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Montecito, CA Real Estate News

By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
The Rosewood Miramar Beach luxury oceanfront resort opened officially to the public on March 1, 2019.  The luxury resort is located at 1759 South James Lane in Montecito just off Highway 101.The resort’s direct phone line is 805.900.8388, and room reservations can be made by calling 214.880.4262.Rick Caruso, who developed the 161 unit resort says, “For the past 12 years, my team at Caruso and I have had the privilege of being part of the incredible Montecito community,”. “The support and encouragement that we have received from you means the world to us. For so many, this stretch of land is filled with timeless and treasured memories, and I am deeply honored that in just a few short weeks, Rosewood Miramar Beach will revitalize the spirit of the surrounding area for those who visit.”
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Photo of Toro Canyon Bridge by Cal TransNoozhawk, a Santa Barbara online local news publication, reported today on the status of the seven bridges that were damaged or destroyed by the flood and debris flow on January 9, 2018.The bridges are at 1. Montecito Creek at East Valley Road, at the base of Parra Grande Lane (west of Hot Springs Road). 2. San Ysidro Creek at East Valley Road (just east of Randall Road)  3. Romero Creek at East Valley Road (between Sheffield Drive on the west and Ortega Ridge on the east). 4. Toro Creek bridge near Ladera Lane (east of Ortega Ridge Road) 5.Toro Canyon Bridge at the intersection of East Valley and Toro Canyon Roads. 6. Olive Mill Road overpass at Highway 101 near the Montecito Inn. 7. Arroyo Pardon Creek near Carpinteria (just west of Cravens Lane...
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Following the Thomas Fire, Flood, and Mudslides KEYT Television recently reported on the state of the real estate market in Montecito, California. Broadcast March 26, 2018
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Boutique shopping, complimentary food tastings, live music, kids’ activities and much more are in store on Saturday, February 24, from 2 pm to 6 pm at various locations in Montecito’s Upper Village. All local businesses are open and ready to welcome shoppers following the devastating Thomas Fire and subsequent mudflow that shut down business for multiple weeks in December and January.Celebrate Montecito’s Upper Village is an opportunity for the community to show love and support to the restaurants and retailers who help to make the Montecito community the magical place that it is. Upper Village Businesses will be open and most will be offering discounts and donating to local non-profits to support mudslide relief. The schedule is as follows: 2:00 to 4:00 pm:Face Painting, Station for Wr...
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
A beautiful YouTube video posted by Ellen with her and Oprah discussing the devastating mudslides that recently hit the coastal community of Montecito where they both reside.  We will recover. #montecitostrong 
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
The United Way of Santa Barbara County has joined forces with United Way of Ventura County to directly support those individuals and families affected by the Thomas Fire. Nonperishable food, new clothing, toiletries, and monetary donations are being accepted at the agencies listed below. Used clothing, bedding, and toys are not being accepted. United Way of Santa Barabra County: Monetary donations are accepted at www.unitedwaythomasfirefund.org or text "UWVC" to 41444. . American Red Cross: Monetary donations are accepted at www.redcross.org or by texting "redress" to 90999. Foodbank Santa Barbara County: Nonperishable food and fresh produce are accepted in Santa Barbara at 4554 Hollister Ave., 1525 State St., and 490 W. Foster Road in Santa Maria. Santa Barbara Foodbank Salvation Army:...
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Open House Sunday April 23, 2017 * 1-4pm * Beautiful Toro Canyon Farmhouse!This enchanting gated estate, on 2+/- acres in magical Toro Canyon, is where chic luxury meets coastal casual. Its main residence is a refined yet uber-comfortable nearly 4,000 sq. ft. California farmhouse that, along with its pair of guest cottages, is set amidst native and tastefully introduced landscaping and takes complete advantage of nature’s bounty. Sandstone paths meander through luxuriant foliage, with a canopy of palm, oak and eucalyptus trees and beside a seasonal creek, opening here and there to delightful ocean and island vistas. The showcase home is equally suited to enjoying family and entertaining guests.  Captured here is the essence of California coastal living.Offered for: $4,395,000• 4 Bedrooms...
