The Cristal Clarke Real Estate Blog is perhaps the most comprehensive and informative real estate blog devoted specifically to subjects of interest to home buyers, sellers, and owners in Santa Barbara, Montecito and Hope Ranch. It contains over 300 posts on topics ranging from residential real estate predictions and design trends, to local cultural opportunities and recreational activities.
Scroll this page for the latest posts, or choose among those in the Categories list on the righthand sidebar.
May 252022
SECRETS TO SELLING YOUR HOME QUICKLY FOR TOP DOLLAR
Writer Susan Hartzler’s Q&A with Top Montecito Realtor Cristal Clarke
Luxury home sales in Santa Barbara County are still soaring. How
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May 192022
SALT CAVE SANTA BARBARA: ANOTHER HEALTHY BENEFIT OF LIVING ON THE AMERICAN RIVERA
The Largest Underground Crystal Salt Cave in North America is Right Here on State Street
It’s not difficult to understand why Santa Bar
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May 162022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET REVIEW: APRIL 2022
The Unprecedented Edition
The word “unprecedented” has become ubiquitous when describing the real estate market in Santa Barbara and acr
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May 162022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET REVIEW: MARCH 2022
My, How Time Flies Edition
We’re seeing more pressure on pricing in the Santa Barbara real estate market as we enter the second quarter of
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May 122022
LUXURIOUS SANTA BARBARA SWIMMING POOLS
World-class Resorts Have Nothing on These Liquid Sanctuaries
Some of the most swoon-worthy bodies of water in the world (in addition to the
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May 92022
SPOTLIGHT ON: MONTECITO COUNTRY MART
A Celebration of the Santa Barbara Lifestyle
Originally built in the 1960s, the Montecito Country Mart is a celebration of the Santa Barba
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May 62022
SANTA BARBARA LIFESTYLE: A DAY IN SUMMERLAND WITH YOUR DOG
The Hidden Beach Town—With Its Chic Shops and Casual Dining—is Dog Friendly
It’s time to treat yourself, and your four-legged fa
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May 42022
MODERN VS CONTEMPORARY VS MID-CENTURY MODERN ARCHITECTURE
Do You Know the Difference?
Santa Barbara homes include prime examples of modern, contemporary, and mid-century modern architecture. These s
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Apr 292022
SANTA BARBARA WATER CONSERVATION: 7 WAYS HOMEOWNERS CAN HELP
The California Drought Continues. Let’s Conserve This Precious Resource
As the California drought continues, WaterWise in Santa Barbar
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Apr 272022
CRISTAL’S PICKS: SANTA BARBARA EVENTS IN MAY 2022
April Showers Bring May Flowers Edition
Named after the Greek goddess Maia, the month of May brings warmer temps and the fresh beginnings of
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Apr 242022
PRIMARY BATH REMODEL: 8 REASONS TO START NOW
An Updated Primary Bath Adds Value to Your Home, and Much More
There are many reasons homeowners decide to begin a primary bath remodel.
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Apr 212022
SPOTLIGHT ON: IDYLLIC WEDDING VENUES IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
The Dreamiest Places to Tie the Knot
Santa Barbara is a sought-after wedding destination for good reason. With breathtaking ocean views, mag
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Apr 192022
SPOTLIGHT ON: ARCHITECT ANDY NEUMANN
Master at Creating a Sense of Place is Also a Legendary Surfer
Acclaimed local architect Andy Neumann has been creating a sense of place for
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Apr 142022
SPOTLIGHT ON: SANTA BARBARA CELEBRATES EARTH DAY 2022
You are Invited to Be Part of the Solution
The Santa Barbara Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) 50th Earth Day Celebration, Ear
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Apr 62022
SPOTLIGHT ON: CARPINTERIA STATE BEACH AND COAST
The World’s Safest Beach!
With terraced bluffs, dunes, and a mile of sand and surf for swimming, surfing, fishing, tide pooling, explo
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Mar 302022
CRISTAL’S PICKS: SANTA BARBARA EVENTS IN APRIL 2022
The Spring Has Sprung Edition
Spring is a very special time in Santa Barbara, with our enticing outdoor adventures, delicious culinary exper
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Mar 252022
SPOTLIGHT ON: CALIFORNIA POPPY MEADOWS IN AND NEAR SANTA BARBARA
Best Locations to Witness the Technicolor Orange Blooms of Our State Flower
California’s nickname, the Golden State, is due in par
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Mar 242022
SANTA BARBARA BUCKET LIST
THE BIGGEST ADVENTURE YOU CAN TAKE IS TO LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS.” — OPRAH WINFREY
The quote above from Montecito resident Oprah Wi
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Mar 182022
THE LAWS: CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE DISCLOSURES
What Are My Disclosure Obligations When Selling a Home in Santa Barbara?
Even in our current HOT real estate market, every C
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Mar 172022
The Fine Art of Outdoor Dining in Santa Barbara
10 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE AL FRESCO VENUE AT HOME
We live in the perfect setting to experience the fine art of outdoor dining
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Mar 152022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2022
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
Spring officially begins on March 20, but the current Santa Barbara real estate market i
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Mar 82022
SPOTLIGHT ON: ARCHITECT GEORGE WASHINGTON SMITH
His Name is Synonymous with Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture in Santa Barbara
Iconic architect George Washington Smith is thought of a
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Mar 42022
SPOTLIGHT ON: SANTA BARBARA’S HOPE RANCH
A Beautiful Hidden Enclave on the Santa Barbara Coast
Santa Barbara's Hope Ranch is a highly sought-after, affluent residential comm
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Mar 12022
CRISTAL’S PICKS: SANTA BARBARA EVENTS IN MARCH 2022
Make Plans Now For These Special Events In And Around The American Riviera
Planned Santa Barbara events in March include a full spectrum of
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Feb 272022
SPOTLIGHT ON: OJAI’S TAFT GARDENS & NATURE PRESERVE
California’s Hard to Find Hidden Treasure is Well Worth the Effort
Ojai is known for its nature-centric vibe mixed with a thriving culture
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Feb 232022
A WEEKEND IN SANTA BARBARA
The Ultimate California Get-Away is Right in Our Own Backyard
Whether you are planning a girls’ weekend in Santa Barbara, or a romantic Ca
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Feb 162022
SPOTLIGHT ON: SANTA BARBARA MUSEUMS
Culture and Visual Riches are Alive and Well Here
Santa Barbara is home to a distinctive collection of museums and cultural attractions th
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Feb 102022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET: JANUARY 2022
How Long Will the Current Santa Barbara Real Estate Market Continue?
The Santa Barbara real estate market continues to soar. In January 20
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Feb 52022
ARCHITECT REX LOTERY: MASTER OF MODERNIST DESIGN
His Enduring Legacy Lives on in Santa Barbara
The renowned architect Rex Lotery died in 2007, but his legacy is manifest on The Amer
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Feb 22022
ENNISBROOK: LUXURIOUS HOMES AND NOTEWORTHY PROVENANCE
From Land Grant to Privileged Enclave, Ennisbrook Has Become a Jewel in Montecito’s Crown
In 1845, 356 acres of vacan
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Jan 252022
Ojai and Santa Barbara Events: Celebrate Love Locally During February
THE ARTS AND THE AQUATIC TAKE CENTER STAGE DURING THE 2ND MONTH OF 2022
Love is in the air all month long when it comes to Ojai and
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Jan 222022
Local Spotlight: Historic Ocean View Ranch
DOS PUEBLOS RANCH GETS NEW OWNERS, ALONG WITH OTHER LOCAL TREASURES
The new owners of Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara County’s historic o
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Jan 192022
Staging a Home: Key to a Successful Sale?
