Santa Barbara EcoBroker

Santa Barbara Real Estate Statistics 10/31 - 11/6

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

New Listings: 48

Price Improvements: 46

Pending: 32 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 13
     $600-800k: 6
     $800k-1 million: 5
     $1-2 million: 4
     $2-4 million: 2
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 21 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 9
     $600-800k: 6
     $800k-1 million: 2
     $1-2 million: 1
     $2-4 million: 1
     $4-8 million: 1
     $8 million+: 1

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 40

Back On Market: 13

Buy vs. Rent

2011-11-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

Being a homeowner is more than just having a roof over your heard. Home ownership instills a feeling of comfort, security, stability and pride.

However, in addition to these important benefits are substantial social benefits for families, communities, and the country as a whole. A few of these benefits are:

Higher Academic Achievement
More Cohesive Communities
Better Connected Families
Improved Health & Safety
Stronger Economy

Higher Education
One of the most important social benefits of home ownership is how it affects the children and their academic achievement. Several studies show that there is direct correlation between home ownership and educational achievements. Time and time again, it has been proven that home owners are more involved in their children's lives, especially when it comes to schooling. Better social outcomers arise as parents provide a more supportive environment for their children.

Another benefit is that home owners tend to move less often than renters. This stability adds to a child's success in school. A study by the New York Federal Reserve Bank found that "though home ownership raises educational outcomes for children, neighborhood stability further enhances the positive outcome.

More Cohesive Communities
Home owners tend to stay in their homes longer than renters. They also spend more money to improve their home and are more engaged in enhancing the community. Simpy put, home owners care more and take more action. Which leads to nice neighborhoods, stronger communities and more overall involvement in civic duties.

Better Connected Communities
Along with being more involved in their communities, home owners are more active and connected to their own families. Volunteering at schools, coaching athletic teams, becoming a scout or troop leader are just some of the types of activities home owners are active in. Throw in simple things like family game night and your home becomes the perfect setting for a more- connected, happier family.

Improve Health & Safety
Home owners are happier and healthier than non-owners. In fact, one study found that people who recently became home owners reported higher life satisfaction, higher self esteem, and higher perceived control over their lives. In addition to being more satisfied with their own personal situation than renters, home owners also enjoy better physical and psychological health. Home owners have a financial stake in the value of their home. Therefore, owners have more incentive to deter crime by forming and implementing voluntary crime preventation programs. Home ownership also contributes to stable communities, and stable neighborhoods contribute to reduced crime rates.

Stronger Economy
Being a home owner also has a positive economic impact in your neighborhood, your town, your city and even on a national level. That's because home ownership creates jobs: remodeling, landscaping, lawn and pool service, furniture and appliances, home improvement, real estate services. The list goes on and on. In fact, each home purchase generates as much as $60,000 of economic activity in the local and surrounding area.

Thrive Westside Neighborhood Initiative: Creating a Better Westside Together

2011-11-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Do you live on Santa Barbara's Westside?
Do you have children in a Westside school?
Do you work or volunteer on the Westside?
Do you want to see a better Westside with excellent schools and vibrant neighborhoods?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, please join Just Communities in the Thrive Westside Neighborhood Initiative.

Thrive Westside is a concentrated effort to ensure the success of every child and every family on the Westside. The centerpiece of Thrive Westside is a collaboration between Harding University Partnership School, McKinley Elementary School, La Cumbre Jr. High, San Marcos High School, Just Communities, numerous local foundations, local nonprofit organizations people who live, work, and go to school on Santa Barbara's Westside. This collaboration is designed to improve Westside Schools and strengthen Westside neighborhoods.

This November through December, Just Communities & Thrive Westside will engage 100-150 people who live, work, go to school, or send their children to schools, on the Westside in a "Dialogue to Action" process. Through this process, they will build a shared vision for the Westside and create concrete action plans to make their vision a reality.

At the end of the dialogue process, all participants will come together for a one-day "Action Summit." There, they will share ideas, prioritize strategies, and develop finalize their action plans. The One Nation Foundation has generously donated $10,000 to help community members fund the neighborhood improvement strategies they agree upon during the Summit.

To register on-line, click one of the following links:

To learn more, download the attached information packet containing a flier, registration form, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) - also attached in English & Spanish. You can also access these files on-line at:

English Information Packet - Thrive Westside

Spanish Information Packet - Thrive Westside

Finally, we are holding bilingual (Spanish & English) information sessions on the following dates/times:

UCSB Gevirtz School of Education (Conference Room #4108): Wednesday, October 12th 12:15pm to 1:00pm
La Cumbre Jr. High School: Wednesday, October 12th 6:00pm to 6:45pm (free childcare provided)
La Cumbre Jr. High School: Thursday, October 13th 6:00pm to 6:45pm (free childcare provided)

You can also contact Daniel Elenes at delenes@justcommunitiescc.org or 805-966-2063.

Santa Barbara Real Estate Statistics 10/24 - 10/30

2011-10-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 35

Price Improvements: 52

Pending: 39 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 17
     $600-800k: 8
     $800k-1 million: 4
     $1-2 million: 9
     $2-4 million: 1
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 21 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 12
     $600-800k: 4
     $800k-1 million: 2
     $1-2 million: 2
     $2-4 million: 1
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 26

Back On Market: 15

Average Rental Rates

2011-10-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

At a recent economic update the brokers went over some rental averages for Santa Barbara and I thought they were interesting to post:

1 Bedroom: $1250

2 Bedroom: $1824

3 Bedroom: $2,357

Anyone want to stop paying someone else's mortgage and look into options for having your own? If so, please let me know and I can put you in touch with a lender to get the conversation started.

