Cristal's Blog

5 SANTA BARBARA OUTDOOR TRENDS U.S. HOMEOWNERS ARE EMBRACING Outdoor living spaces for luxury homes across the country are becoming bigger

ARE LUXURY HOME SALES THE SILVER LINING OF COVID-19? More homebuyers are searching for properties listed for $1 million or more these days,

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

CRISTAL CLARKE’S SELLERS' GUIDE TO SUCCESS The first step in the real estate closing process, in times like these, is to hire a

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

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

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

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

WILL SANTA BARBARA HOME SELLERS BENEFIT? According to a new study revealing the trend toward post-pandemic relocation, about a third of U.

THE PROS AND CONS FOR SANTA BARBARA HOMEOWNERS Let’s face it, estate planning is not necessarily fun, but it is definitely crit

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. 

DECLUTTERING COMES WITH MANY BENEFITS It’s Good for Your Health! Decluttering your home is not a new concept, but how to declutter your

DON’T FORGET YOUR SANTA BARBARA HOME’S RESOLUTIONS! It’s that time of year when we break out our New Year’s resolutions

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR SMART HOMES IN 2021 By now, every homeowner should know about the importance of integrating smart hou

COUNT DOWN TO 2021 IN YOUR PAJAMAS New Year’s Eve 2020 will look a lot different than the celebration in past years. Even thoug

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

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

WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO DINE AND LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING Happy holidays! Tis the season to celebrate Christmas 2020 in Santa Barbara. Don’t l

HOW TO DECORATE WITHOUT TURNING OFF BUYERS Selling your home during the holidays? How to optimize that effort might be the most important

IMPORTANT STEPS TO STAY SAFE AND MITIGATE THE SPREAD Santa Barbara homeowners need to be especially careful during the 2020 holiday season

8 EASY WAYS TO IMPROVE THE ENERGY IN ANY ABODE The Chinese words "feng" and "shui" translate to mean “wind” and “water," respectiv

EMBRACING THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS THIS YEAR WILL BE POSSIBLE, BUT DIFFERENT  The Festival of Lights runs from December 10 through December

SECOND HOMES ARE DRIVING THE COVID-19 HOUSING BOOM More Americans are buying a second home in order to have additional or alternative sp

FOLLOWING CDC GUIDELINES IS IMPERATIVE Thanksgiving 2020 celebrations promise to be extremely different from past years, as the coronavir

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS NOTES A SPIKE RELATED TO COVID-19 The annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Associa

SHADES SURE TO BE A CALMING INFLUENCE IN HOME DÉCOR The 2021 color trends follow a tradition of annual color predictions announced by pai

SIMPLICITY, INDIVIDUALISM AND BALANCE ARE KEY COMPONENTS When it comes to timeless interior design trends, Montecito homeowners should embra

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

BEWITCHING VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES, PUMPKIN PATCHES, AND MORE Every year when the harvest moon rises, Santa Barbara residents are treated

COZY ISN’T JUST AN ADJECTIVE, IT’S EVERYTHING The Danish lifestyle trends of hygge and friluftsliving fit perfectly here in Santa Barb

COVID-19 REVS UP INTEREST IN WELLNESS REAL ESTATE According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), thanks to COVID-19, the current emphas

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

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS SAYS “GET A KIT, MAKE A PLAN, BE INFORMED” Santa Barbara homeowners, along with the rest of the world, are

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

MONTECITO HOME SELLERS SHOULD BEWARE OF THESE COSTLY PITFALLS Even in Montecito, where Hollywood stars and the uber-rich choose to live, s

CREATING THE KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER If you’ve been pondering about the kitchen design of your dreams -- perhaps l

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

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

INTERACTIVE, EDUCATIONAL, AND DOWNRIGHT COOL Santa Barbara and Montecito  are renowned for having perfect Mediterranean weather and miles

ENJOY DELICIOUS FARE, BREATHTAKING VIEWS, AND THE PERFECT OCEAN BREEZE Outdoor dining in Santa Barbara is the perfect alfresco repast. Fro

WHETHER OUT OF NECESSITY OR CONVENIENCE, A TREND IS BORN Sales of backyard sheds are spiking.  It seems more and more homeowners are need

