Arborwalk in Santa Maria CA - April - June 2011 Home Sales Located in southeast Santa Maria, Arborwalk is a gated community of townhomes at the intersection of McCoy and Miller; it is near much of the new shopping and commercial development in south Santa Maria.  And it is about a 20 minute trip from the main gate of Vandenberg AFB.   Imagine walking to everything you need.  Imagine living with all the conveniences of modern life easily within reach while living in a protected gated environment.  Walking distance to grocery outlets Albertson's and Food Maxx, dining at Yanagi Sushi & Grill and Natural Café, and shopping at Target and Pier One.  Arborwalk offers low HOA dues of $88 per month, a fitness trail, a huge greenbelt basin, and inviting rose gardens throughout. Recent Arborwalk... 07/03/2011

Pacific Crest Estates Homes in Santa Maria CA - April - June 2011 Real Estate Market Update Local developer, Inland Pacific Builders, began construction on Pacific Crest Estates homes in 2005.  Pacific Crest is conveniently located on the south end of Santa Maria and is a short 20 minute drive to the main gate of Vandenberg AFB.  The one and two-story homes include three to five bedroom plans, two to four car garages, grand master suites, spacious kitchens, and vaulted ceilings.  The homes range from 1,200 to 2,500 square feet in size. Pacific Crest floor plans are among my favorites built in Santa Maria.  There have been a number of short sales and foreclosures in Pacific Crest as many of the homes were sold at the height of the market. This translates into significant discounts on hom... 07/03/2011

  La Ventana in Santa Maria CA -- April - June 2011 Real Estate Market Update The most exciting news about the La Ventana development in Santa Maria is the fact that it recently became a gated community.  I think this is a good decision and will improve the desirability of the neighborhood overall.  There are many buyers looking for a gated community in the Santa Maria and Orcutt area, and the La Ventana community has a lot to offer:  a beautiful community club house and pool, generous floor plans, gorgeous luxury town homes and large homes, and a convenient location near Marian Medical Center.  Here are the real estate sales for this quarter: Recent La Ventana Townhome Sales: Address Sold Date Size Detail Sale Type Sold Price 1754 Bilbao Dr. 6/28/11 2038 sq.ft. 3bed/2.5bath Foreclosure... 07/03/2011

  Traditions Homes at Bradley Square Santa Maria CA - April - June  2011 Real Estate Market Update The Traditions at Bradley Square homes in southeast Santa Maria were built from 2003 - 2006, and are surrounded by newer shopping in the Bradley Square area, as well as other newer home developments.  The Traditions at Bradley Square offer six floorplans, 3 two story models and 3 one story models.  The floorplans begin at around 1800 square feet and end around 3000 square feet.    These homes are within walking distance to shopping centers which include popular new restaurants such as Panera Bread, Starbucks, Natural Cafe, and Yanagi Sushi. Also close are Albertsons, Food Maxx, Wal-Mart and Home Depot. The Traditions development is at the center of some of the best new shopping in Santa Ma... 07/03/2011

Classics Homes at Bradley Square Santa Maria CA - April - June  2011 Real Estate Market Update   The Classics at Bradley Square homes in southeast Santa Maria were built from 2003 - 2006, and are surrounded by newer shopping in the Bradley Square area, as well as other newer home developments.  These homes are within walking distance to shopping centers which include popular new restaurants such as Panera Bread, Starbucks, Natural Cafe, and Yanagi Sushi. Also close are Albertsons, Food Maxx, Wal-Mart and Home Depot. The Classics development is at the center of some of the best new shopping in Santa Maria.  The Homeowners Association has a relatively low association fee under $200 per year, and the community is also host to a new fire station, Robin Ventura Field, and Rotary Centennial ... 07/03/2011

  Driftwood Gardens in Santa Maria, CA -- Real Estate Market Update Driftwood Gardens is a small community of homes in southeast Santa Maria near George Washington Battles Elementary School.  The street names have a bird theme: Raven Court, Swallow Street, Lark Drive and Bluebird Street.  They consist of two story 2, 3, and 4 bedroom plans ranging in size between approximately 1400 - 2200 square feet.  The floor plans are open and inviting often featuring an upstairs loft; some floor plans even offer two master bedroom suites.   Driftwood Gardens homes have two car garages, stucco exteriors, composite shingle roofs and many have solar panels for their water heaters.  These homes were built beginning in the late 1980’s and there is no home owner’s association or dues for Driftwood Garden... 06/18/2011

Get a Natural Hazard Disclosure Report from GeoAssurance to see statistics on Radon in your zip code! Radon is a serious issue in many areas of California according to the Department of Health Services (DHS) statistics. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it's the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States! And yet, it's easy to mitigate by sealing around pipes and cracks in floors and venting crawl spaces. The DHS defines Radon as a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas produced by the decay of trace amounts of uranium occurring naturally in soils. The EPA recommends that all homes be tested for Radon. Many communities, including Santa Barbara and Palos Verdes, have high percentages of positive tests for Radon. If the house next door to y... 06/13/2011

