One of the most common phrases I hear from longtime Bay Area homeowners is, “I want to sell my home as-is.” Unlike most REALTOR®s, I am all about selling homes as-is, where-is. In most cases, it’s just the smart thing to do.
What “as-is” really means is this: you’re not trying to turn your home into something it doesn’t need to be in order for you to cash out with the maximum out of money in your pocket once the dust settles.
The truth is that many pre-sale renovations – like new kitchens and baths, flooring, paint and other cosmetic upgrades – rarely return dollar-for-dollar value, especially in the Bay Area. You could easily spend $50K “fixing up” your home before selling it, but only see a $35K bump in price.
I’ve way too many sellers spend six figures on improvements, only to discover that the market priced the home nearly the same as it would have before the work. The difference? More stress, more disruption, and more out-of-pocket expense.
A smart “as-is” sale focuses on clarity and confidence, not perfection. Strategic preparation, cleaning, decluttering, safety fixes, and transparency, creates strong buyer demand without unnecessary spending.
The goal isn’t to impress buyers with new luxury vinyl plank floors and Home Depot lighting fixtures. It’s to let the market compete for a home that’s honestly presented, well-positioned, and priced for today’s reality.
When done correctly, “as-is” isn’t selling quickly and selling for less. It’s about putting the most money into your pocket at closing, with the least amount of stress, hassle, and risk.
If that’s what you’re looking for when you move to sell your home, we should talk! Contact me at your convenience.
Sell As-Is. Sell Easy. Sell Smart!
From the Monterey Bay Wayback Machine
Watsonville Dedicates City Well No. 5 for Industry Growth (January 21, 1950)
Watsonville held a formal dedication ceremony for a new municipal water source, City Well No. 5, built to meet rising demand in the Pajaro Valley. Officials highlighted the well’s importance for supporting the area’s expanding canning industry, which depended on reliable water for processing and sanitation. The project reflected postwar growth pressures as local agriculture and food production scaled up. City Well No. 5 represented an investment in essential infrastructure, helping ensure industrial stability while also strengthening Watsonville’s broader municipal water capacity.
Monterey Residents Rally to Support Troops in the Pacific (January 19, 1945)
Monterey residents gathered at the local USO (United Service Organizations) to assemble “comfort kits” for U.S. servicemen fighting in the Pacific theater. The community effort took place during the final, intense months of World War II, amid the Battle of Luzon and shortly after Allied forces invaded the Philippines. Volunteers prepared supplies meant to boost morale and provide practical support to troops overseas. The event reflected Monterey’s strong home-front commitment, linking local civic action directly to the realities of combat far across the Pacific.
Historic Freeze Devastates Monterey Bay Crops (January 15, 1962)
Record-breaking freezing temperatures struck Marina and the greater Monterey Bay area, severely damaging artichoke and lettuce fields. Temperatures dropped into the 20s and low 30s, causing blistering and peeling in lettuce crops and significant losses in coastal artichoke fields. The freeze disrupted the region’s vital winter vegetable production and led to supply shortages and price increases. The event remains one of the most damaging agricultural weather episodes on the Central Coast, later followed by a rare snowfall that underscored the winter’s severity.
Your Neighbor Sold their House too Cheap!
This Week in Santa Cruz County
Paul Sweet Road Housing Plan Put on Hold as Safety Concerns Dominate Hearing
Santa Cruz County planners delayed action on a controversial “builder’s remedy” apartment proposal in Live Oak after a packed public hearing filled with concerns about emergency access, traffic and impacts on nearby seniors and a hospital.
The project, proposed by Santa Cruz-based Workbench, calls for a six-story, 105-unit complex at 3500 Paul Sweet Road, including 30 studios, 60 one-bedrooms and 15 two-bedrooms. Six units would be set aside for extremely low-income renters. The 81-foot-tall building includes a parking podium with 68 spaces planned.
In a 4-1 vote, the Planning Commission rejected staff’s recommendation to approve the development and continued the review to a later date. Commissioners asked staff to seek more information on emergency response travel times, evacuation planning, traffic impacts, street parking rules, construction staging, potential conflicts with federal disability law and other safety issues, despite staff warning that the application has already been deemed complete and further information requests may be limited.
Workbench argues state housing law prevents denial unless officials can make specific, evidence-backed health and safety findings. Opponents, including residents of Dominican Oaks and leaders from Dominican Hospital, warned that delays to ambulances and evacuation bottlenecks could put lives at risk.
Brian Fitzgerald Trio!
Date: Friday, January 23
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, 119 Madrone St, Santa Cruz
Enjoy an inviting evening of modern jazz with the Brian Fitzgerald Trio, where warm melodies, deep grooves, and lively interplay set the tone. Expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere filled with expressive improvisation, joyful energy, and plenty of musical surprises.
Live Music with the Shady Rest Band!
Date: Friday, January 23
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Bruno’s Bar and Grill, 230 Mt Hermon Road, Scotts Valley
Enjoy dinner, then stick around to dance the night away with the Shady Rest Band. This Santa Cruz County favorite serves up “Rock ’n Blues with Strings Attached,” featuring female lead vocals, violin, congas, rippin’ guitar, bass, and drums for a full, feel-good groove. No cover charge.
Lymphatic Drainage Workshop: Flow and Glow!
Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: SoulCare Studios, 8035 Soquel Dr Ste 35, Aptos
Join a soothing lymphatic drainage workshop with gentle movement and guided breath. Learn simple daily techniques, move through a standing sequence to support flow, then unwind with facial drainage to ease tension and reduce puffiness. Leave feeling refreshed and grounded.
Corralitos Farm and Garden Market
Date: Sunday, January 25
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Corralitos farm and garden market, 127 Hames Rd., Watsonville
Discover a small-but-mighty community market with a true country feel, featuring local produce, flowers, honey, baked goods, plants, crafts, and more. Set in beautiful Corralitos near Aldridge Park and the Corralitos Meat Market, this hidden South County gem is a welcoming spot to shop, wander, and connect. Rain or shine.
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