20 EXPERT STAGING TIPS FOR A QUICKER SALE AND TOP DOLLAR
The importance of staging a home cannot be overstated. That’s why staging
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Jan 172022
Self-Care in Santa Barbara and Ojai
IT’S MORE THAN A TREND HERE. IT’S A LIFESTYLE.
Self-care means looking after your health and wellness in a holistic and preventive
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Jan 122022
Home Maintenance: 20 Tasks for the New Year
THINK OF THESE TASKS AS GIVING VITAMINS TO YOUR HOME
Remember when you bought your house? You noted a million and ten things that needed
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Jan 92022
Montecito Real Estate: A Look Back at the 2021 Market
WHY MONTECITO REAL ESTATE ENJOYED A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR, AND WHAT IS PREDICTED FOR 2022
As we welcome the new year, it seems like everyon
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Jan 42022
The Frank Lloyd Wright Montecito Connection
THE ICONIC ARCHITECT’S ONLY PRAIRIE STYLE DESIGN ON THE WEST COAST IS THE LOCAL HOME OF AUTHOR T.C. BOYLE
Besides the amazing Frank
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Dec 292021
2022 Interior Design Trends
SANTA BARBARA HOMEOWNERS EMBRACE JAPANDI AND LAGOM
Interior design trends in 2022 focus on the love and joy of decorating, creating an o
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Dec 202021
Ojai California: A Magical Mecca of Wellness and Wonder
THE CHARMING TOWN IS FAMOUS FOR HEALTH, CREATIVITY . . . AND ITS ENCHANTING “PINK MOMENT”
As real estate buyers continue their search
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Dec 102021
Santa Barbara Community Heroes Deserve Our Thanks
PLUS: 11 REASONS TO CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING
During this season of giving, I want to dedicate this blog post to some of our community heroes
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Dec 22021
Vacation Homes: Competition, Cash and Considerations
INVESTING IN A HOME AWAY FROM HOME REQUIRES RESEARCH, PONDERING AND, IDEALLY, LIQUID GREEN
High Demand is a Boon for Sellers
Today’s homebuyer
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Nov 262021
It’s a Baby Boom at the Santa Barbara Zoo
BABY OTTERS, A GIRAFFE, A LION, AND A LEOPARD…OH MY!
It's been a busy couple of years for births at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Earlier this year
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Nov 212021
Giving Back: Montecito Realtor Cristal Clarke in the News
SUSAN HARTZLER ON WHAT MAKES CRISTAL CLARKE SO VALUABLE TO THE COMMUNITY
Montecito Realtor Cristal Clarke has made the news again. It’
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Nov 172021
20 Tips for Hosting a Stress-free Thanksgiving
FROM EASY TO ELEGANT, SANTA BARBARA LUXURY REALTOR CRISTAL CLARKE’S CELEBRATORY MEALS ALWAYS BEGIN WITH HER TIME-TESTED TIPS
Whether
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Nov 112021
Holiday Shopping in Santa Barbara and Surrounding Communities
SHOP LOCAL AT 2021’S NOT-TO-MISS HOLIDAY MARKETPLACES
‘Tis the season to be shopping. And those of us fortunate to be doing our ho
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Nov 32021
2022 Color Trends: It’s All About Green…and a Vibrant Shade of Periwinkle Blue With Violet-Red Undertones
SERENITY TAKES CENTER STAGE WHEN IT COMES TO COLOR IN HOME DÉCOR
Each year, top paint brands and design experts reveal their picks for th
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Oct 282021
Have a Spooktacular and Safe Halloween in Santa Barbara
BEWITCHING FUN, PUMPKIN PATCHES, AND MORE
Every year when the harvest moon rises, Santa Barbara residents are treated to bewitching sp
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Oct 272021
The Luxury Home Aquarium: Out of This World Amenity for Your Pad
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO SOURCE, SET UP AND ENJOY YOUR OWN MAGICAL MARINE SHOWCASE
You’ve probably heard about the Pandemic Pet ph
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Oct 212021
Buying a Second Home? Or a Third? You’re Not Alone.
THE RISE OF HYBRID LIVING
More Americans are buying a second home (or a third) these days, and they’re shopping in locations like Mon
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Oct 142021
A Star is Born Among Montecito Restaurants
THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES ITS FIRST MICHELIN STAR EATERY
Attention Montecito foodies: the flourishing culinary scene here just got better with the
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Oct 72021
Selling a Montecito Home This Fall or Winter?
HEED THESE 6 SMART SELLING TIPS, AND SOME YEAR-ROUND ADVICE
Thinking of selling a Montecito home this fall or winter, like the owners of m
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Sep 292021
The Art of Selling a Luxury Home: Secrets of A Top Realtor
5 THINGS CONSIDERED WHEN IT COMES TO LUXURY REAL ESTATE SALES
If you’re considering selling a luxury home, keep in mind that sales are s
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Sep 222021
What Makes a Home a “Luxury Home”?
10 THINGS THAT CAN MAKE A MERELY LOVELY HOME LUXURIOUS
What makes a "luxury home"? The epitome of a lavish California beach villa, the hom
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Sep 152021
Moving Tips: A Top Realtor’s Moving Checklist
8 TRIED AND TRUE WAYS TO ENSURE A STRESS-FREE TRANSITION FROM OLD HOME TO NEW
The process of moving into a new home requires careful plann
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Sep 82021
19 Yearly Home Maintenance Tasks
THINK OF THESE TASKS AS GIVING VITAMINS TO YOUR HOME
Remember when you bought your house? You noted a million and ten things that needed t
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Sep 72021
7 Ways to Conserve Water in the California Drought
SANTA BARBARA HOMEOWNERS HAVE CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO CONSERVING THIS PRECIOUS RESOURCE
The California drought officially entered its fou
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Sep 12021
The Santa Barbara Bowl: A Shrine to the Performing Arts
THE BOWL IS BACK! TIME TO MAKE PLANS TO SEE A SHOW, OR TWO, OR . . .
The Santa Barbara Bowl, a 4,562-seat amphitheater, is historic i
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Aug 272021
6 Shopping Strategies of the Affluent Buyer
SMART MONTECITO SHOPPERS SHOP WISELY
When it comes to shopping strategies of the affluent buyer, look closely and you’ll discover a
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Aug 212021
The 2021 Santa Barbara Real Estate Market : A Top Realtor’s View
A Q&A WITH #1 SANTA BARBARA AGENT CRISTAL CLARKE
The 2021 Santa Barbara real estate market continues, with experts seeing a major post
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Aug 172021
Santa Barbara’s COVID Survival Guide
FROM VACCINES AND VARIANTS, TO RESOURCES AND REAL ESTATE
Santa Barbara is officially open after COVID-19. However, don’t expect business
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Aug 122021
The Santa Barbara Garden: 10 Plants To Spruce It Up While Keeping Mosquitos Away
ADD CURB APPEAL WITHOUT INVITING PESKY PESTS
Do you know there are some beautiful plants that can safely act to keep mosquitos out of your Santa Ba
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Aug 102021
Thinking About Investing in Luxury Storage Units?
