A high listing price can sound like good news when you’re preparing to sell your home. If one REALTOR® says your property is worth significantly more than everyone else suggests, it’s understandable to want to believe the higher number. But an optimistic estimate and actual market value aren’t always the same thing.
Last month, 384 home sellers in Santa Clara County reduced their asking prices, nearly one-third of the homes on the market. That’s an important signal for anyone thinking about selling in Silicon Valley. Buyers are still purchasing homes, but they’re becoming increasingly selective about what they’re willing to pay.
The problem with starting too high is that the first few weeks on the market are often when a home receives the most attention. If buyers immediately decide the property is overpriced, they may simply move on. By the time the price is reduced, the listing has lost some of its initial momentum, and buyers may begin wondering why it hasn’t sold.
This is especially important in today’s market because conditions can vary dramatically by city, neighborhood, and property type. A pricing strategy that works for a single-family home in one Silicon Valley community may not work for a condo just a few miles away. Looking closely at comparable sales, current competition, buyer demand, and local market conditions matters far more than choosing the highest suggested asking price.
For homeowners considering selling, the goal shouldn’t be to find the agent who gives you the biggest number. It should be to understand what your home is realistically worth and develop a pricing strategy that gives you the strongest possible position from the beginning. Getting that right before your home hits the market can make a significant difference in both the selling experience and the final outcome.
Sell As-Is. Sell Easy. Sell Smart!
From the Monterey Bay Wayback Machine
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Is Established (September 18, 1992)
NOAA officially designated the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, protecting a vast stretch of California’s central coast and surrounding ocean. Extending from north of the Golden Gate to near Hearst Castle, the sanctuary protects kelp forests, deep-sea canyons, marine mammals, seabirds, and other wildlife. Its creation established one of the nation’s largest marine sanctuaries and strengthened long-term conservation, scientific research, and public education efforts along the Central Coast.
This Week in Santa Cruz County
Capitola Approves Short-Term Fix for Aging Stockton Avenue Bridge
The Capitola City Council has approved short-term repairs to the Stockton Avenue Bridge in an effort to extend its lifespan while the city works toward a permanent replacement. The aging bridge is a key connection into Capitola Village, making its continued operation important for residents, businesses, visitors, and emergency access.
The repairs are intended to address immediate structural concerns and keep the bridge functioning safely for several more years. A full replacement remains the long-term goal, but planning, funding and construction could take significant time. City officials are particularly concerned about the traffic disruption that could result when the bridge eventually closes for major work, with some describing the potential congestion as “Carmageddon.”
The decision allows Capitola to buy additional time to prepare for the larger project while maintaining access to the Village. Officials will continue developing replacement plans and strategies to minimize traffic impacts when construction eventually moves forward.
How’s the Local Market? Get All The Stats Fit To Print
Live MLS Data
See What Homes Are Actually Selling For
Real time charts on median price, days on market, and how many homes are selling over asking, pulled straight from MLS data.
See the Live Sales Data 📈Santa Cruz County Fair
Date: Wednesday, September 16 – Sunday, September 20
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E Lake Avenue, Watsonville
Celebrate local agriculture, community, and family fun at the Santa Cruz County Fair. Enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, farm animals, exhibits, delicious fair food, and activities for all ages at this beloved annual tradition.
Alzheimer’s Walk
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Seascape Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Dr., Aptos
Come together for a meaningful gathering honoring those whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s. Share stories and memories, then join a peaceful walk along an ocean-view path ending at the beach.
Hispanic / Latine Heritage Month Festival
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, 119 Madrone Street, Santa Cruz
Celebrate Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month with Mi Gente CA at this free, family-friendly community gathering. Enjoy live music and dance, discover local artists and makers, sample food from local vendors, and experience the rich cultures and traditions of Latin America and the diaspora.
Ben Lomond Scottish Day
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Ben Lomond County Park, 9525 Mill Street, Ben Lomond
Spend the afternoon exploring a variety of Scottish-inspired activities in Ben Lomond. Food, music, kids’ activities, shortbread contest, beer, wine, and so much Scottish spirit!
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