A TOP REALTOR’S GUIDE FOR SANTA BARBARA AND MONTECITO HOMEOWNERS Americans spend $400 billion annually on remodeling their homes -- not

THE LIST OF CELEBRITY RESIDENTS IN THE PRIVILEGED ENCLAVE GROWS   Journalists from all over the world are reaching out to me abo

PURIFY · REJUVENATE · REFUEL · RECOVER Did you know that today’s new smart home tech can actually make you healthier by creating a h

LISTINGS LIKE MINE ARE KEEPING HOME VALUES HIGHER A limited supply of available properties along the South Coast of Santa Barbara County a

WHEN CONSIDERING THE SOLAR OPTION, A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE GOES A LONG WAY If you’re thinking about going solar, installing solar panels to y

THE BEST MONTECITO AND SANTA BARBARA LANDSCAPE DESIGN IS MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE          From Spanish Colonial Revival hom

WHAT EVERY SANTA BARBARA AND MONTECITO HOMEOWNER NEEDS TO KNOW In light of the alarming news about the burglary of Ellen DeGeneres and P

TAKE IN OUR DRAMATIC COASTLINE, SPANISH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE, BUTTERFLIES AND MORE The summer of 2020 might not be the best time to live

GROW YOUR OWN FARM-FRESH PRODUCE FROM HOME WITH A HYDROPONIC “FARMSTAND” Okay, so that title is a bit “corny.” (That makes 3

9 TACTICS TO GET YOUR MONTECITO OR SANTA BARBARA OFFER ACCEPTED As I stated in a previous blog post, the residential real estate luxur

COMBINING ELEMENTS OF PSYCHOLOGY, COMMON SENSE, BASIC DESIGN AND EVEN MATHEMATICS CAN GET YOU STARTED What makes a happy home? A safe have

TIPS ON MAKING YOUR SUMMER STAYCATION FEEL LIKE A REAL VACATION Santa Barbara homeowners craving a much-needed getaway are in luck. Even i

ADVANCE PREPARATION CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN THE SELLING PRICE AND SPEED OF SALE OF YOUR HOME              A few mi

CELEBRATING SAFELY ON THE AMERICAN RIVIERA Across the nation, the 4th of July 2020 will look very different from the holiday in the past,

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

TRADITIONALLY A DAY COMBINING REVERENCE, REMEMBRANCE, RESPECT AND FUN What is the official flower of Father’s Day? As it is with Mother�

FROM ITS GAVIOTA COAST TO MONTECITO AND CARPINTERIA, THE SANTA BARBARA AREA IS A MECCA OF BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC ESTATES Santa Barbara

CONFIDENCE AMONG HIGH-END SELLERS LEADS TO V-SHAPED RECOVERY According to analysis from the Dow Jones Market Data Team, the residential real

A WELCOME CHANGE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS, RESIDENTS, AND VISITORS Santa Barbara’s State Street has been transformed into a welcoming Ped

10 LAWN GAMES SANTA BARBARA HOMEOWNERS OF ANY AGE CAN ENJOY Warmer days mean homeowners want to get outside and safely enjoy Sant

BLOGGER SUSAN HARTZLER SHARES WHAT MAKES CRISTAL SO VALUABLE TO THE MEDIA AND CLIENTS ALIKE In a recent blog, I shared Montecito Realtor C

THE STATE OFFICE ENERGIZING CALIFORNIANS TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES & NEIGHBORS In a previous blog post, I shared important informatio

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

The Organizations Aiding Our Most Vulnerable People and Pets Need Our Support It can be incredibly overwhelming to figure out where to focu

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

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

IT'S A PRIVILEGED ENCLAVE EXUDING AN UNPARALLELED AMBIANCE OF CASUAL LUXURY The affluent community of Montecito, with its equally prestigi

WRITER SUSAN HARTZLER’S Q & A WITH TOP MONTECITO REALTOR CRISTAL CLARKE It seems like everyone is wondering how COVID-19 is affectin

COUNTY OFFICIALS SHARE TACTICS FOR SLOWLY REOPENING THE AMERICAN RIVIERA® Are you among the locals who are growing restless about reopeni

THE FESTIVAL MUST GO ON! This year, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of the Environmental movement and the creation of Earth Day. While C

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

YOGA MEETS ZOOM The gifts of yoga are needed more today than ever before. But while Santa Barbara yoga studios stand empty, a rapid underg

