Feb 192021
Outdoor Living Spaces for Luxury Homes: Builders Follow the Santa Barbara Example
5 SANTA BARBARA OUTDOOR TRENDS U.S. HOMEOWNERS ARE EMBRACING
Outdoor living spaces for luxury homes across the country are becoming bigger
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Feb 172021
Luxury Home Sales: U.S. Demand for $1 Million-Plus Homes Hits All Time High
ARE LUXURY HOME SALES THE SILVER LINING OF COVID-19?
More homebuyers are searching for properties listed for $1 million or more these days,
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Feb 132021
Take a Montecito At-Home Wellness Sabbatical
6 STEPS DESIGNED TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL IN THE AGE OF COVID-19
Getting away from it all is a great way to reduce stress, but what’s a M
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Feb 112021
The Real Estate Closing Process in The Age of Covid
CRISTAL CLARKE’S SELLERS' GUIDE TO SUCCESS
The first step in the real estate closing process, in times like these, is to hire a
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Feb 52021
The State Street Promenade: Santa Barbara Al Fresco
TIME AGAIN FOR GOOD FOOD, FRESH AIR AND FUN
For the first time in more than two months, thanks to the reopening of the State Street Pr
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Feb 32021
Tips and Tricks for Organizing Your Kitchen — Again
GIVE A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE TO THE HEART OF YOUR MONTECITO HOME
Every homeowner knows how easy it is for chaos to creep into the kitchen. Exp
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Jan 272021
Creating a Dog-friendly Home?
FROM MOVE-IN TO SETTLING IN: A TOP REALTOR'S GUIDE
In recent years, dogs have become center stage in many homes. Even during times of conf
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Jan 222021
How to Create a Virtual Learning Space in Your Santa Barbara Home
7 KEYS TO BOOSTING LEARNING AT HOME
The Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has created a roller coaster ride for school-age children living in Santa Bar
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Jan 192021
Looking Ahead to Post-Pandemic Relocation
WILL SANTA BARBARA HOME SELLERS BENEFIT?
According to a new study revealing the trend toward post-pandemic relocation, about a third of U.
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Jan 172021
Do You Have a Revocable Trust?
THE PROS AND CONS FOR SANTA BARBARA HOMEOWNERS
Let’s face it, estate planning is not necessarily fun, but it is definitely crit
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Jan 132021
What Does the Historic Low Home Inventory Mean for You?
BOOMING DEMAND IS DRIVING UP PRICES
Demand for U.S. homes is driving the number of properties for sale to new lows in the United States.
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Jan 92021
How to Declutter Your Home: Tips From a Luxury Realtor
DECLUTTERING COMES WITH MANY BENEFITS
It’s Good for Your Health!
Decluttering your home is not a new concept, but how to declutter your
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Jan 62021
New Year’s Resolutions: Facts, Funnies and Santa Barbara Specific
DON’T FORGET YOUR SANTA BARBARA HOME’S RESOLUTIONS!
It’s that time of year when we break out our New Year’s resolutions
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Jan 42021
The Smart House: More Valuable in Today’s Market?
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR SMART HOMES IN 2021
By now, every homeowner should know about the importance of integrating smart hou
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Dec 302020
7 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2020 at Home in Santa Barbara
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
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Dec 272020
Housing Market Forecast: Predictions for 2021
HOME SALES, NEW CONSTRUCTION AND HOMEOWNERSHIP TO REACH RECORD HIGHS
There’s a lot to be optimistic about when it comes to the 2021 hous
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Dec 212020
Tips on Buying a Home During the Holidays
6 REASONS WHY IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOME
Most people cringe at the thought of buying a home during the holidays. Only the Grinch wo
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Dec 192020
Tis the Season to Celebrate Christmas 2020 in Santa Barbara
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
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Dec 172020
Selling Your Home During the Holidays?
HOW TO DECORATE WITHOUT TURNING OFF BUYERS
Selling your home during the holidays? How to optimize that effort might be the most important
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Dec 102020
The 2020 Holidays: Celebrating Safely This Year
IMPORTANT STEPS TO STAY SAFE AND MITIGATE THE SPREAD
Santa Barbara homeowners need to be especially careful during the 2020 holiday season
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Dec 32020
The Feng Shui House: Creating Balance and Flow in Your Santa Barbara Home
8 EASY WAYS TO IMPROVE THE ENERGY IN ANY ABODE
The Chinese words "feng" and "shui" translate to mean “wind” and “water," respectiv
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Dec 12020
How to Celebrate Hanukkah 2020 Safely
EMBRACING THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS THIS YEAR WILL BE POSSIBLE, BUT DIFFERENT
The Festival of Lights runs from December 10 through December
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Nov 242020
Buying a Second Home? You Are Not Alone.
SECOND HOMES ARE DRIVING THE COVID-19 HOUSING BOOM
More Americans are buying a second home in order to have additional or alternative sp
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Nov 192020
Thanksgiving 2020: Tips for Enjoying a Safe Holiday
FOLLOWING CDC GUIDELINES IS IMPERATIVE
Thanksgiving 2020 celebrations promise to be extremely different from past years, as the coronavir
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Nov 172020
The Increasing Popularity of the Multigenerational Home
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS NOTES A SPIKE RELATED TO COVID-19
The annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Associa
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Nov 142020
2021 Color Trends: Soothing Hues Take Center Stage
SHADES SURE TO BE A CALMING INFLUENCE IN HOME DÉCOR
The 2021 color trends follow a tradition of annual color predictions announced by pai
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Nov 42020
Timeless Interior Design Trends
SIMPLICITY, INDIVIDUALISM AND BALANCE ARE KEY COMPONENTS
When it comes to timeless interior design trends, Montecito homeowners should embra
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Oct 262020
20 Things to Love About Santa Barbara
DID YOUR SANTA BARBARA FAVORITE MAKE THE LIST?
It seems like a bit of a disservice to list only 20 things to love about Santa Barbara. Enu
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Oct 242020
Have a Spooktacular and Safe Halloween in Santa Barbara
BEWITCHING VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES, PUMPKIN PATCHES, AND MORE
Every year when the harvest moon rises, Santa Barbara residents are treated
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Oct 202020
Hygge and Friluftsliving: Danish Lifestyle Trends Embraced By Santa Barbara Homeowners
COZY ISN’T JUST AN ADJECTIVE, IT’S EVERYTHING
The Danish lifestyle trends of hygge and friluftsliving fit perfectly here in Santa Barb
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Oct 152020
Wellness Living and Wellness Real Estate: The Next Trillion-Dollar Trend?
COVID-19 REVS UP INTEREST IN WELLNESS REAL ESTATE
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), thanks to COVID-19, the current emphas
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Oct 132020
Moving to a New Home: 6 Considerations for Families
SCHOOLS, SIDEWALKS, NEIGHBORS, AND MORE
Moving to a new home can be a fun and exciting time for a family. Whether you’re moving with ch
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Oct 92020
Do You Have a Household or Family Disaster Plan?
