Cristal's Blog

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

THE PROS AND CONS OF KITCHEN DESIGN TAKE A BACKSEAT TO PERSONAL CHOICE   While the open concept kitchen space has ruled design trend

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

COULD 2020 BE THE YEAR OF INTEREST RATE STABILITY? After a year of declining interest rates, experts are calling 2020 the year of stabilit

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

10 REASONS WHY WE MAKE IT OUR HOME There's so much to love about living in Santa Barbara. It’s difficult to choose only 10 reasons, but

FROM DINING TO ADVENTURE, IT’S ALL HERE! Romance is in the air all year long in Santa Barbara. Think about it. The American Riviera is a

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

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

USE MINDFUL TECHNIQUES TO TACKLE AND TIDY YOUR NEST No matter the time of year, now is the time to clear the clutter and create positive

CELEBRATING ITS 35TH YEAR in 2020! With awards season in full swing, SBIFF 35, the 35th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, i

JOIN THE ANNUAL TRADITION AT THE A.C. POSTEL MEMORIAL GARDEN A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden, located adjacent to the Santa Barbara M

10 TIPS FROM THE PROS When it comes to 2020 interior design trends, Montecito homeowners should consider curves, natural materials, cane and

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

SHADES SURE TO DAZZLE HOME DÉCOR IN THE COMING YEAR The color forecast for 2020 is out and follows the tradition of annual color trend pred

FILL YOUR CALENDAR WITH PARADES, TROLLEY AND TRAIN RIDES, AND EVEN SNOW! The holiday festivities are beginning, and Santa Barbara is t

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

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

2020 WILL BRING THE 170th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLDEN STATE  With California statehood having been bestowed on September 9, 1850, and a 170-y

CONSIDER THESE GROUPS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GIVING LIST While the world is full of people in need year-round, at no time is that more apparent th

THE FEDERAL RESERVE SAYS “NO”  After the third federal interest rate cut this year, the Federal Reserve believes that the U.S. economy

GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL!  "Oh, the thinks you can think" when Dr. Seuss's best-loved characters collide a

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 thes

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

THEY MADE A SPLASH IN THE PAST AND, FOR MANY, THAT’S WHERE THEY SHOULD STAY! Montecito homeowners: beware of these 8 (already) outdated 20

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,

CAN THE RIGHT HOME IN THE RIGHT PLACE HELP YOU LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFE? You’ve probably followed real estate trends and maybe follow a welln

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,

BEWITCHING CARNIVALS, HAUNTED HOUSES, DANCE PARTIES AND MORE Every year when the harvest moon rises, residents and visitors alike are

CELEBRATE NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH IN SANTA BARBARA October is recognized as National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM), so a

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

7 WAYS MONTECITO HOMEOWNERS CAN TAKE SELF CARE TO NEW HEIGHTS Stress happens. One way to help conquer it is by turning your Montecito home i

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

WHAT WILL SHAPE REAL ESTATE IN 2020?   Every year, the Urban Land Institute releases its Emerging Trends report which gives both buyers

FEATURING THE WINERIES AND TASTING ROOMS OF BUELTON When Santa Barbara Wine Country is mentioned, chances are the Santa Ynez Valley commu

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

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

4 WAYS TO BRING YOUR HOME TO LIFE The sunny weather here in Montecito may not feel like it yet but it is that time of year to refresh your Mo

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

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA WINES RIGHT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD Every September, we who are fortunate enough to live in Santa Barbara are invited to ce

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

SUMMER IS ENDING, BUT THE FUN CONTINUES ON THE AMERICAN RIVERIA September is nearly upon us and, like any September on the American Riviera,

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

4 TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS A great interior design challenge – one that’s fun and rewarding -- is creating a space that works for the

“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

FORBES ASKS 6 EXPERTS Forbes Magazine recently asked 6 industry experts to share their housing market predictions for the remainder of 2019

¡VIVA LA FIESTA! Summer in Santa Barbara is especially vibrant and memorable thanks to the annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta. This is th

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

NEIGHBORS INCLUDE GEORGE LUCAS AND ASHTON KUCHER AND MILA KUNIS You may have just missed your chance to own the Carpinteria compound just li

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.

THE BILL WILL HELP CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES AND OTHERS President Trump signed a $19.1 billion disaster relief bill intended to provide assista

REJOICE ON THE LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR -- THE SANTA BARBARA WAY Shakespeare called it midsummer, but Santa Barbarians know the longest day o

JUNE IS OFFICIALLY THE MONTH TO REVEL IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS The U.S. Forest Service has named June the official month to celebrate the Great

FRENCH DESIGNER DOROTHEE BOISSIER SHARES SOME THOUGHTS In a recent article in Mansion Global, the editors caught up with Paris-based designe

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 my recent blog, Is a Home Buyer’s Market on the Horizon?

