If you’ve owned a home in the Bay Area for a long time, you’re probably sitting on a ton of equity – so much that it’s probably the single biggest asset you own. That’s why the most common question I hear from sellers is some version of: “What do I need to fix before we list so I get top dollar?”
Here’s the counterintuitive truth: selling as-is will often put more cash in your pocket at closing, not less. Not because buyers love projects (although many do), but because most big pre-sale remodels don’t reliably pay you back dollar-for-dollar when you sell – and they come with the hidden costs of time, stress, and risk of significant cost overruns.
The smarter as-is strategy is basically this: skip the low-ROI renovations, but remove the stuff that triggers buyer doubt. Silicon Valley buyers can tolerate “needs updating.” Many of them want to customize whatever home they buy for their particular needs and taste anyway.
If you’re looking to maximize your cash out at closing, the secret is to remove things that make buyers go “ugh.” Smells, darkness, grime, hazardous conditions, rooms overstuffed with furniture and knick-knacks create uncertainty – and uncertainty makes buyers shy. But when you eliminate those “pain triggers” with targeted prep (deep cleaning, odor removal, brighter spaces, decluttering and landscape clean-up), you mitigate factors which keep buyers at bay. You make them focus on what actually drives value: location, lot size, square footage, and floor plan.
The smart way to sell “as-is” doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means eliminating the negative and accentuating the positive. Prep for confidence, price strategically, make a complete disclosure — and let me work the buyers to bring you the best combination of price and terms the market has to bear.
Sell As-Is. Sell Easy. Sell Smart!
From the Monterey Bay Wayback Machine
Santa Cruz Approves Wharf Modernization for Fishing Growth (February 10, 1948)
The Santa Cruz City Council approved plans to modernize the municipal wharf to better handle rising commercial fishing activity. Officials cited increased boat traffic and the need for improved facilities to support unloading, maintenance, and waterfront commerce. The decision reflected postwar economic momentum, as coastal industries expanded and communities invested in infrastructure to match demand. Upgrades to the wharf aimed to strengthen Santa Cruz’s role as a working harbor while also improving safety and efficiency for fishermen and local businesses tied to the waterfront.
Seaside Opens New Community Youth Center (February 10, 1968)
The City of Seaside marked the official opening of a new community youth center designed to provide recreational and social programs for local teenagers, with support connected to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County. City leaders highlighted the center as a safe, structured space for young people during a period of rapid population growth and social change. The facility offered activities intended to encourage positive engagement, skill development, and community involvement. Its opening reflected Seaside’s investment in youth services and efforts to strengthen neighborhood life amid late-1960s cultural shifts.
Scotts Valley Weighs Hidden Oaks Development Near Skypark (February 11, 1972)
During a public hearing, the Scotts Valley Planning Commission reviewed several residential proposals intended to transform land near Skypark Airport into a suburban residential hub. Central to the discussion was the Hidden Oaks development, now known as the Hidden Oaks Condominiums. Commissioners and residents debated zoning, density, and compatibility with nearby airport operations. The proposals reflected Scotts Valley’s rapid growth pressures and the city’s effort to balance new housing demand with transportation, noise concerns, and long-term land-use planning around Skypark.
This Week in Santa Cruz County
Watsonville Eyes Major Safety Upgrades for Freedom Boulevard
The Watsonville Planning Commission reviewed early plans for roadway improvements along Freedom Boulevard as part of a draft Vision Zero Corridor Study aimed at reducing serious injuries and traffic deaths. The corridor is a major north–south route and has long been considered a high-risk area due to frequent collisions involving drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Commissioners discussed the proposal and offered feedback before the plan moves forward to the Watsonville City Council for possible approval.
The study outlines several potential safety upgrades designed to slow traffic and better protect vulnerable road users. Proposed improvements include protected or buffered bike lanes, expanded sidewalks, upgraded crosswalks, and other street design changes to improve visibility and reduce dangerous speeding. City staff also emphasized that the plan would help guide both short-term fixes and long-term transportation goals for the corridor. The project reflects growing community pressure to make Freedom Boulevard safer as traffic volumes and development in the area continue to increase.
JONNY FRITZ
Date: Friday, February 13
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz
Jonny Fritz, the eccentric architect of “Dad Country,” delivers honky-tonk storytelling packed with dry wit and sharp, reality-soaked songwriting. Catch his vibrant return to the stage with beloved classics and highlights from Debbie Downers, promising an intimate night of unconventional Americana charm.
The White Album Ensemble – Beatles Music Unplugged
Date: Friday, February 13 & Sunday, February 15
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Kuumbwa Jazz, 320 Cedar St, Santa Cruz
The White Album Ensemble brings “Beatles Music Unplugged” to life with a deeply personal, entirely acoustic take on beloved Beatles songs. Featuring acoustic guitars, grand piano, percussion, and rich harmonies, the show highlights the intricate melodies and vocal arrangements of The Beatles’ later work in a warm, intimate setting.
Valentine’s Day Chocolate Pairing
Date: Saturday, February 14
Time: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Aptos Vineyard Tasting Room, 105C Post Office Drive, Aptos
Indulge in a decadent four-course chocolate pairing experience, with each course expertly matched to a beautiful Aptos Vineyard wine. Every pairing also includes a third special element, creating a one-of-a-kind tasting journey full of rich flavors and surprises.
Flora Fest
Date: Saturday, February 14
Time: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz
Celebrate community, creativity, and all things floral at Flora Fest with art, activities, and a lively museum atmosphere perfect for a February outing.
Time to talk to a REALTOR?
Senior Friendly Homes in Silicon Valley South
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
