May 2020

Almost twice as many homes as normal

May 26, 2020These summer-like days we’re experiencing are a marked contrast to the cooped-up lifestyles we’ve been cultivating since Shelter in Place (SiP) started. All this glorious sunshine tests people’s resolve to stay inside even further but it also feels like a sign that brighter days lie ahead. Meanwhile, some of the more stringent restrictions for showing homes were lifted last week but that doesn’t mean we’re back to business as usual yet. The rules will probably continue to change in the coming weeks and if you...

After The Fall

May 18, 2020It’s not what we wanted to hear - Shelter in Place (SiP) is extended. We’re getting there, but the curve hasn’t flattened enough to resume life as we knew it. In the current impasse, here’s a quick summary of the state of real estate in Santa Cruz: Restrictions limiting the preparation of homes are in place. Open houses are cancelled. Strict safety protocols for showings remain. The mortgage industry continues to struggle with forbearance. And most things real have become virtual by necessity. One would...

Post Covid Landscape

May 12, 2020The curve is flattening but it hasn’t reached its inflection point yet. The initial adrenalin rush of COVID has morphed into a tortuous marathon of stir-craziness and nagging anxiety. While counting down the unknown number of days until the end of the lockdown, it’s hard to resist the urge to get out there and do something. Or look for ways to bend the rules and jumpstart the economy (one’s own and everybody else’s). Hopefully most people will resist the urge and keep erring on the...

Better Angels

May 4, 2020Welcome news came in the fight against COVID19 recently: California is doing better than most of the country in flattening the curve and Santa Cruz is doing better than most counties in the State. Cause for optimism but certainly not cause for celebration - yet. The message is clear: Shelter in Place (SiP) works. Let’s not loosen the rules or rush to reopen businesses too soon. That’s why beaches and parks are closed and why the Sheriff’s Office is handing out citations right now. We’re...