Santa Barbara Real Estate Statistics 10/10 - 10/23 * 3 Weeks Worth

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 85

Price Improvements: 87

Pending: 54 breaks down to:

Under $600k: 18

$600-800k: 16

$800k-1 million: 8

$1-2 million: 7

$2-4 million: 1

$4-8 million: 3

$8 million+: 4

Closed: 55 breaks down to:

Under $600k: 22

$600-800k: 16

$800k-1 million: 7

$1-2 million: 7

$2-4 million: 3

$4-8 million: 0

$8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 54

Back On Market: 22

30 S. Salinas Street Has Been Reduced Again $449,000

2011-10-27T15:02:00.001-07:00

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Team Wagner Update!

2011-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here is what is new in the Wagner household!

Cruising in my wagon!

Ready for literature!

Tough Guy!

Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch!

Such a big boy, sitting is his green chair!

Ummm...yeah he is now climbing EVERYTHING!

Not loving his new Owl hat...

Van Jones "Green for All - The New American Economy"

2011-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Event Date:: Saturday, October 29 7pm - 8:30pm
Location:: Marjorie Luke Theater
Contact:: Tickets are available at the Lobero Box Office, on-line at Lobero.com or call 805.963.0761.
Website:: http://loatree.com/2011/08/25/loatree-pres...nomy/

A benefit event for sustainable vocations. Presented by LoaTree in partnership with Quail Springs Permaculture, also sponsored by the Community Environmental Council.
Nationally renowned speaker and Green Economy expert Van Jones presents, Green for All: The Next American Economy, on Saturday, October 29th at the Marjorie Luke Theater. Proceeds from the event will benefit Sustainable Vocations, a sustainability and leadership training program for young people.

Van Jones is a globally recognized, award-winning pioneer in human rights and the clean-energy economy. Van is co-founder of three successful non-profit organizations: the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Color of Change, and Green For All. He is the best-selling author of the definitive book on green jobs: The Green-Collar Economy. Van also served as the Green Jobs Advisor to the Obama White House in 2009.

Van also holds a joint appointment at Princeton University, as a distinguished visiting fellow in both the Center for African American Studies and in the Program in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

Warren Brush, Co-Director of Sustainable Vocations, states, "We are deeply honored to have the support of Van Jones. His vital message is directly aligned with Sustainable Vocations' goal to prepare and empower young leaders for the rise of the Green Economy and sustainable living."

This lecture is made possible due to early and strong support from The Fund for Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College's Center for Sustainability. The event is presented by LoaTree, an ecolifestyle and services company.

Tickets are available at the Lobero Box Office, on-line at Lobero.com or call 805.963.0761.

About Sustainable Vocations: A program of Quail Springs Permaculture, Sustainable Vocations prepares youth (ages 15 – 24) for diverse leadership roles that integrate sustainability into their lives and communities. This timely program provides an unique, hands-on introduction to the expanding green jobs market, appropriate technologies and sustainable living skills. In the process, graduates earn an internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certification and enhance their employment opportunities while helping to create a more sustainable future for us all. www.sustainablevocations.org

Santa Barbara Real Estate through the end of September 2011

2011-10-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Each month a very generous colleague, Gary Woods compiles all the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing and Cort sales data and provides many of us in the real estate industry with a synopsis of the current market. Thank you Gary, as always your expertise and data is very appreciated!

For the Home Estate/PUD market of Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Carpinteria, Summerland and Goleta after seeing a rise in the numbers of sales each month from June to August, September 2011saw a decline in the numbers of properties sold down to 85 from the high of 97 the previous month. The median sales price did go up however to $800,000 from $739,000 in August but, the average sales price declined from approximately $1.2 milllion in August to about $1.178 million in September.

The reason for the rise in the median sales price was a decline in sales below $1 million to 53 September from 67 in August while sales from $1 to $2 million rose from 17 to 23 for the month. Sales above $2 fell off markedly however to 9 down from 10 with 1 transaction over $5 million.
Escrows also declined in September down to 79 from 108 in August and the median list price on those escrows fell from $809,000 in August to $729,000 in September. The decline in both the median list price of escrows and median sold price on closed homes can be tied at least in part to the decline of the FHA maximum loan amount which was $729,000. That maximum loan amount supported the $850,000 median sales price which held stable through ’09 and ’10.

Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are up 14% from 55 to 64 and the median sales price is up from $662,500 to $716,250. The numbers of escrows are also way up going from 52 to 71 with the median list price on those escrows rising from $679,000 last year to $705,000 this year.
For Montecito, sales are up by 16% going from 110 to 128 with the median sales price dropping from $2.4 million to $2.227 million. Escrows are up 26% going from 115 to 146 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $2.562 million to $2.25 million.

East of State St sales are down 1% going from 186 to 183 and the median sales price is down from $929,500 to $900,000. The escrows are up by 6% however going from 199 to 211 with the median list price on those escrows dropping from $989,000 last year to $929,000 this year.

West of State St sales are up 10% from 143 to 158 but the median sales price is down from $800,000 to $680,000. The numbers of escrows are also up with 154 in ’10 to 171 in ‘11 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $817,000 last year to $699,950 this year.

   Hope Ranch sales are up from 14 to 22 but the median sales price is down from $2.675 million to $1.9 million. The numbers of escrows are also up from 16 to 23 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $2.9 million to $1.995 million.

Goleta South sales are down 25% from 79 to 60 and the median sales price is down from $675,500 to $600,000. The numbers of escrows are up however from 73 to 77 with the median list price on those escrows declining from $727,000 to $577,000.

Goleta North sales are also down from 124 to 122 with the median sales price dropping from $705,000 to $660,000. The numbers of escrows are up however from 128 to 139 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $729,000 to $663,000.

The year over year numbers have sales about 4% above where they were last year at this time and the numbers of escrows about 15% ahead of last year’s pace. But, the median sales price has fallen down to $815,000 from $850,000 the previous year. If sales from $1 to $2 million become more prevalent the yearly median sales price will come up a little but the trend at this time is still downward with about a 4% drop for the whole area from where it was last year and without Hope Ranch and Montecito it’s down about 8%.

