sq. ft. and 4,673 sq. ft.), Total 6,577 SF Total bed /bath count 9/7 plus a commercial/art studio building with 8 creative bays (2,693 sq. ft.). All units are fully tenant-occupied, providing a significant monthly rent roll. Beyond its current use, the land potentially offers future development possibilities, with ~10 acres possibly subdividable from the 30 acres to build a massive house plus and ADU with sweeping canyon views. Buyer to verify! The natural beauty has also made this property a sought-after venue for weddings, fairs, and tours. A rare opportunity to combine income, development, and natural splendor in one remarkable property. Seller is offering partial seller financing to qualified buyers.
Call for showing or more information.

Valerie Mishkin
Bailey Properties Inc.
DRE #02092111
831 238 0504
[email protected]

Open Studios: October 10 - 11 (North County),  October 17 - 18 (All County).Studios are open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Official n...
10/08/2026

Open Studios:
October 10 - 11 (North County),
October 17 - 18 (All County).
Studios are open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Official navigation tools include the printed Artist Guide, mobile app, online artist directory, and green roadside signs during tour weekends .https://santacruzopenstudios.com/

Santa Cruz Open Studios is always free, self-guided, and countywide, plan to meet artists and see their workspaces when your schedule supports it.

I will be assisting at Emily Reilly's Studio at 219 California both weekends. Emily has a Masters Degree from Berkly in Art and is painting larger oils on canvas.

Get out and see the diverse talent throughout the county.

Valerie Mishkin
Bailey Properties Inc.
DRE #02092111
831 238 0504
[email protected]

&CultureSantaCruz

Santa Cruz County’s market signals every buyer and seller should watch now:MLS indicators point to a shift, more homes t...
10/07/2026

Santa Cruz County’s market signals every buyer and seller should watch now:

MLS indicators point to a shift, more homes to choose from, yet prices remain high enough to keep competition real.

- Increased selection is giving buyers real negotiating power in Santa Cruz County.

- Sellers see longer marketing periods, so prep and pricing discipline make a difference.

- High-demand neighborhoods in Santa Cruz city still move quickly and stay close to list price.

- Attached homes are creating important entry points for buyers priced out of detached properties.

- Affordability and mortgage-rate uncertainty continue to shape what buyers can afford and when they act.

- Seasonal trends matter: fall activity is steady before the winter slow-down, offering windows for both sides to act.

Are you seeing these shifts play out in your search or sale?

Valerie Mishkin
Bailey Properties Inc.
DRE #02092111
831 238 0504
[email protected]

Santa Cruz County sellers: The winter-ready checklist every buyer wants to see before they visit.To help your property s...
10/06/2026

Santa Cruz County sellers: The winter-ready checklist every buyer wants to see before they visit.

To help your property stand out as prepared for winter, flooding, landslides, and fallen trees, showcase visible protection before listing. Here’s the practical, agent-backed guide I use to highlight every important upgrade:

- Clear gutters, drains, and downspouts to prevent water backup and roof damage.

- Inspect and reinforce retaining walls, slopes, and drainage channels to reduce landslide risks.

- Trim or remove dead and overhanging branches threatening the home or power lines.

- Secure loose outdoor items and reinforce fencing against heavy rains and wind.

- Check for signs of past water intrusion and ensure grading directs water away from the foundation.

- Review and document any professional erosion control, tree work, or flood mitigation measures.

Buyers and agents notice these preparations instantly, improving showings and negotiations. What’s one winter-prep step you’d never skip? Save this list for your next Santa Cruz County move or share it with neighbors getting ready to sell.

Valerie Mishkin
Bailey Properties Inc.
DRE #02092111
831 238 0504
[email protected]

10/01/2026

San Jose just sold it's first ADU. lot split. First in. the state.
The two-bedroom home sold for $530,000 and demonstrates a new ownership model designed to expand attainable homeownership. See the article. https://lnkd.in/gd_Wt2TQ

AB 1033 authorizes cities and counties to allow ADUs to be sold separately as condos, but adoption of such a program here has not been confirmed. in Santa Cruz County.