JOIN OTHER SAVVY SELF-STORAGE INVESTORS LIKE BILL GATES
If you’re among those considering investing in the quickly emerging trend of lux
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Aug 52021
The Emerging Popularity of Luxury Storage Units
DRIVING FACTORS, INCREASED DEMAND, AND 3 EXCELLENT FACILITIES FOR SANTA BARBARA COLLECTORS
Luxury storage units offering options for e
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Jul 282021
The Best Interior Paint Colors for Selling a House
RESULTS FROM A NEW STUDY, AND THE COLORS FOR EVERY ROOM
Is it worth considering the best interior paint colors for selling a house? Every
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Jul 222021
Local Spotlight: Montecito’s Lotusland: One of the World’s 10 Best Gardens
YOUR GUIDE TO THE PERFECT PLACE TO BASK IN SANTA BARBARA’S BOTANICAL BEAUTY
Everyone knows about Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches,
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Jul 202021
Buying or Leasing a Santa Barbara Home: A Guide for the Perplexed
3 KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK
As the 2021 Santa Barbara real estate market enters its second half, I find a few people are pondering the questi
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Jul 82021
Are You a Mid-Century Modern Furniture Fan?
WHERE TO FIND MID-CENTURY IN SANTA BARBARA
The enduring popularity of mid-century modern furniture is based on many factors. It gives us
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Jun 302021
Today’s Top Luxury Real Estate Trends
TIME TO GO BIG AND GO HOME!
I love to blog about the latest luxury real estate trends, and I’ve uncovered 5 interesting changes to share
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Jun 232021
Around The World Ideas for Santa Barbara Gardens
GARDENS ARE AESTHETICALLY PLEASING, OFFER HEALTH BENEFITS, AND CAN INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE
Our amazing Mediterranean climate is one of the
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Jun 182021
The Santa Barbara Real Estate Market Continues to Skyrocket
LOCAL REAL ESTATE DEMAND IS, IN A WORD, RELENTLESS
The Santa Barbara real estate market is continuing to surge, with prices soaring, even as
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Jun 32021
Local Spotlight: The Santa Barbara Airport
CONVENIENCE, CHOICE AND A CORNUCOPIA OF CONNECTIONS
As the 13th largest airport in California, Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) typicall
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May 292021
How to Declutter Your Home: Tips From a Luxury Realtor
DECLUTTERING COMES WITH MANY BENEFITS
It’s Good for Your Health!
Decluttering your home is not a new concept, but how to declutter yo
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May 202021
Creating a Cat-friendly Home
7 STEPS TO FASHIONING A FELINE HAVEN
Today’s home hunters are looking for pet-loving spaces like never before. That doesn’t’ exclusi
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May 142021
Road Tripping Near Santa Barbara – With or Without the Dog
NEW CDC GUIDELINES AND INVITING LOCAL DESTINATIONS MAKE 2021 A YEAR OF ROAD TRIPS
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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May 62021
How to Add Value to Your Home
A TOP REALTOR’S GUIDE TO RENOVATION, REMODELING, OR JUST FRESHENING UP
Whether you’re selling a Hope Ranch property like the French cou
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Apr 212021
Attention Vacation Rental Owners (and Potential Owners)!
SANTA BARBARA AND MONTECITO VACATION HOME RENTALS ARE IN DEMAND
In the words of David Bowie and Mick Jagger, “the summer’s here and th
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Apr 142021
10 Common Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid
THINK LIKE A SELLER, AND CALL A PRO
If you were considering buying the property shown above, you’re out of luck. The buyers o
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Apr 102021
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.
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Apr 82021
A Practical Guide to Cleaning Out a Garage
GET READY TO PURGE, SORT AND DECLUTTER YOUR MONTECITO MOTOR MOTEL
The garage is one of those spaces homeowners can easily put off organizi
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Apr 32021
Celebrating the Spring Real Estate Market
8 REASONS TO LIST YOUR SANTA BARBARA HOME NOW!
If you’re considering listing your home in any of the upscale communities in Santa Barbar
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Apr 12021
The Sweet Spot for Luxury Homebuyers: Not Too Big, Not Too Small
LUXURY HOMEBUYERS TAKE A CUE FROM GOLDILOCKS
As affluent Americans reconsider their priorities amid the pressures of COVID-19, a sweet sp
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Mar 262021
The Home of the Future From Leading Architects
4 WAYS SANTA BARBARA HOMES ARE LEADING THE WAY
What will a home of the future offer? According to leading architects, future home spa
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Mar 202021
Easter 2021: Celebrating Easter in the Age of COVID-19
8 IDEAS FOR A SAFE CELEBRATION IN SANTA BARBARA
Here’s some hoppy news: Easter 2021 is right around the corner: April 4th. Even in the
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Mar 162021
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
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Mar 112021
Getting Back to Basics: At Home With Your 5 Senses
MULTI- SENSORY DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE TRENDS
Something positive has emerged from our past year of spending much more time in our homes, both
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Mar 102021
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival Reinvents Itself
SBIFF 2021 FEATURES ONLINE VIRTUAL EVENTS AND BEACHSIDE DRIVE-IN SCREENINGS
The 36th Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF)
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Mar 62021
Housing Market 2020: Let’s Look at the Record-Setting Year
IN SPITE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, HOME SALES AND PRICES SOARED
If you Google “housing market 2020,” you’ll be part of a large group of
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Mar 32021
6 Ways to Improve The Indoor Air Quality of Your Home
CLEAN AIR SYSTEMS: THE NEW REAL ESTATE STATUS SYMBOL
Considering springtime pollen causing allergies and the fear of spreading COVID-19, i
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Feb 262021
A Luxury Realtor’s Homebuyer Guide to Property Easements
WHAT ARE PROPERTY EASEMENTS AND HOW DO THEY IMPACT SANTA BARBARA HOMEBUYERS?
This comprehensive home buyer guide to property easements off
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Feb 192021
Outdoor Living Spaces for Luxury Homes: Builders Follow the Santa Barbara Example
5 SANTA BARBARA OUTDOOR TRENDS U.S. HOMEOWNERS ARE EMBRACING
Outdoor living spaces for luxury homes across the country are becoming bigger
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Feb 172021
Luxury Home Sales: U.S. Demand for $1 Million-Plus Homes Hits All Time High
ARE LUXURY HOME SALES THE SILVER LINING OF COVID-19?
More homebuyers are searching for properties listed for $1 million or more these days,
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Feb 132021
Take a Montecito At-Home Wellness Sabbatical
6 STEPS DESIGNED TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL IN THE AGE OF COVID-19
Getting away from it all is a great way to reduce stress, but what’s a M
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Feb 112021
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 a
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Feb 52021
The State Street Promenade: Santa Barbara Al Fresco
TIME AGAIN FOR GOOD FOOD, FRESH AIR AND FUN
For the first time in more than two months, thanks to the reopening of the State Street Pr
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Feb 32021
Tips and Tricks for Organizing Your Kitchen — Again
GIVE A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE TO THE HEART OF YOUR MONTECITO HOME
Every homeowner knows how easy it is for chaos to creep into the kitchen. Exp
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Jan 272021
Creating a Dog-friendly Home?