For the condo market September sales remained strong with 39 properties closing escrow up from August when there were 38 and the median sales price rose to $445,000 from $436,449 for the month. The numbers of escrows fell however to 32 from 39 in August but the median list price on those escrows rose dramatically from $379,990 to $464,000 in September.
The days on the market for condos that closed escrow went back up to the mid 80s from the mid 60s in August but the Sales Price to Original List Price Ratio remained strong in the 90^th percentile.
With the numbers of escrows coming in at the low 30s for the month the year over year numbers again have escrows trailing the previous year but only by 2. The numbers of sales are still about 9% behind where they were last year with the median sales price down about 3% to $425,000 from $437,000 last year.

The Condo inventory remains at about 140 available properties from Carpinteria to Goleta with the median list price for those properties coming in at around $505,000 and the average list price showing up at about $695,000.

Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are down from 45 to 44 with the median sales price falling from $385,000 to $359,450. The numbers of escrows are also down falling from 50 to 47 and the median list price on those escrows is down from $409,450 to $369,000.

Montecito condo sales are up from 14 to 19 with the median sales price down from $1,022,500 to $818,750 and the numbers of escrows are up from 18 to 19 with the median list price on those escrows down from $1,075,000 to $998,000.

East of State St sales are down 20% from 55 to 45 with the median sales price rising from $475,000 to $518,750 but the numbers of escrows are up going from 52 to 60 with the median list price on those escrows dropping slightly from $519,725 last year to $495,000 this year.

West of State St sales are down 13% from 59 to 51 with the median sales price falling from $495,000 to $439,000. The escrows are also down from 70 to 62 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $517,000 to $429,000.

Goleta South sales are up by 7% from 38 to 42 with the median sales price down just a little from $370,000 to $365,000. The numbers of escrows are up 29% from 37 to 48 with the median list price on those escrows down from $372,900 to $350,000.

Goleta North sales are down 3% from 30 to 29 with the median sales price down from $408,500 to $360,000. The escrows are also down from 39 to 29 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $419,000 to $349,500.

Despite the numbers of home sales falling in September the outlook for the rest of the year remains strong because of all the escrows that are still currently open. The median sales price and median list price on those escrows is trending down however with the majority of the activity still coming in the $450,000 to $750,000 range.

On the other hand, condos appear to be moving forward currently with even a slight upward movement in prices. Both extremes in condo pricing had a substantial amount of activity in September with 3 sales below $200,000 and 4 sales above $1 million while the majority of the action centered in the $400,000 to $550,000 range.

With Single Family Home escrows still about 15% ahead of last year sales should be strong through the end of the year and even though the numbers of condo sales remains about 9% behind where it was last year the numbers of opened condo escrows also point to a good finish for 2011.

How To Bid on The Caravan!

2011-10-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Community Environmental Council Auctioning Off One-of-a-Kind Gypsy Caravan

Online bidding is under way and will end Oct. 21 at the CEC's Green Gala fundraiser

Online bidding is under way for this 10-foot-by-10-foot gypsy caravan valued at $80,000. Proceeds will benefit the Community Environmental Council. (Community Environmental Council photo)

By Marjorie Wass for the Community Environmental Council | Published on 10.12.2011

As part of the Community Environmental Council’s annual Green Gala, the eco-chic party for the planet to be held Friday, Oct. 21 at the historic Amory in downtown Santa Barbara, a one-of-a-kind gypsy caravan is being auctioned to the highest bidder.
All proceeds will benefit the Community Environmental Council, a Santa Barbara nonprofit protecting the local environment since 1970.
The 10-foot-by-10-foot gypsy caravan is valued at $80,000 and features sleeping quarters for two — a luxuriously dressed double bed, laden with passementerie-trimmed pillows and colorful bedding, a kneehole desk, built-in storage, five windows allowing ample light, a high ceiling with an upper light-filled gallery, and indoor and outdoor antiqued sconces with energy-efficient LED lighting.
Ideal as an artist studio, guest cottage, romantic getaway or over-the-top conversation piece, this real-life gypsy caravan will be the centerpiece of the Green Gala’s spectacular and colorful gypsy village before heading out to its new owner’s home.
The caravan’s interior and exterior lights are powered by sunshine; the eco-caravan includes an off-grid, rooftop solar panel donated by Sun Pacific Solar Electric Inc.
In the true spirit of the gypsies, much of the caravan is created from repurposed or vintage material, and was created by community members who donated hundreds of hours of volunteer time to benefit the environmental organization.
Jim Forsha of Imagine Design Studios and Jamie Nelson of Jamie Nelson Construction in Santa Barbara were the architects, visionaries and builders of this masterpiece. Renowned artist MaryVonne LaParliere added detailed trim and custom interior artwork in meticulous “modern-gypsy” style. The base painting was rendered by Galvin Painting with great attention to detail and custom color selection. Merryl Brown Events coordinated the project from conception to completion.

The caravan features sleeping quarters for two with a luxuriously dressed double bed. (Community Environmental Council photo)

Other caravan creators and contributors include Marc Normand Gelinas Interior Design, Erin Feinblatt Photography and Elizabeth Messina Photography.
How to Purchase the Caravan
The Community Environment Council’s gypsy caravan will be available for purchase through the CEC Bidding for Good e-Auction. Bidding starts at $40,000. Advance online bidding began Tuesday. Click here to access the bidding page. Bidding will end during the CEC’s Green Gala on Oct. 21.
The caravan will be available for transportation to its new home on Saturday, Oct. 22. All proceeds from the sale of the caravan will benefit the Community Environmental Council.
For more information or to attend the Green Gala, click here or contact Kathi King at 805.963.0583 x108 or kking@cecmail.org.
— Marjorie Wass is a publicist representing the Community Environmental Council.

