Valerie Mishkin Realtor Bailey Properties

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]

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]

09/17/2026

09/16/2026

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Requires Well testing at Point of Sale.

Weather you are selling or not, if you would like to know the Quality of your water check this out.

Use the QR code to connect, or call 844 613 5152 for more information and assistance getting your quality of well water checked this is a great resource for free anytime.

A point of sale well inspection involves a bit more than quality, the flow rate and overall performance of the system are looked at. If you need help locating a certified inspector I can help with that.

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

09/09/2026

Why have the first five feet around your home become such a hot topic for wildfire safety?

California’s Zone 0 rules focus on this space because it’s the critical barrier between your property and wildfire embers. Here’s why that narrow perimeter matters more than ever, especially across Santa Cruz County:

– That first strip around your home is the zone most likely to ignite from embers, so keeping it free of flammable material is a priority.

– State rules zero in on homes in designated wildfire hazard zones, with Santa Cruz County already encouraging Zone 0 steps as best practice.

– Creating this “no-combustibles” buffer means thinking beyond clearing brush, it includes moving firewood, swapping out mulch, and choosing nonflammable landscaping right by the structure.

– The approach goes deeper near doors, eaves, and vents, calling for materials and landscaping that resist ignition under defined safety guidelines.

– Local agencies in places like Watsonville recommend simple but effective changes, gravel or pavers instead of wood chips, and clearing debris from gutters and decks.

– The regulation distinguishes between healthy, well-maintained vegetation and hazardous debris, so not every tree or shrub must go, maintenance is key.

– The focus isn’t just on appearances; it’s about making your home safer by design, with every detail of the perimeter set up to resist wildfire risk.

Getting familiar with Zone 0 makes adapting your property easier as state and local expectations evolve.

If you’re looking for guidance on defensible space or curious about how these updates affect your plans in Santa Cruz County, what’s your biggest question right now?

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

09/08/2026

Polished staging while living in your Santa Cruz County home: here’s what actually works.

Buyers want to see themselves in the space, without feeling like they’re interrupting your real life. That’s why the sweet spot is a home that’s show-ready, secure, and still genuinely livable.

– Stow away personal documents, medications, and mail before every showing to keep the focus on the home, not your life.

– Keep all, rooms but espescially entryways, living rooms, and kitchens consistently tidy and photo-ready, those are the first spots buyers notice in Santa Cruz homes.

– Use baskets or bins for fast daily clutter control, so cleaning up never means packing away your whole routine.

– Have a plan for pets, everyday items, and laundry during showings, buyers appreciate a space that looks ready but still feels warm and functional.

– Post a simple privacy notice near the entrance if you’re using recording devices.

– Coordinate showing times in advance to limit interruptions to your routine, but build in flexibility so your home always feels inviting when buyers arrive.

A well-staged occupied home shows buyers what living there could truly look like, while keeping your privacy and peace of mind.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced preparing your own space for sale, or the one staging win that made a real difference?

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

09/07/2026

First-time buyer playbook: coastal Santa Cruz financing essentials that make or break your offer

Navigating Santa Cruz County’s coastal market as a first-time buyer takes more than just enthusiasm, it’s about building a plan that lets you act quickly and confidently. Use this cheat sheet to set yourself up for sustainable ownership, not just a winning offer.

– Start your home search by setting a comfortable payment range that covers mortgage, taxes, and insurance in Santa Cruz’s high-demand coastal areas, by working with a local Mortgage Broker who will do the math for you.

– Get fully preapproved, not just prequalified, with a local lender who knows first-time buyer programs and coastal competition.

– Boost your buying power by researching Santa Cruz County assistance programs early; these often require lender coordination and an education certificate up front. You can take a short first time buyer course in the area. Banks and lenders can connect you to one.

– Prepare your cash reserves and review all monthly obligations so you can move fast if the right home pops up. Financial planners or Mortgage Brokers can help you assess what you can really afford or build for. I can connect to you both when your ready.

– Separate your must-haves from nice-to-haves before you start touring so you’re ready to make a confident offer in a tight market. The market is not as tight as it has been, but the best stuff still moves fast.

– Build your team early, choose a local Realtor familiar with first-time buyer strategies, neighborhood nuances, and program timelines.

– Avoid new debts or big purchases after preapproval, as these can throw off your financing just when you need it most.

What part of the financing prep feels most overwhelming, or most empowering, for you right now? Save this list for later or share with someone starting their home search in Santa Cruz County.

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

09/06/2026

Canceled Open House Today.
1111 Ocean Street #204 will Not be open today. Sunday 9-6-26

For more information or inquiries on this property please reach out. I am here to serve you in your home searching or selling needs.

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

09/04/2026

1111 Ocean Street Unit #204, Santa Cruz,
List Price DROPPED: $549,000
Open House Sunday 9/6/26 12-3

NEW Price too! Modern, stylish, and filled with natural light, this sunny condo puts you just a bike ride from the beach and the energy of downtown Santa Cruz. The thoughtfully designed floor plan features one bedroom plus a dedicated office space which is perfect for working from home or creating a quiet retreat. It could be a nursery or extra closet room. You fill in the your special need here. Soaring ceilings, granite countertops, bamboo flooring, and an expanded kitchen storage cabinet with convenient full-length pull-out drawers add both style and function. The European-inspired bathroom features a heated towel rack for an extra touch of comfort. Additional highlights include energy-efficient dual mini-split heating and air conditioning with individual room controls, an on-demand water heater, and convenient interior laundry. The secure building offers gated assigned covered parking, elevator access, a dedicated bicycle storage room, and controlled entry from both sides of the building. Ideally located with easy access to Highways 1 and 17, UCSC, Downtown Santa Cruz, shopping, dining, and miles of bike paths, this is an easy place to embrace the very best of the Santa Cruz lifestyle beach days, bike rides, and downtown fun all close to home. Low HOA dues.

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

09/02/2026

Want to know how recycling supports real jobs here, jobs that can’t just disappear overseas?

Recycling is more than sorting at home; it’s a powerhouse for local economic growth and stable employment. Here’s why these jobs matter for our community:

– Every ton sorted or processed locally creates about 10 times more jobs than landfilling or burning waste.

– Remanufacturing using recycled materials supports roughly 30 times more jobs per ton than disposal.

– Across the US, recycling drives $184 billion in economic activity and supports 603,000 jobs.

– The average recycling job pays over $100,000, according to recent studies, not just minimum wage work.

– Because recycling materials are heavy and must be collected nearby, these jobs stay in the community and are tough to outsource.

– Producer-funded systems (like EPR) stabilize local facilities and keep new operations and logistics jobs rooted right here.

– Simple actions, like recycling properly at home, help sustain these local, job-rich systems.

How has recycling shaped your own neighborhood or workplace? Save this if you want a local impact cheat sheet, and share your experiences below.