FROM MOVE-IN TO SETTLING IN: A TOP REALTOR'S GUIDE
In recent years, dogs have become center stage in many homes. Even during times of conf
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Jan 222021
How to Create a Virtual Learning Space in Your Santa Barbara Home
7 KEYS TO BOOSTING LEARNING AT HOME
The Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has created a roller coaster ride for school-age children living in Santa Bar
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Jan 192021
Looking Ahead to Post-Pandemic Relocation
WILL SANTA BARBARA HOME SELLERS BENEFIT?
According to a new study revealing the trend toward post-pandemic relocation, about a third of U.
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Jan 172021
Do You Have a Revocable Trust?
THE PROS AND CONS FOR SANTA BARBARA HOMEOWNERS
Let’s face it, estate planning is not necessarily fun, but it is definitely crit
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Jan 132021
What Does the Historic Low Home Inventory Mean for You?
BOOMING DEMAND IS DRIVING UP PRICES
Demand for U.S. homes is driving the number of properties for sale to new lows in the United States.
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Jan 62021
New Year’s Resolutions: Facts, Funnies and Santa Barbara Specific
DON’T FORGET YOUR SANTA BARBARA HOME’S RESOLUTIONS!
It’s that time of year when we break out our New Year’s resolutions
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Jan 42021
The Smart House: More Valuable in Today’s Market?
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR SMART HOMES IN 2021
By now, every homeowner should know about the importance of integrating smart hou
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Dec 272020
Housing Market Forecast: Predictions for 2021
HOME SALES, NEW CONSTRUCTION AND HOMEOWNERSHIP TO REACH RECORD HIGHS
There’s a lot to be optimistic about when it comes to the 2021 hous
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Dec 212020
Tips on Buying a Home During the Holidays
6 REASONS WHY IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOME
Most people cringe at the thought of buying a home during the holidays. Only the Grinch wo
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Dec 172020
Selling Your Home During the Holidays?
HOW TO DECORATE WITHOUT TURNING OFF BUYERS
Selling your home during the holidays? How to optimize that effort might be the most important
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Dec 32020
The Feng Shui House: Creating Balance and Flow in Your Santa Barbara Home
8 EASY WAYS TO IMPROVE THE ENERGY IN ANY ABODE
The Chinese words "feng" and "shui" translate to mean “wind” and “water," respectiv
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Dec 12020
How to Celebrate Hanukkah 2020 Safely
EMBRACING THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS THIS YEAR WILL BE POSSIBLE, BUT DIFFERENT
The Festival of Lights runs from December 10 through December
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Nov 172020
The Increasing Popularity of the Multigenerational Home
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS NOTES A SPIKE RELATED TO COVID-19
The annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Associa
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Nov 42020
Timeless Interior Design Trends
SIMPLICITY, INDIVIDUALISM AND BALANCE ARE KEY COMPONENTS
When it comes to timeless interior design trends, Montecito homeowners should embra
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Oct 262020
20 Things to Love About Santa Barbara
DID YOUR SANTA BARBARA FAVORITE MAKE THE LIST?
It seems like a bit of a disservice to list only 20 things to love about Santa Barbara. Enu
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Oct 202020
Hygge and Friluftsliving: Danish Lifestyle Trends Embraced By Santa Barbara Homeowners
COZY ISN’T JUST AN ADJECTIVE, IT’S EVERYTHING
The Danish lifestyle trends of hygge and friluftsliving fit perfectly here in Santa Barb
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Oct 152020
Wellness Living and Wellness Real Estate: The Next Trillion-Dollar Trend?
COVID-19 REVS UP INTEREST IN WELLNESS REAL ESTATE
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), thanks to COVID-19, the current emphas
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Oct 132020
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 ch
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Oct 92020
Do You Have a Household or Family Disaster Plan?
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS SAYS “GET A KIT, MAKE A PLAN, BE INFORMED”
Santa Barbara homeowners, along with the rest of the world, are
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Oct 62020
Your Fall Home: Décor Tips and Must-do Chores
PAMPER, PREPARE AND PROTECT YOUR MONTECITO HOME
With the sunny weather here in Montecito it may not feel like it yet, but it’s that time
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Sep 222020
Open, Closed and Beyond: A Real Estate Pro’s Guide to Kitchen Design
CREATING THE KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER
If you’ve been pondering about the kitchen design of your dreams -- perhaps l
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Sep 172020
The Ultimate Guide to Creating an Eco-Friendly Home: Part 2
GREEN BUILDING AND MOVING
I hope after reading Part 1 of my Going Green series you realize that getting on the right side of things when i
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Sep 152020
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. T
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Sep 122020
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
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Sep 92020
The Backyard Shed: Your New Home Office?
WHETHER OUT OF NECESSITY OR CONVENIENCE, A TREND IS BORN
Sales of backyard sheds are spiking. It seems more and more homeowners are need
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Aug 262020
Home Improvement: Repair, Remodel or Renovate?
A TOP REALTOR’S GUIDE FOR SANTA BARBARA AND MONTECITO HOMEOWNERS
Americans spend $400 billion annually on remodeling their homes -- not
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Aug 212020
Harry and Meghan: Montecito’s Newest High-profile Residents
THE LIST OF CELEBRITY RESIDENTS IN THE PRIVILEGED ENCLAVE GROWS
Journalists from all over the world are reaching out to me abo
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Aug 192020
How Santa Barbara Homeowners Can Create a “Smart” Healthy Home
PURIFY · REJUVENATE · REFUEL · RECOVER
Did you know that today’s new smart home tech can actually make you healthier by creating a h
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Aug 122020
The Santa Barbara Luxury Real Estate Market is Booming
LISTINGS LIKE MINE ARE KEEPING HOME VALUES HIGHER
A limited supply of available properties along the South Coast of Santa Barbara County a
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Aug 62020
Thinking About Going Solar? A Primer for Santa Barbara and Montecito Homeowners
WHEN CONSIDERING THE SOLAR OPTION, A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE GOES A LONG WAY
If you’re thinking about going solar, installing solar panels to y
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Aug 42020
Santa Barbara Landscape Design: Complementing Your Home’s Architecture
THE BEST MONTECITO AND SANTA BARBARA LANDSCAPE DESIGN IS MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE
From Spanish Colonial Revival hom
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Jul 312020
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 P
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Jul 242020
Santa Barbara Day Trips: Convenient, Safe and Sanity Savers
TAKE IN OUR DRAMATIC COASTLINE, SPANISH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE, BUTTERFLIES AND MORE
The summer of 2020 might not be the best time to live
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Jul 212020
Lettuce Grow: More Than an Appeal from Veggies
GROW YOUR OWN FARM-FRESH PRODUCE FROM HOME WITH A HYDROPONIC “FARMSTAND”
Okay, so that title is a bit “corny.” (That makes 3
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Jul 172020
Buying a Santa Barbara Home During a Pandemic
9 TACTICS TO GET YOUR MONTECITO OR SANTA BARBARA OFFER ACCEPTED
As I stated in a previous blog post, the residential real estate luxur
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Jul 142020
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 have
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Jul 72020
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 mi
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Jun 282020
Is a Real Estate Boom on the Horizon for Montecito?