This means separate ADU sales are not yet an established option locally and depend on whether Santa Cruz or its cities implement specific rules. While statewide incentives like fee waivers and pre-approved plans exist for ADUs, they do not change ownership rules under AB 1033. Financing, permitting, and construction challenges remain significant barriers to ADU projects. If you’re considering an ADU sale or purchase in Santa Cruz County, understanding local policies and available support is key. Let’s connect to navigate the process together.

Valerie Mishkin
Bailey Properties Inc.
DRE #02092111
831 238 0504
[email protected]


Listing in Santa Cruz County? Here’s why timing before the holiday slowdown matters:In this area, November and December ...
09/29/2026

Listing in Santa Cruz County? Here’s why timing before the holiday slowdown matters:

In this area, November and December often mean fewer buyers, slower activity, and a dip in new listings. October remains a key window for homeowners who want maximum exposure and stronger buyer interest.

- Properties listed before the holiday season stand out while buyers are still active.

- Early fall draws motivated buyers returning from summer and settling into their routines.

- Inventory tends to tighten as winter approaches, making well-presented homes more noticeable.

- Fewer new listings hit the market in late fall, so waiting risks competing against a post-holiday surge.

- Buyer focus increases after summer distractions end, supporting smart, market-ready listings.

- Listing in early fall means you can move ahead of the usual year-end lull in Santa Cruz County.

- Well-timed listings can attract serious buyers before the seasonal break stalls activity.

Thinking about listing soon? Let's get you ready now, to close before the year ends.

Valerie Mishkin
Bailey Properties Inc.
DRE #02092111
831 238 0504
[email protected]

1111 Ocean Street Unit  #204, Santa Cruz,List Price: $519,000Open House Sunday /27/2026 1-4 Bright and quiet rear-facing...
09/25/2026

1111 Ocean Street Unit #204, Santa Cruz,
List Price: $519,000
Open House Sunday /27/2026 1-4

Bright and quiet rear-facing 1BR/1BA condo with dedicated office space in a modern 2014 building. This thoughtfully designed home features high ceilings, genuine bamboo flooring, abundant natural light, and a private balcony overlooking the quieter rear side of the property. The open kitchen offers granite countertops, generous cabinetry, full-length pull-out storage, and a brand-new German-made Liebherr refrigerator. Spacious bathroom with seamless glass-enclosed shower with natural stone walls. Heated towel rack and large basin sink vanity. Additional features include in-unit laundry, on-demand hot water, multi-zone heating and air conditioning, ceiling fans, assigned gated covered parking, elevator access, controlled entry, and dedicated bicycle storage on first floor.. Conveniently located near Downtown Santa Cruz, UCSC, beaches, shopping, dining, bike routes, and Highways 1 and 17. A comfortable, low-maintenance Santa Cruz home combining a quiet location, dedicated workspace, private outdoor space, A/C, SB326 compliant. Bus stop in the front of the building.. Secure parking area. Entry to building with phone access to remotely open entry for guests. Common area large balcony that looks to downtown. Note- Pets are ok. 2 dogs or cats or combo.

NEW Price too!

Valerie Mishkin
Bailey Properties Inc.
DRE #02092111
831 238 0504
[email protected]

Santa Cruz is speeding up affordable housing approvals, without skipping all the key checks: RHNA numbers from state req...
09/24/2026

Santa Cruz is speeding up affordable housing approvals, without skipping all the key checks: RHNA numbers from state require more housing gets built. Most of it is apartments, but home owners can expand up 4 ADUS in some cases. Lot splits are possible with a home and ADU on each lot.

