SUMMARY: Santa Cruz County average single family home prices eased about 3% during the 4th quarter, versus the 3rd quarter, but, prices were just 1% lower than this time a year ago. The number of homes sold was about equal to the number sold during the same time period last year. To quote my year end 2018 blog, “After consecutive years of double digit price appreciation, I consider this softening healthy for the overall housing market, although … disconcerting to home sellers. Real estate is cyclical; the (10 comments)