I have managed a portfolio of investment properties for years, and working with Troy Hinds was a level of service I haven’t encountered before. We handed him a very difficult, non-conforming commercial building that many would have struggled to position. Not only did Troy sell the 'down leg' of my 1031 exchange pre-market, but he navigated the entire transaction with surgical precision.
What truly sets Troy apart is his network; he connected me with a top-tier real estate attorney, a 1031 intermediary, and a specialized tax accountant to ensure my trust and tax strategy were airtight. On the acquisition of my 'up leg' property, Troy negotiated a purchase price that was $125,000 below list—an incredible feat in the Santa Cruz market. If you are a sophisticated investor looking for an agent who understands the complexities of real estate investment and wealth preservation, Troy is the clear choice.
I have managed a portfolio of investment properties for years, and working with Troy Hinds was a level of service I haven’t encountered before. We handed him a very difficult, non-conforming commercial building that many would have struggled to position. Not only did Troy sell the 'down leg' of my 1031 exchange pre-market, but he navigated the entire transaction with surgical precision.
What truly sets Troy apart is his network; he connected me with a top-tier real estate attorney, a 1031 intermediary, and a specialized tax accountant to ensure my trust and tax strategy were airtight. On the acquisition of my 'up leg' property, Troy negotiated a purchase price that was $125,000 below list—an incredible feat in the Santa Cruz market. If you are a sophisticated investor looking for an agent who understands the complexities of real estate investment and wealth preservation, Troy is the clear choice.
— Thomas B, Trustee
Troy is an outstanding agent who helped my family find the perfect Pleasure Point getaway. He has an unparalleled understanding of local neighborhood nuances and family lifestyle needs. His stellar reputation among peers and masterful negotiation skills secured us an incredible investment. Even after closing, Troy made our transition effortless by connecting us with top-tier local contractors and neighbors. I wholeheartedly recommend him to any discerning buyer in Santa Cruz. Troy is the premier choice for luxury coastal properties in Santa Cruz.
Troy is an outstanding agent who helped my family find the perfect Pleasure Point getaway. He has an unparalleled understanding of local neighborhood nuances and family lifestyle needs. His stellar reputation among peers and masterful negotiation skills secured us an incredible investment. Even after closing, Troy made our transition effortless by connecting us with top-tier local contractors and neighbors. I wholeheartedly recommend him to any discerning buyer in Santa Cruz. Troy is the premier choice for luxury coastal properties in Santa Cruz.
— Lindsey Stevenson, Director of Sales Strategy at Google
Very happy with overall experience, the entire team is very professional, especially Troy Hinds who was extremely patient throughout the process, he is very friendly and easy to work with, the whole process was easy and stress free. Property was well done too.
Very happy with overall experience, the entire team is very professional, especially Troy Hinds who was extremely patient throughout the process, he is very friendly and easy to work with, the whole process was easy and stress free. Property was well done too.
— Jay Gohil, CEO at Nextgen Technologies
Troy was referred to us from a local developer as an agent who is top shelf and experienced with multifamily residential investment properties. I am an experienced real estate investor with 20+ deals under my belt throughout the Bay Area. Troy is as good as they come. I can’t imagine having worked with a better agent for any of these purchases or listings. We could tell from our first meeting that he was a go-getter and was a driven professional. He provided advice and guidance to us as we navigated this new market for us in Santa Cruz County. We are looking forward to many more successful ventures in the future with Troy Hinds by our side.
Troy was referred to us from a local developer as an agent who is top shelf and experienced with multifamily residential investment properties. I am an experienced real estate investor with 20+ deals under my belt throughout the Bay Area. Troy is as good as they come. I can’t imagine having worked with a better agent for any of these purchases or listings. We could tell from our first meeting that he was a go-getter and was a driven professional. He provided advice and guidance to us as we navigated this new market for us in Santa Cruz County. We are looking forward to many more successful ventures in the future with Troy Hinds by our side.
— Mike Popek, Principal at PURE Development LLC
Troy was an incredible agent to work with in purchasing a home in Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz. He has deep local knowledge, and really took his time to get to know me, and what I cared about. We took our time and looked at about a dozen houses, and after each one, Troy would incorporate my feedback and make sure we were only looking at houses that met all my criteria. When it was finally time to put in offers, Troy's strengths really shone. He was incredibly detail-oriented, stayed on top of every part of the process, and was an excellent negotiator. He went above and beyond in helping me move into the house, introduced me to many of my neighbors (that he already knew), and oversaw getting painters, contractors, plumbers, etc, to the house in the first week after the sale closed. Would absolutely want to work with Troy again, and would 100% recommend him to anyone looking for a house in the Santa Cruz area.