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Jock Sewall is a local Santa Barbara Architect. Here's his take on Accessory Dwelling Units: "Aging in Place," that is, not moving to a separate rest home or it's equivalent, staying in the family and community mix is the most desirable senior residential outcome by far according to every kind of senior. This kind of family arrangement (community with privacy) is now possible with the new Accessory Dwelling Unit provision in California.The biggest benefit to aging in place is that "oldsters" will maintain their dignity, independence, and inclusion in the family support system as long as humanly possible. If a parent needs senior care and cannot afford it, with an Accessory Dwelling Unit, they have an opportunity to remain in the family setting where care is close without feeling underfo...
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Last year 203 single family homes, condos, and vacant lots sold in Montecito. This analysis was derived from the Santa Barbara Association of Realtor's Multiple Listing Service (MLS) using Montecito's Zip Code of 93108 for the search parameter.In 2016 selling prices ranged from $525,000 (for an adobe studio on Coyote Road) to $28,850,000 (for the Seamair Farm which Oprah purchased).In 2016 167 homes sold in 93108 from 170 sales in 2015.  Under $2,000,000 there were 48 home sales. Between $2,000,000 and $4,000,000 68 homes sold in that price range.  From  $4,000,000 to $6,000,000 32 homes sold.  From $6,000,000 to $8,000,000 15 homes sold. And, for more than $8,000,000 there were 6 home sales.
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
According to the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service there were 192 sales in Montecito in 2016 down from 195 sales in 2015, with over half of those selling for under $3,000,000. Here's the breakdown: 11 sales under one million. 57 sales between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. 47 sales between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000.  23 sales between $3,000,000 and $4,000,000.  20 sales between $4,000,000 and $5,000,000. 22 sales between $5,000,000 and $7,000,000. 9 sales between $7,000,000 and $10,000. And, 4 sales over $10,000,000.In the neighborhoods east and west of State Street in Santa Barbara (that includes the Upper East, the upper and lower Riviera, Foothills, and the Mesa) in the $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 price range 97 homes sold in 2016. Only 3 homes sold above $5,000,000 according to the Sa...
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Oscar winner Jeff Bridges recently cut $5 million more off the asking price of his estate in Montecito. It’s now available for $18.5 million. It was originally listed for $29.5 million. The Tuscan-style property is drop-dead gorgeous with mountain and ocean views.The main house is 9,500 square feet with lavish hallways, soaring and exposed wood-beam ceilings, and a private tower/study that opens to a rooftop terrace. There’s a master suite, three en suite bedrooms, an eat-in kitchen, and a four-car garage. The estate also includes a one-bedroom guest cottage, a two-bedroom caretaker’s cottage, and a swimming pool. The19.5-acre property also boasts a sculpted fountain, walking path, fruit orchard, and Italian cypress trees. A stately, iron gate rests between two pillars at the property’s...
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
According to the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service, in the third quarter of 2016, Santa Barbara saw average sales prices increase 17% from $1,080,000 in 2015 to $1,300,000 in 2016.  However single family homes sold decreased from 235 in 2015 to 215 in 2016. In Montecito, the average sales price decreased by 24% from $3,800,000 in 2015 to $2.9 in 2016. Total single family homes sold in Goleta decreased 31% from 195 in 2015 to 134 in 2016. This represents the fewest single family homes to sold in Q3 in the past five years. Featured listing for sale here (above photo) is located on Buena Vista in Montecito for $3,995,000. A three bedroom four bath home on approximately 2.5 acres. For more information or a private tour contact us today.
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Heads up!!! Car Life on the 101 will be filming this Sunday at Cars & Coffee so have your car shined up and ready to go. This new show will debut on KEYT Television starting Saturday, September 2nd at 7:30PM so please tune tune in.  Cars and Coffee takes place every Sunday Morning in Montecito in the Upper Village Parking Lot from 8am to 10am on East Valley Road. Some amazing cars are on display.