MAKE SURE YOUR LANDSCAPING COMPLEMENTS YOUR HOME An architectural style is a specific way a building was designed that is characterized by

INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE CAN EASE OUR FEARS  When it comes to COVID-19 information and resources for Santa Barbara and Montecito, it

8 TIPS FOR MONTECITO HOMEOWNERS FROM HGTV Whether you’re selling a Montecito Luxury Estate, Hope Ranch ocean view estate or a Santa Ba

MINIMIZE PROCRASTINATION AND MAXIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY For most Montecito homeowners, their home is their castle. Today, your abode can also be

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

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

7 TIPS TO “SOLD” IN THE LUXURY MARKET Selling Luxury Real Estate in Santa Barbara requires a different approach than that used when se

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

CAN RENOVATIONS HELP OR HARM WHEN IT COMES TIME TO SELL? Before beginning their next home renovation, Montecito homeowners should think tw

FEAST AT AREA RESTAURANTS FEBRUARY 21ST TO MARCH 6TH Attention Santa Barbara and Montecito foodies: get your forks ready for Santa Ba

INCREASING FEARS OF MAN-MADE AND NATURAL DISASTERS ARE MAKING THIS A GROWTH INDUSTRY Around the world, affluent folks are paying big bucks

7 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MONTECITO HOME INVITING Are you aware of the top must-dos when it comes to making a home guest-ready? Dinner parties

INCLUDING ONE WRITTEN BY SANTA BARBARA SENATOR HANNAH-BETH JACKSON There are hundreds of new California laws set to go into effect in

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,

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

THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO MADE MODERNISM SING We all are aware that architects shape buildings, but have you ever wondered who shapes the way we

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

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

BALANCING THE SENTIMENTAL WITH THE PRACTICAL Is it time for downsizing your home? I recently posted a guest blog, “Downsizing for Senior

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

5 GADGETS TO MAKE YOUR MONTECITO HOME HOLIDAY READY There are a bunch of high-tech home gadgets out there designed to help Montecito homeown

    FLYING HIGH WITH UNITED AND DELTA There are more options than ever for Santa Barbara locals and visitors alike th

4 DESIGN TIPS TO TRANSFORM YOUR MASSIVE MASTER         One of the things I love about many of the Montecito homes listed in my port

THIS $1,300 BABY BED MIGHT BE THE ANSWER FOR SLEEP-DEPRIVED MONTECITO PARENTS New parents have so many things to consider when th

MAKE YOUR MOVE AS STRESS-FREE AS POSSIBLE This post regarding downsizing for seniors was written by Guest Blogger Shirley Martin. Recently,

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,

SEE WHY 4 MILLIONAIRES AGREE Over the last two centuries, about 90% of the world’s millionaires have created their wealth through real estate inv

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

10 INSPIRATIONAL DESIGNERS ON INSTAGRAM Today’s consumers have become increasingly digital-savvy and social media-driven. I

7 EPIC PLACES TO SNAP AND SHARE There are so many “Insta-worthy” locations in Montecito and Santa Barbara that professional and amateur

THE TRAGIC HISTORY OF THIS ARCHITECTURAL WONDER Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theater has a rich history dating back to the 1870s. While

THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO LOVE THEM Each Santa Barbara tree is an invaluable resource. Together, the city’s trees provide more t

MAKING MONEY WHILE ENJOYING SAND, SUN AND SURF IN SANTA BARBARA Are you interested in creating passive income while sitting on the beach in

7 NEW PRODUCTS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT As technology advances, so do luxury home products. While product launches are nothing new, many of

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

9 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS OF THE EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN STYLE Searching for a Spanish Colonial Revival estate in Montecito? I don’t blame you.

WEALTHY VIETNAMESE ARE HOUSE HUNTING IN CALIFORNIA Once known as one of the poorest countries in the world, the boom in Vietnam’s economy

RESIDENTS ENJOY MORE THAN BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND PERFECT WEATHER You may not consider the arts and culture when you think about Santa Barbara

“THE DUDE” PROVIDES MORE THAN HIS SUPERSTAR STATUS TO SANTA BARBARA Jeff Bridges brings more to the Santa Barbara community than his su

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

10+ TIPS ON STAYING COOL  While a Central and Southern California heat wave has not materialized this summer – so far, the extreme heat f

CREATE YOUR OWN NATURE-BASED ART EXPERIENCE Home Aquariums have become a new trend in home interior decorating designed to merge indoo

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

SHOP LOCAL FOR FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND MORE The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market offers some of the freshest produce on the Wes

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.