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

ANNUAL FUN AND BEAUTY AT THE SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY There are so many reasons to live in Santa Barbara. Our beautiful

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

PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE NATION SAY THE TIDES MAY BE SHIFTING After a long winter in the housing market across the country, including right

DINE WITH THE ORACLE OF OMAHA Want to take a power lunch with Warren Buffett and make a difference in the lives of thousands at the same time

CHECK OUT MY ICONIC MODERNISM LISTINGS The idea behind a luxury modern home in Montecito, or anywhere for that matter, is that form should f

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

MOTHER’S DAY 2019 IS THIS SUNDAY, MAY 12th Mother's Day 2019, like those in years past, will be a celebration honoring the mother of the f

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

THE GLOBAL CLIMATE MOVEMENT IS GROWING Those of us who live here take Earth Day in Santa Barbara seriously. After all, Earth Day was born ou

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

FROM EASTER BRUNCH TO EASTER EGG HUNTS Looking to celebrate Easter in Santa Barbara? One of the best things about living on the American Riv

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

11 DEVELOPMENTS INFLUENCING ARCHITECTURE Many of the new, cutting-edge architecture trends evolving or already here are capable of complemen

WHAT IS A SUPER BLOOM ANYWAY? Birds are chirping, creeks are flowing, and the wildflower super bloom in Santa Barbara County is still puttin

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

PAINT AND WALLPAPER: TRUE STATUS SYMBOLS FOR YOUR HOME Santa Barbara interior design will surely take notice of a new innovation in wallcov

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

GET YOUR LEPRECHAUN ON WITH THESE 10 IRISH SLANG TERMS TO USE AT THESE 5 IRISH-THEMED ACTIVITIES Head’s up St. Patrick’s Day 2019, I

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

5 TAX BREAKS THAT HAVE DISAPPEARED (SORT OF) The major overhaul of the U.S. tax code has left many homeowners confused this tax season.   But the

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 thos

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

WHEN GOING SOLAR, A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE GOES A LONG WAY Considering going solar in 2019? That’s good for both you and the environment. Expert

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

LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION! SBIFF SHOWCASES ALL THINGS CINEMATIC This is the time of year when major celebrities and their entourages descend on

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

5 NEW, INTELLIGENT GADGETS YOU'LL WANT TO PURCHASE  A plethora of the best smart home devices was unveiled at the 2019 Consumer Electronics

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 around

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

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THE LATEST STYLES AND DESIGNS Do you know what's in when it comes to 2019 home décor trends? We’re talking ever

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

5 reasons NOT to fear a housing crash As we head into 2019, it seems like everyone is awaiting the experts’ next housing crash prediction.  Some o

Tight inventory, rising prices, and even nature’s fury failed to dissuade my optimistic buyers and sellers in Montecito and Santa Barbara As we loo

Disasters such as the Thomas Fire and the 1/9 debris flow can have long-term ramifications for local businesses Tragedies such as the Thomas Fire and

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

According to the Urban Land Institute, the future of real estate is complicated The Urban Land Institute (ULI) just released its annual Emer

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

Recessions happen. 5 warning signs to watch for. While our economy is at full steam right now, lately I’ve been hearing the question “Is a recess

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

FORGET BLACK FRIDAY DEALS, THE HOLIDAYS ARE A GREAT WAY TO SAVE MONEY ON A NEW HOME  Are you considering buying a home during the holidays?

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

The color of the year depends on which paint company you ask It’s that fun time of the year when paint color nerds look forward to the paint manufa

Supply spikes and slow sales indicate a buyer’s market is on the horizon   Data from the last two months suggests home prices on the West Coast

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

The prestigious honor comes from the Conde Nast Traveler 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards Santa Barbara has been named one of the “Best Small Cities

Six ways to adapt your home as your needs change As our population continues to get older, aging at home becomes more and more important. Scientists

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

The California Avocado Festival® is California's Largest FREE music festival Don’t miss the California Avocado Festival taking place October 5 -

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

The benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate made the largest weekly jump since last April Financial experts report the current mortgage rate has risen

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 100 best p

Do you qualify for capital gains tax exemptions? Capital gains tax applies when you sell something for a profit. That means if you’re selling your

Vintage After Vintage, Foxen Pinot Noir Receives High Acclaim and Awards September is California Wine Month, the perfect reason to head to Foxen Vine

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, much more! There are many reasons homeowners decide to begin a master bath renovation. As

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

We’re seeing more home listings, but it’s not a buyer’s market, due to high prices According to a new housing inventory report from Trulia, we

What do you want in a home kitchen design or renovation? You might be surprised about the trends in home kitchen design for 2019. Some are old, other

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

Here are Important Things for Homesellers to Steer Clear of  It’s a seller’s market but for homesellers, that doesn’t mean anything goes. You

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

Set yourself up for success when you adopt a dog When you adopt a dog, you can expect loads of unconditional love along with unwanted hair, dirt, and

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

Comparing the real estate market in 1988 to now is more than just a nostalgia trip I just read an article in curbed.com about the annual S

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

Are you ready to list your piece of Santa Barbara Real Estate? Now is the time! The Santa Barbara real estate prices are HOT this spring and