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS SAYS “GET A KIT, MAKE A PLAN, BE INFORMED”
Santa Barbara homeowners, along with the rest of the world, are
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Oct 62020
Your Fall Home: Décor Tips and Must-do Chores
PAMPER, PREPARE AND PROTECT YOUR MONTECITO HOME
With the sunny weather here in Montecito it may not feel like it yet, but it’s that time
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Sep 302020
10 Common Home Selling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
MONTECITO HOME SELLERS SHOULD BEWARE OF THESE COSTLY PITFALLS
Even in Montecito, where Hollywood stars and the uber-rich choose to live, s
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Sep 222020
Open, Closed and Beyond: A Real Estate Pro’s Guide to Kitchen Design
CREATING THE KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER
If you’ve been pondering about the kitchen design of your dreams -- perhaps l
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Sep 172020
The Ultimate Guide to Creating an Eco-Friendly Home: Part 2
GREEN BUILDING AND MOVING
I hope after reading Part 1 of my Going Green series you realize that getting on the right side of things when i
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Sep 152020
The Ultimate Guide to Creating an Eco-Friendly Home: Part 1
20 SIMPLE WAYS TO JOIN THE GREEN REVOLUTION
It’s not surprising that more and more homeowners are going green in their everyday lives. T
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Sep 122020
The Art of Backyard Stargazing in Santa Barbara
INTERACTIVE, EDUCATIONAL, AND DOWNRIGHT COOL
Santa Barbara and Montecito are renowned for having perfect Mediterranean weather and miles
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Sep 102020
The Fine Art of Outdoor Dining in Santa Barbara
ENJOY DELICIOUS FARE, BREATHTAKING VIEWS, AND THE PERFECT OCEAN BREEZE
Outdoor dining in Santa Barbara is the perfect alfresco repast. Fro
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Sep 92020
The Backyard Shed: Your New Home Office?
WHETHER OUT OF NECESSITY OR CONVENIENCE, A TREND IS BORN
Sales of backyard sheds are spiking. It seems more and more homeowners are need
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Aug 262020
Home Improvement: Repair, Remodel or Renovate?
A TOP REALTOR’S GUIDE FOR SANTA BARBARA AND MONTECITO HOMEOWNERS
Americans spend $400 billion annually on remodeling their homes -- not
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Aug 212020
Harry and Meghan: Montecito’s Newest High-profile Residents
THE LIST OF CELEBRITY RESIDENTS IN THE PRIVILEGED ENCLAVE GROWS
Journalists from all over the world are reaching out to me abo
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Aug 192020
How Santa Barbara Homeowners Can Create a “Smart” Healthy Home
PURIFY · REJUVENATE · REFUEL · RECOVER
Did you know that today’s new smart home tech can actually make you healthier by creating a h
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Aug 122020
The Santa Barbara Luxury Real Estate Market is Booming
LISTINGS LIKE MINE ARE KEEPING HOME VALUES HIGHER
A limited supply of available properties along the South Coast of Santa Barbara County a
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Aug 62020
Thinking About Going Solar? A Primer for Santa Barbara and Montecito Homeowners
WHEN CONSIDERING THE SOLAR OPTION, A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE GOES A LONG WAY
If you’re thinking about going solar, installing solar panels to y
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Aug 42020
Santa Barbara Landscape Design: Complementing Your Home’s Architecture
THE BEST MONTECITO AND SANTA BARBARA LANDSCAPE DESIGN IS MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE
From Spanish Colonial Revival hom
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Jul 312020
Ellen and Portia Burglarized: A Montecito Luxury Realtor’s Home Security Tips
WHAT EVERY SANTA BARBARA AND MONTECITO HOMEOWNER NEEDS TO KNOW
In light of the alarming news about the burglary of Ellen DeGeneres and P
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Jul 242020
Santa Barbara Day Trips: Convenient, Safe and Sanity Savers
TAKE IN OUR DRAMATIC COASTLINE, SPANISH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE, BUTTERFLIES AND MORE
The summer of 2020 might not be the best time to live
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Jul 212020
Lettuce Grow: More Than an Appeal from Veggies
GROW YOUR OWN FARM-FRESH PRODUCE FROM HOME WITH A HYDROPONIC “FARMSTAND”
Okay, so that title is a bit “corny.” (That makes 3
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Jul 172020
Buying a Santa Barbara Home During a Pandemic
9 TACTICS TO GET YOUR MONTECITO OR SANTA BARBARA OFFER ACCEPTED
As I stated in a previous blog post, the residential real estate luxur
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Jul 142020
7 Tips for Creating Your Own Safe Haven
COMBINING ELEMENTS OF PSYCHOLOGY, COMMON SENSE, BASIC DESIGN AND EVEN MATHEMATICS CAN GET YOU STARTED
What makes a happy home? A safe have
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Jul 92020
Time to Plan Your Summer Staycation
TIPS ON MAKING YOUR SUMMER STAYCATION FEEL LIKE A REAL VACATION
Santa Barbara homeowners craving a much-needed getaway are in luck. Even i
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Jul 72020
Preparing Your Santa Barbara Home For Sale
ADVANCE PREPARATION CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN THE SELLING PRICE AND SPEED OF SALE OF YOUR HOME
A few mi
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Jun 302020
4th of July 2020 in Santa Barbara: The Ultimate Guide
CELEBRATING SAFELY ON THE AMERICAN RIVIERA
Across the nation, the 4th of July 2020 will look very different from the holiday in the past,
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Jun 282020
Is a Real Estate Boom on the Horizon for Montecito?
EXPERTS ARE SAYING IT WILL BE A GREAT TIME TO BUY OR SELL
Is the summer of 2020 the right time to buy or sell a Montecito home? Is a sort
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Jun 172020
Father’s Day 2020: Trivia, Trifles and Things to Do in Santa Barbara
TRADITIONALLY A DAY COMBINING REVERENCE, REMEMBRANCE, RESPECT AND FUN
What is the official flower of Father’s Day? As it is with Mother
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Jun 162020
5 Iconic Santa Barbara Estates
FROM ITS GAVIOTA COAST TO MONTECITO AND CARPINTERIA, THE SANTA BARBARA AREA IS A MECCA OF BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC ESTATES
Santa Barbara
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Jun 42020
Residential Real Estate: Luxury Segment Thriving Post-Shutdown
CONFIDENCE AMONG HIGH-END SELLERS LEADS TO V-SHAPED RECOVERY
According to analysis from the Dow Jones Market Data Team, the residential real
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Jun 12020
Shop and Dine Along the NEW Santa Barbara State Street Promenade
A WELCOME CHANGE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS, RESIDENTS, AND VISITORS
Santa Barbara’s State Street has been transformed into a welcoming Ped
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May 282020
Who Says Fun Games to Play Outside Are Just for Kids?