Troy was an incredible agent to work with in purchasing a home in Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz. He has deep local knowledge, and really took his time to get to know me, and what I cared about. We took our time and looked at about a dozen houses, and after each one, Troy would incorporate my feedback and make sure we were only looking at houses that met all my criteria. When it was finally time to put in offers, Troy's strengths really shone. He was incredibly detail-oriented, stayed on top of every part of the process, and was an excellent negotiator. He went above and beyond in helping me move into the house, introduced me to many of my neighbors (that he already knew), and oversaw getting painters, contractors, plumbers, etc, to the house in the first week after the sale closed. Would absolutely want to work with Troy again, and would 100% recommend him to anyone looking for a house in the Santa Cruz area.
— August Flanagan, CTO at Babylist
I've been looking to buy a commercial multifamily property in Santa Cruz for a long time, and Troy identified and helped me close on the perfect property. He's extremely diligent, hard working, and helpful post-transaction.
I've been looking to buy a commercial multifamily property in Santa Cruz for a long time, and Troy identified and helped me close on the perfect property. He's extremely diligent, hard working, and helpful post-transaction.
— Richard Aberman, GP at Open Core Ventures
Troy is a top real estate agent in Santa Cruz. His knowledge of both residential and commercial real estate and his investor experience gives him a unique background for sourcing investment properties in Santa Cruz County.
Troy is a top real estate agent in Santa Cruz. His knowledge of both residential and commercial real estate and his investor experience gives him a unique background for sourcing investment properties in Santa Cruz County.
— Justin Usher, President at Idevco
Troy helped me sell our property in Watsonville. He put in a lot of work helping us to properly prepare the house for market, so it was turnkey for our buyer. I felt his photographer was hands down above and beyond better than any other listing in the city at the time of sale. Giving us the best chance for buyers to give us the time of day to view the home. His opinion of value was very accurate. I felt he was very detailed in communication with other agents and giving me regular updates. I believe this is our fourth or fifth home Troy has sold for us. I am extremely impressed with his contacts and prep work on this listing. Troy is very thorough and organized and second to none on both sides of the sale. We are very thankful for the opportunity to work with him and would highly recommend Troy to anyone thinking about selling.
Troy helped me sell our property in Watsonville. He put in a lot of work helping us to properly prepare the house for market, so it was turnkey for our buyer. I felt his photographer was hands down above and beyond better than any other listing in the city at the time of sale. Giving us the best chance for buyers to give us the time of day to view the home. His opinion of value was very accurate. I felt he was very detailed in communication with other agents and giving me regular updates. I believe this is our fourth or fifth home Troy has sold for us. I am extremely impressed with his contacts and prep work on this listing. Troy is very thorough and organized and second to none on both sides of the sale. We are very thankful for the opportunity to work with him and would highly recommend Troy to anyone thinking about selling.
— Michael & Monica Schwenne, Private Family Office
Troy Hinds worked very hard to understand who we were as buyers to find the home that was right for us in this difficult market. Troy enthusiastically searched the market to provide us with a wide range of options as soon as, or before, they came to market. He provided timely key information and assistance at every step of the process. I fully recommend him to anybody looking to buy a home.
Troy Hinds worked very hard to understand who we were as buyers to find the home that was right for us in this difficult market. Troy enthusiastically searched the market to provide us with a wide range of options as soon as, or before, they came to market. He provided timely key information and assistance at every step of the process. I fully recommend him to anybody looking to buy a home.
— Toby Warthemann, Owner at Manresa Properties
Even with such a competitive market and multiple offers, Troy was able to help us buy our dream property despite our offer not being the highest or the best offer. Troy is everything you are looking for in a real estate agent. He really goes above and beyond for his clients, and both my husband and I would highly recommend him!
Even with such a competitive market and multiple offers, Troy was able to help us buy our dream property despite our offer not being the highest or the best offer. Troy is everything you are looking for in a real estate agent. He really goes above and beyond for his clients, and both my husband and I would highly recommend him!
— Ashley Love, Homeowner
I am a first-time seller. Troy made the process very enjoyable. He walked me through every step of the process. He totally exceeded my expectations. I would recommend him any time.
I am a first-time seller. Troy made the process very enjoyable. He walked me through every step of the process. He totally exceeded my expectations. I would recommend him any time.
— Susan Niemi, Trustee
From start to finish, Troy showed that he is the consummate pro. We began our search for homes with Troy after he procured an awesome home for our daughter and her husband near our home in Watsonville. Troy was always available, diligent in researching options for us, and assisting us with writing offers. Troy found us a property that met our search criteria and negotiated us an awesome deal. His attention to detail and tenacious approach to his craft are a testimony to his commitment to his clients. I would highly recommend Troy to anyone looking for a home for sale or selling their property.
From start to finish, Troy showed that he is the consummate pro. We began our search for homes with Troy after he procured an awesome home for our daughter and her husband near our home in Watsonville. Troy was always available, diligent in researching options for us, and assisting us with writing offers. Troy found us a property that met our search criteria and negotiated us an awesome deal. His attention to detail and tenacious approach to his craft are a testimony to his commitment to his clients. I would highly recommend Troy to anyone looking for a home for sale or selling their property.