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

Some of these pool trends might surprise you! These 8 pool trends for 2018 are perfect for those of us who call Santa Barbara home. With our perfec

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

5 easy ways to add smart house technology into your home By now, every homeowner should know about the importance of integrating smart hou

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

Experts say, “Yes” Rising real estate costs, demographic shifts, and low inventory has combined to create the most competitive housing

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

Follow this list to get more likes and re-pins of your “Pinterest kitchen” Is your home’s culinary center a luxury Pinterest kitchen

Many home sellers ask if they should do the necessary home remodeling or sell as a fixer upper With more than 25 years in the industry, I ge

Preparation: the best way to prevent common moving mistakes In my 25+ years in the industry, I’ve seen it all, including common moving m

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

8 expert tips for designing a dedicated dog shower for your four-legged family member Last week, I blogged about renovations popular among

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 homeowner looking t

Experts share their top 8 tips Each season comes with its own home maintenance list. Last fall, I shared a home maintenance list for that season. Now

The seller's market continues, especially here in California I searched the internet to find out what leading economists say about the fact

6 predictions for 2020 . . . and beyond Experts predict the future of real estate will change considerably over the next six years and beyond. Tho

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

A Fed rate hike from tops economic news this week The Fed rate hike that was anticipated became a reality when newly appointed Federal Reser

Experts say "Yes", citing fewer homes being built in America as one reason for the new housing crunch The job market is strong, the stock market is s

MY NEW LISTING IS A PIECE OF MONTECITO'S HISTORIC EL MIRADOR ESTATE Imagine owning the Palmyra estate in Montecito: a historic, breathtaking

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 When Buying Smart Speakers If you haven't already jumped on the smart speaker bandwagon, then listen up. These devices work

How practicing mindfulness techniques can help Santa Barbara homeowners Practicing mindfulness techniques in everything, including clearing

What makes a happy home? I saw this video of Reese Witherspoon giving her personal tips on creating a happy home and it got me thinking abou

Did you know that a trophy kitchen can sell your home better than anything else? Nowadays you need a trophy kitchen to sell your house. Why?

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 Show Must Go On! Will the Santa Barbara Film Festival be held this year while many who live in Santa Barbara and Montecito struggle with the effe

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

Experts share 6 predictions for the 2018 housing market including lower home price growth, continued inventory issues, and evolving design trends.

Do you know what's hot and what's not in interior decorating for 2018? According to Zillow, here are five design trends you'll be seeing mor

Anxiety continues to be high for residents of Santa Barbara County, where the Thomas wildfire continues to destroy the landscape Do you know how to p

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

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 blog, I discussed how home sellers sh

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 an

Floods are the nation's most common and costly natural disaster and cause millions of dollars in damage every year In a previous blog, 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

As boomers decide to stay put, so are approximately 33 million properties, blocking the path to entry for millennials and first-time home buyers Hous

Tax reform and real estate are inexorably linked. While tax reform, at the present moment, still has a long road to legislative success, the proposed

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

Don't miss this opportunity to lease an amazing home located in a coveted Montecito location close to shops, restaurants & beaches Imagine callin

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

Find out why this could be a good time to take the leap If you've been toying with the idea of buying a second home, now could be a good tim

Check out 8 front door colors trending today Between trick-or-treaters and holiday guests, your front door is going to see a lot of action t

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 come hi

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

Don't Miss This Opportunity to Lease a Monument to Modernist Design Ready to lease a luxury home in Santa Barbara?! Picture yourself living in a monu

The $1,000+ iPhone X touted as the most feature-rich iPhone Imagine owning the most expensive iPhone yet. You'd want it to have the new OLED

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

A perfect example of Montecito's coveted indoor-outdoor lifestyle just hit the market My new listing, a magnificent Creekside Montecito Hacienda, bri

Santa Barbara homeowners: Take care of little things seasonally to make a big difference! It's time to go through your fall home maintenance checklis

Cozy isn't just an adjective, it's a lifestyle Woolly socks, mugs of cocoa, crackling fires...the beloved Danish lifestyle trend of hygge has win

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

I just read an article in My Domaine about paint colors that answer the question "What color for sleep?" In a previous blog, I shared 10 bedroom trend

My new listing is a true art lover's oasis Featured in the New York Times, my new listing is an homage to international style in architecture. This 3

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

Don't miss this opportunity to own the Penthouse in the Granada Theatre Building My new iconic luxury listing in Santa Barbara is the Penthouse in th

Visually extinguishing the sun, a total solar eclipse is one of the most dramatic astronomical events seen by the naked eye. It generally only happens

Enjoy day tripping and night croquet Escape both mentally and physically to Atelier at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. This evening of intimate, int

Make sure you know California law as it pertains to your marital home and real estate assets. Research shows that divorce rates are climbing for Amer

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

I just read an article in Realty Times that shares 10 tips to keep your home safe while on vacation. Before you leave for that week or month in para

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

Independence Day 2017 rocks in Santa Barbara The City of Santa Barbara's traditional Fourth of July beachfront celebration is back and bette