10 LAWN GAMES SANTA BARBARA HOMEOWNERS OF ANY AGE CAN ENJOY
Warmer days mean homeowners want to get outside and safely enjoy Sant
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May 252020
Montecito Realtor Cristal Clarke in the News
BLOGGER SUSAN HARTZLER SHARES WHAT MAKES CRISTAL SO VALUABLE TO THE MEDIA AND CLIENTS ALIKE
In a recent blog, I shared Montecito Realtor C
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May 222020
California Volunteers: A Vital New Program for Our Time
THE STATE OFFICE ENERGIZING CALIFORNIANS TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES & NEIGHBORS
In a previous blog post, I shared important informatio
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May 212020
Moving During the Pandemic: 7 Steps to Doing it Safely
HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THAT MOVE TO A NEW HOME
Are you considering moving during the pandemic? In a rece
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May 152020
COVID-19: Montecito and Santa Barbara Non-Profits Respond
The Organizations Aiding Our Most Vulnerable People and Pets Need Our Support
It can be incredibly overwhelming to figure out where to focu
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May 122020
Celebrity Living in Santa Barbara
THE AMERICAN RIVIERA® HAS BEEN A MECCA FOR THE WELL-KNOWN AND WELL-HEELED FOR OVER A CENTURY
The Santa Barbara-Montecito area, also known
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May 82020
Santa Barbara Economy: The County Begins to Reopen
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE COVID-19 TUNNEL?
After spending almost 8 weeks basically shut down, the Santa Barbara economy is beginning to reop
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May 72020
Montecito’s 93108 Zip Code: Consistently One of Forbes Richest
IT'S A PRIVILEGED ENCLAVE EXUDING AN UNPARALLELED AMBIANCE OF CASUAL LUXURY
The affluent community of Montecito, with its equally prestigi
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Apr 292020
Santa Barbara Housing Market: Home Prices in the Shadow of COVID-19
WRITER SUSAN HARTZLER’S Q & A WITH TOP MONTECITO REALTOR CRISTAL CLARKE
It seems like everyone is wondering how COVID-19 is affectin
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Apr 232020
Reopening Santa Barbara’s Economy: Pondering and Preparing
COUNTY OFFICIALS SHARE TACTICS FOR SLOWLY REOPENING THE AMERICAN RIVIERA®
Are you among the locals who are growing restless about reopeni
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Apr 172020
Santa Barbara Earth Day 2020: You Are Invited!
THE FESTIVAL MUST GO ON!
This year, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of the Environmental movement and the creation of Earth Day. While C
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Apr 162020
The Richness of Santa Barbara History
HOW SANTA BARBARA BECAME INFUSED WITH THE SPIRIT OF SPAIN
The founders of the City of Santa Barbara were among the first in the nation
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Apr 82020
Santa Barbara Yoga Studios in the Age of COVID-19
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
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Apr 32020
Santa Barbara and Montecito Landscape Design
MAKE SURE YOUR LANDSCAPING COMPLEMENTS YOUR HOME
An architectural style is a specific way a building was designed that is characterized by
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Mar 312020
COVID-19 Information and Resources for Santa Barbara and Montecito
INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE CAN EASE OUR FEARS
When it comes to COVID-19 information and resources for Santa Barbara and Montecito, it
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Mar 262020
How to Increase Home Value
8 TIPS FOR MONTECITO HOMEOWNERS FROM HGTV
Whether you’re selling a Montecito Luxury Estate, Hope Ranch ocean view estate or a Santa Ba
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Mar 252020
8 Steps to Creating the Minimalist Home Office
MINIMIZE PROCRASTINATION AND MAXIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY
For most Montecito homeowners, their home is their castle. Today, your abode can also be
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Mar 172020
12 Things To Do When You’re Confined to Your Home
SELF-CARE IN SECLUSION CAN MEAN FOOD AND FUN FOR BODY AND SOUL
What’s a Montecito or Santa Barbara homeowner supposed to do when at home
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Mar 112020
Selling a Montecito Home: A Few Things to Consider
WHETHER YOU’RE SELLING A HOME IN MONTECITO, SANTA BARBARA OR SUN VALLEY, THIS ADVICE FROM A PRO APPLIES
If selling a Montecito home is a
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Mar 72020
Selling Luxury Real Estate in Santa Barbara
7 TIPS TO “SOLD” IN THE LUXURY MARKET
Selling Luxury Real Estate in Santa Barbara requires a different approach than that used when se
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Feb 262020
Montecito: Best Place to Live in the Santa Barbara Area
LOCATION RANKING WEBSITE NICHE.COM NAMES MONTECITO #1
Those of us who call Montecito home know it is one of the best places to live in Cal
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Feb 202020
6 Do’s and Don’ts of Home Renovations
CAN RENOVATIONS HELP OR HARM WHEN IT COMES TIME TO SELL?
Before beginning their next home renovation, Montecito homeowners should think tw
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Feb 132020
Santa Barbara Restaurant Week 2020
FEAST AT AREA RESTAURANTS FEBRUARY 21ST TO MARCH 6TH
Attention Santa Barbara and Montecito foodies: get your forks ready for Santa Ba
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Feb 12020
Luxury Bunkers: Time to Invest in a Private Shelter?
INCREASING FEARS OF MAN-MADE AND NATURAL DISASTERS ARE MAKING THIS A GROWTH INDUSTRY
Around the world, affluent folks are paying big bucks
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Jan 242020
Secrets to Making a Home Guest-ready
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
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Dec 312019
2020 Brings New California Laws
INCLUDING ONE WRITTEN BY SANTA BARBARA SENATOR HANNAH-BETH JACKSON
There are hundreds of new California laws set to go into effect in
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Dec 252019
Mid-Century Modern Furniture Fan?
WHERE TO FIND IT IN SANTA BARBARA
The enduring popularity of Mid-Century Modern furniture is based on many factors. It gives us clean lines,
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Dec 202019
Running Trails in Santa Barbara: 8 of the Most Popular
GET OFF ON THE RIGHT (OR LEFT) FOOT IN 2020!
Why not make 2020 your year to explore the wonderful running trails in Santa Barbara? After all
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Dec 132019
New Book Unveils Who Shaped America’s Love of Modern Architecture
THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO MADE MODERNISM SING
We all are aware that architects shape buildings, but have you ever wondered who shapes the way we
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Dec 112019
Sleep Deprivation: Causes, Cures and the Mesmerizing Magic of Montecito
A COMPREHENSIVE LOOK AT THE AFFLICTION PLAGUING MANY OF US
No matter where you live, sleep is the foundation of mental wellness, even for th
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Dec 92019
4 Elements of Real Estate Asset Protection
DO YOU HAVE A PLAN FOR LEGAL SECURITY OF YOUR PROPERTY?