  Harvest Ranch Homes in Santa Maria, CA Real Estate Market Update The Harvest Ranch homes consist of a small community of homes in southeast Santa Maria near the recently developed Bradley Square area.  Many of the Harvest Ranch homes are smaller one stories which range between 1200 - 1600 sq. ft. in size.  The exteriors are stucco, the roofs are tile, and each home has a two car garage.  There are no home owner’s association dues for Harvest Ranch homeowners, yet the pride of ownership shows through in the well manicured lawns and landscaping.  The Harvest Ranch homes were built beginning in the late 1990’s and are surrounded by other newer home developments.  Many Harvest Ranch homes sit immediately adjacent to Rod Rodenberger Park which has soccer fields, playground areas and picnic... 06/05/2011

Santa Maria Home Sales Market Report - May 2011    Santa Maria CA May 2010 May 2011 Homes Sold 53 50 Average Sales Price $209,422 $202,399 Days on Market 72 102 $ per Square Foot $142 $135 Foreclosures 16 24 Short Sales 16 15 If you are considering selling your Santa Maria home and you would like a comparative market analysis, feel free to contact my office at (805) 938-9950 and set up an appointment.  I specialize in short sales and distress sales.  If you are interested in buying a home in Santa Maria, I will be happy to assist you and provide a list of available homes in Santa Maria and the surrounding area.Tni LeBlanc is an independent Real Estate Broker, Attorney, Short Sale Agent, Certified HAFA Specialist (CHS), and Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) serving the Santa Ma... 06/05/2011

  Hancock Park in Santa Maria, CA -- Luxury Real Estate Market Update Hancock Park is located in southeast Santa Maria adjacent to Marian Medical Center, Allan Hancock College, and near the new Trader Joe’s.  The name Hancock has a long and storied history in Santa Maria, beginning with Captain G. Allan Hancock and his adoption of the Santa Maria Valley as his retirement destination.  In keeping with the prestige that the Hancock name confers in the local area, Hancock Park remains a premier area in Santa Maria and it also offers convenient access to Highway 101 and the Five Cities area.  Nestled within Hancock Park is Joe White Community Park which hosts a play area, gazebo and plenty of greenbelts.    Hancock Park homes were built over a number of years beginning about the late 1970’s... 05/17/2011

  How Many Foreclosures Are Closing Escrow in Santa Maria, California?*In the Santa Maria - Orcutt California area, there are currently 667 active, contingent, or pending homes and condos for sale.  Of those 667 homes, 167 are foreclosure listings.  Of those 167 REO listings, 7 are “contingent REOs.”  A contingent REOs is a foreclosure listing with a verbally accepted offer.  64 of of those 167 foreclosure listings are already “pending,” which means that they have fully ratified contracts.  So, despite all the negative information about buying a foreclosure, buyers are still making offers on Santa Maria CA foreclosures.   Looking at closed REO/foreclosure sales in Santa Maria - Orcutt since the beginning of the year, 120 foreclosures have closed.  Closed foreclosures in Santa Maria and ... 05/16/2011

  How Many Short Sales Are Closing Escrow in Santa Maria, California?*In the Santa Maria - Orcutt California area, there are currently 661 active, contingent, or pending homes and condos.  Of those 661 homes, 280 are short sale listings.  Of those 280 homes, 135 are “contingent short sales.”  A contingent short is a short sale with at least one offer on it.  And 31 are pending short sales. So, almost 60% of the short sales in the Santa Maria - Orcutt real estate market have an offer from an interested buyer.  And, despite all the negative information about buying a short sale, buyers are still making offers on Santa Maria and Orcutt short sales.   Looking at closed short sales in Santa Maria - Orcutt since the beginning of the year, 102 short sales have closed.  The average list price f... 05/15/2011

  Cherrywood Estates in Santa Maria -- Real Estate Market Update Cherrywood Estates homes are located in the southwest area of Santa Maria California.  There are approximately 119 homes in the Cherrywood Estates development and they were built by local builder, Inland Pacific, beginning in 2002 through about 2004.  The development offers convenient access to Old Orcutt and Vandenberg Air Force Base by way of Broadway/Highway 135.  Nearby developments include Pacific Crest Estates, Westgate Ranch, and Harvest Glen. The Cherrywood Estates community consists of one and two story floor plans and many have three car garages.   The homes are primarily three and four bedroom plans; however, one of the plans did have a fifth bedroom option when originally built.  Cherrywood Estates homes range ... 05/15/2011

