Meet Nico

Nico Vargas is a Watsonville-based REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty, licensed since 2015 and serving buyers and sellers throughout Santa Cruz County, including Watsonville, Aptos, Capitola, Soquel, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Royal Oaks, Prunedale, and Aromas. Since beginning his real estate career, he has closed 44 residential transactions totaling more than $29 million in combined sales volume.

For 449 consecutive days, Nico held the position of #1 agent in Watsonville by total transaction sides, and he ranks in the top 2% of Santa Cruz County real estate agents by closed transaction sides over the last year, according to MLS Listings Inc. residential production data. He also ranks in the top 10% countywide by closed sales volume. Over the last 12 months, he has closed 13 sides totaling more than $9 million in volume.

In 2025 alone, Nico closed 15 residential transactions totaling more than $11 million in sales volume, reflecting consistent production and a strong presence in the local market.

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 guiding clients through complex transactions, including the successful assumption of a 3.25% FHA mortgage, a strategy many agents never execute during their careers.

As a Santa Cruz County real estate agent, Nico works with both buyers and sellers and brings a calm, strategic approach to each side of the transaction. For buyers, that means understanding the market, writing competitive offers, and making confident decisions. For sellers, it means thoughtful preparation, data-informed pricing, and clear communication from listing through closing.

Nico maintains 100% 5-star reviews on Zillow and Google, reflecting consistent client satisfaction and trusted representation.

A lifelong Santa Cruz County local based in Watsonville, Nico combines market knowledge, negotiation experience, and strong community ties to help clients navigate one of California's most competitive coastal real estate markets.

Outside of real estate, he loves 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 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.

• 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