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

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

PRIVATE LISTINGS ARE NOT FOR EVERY SELLER So-called “pocket listings” have been a longtime staple among New York City and other high-end

SCIENCE PROVES BLUE SPACE CAN IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING Those of us fortunate enough to live in Montecito ocean view homes or those wi

PREPARATION IS KEY In honor of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle’s royal bundle of joy, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, I thoug

HERE ARE THE THINGS YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T THOUGHT OF Those of us fortunate enough to live in Montecito love throwing a lawn party, especial

BUYERS, ALLOW ME TO TRANSLATE You have probably encountered some of the specialized real estate terms used in property descriptions. Look at

DON’T FRET. ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END. The recent issue of Health Magazine has some excellent advice for maintaining a healthy h

4 MISGUIDED “TRUTHS” PROMOTED BY POPULAR PROGRAMMING The HGTV effect in the real estate industry is real, but don’t kid yourself into

DO YOU MAKE ANY OF THESE ERRORS? I just read an illuminating article in MyDomaine regarding the 7 most common living room design mistakes. In

WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK? Montecito homebuyers sometimes ask if they should pay cash or take out a mortgage when invest

CELEBRATE WITH THE SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS March is Women's History Month. Santa Barbara joins

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

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

TECHNOLOGY CAN RADICALLY ADVANCE OUR FREEDOMS . . . AND COMPROMISE OUR PRIVACY By now, we all know the benefits of home technology. But, are

 USING THE CLEANING GURU'S KONMARI METHOD™ Are you aware of the Marie Kondo cleaning craze sweeping the Netflix-watching nation? For th

FOLLOW THESE 4 STEPS TO A HEALTHY MONTECITO HOME Office buildings are not the only places that come down with sick building syndrome (SBS).

ALREADY BE COVERED? CHECK YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY. You may have heard that private firefighters saved the $60 million home of Kim Kardashian

DISTINGUISHED PROPERTY FOR THE MOST DISCERNING BUYERS Affluent buyers insist there’s something exceedingly special about Montecito estates

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

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

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

THE EFFORTLESS COOL LOOK SYNONYMOUS WITH CALIFORNIA STYLE If you already live in Montecito or just about any of the communities in or arou

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

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

Plus, 20 laugh out loud New Year’s Resolutions culled from Twitter Can you believe it’s already been a year since we made and broke all our New Y

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

8 Benefits of Flying by Private Jet  Are you planning on traveling for the holidays? Commercial airlines today are vying for your business

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

Don’t let the predicted gray, rainy skies ruin your mood It’s that time of year when many of us here in Santa Barbara turn our attention to creat

As our neighbors in Ventura and Los Angeles begin to recover from the Woolsey Fire, Montecito community leaders form The Partnership for Resilient Com

Statistics show the million-dollar neighborhood is a growing phenomenon despite the recent market cool-down After analyzing home values across the co

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

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

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

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

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

Bricks + Pixels = contemporary building blocks for luxury home facades and interior design  My prediction: Interior design, art, and architecture i

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

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

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

The fitness industry and the world of finance might seem like an unusual pairing but they’re not as disparate as you might think Fiscal fitness is

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

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

Home staging is the key to selling your home quickly and for top dollar Staging a home for sale is one of the most important things I do – or recom

Here are some homes just waiting for you to create a soothing escape on the grounds of your Montecito estate Picture yourself enjoying a relaxing soa

A MASTER BATH RENOVATION ADDS VALUE TO YOUR HOME, AND MUCH MORE There are many reasons homeowners decide to begin a master bath renovation

Lotusland: the perfect place to bask in Santa Barbara’s botanical beauty Everyone knows about Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches, impressive archi

Santa Barbara Salt Cave is the largest underground Crystal Salt Cave in North America I’ve blogged previously about the healthy lifestyle we live h

My moving advice includes 10 items to leave and 5 things you’ll want to keep safe I’ve shared moving advice in previous blogs including

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 

From taxes to disclosure requirements, California real estate laws include some unique practices Whether you plan to purchase your own home or buy in