Own a one of a kind gypsy caravan

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

by Merryl Brown

This beautiful gypsy caravan can be yours! It is the featured auction item at CEC’s Green Gala.
Ideal as an artist studio, guest cottage, romantic getaway or over-the-top conversation piece, the Gypsy Caravan has been built in the Ledge style of gypsy caravans — a narrow base with upright sides, extended living space, and arched roof.
Our Gypsy Caravan features sleeping quarters for two in a custom-built and dressed double bed, built-in desk and closet, indoor and outdoor sconces and a painted chandelier with antique Austrian crystals, powered by an off-grid solar panel. Built from the ground up using mostly reclaimed wood and found material, the entire piece features charming and eclectic recycled, bartered and repurposed items—in true gypsy fashion.

Jim Forsha of Imagine Design Studios in Santa Barbara is the architect, visionary and primary builder of this masterpiece. Jamie Nelson Construction provided the workshop space and Galvin Painting designed the base painting. The copper roof was donated by Craig Roof Company. The trim and custom interior artwork were painted by renowned artist Maryvonne LaParliere. The solar panel was donated by Sun Pacific Solar Electric. and Merryl Brown Events coordinated the project from conception to completion. Together, these artisans have created a unique and amazing masterpiece valued at $80,000!
Bidding starts at $40,000. Advance bidding begins Tuesday, October 11 on CEC’s Bidding for Good online auction page and will finish on Friday, October 21 at the CEC’s Green Gala event.
For more information, contact Kathi King at kking@cecmail.org.

Tags: events, green gala, solar power

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 10/3 - 10/9

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

We had 162 closings in the month of September. (This is all closings, residential, commercial and land). This number is the highest for the month of September for the past 6 years. In the residential market, we have between 6 and 7 months of inventory market-wide: 9-12 months of inventory over $2 million, (strong buyers' market), and 3-4 months of inventory under $1 million, (balanced to sellers' market). The median price has been flat for the past 3 years at around $850,000; even though prices have continued to slide down over the past 3 years, a steady increase in the number of sales over $1 million, has kept the median steady. We are now seeing around 35% of our closings over $1 million, up from 18-20%.

10/3 - 10/9

New Listings: 51

Price Improvements: 55

Pending: 35 breaks down to:

Under $600k: 15

$600-800k: 8

$800k-1 million: 5

$1-2 million: 6

$2-4 million: 1

$4-8 million: 0

$8 million+: 0

Closed: 26 breaks down to:

Under $600k: 7

$600-800k: 5

$800k-1 million: 5

$1-2 million: 5

$2-4 million: 2

$4-8 million: 2

$8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 15

Back On Market: 12

Green Gala: Friday, October 21 - 20 Tickets left!

2011-10-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

The Green Gala is just around the corner on Friday, October 21 at the Santa Barbara Armory and promises to be a spectacular eco-evening!

We are pleased to announce that we have made room for about 20 additional seats. If you thought you were out of luck, now's your chance to purchase our last remaining tickets!

For ticketing information, visit our website or contact kking@cecmail.org. at the

Rethink the Drink: Reducing the use of plastic water bottles in local schools

2011-10-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

"Rethink the Drink" is a pilot project to reduce plastic water bottle usage at three local schools and colleges by at least 75% this school year.

Water bottle production is very energy intensive.

More than 17 million barrels of oil are used each year to transport bottled water to our stores — enough to fuel one million vehicles for a year. Despite being recyclable, most bottled water is consumed 'on the go' and fewer than 30% of the bottles are recycled. The rest end up in landfills or as trash in storm drains, watersheds and the ocean.

;

OUR PROGRESS

As part of a pilot project funded by the Orfalea Foundation and Medbridge Development, CEC is installing water refill stations at local schools so students have access to cold, filtered water. Through this project we are currently working with:

Franklin Elementary School
Montecito Union School
Santa Barbara Junior High
Santa Barbara High School
Westmont College

We hope to expand to more local schools in the near future. We have distributed stainless steel water canteens to every student and staff member at Franklin Elementary, and two hundred canteens are being distributed at SBHS through a partnership with the student-run Dons Net Café.

That’s thousands of water bottles.

With a counter on the stations that displays the amount of bottles saved by refilling, CEC has eliminated more than 5,000 water bottles in the first two months of the project.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Follow Rethink the Drink on our Facebook page for photos and stories of students enjoying cold, clean water in their canteens. Sign up for email alerts from CEC.
Bring your own refillable canteen whenever possible instead of using disposable plastic water bottles.
Support CEC to keep Rethink the Drink expanding to other schools, as well as parks and recreation areas.
Want Rethink the Drink at your school? Contact us. Tell your friends, neighbors and kids about Rethink the Drink. We hope to expand this program in the coming year.

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 9/26 - 10/2

2011-10-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 40

Price Improvements: 41

Pending: 22 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 14
     $600-800k: 3
     $800k-1 million: 2
     $1-2 million: 3
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 33 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 12
     $600-800k: 4
     $800k-1 million: 6
     $1-2 million: 10
     $2-4 million: 1
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 46

Back On Market: 17

Time For Revenge...of the Electric Car movie preview!

2011-10-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Exclusive preview screening of Revenge of the Electric Car on Wednesday, October 5.

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Time for Revenge

Join us for a preview of Revenge of the Electric Car

Did you watch the film "Who Killed the Electric Car," about the auto industry's backlash against California's electric car requirements and how GM crushed the EV1? The film is a cult classic and inspired many of today's electric vehicle owners or future owners to pledge that their next car would be electric.
On Wednesday, October 5, CEC and The Sustainability Project are bringing an exclusive preview of the sequel - "The Revenge of the Electric Car" - to the gorgeous Marjorie Luke Theater, months before its theatrical debut. This new film by Chris Paine, director of “Who Killed the Electric Car,” goes behind closed doors at Nissan, GM, and Tesla to get the story of the global competition to produce the best new models and dominate the growing market for electric vehicles. Esquire magazine says, “(Revenge) is distinguished by its unguarded access to GM’s Bob Lutz, Nissan’s Carlos Ghosn, and Tesla’s Elon Musk – three colorful super-villains who might save the planet.”