You should. Consider this: the value of your real estate holdings may be signifi
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Nov 292019
Downsizing Your Home: 5 Signs It Might Be Time
BALANCING THE SENTIMENTAL WITH THE PRACTICAL
Is it time for downsizing your home? I recently posted a guest blog, “Downsizing for Senior
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Nov 262019
What is an iBuyer in Real Estate?
IS AN iBUYER A GOOD CHOICE FOR YOU?
“Instant offer” or iBuyer programs are grabbing so much attention these days in the real estate in
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Nov 72019
Create a High-Tech Home for the Holidays
5 GADGETS TO MAKE YOUR MONTECITO HOME HOLIDAY READY
There are a bunch of high-tech home gadgets out there designed to help Montecito homeown
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Nov 52019
Santa Barbara Airport: New Flights. Bright Future.
FLYING HIGH WITH UNITED AND DELTA
There are more options than ever for Santa Barbara locals and visitors alike th
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Nov 12019
Want a Master Suite Sanctuary?
4 DESIGN TIPS TO TRANSFORM YOUR MASSIVE MASTER
One of the things I love about many of the Montecito homes listed in my port
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Oct 242019
Is Your Baby Sleeping in a SNOO Bassinet?
THIS $1,300 BABY BED MIGHT BE THE ANSWER FOR SLEEP-DEPRIVED MONTECITO PARENTS
New parents have so many things to consider when th
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Oct 222019
Downsizing for Seniors
MAKE YOUR MOVE AS STRESS-FREE AS POSSIBLE
This post regarding downsizing for seniors was written by Guest Blogger Shirley Martin. Recently,
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Oct 152019
A Luxury Realtor’s Guide to Home Security Systems
WHAT EVERY SANTA BARBARA HOMEOWNER NEEDS TO KNOW
We are all aware of the importance of home security systems these days. Every 14.5 seconds,
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Oct 32019
Real Estate Investing: Still the Best Choice Anyone Can Make
SEE WHY 4 MILLIONAIRES AGREE
Over the last two centuries, about 90% of the world’s millionaires have created their wealth through real estate inv
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Sep 262019
Mantel Magic: It’s Easier Than You Think
5 DÉCOR TIPS FOR A FABULOUS FIREPLACE
Even here in sunny Santa Barbara, homeowners want to welcome the new fall season by sprucing up their hom
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Sep 172019
Social Media Influence on Interior Design in Santa Barbara and Montecito
10 INSPIRATIONAL DESIGNERS ON INSTAGRAM
Today’s consumers have become increasingly digital-savvy and social media-driven. I
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Sep 122019
Insta-worthy Locations: The Most Instagram-able Spots in Santa Barbara
7 EPIC PLACES TO SNAP AND SHARE
There are so many “Insta-worthy” locations in Montecito and Santa Barbara that professional and amateur
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Sep 62019
Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theater
THE TRAGIC HISTORY OF THIS ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theater has a rich history dating back to the 1870s. While
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Aug 282019
Hug a Santa Barbara Tree Today
THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO LOVE THEM
Each Santa Barbara tree is an invaluable resource. Together, the city’s trees provide more t
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Aug 272019
Passive Income: 10 Ideas for Building Wealth While Sitting on the Beach
MAKING MONEY WHILE ENJOYING SAND, SUN AND SURF IN SANTA BARBARA
Are you interested in creating passive income while sitting on the beach in
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Aug 202019
Luxury Home Products for Montecito Homeowners
7 NEW PRODUCTS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
As technology advances, so do luxury home products. While product launches are nothing new, many of
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Aug 142019
9 Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
THESE ARE THE BIG ONES TO CONSIDER
Are you aware of the hidden costs related to buying a house? For the unsuspecting homebuyer -- moving to
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Aug 132019
What Makes Montecito Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture Such a Sought-After Design?
9 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS OF THE EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN STYLE
Searching for a Spanish Colonial Revival estate in Montecito? I don’t blame you.
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Aug 72019
Vietnam’s Economy Boom Means More Luxury Homebuyers in the U.S.
WEALTHY VIETNAMESE ARE HOUSE HUNTING IN CALIFORNIA
Once known as one of the poorest countries in the world, the boom in Vietnam’s economy
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Aug 62019
Santa Barbara: Oasis of Arts and Culture
RESIDENTS ENJOY MORE THAN BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND PERFECT WEATHER
You may not consider the arts and culture when you think about Santa Barbara
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Jul 302019
No Kid Hungry: The Manifest Altruism of Actor Jeff Bridges
“THE DUDE” PROVIDES MORE THAN HIS SUPERSTAR STATUS TO SANTA BARBARA
Jeff Bridges brings more to the Santa Barbara community than his su
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Jul 242019
How a Fed Rate Cut Could Be Good News for Luxury Homebuyers in Montecito
IS AN INTEREST RATE CUT COMING?
The U.S. Federal Reserve is likely to announce a Fed rate cut by the end of this month. Cutting federal inte
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Jul 232019
Will a California Heat Wave Hit Santa Barbara This Summer?
10+ TIPS ON STAYING COOL
While a Central and Southern California heat wave has not materialized this summer – so far, the extreme heat f
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Jul 102019
The Depth in Popularity of Home Aquariums
CREATE YOUR OWN NATURE-BASED ART EXPERIENCE
Home Aquariums have become a new trend in home interior decorating designed to merge indoo
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Jul 92019
How to Create the Big Little Lies’ Interior Design Styles in Your Montecito Estate
7 WAYS TO ACHIEVE THE CALIFORNIA COOL LOOK
The HBO hit show Big Little Lies has become the latest TV real estate obsession for many who appr
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Jul 22019
Santa Barbara Farmers’ Markets Farm Stands And Gourmet Shops
SHOP LOCAL FOR FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND MORE
The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market offers some of the freshest produce on the Wes
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Jun 262019
How to Decorate Your Mid-century modern Home
MY ROOM BY ROOM GUIDE
There are so many stunning Mid-century modern homes here in Santa Barbara. In fact, I sold six beauties in 2018 alone.
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Jun 62019
Ready for a Channel Islands Cruise?
TAKE A PRIVATE ECO CRUISE ABOARD A LUXURY YACHT
Does a three-day private Channel Islands cruise aboard a luxury yacht sound exciting to you
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Jun 42019
Buying a Home in a Buyer’s Market
EXPERTS SAY GATHER DATA AND UNDERSTAND SELLERS’ MOTIVATIONS
As a follow-up to a recent blog post, I’m going to look at how buying a ho
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May 292019
Are “Pocket Listings” Effective When Selling Homes in Montecito?