Santa Barbara resident Jeff Bridges, sold his Italian-inspired 19.5-acre Montecito estate recently. The well-known actor first listed the incredible p

This Montecito estate, my newest listing, is a Mediterranean-style beauty on Picacho Lane you should definitely check out. The entire home has been re

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

Featuring incredible artists playing to the best audiences in the world Founded in 2010 and based… all over the place including right here

Study shows blues and grays are the way to go for interiors and doors; 'greige' for exteriors I just read an article in Inman with interesting detail

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

Check out the Youth Behind-the-Scenes Fun and Hands-On Learning at These Special Summer Camps With summertime right around the corner and summer plan

Think butterflies, foldable appliances, and faux leather surfaces I often blog about the ever-changing world of interior design. Recently I

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

Go ahead, build that Granny flat! It's legal in the state of California. Santa Barbara homeowners are in luck: there's a new law regarding legal seco

Ready to go solar? Get a Custom quote now I just read a story in Curbed.com about game-changing solar roof tiles from Tesla. Featuring a sleek, low

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

Own the Huge Italian Style House With Breathtaking Views Television powerhouse and high-end house-flipper extraordinaire Ellen DeGeneres and

Make your kitchen and bathroom sparkle! Décor trends come and go but glitter grout caught my eye. Normally, grout is the last thing I get

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

Fight the winter blahs with interior design tips to banish winter gloom According to a story in Zillow.com, most people naturally gravita

Existing home sales spiked to fastest seasonally adjusted annual rate. The housing market is off to a prosperous start this year as existing

Online Estate Sales Made Simple and Profitable Everything But The House (known as EBTH by the site's fans) has been revamped with one goa

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

News flash: There's a new interior design trend: marble. After all, home decorating in 2017 is all about the fusion of organic materials. By add

Consumers Embrace Smart Home Technology In a previous blog, I answered the question, "What is a Smart Home?" According to an article on CNBC

Create Your Own Unique Backyard Retreat In previous blogs, I've discussed the growing popularity of She Sheds and Man Caves but what about

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

Creating new vibes in the New Year The New Year is the perfect time to rid your home of negative energy. Realty Times shares 4 ways to change it into

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 a previous blog, I covered 2017 interior design trends in Santa Barbara, so when I saw the sumptuous "traveling" dressing room by Italian architect

The 2017 housing market will see a year of slowing, yet moderate growth according to the realtor.com® 2017 housing forecast. Next year's predicted s

Heading to Santa Barbara for the holidays? Lucky you! Santa Barbara gets extra festive at this time of year with a wide array of Holiday Events. He

By Dina Hanna As we ring in the New Year sipping champagne and watching the real estate market, interior designers are also bringing in new interio

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

I am thrilled to announce another happy homebuyer. I just found my latest client their dream luxury home in Montecito. The estate at 740 Coyote Rd exu

If you're moving to Santa Barbara, there are many organizations that will welcome you including the Association for Women in Communications (AWC-SB).

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

Hard to believe it's time for the annual Holiday Parade in Downtown Santa Barbara. This year's theme is "Holiday Under the Sea" and is sure to be spec

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

If you are a foodie then you won't want to miss Santa Barbara's first James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner on Monday, November 21st. The "Julia &

Who do you think will be the best bet for luxury real estate, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump? Americans don't have much information about either cand

We may all be in need of a little comic post election relief here in Santa Barbara and luckily, Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Live Anyway?  has us cov

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

In a recent post, I essentially answered the question "What is a Smart Home?" by introducing, Zoe, an amazing hub that brings all your smart home tech

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

You know that extended family and friends will be descending on your home this November and December so now is the time to get ready for holiday visit

The sale of my iconic Montecito Estate site listing is making history as one of the highest-priced land sales in Santa Barbara County over the last 15

When it comes to hiring a contractor, there are 10 red flags you don't want to ignore. Of course, renovating anything in your home can be a major hass

I just read an article in Curbed.com listing 101 ways you can improve your neighborhood and couldn't resist sharing 9 ways to improve Santa Barbara. E

The magnificent Rancho San Carlos estate n Montecito has made the Forbes list of America's most expensive homes on the market right now. The propert

If you are embarking on home renovation and design projects, don't start until you check out this list of stellar apps created specifically to assist

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

"It's like gray and brown had a baby," is how Sue Wadden, the director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams explains the 2017 color of the year: Po

Announcing another happy client thanks to a successful new home search! This beautiful Mediterranean Style Paradise, offered at $ $2,450,000, turned o

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

I just read an op-ed piece in MarketWatch that says if you're considering buying real estate, this is the best time in history to do so. While plenty

When one searches the internet for Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the first things one notices are its well-deserved high ratings. There are surprises a

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

If you like to shop, you'll love Santa Barbara's historic State Street Plaza. Known as one of America's most pedestrian-friendly downtowns, it p

I am honored to be listed in  Executive Agent Magazine as one of the top real estate professionals in Southern California. The magazine compiled the