5:30pm - CEC's Green Car Show, featuring the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, Tesla Roadster, and more. The Mobile Café will be on site selling nutritious food.
7:00pm - Exclusive preview screening
8:30pm - Panel discussion on EVs & the industry, featuring Director Chris Paine, local EV owners, and experts.

Watch the trailer

Official Trailer: Revenge of the Electric Car

571 ratings

136,245 views

Buy tickets

For admission to the film and panel discussion, the suggested donation is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Admission to the car show and information booths is free. Purchase discounted tickets in advance >

RSVP on Facebook

Chat with other people who are attending the preview screening and invite your friends. Plan to meet up at 5:30pm to check out the Green Car Show and grab a bite to eat from the Mobile Cafe. RSVP >

Reserved EV parking

If you have an electric car, bring it to the event. We will have reserved EV parking for the largest collection of EVs Santa Barbara has ever seen. Email mchiacos@cecmail.org to reserve parking.

Plug In Santa Barbara

Plug In SB is a one-stop resource for local electric car buyers. Learn more about new models, charging rates, government incentives, permitting, and more. Plug In SB >

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The Community Environmental Council's Green Gala is coming up!

2011-09-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Green Gala

October 21, 2011, 6:00pm-midnight
The Armory (700 East Canon Perdido)

Please join us for CEC’s 2011 Green Gala Gypsy Caravan. For the third year in a row, we are pleased to partner with Merryl Brown Events for a wonderful evening. Merryl and her team are creating an unforgettable Gypsy Village, an explosion of color, movement and music. This fabulous party is not only going to be incredibly beautiful but earns its ‘eco-chic’ title by focusing on repurposed, borrowed and recycled elements throughout.

We are proud to feature a delicious dinner prepared just for us by the famous Full of Life Flatbread, featuring local and organic ingredients. At the bar, enjoy organic wines and decadent specialty drinks. A locally-made dessert bar will delight the taste buds, complemented by fair trade and organic coffee and teas from Santa Barbara’s own Green Star Coffee.

The CEC’s annual Green Gala is a transformative evening, allowing us to tell our story to a group of committed and influential community members and visionary friends. We hope you’ll join us!
If you are interested in sponsoring the 2011 Green Gala – Download our sponsorship letter (pdf)
Want to be notified about 2011 Green Gala news and all that's going on at CEC? Sign up for email alerts.

Green Gala is a truly green event

The 2009 and 2010 Green Galas both achieved waste diversion levels of 97%. Most of the total waste generated by the events was recycled or composted. These numbers far exceed waste management practices of any standard event and are exemplary even for an event striving to be considered “zero waste.” The remaining 3% of trash resulted in large part out of the necessity to package delivered food.
CEC’s Green Gala is produced by the talented team at Merryl Brown Events, winner of the 2010 International Special Events Society (ISES) Esprit Awards for “Best Green Solution” for CEC's 2010 Green Gala - her second year in a row to be nominated for this prestigious award. She also won the BizBash West award for Social Planner of the Year!

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 9/19 - 9/25

2011-09-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 36

Price Improvements: 52

Pending: 31 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 14
     $600-800k: 8
     $800k-1 million: 2
     $1-2 million: 5
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 2
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 28 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 16
     $600-800k: 5
     $800k-1 million: 1
     $1-2 million: 5
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 1
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 12

Back On Market: 10

Santa Barbara Real Estate through the end of August 2011

2011-09-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

The decline in the median sales price came from the dramatic rise in sales priced below $1 million going from 59 to 67 and the even more dramatic drop in sales from $1 to $2 million which went from 29 to 17. Sales above $2 million remained at about the same level going from 10 in July to 12 in August with 2 of those sales over $2 million down from 3 in July.

            The numbers of escrows also rose in August going to 111 for the month up from 95 in July and 104 in June. The median list price on those escrows went up from July when it was $749,000 to $799,000 in August but the sales price to original list price ratio on those properties that closed escrow continued to hover right around 87%.
            The inventory continued to be around 550 to 570 available properties for the month with the median list price on those available properties remaining around a $1.45 million median list price and a $2.9 million average list price.
            The average days on the market for the homes that did sell went up to the mid 90s after being in the mid to high 70’s for the previous two months.
             Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are up 16% from 49 to 57 and the median sales price is up from $675,000 to $710,000. The numbers of escrows are also way up going from 44 to 64 with the median list price on those escrows rising from $659,000 last year to $700,000 this year.
             For Montecito, sales are up by 21% going from 95 to 115 with the median sales price dropping from $2.41 million to $2.16 million. Escrows are up 31% going from 103 to 135 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $2.69 million to $2.32 million.
             East of State St sales are down 3% going from 164 to 158 and the median sales price is down from $950,000 to $915,000. The escrows are up by 6% however going from 176 to 188 with the median list price on those escrows dropping from $995,000 last year to $949,000 this year.
             West of State St sales are up 8% from 126 to 142 but the median sales price is down from $800,000 to $682,000. The numbers of escrows are also up with 145 in ’10 to 158 in ‘11 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $824,000 last year to $699,900 this year.
             Hope Ranch sales are up from 12 to 19 but the median sales price is down from $2.412 million to $1.972 million. The numbers of escrows are also up from 13 to 22 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $2.295 million to $1.995 million.
             Goleta South sales are down 28% from 69 to 49 and the median sales price is down from $670,000 to $590,000. The numbers of escrows are also down from 69 to 67 with the median list price on those escrows declining from $729,000 to $594,450.
             Goleta North sales are also down from 114 to 110 with the median sales price dropping from $715,000 to $659,500. The numbers of escrows are up however from 121 to 129 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $729,000 to $668,000.
            With about 100 more escrows opened through August ’11 than occurred through August ’10 the Home Estate market in Santa Barbara looks healthy. But, the majority of those sales are occurring below the $1 million mark with the burst of activity that occurred from $1 to $2 in July appearing to be only an aberration.

