NOVEMBER 2024
Aptos Real Estate Update Ruth Bates 831.359.2212
ruthbates1@gmail.com CalBRE#01799929
LOWEST VOLUME OF HOMES SOLD SINCE 1995
“2024 will register the lowest volume of home sales since 1995, due to the combination of higher interest rates, record high prices, weak inventory in many areas, and the lock-in effect of the low mortgage rates that most of us took during Covid days. This “lock-in” effect has prevented the sale of an estimated 1.33 million homes in the US.” (Market Watch) APTOS SOLD (PAST 30 DAYS)
18 homes sold, AVG DOM = 56 days, AVG Sales Price (SP) = $2,355,188. High sale was 369 Beach Drive - $3,900,000 – 137 days on market (DOM). Low sale was 120 Sand Hill - $1,325,000 – 3 bed/3bath/2023 SF on 1.2 acres, 86 DOM. Also sold: 1695 Aptos Creek Rd - $3,851,000, 340 Beach Drive - $3,250,000, 702 Vista Del Mar - $2,895,000, 627 Seacliff - $2,850,000, 3030 Pleasant Valley $2,790,000, 2947 Pleasant Valley - $2,562,500, 325 Kingsbury - $2,500,000, 3684 Misty Lane - $2,450,000, 332 Palmer - $1,995,000, 810 Seacliff - $1,898,888, 140 Greenbrier $1,895,000, 1730 Jennifer - $1,750,000, 622 Cliff - $1,600,000, 206 Lake - $1500,000. 4 condos sold – AVG SP = $894,000. 6 Townhomes sold, AVG DP = $1,023,000. APTOS ACTIVE — 48 homes are for sale as of 11/08/24. Average DOM = 68. Median List Price (LP) is $1,797,450. Near the Median are: 206 Via Novella – LP $1,875,000 – 145 DOM, 181 Thunderbird – LP $1,799,000 – 36 DOM, 531 Santa Marguarita – LP $1,795,000 – 29 DOM, 105 Granada – LP $1,725,000 – 18 DOM, 509 Woodhaven – LP $1,698,000 – 51 DOM, 534 Robin – LP$1,595,000- 26 DOM, 3177 W Ledyard – LP $1,595,000 – 86 DOM. Four Condos and 7 townhomes are for sale. High list is 123 Marina – 175 DOM – asking $1,299,000. Low list is 6030 Soquel – 55 DOM - asking $595,000. ECONOMY — “Most leaders from around the world would trade their economies for the US’s in a heartbeat. Through the second quarter, the U.S. grew 3%; In the third quarter it grew at 2.8%. None of the world’s next 6 largest advanced economies grew more than 1%. Even China is struggling. European Union companies still pay 2-3 times more for electricity and 4-5 times more for natural gas than their U.S. counterparts.” (WSJ)
MORTGAGE RATES — “Mortgage rates will remain above 6% throughout 2025. Elevated rates will lead to fewer sales”. (Goldman Sachs). Note: Local Buyer rate quoted as of 11/06/24 = 6.683%. National Avg = 7.13% ——— Call, email, text anytime and Get Results With Ruth!
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Paid Advertising
COMMUNITY NEWS
Mesmerized by Monarchs O n a recent day, curious first graders from Mount Madonna School followed the “Monarch Trail,” an elevated, wooden path at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz that leads to a small viewing deck. There, surrounded by a grove of towering eucalyptus trees, their faces turned upward in awe, mesmerized by the abundant clusters of Monarch butterflies holding fast to tree branches and flying all around them. Their visit was part of their school life science study, bringing classroom lessons alive. “Mount Madonna first graders are studying native California endangered animals and what we can do to protect them,” said teacher Rochelle Saxton. “There are a
Courtesy of Mount Madonna School
couple of butterfly species native to California and categorized as endangered. Some of these are endangered because of habitat destruction and humans consuming more than what they need. As a class, we have been talking about things we can do to help butterflies to thrive.” The tour of the grove was much anticipated. “It was a really wonderful day,” said Saxton. “Students learned about the Monarchs’ dwindling population, how they migrate to escape the winter cold in Santa Cruz’s milder climate and what people can do to support conservation efforts.” Saxon said the Natural Bridges park docent also discussed the important role butterflies play in gardens, the pollination process and why it is important for humans. “This was really great because we are talking about how our interactions lead to consequences in our environment,” said Saxton. “It really helped students understand the impact their choices have on not only butterflies, but us too!” The Mount Madonna School program allows for an abundance of off-campus learning journeys each year for all grade levels, preschool through high school, to support and enhance the classroom curriculum.
Robert Siegel, MD, Ph.D., Stanford University
“There is nothing like walking through a Monarch grove and marveling at the colorful and fragile beauty,” Saxton said. “Seeing their vibrant colors up close and watching how the light touched their wings – it was magical from the students’ perspective. Being in nature and seeing butterflies up close and in person, helps foster students’ curiosity and wonder about the natural world. I’m hoping it will inspire and motive these children to become environmental stewards of the future.” n
Robert Siegel, MD, Ph.D., Stanford University
Campaign for Farmworker Opportunity Center
A
griculture and Land-Based Training Association, known as ALBA, announces plans to open the Farmworker Opportunity Center, a project designed to equip Latino farmworkers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed as independent organic farmers or to pursue careers in sustainable agriculture. ALBA, based in Salinas, has secured 20% of the funding for the Farmworker Opportunity Center, estimated to cost $2 million, and is now appealing to community members, businesses, and philanthropic partners for the remainder. The goal is to create a beacon of opportunity via land-based training in organic farm management and agricultural advancement, with the mission to lift families out of poverty and build a brighter future for our communities. Every day, dedicated farmworkers toil in the fields, often earning only $30,000 per year with limited opportunities to advance. ALBA envisions a path where talented and hardworking individuals can transition to economic independence. The Farmworker Opportunity Center will provide:
16 / November 15th 2024 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
• Land-Based Training: Practical, on-site training covering essential aspects of organic farm management. • Business Development Resources: Training in business planning, finance, and marketing transitioning from field work to farm ownership, including • Expanded Facilities: State-of-the-art classrooms and workspaces, “ALBA sees the talent, resilience, and dedication of these farmworkers,” said
Patricia Carrillo, executive director of ALBA. “Through this project, we’re creating a pathway to independence for people who want to achieve their farming dreams and lift their families from poverty. This is more than a building — it’s a bridge to opportunity.” n ••• You can join ALBA in building this transformative center. Donations can be made at https:// www.albafarmers.org/donate/