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

As you probably know, the 2016 Olympic Games are set to begin this Friday in Rio de Janeiro. That makes this the perfect time to take a look at

Car free Santa Barbara: one of the many things I love about living here is you can walk everywhere. Apparently, I am not alone. Santa Barbara has been

It's time to take a look at the market update for Santa Barbara County for the second quarter of 2016. Good news: Santa Barbara real estate market tre

According to an article in curbed.com, Pokémon Go is transforming millions of people's relationships to where they live, including those who reside r

Four trends that luxury homeowners across the country are implementing across the country to adapt the California dream of outdoor living I just rea

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: fashi

According to WalletHub's new ranking of state economic performance, California comes in third in a list of states with the best economies. The perso

Skip the greeting card this year and give your husband what he really wants for his birthday: a man cave. Not to be confused by the She Shed, these sp

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

Would you like to discover Santa Barbara from the window of a helicopter? >Santa Barbara Helicopter Tours provides an adventure of a lifetime with t

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

There are castles for sale right here on this side of "the Pond," so you don't have to move to Europe to live like a king, according to Realty Times.

You love your dog, but don't expect your homeowners' insurance company to share the feeling. Some insurance companies will not insure homeowners w

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

There'll be plenty to do Memorial Day weekend in Santa Barbara. According to the AAA, travel, this Memorial Day weekend is expected to be one of the b

In a previous blog, I introduced the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. This special museum is the site and center of quite a few wonderful even

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

While I just blogged about two new listings in Montecito, I listed another property in the coveted community: a beautiful Montecito Villa. This stando

Montecito properties are among the most coveted in California. If you're looking to buy or lease the perfect Montecito home, you're in luck because I

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

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

According to professionals at Wallet Hub, a personal finance resource on the web, California is one of the most financially savvy states in the nation

Visit California features Santa Barbara in their latest newsletter offering three reasons to visit the American Riviera in the month of May. Check the

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

This year's El Nino may not have brought the record rains that were expected in Santa Barbara County, but experts say it is expected to wreak havoc wi

You can't miss the brilliant display Santa Barbara County wildflowers this time of year. Showy California poppies, coral and ruby splashes of In

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's in

I just read an article in Bloomberg Business suggesting the Fed stop worrying about the strength of the dollar. In fact, a new report from Goldman Sac

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

Sellers ask me all the time, "When is the best time to list my Santa Barbara home?" That's no surprise since timing can significantly influence the fi

On the Trail of Big Cats: Tigers, Cougars, and Snow Leopards with Wildlife Photographer Steve Winter, Part of the National Geographic Live Series G

Bring spring indoors with these 5 tips Is your Santa Barbara home ready for spring? It may seem like spring and summer are all year long in Santa B

Midcentury continues to be a hot design style Are you a fan of Midcentury Design? If the answer is yes, Curbed.com just published a list of 13 movi

I am happy to celebrate with two ecstatic buyers who are moving into their Santa Barbara dream homes. For one client, I found a beautiful estate wit

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Celebrates 100 Years The warm winter weather we're experiencing right now is the perfect time to apprecia

The Lonesome Ranch Has It's Own Gold Mines and Helipad Just a little over an hour helicopter ride from Santa Barbara sits the Lonesome Ranch, an am

Santa Barbara is known for its perfect Mediterranean climate and picturesque coastline, but did you know that culture thrives along the American

In a recent blog, I shared with you the latest luxury real estate stats for Santa Barbara and Montecito. Today, I am going to look at the luxury home

Santa Barbara is set to weather the storm In a recent blog, I asked, "Are you ready for El Niño?" While the impact of this winter's El Niño forecas

If you are like me with fitness and health topping your list in 2016, then you won't want to miss this blog regarding building your own luxury at-ho

  Just a couple hours south of Montecito sits the infamous Playboy Mansion that is on the market for more than $200 million. According to�

Last year was stellar for the real estate industry here in Montecito and Santa Barbara County In general, last year was not so surprising since we

Follow these 8 steps to lighten up, cozy up and get organized in 2016 I always like to make a fresh start in the New Year by following my January h

How about spending New Year's Eve at Home? With New Year's Eve right around the corner, the question on many of our stressed-out minds is: Where s

Are you wondering about the 2016 interior design trends? According to a story in Realty Times, the interior design trends for 2016 call for more ins

Song Celebrates the Meaning of Christmas Santa Barbara is one of the few cities that can boast its own Christmas song: "It's Christmas Once Again in

Another happy Montecito condo seller and an ecstatic Santa Barbara homebuyer have been added to my growing list of delighted clients! My listing, a s

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

These colors speak to the balanced, Santa Barbara Lifestyle. Pantone's Colors of the Year for 2016 have been officially announced: Rose Quartz and

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

  There's a major change in foreign real estate purchases According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, there's a major change in f

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'

As you can see from this infographic, more people are shopping online these days, even on Black Friday. Retailers are noticing the trend. In fact, t

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

Guest post by Susan Hartzler The Santa Barbara real estate market is hot! At least that's what seems obvious judging from the continued success of Cr

