Schooner Realty, Inc

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Schooner Realty, Inc Established Independent Full Service Real Estate Brokerage specializing in selling & buying Santa Cr

Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Celeste knows this unique and beautiful area in, out and all around! As a fifth generation native, and a member of one of the “long-time” Santa Cruz families, Celeste has extensive knowledge of county neighborhoods and school systems. She obtained her California Real Estate License in 1991, a year before graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara. As a Santa Cruz native, her roots run deep in the community. As an event planner with the City of Santa Cruz, she has created, coordinated and managed more than two-dozen annual, local, community, and fundraising events during the past decade. As Regional Development Director, she worked for Special Olympics Monterey Bay Region, overseeing the Law Enforcement Torch Run and all other regional fundraising events and campaigns. She had the honor to be chosen by the City of Santa Cruz to coordinate the Olympic Torch Run in 2002. She was also staff liaison for the Public Art Committee, the Arts Commission, and Sister Cities programs. Though she has traveled extensively internationally, Celeste agrees with Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ, “There is no place like home!” With passion for her hometown, proven real estate expertise and commitment to helping each client find their ideal home, Celeste guides her clients through the process of home sale, selection and purchase. She will negotiate for you realizing the best possible price whether it is a sale or a purchase.

Coastal improvements can bring out more than a basic permit requirement, some projects call for an extra layer of review...
10/18/2026

Coastal improvements can bring out more than a basic permit requirement, some projects call for an extra layer of review.

In Santa Cruz, home upgrades near the coast may need you to dig deeper than the usual building-permit process. County regulations often layer on additional steps, especially if you’re dealing with flood zones, sensitive habitats, or anything in the Coastal Zone. Even when a project seems like it should be exempt, zoning, grading, or environmental reviews can still come into play.

Before listing, it pays to match every visible change to what’s on file with county planning. From additions and conversions to repairs and replacements, verifying the status of each improvement can protect you from surprise code issues down the line. Legalizing unpermitted work now, rather than after a buyer’s inspection, can add clarity and boost confidence during negotiations.

Putting together a package of permits, approvals, and completed repairs doesn’t just help answer buyer questions. It positions your property as transparent and ready for a smooth sale.

Have you run into permit surprises when buying or selling a coastal home? Share your story below.

When your Santa Cruz County home feels tight, adaptation might be a better move than moving.The local housing shortage m...
10/16/2026

When your Santa Cruz County home feels tight, adaptation might be a better move than moving.

The local housing shortage means selling and buying can be more challenging than expected, with fewer options and more tradeoffs to weigh. That’s why exploring every possibility with your current home can open new doors, especially for families needing more space, privacy, or flexibility.

Sometimes a refresh or remodel can solve what’s not working, provided changes are contained and don’t require major construction. For bigger projects, the parcel itself and local planning requirements will guide what’s truly possible, so a feasibility check is essential before committing to plans. If your property can accommodate an addition or even an accessory unit, adapting your home could offer a balance between stability and the space you need.

When the limits of your parcel or structure make staying unworkable, selling can help you reset, but it’s important to ground those expectations in current market realities, not just sale price. Each path has tradeoffs, so lining up solid local insight helps ensure the next step fits both your family and the market.

Have you weighed renovation or adding space before considering a move? Tell me what you discovered.

Now leasing in Santa Cruz! This apartment at 755 14th Avenue, Unit #214 features a pool, comfortable living spaces, and...
10/16/2026

Now leasing in Santa Cruz! This apartment at 755 14th Avenue, Unit #214 features a pool, comfortable living spaces, and a modern kitchen. Available for $3,400/month. Contact Schooner Realty for details!

At Schooner Realty, your real estate needs matter to us. Whether you're buying, selling, or planning for the future, we’...
10/15/2026

At Schooner Realty, your real estate needs matter to us. Whether you're buying, selling, or planning for the future, we’d love to hear what matters most to you. Tell us what you’re looking for and how we can help!

Santa Cruz County buyers who budget from recent sold prices make smarter, more confident decisions.While asking prices s...
10/14/2026

Santa Cruz County buyers who budget from recent sold prices make smarter, more confident decisions.

While asking prices set the starting point, what homes actually sell for gives you a clearer picture of real value and the negotiation landscape. In today’s market, there’s more room for buyers to choose carefully and compare options, not every listing is a bidding war or requires stretching past comfort.

A strong search strategy goes beyond the sticker price. Sort your wish list into essentials versus “nice-to-haves,” and match communities and property types to your daily needs. Evaluating recent sales instead of only listed prices helps you spot the difference between true opportunity and overreach.

If you’re considering affordable-homeownership programs or special financing options, lining up your financial prep early will put you in the best position to act fast when the right fit appears.

Have you found it challenging to separate real market value from list prices when looking for a home? Tell me what questions come up for you.

Don't forget to vote for your favorites in The Lookout List: Santa Cruz County Favorites!Show some love to your favorite...
10/13/2026

Don't forget to vote for your favorites in The Lookout List: Santa Cruz County Favorites!

Show some love to your favorite local businesses and help them get the recognition they deserve. Every vote counts, so make sure to cast yours before voting closes!

Vote for your favorites today!
https://lookout.co/the-lookout-list

Why choose Schooner Realty? We’re locally owned, independently operated, and proud to serve Santa Cruz County with perso...
10/13/2026

Why choose Schooner Realty? We’re locally owned, independently operated, and proud to serve Santa Cruz County with personalized service and local expertise.

From real estate to property management, we’re here to help you navigate every step with confidence.

Local roots. Lasting relationships. Real estate done right.

Contact us at [email protected] or (831) 425-1515 to learn more.

Knowing who regulates your Santa Cruz property can save time and streamline every step of your real estate transaction.E...
10/12/2026

Knowing who regulates your Santa Cruz property can save time and streamline every step of your real estate transaction.

Every property in Santa Cruz falls under the authority of either the City or the unincorporated County, never both. This choice sets the path for which planning department you’ll work with, which zoning codes apply, and which approval process you’ll follow. The city recommends starting by confirming whether the address lies within city limits before diving into application details or reaching out to planners.

County properties require a different playbook, with county planners reviewing zoning, project info, and sometimes additional factors like environmental health. Whether you’re buying, selling, or managing a rental, verifying the correct jurisdiction is the starting point for smooth approvals and avoiding missteps.

Wondering which set of rules applies to your next move? Share your experiences or questions about navigating City vs. County processes below.

A taqueria isn’t just a place to grab a bite, it can become the heartbeat of a neighborhood.When a new food spot opens i...
10/10/2026

A taqueria isn’t just a place to grab a bite, it can become the heartbeat of a neighborhood.

When a new food spot opens its doors in Santa Cruz, it often does more than add dining options. These places draw neighbors out of their routines, giving people a reason to gather, linger, and connect. A taqueria with welcoming tables and local flair invites spontaneous conversations between regulars and new faces, and hosts everything from weeknight dinners to quick catch-ups after a day at the beach.

It’s not only about the food. New restaurants, community gardens, and food events across Santa Cruz County are sparking public spaces where friendships form and traditions take root. Local food spots, whether established or brand new, can anchor a sense of belonging, create new stories, and offer a reliable place for community life to unfold.

What would make you choose a neighborhood spot as your go-to gathering place?

Your property deserves personalized care and expert management. Let Schooner Realty take care of the details while you e...
10/08/2026

Your property deserves personalized care and expert management. Let Schooner Realty take care of the details while you enjoy peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about our full service property management.

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1015 Cedar Street
Santa Cruz, CA
95060

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