EXPERTS ARE SAYING IT WILL BE A GREAT TIME TO BUY OR SELL
Is the summer of 2020 the right time to buy or sell a Montecito home? Is a sort
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Jun 172020
Father’s Day 2020: Trivia, Trifles and Things to Do in Santa Barbara
TRADITIONALLY A DAY COMBINING REVERENCE, REMEMBRANCE, RESPECT AND FUN
What is the official flower of Father’s Day? As it is with Mother
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Jun 162020
5 Iconic Santa Barbara Estates
FROM ITS GAVIOTA COAST TO MONTECITO AND CARPINTERIA, THE SANTA BARBARA AREA IS A MECCA OF BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC ESTATES
Santa Barbara
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Jun 42020
Residential Real Estate: Luxury Segment Thriving Post-Shutdown
CONFIDENCE AMONG HIGH-END SELLERS LEADS TO V-SHAPED RECOVERY
According to analysis from the Dow Jones Market Data Team, the residential real
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Jun 12020
Shop and Dine Along the NEW Santa Barbara State Street Promenade
A WELCOME CHANGE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS, RESIDENTS, AND VISITORS
Santa Barbara’s State Street has been transformed into a welcoming Ped
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May 282020
Who Says Fun Games to Play Outside Are Just for Kids?
10 LAWN GAMES SANTA BARBARA HOMEOWNERS OF ANY AGE CAN ENJOY
Warmer days mean homeowners want to get outside and safely enjoy Sant
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May 252020
Montecito Realtor Cristal Clarke in the News
BLOGGER SUSAN HARTZLER SHARES WHAT MAKES CRISTAL SO VALUABLE TO THE MEDIA AND CLIENTS ALIKE
In a recent blog, I shared Montecito Realtor C
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May 222020
California Volunteers: A Vital New Program for Our Time
THE STATE OFFICE ENERGIZING CALIFORNIANS TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES & NEIGHBORS
In a previous blog post, I shared important informatio
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May 212020
Moving During the Pandemic: 7 Steps to Doing it Safely
HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THAT MOVE TO A NEW HOME
Are you considering moving during the pandemic? In a rece
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May 152020
COVID-19: Montecito and Santa Barbara Non-Profits Respond
The Organizations Aiding Our Most Vulnerable People and Pets Need Our Support
It can be incredibly overwhelming to figure out where to focu
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May 122020
Celebrity Living in Santa Barbara
THE AMERICAN RIVIERA® HAS BEEN A MECCA FOR THE WELL-KNOWN AND WELL-HEELED FOR OVER A CENTURY
The Santa Barbara-Montecito area, also known
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May 82020
Santa Barbara Economy: The County Begins to Reopen
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE COVID-19 TUNNEL?
After spending almost 8 weeks basically shut down, the Santa Barbara economy is beginning to reop
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May 72020
Montecito’s 93108 Zip Code: Consistently One of Forbes Richest
IT'S A PRIVILEGED ENCLAVE EXUDING AN UNPARALLELED AMBIANCE OF CASUAL LUXURY
The affluent community of Montecito, with its equally prestigi
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Apr 292020
Santa Barbara Housing Market: Home Prices in the Shadow of COVID-19
WRITER SUSAN HARTZLER’S Q & A WITH TOP MONTECITO REALTOR CRISTAL CLARKE
It seems like everyone is wondering how COVID-19 is affectin
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Apr 232020
Reopening Santa Barbara’s Economy: Pondering and Preparing
COUNTY OFFICIALS SHARE TACTICS FOR SLOWLY REOPENING THE AMERICAN RIVIERA®
Are you among the locals who are growing restless about reopeni
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Apr 162020
The Richness of Santa Barbara History
HOW SANTA BARBARA BECAME INFUSED WITH THE SPIRIT OF SPAIN
The founders of the City of Santa Barbara were among the first in the nation
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Apr 32020
Santa Barbara and Montecito Landscape Design
MAKE SURE YOUR LANDSCAPING COMPLEMENTS YOUR HOME
An architectural style is a specific way a building was designed that is characterized by
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Mar 252020
8 Steps to Creating the Minimalist Home Office
MINIMIZE PROCRASTINATION AND MAXIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY
For most Montecito homeowners, their home is their castle. Today, your abode can also be
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Mar 172020
12 Things To Do When You’re Confined to Your Home
SELF-CARE IN SECLUSION CAN MEAN FOOD AND FUN FOR BODY AND SOUL
What’s a Montecito or Santa Barbara homeowner supposed to do when at home
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Mar 112020
Selling a Montecito Home: A Few Things to Consider
WHETHER YOU’RE SELLING A HOME IN MONTECITO, SANTA BARBARA OR SUN VALLEY, THIS ADVICE FROM A PRO APPLIES
If selling a Montecito home is a
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Mar 72020
Selling Luxury Real Estate in Santa Barbara
7 TIPS TO “SOLD” IN THE LUXURY MARKET
Selling Luxury Real Estate in Santa Barbara requires a different approach than that used when se
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Feb 262020
Montecito: Best Place to Live in the Santa Barbara Area
LOCATION RANKING WEBSITE NICHE.COM NAMES MONTECITO #1
Those of us who call Montecito home know it is one of the best places to live in Cal
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Feb 12020
Luxury Bunkers: Time to Invest in a Private Shelter?
INCREASING FEARS OF MAN-MADE AND NATURAL DISASTERS ARE MAKING THIS A GROWTH INDUSTRY
Around the world, affluent folks are paying big bucks
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Dec 312019
2020 Brings New California Laws
INCLUDING ONE WRITTEN BY SANTA BARBARA SENATOR HANNAH-BETH JACKSON
There are hundreds of new California laws set to go into effect in
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Dec 252019
Mid-Century Modern Furniture Fan?
WHERE TO FIND IT IN SANTA BARBARA
The enduring popularity of Mid-Century Modern furniture is based on many factors. It gives us clean lines,
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Dec 202019
Running Trails in Santa Barbara: 8 of the Most Popular
GET OFF ON THE RIGHT (OR LEFT) FOOT IN 2020!
Why not make 2020 your year to explore the wonderful running trails in Santa Barbara? After all
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Dec 132019
New Book Unveils Who Shaped America’s Love of Modern Architecture
THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO MADE MODERNISM SING
We all are aware that architects shape buildings, but have you ever wondered who shapes the way we
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Dec 112019
Sleep Deprivation: Causes, Cures and the Mesmerizing Magic of Montecito
A COMPREHENSIVE LOOK AT THE AFFLICTION PLAGUING MANY OF US
No matter where you live, sleep is the foundation of mental wellness, even for th
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Dec 92019
4 Elements of Real Estate Asset Protection
DO YOU HAVE A PLAN FOR LEGAL SECURITY OF YOUR PROPERTY?
You should. Consider this: the value of your real estate holdings may be signifi
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Nov 292019
Downsizing Your Home: 5 Signs It Might Be Time
BALANCING THE SENTIMENTAL WITH THE PRACTICAL
Is it time for downsizing your home? I recently posted a guest blog, “Downsizing for Senior
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Nov 262019
What is an iBuyer in Real Estate?
IS AN iBUYER A GOOD CHOICE FOR YOU?
