Your Monthly Newsletter from

Michele Replogle - October 2025

Happy Halloween!

I just realized almost every newsletter I say this is my favorite time of year. But Halloween is special to me. It is a celebration of fun. You can choose what scares you or delights you. I lean on the silly side, in this video below you will see my yard, I have a skeleton who talks more like barks, and there are skeletons enjoying themselves and sun tanning. We add stuff every year much to my poor husband's dismay he has to find homes for my acquistions, mostly skeletons. I have added a few witches too. I hope this fall finds you well. And if you need more rooms for your skeleton collection let me know we will find the perfect haunt for your collection.

Local Events

Downtown Boulder Creek: Treat Walk

Stroll through Downtown Boulder Creek at the 4th Annual Treat Walk and enjoy a festive mix of treats and surprises from local artists and merchants. Costumes are welcome but not required—perfect if you’re looking for a little early Halloween fun. Along the way, discover unique art and crafts that can add a seasonal touch to your October adventures.

U-Cut Roses at Cabrillo Cottage Farms

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at our rose farm in Aptos, surrounded by over 500 beautiful rose plants. Your entry fee includes admission for one, a bucket of water, and pruning shears to borrow. It also counts as credit toward any flower purchase of a dozen or more. Guests may arrive anytime between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, with the final hour of cutting from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. Each guest gets one hour to cut, and rose stems are $2 each. Children 3 and under are free. Minors under 18 must be with an adult, and you must be at least 13 to cut your own roses. All guests must complete a liability waiver. Rain or shine, all sales are final. Tickets are transferable—please email us with any name changes.

Quail Hollow: Full Moon Hike

Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp, and some drinking water. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. For ages 8 & up. *Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Meet with your guide outside the ranch house before heading out. Space is limited for this free activity.

Welcome Back Monarchs Day!

Welcome Back Monarchs Day will be held at Natural Bridges State Beach on October 12, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM. The free event (parking $10) celebrates the return of the monarch butterflies with live music, arts and crafts, games, and educational booths. Visitors can also explore the eucalyptus grove, where monarchs cluster from fall through winter.

Dog Halloween Costume Contest

Get ready for some tail-wagging fun! Join us at Abbott Square in Downtown Santa Cruz on Friday, October 31st for the Halloween Dog Costume Contest. Sign-ups start at 4:00 PM, and the costume parade kicks off at 5:00 PM. Bring your pup in their spookiest, silliest, or most creative costume for a chance to strut their stuff on stage and win fun prizes! Space is limited to 20 dogs, so be sure to arrive early to secure a spot. Don’t miss this paws-itively adorable event!

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Market Update

Why Are Homebuyers Paying More Now? Market Update - September 2025

Santa Cruz home prices are climbing, but why? With interest rates starting to ease, is the market heating up or cooling down? And how does California’s shifting insurance landscape factor into the mix? In this month’s Santa Cruz Market News Update, I break down the impact of interest rates, rising insurance costs, and inflation on buying or selling a home. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or thinking about selling, this is the straight talk you need to navigate today’s market with confidence.

What is the Latest for Santa Cruz County?

Santa Cruz County’s housing market held steady in August, with the median home price around $1.3M, up 2.5% year-over-year. Homes are taking longer to sell, averaging 56 days on market, while overall sales volume has dipped slightly from last year. Inventory remains higher than 2024, giving buyers more choice, though affordability challenges persist. Mortgage rates edging closer to 6% could boost demand this fall, while fire risk and rising insurance costs continue to weigh on mountain properties. Looking ahead, the $50M La Bahia Hotel opening this fall and upcoming housing affordability ballot measures may shape the next phase of the market.

Did You Know?

History of Halloween

"Halloween is among the oldest traditions in the world as it touches on an essential element of the human condition: the relationship between the living and the dead. The observance evolved from ancient rituals marking the transition from summer to winter, thereby associating it with transformation, which is still a central theme of the holiday..."

Real Estate Tips

What Happens If Someone

Died In Your House??

Buying or selling a home comes with plenty of questions, but what if a previous owner passed away there? In this chilling episode of Live The Santa Cruz Life, I dive into the eerie realities, legal requirements, and what buyers and sellers need to know about “stigmatized” properties. Whether you’re curious or cautious, this video uncovers the truths that lurk behind the walls…Watch my latest video below.

Go to my YouTube channel to learn about Santa Cruz real estate and more!

Featured Listing

Recently Sold

San Jose- pending

21400 Tierra Grande Court

4 BD 3 BA 3188 SF $2,750,000

Carbonera

111 Esmeralda Drive

4 BD 3 BA 2737 SF $2,160,000

Thanks for reading and subscribing! Ready to achieve your real estate goal?

Michele Replogle

Broker Associate

DRE#01454037

831.818.7372

michele.replogle@compass.com