PRIVATE LISTINGS ARE NOT FOR EVERY SELLER
So-called “pocket listings” have been a longtime staple among New York City and other high-end
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May 222019
Ocean View Homes are Good for Our Health
SCIENCE PROVES BLUE SPACE CAN IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING
Those of us fortunate enough to live in Montecito ocean view homes or those wi
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May 92019
Baby Checklist: 10 Things to Do to Prepare Your Home for a Newborn
PREPARATION IS KEY
In honor of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle’s royal bundle of joy, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, I thoug
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May 22019
7 Must-Haves For Your Next Lawn Party
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
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Apr 302019
Real Estate Terms Used in Listing Descriptions
BUYERS, ALLOW ME TO TRANSLATE
You have probably encountered some of the specialized real estate terms used in property descriptions. Look at
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Apr 252019
Maintaining a Healthy Home Begins in the Bedrooms and Bathrooms
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
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Apr 182019
Is Information on Real Estate TV Shows Believable?
4 MISGUIDED “TRUTHS” PROMOTED BY POPULAR PROGRAMMING
The HGTV effect in the real estate industry is real, but don’t kid yourself into
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Apr 152019
Living Room Design Mistakes: 7 to Avoid
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
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Mar 262019
Montecito Homebuyers: Should You Pay Cash Or Take Out a Mortgage?
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
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Mar 142019
Santa Barbara Applauds Women’s History Month
CELEBRATE WITH THE SANTA BARBARA CHAPTER OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS
March is Women's History Month. Santa Barbara joins
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Mar 82019
Real Estate Disclosure Forms: Foolproof or Fallible?
4 OF THE CRAZIEST THINGS BUYERS FOUND AFTER CLOSING
California disclosure laws are an integral part of the journey toward closing on a home. The Go
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Mar 12019
Let’s Step Up to Support the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL AT ITS ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
Once a year, the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network (SBWCN) invites the public to experi
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Feb 262019
Technology and Privacy: Are They Mutually Exclusive?
TECHNOLOGY CAN RADICALLY ADVANCE OUR FREEDOMS . . . AND COMPROMISE OUR PRIVACY
By now, we all know the benefits of home technology. But, are
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Feb 222019
Tidying Up with Marie Kondo: It’s All About Choosing Joy
USING THE CLEANING GURU'S KONMARI METHOD™
Are you aware of the Marie Kondo cleaning craze sweeping the Netflix-watching nation? For th
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Feb 192019
Sick Building Syndrome: Could Your Home be Making You Ill?
FOLLOW THESE 4 STEPS TO A HEALTHY MONTECITO HOME
Office buildings are not the only places that come down with sick building syndrome (SBS).
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Feb 132019
Private Firefighters: Help For Montecito Homeowners?
ALREADY BE COVERED? CHECK YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY.
You may have heard that private firefighters saved the $60 million home of Kim Kardashian
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Feb 52019
Montecito Estates: Calling New Owners to Paradise
DISTINGUISHED PROPERTY FOR THE MOST DISCERNING BUYERS
Affluent buyers insist there’s something exceedingly special about Montecito estates
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Jan 292019
3 Ways to Maximize Your Profit When Selling a Home
THE NOT SO SECRET SECRETS OF SAVVY SELLERS
I'm sure you want to maximize your profit when selling a home. Many people are tempted to conside
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Jan 252019
6 Ways to Build Wealth Without Touching the Stock Market
HERE ARE SOME DIVERSE AND LUCRATIVE INVESTMENT OPTIONS
There are so many ways to build wealth without relying on one of the most common weal
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Jan 182019
The Junk Drawer: A Montecito Tradition?
EVEN LUXURY HOMES HAVE A JUNK DRAWER OR TWO
I’m going to take a bold step here and assume that literally every Montecito residence – i
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Jan 152019
“California Chic” is Alive and Well in Montecito
THE EFFORTLESS COOL LOOK SYNONYMOUS WITH CALIFORNIA STYLE
If you already live in Montecito or just about any of the communities in or arou
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Jan 112019
Listing Your Home in Santa Barbara
NOW MIGHT BE THE BEST TIME TO DO IT
You may have heard that the housing market is softening. If you’re thinking about listing your home in
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Jan 42019
The Santa Barbara School District
SCHOOL QUALITY HAS A MIGHTY INFLUENCE ON HOME BUYERS
Many of my customers ask me about the Santa Barbara School District, the main public sc
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Jan 22019
New Year’s Resolutions: Facts, Trends and Santa Barbara Specific
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
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Dec 182018
Survey Finds More People Are Working From Home Today
12 Tips on taking the plunge and creating the perfect office in your Montecito home
Recent data compiled by a consortium of economists, data scientis
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Dec 112018
Traveling for the Holidays? How About Booking a Private Jet?
8 Benefits of Flying by Private Jet
Are you planning on traveling for the holidays? Commercial airlines today are vying for your business
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Dec 72018
Celebrity Homes: Santa Barbara Sanctuaries of the Famous
Santa Barbara is the secret hiding place for many of Hollywood’s ultra-rich and famous
Santa Barbara is a true oasis for the famous, which is why y
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Nov 302018
Creating a Cozy Home: 9 Ways to Generate a Comfy Space This Winter
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
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Nov 272018
Montecito Community Leadership Forms The Partnership for Resilient Communities
As our neighbors in Ventura and Los Angeles begin to recover from the Woolsey Fire, Montecito community leaders form The Partnership for Resilient Com
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Nov 202018
Million-dollar Homes to Million-dollar Neighborhoods: The Rise of the 7-figure Enclave
Statistics show the million-dollar neighborhood is a growing phenomenon despite the recent market cool-down
After analyzing home values across the co
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Nov 162018
How to Protect Your Home While You’re Selling
8 home protection tips for Santa Barbara sellers
Selling a home in Santa Barbara isn’t necessarily unsafe; however, it’s always a good i
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Nov 132018
What Does a Santa Barbara Thanksgiving Look Like?
Check out my list of 8 must-do activities in and around town
A Santa Barbara Thanksgiving might look a lot different than the holiday appears in othe
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Nov 92018
How to Care for High-end Furniture
A little care and TLC can make well-designed home furnishings last a long, long time
You invested your time and money into your high-end furniture. D
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Oct 302018
Selling a Haunted House?
Check out this video of haunted house ghost stories from the Wall Street Journal
In honor of Halloween, I thought I’d take a look at the challenges
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Oct 262018
Winterizing Your Home: Even Santa Barbara Homes Need to be Winter Ready
Now is the time to prepare for the cold and rain
Fall is the best time to begin winterizing your home, even for those of us who live in sunny Santa B
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Oct 192018
Art and Architecture: The Versatile World of Brixels™
Bricks + Pixels = contemporary building blocks for luxury home facades and interior design
My prediction: Interior design, art, and architecture i
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Oct 122018
Aging at Home in Santa Barbara
6 WAYS TO ADAPT YOUR HOME AS YOUR NEEDS CHANGE
As our population continues to get older, aging at home becomes more and more important. Sc
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Oct 102018
Hiding The Children’s Mess While Selling Your Montecito Home
HIDE IT IN PLAIN SIGHT!