For the Home Estate/PUD market of Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Carpinteria, Summerland and Goleta August 2011 marked the third month in a row in which the numbers of sales increased. Sales rose from 90 in June to 95 in July to 96 in August. But, unlike the numbers of sales the median sales price declined for those same 3 months dropping from $862,500 in June to $815,000 in July down to $734,500 in August.

For the condo market August marked the 5^th month in a row that we saw an increase in the numbers of sales from the previous month. The median sales price fell back however, dropping from $551,400 in July to a still healthy $436,449 in August. After posting sub $400,000 median sales prices for condos for most of the rest of 2011 anything in that $430,000 range is very welcome and should spur condo sellers who have been sitting on the sidelines watching their investments decline into thinking about listing their properties.
            The Days on the Market for sold properties slid down into the mid 60s after being above 91 in July and almost 100 in June. While the Sales Price to Original List Price Ratio remained around 90% for July and August and up from 85% in June.
             The numbers of escrows continued to grow in August with 43 for the month down a little from 46 in July but up from 35 in June. The median list price on those escrows slid down however below $400,000 for the month falling from $457,000 in July and $465,000 in June.
             The numbers of sales when compared to 2010 continues to lag but the numbers of escrows in 2011 has surpassed those posted in the previous year. Last year through August the median sales price for condos was $435,000 and this year it has been $420,000 but it seems to be continuing to rise.

Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are down from 42 to 40 with the median sales price falling from $385,750 to $359,450. The numbers of escrows are also down falling from 45 to 44 and the median list price on those escrows is down from $409,900 to $369,000.

Montecito condo sales are up from 14 to 16 with the median sales price up from $1,022,500 to $1,100,000 and the numbers of escrows are up from 13 to 16 with the median list price on those escrows up from $1,050,000 to $1,247,000.

East of State St sales are down 32% from 49 to 33 with the median sales price rising from $471,000 to $517,500 and the numbers of escrows are down going from 47 to 53 with the median list price on those escrows dropping from $519,950 last year to $517,000 this year.

West of State St sales are down 25% from 54 to 40 with the median sales price falling from $495,000 to $432,000. The escrows are also down from 59 to 55 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $507,000 to $429,000.

Goleta South sales are up by 20% from 30 to 36 with the median sales price up just a little from $357,500 to $365,000. The numbers of escrows are up 34% from 32 to 43 with the median list price on those escrows down from $365,950 to $350,000.

Goleta North sales are down 17% from 28 to 23 with the median sales price down from $408,500 to $350,000. The escrows are also down from 35 to 28 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $416,500 to $349,500.
I continue to be encouraged by the numbers of property sales in the Santa Barbara area particularly with Single Family Dwellings and now more and more with Condos. With the numbers of escrows continuing strong the last 4 months of 2011 should be good for both homes and condos. But, while the median sales price on condos is starting to move up the median sales price on homes continues to slide. With 38 of the 96 sales occurring between $500,000 and $800,000 in August and with 11 more sales below $500,000 there’s a lot more activity farther down in the market. And when you combine that fact with activity between $1 and $2 million sputtering the median sales price should continue to push down. Hopefully the higher dollar properties on the market will start to re-assert themselves and we will have a more robust Santa Barbara Real Estate market from top to bottom.

September Santa Barbara Green Team's Last Newsletter

2011-09-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

House Prices: Another Look

DataQuick provides monthly data on foreclosures as well as re-sales of single family homes, condos, and new homes. This data is maintained by the UCSB Economic Forecast Project and is available for Santa Barbara since January 1989 for the median price of the resale of single family homes, as well as their number or count. A chart showing these numbers follows. The shaded areas in this plot are the recessions, with the timing determined by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

The DataQuick median price data does not address the composition problem that the Case-Shiller index does by tracking the sale price of the same home, and hence adjusting for quality. However, the Case-Shiller price indices are not available for smaller cities such as Santa Barbara. An advantage of the DataQuick median price is that it is available for single family homes and for condos and hence provides detail.

Statistical analysis of the median price data for single family homes shows that the Great Recession continues to have an impact, depressing the median price by about $148,000. Each foreclosure has an impact with a lag of about five months, depressing the median price by about $5900 per foreclosure. Each sale or count has an impact with a lag of ten months, increasing the median price by about $677 per sale. This may be revealing the supply curve and the construction cost per square foot. There is also some evidence of a two year cycle in median home prices. More charts and article

Posted by hs on 8/15/11

Categorized as Real estate,Santa Barbara County

COMMUNITY:

"REVENGE OF THE ELECTRIC CAR"

The Sustainability Project is offering a public preview of the box-office film "Revenge of the Electric Car," the story of the global resurgence of electric cars, on Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00 pm, in the Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High. The major event sponsors are the Community Environmental Council and Livingreen. Event proceeds to benefit the Sustainability Project

This new film by Chris Paine, director ...of "Who Killed the Electric Car," goes behind closed doors at Nissan, GM, and Tesla to get the story of the global competition to produce the best new models and dominate the growing market for electric vehicles. Esquire magazine says, "(Revenge) is distinguished by its unguarded access to GM's Bob Lutz, Nissan's Carlos Ghosn, and Tesla's Elon Musk – three colorful super-villains who might save the planet." View the movie trailer at: www.revengeoftheelectriccar.com

Prior to the showing, at 5:30 pm the Community Environmental Council will host a free electric car show, featuring the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, Tesla Roadster, and electric bikes and motorcycles. The Mobile Café will be on site selling nutritious food, and local businesses and organizations will provide informational displays in the theatre lobby.