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Santa Barbara Harbor by local artist Chris Potter Sell first or buy later depends on your financial circumstances, what the current housing market is, and your tolerance for temporary displacement. The ideal in an appreciating market is to buy first and then sell your current home. In a depreciating market it's better to sell your home and then buy. Currently in Santa Barbara we are in a stable and gradually appreciating market. For most people the ideal of purchasing first and then selling is simply not possible. To buy first, if you have an existing mortgage, means you have to qualify and pay for two mortgages plus come up with a down payment. Most home owners need their equity from their current home to purchase. The ideal of purchasing and selling concurrently is not realistic and ...
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
The expertise and skills  affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, combined with the one-of-a-kind resources, reputation, and access to discerning clients that our global brand provides, are powerful advantages that set us and our company apart when you consider buying or selling a home here in Santa Barbara.These powerful advantages translate into custom marketing strategies to achieve your goals. If you’re considering selling or buying residential property, we invite you to explore these benefits that are available through us alone.  For more information click on the link below.Only With UsMark Lomas and Kirsten WolfeSotheby's International Realty1482 East Valley RoadMontecito, California93108TheRealEstateConcierge@gmail.com805.845.2888 & 805.722.0322
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Graph below provided by Fidelity Title Company in Santa Barbara. Reflects the Santa Barbara Real Estate Market Trends from Carpinteria to Goleta north.
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
On September 2, 2015 local government officials met with the public regarding changes and updates to Flood Maps that could have an effect on insurance rates and available loans. Prospective home buyers who want to use Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loans are required to get Flood Insurance. The impact on some buyer's ability to purchase in certain areas could be affected.The maps, also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps, depict flood risk across the community. They are the result of a multi-year study of the flooding in the City of Santa Barbara and the creeks tributary to the city using advanced mapping and risk-modeling techniques.The new maps will become effective November 4, 2015. Santa Barbara County and City of Santa Barbara officials encourage residents and business owners to review ...
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By Ron and Alexandra Seigel, Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy
(Napa Consultants)
We had an appointment on Coast Village Rd which some identify as Montecito/really in Santa Barbara, one of the Santa Barbara County communities known for it great school districts and movie stars who have homes there.  This Mazerati beauty caught our attention. It is also home to many estates and magnificent views of the ocean and the mountains.  Living is the City of Montecito means that there are additional taxes to be paid for the prestige of living there. We were parked in Santa Barbara on Coast Village Road which technically is the demarkation line between the City of Santa Barbara and Montecito.  Santa Barbara city includes all the beaches and beach front streets on the coast.   It is one of those interesting quirks that keeps the Santa Barbara brand alive and well.Written by Ron ...
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Montecito's Prestigious Golf Course CommunityBirnam Wood is located off East Valley Road in Montecito, and is considered the premier gated golfing community within Santa Barbara. Birnam Wood first started development in the early 1970’s and is made up of only single family homes and estates, and consists of a total of 142 homes. Most of the homes in Birnam Wood are very private and line the golf course. All homes primarily sit on 1 acre parcels although the net land of these parcels is less as easements often extend into the golf course and/or road. All homes must be single level with a footprint of 3,000 to 6,000 square feet.Some of the estates within Birnam Wood also enjoy wonderful views of the local Santa Ynez Mountains. When purchasing a home within Birnam Wood, you are also requir...
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By Mark Lomas, Experience You Can Count On!
(Santa Barbara Real Estate)
Would you want a local agent to assist you with your real estate needs? Or, someone from two counties away that's willing to drive a couple hours to show your new listing? Would it matter to you if your agent was not intimately familiar with home values, school districts, and market trends?  Welcome to the Interloper Agent! Not a new phenomenon but the interloper agent is on the rise. On Facebook you might see someone from Los Angeles posting that they cover Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, two counties and two hours away.  I can understand an agent wanting to cast their net out further to catch more fish but how does this benefit their client?  As a buyer's agent what expertise does that bring to the process?  Area expert? Hmmm?  As a listing agent you're availability is in question. How ...
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