Coldwell Banker Realty · Local since 1978 · Licensed since 1991
Santa Cruz Real Estate, Coast to Redwoods
I’m Walter Stauss. I work with buyers and sellers in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties. My job is to make sure you know what you are buying before you sign.
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I Grew Up Around Houses
My mother was an architect. My father was a Realtor. I grew up looking at houses, studying land, and listening to deals get worked through.
That is still how I work. I read the property first, then the paperwork, then the math. Most of what goes wrong in a sale was visible early to somebody who knew where to look.
The House Is Only Part of the Sale
A good decision has to hold up after closing, not just get you there.
Start With the Move
What does the move need to do? Price is one answer. Timing, schools, commute, and taxes are the others, and they often pick the house.
Look Past the Photos
A listing photo is shot to hide things. Roof age, drainage, and permit history are what move the price, and all three are findable before you write an offer.
Keep the Deal Together
Most sales fall apart at a deadline nobody was watching. I stay on the lender, the inspectors, and the title team so the dates hold.
Keep the Numbers in View
This is likely your largest asset. I keep equity, repair cost, loan terms, and resale in the conversation while you are still deciding.
This Is Part of Your
Financial Plan
I have studied economics, accounting, and financial planning. Real coursework, not the required continuing education. I am not a CPA, an attorney, or a certified financial planner. My part is the real estate: value, equity, repair risk, and timing.
That matters when you are downsizing, trading up, or working with a 1031 exchange team. Getting to closing is not the whole job.
Go Over the NumbersChoose the Next Step
Buying and selling need different plans. Start with the page that matches your next move.
Buying in Santa Cruz County
Search, tours, offer terms, inspections, and the local problems that never make it onto the MLS.
Selling a Santa Cruz County Home
Pricing, preparation, negotiation, and what actually lands in your account after repairs and fees.
Marketing a Home
How the house gets prepared, priced, photographed, described, and shown to buyers who can close.
Get a Value Range
A range I put together from the property, the street, the comps, and what buyers are paying right now.
Area Guides
Santa Cruz County is not one market. Compare neighborhoods by schools, commute, property type, and the risks specific to each.
Aptos & Soquel
Neighborhoods and Hills
Oceanfront
Santa Cruz & Monterey
Santa Cruz City
Westside, Eastside, and Downtown
Rio del Mar / Seacliff / Seascape / La Selva
Beach and Shoreline
Capitola / Live Oak / Pleasure Point
Village, Surf, and Live Oak
Scotts Valley
Schools and Highway 17
San Lorenzo Valley
Redwood Towns and Mountain Homes
Corralitos / Watsonville
South County and Rural LandWhat Clients Say
“I had champagne tastes and a small budget but throughout the process Walter was wise and patient. Walter has a seasoned knowledge of the real estate market and can easily advise and negotiate smart outcomes for any buyer.”
“Walter found a great home that fit many of my key criteria before it even hit the MLS. This gave me a huge advantage in finding my dream home for a surprisingly reasonable price.”
“Walter’s attention to detail, ability to handle complex issues, and pleasant demeanor in dealing with both buyer and seller are unmatched. Walter helped us with both the sale of our home and the immediate purchase of another.”