My busy clients know, hiding the children's mess when selling their Montecito home can be a major challenge. The
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Oct 42018
A Formula for Healthy Living: Santa Barbara + 7 Nifty Gadgets
Living in A Healthy Location Combined With a Few Helpful Devices Will Make Your Life a Little Easier
Experts will tell you a significant key to healt
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Sep 272018
Fiscal Fitness: The Advantages of Investing in Your Health
The fitness industry and the world of finance might seem like an unusual pairing but they’re not as disparate as you might think
Fiscal fitness is
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Sep 182018
Santa Barbara Living: Testament to Why It’s a Top 100 City
WHAT MAKES SANTA BARBARA ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE?
Livability.com ranks Santa Barbara, aka the American Rivera, number 30 in the top
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Sep 142018
Capital Gains Tax: 3 Dreaded Words When Selling Your Home
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR CAPITAL GAINS TAX EXEMPTIONS?
Capital gains tax applies when you sell something for a profit. That means if you’re se
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Sep 82018
20 Tips for Staging a Home for Sale
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
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Aug 302018
A Montecito Estate: The Perfect Venue for an Outdoor Bath
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
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Aug 292018
Master Bath Renovation: 4 Reasons To Do It Now
A MASTER BATH RENOVATION ADDS VALUE TO YOUR HOME, AND MUCH MORE
There are many reasons homeowners decide to begin a master bath renovation
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Aug 242018
Lotusland: One of the World’s 10 Best Gardens
Lotusland: the perfect place to bask in Santa Barbara’s botanical beauty
Everyone knows about Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches, impressive archi
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Aug 142018
Santa Barbara Salt Cave
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
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Aug 72018
Moving Advice: What To Keep and What to Leave Behind
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
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Aug 22018
7 Things You Can Do to Conserve Water: The California Drought is not over!
When the temps rise, so does our water usage, quickly evaporating our efforts to conserve water due to the California drought
Remember all the good
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Jul 312018
6 California Real Estate Laws Buyers Need to Know About
From taxes to disclosure requirements, California real estate laws include some unique practices
Whether you plan to purchase your own home or buy in
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Jul 262018
Buying a Home vs. Leasing One
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
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Jul 242018
Top 4 “Real Estate Facts” Debunked
Experts agree: conventional wisdom surrounding so-called real estate facts is not always accurate
We’ve all heard them, and everyone assum
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Jul 202018
New Real Estate Trend: Buying a House Sight Unseen
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
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Jul 172018
Extreme Lawn Care: Are You a Competitor?
10 Summer lawn care tips from the extreme lawn care guru
I’ve blogged before about the importance of curb appeal but extreme lawn care is new to me
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Jul 132018
Selling a Home: Want to do it Quickly and For Top Dollar?
Avoid These 10 Mistakes While Selling a Home Fast
Preparation is key if you’re interested in selling a home fast and for top dollar. That’s why I
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Jul 102018
Santa Barbara Homeowners: The Best Way to Build Accessory Dwelling Units
What You Need to Know About Accessory Dwelling Units, aka Guest Cottages or Guesthouses, in Santa Barbara
I blogged about the new law regarding acces
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Jul 32018
Planning to Adopt a Dog? 6 Steps to Successfully Integrate a Furry Family Member into Your Home
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
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Jun 292018
Buyer’s Remorse Keeping You Awake?
If Buyer’s Remorse, or even Seller’s Remorse is Keeping You Awake, Here are Some Remedies
Sleep, or lack of it, is such an
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Jun 262018
Is Buying a Home Together Before Getting Married a Good Idea?
Couples considering buying a home together should heed these warnings
In a previous blog, I shared info about a prenuptial deed when buyin
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Jun 202018
What You Need to Know About Home Inspectors in Santa Barbara
Homebuyers: here’s a checklist to share with home inspectors in Santa Barbara
When you're looking for home inspectors in Santa Barbara, there
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Jun 122018
Indoor Rock Climbing at the Santa Barbara Rock Gym
PERFECT FATHER'S DAY GIFT FOR ACTIVE SANTA BARBARA DADS: A DAY OF ROCK CLIMBING AT SANTA BARBARA'S INDOOR CLIMBING GYM
Guys love to climb
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Jun 112018
Tips for Moving with Children
Guest post by Alexis Hall, author of SingleParent.info
Moving is an important step in any family’s life. It can be stressful and exciting
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Jun 72018
Who Gets the House in a Divorce?
Anyone getting divorced needs to consider their real estate assets
Disputes over major assets like your home are common among those who are
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May 312018
Is the American Dream Alive or Dead?
Does the American Dream mean owning a home?
What is the American Dream? A recent study showed that 53% of those asked believed owning a ho
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May 252018
Top Residential Architects in Montecito and Santa Barbara History
These four top residential architects of Montecito and Santa Barbara brought their own unique style to our area
George Washington Smith
Arc
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May 222018
Don’t Sabotage Yourself When Selling Your Home
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
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May 102018
Adult Treehouse? That’s Right! They’re Not Just for Kids Anymore
Our Mediterranean climate makes Santa Barbara the perfect place to build an adult treehouse
I just read a story in the Wall St
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Apr 262018
Are Domestic Robots in Your Future? Amazon Hopes So
TESTING HAS ALREADY BEGUN IN HOMES
Bloomberg reports that Amazon has been quietly working on a new project that could have big implications:
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Apr 242018
Moving with Children?
Here are 10 Tips to Prepare Kids for a Stress-Free Move
Moving with children can be stressful. Think about it: children respond to the gen
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Apr 192018
How to Integrate A Dog Shower into Your Home
8EXPERT TIPS FOR DESIGNING A DEDICATED SHOWER FOR YOUR DOG
Last week, I blogged about renovations popular among home buyers today: like
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Apr 162018
8 Housewarming Traditions from Around the World
Housewarming Traditions: Would you invite a cow to welcome you to your new home?
Boil Milk & Rice
In the Vasthu Sastra Indi
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Apr 122018
Return on Investment: Can Adding a Pizza Oven Be Worthwhile?
Understanding what's popular among home buyers today can help homeowners make educated decisions about remodeling
If you’re a homeowne
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Mar 302018
Why is Spring is the Best Time of Year to Sell Your House?
6 reasons to list your home with me now!
If you're considering listing your home in any of the upscale communities in Santa Barbara, take no
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Mar 132018
Things to Do in Santa Barbara this Spring
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
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Feb 262018
Smart Speakers: Which One is Right for You?
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
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Jan 232018
6 Things to Do in January to Give Your Home Some TLC
What will you do in January to give your home some TLC?