3 questions to ask when deciding to buy or lease a home If you’re in a quandary about whether to buy or lease a home in today’s volatile

Experts agree: conventional wisdom surrounding so-called real estate facts is not always accurate We’ve all heard them, and everyone assum

Would you ever buy a home based on a real estate trend? Buying a home without seeing it first is – as crazy as it sounds – a new real es

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

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

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

HOW TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS When you adopt a dog, you can expect loads of unconditional love along with unwanted hair, dirt, and slob

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

Couples considering buying a home together should heed these warnings In a previous blog, I shared info about a prenuptial deed when buyin

Homebuyers: here’s a checklist to share with home inspectors in Santa Barbara When you're looking for home inspectors in Santa Barbara, there

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

Guest post by Alexis Hall, author of SingleParent.info Moving is an important step in any family’s life. It can be stressful and exciting

Anyone getting divorced needs to consider their real estate assets Disputes over major assets like your home are common among those who are

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

These four top residential architects of Montecito and Santa Barbara brought their own unique style to our area George Washington Smith Arc

Read This List of 9 Seemingly Trivial Things to Avoid When Selling Your Hom With 25 plus years in the real estate business, I’ve seen ev

  Our Mediterranean climate makes Santa Barbara the perfect place to build an adult treehouse I just read a story in the Wall St

TESTING HAS ALREADY BEGUN IN HOMES Bloomberg reports that Amazon has been quietly working on a new project that could have big implications:

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

8EXPERT TIPS FOR DESIGNING A DEDICATED SHOWER FOR YOUR DOG  Last week, I blogged about renovations popular among home buyers today: like

Housewarming Traditions: Would you invite a cow to welcome you to your new home? Boil Milk & Rice In the Vasthu Sastra Indi

Understanding what's popular among home buyers today can help homeowners make educated decisions about remodeling If you’re a homeowne

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

There's no denying that 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

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN SMART SPEAKERS If you haven't already jumped on the smart speaker bandwagon, then listen up. These devices work just fin

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

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

Do you know how to hire a competent Realtor? If you are currently selling your property or planning on listing it, your first step is to hir

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

Here are 3 ways to diversify your portfolio It's a new year and time to evaluate your finances and diversify your portfolio by investing in

What are my disclosure obligations when selling a home in Santa Barbara? Do you know real estate disclosure laws vary from state to state? The law wh

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

Many sellers listing their home this time of year ask if they should decorate over the holidays. In a previous post, I discussed how home seller

I'm asked all the time by homeowner's whether they should remodel or move. Here's what experts believe are the 5 things homeowners should ask when m

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

It's that time of year to think about holiday décor. If your idea of decorating over the holidays still centers around popcorn on a string a

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

I just read in Realty Times about the four pitfalls that cause buyers to let the right home slip by. If you're in the market for a new home, avoid the

It may sound a little strange but Halloween might be one of the best holidays for teaching children financial responsibility. Leading finance experts

Think smart homes, hi-tech bathrooms, a separate home for entertaining, a cooler kitchen, custom detailing, and creating a self-sufficient home I lov

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

Whether you're in Santa Barbara for two weeks, two months, or many years, here are some things to add to your Santa Barbara bucket list that com

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

The seaside village of Morro Bay is only two hours north I call Santa Barbara "the gateway to fun along the California Coast." Why? Because one of th

 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

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

Taking the idea of farm-to-table to the next level Although the definition of "agrihoods" is evolving, the Urban Land Institute currently defines t

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

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

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

I just found this blog called Money-ish which gave me some food for thought when it comes to making money in real estate. Believe it or not, Americans

Identity theft happens to the best of us In a previous blog, I shared 10 tips to keep your home safe while on vacation, but this time I'

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

Get 100% upfront funding on efficiency and renewable energy upgrades Many Santa Barbara homeowners want to improve their homes but are discouraged b

Seven truths about vacation home ownership According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, although the economy is firming up, interest rates are st

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

This magical vacation spot in the Chilean Patagonian Rainforest Should Be on Your Bucket List! Introducing the "Magic Mountain" Treehouse

The place to hang out with some of nature's strangest, most magnificent birds Just 45-minutes outside of Santa Barbara is the quaint Danish-themed to

