About Nico:

(as a person, and as a Realtor)

Nico Vargas is a Santa Cruz County REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty, licensed since 2015 and serving buyers and sellers throughout Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Capitola, Aptos, Scotts Valley, Soquel, Royal Oaks, Prunedale, and Aromas. In 2025 he was the #1 agent in Watsonville by total transaction sides, and since beginning his real estate career he has closed 44 residential transactions totaling more than $29 million in combined sales volume.

Over the past 12 months alone, Nico ranked in the top 10% of Santa Cruz County real estate agents by closed sales volume and in the top 3% by closed transaction sides, according to MLS Listings Inc. residential production data. During that period he closed 13 sides totaling more than $9 million in volume, with a business heavily weighted toward buyer representation.

Nico previously served as Sales Manager and top-performing agent at Hillcrest Residences, where he specialized in new construction sales, builder negotiations, pricing strategy, and contract structuring. His experience also includes representing buyers in complex transactions, including the successful assumption of a 3.25% FHA mortgage, a strategy many agents never encounter in their careers.

While much of his production comes from buyer representation, Nico brings the same level of strategy and preparation to sellers navigating competitive Santa Cruz County markets. His approach emphasizes data-informed pricing, thoughtful preparation, and clear communication from listing through closing.

Nico maintains eight 5-star reviews on Zillow and seven 5-star reviews on Google, reflecting consistent client satisfaction and trusted representation. Zillow publicly reflects 42 of his closed transactions.

A Santa Cruz County local, Nico combines market knowledge, negotiation experience, and strong community ties to help clients move forward with confidence in one of California’s most competitive coastal markets.

Outside of real estate, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. Being a dad is a huge part of his life and one of his biggest motivators. When he’s not working with clients or out on a showing, you can usually find him cooking for friends and family, playing golf, or catching up on a good show after the kids are asleep.

What You Can Expect

• Clear, honest communication at every step

• Local insight and experience you can rely on

• A plan tailored to your goals, timeline, and comfort level

• A trusted network of inspectors, stagers, painters, handymen, landscapers, cleaners, and other reliable professionals who are ready to move quickly to support our timeline

If you're considering buying or selling, whether here in Santa Cruz County or anywhere in the world, feel free to reach out. Even if it’s outside our area, I have a strong network of agents and would be happy to help.