The city's and county are all updating zoning and planning rules to make a wider mix of housing easier to build, especially for affordable and infill projects. This shift means projects can qualify for faster, objective approval paths while still needing to meet clear design, environmental, and neighborhood standards.

Objective rules and overlay zones allow many affordable projects to skip outdated discretionary steps. Voice your concerns about overlays before they become established in the cities.

Streamlined approvals focus on smaller-lot infill, lot splitting, accessory units, and supportive housing in existing neighborhoods.

Review for affordable housing is simpler but still applies design standards and a public process, just with more predictable outcomes.

County code updates also make small-scale housing additions easier, especially for accessory dwelling units.

Future neighborhood growth will still be shaped by ongoing public input and evolving local policies, not just a single rule change. Get involved if you have questions or concerns about big development. Talk with your Realtor and planners if you want to know more about smaller possibilities for your own property.

Growth is being steered toward places already set up for new housing, rather than scattered expansion. Major transportation corridors / bus lines and town centers are where bigger apartment development are going.

Curious how these planning shifts could impact your buying or selling plans in Santa Cruz County? Save this post or reach out if you want to talk through what’s changing in your neighborhood.

Valerie Mishkin
Bailey Properties Inc.
DRE #02092111
831 238 0504
[email protected]

Independent brokerages just hit a 28.79% market share nationally, and here in Santa Cruz County, the shift toward local ...
09/22/2026

Independent brokerages just hit a 28.79% market share nationally, and here in Santa Cruz County, the shift toward local expertise is even more dramatic.

While the latest RealTrends Verified Rankings show independent firms are gaining ground across the U.S., our local market has long known the value of the independent model. In Santa Cruz County, independent brokerages don't just compete; they often lead, frequently commanding over 40% of the local market share.

Here’s why these numbers matter for your next move:

- National Growth: Independent firms jumped to 28.79% market share this year, up from 26.98% last year, disproving claims that they are losing relevance.
- Santa Cruz Strength: Local independent powerhouses consistently outperform national franchises in our area, proving that deep community roots matter.
- Market Momentum: LeadingRE, a network of independent firms, surged to 11.08% market share and now ranks No. 2 nationally by transaction sides.
- Client Impact: This trend ensures that personalized, boutique service remains at the heart of the real estate experience, offering buyers and sellers more adaptability than a "one-size-fits-all" national corporate model.

Are you surprised by the growth of independent brokerages, or have you seen the local difference firsthand? Save this post to stay informed on the trends shaping the Santa Cruz market.

Valerie Mishkin
Bailey Properties Inc.
DRE #02092111
831 238 0504
[email protected]

Storm-ready means property-ready: Santa Cruz’s must-do prep list for a strengthening El Niño.With a powerful El Niño pat...
09/21/2026

Storm-ready means property-ready: Santa Cruz’s must-do prep list for a strengthening El Niño.

With a powerful El Niño pattern building for 2026 - 27, Santa Cruz faces a higher risk of strong storms, flooding, and erosion, especially for homes in coastal or low-lying areas. These steps can help you get ahead of the season and protect what matters:

- Clear gutters, drains, and culverts now, not after heavy rain hits.

- Inspect roofs and windows for leaks and seal any problem spots before storms begin.

- Walk your yard and secure outdoor furniture, grills, and loose items that might move in high winds or waves.

- Schedule a drainage and erosion assessment if your property is near slopes or private roads, early action can prevent costly water damage.

- Sign up for CruzAware alerts so you’re notified about severe weather, evacuations, or power outages before they become urgent.

- Locate your nearest sandbag site and gather basic flood materials so you’re not scrambling as storms approach.

- Review county evacuation maps and plan at least two ways out, road and slope conditions can change fast in a wet year.

Which storm prep step do you find most important for your Santa Cruz property, and how are you planning ahead this season?

Valerie Mishkin
Bailey Properties Inc.
DRE #02092111
831 238 0504
[email protected]

Address

1602 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA
95060

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18312380504

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