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

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

Do you know there are some beautiful plants that can safely act to keep mosquitos out of your Santa Barbara garden and yard? Here are 10 that are most

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

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

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING GOOD VIBES AT HOME Ask yourself, "How does my home feel?" Is it your personal space filled with negative ener

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

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

What goes on behind the scenes of a multi-million dollar home sale? According to a report in The Huffington Post, more homes than ever are being sold

I just reviewed a video in the Wall Street Journal exploring modern vs contemporary styles. Modern is often used interchangeably with contemporary whe

Hosting a stress free Thanksgiving can be a real challenge. According to an article in Food.com, this great American meal doesn't have to bring on anx

I just read an article in PureWow listing 8 important things that should be on every homeowner checklist. 1) Where to Turn Off the Gas If there's a

Over the years, Santa Barbara hauntings have been a popular attraction, especially at this time of the year. I thought I'd share some with you for Hal

Thinking of selling a home in Santa Barbara this fall or winter? I just read an article in RealtyTimes with 6 tips to ensure a successful sale during

I just read this article in Bankrate.com about Identity theft; with four important steps to protect yourself from being part of a hack. Bankrate.com

MAKING SURE EVERYONE FEELS MERRY AND BRIGHT! You know that extended family and friends will be descending on your home this November and Dec

DON'T IGNORE THESE 10 RED FLAGS When it comes to hiring a contractor, there are 10 red flags you don't want to ignore. Of course, renovati

Just 45 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, in the picturesque village of Solvang, sits The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, founded in 1997 by San

It's easy to create a home that makes you smile: just add some fun elements into your home décor. Realty Times recommends you stop being so serious w

Think Outdoor Space Home renovations can significantly raise a home's value, which can mean more money when it comes time to sell. Here are the 7 bes

The Santa Barbara Bowl, a 4,562-seat amphitheater, is historic in setting and at the forefront of music industry. The beautiful outdoor concert venue

In an earlier blog on the shopping habits of the wealthy, I uncovered that big box stores are among the places millionaires like to shop. Here are 10

I just saw this list of 7 things homeowners should do once a year on PureWow, an online magazine that covers the breadth of women's lifestyle: f

A couple summers ago, I wrote a blog post outlining several safety tips for pool owners. Because many homes in Santa Barbara have beautiful pools and

I know the key to business success because I live it every day. I love what I do: work in luxury real estate and appreciate my discerning clients, esp

EDUCATE YOURSELF ON DOG BREEDS You love your dog, but don't expect your homeowners' insurance company to share the feeling. Some insurance

The Santa Barbara Public Market, an urban marketplace, is home to a diverse collective of merchants all under one roof. The multi-vendor market opene

Our amazing Mediterranean climate is one of the many things that make living in Santa Barbara desirable and Santa Barbara gardens magical. So w

As I explained in a previous post, there is so much to do here in sunny Santa Barbara, including one of my all-time favorite activities: sea kayak

I just read an article in Realty Times regarding luxury home décor featuring the poshest, most plush, and luxe items for your home. The list had me s

Montecito estate owners who are considering renovating a home might find this article in the Wall Street Journal interesting. According to a rec

I just read an article in Curbed.com about new architecture designed to help homeowners age gracefully. The article takes a look at the philosophy a

I just read an article in Curbed.com regarding ZOE, a new crowdfunded device by Protonet designed to offer data security like no other in today'

Even here in sunny Santa Barbara, we need to store our off season clothes when the season changes. There's an art to storing your clothes. I found an

  Move over traditional industrial park-style storage unit facilities and make way for luxury storage units. According to The Wall Street Jo

GET DESIGN IDES FROM STYLISH FILM SETS Are you a fan of Midcentury Design? If the answer is yes, Curbed.com published a list of 13 movies

A trendy, high-tech holiday lighting decoration may be flying off the store shelves but can these Christmas lights bring down planes? According to a s

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

Make a difference and complete your holiday shopping! If you're like me and you haven't yet finished your holiday shopping, you might want to conside

We all must learn to embrace imperfection for a calm, heartfelt Thanksgiving. These 10 tips should take the stress out of your Thanksgiving. Now that'

I just read an article about the path to true health and wellness in the Huffington Post that really caught my attention. It began with this s

In a recent blog, I shared intel on how developers are courting pet loving home hunters. Being the dog lover that I am, the blog covered ideas for can