January is the perfect time to give your home some TLC. You celebrated the holidays
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Jan 182018
The ABCs of Creating an Emergency Plan
The devastating mudslides caused by the recent fires made me think of creating an emergency plan for my family. How about you?
I'm offering
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Jan 182018
How to Hire a Competent Realtor: Consider Their Use of Technology
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
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Dec 202017
6 Steps to Protect Your Home from Wildfires
PREPARATION IS KEY TO PREVENTING YOUR HOME FROM GOING UP IN SMOKE
Do you know how to protect your home from wildfires? If you live in Sant
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Dec 122017
Diversify Your Portfolio by Investing in Real Estate
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
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Dec 72017
The Laws: California Real Estate Disclosures
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
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Dec 12017
Whale Watching in Santa Barbara
Hop aboard a whale watching tour and see why the Santa Barbara Channel is one of the best places in the world for spotting sea life
The be
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Nov 272017
Decorating and Selling a Home During the Holidays
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
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Nov 202017
Remodel or Move? 5 Things Homeowners Should Ask
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
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Nov 162017
12 Tasks for Your Homeowner To-Do List
There are certain things every homeowner should do yearly, monthly, weekly and daily to keep their home in tip-top shape. Since that list can feel da
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Nov 142017
Chic Holiday Décor Ideas from The Experts
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
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Nov 102017
Who Needs Flood Insurance?
Floods are the nation's most common and costly natural disaster and cause millions of dollars in damage every year
In a previous post, I shared that
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Nov 62017
Four Pitfalls That Cause Buyers to Let the Right Home Slip By
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
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Oct 262017
Teaching children financial responsibility: Start with Halloween!
It may sound a little strange but Halloween might be one of the best holidays for teaching children financial responsibility. Leading finance experts
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Oct 92017
Today’s Top 6 Luxury Real Estate Trends
Think smart homes, hi-tech bathrooms, a separate home for entertaining, a cooler kitchen, custom detailing, and creating a self-sufficient home
I lov
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Oct 22017
Is it Time for a New Front Door Color?
Check out 8 front door colors trending today
Front doors have the twin purpose of inviting people in and keeping people out. A quality doo
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Sep 282017
Santa Barbara Bucket List
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
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Sep 252017
The Living Vehicle™: A New Vision for Sustainable Living
The key to a sustainable life is choosing the values that matter most and living accordingly
Have you heard about the Living Vehicle™? Designed in
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Sep 142017
Santa Barbara, the gateway to fun along the California Coast
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
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Sep 112017
4 Types of Flooring That Really Make Any Room
Today's flooring options have you covered
While some trends come and go, when it comes to flooring, classic styles are always instant hits. How abo
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Aug 282017
Good news for Santa Barbara Homeowners
The numbers tell a positive story for next-door Southern California
Santa Barbara homeowners, listen up! I just read an article in the Los Angeles Ti
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Aug 252017
The Next Hot Commodity in Santa Barbara Real Estate: Agrihoods?
Taking the idea of farm-to-table to the next level
Although the definition of "agrihoods" is evolving, the Urban Land Institute currently defines t
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Aug 212017
The Importance of Branding Your Santa Barbara Home For Sale
Branding your luxury home
The Huffington Post published a great article about branding your luxury home before it's listed. After all, your Santa Bar
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Aug 182017
What Is The Best Color for Sleep?
PAINT COLORS THAT PROMOTE A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP
Have you ever wondered what is the best color for sleep? After all, every perfectly seren
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Aug 102017
These are the Dog Days When it Comes to Millennial Homeownership
MILLENNIALS MOVE OUT FOR THEIR PETS
I just read a story in Realty Times about a surge in Millennial homeownership. According to a new surv
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Aug 72017
Here’s a Secret to Making Money in Real Estate
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
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Jul 312017
Important Vacation Identity Theft Protection Tips
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'
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Jul 72017
Want a Blissful Night’s Sleep? Check Out These 10 Zen Bedroom Trends
Which Zen bedroom speaks to you?
I just read an article in MyDomaine with 10 Zen bedroom trends that will transform your space and even he
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Jun 292017
Santa Barbara Homeowners Listen Up: Upgrade your home with CaliforniaFIRST
Get 100% upfront funding on efficiency and renewable energy upgrades
Many Santa Barbara homeowners want to improve their homes but are discouraged b
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Jun 132017
Are you considering buying a vacation home? Read this first!
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
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Jun 32017
Are Flying Taxis in our Future?
Imagine a flying taxi landing on the rooftop landing pad of your luxury Santa Barbara home!
According to a story in the Robb Report, leaders at Uber
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May 262017
The Montaña Magica Treehouse; A Magical Vacation Destination
This magical vacation spot in the Chilean Patagonian Rainforest Should Be on Your Bucket List!
Introducing the "Magic Mountain" Treehouse
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May 232017
OstrichLand USA: Another Reason to Visit the Santa Ynez Valley
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
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May 92017
Outdoor Trends Perfect for the Santa Barbara Lifestyle
Top 6 Trends for Inside/Outside Living at its Best
I just finished reading an article in Realty Times about the top outdoor trends this su
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May 52017
Cheers to Santa Barbara’s Craft Brew Scene in The Funk Zone
Beer connoisseurs delight in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone diversity
Everyone's loving the great drinking diversity found in The Funk Zone in Santa Bar
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Apr 112017
10 Plants To Spruce Up Your Santa Barbara Garden and Keep The Mosquitos Away
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
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Mar 92017
MOXI: Santa Barbara’s Newest Museum
Check out MOXI's powerfully playful exhibits and experiences.
Discover, explore and play in the new 17,000 square foot museum called MOXI: The Wolf
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Feb 212017
The World’s Most Luxurious Cookware
Can a set of pots and pans be sexy?
Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, it's important to outfit yours with the most luxurious cookw
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Jan 122017
10 Tips to Prevent Burglary During an Open House
Don't open your doors to the public for showings until you take these extra precautions!
If you're selling your Santa Barbara home and pla
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Jan 102017
Negative Energy: 4 Ways to Kiss It Good-bye in Your Home
THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING GOOD VIBES AT HOME
Ask yourself, "How does my home feel?" Is it your personal space filled with negative ener
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Jan 32017
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Santa Barbara Homeowners
So you've made your New Year's resolutions for 2017, but have you set goals for your Santa Barbara home? Here are 5 things your house wants you to con
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Dec 92016
What is Santa Barbara Doing About Climate Change?
In light of the fact that there's scientific consensus worldwide about the issue of climate change, Santa Barbara has created its own action plan thro
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Nov 292016
What Goes Into a Multi-Million Dollar Home Sale?
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
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Nov 172016
Modern Vs Contemporary Style, Which is Your Favorite?