Following the film, at about 8:30 pm, a panel of local electric vehicle (EV) experts and owners will join director Paine for a discussion about the benefits and difficulties of EV ownership and the future of the EV industry. "So many people are doing innovative things," Paine said. "We're reporting on big car companies, independent startups, and converters, and we're tying EV's into renewable energy."

For admission to the film and panel discussion, the suggested donation is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Admission to the car show and information booths is free. To purchase tickets visit:

www.sustainabilityproject.org

GET INVOLVED:

Green Drinks

Always takes place on the third Tuesday of each month.

Tonight @ the Lobero Theatre Courtyard

Toast the greener Lobero with LoaTree and friends for September’s Green Drinks benefit for the Sustainable, Organic, Local (SOL) Food Festival

The cost is $10 and includes a complimentary glass of wine from Martian Vineyard, and hors d’oeuvres featuring local farm products.

All are welcome. Bring a friend.

Ride a bike. Enjoy each other.

www.greendrinks.org/CA/Santa Barbara

VOCABULARY LESSON:

Tar Sands

^[4]

Bituminous sands, colloquially known as oil sands or tar sands, are a type of unconventional petroleum deposit. The sands contain naturally occurring mixtures of sand, clay, water, and a dense and extremely viscous form of petroleum technically referred to as bitumen (or colloquially "tar" due to its similar appearance, odour, and colour). Oil sands are found in large amounts in many countries throughout the world, but are found in extremely large quantities in Canada and Venezuela.^[1]

With improved fuel economy standards, potential fuel-efficient technologies, advanced biofuels and electric vehicles and the effect these would have on crude oil consumption, there is simply no reason to dig up the Tar Sands. When fuel cell technology becomes refined, fuel cell cars will replace electric cars and hybrids. As transportation becomes less oil centric and more electric centric, renewable sources of electricity from solar, wind, hydro, geothermal will replace barrels of oil, there will still be no reason to dig up the Tar Sands.

Cool Website of the Month:

www.thegreenhorns.net

an inspiring group of people that exist to recruit, support and connect young farmers all across America. They have produced an incredible documentary featuring urban, suburban and rural farmers from a myriad of backgrounds.

Whether you grow more yourself or spend more food dollars locally, know that you, too, can support or become a Greenhorn with a green thumb.

FOR SALE:

10 San Marcos Trout Club
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Listed at $829,000

Relax and enjoy the views in the San Marcos Trout Club. This 2/2.5ba 2 story cedar log home was built in 1992.

This property boasts high ceilings, lots of wood, granite countertops, a masonry fireplace and custom cabinets. The decks and Jacuzzi have sweeping ocean and city views.

The Trout Club offers acres of community space and access to a creek that flows year round. All of this and only 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara.

Call Elizabeth for a private showing.

IN ESCROW

30 South Salinas D

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Listed For $475,000

This free standing house, located at the front of a 4 unit complex was built around 1920 and has been very well-maintained and updated. The kitchen was remodeled and has a commercial-style stainless steel stove and vent, silestone counter tops and a separate laundry area. There is an entryway, a nice size living room, separate dining room, three bedrooms and two baths. Most of the house has hardwood floors which were refinished this past year and the interior was recently re-painted. There is a working gas fireplace in the living room as well as high ceilings in living room and dining room.

The master bedroom is fairly large and has its own bathroom and french doors out to a deck. The second bedroom is big enough to be comfortable with a queen bed, night stands, and dresser. The third bedroom is long and narrow, most likely best suited as either an office or a child's bedroom.

Abundant natural light flows into the home and there is a beautiful redwood deck leading to a stone patio with a waterfall. The yard/garden wrap around the house and are planted with native plants that bring color and privacy to the yard. The flow of the home and yard blend indoor-outdoor living and gatherings among friends are easy and well laid out in front of the outdoor fire pit and water feature. The house is wired for flat screen TV with full surround sound as well as for outdoor speakers in the garden.

There are ocean views from the deck and the third bedroom, and a little bit from the bedroom. The ocean view is high enough that you can see the ocean through and over the other houses The location is very convenient with Trader Joe's which is three blocks away, Tri-County Produce is just a little further. A bank and other shopping is just a few blocks away and the beach is a ten minute walk.

IN ESCROW

East Beach Collection

Listed at $649,900

3br/3.5ba 2 car gar, 3 story, 2,210 sq ft corner unit with mountain views

These are work force housing units (must work in South SB County) and market rate LEED certified housing and are a SUPER BUY for new construction just a few blocks to East Beach.

Call us if you are interested in seeing any of the other units!

Earth-Friendly Elements

Solar energy is generated on each unit and used onsite.
Energy Star rated Hybrid Electric Water Heater features Heat Pump Technology.
Low-flow faucets and shower heads reduce water bill costs.
Energy Star rated high-efficiency dishwasher.
Low-Emission dual glazed windows offer insulation against cold and heat.
Caesar Stone kitchen countertops.

SOLD:

616 Mulberry Avenue

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Sold for $550,000

This little gem is an absolutely lovely home on the Westside that is nestled on a quiet street reminiscent of a country lane. From the rear of the property is a gate and outside a dirt lined alley which could be mistaken for a scene out of the North Shore of Hawaii and all on the hip Westside of Santa Barbara.

The charming main house has two bedrooms and one bath, living room, dining area and a lovely skylight that lets plenty of sunshine in to the home. The detached guest house is one room and one full bathroom perfect for an office or artist studio. The spacious back deck serves as an extended living room and the french doors remain open almost all the time to allow for indoor/outdoor living in our moderate climate.

With clean lines, calming, modern colors and sleek finishes, this home has been completely renovated. There are newer South American Koa hardwood floors, a kitchen with contemporary white doors and soft close cupboards, light and bright bathrooms, update electrical and newer plumbing. Looking at photos from "before" it is hard to believe that this is the same property as it truly shines now!

