The Home Inspection: What Every Buyer Needs to Know
WHAT INSPECTORS SHOULD INSPECT, AND THE HOMEBUYER SHOULD EXPECT For most buyers, a home inspection can be both reassuring and exhausting. It is possibly the first chance a buyer has to go inside the home after they have made an offer. But more imp...
The Importance of Staging a Home
20 EXPERT STAGING TIPS FOR A QUICK SALE AND TOP DOLLAR Staging a home is one of the most important things I do – or recommend my clients do. Think Pinterest-ready. For some, the idea of staging their home can be overwhelming. But it doesn’...
Exterior Color Schemes That Work for Santa Barbara Homes
EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON WHY TO PAINT, AND WHAT COLOR COMBINATIONS QUALIFY AS CLASSIC There are many reasons to tackle the seemingly overwhelming job of painting your home and choosing exterior color schemes. Not only does the paint contribute to your ho...
The Real Estate Closing Process in The Age of Covid
CRISTAL CLARKE’S SELLERS' GUIDE TO SUCCESS The first step in the real estate closing process, in times like these, is to hire an agent with years of experience who knows how to make a sale in any environment, including a worldwide virus outbreak...
Moving to a New Home: 6 Considerations for Families
SCHOOLS, SIDEWALKS, NEIGHBORS, AND MORE Moving to a new home can be a fun and exciting time for a family. Whether you’re moving with children or aging parents, there are some important things to consider before you begin your search. To find th...
The Ultimate Guide to Creating an Eco-Friendly Home: Part 1
20 SIMPLE WAYS TO JOIN THE GREEN REVOLUTION It’s not surprising that more and more homeowners are going green in their everyday lives. The benefits of creating an eco-friendly home are far-reaching, but many Santa Barbara and Montecito homeowner...
The Art of Backyard Stargazing in Santa Barbara
INTERACTIVE, EDUCATIONAL, AND DOWNRIGHT COOL Santa Barbara and Montecito are renowned for having perfect Mediterranean weather and miles of pristine beaches. But what many don’t realize, or at least notice, is that at night the sky is filled w...
Ellen and Portia Burglarized: A Montecito Luxury Realtor’s Home Security Tips
WHAT EVERY SANTA BARBARA AND MONTECITO HOMEOWNER NEEDS TO KNOW In light of the alarming news about the burglary of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s Montecito mansion, I thought this would be the perfect time to take an in-depth look at st...
7 Tips for Creating Your Own Safe Haven
COMBINING ELEMENTS OF PSYCHOLOGY, COMMON SENSE, BASIC DESIGN AND EVEN MATHEMATICS CAN GET YOU STARTED What makes a happy home? A safe haven offering sanctuary from the storm, so to speak. It’s one that brings a smile to your face and a feeling o...
Preparing Your Santa Barbara Home For Sale
ADVANCE PREPARATION CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN THE SELLING PRICE AND SPEED OF SALE OF YOUR HOME A few minor touch-ups can go a long way toward making a favorable impression on potential buyers — and perhaps cinc...