I just reviewed a video in the Wall Street Journal exploring modern vs contemporary styles. Modern is often used interchangeably with contemporary whe
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Nov 152016
20 Tips For Hosting a Stress Free Thanksgiving
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
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Nov 12016
A Homeowner Checklist: 8 Important Things Homeowners Need to Know
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
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Oct 262016
Santa Barbara Hauntings
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
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Oct 252016
6 Tips for Selling a Home in Santa Barbara This Fall and Winter
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
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Oct 182016
4 Steps to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
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
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Oct 112016
Homeowners: Now is The Time to Get Ready For Holiday Visitors!
MAKING SURE EVERYONE FEELS MERRY AND BRIGHT!
You know that extended family and friends will be descending on your home this November and Dec
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Sep 292016
Hiring a Contractor? Don’t Ignore These 10 Red Flags
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
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Sep 152016
Introducing the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
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
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Sep 132016
Add Some Fun Into Your Home Décor in 8 Steps
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
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Aug 302016
Top 7 Home Renovations That Will Pay You Back
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
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Aug 192016
The Santa Barbara Bowl: A Local Shrine to the Performing Arts
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
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Aug 92016
10 Home Items to Buy in Big Box Stores
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
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Jul 72016
Homeowners: Here are 7 Things You Should Do Once a Year
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
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Jun 232016
7 Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Around Pools and Spas
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
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Jun 92016
The Key To Business Success: Love What You Do
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
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Jun 12016
Dog Owners: Don’t Get Bitten by a Homeowners Insurance Company
EDUCATE YOURSELF ON DOG BREEDS
You love your dog, but don't expect your homeowners' insurance company to share the feeling. Some insurance
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May 262016
Have You Experienced The Santa Barbara Public Market Yet?
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
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May 172016
Around The World Ideas for Santa Barbara Gardens
Our amazing Mediterranean climate is one of the many things that make living in Santa Barbara desirable and Santa Barbara gardens magical. So w
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May 32016
Sea Kayaking in Santa Barbara: Try It and Love It!
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
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Apr 282016
Luxury Home Décor: Posh, Plush and Luxe Items For Your Home
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
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Apr 192016
Renovating a Home: Priorities of the Affluent Homeowner
Montecito estate owners who are considering renovating a home might find this article in the Wall Street Journal interesting. According to a rec
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Apr 52016
Aging Gracefully in Your Home: New Architecture Designed to Help
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
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Mar 312016
The Smart Home Hub of the Future is Here: Meet Zoe
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'
Read More
Mar 172016
How to Store Your Off Season Clothes
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
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Mar 102016
New Trend: Luxury Storage Units
Move over traditional industrial park-style storage unit facilities and make way for luxury storage units. According to The Wall Street Jo
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Feb 182016
Midcentury Fan?
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
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Dec 182015
Christmas lights can bring down planes?
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
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Dec 152015
Surprising findings of the Homeowner Generation Gap
It's not surprising to learn there is a generation gap when it comes to what Millennials and Baby Boomers think of their homes. But the details of tha
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Dec 82015
Holiday Shopping: 7 Meaningful gifts that give back
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
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Nov 252015
10 Tips for Having a Calm, Heartfelt Thanksgiving
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'
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Nov 202015
5 tips to true health and wellness
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
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Nov 102015
Creating the cat friendly home
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
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Nov 32015
8 Estate Planning Essentials
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
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Oct 272015
Teaching children financial responsibility: Start with Halloween!
It may sound a little strange but Halloween might be one of the best holidays for teaching children financial responsibility. Leading finance experts
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Oct 252015
Dog vs Robot for Home Security
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
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Oct 152015
How to Create Your Own 5-Star Guest Room
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
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Oct 82015
Tree Trimming: 10 questions to ask before hiring a professional tree trimmer
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
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Oct 12015
Designing a home around your art collection
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
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Sep 282015
Frank Lloyd Wright in Santa Barbara
Besides the amazing Frank Lloyd Wright Structures in Los Angeles and Frank Lloyd Wright Structures in San Francisco, the world-renown architect bui
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Sep 222015
Mediterranean-Inspired Living Spaces in Santa Barbara
Mediterranean-inspired living spaces can be found in abundance here in Santa Barbara and the surrounding upscale communities. In fact, the lovely Medi
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Sep 112015
The Art of Burning Man
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
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Sep 12015
How to Choose a Front Door
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
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Aug 212015
Shopping Habits of Wealthy Consumers: Where do they shop? What do They Buy?
You might be surprised by the shopping habits of wealthy consumers. According to MediaPost, the one source for advertising and marketing professiona
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Aug 182015
Tips on Incorporating Your Travels Into Your Home Decor
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
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Aug 62015
Spectacular swimming pools around the world
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
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Jul 312015
Is leasing a home a good choice for you?
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'
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Jul 212015
Beware of hackers and real estate wire transfers
Homebuyers need to beware of hackers and real estate wire transfers. In this frightening scenario, hackers illegally get the email accounts of real es
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Jul 162015
Backyard pools are going to the dogs
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
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Jul 72015
Mosquito Repellent Plants: Relief in Our Santa Barbara Gardens
Summertime in Santa Barbara means outdoor living at its finest. Even in paradise, however, there can be challenges and pesky pests like the dreade
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Jun 182015
How to embrace your own personal interior design style in your home
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
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Jun 42015
Tips for a Stress Free Move for Every Member of the Family
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
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Apr 242015
Having Sweet Dreams in a Bedroom Sanctuary
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
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Apr 22015
4 Tips for Creating a Designer Fire Pit
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
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Feb 192015
What is a prenuptial deed?
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
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Feb 172015
10 Things a Buyer Needs Know About Home Inspections
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
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Feb 122015
Romantic Rooms to Fall In Love In, Not With
When considering creating romantic rooms, many designers surprisingly think comfort and safety, creating a space to fall in love in, not with. The Wal
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Jan 212015
New design trend: in home salons
Homeowners have discovered a permanent solution to bad hair days: creating luxury in home salons, complete with hair-washing basins, stylist chairs, m
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Jan 82015
Looking for great design plants for your Montecito garden?
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
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Jan 62015
Remain healthy and stay in harmony with nature through Ayurveda
Even living here in beautiful sunny Santa Barbara, to remain healthy and stay in harmony with nature, experts highly recommended you make lifestyle
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Dec 232014
10 Unique uses for used wrapping paper
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
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Dec 122014
9 household items that can double as cleaning supplies
You probably have an abundant amount of cleaning supplies in your home, for the different surfaces, carpets, bathroom, kitchens and more. I have them
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Aug 122014
Celebrity Closet Organizing Secrets
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
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Jul 292014
What to do with your dog while on vacation
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
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Jul 182014
The fine art of outdoor dining
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
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May 282014
Buyers of Santa Barbara Homes: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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
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Apr 292014
4 important Tips For Creating a Pet-Friendly Home
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
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Mar 242014
Your Home’s Handles and Knobs: Handsome or Haggard?
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
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