According to the Wall Street Journal, a growing number of high-end home communities are being built around large nature preserves. Why, you ask? Becau

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

Last week I asked are you ready for El Niño and shared information on how homeowners can prepare for the drenching rains anticipated to begin in a l

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

Members from the National Weather Service, Cal Fire, State Office of Emergency and many more gathered in Santa Barbara recently to warn residents that

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 child at heart and interested in architecture, there are several video games you need to check out. Created to excite players through hum

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

By now we've all heard about the Man Cave but have you met the She Shed yet? A She Shed is a backyard haven for busy women seeking a quiet reprieve fr

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

Have you heard about the Hyperloop, designed to transport people between Los Angeles and San Francisco in about half an hour? This entirely new

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

My new listing is a wonderful example of the coveted indoor-outdoor lifestyle. This Santa Barbara Mesa charmer exudes the relaxed yet sophisticated

I love sharing good news and I am happy to report that homeowners are spending like it's 2006; before the housing bubble hit. Just where are they s

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

According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, homeowners today are integrating a playground staple inside their houses by adding a slide. Would y

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

In a recent blog, I shared with you some surprising information about the shopping habits of wealthy consumers, uncovering where millionaires love to

We've all heard by now about the consumer trends to reuse, remake and refrain where companies try to extend the usefulness of a product, rather than m

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

If you don't already have one, please consider preparing a revocable trust. My clients return to me all the time asking to list a property that was le

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'

Designers and property developers today are taking their projects to sea and creating fantastical floating homes. We're not referring to your average�

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

It's not that surprising that today's backyard pools are going to the dogs but a pool built especially for the canine members of the family? Many d

Creating a pet-friendly kitchen is a new trend. It's hard to believe that not so long ago, most dogs lived outside in doghouses and a pet-friendly kit

Is 3d printing a limitless new frontier in home décor? The answer to that question is "Yes," according to a story in the Wall Street Journal, "3-

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

Unique symbols of freedom come to mind as we celebrate the 4th of July holiday. I just learned about one historic symbol that really surprised me: th

There are plenty of 4th of July celebrations in Santa Barbara. I am happy to report that the City of Santa Barbara is bringing back it's traditional 4

In a previous blog, "House From Scarface Hits the Market In Montecito," I shared how $35M could buy you one of the area's most celebrated residences:

My clients and friends know that I am a real dog lover so it's not surprising that a recent Wall Street Journal article about how developers are court

I've dedicated a lot of blogs to your home's interior design style: from "Decorating Your Home Like A Hollywood Stylist," to "6 Top Trends in Today's

If you live in Santa Barbara County, you probably noticed the striking turquoise color of the Pacific Ocean last week. The brilliant color is not only

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

In a previous blog, I shared how "Strategic Real Estate Marketing Sold This Montecito Ocean View Home" and today I am happy to report a new marketing

The millennial generation is changing the landscape of the real estate world, from home buying to design. Loosely defined as those born between the ea

Guess who's Montecito estate listing made the Sotheby's International Realty Significant Sales report, which features top sales from around the world

The perfect beachfront home I found for one of my amazing clients last month has closed escrow. Designed by noted architect Robert Senn in 2

Father's Day is right around the corner, June 21, 2015. This year, don't give the man that raised you the same boring Father's Day Gift. Check out thi

I just found the perfect dream home for one of my clients; a spectacular Montecito remodel completed last June. Situated at the end of a pleasant cul-

Announcing another successful sale! This beautiful Montecito Mediterranean Style Compound, a true luxury retreat offered at $2,950,000, was sold for m

I recently read this article on CNN Money, "How the Super-Rich Spend," and just had to share the highlights with you. Let's start by looking one of Sa

I can't believe that summer is on the horizon already. It's my favorite time of year; filled with fresh air, sunshine and breezy relaxation. Before it

In a previous blog, "Considering a rooftop solar system?" I discussed the many benefits Santa Barbara homeowners can enjoy when they decide to go sola

We who are fortunate enough to live in Santa Barbara have a lot to be happy about. Life is easy. Life is relaxing. People are carefree, healthy and fu

A report in today's Wall Street Journal says new luxury home listing and sales at the $40 million mark are popping up across the country including rig

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

Imagine a smartwatch that not only tells time, but also let's you know when you're stressed out. In my recent blog, "Meet the Apple Watch," I introduc

What does the Internet of Things mean for the real estate industry? That's a good question, especially in light of the growing web of connectivity amo

In previous blogs, I've discussed "Green Homes: Their Importance is Growing," and shared "Tips for Moving Green." Today I am going to look at the impo

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

Why am I suggesting that you celebrate Albert Einstein's birthday? It's all relative: The Houzz shop is paying homage to this singular genius with som

The versatile color called sky blue can add a bit of timeless freshness both indoors and out. Sky blue conjures up the seaside, picnics under a clear

Master baths have become must-haves for today's high-end homebuyers. Create an atmosphere of personal indulgence, splurge on the finest materials, han