  Hancock Village Townhomes in Santa Maria, CA -- Real Estate Market Update The Hancock Village Townhomes are located in southeast Santa Maria near Marian Hospital, Allan Hancock College, and Trader Joe’s.  The Hancock Village Condos are located immediately adjacent to the prestigious of Hancock Park subdivision and charming Joe White park.   Hancock Village townhomes offer convenient access to Highway 101 and the Five Cities area.  Nearby townhome and condominium  developments include Stonegate, Casa De Campo, Townhomes East, and the Villas at La Ventana.   Hancock Village townhomes were built over a number of years beginning about the early 1980’s.  The condos include one and two story options which have two an three bedroom plans.   They have stucco exteriors, tile roofs, and two car... 05/13/2011

  Pioneer Village in Santa Maria -- Real Estate Market Update The Pioneer Village homes are located in northeast Santa Maria near Marian Hospital, the Santa Maria Veteran’s Administration Outpatient Clinic, and the new Pioneer Valley High School.  Pioneer Village offers convenient access to Highway 101 and the Five Cities area.  Nearby developments include La Ventana, Hancock Park, and Sculptures. Pioneer Village homes were built over a number of years beginning about the late 1970’s through about the early 1990’s.  The lots are large and spacious with many well over a quarter of an acre in size.  There are one and two story homes and they range from simple ranch style homes to elaborate semi custom homes with Victorian elements, wrap around porches, and balconies.  There are a wide var... 05/13/2011

I’m Getting a Divorce Will that Qualify me for a Short Sale?Yes, most short sale lenders consider divorce a hardship.  Getting a divorce or dissolving a domestic partnership is generally considered a valid reason to apply for a short sale.  Chances are your lender will want to see some proof of the impending divorce or dissolution such as a copy of the initial paperwork filed with the court.  Even if they do not request it, I’ve found that providing supplemental and supporting paperwork will boost the strength of your file.  You should also mention the reason you are requesting the short sale in your hardship letter.  Be aware that even if divorce or dissolution is the reason for the hardship, your lender may still request your financial documents for their file.If you are considering ... 05/10/2011

Don t Miss This Tanglewood Cutie! Not An REO, Not A Short Sale. Overview Maps Photos IDX Search $149,900 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 1212 sqft Location 3429 Satinwood RoadSanta Maria, CA 93455USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Tni LeBlanc, DRE# 01871795 Mint Properties(805) 9389950tni@mintprop.comhttp://www.MintProperties.net        Listed by: Mint Properties Our recent listings Don't Miss This Tanglewood Cutie -- Affordable Home Near Vandenberg AFB!Buellton Home For Sale - Welcome to Wine Country!Lompoc Home For Sale! Come See This Affordable Home Near Vandenberg AFB!Charming Spanish Style Home in Northeast Santa MariaCute Condo in Oak Creek Villas in Santa Maria, CA -- Drivin... 05/09/2011

Montalegre in Santa Maria -- 2011 Real Estate Market UpdateThe Montalegre Homes are located in the Westgate area in Santa Maria which is west of Blosser and north of Betteravia.  It offers convenient access to Orcutt and Vandenberg Air Force Base by way of Blosser which turns into Skyway Drive and leads directly into the Orcutt area and Highway 135.  Nearby developments include Pacific Crest Estates, Westgate Ranch, Strawberry Creek, and Paseo Del Sol.Montalegre homes were built around 2001 - 2003. The community consists of one and two story floor plans and borders a large open greenbelt space and playground area.   The homes are primarily three and four bedroom plans; however, one of the plans did have a fifth bedroom option when originally built.  Montalegre Homes range from approxim... 05/09/2011

  Strawberry Creek Homes in Santa Maria -- 2011 Real Estate Market UpdateThe Strawberry Creek Homes are located in the Westgate area in Santa Maria which is west of Blosser and north of Betteravia.  It offers convenient access to Orcutt and Vandenberg Air Force Base by way of Blosser which turns into Skyway Drive and leads directly into the Orcutt area and Highway 135.  Nearby developments include Pacific Crest Estates, Westgate Ranch, Montalegre, and Paseo Del Sol.    Strawberry Creek homes were built around 2001 - 2003by Pro Built Builders.  The community consists mostly of one story models and there is only one 2 story floor plan.  The 2 story homes were strategically placed on the corners of these delightfully named streets:  Duvali, Estriga, Crimea, Eliza, Trinity and Corbina.   Th... 05/08/2011

Westgate Ranch in Santa Maria -- 2011 Real Estate Market UpdateThe Westgate Ranch area is located north of Betteravia and west of Blosser.  It offers convenient access to Orcutt and Vandenberg Air Force Base by way of Blosser which turns into Skyway Drive and leads directly into the Orcutt area and Highway 135.  Nearby amenities include Pepper Garcia’s, the Santa Maria YMCA, the Radisson Hotel and Spencer’s grocery store.  Westgate Ranch homes were built around 2000 - 2004 with several builders involved.  There are one and two story models, and even semi custom homes in this development.  Homes range from 1500 - 3000 square feet in size and sit on ample sized lots -- some almost as large as a quarter of an acre.  The Westgate area is also home to recently built Liberty Elementary School... 05/05/2011