“Instant offer” or iBuyer programs are grabbing so much attention these days in the real estate in
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Nov 72019
Create a High-Tech Home for the Holidays
5 GADGETS TO MAKE YOUR MONTECITO HOME HOLIDAY-READY
There are a bunch of high-tech home gadgets out there designed to help Montecito homeo
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Nov 12019
Want a Master Suite Sanctuary?
4 DESIGN TIPS TO TRANSFORM YOUR MASSIVE MASTER
One of the things I love about many of the Montecito homes listed in my port
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Oct 152019
A Luxury Realtor’s Guide to Home Security Systems
WHAT EVERY SANTA BARBARA HOMEOWNER NEEDS TO KNOW
We are all aware of the importance of home security systems these days. Every 14.5 seconds,
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Oct 32019
Real Estate Investing: Still the Best Choice Anyone Can Make
SEE WHY 4 MILLIONAIRES AGREE
Over the last two centuries, about 90% of the world’s millionaires have created their wealth through real estate i
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Sep 262019
Mantel Magic: It’s Easier Than You Think
5 DÉCOR TIPS FOR A FABULOUS FIREPLACE
Even here in sunny Santa Barbara, homeowners want to welcome the new fall season by sprucing up their hom
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Sep 172019
Social Media Influence on Interior Design in Santa Barbara and Montecito
10 INSPIRATIONAL DESIGNERS ON INSTAGRAM
Today’s consumers have become increasingly digital-savvy and social media-driven. I
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Sep 122019
Insta-worthy Locations: The Most Instagram-able Spots in Santa Barbara
7 EPIC PLACES TO SNAP AND SHARE
There are so many “Insta-worthy” locations in Montecito and Santa Barbara that professional and amateur
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Sep 62019
Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theater
THE TRAGIC HISTORY OF THIS ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theater has a rich history dating back to the 1870s. While
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Aug 282019
Hug a Santa Barbara Tree Today
THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO LOVE THEM
Each Santa Barbara tree is an invaluable resource. Together, the city’s trees provide more t
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Aug 272019
Passive Income: 10 Ideas for Building Wealth While Sitting on the Beach
MAKING MONEY WHILE ENJOYING SAND, SUN AND SURF IN SANTA BARBARA
Are you interested in creating passive income while sitting on the beach in
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Aug 202019
Luxury Home Products for Montecito Homeowners
7 NEW PRODUCTS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
As technology advances, so do luxury home products. While product launches are nothing new, many of
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Aug 142019
9 Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
THESE ARE THE BIG ONES TO CONSIDER
Are you aware of the hidden costs related to buying a house? For the unsuspecting homebuyer -- moving to
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Aug 132019
What Makes Montecito Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture Such a Sought-After Design?
9 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS OF THE EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN STYLE
Searching for a Spanish Colonial Revival estate in Montecito? I don’t blame you.
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Aug 72019
Vietnam’s Economy Boom Means More Luxury Homebuyers in the U.S.
WEALTHY VIETNAMESE ARE HOUSE HUNTING IN CALIFORNIA
Once known as one of the poorest countries in the world, the boom in Vietnam’s economy
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Aug 62019
Santa Barbara: Oasis of Arts and Culture
RESIDENTS ENJOY MORE THAN BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND PERFECT WEATHER
You may not consider the arts and culture when you think about Santa Barbara
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Jul 302019
No Kid Hungry: The Manifest Altruism of Actor Jeff Bridges
“THE DUDE” PROVIDES MORE THAN HIS SUPERSTAR STATUS TO SANTA BARBARA
Jeff Bridges brings more to the Santa Barbara community than his su
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Jul 242019
How a Fed Rate Cut Could Be Good News for Luxury Homebuyers in Montecito
IS AN INTEREST RATE CUT COMING?
The U.S. Federal Reserve is likely to announce a Fed rate cut by the end of this month. Cutting federal inte
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Jul 92019
How to Create the Big Little Lies’ Interior Design Styles in Your Montecito Estate
7 WAYS TO ACHIEVE THE CALIFORNIA COOL LOOK
The HBO hit show Big Little Lies has become the latest TV real estate obsession for many who appr
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Jul 22019
Santa Barbara Farmers’ Markets Farm Stands And Gourmet Shops
SHOP LOCAL FOR FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND MORE
The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market offers some of the freshest produce on the Wes
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Jun 262019
How to Decorate Your Mid-century modern Home
MY ROOM BY ROOM GUIDE
There are so many stunning Mid-century modern homes here in Santa Barbara. In fact, I sold six beauties in 2018 alone.
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Jun 62019
Ready for a Channel Islands Cruise?
TAKE A PRIVATE ECO CRUISE ABOARD A LUXURY YACHT
Does a three-day private Channel Islands cruise aboard a luxury yacht sound exciting to you
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Jun 42019
Buying a Home in a Buyer’s Market
EXPERTS SAY GATHER DATA AND UNDERSTAND SELLERS’ MOTIVATIONS
As a follow-up to a recent blog post, I’m going to look at how buying a ho
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May 292019
Are “Pocket Listings” Effective When Selling Homes in Montecito?
PRIVATE LISTINGS ARE NOT FOR EVERY SELLER
So-called “pocket listings” have been a longtime staple among New York City and other high-end
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May 222019
Ocean View Homes are Good for Our Health
SCIENCE PROVES BLUE SPACE CAN IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING
Those of us fortunate enough to live in Montecito ocean view homes or those wi
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May 92019
Baby Checklist: 10 Things to Do to Prepare Your Home for a Newborn
PREPARATION IS KEY
In honor of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle’s royal bundle of joy, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, I thoug
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Apr 302019
Real Estate Terms Used in Listing Descriptions
BUYERS, ALLOW ME TO TRANSLATE
You have probably encountered some of the specialized real estate terms used in property descriptions. Look at
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Apr 182019
Is Information on Real Estate TV Shows Believable?
4 MISGUIDED “TRUTHS” PROMOTED BY POPULAR PROGRAMMING
The HGTV effect in the real estate industry is real, but don’t kid yourself into
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Mar 142019
Santa Barbara Applauds Women’s History Month
CELEBRATE WITH THE SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS
March is Women's History Month. Santa Barbara joins
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Mar 82019
Real Estate Disclosure Forms: Foolproof or Fallible?
4 OF THE CRAZIEST THINGS BUYERS FOUND AFTER CLOSING
California disclosure laws are an integral part of the journey toward closing on a home. The Go
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Mar 12019
Let’s Step Up to Support the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL AT ITS ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
Once a year, the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network (SBWCN) invites the public to experi
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Feb 262019
Technology and Privacy: Are They Mutually Exclusive?
TECHNOLOGY CAN RADICALLY ADVANCE OUR FREEDOMS . . . AND COMPROMISE OUR PRIVACY
By now, we all know the benefits of home technology. But, are
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Feb 222019
Tidying Up with Marie Kondo: It’s All About Choosing Joy
USING THE CLEANING GURU'S KONMARI METHOD™
Are you aware of the Marie Kondo cleaning craze sweeping the Netflix-watching nation? For th
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Feb 192019
Sick Building Syndrome: Could Your Home be Making You Ill?
FOLLOW THESE 4 STEPS TO A HEALTHY MONTECITO HOME
Office buildings are not the only places that come down with sick building syndrome (SBS).
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Feb 132019
Private Firefighters: Help For Montecito Homeowners?
ALREADY BE COVERED? CHECK YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY.