I'm sure everyone is aware of the long-anticipated Apple Watch that will be available in stores on April 24. It will work with your iPhone, and can be

Forbes Magazine has released its 2015 guide to the world's billionaires. Check out this video from Forbes: "Billionaires 2015, the richest people on t

 to my client who is entering escrow on a charming Cape Cod style home in the center of Santa Barbara's Golden Quadrangle. This sale is the perfect e

Tree house builders in Santa Barbara are taking note as Dom'Up takes the tree house to new heights. It's an innovative structure that's easy to instal

Now that the Hollywood award season is over, it's time to learn tips on decorating your home like a Hollywood Stylist. According to Mara Roszak, think

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

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I am going to dedicate this blog to one of my flora favorites: the drought-tolerant plant Penstemon Parr

Did you know that getting rid of clutter in your home could actually be good for your health? According to a recent study by researchers at UCLA, clu

While most Americans are thrilled by declining oil prices creating up to a 50% reduction in the cost of gas at the pump, many homeowners and buyers ar

I love to travel, so when I learned about how you can spend the night in an Alpine cable car suspended at 9,000 feet in the French Alps I just had to

With Super Bowl XLIX coming to Arizona February 1, sports fans have a rare opportunity to attend the world-class event through Beck & Score's excl

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

Did you know that the quality of schools impacts home prices? People are not just interested in the quality of school districts for the educational op

From pale ice blue to deep indigo, incorporating blue in home decor is having its day in the sun. Living here in Santa Barbara makes it easy to be ins

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

There are so many good reasons to move to Santa Barbara. Our perfect, Mediterranean climate and awe-inspiring views just scratch the surface when it c

Imagine a world where talking streetlights and lampposts can double as 911 operators. This urban prophecy could be here sooner than you think. In my

I just love pets, especially those that have been rescued. So when I learned about a local man who has turned his home into the ultimate cat playgroun

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

Despite today's decrease in the popularity of paper currency, money continues to make the world go round. Behind the scenes every day, more money is p

Another of my amazing listings has sold thanks to my strategic real estate marketing strategy! Listed as a Montecito Ocean View Home, this English Cou

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

Many experts believe that the color of your room might affect your mood. Thinking about painting your bedroom fiery red to welcome the holiday season?

We've all heard the stories of non-profits miss-handling their contributions. That's why the 2014 GreatNonprofits Top-Rated List caught my attention.�

As a businesswoman who broke through the glass ceiling due to my success in Real Estate, I always love to hear about other successful women and learn

I love to give my friends and family inspirational gifts and have found that design books are the perfect thing to wrap up for just about anyone on my

With the holiday shopping season upon us, let's take a look at credit cards. If you're a Montecito homeowner with excellent credit, banks are vying fo

  I am always interested in learning about sustainable living ideas and found this story in The Wall Street Journal with the dirt in the topic. The

My Chic Montecito Farmhouse listing was selected to appear as "Home of the Day" by the prestigious Los Angeles Times. The "Home of the Day" can be fou

Santa Barbara has more to offer residents than the year-round sunshine, ocean views and laid-back luxury it's known for. In fact, Santa Barbara events

The Sotheby's International Realty® Luxury Lifestyle Report, which is based on a survey of affluent consumers in the United States, United Kingdom, B

It's that time of year to clear out the old before the end of the year and make way for new luxury in your home. Simply replacing a few things can inc

Every year, my customers who are selling their property in the upscale communities of Santa Barbara ask me how to romance potential homebuyers over th

I just read an interesting article in The Wall Street Journal that might show a correlation between acetaminophen and reduction in the psychological p

It's not surprising that more and more people are going green in their everyday lives, but what about green moving? That means moving while limiting y

Beyond the great room, soaring, vaulted ceilings, amazing views and high-end communities, today's luxury homes must stand out from the crowd. That's w

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase aware

You know the brands, like the Gap, Victoria's Secret, and Urban Outfitters, but what about the individual behind the brands, referred to as Fashion's

A recent story in the Wall Street Journal has some very interesting news about sales of luxury homes. Data from Realtor.com says luxury homes are sell

Did you know that Realtors in the USA spend more than $510 million each year on home closing perks? Most of these perks come in the form of traditiona

It seems like every day we hear about smart, new financial websites and apps designed to change the way we save, shop, bank, invest and more. Here are

Considering painting your abode in 2015 or before? If you're ready to research color trends for your Santa Barbara home, you might want to look to the

As the days become shorter and the temperatures dip lower (at least in other parts of the country), you might want to have a look at my tips for getti

I just read a story in Inman News, regarding what ultra-wealthy luxury homebuyers are looking for in real estate today. As I previously reported, more

The recent earthquake in Napa brings to light the importance of having a disaster preparedness kit for your home. You need to make sure you have the p

In feng shui, the ancient Chinese art and science of energy flow, Yin (passive energy) and Yang (active energy) are associated with the feminine and m

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

In today's world, we all live hectic lives so let's take a look at how to organize your kitchen to simplify things a bit. The kitchen is probably the

Here's another reason to love living in Santa Barbara: today's 3 hottest architecture trends can be found here: Pre-WWII. These homes can be Victo

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

It's no secret that there are a lot of swimming pools in Montecito and Hope Ranch. This time of year, when our pools are uncovered most of the time an

Tax breaks for a second home make owning that pied-à-terre an excellent investment choice. If you are considering buying a second home for vacation,

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

Timing really is a very important factor when it comes to property sales and the best time of year to sell your home is during the spring and summer.

