Cristal's Blog

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

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

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

EXPERTS ARE SAYING IT WILL BE A GREAT TIME TO BUY OR SELL Is the summer of 2020 the right time to buy or sell a Montecito home? Is a sort

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THAT MOVE TO A NEW HOME Are you considering moving during the pandemic? In a rece

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

THE AMERICAN RIVIERA® HAS BEEN A MECCA FOR THE WELL-KNOWN AND WELL-HEELED FOR OVER A CENTURY The Santa Barbara-Montecito area, also known

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE COVID-19 TUNNEL? After spending almost 8 weeks basically shut down, the Santa Barbara economy is beginning to reop

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

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

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

BEING ECO-WISE IS MORE THAN JUST RECYCLING Going green, aka being eco-wise, is about celebrating creation, being good stewards of our shar

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

HOW SANTA BARBARA BECAME INFUSED WITH THE SPIRIT OF SPAIN The founders of the City of Santa Barbara were among the first in the nation

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

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

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

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

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

SELF-CARE IN SECLUSION CAN MEAN FOOD AND FUN FOR BODY AND SOUL What’s a Montecito or Santa Barbara homeowner supposed to do when at home

WHETHER YOU’RE SELLING A HOME IN MONTECITO, SANTA BARBARA OR SUN VALLEY, THIS ADVICE FROM A PRO APPLIES If selling a Montecito home is a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

IS AN INTEREST RATE CUT COMING? The U.S. Federal Reserve is likely to announce a Fed rate cut by the end of this month. Cutting federal inte

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

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

7 WAYS TO ACHIEVE THE CALIFORNIA COOL LOOK The HBO hit show Big Little Lies has become the latest TV real estate obsession for many who appr

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

MY ROOM BY ROOM GUIDE There are so many stunning Mid-century modern homes here in Santa Barbara. In fact, I sold six beauties in 2018 alone.

TAKE A PRIVATE ECO CRUISE ABOARD A LUXURY YACHT Does a three-day private Channel Islands cruise aboard a luxury yacht sound exciting to you

EXPERTS SAY GATHER DATA AND UNDERSTAND SELLERS’ MOTIVATIONS  As a follow-up to a recent blog post, I’m going to look at how buying a ho

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 OF THE CRAZIEST THINGS BUYERS FOUND AFTER CLOSING California disclosure laws are an integral part of the journey toward closing on a home. The Go

GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL AT ITS ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE Once a year, the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network (SBWCN) invites the public to experi

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

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

THE NOT SO SECRET SECRETS OF SAVVY SELLERS I'm sure you want to maximize your profit when selling a home. Many people are tempted to conside

HERE ARE SOME DIVERSE AND LUCRATIVE INVESTMENT OPTIONS There are so many ways to build wealth without relying on one of the most common weal

EVEN LUXURY HOMES HAVE A JUNK DRAWER OR TWO  I’m going to take a bold step here and assume that literally every Montecito residence – i

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

NOW MIGHT BE THE BEST TIME TO DO IT You may have heard that the housing market is softening. If you’re thinking about listing your home in

SCHOOL QUALITY HAS A MIGHTY INFLUENCE ON HOME BUYERS Many of my customers ask me about the Santa Barbara School District, the main public sc

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

12 Tips on taking the plunge and creating the perfect office in your Montecito home Recent data compiled by a consortium of economists, data scientis

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

Santa Barbara is the secret hiding place for many of Hollywood’s ultra-rich and famous Santa Barbara is a true oasis for the famous, which is why y

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

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

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

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

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

Living in A Healthy Location Combined With a Few Helpful Devices Will Make Your Life a Little Easier Experts will tell you a significant key to healt

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

What makes Santa Barbara one of the best places to live? Livability.com ranks Santa Barbara, aka the American Rivera, number 30 in the top 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

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

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

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

PERFECT FATHER'S DAY GIFT FOR ACTIVE SANTA BARBARA DADS: A DAY OF ROCK CLIMBING AT SANTA BARBARA'S INDOOR CLIMBING GYM Guys love to climb

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

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

Does the American Dream mean owning a home? What is the American Dream? A recent study showed that 53% of those asked believed owning a ho

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

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

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 homeowne

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

6 reasons to list your home with me now! If you're considering listing your home in any of the upscale communities in Santa Barbara, take no

There's no denying that Santa Barbara is beautiful this time of year There's so much to do in Santa Barbara this Spring it can be difficult to decide

What to Look for 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 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

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

Hop aboard a whale watching tour and see why the Santa Barbara Channel is one of the best places in the world for spotting sea life The be

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

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

There are certain things every homeowner should do yearly, monthly, weekly and daily to keep their home in tip-top shape. Since that list can feel da

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

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

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

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

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

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 com

The key to a sustainable life is choosing the values that matter most and living accordingly Have you heard about the Living Vehicle™? Designed in

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

 Today's flooring options have you covered While some trends come and go, when it comes to flooring, classic styles are always instant hits. How abo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 6 Trends for Inside/Outside Living at its Best I just finished reading an article in Realty Times about the top outdoor trends this su

Beer connoisseurs delight in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone diversity Everyone's loving the great drinking diversity found in The Funk Zone in Santa Bar

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

Check out MOXI's powerfully playful exhibits and experiences. Discover, explore and play in the new 17,000 square foot museum called MOXI: The Wolf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's not surprising to learn there is a generation gap when it comes to what Millennials and Baby Boomers think of their homes. But the details of tha

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 aver

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

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

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

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

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

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 post, I discussed the many benefits Santa Barbara homeowners can enjoy when they decide to go solar. Today I am going to encourage you t

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

  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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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