In 2015, my family and I were lucky to start calling Santa Cruz home. The blend of small-town charm, laid-back lifestyle, and breathtaking natural beauty – the mountains, the ocean, and the vibrant surf culture truly resonates with us.

My interest in real estate started years ago when we were house hunting. We are originally from Brazil and had to learn everything about the home purchase process here. But I’m a researcher at heart, and diving dee...