  Preventing burglary should be a top priority for all of us. According to the FBI, home burglaries are the most common threat to our homes in the U

Looking for multi- functional home décor that is family friendly? Until now, that was simply impossible. Frankly, until now, family design ideas were

Home improvements that pay you back are important to homeowners in Montecito, Hope Ranch and Santa Barbara where those upgrades can cost a bundle. If

If you are considering a rooftop solar system, there are 4 things you need to keep in mind. In the last 10 years, homes with rooftop solar systems hav

Yet another example of the growing importance of green homes: the National Assn. of Realtors has just published a new guide to promote special green f

Since Hollywood stars abound in Santa Barbara, real estate agents need to have a specific plan when it comes to selling celebrity real estate here. Wh

It’s a fact: Social media can help sell your property. In fact, social media has become one of the most important marketing tools to make a listing

With more than 20 years in the real estate industry, most rated in the top 1% of Sotheby's International Realty® nationwide, I've seen these 5 common

If you are planning to sell your home, then you will want to pay attention to these real estate trends that attract buyers. Four hundred thirty-five r

As an animal lover, I can relate to home sellers who want to leave their pet at home during an open house. However, it's not a good idea for your pet

Are you ready for one of the luxury homes in Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas? Realtor.com surveyed more than 1,500 visitors to their site from

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

Are you curious to learn about what new home buyers are looking for today in the real estate market? According to a recent survey by the National

Have you ever considered adding a Juliet balcony to your home? We're all familiar with Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet and the famous scene where our

At this time of year, my clients who have listed their homes with me always ask if home sellers decorating for Easter is a good idea. Before I answer

Attention wine aficionados who are thinking of moving: the Santa Ynez Valley is home to some of California's most sought-after wines. Our county's uni

We all know the importance of environmental stewardship. But what are some important rules for those of us who own our homes? Just follow these simple

Whether you are selling your home or staying put, a great way of boosting your home's salability is by repairing and/or replacing door and cabinet har

The delightful town of Goleta is a great place to live, work and play. If you are looking for a safe and supportive area to raise your family, then th

We hear a lot of news about the drought of 2014 in California but are you aware that it follows two of our driest years on record? Statistics show th

Homeowners and their architects, designers and contractors used to have to choose between the beauty of genuine wood and stone or the easy maintenance

A spring garden in California should definitely be planned with the drought in mind. With a little bit of research and planning, however, you can pl

As a real estate agent serving clients buying or selling a home, I see it all. I'm still surprised when sellers leave unmade beds, smelly kitchens, ov

Recently, I saw this article in Elle Décor that lists 15 gravity defying homes from around the world. The residential wonders, as they're called in t

Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean sits the community of Montecito (zip code 93108), boasting some of the most s

Looking for a way to create a truly inspiring living space in your Montecito home? Here are four ideas gathered from homes around the world from House

There are some simple steps every pet lover can take to ensure a stress free move with your dog. It's common knowledge that dogs are creatures of

Santa Barbara is renowned as one of Southern California's favorite vacation destinations, so you'll probably have quite a few guests knocking on your

Thinking about making a change? Whether your space needs refreshing or your needs have evolved, a home remodel is in order. To help you get started, w

From classic Spanish Colonial Revival homes to mid-century modern residences, rock gardens to lush Mediterranean-inspired landscaping, Santa Barbara h

Santa Barbara has no shortage of spectacular scenery and choosing the best Santa Barbara landscapes is no easy task. That said, here's a sampling of t

With more and more buyers seeking fewer and fewer houses there are a number of things a buyer can do to try and make sure his or her offer gets notice

What's it like to be a celebrity living in Santa Barbara? In a word: relaxing. The area, also known as the “American Riviera,” has been a magnet f

There are several things sellers can do when preparing their homes for sale in order to make them more appealing to  buyers and minimize any negotiat

In today's real estate environment, more and more buyers are coming from overseas to purchase primary and/or secondary residences. That phenomenon is

Santa Barbara has long been synonymous with gracious living, its hillsides, and beaches strewn with some of the grandest estates in the country. H

There's so much to love about Santa Barbara that it's hard to pick only 10 but here it goes.... It seems almost sacrilegious to just list down ten

Santa Barbara History is Rich Santa Barbara history begins approximately 13,000 years ago with the arrival of the first Native Americans. For mor

We have all heard of  "Generation X" and "Baby Boomers" but what about "Echo Boomers." Between the demographic age of 17 and 31, there are sixty-two

In today's market place the decision is not whether or where to by but should I buy. There has been a continuing trend over the past two plus years fo