You may have heard that private firefighters saved the $60 million home of Kim Kardashian
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Feb 52019
Montecito Estates: Calling New Owners to Paradise
DISTINGUISHED PROPERTY FOR THE MOST DISCERNING BUYERS
Affluent buyers insist there’s something exceedingly special about Montecito estates
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Jan 292019
3 Ways to Maximize Your Profit When Selling a Home
THE NOT SO SECRET SECRETS OF SAVVY SELLERS
I'm sure you want to maximize your profit when selling a home. Many people are tempted to conside
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Jan 252019
6 Ways to Build Wealth Without Touching the Stock Market
HERE ARE SOME DIVERSE AND LUCRATIVE INVESTMENT OPTIONS
There are so many ways to build wealth without relying on one of the most common weal
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Jan 182019
The Junk Drawer: A Montecito Tradition?
EVEN LUXURY HOMES HAVE A JUNK DRAWER OR TWO
I’m going to take a bold step here and assume that literally every Montecito residence – i
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Jan 152019
“California Chic” is Alive and Well in Montecito
THE EFFORTLESS COOL LOOK SYNONYMOUS WITH CALIFORNIA STYLE
If you already live in Montecito or just about any of the communities in or arou
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Jan 112019
Listing Your Home in Santa Barbara
NOW MIGHT BE THE BEST TIME TO DO IT
You may have heard that the housing market is softening. If you’re thinking about listing your home in
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Jan 42019
The Santa Barbara School District
SCHOOL QUALITY HAS A MIGHTY INFLUENCE ON HOME BUYERS
Many of my customers ask me about the Santa Barbara School District, the main public sc
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Dec 182018
Survey Finds More People Are Working From Home Today
12 Tips on taking the plunge and creating the perfect office in your Montecito home
Recent data compiled by a consortium of economists, data scientis
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Dec 72018
Celebrity Homes: Santa Barbara Sanctuaries of the Famous
Santa Barbara is the secret hiding place for many of Hollywood’s ultra-rich and famous
Santa Barbara is a true oasis for the famous, which is why y
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Nov 272018
Montecito Community Leadership Forms The Partnership for Resilient Communities
As our neighbors in Ventura and Los Angeles begin to recover from the Woolsey Fire, Montecito community leaders form The Partnership for Resilient Com
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Nov 202018
Million-dollar Homes to Million-dollar Neighborhoods: The Rise of the 7-figure Enclave
Statistics show the million-dollar neighborhood is a growing phenomenon despite the recent market cool-down
After analyzing home values across the co
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Nov 162018
How to Protect Your Home While You’re Selling
8 home protection tips for Santa Barbara sellers
Selling a home in Santa Barbara isn’t necessarily unsafe; however, it’s always a good i
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Nov 132018
What Does a Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Look Like?
Check out my list of 8 must-do activities in and around town
A Santa Barbara Thanksgiving might look a lot different than the holiday appears in othe
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Nov 92018
How to Care for High-end Furniture
A little care and TLC can make well-designed home furnishings last a long, long time
You invested your time and money into your high-end furniture. D
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Oct 302018
Selling a Haunted House?
Check out this video of haunted house ghost stories from the Wall Street Journal
In honor of Halloween, I thought I’d take a look at the challenges
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Oct 262018
Winterizing Your Home: Even Santa Barbara Homes Need to be Winter Ready
Now is the time to prepare for the cold and rain
Fall is the best time to begin winterizing your home, even for those of us who live in sunny Santa B
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Oct 192018
Art and Architecture: The Versatile World of Brixels™
Bricks + Pixels = contemporary building blocks for luxury home facades and interior design
My prediction: Interior design, art, and architecture i
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Oct 122018
Aging at Home in Santa Barbara
6 WAYS TO ADAPT YOUR HOME AS YOUR NEEDS CHANGE
As our population continues to get older, aging at home becomes more and more important. Sc
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Oct 102018
Hiding The Children’s Mess While Selling Your Montecito Home
HIDE IT IN PLAIN SIGHT!
My busy clients know, hiding the children's mess when selling their Montecito home can be a major challenge. The
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Oct 42018
A Formula for Healthy Living: Santa Barbara + 7 Nifty Gadgets
Living in A Healthy Location Combined With a Few Helpful Devices Will Make Your Life a Little Easier
Experts will tell you a significant key to healt
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Sep 272018
Fiscal Fitness: The Advantages of Investing in Your Health
THE FITNESS INDUSTRY JOINS THE WORLD OF FINANCE
Fiscal fitness is a piece of financial advice that is nothing to scoff about. It’s real. By inves
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Sep 182018
Santa Barbara Living: Testament to Why It’s a Top 100 City
WHAT MAKES SANTA BARBARA ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE?
Livability.com ranks Santa Barbara, aka the American Rivera, number 30 in the top
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Sep 142018
Capital Gains Tax: 3 Dreaded Words When Selling Your Home
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR CAPITAL GAINS TAX EXEMPTIONS?
Capital gains tax applies when you sell something for a profit. That means if you’re se
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Aug 22018
7 Things You Can Do to Conserve Water: The California Drought is not over!
When the temps rise, so does our water usage, quickly evaporating our efforts to conserve water due to the California drought
Remember all the good
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Jul 312018
6 California Real Estate Laws Buyers Need to Know About
From taxes to disclosure requirements, California real estate laws include some unique practices
Whether you plan to purchase your own home or buy in
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Jul 242018
Top 4 “Real Estate Facts” Debunked
EXPERTS AGREE: CONVENTIONAL WISDOM SURROUNDING SO-CALLED REAL ESTATE FACTS IS NOT ALWAYS ACCURATE
We’ve all heard them, and everyone assum
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Jul 172018
Extreme Lawn Care: Are You a Competitor?
10 Summer lawn care tips from the extreme lawn care guru
I’ve blogged before about the importance of curb appeal but extreme lawn care is new to me
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Jul 132018
Selling a Home: Want to do it Quickly and For Top Dollar?
Avoid These 10 Mistakes While Selling a Home Fast
Preparation is key if you’re interested in selling a home fast and for top dollar. That’s why I
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Jul 102018
Santa Barbara Homeowners: The Best Way to Build Accessory Dwelling Units
What You Need to Know About Accessory Dwelling Units, aka Guest Cottages or Guesthouses, in Santa Barbara
I blogged about the new law regarding acces
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Jun 292018
Buyer’s Remorse Keeping You Awake?
If Buyer’s Remorse, or even Seller’s Remorse is Keeping You Awake, Here are Some Remedies
Sleep, or lack of it, is such an
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Jun 262018
Is Buying a Home Together Before Getting Married a Good Idea?
Couples considering buying a home together should heed these warnings
In a previous blog, I shared info about a prenuptial deed when buyin
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Jun 202018
What You Need to Know About Home Inspectors in Santa Barbara
Homebuyers: here’s a checklist to share with home inspectors in Santa Barbara
When you're looking for home inspectors in Santa Barbara, there
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Jun 122018
Indoor Rock Climbing at the Santa Barbara Rock Gym
PERFECT FATHER'S DAY GIFT FOR ACTIVE SANTA BARBARA DADS: A DAY OF ROCK CLIMBING AT SANTA BARBARA'S INDOOR CLIMBING GYM
Guys love to climb
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Jun 112018
Tips for Moving with Children
Guest post by Alexis Hall, author of SingleParent.info
Moving is an important step in any family’s life. It can be stressful and excitin
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Jun 72018
Who Gets the House in a Divorce?