Estate planning: it's a topic no one wants to think about. Yet it's extremely important. If the worst should happen and you don't have your financial

It may sound a little strange but Halloween might be one of the best holidays for teaching children financial responsibility. Leading finance experts

In a recent blog, I showcased leading home security systems asking which one is right for you. Today, I am going to look at the controversy over dog v

Creating your own 5-Star guest room should be on the top of your to-do list right now. Why? As autumn heads toward the busy holiday season, now is the

If you are a homeowner, it's that time of year for tree trimming. When hiring a professional tree trimmer, you'll want to get your money's worth, prot

An art collection and a home are two of the top hard-asset classes people are investing in today. Most homeowners live with their art collections. O

Besides the amazing Frank Lloyd Wright Structures in Los Angeles and Frank Lloyd Wright Structures in San Francisco, the world-renown architect bui

Mediterranean-inspired living spaces can be found in abundance here in Santa Barbara and the surrounding upscale communities. In fact, the lovely Medi

No matter what you think about the annual Burning Man festival, it's arguably one of the biggest yearly collections of pop-up architecture on the

You only get one chance to make a first impression, so how to choose a front door for your home is an extremely important consideration. After all, th

You might be surprised by the shopping habits of wealthy consumers. According to MediaPost, the one source for advertising and marketing professiona

Home décor is a topic I frequently blog about. Not long ago, I blogged about adding some French Flair to your home. Before that, I shared info on emb

I just took a refreshing tour of spectacular swimming pools from Sydney to Moscow in the latest issue of Houzz. These 15 swimming pools with dream vie

Depending on your personal circumstances, leasing a home may be a better option for you than buying one. Consistently rated in the top 1% of Sotheby'

Homebuyers need to beware of hackers and real estate wire transfers. In this frightening scenario, hackers illegally get the email accounts of real es

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE ITS OWN POOL? It's not that surprising that today's backyard pools are going to the dogs but a pool built especially fo

Summertime in Santa Barbara means outdoor living at its finest. Even in paradise, however, there can be challenges and pesky pests like the dreade

I've dedicated a lot of posts to your home's interior design style. Today I ask: Are you losing yourself for the sake of being on trend? According to

Moving can be tough on every member of the family but it doesn't have to turn into fights and arguments. Take heed of my 6 tried and true tips for a s

Are you sleeping in a bedroom sanctuary? Or does your bedroom actually prevent you from getting your recommended 8-hours a night? The subject of sleep

Creating a designer fire pit, then gathering around it with your friends and family are two of the most rewarding perks of owning your own home. For t

Many couples in the luxury real estate market wonder, "What is a prenuptial deed?" After all, purchasing a luxury home is a major investment. Before y

Whether you're in the process of buying your first home or your tenth investment property, home inspections can seem overwhelming. After all, there ar

When considering creating romantic rooms, many designers surprisingly think comfort and safety, creating a space to fall in love in, not with. The Wal

Homeowners have discovered a permanent solution to bad hair days: creating luxury in home salons, complete with hair-washing basins, stylist chairs, m

I know its still winter but I am already thinking about the spring and searching the Internet for ideas on great design plants for my Montecito garden

Even living here in beautiful sunny Santa Barbara, to remain healthy and stay in harmony with nature, experts highly recommended you make lifestyle

Make a new holiday tradition this year out of reducing, reusing, and recycling that ripped up mess of used wrapping paper.According to the Clean Air

You probably have an abundant amount of cleaning supplies in your home, for the different surfaces, carpets, bathroom, kitchens and more. I have them

I did some digging around on the Internet to find out the secrets of celebrity closet organizing. Wow, did I learn a lot! Closet organization is key t

It's that time of year when Americas ask what to do with their dog while they take their annual summer vacation. Why should humans have all the fun? T

We are so lucky to live here in Santa Barbara, the perfect city to experience the fine art of outdoor dining. An outdoor kitchen is one of the things

THINK LIKE A SELLER, AND CALL A PRO Buyers of Santa Barbara homes, take note: With more than 30 years in the real estate industry, most of t

If you live in one of the 82.5 million households in the United States that owns a pet, I've got four important tips to share with you on creating a

Whether you're selling your home or staying put, a great way of boosting your home's attractiveness and sale-ability is by repairing or replacing door