— Charlie Heitmann, Investor
We can't recommend Troy enough. He is a rock star! He listened to us closely to understand what was important in terms of location and schools, and, given extremely tight budgets, difficulties in getting qualified for a loan, and finding a place that we could get into to make our first home on extremely tight resources, was something we thought just wasn't possible. We didn't think we could ever buy something in the Santa Cruz area that we could afford but with his community connections, strong local market knowledge and resourcefulness he found an affordable home with potential, got us qualified all through the first time scary loan process, solved all the closing hurdles and got our offer accepted despite multiple offers presented to the buyer. Even if you think you cannot afford a first-time home or are looking for other real estate, don't hesitate to give Troy a call. He will go the extra mile and uncover the possibilities in your price.
We can't recommend Troy enough. He is a rock star! He listened to us closely to understand what was important in terms of location and schools, and, given extremely tight budgets, difficulties in getting qualified for a loan, and finding a place that we could get into to make our first home on extremely tight resources, was something we thought just wasn't possible. We didn't think we could ever buy something in the Santa Cruz area that we could afford but with his community connections, strong local market knowledge and resourcefulness he found an affordable home with potential, got us qualified all through the first time scary loan process, solved all the closing hurdles and got our offer accepted despite multiple offers presented to the buyer. Even if you think you cannot afford a first-time home or are looking for other real estate, don't hesitate to give Troy a call. He will go the extra mile and uncover the possibilities in your price.
— Erin Chase, Homebuyer
There are no words to describe the way I feel about Troy Hinds. My mother lived in Santa Cruz and passed away in May. I live two hours away. Troy took care of everything, and I mean everything, for me. Recommended a great estate lawyer, and between the two of them, mostly Troy, they took care of everything for me. He even helped with founding a good home for all the moms' furniture. Troy was constantly in contact with me, letting me know what needed to be done with the house. I could not have done it without his help, and I will be forever grateful to him. You will not be disappointed with Troy, he is a keeper!
There are no words to describe the way I feel about Troy Hinds. My mother lived in Santa Cruz and passed away in May. I live two hours away. Troy took care of everything, and I mean everything, for me. Recommended a great estate lawyer, and between the two of them, mostly Troy, they took care of everything for me. He even helped with founding a good home for all the moms' furniture. Troy was constantly in contact with me, letting me know what needed to be done with the house. I could not have done it without his help, and I will be forever grateful to him. You will not be disappointed with Troy, he is a keeper!
— Ellen Briggs, Trustee
In preparing to sell my home, I researched local agents, narrowed down the search, and interviewed the top candidates. From the first interaction, Troy was professional, thoughtful, and helpful in guiding me through the process. No task was too small or too big for Troy to take on: from helping with the final touches and fixes on the house, moving furniture, coordinating with repairmen, and explaining things to me. In the end, the transaction was smooth and resulted in a great overall success. I highly recommend Troy for any real estate transaction!
In preparing to sell my home, I researched local agents, narrowed down the search, and interviewed the top candidates. From the first interaction, Troy was professional, thoughtful, and helpful in guiding me through the process. No task was too small or too big for Troy to take on: from helping with the final touches and fixes on the house, moving furniture, coordinating with repairmen, and explaining things to me. In the end, the transaction was smooth and resulted in a great overall success. I highly recommend Troy for any real estate transaction!
— Alex Gaber, Homeowner
I recently sold an inherited property in Live Oak, Santa Cruz, California — three fixer-upper cottages on a large lot near the East Cliff beaches. The parcel had strong development potential under Santa Cruz County's updated general plan, which rezoned it for high-density multifamily use. Most agents I interviewed missed that angle entirely. Troy Hinds of David Lyng Real Estate understood it immediately and priced the property accordingly.
Spring 2026 brought real challenges with interest rates, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical volatility affecting buyer confidence — but Troy stayed communicative and guided me through every step of escrow as a first-time seller. In the end, the property sold for $100,000 above what other Santa Cruz real estate agents had quoted as market value.
If you're looking for a Santa Cruz County real estate agent who can identify value that others overlook, Troy Hinds is the call to make.
— Evan
I recently sold an inherited property in Live Oak, Santa Cruz, California — three fixer-upper cottages on a large lot near the East Cliff beaches. The parcel had strong development potential under Santa Cruz County's updated general plan, which rezoned it for high-density multifamily use. Most agents I interviewed missed that angle entirely. Troy Hinds of David Lyng Real Estate understood it immediately and priced the property accordingly.
Spring 2026 brought real challenges with interest rates, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical volatility affecting buyer confidence — but Troy stayed communicative and guided me through every step of escrow as a first-time seller. In the end, the property sold for $100,000 above what other Santa Cruz real estate agents had quoted as market value.
If you're looking for a Santa Cruz County real estate agent who can identify value that others overlook, Troy Hinds is the call to make.
— Evan
— Evan K, Trustee