Anyone getting divorced needs to consider their real estate assets
Disputes over major assets like your home are common among those who are
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May 312018
Is the American Dream Alive or Dead?
Does the American Dream mean owning a home?
What is the American Dream? A recent study showed that 53% of those asked believed owning a ho
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May 252018
Top Residential Architects in Montecito and Santa Barbara History
These four top residential architects of Montecito and Santa Barbara brought their own unique style to our area
George Washington Smith
Arc
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May 102018
Adult Treehouse? That’s Right! They’re Not Just for Kids Anymore
Our Mediterranean climate makes Santa Barbara the perfect place to build an adult treehouse
I just read a story in the Wall St
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Apr 262018
Are Domestic Robots in Your Future? Amazon Hopes So
TESTING HAS ALREADY BEGUN IN HOMES
Bloomberg reports that Amazon has been quietly working on a new project that could have big implications:
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Apr 242018
Moving with Children?
Here are 10 Tips to Prepare Kids for a Stress-Free Move
Moving with children can be stressful. Think about it: children respond to the gen
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Apr 192018
How to Integrate A Dog Shower into Your Home
8EXPERT TIPS FOR DESIGNING A DEDICATED SHOWER FOR YOUR DOG
Last week, I blogged about renovations popular among home buyers today: like
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Apr 162018
8 Housewarming Traditions from Around the World
Housewarming Traditions: Would you invite a cow to welcome you to your new home?
Boil Milk & Rice
In the Vasthu Sastra Indi
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Apr 122018
Return on Investment: Can Adding a Pizza Oven Be Worthwhile?
Understanding what's popular among home buyers today can help homeowners make educated decisions about remodeling
If you’re a homeowne
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Mar 302018
Why is Spring is the Best Time of Year to Sell Your House?
6 reasons to list your home with me now!
If you're considering listing your home in any of the upscale communities in Santa Barbara, take no
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Mar 132018
Things to Do in Santa Barbara this Spring
SANTA BARBARA IS BEAUTIFUL THIS TIME OF YEAR
There's so much to do in Santa Barbara this Spring it can be difficult to decide where to
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Jan 232018
6 Things to Do in January to Give Your Home Some TLC
What will you do in January to give your home some TLC?
January is the perfect time to give your home some TLC. You celebrated the holidays
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Jan 182018
The ABCs of Creating an Emergency Plan
The devastating mudslides caused by the recent fires made me think of creating an emergency plan for my family. How about you?
I'm offering
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Dec 202017
6 Steps to Protect Your Home from Wildfires
PREPARATION IS KEY TO PREVENTING YOUR HOME FROM GOING UP IN SMOKE
Do you know how to protect your home from wildfires? If you live in Sant
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Dec 12017
Whale Watching in Santa Barbara
Hop aboard a whale watching tour and see why the Santa Barbara Channel is one of the best places in the world for spotting sea life
The be
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Nov 162017
12 Tasks for Your Homeowner To-Do List
There are certain things every homeowner should do yearly, monthly, weekly and daily to keep their home in tip-top shape. Since that list can feel da
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Nov 102017
Who Needs Flood Insurance?
Floods are the nation's most common and costly natural disaster and cause millions of dollars in damage every year
In a previous post, I shared that
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Oct 262017
Teaching children financial responsibility: Start with Halloween!
It may sound a little strange but Halloween might be one of the best holidays for teaching children financial responsibility. Leading finance experts
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Oct 22017
Is it Time for a New Front Door Color?
Check out 8 front door colors trending today
Front doors have the twin purpose of inviting people in and keeping people out. A quality doo
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Sep 252017
The Living Vehicle™: A New Vision for Sustainable Living
The key to a sustainable life is choosing the values that matter most and living accordingly
Have you heard about the Living Vehicle™? Designed in
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Sep 112017
4 Types of Flooring That Really Make Any Room
Today's flooring options have you covered
While some trends come and go, when it comes to flooring, classic styles are always instant hits. How abo
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Aug 282017
Good news for Santa Barbara Homeowners
The numbers tell a positive story for next-door Southern California
Santa Barbara homeowners, listen up! I just read an article in the Los Angeles Ti
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Aug 252017
The Next Hot Commodity in Santa Barbara Real Estate: Agrihoods?
Taking the idea of farm-to-table to the next level
Although the definition of "agrihoods" is evolving, the Urban Land Institute currently defines
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Aug 212017
The Importance of Branding Your Santa Barbara Home For Sale
Branding your luxury home
The Huffington Post published a great article about branding your luxury home before it's listed. After all, your Santa Bar
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Aug 182017
What Is The Best Color for Sleep?
PAINT COLORS THAT PROMOTE A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP
Have you ever wondered what is the best color for sleep? After all, every perfectly seren
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Aug 102017
These are the Dog Days When it Comes to Millennial Homeownership
MILLENNIALS MOVE OUT FOR THEIR PETS
I just read a story in Realty Times about a surge in Millennial homeownership. According to a new surv
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Jul 72017
Want a Blissful Night’s Sleep? Check Out These 10 Zen Bedroom Trends
Which Zen bedroom speaks to you?
I just read an article in MyDomaine with 10 Zen bedroom trends that will transform your space and even he
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Jun 292017
Santa Barbara Homeowners Listen Up: Upgrade your home with CaliforniaFIRST
Get 100% upfront funding on efficiency and renewable energy upgrades
Many Santa Barbara homeowners want to improve their homes but are discouraged b
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Jun 32017
Are Flying Taxis in our Future?
Imagine a flying taxi landing on the rooftop landing pad of your luxury Santa Barbara home!
According to a story in the Robb Report, leaders at Uber
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May 92017
Outdoor Trends Perfect for the Santa Barbara Lifestyle
Top 6 Trends for Inside/Outside Living at its Best
I just finished reading an article in Realty Times about the top outdoor trends this su
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May 52017
Cheers to Santa Barbara’s Craft Brew Scene in The Funk Zone
Beer connoisseurs delight in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone diversity
Everyone's loving the great drinking diversity found in The Funk Zone in Santa Bar
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Mar 92017
MOXI: Santa Barbara’s Newest Museum
Check out MOXI's powerfully playful exhibits and experiences.
Discover, explore and play in the new 17,000 square foot museum called MOXI: The Wolf
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Feb 212017
The World’s Most Luxurious Cookware
Can a set of pots and pans be sexy?
Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, it's important to outfit yours with the most luxurious cookw
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Jan 122017
10 Tips to Prevent Burglary During an Open House
Don't open your doors to the public for showings until you take these extra precautions!
If you're selling your Santa Barbara home and pla
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Jan 32017
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Santa Barbara Homeowners
So you've made your New Year's resolutions for 2017, but have you set goals for your Santa Barbara home? Here are 5 things your house wants you to con
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Dec 92016
What is Santa Barbara Doing About Climate Change?
In light of the fact that there's scientific consensus worldwide about the issue of climate change, Santa Barbara has created its own action plan thro
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Dec 152015
Surprising findings of the Homeowner Generation Gap
It's not surprising to learn there is a generation gap when it comes to what Millennials and Baby Boomers think of their homes. But the details of tha
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