The back yard is filled with native plants, fruit trees, sandstone pavers and on the back of the garage are a set of Australian clothes drying racks, which were a sure deal closer for my eco-conscious Buyers! We snatched this one up on its first day on the market and I am told that there are plenty of very disappointed other Buyers out there that missed out on this fantastic deal and opportunity!

FINALLY SOLD!

328 Loma Vista

Santa Barbara, CA 93103

This home is located on a one block long street that many locals don't even know about! Between Sola, Laguna, Victoria and Garden streets and in the Historical District of Santa Barbara is a shingle sided Craftsman style Bungalow House. The location could not get any better for downtown living as it is very close to Alameda Park which has the popular Kids World playground and the peaceful Alice Keck Park as well as a hop skip and jump to all of the downtown amenities.

While the offer for this property was submitted more than one year ago, my patient Buyers waited for this short sale. Although I warned them of the "wild, wild West" of short sales, this one took a little longer than expected and we waited for 365 days (exactly to the day) for short sale approval and then closed 30 days after that!

Usually I hope that my Buyers will miss my daily calls to update them, but in this case I think they will enjoy a much needed break from real estate. I promise that they are not all like this! No, really they aren't all like this...trust me;)

Interested in making some Extra Money from your home while you are away?

Consider renting out your home as a short term vacation rental or as a long term rental.

There is strong demand for renters from all over the world wanting to come enjoy our oceanside paradise.

DeAnn has successfully helped several clients and she can help you too.

Here are a few current rentals DeAnn manages:

www.LaCasaSanMiguel.com

www.BestViewRentalSB.com

www.CasaDeLaLuz.com

www.SBPueblo.com

Email DeAnn for more information: DeAnn@GreenHomesSB.com

Elizabeth Wagner & DeAnn Wilson
Village Properties
4050 Calle Real Suite 120 | Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Elizabeth: 805.895.1467 or DeAnn 805.451.7488
www.SantaBarbaraEcoBroker.com and www.GreenHomesSB.com
SantaBarbaraEcoBrokers@gmail.com

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Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 9/12 - 9/18

2011-09-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 34

Price Improvements: 42

Pending: 21 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 13
     $600-800k: 3
     $800k-1 million: 2
     $1-2 million: 2
     $2-4 million: 1
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 24 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 13
     $600-800k: 4
     $800k-1 million: 1
     $1-2 million: 2
     $2-4 million: 3
     $4-8 million: 1
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 24

Back On Market: 12

Village Insight Fall Edition

2011-09-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

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Our Fall Edition of the
Village Insight!

Village Properties is proud to announce its fifth edition of the Village Insight! A gorgeous completely digital magazine, accessible online with just one click.

homes. style. life.

Village Insight has it all. Local stories, people and places. Real estate market news and insights. And lest we forget, a beautiful presentation of hundreds of Village's current listings. Grab the laptop, kick back, and browse through the full double-page layouts and photography. Village Insight is beautiful, fast, and free.

Village Insight is for visitors and locals alike. With original articles and artwork, we're sure everyone will discover something new about Montecito, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez in each issue.

Please click here to view our Fall issue. We hope you enjoy it and share it with all your friends too. It's free!

What's New?
Well... everything really. Village Insight showcases more than beautiful homes and gorgeous estates.

Each issue provides its readers with stories about local treasures, events, people and businesses.

In this issue, VI talks to McClean Vineyards on becoming one of the most talked about wines; Nicole Byrnes Patterson lets us know how we can reduce our trash build up, and we also include some information on the 1st Annual Movegreen Futures Golf Tournament, which is a great way to help rise money for the Village Properties Teachers Fund!

It's not all just human interest though. VI also weighs in with local real estate news and sales figures in our Real Insight section.

Listings, Listings, Listings

And lest we forget, VI showcases hundreds of gorgeous listings, from Ojai up through Los Olivos.

Everything from sensible family homes in perfect family neighborhoods, all the way to massive ranches and estates with all the amenities and views you could ever dream for.

What Are You Waiting For?
Why just read about it here though? Village Insight is just a click away.

Please follow the link below to start flipping through Village Insight right away.

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Village Properties

1250 Coast Village Road

Montecito, CA 93108

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Just Sold: 616 Mulberry Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93101

2011-09-15T09:00:00.001-07:00

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 9/5 - 9/11

2011-09-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 44

Price Improvements: 40

Pending: 39 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 18
     $600-800k: 11
     $800k-1 million: 3
     $1-2 million: 5
     $2-4 million: 2
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 16 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 6
     $600-800k: 3
     $800k-1 million: 1
     $1-2 million: 6
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 22

Back On Market: 5

Just Sold: 328 Loma Vista Santa Barbara, CA 93103

2011-09-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Drastic Price Reduction: 30 S. Salinas D to $475,000!!!

2011-09-09T15:49:00.001-07:00

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Village Properties

www.villagesite.com
*|1250 Coast Village Road, California 93108|*
Copyright (C) 2009 *|Village Properties|* All rights reserved.

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Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 8/29 - 9/4

2011-09-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 45

Price Improvements: 49

Pending: 31 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 13
     $600-800k: 7
     $800k-1 million: 3
     $1-2 million: 6
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 2
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 43 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 19
     $600-800k: 12
     $800k-1 million: 5
     $1-2 million: 4
     $2-4 million: 2
     $4-8 million: 1
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 32

Back On Market: 9

Happy 1st Birthday Wyatt!

2011-08-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that it has been a whole year since my darling Wyatt was born?

Then...

Now...

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 8/22 - 8/28

2011-08-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 37

Price Improvements: 42

Pending: 37 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 16
     $600-800k: 7
     $800k-1 million: 5
     $1-2 million: 5
     $2-4 million: 4
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 23 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 9
     $600-800k: 2
     $800k-1 million: 5
     $1-2 million: 7
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 26

Back On Market: 4

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 8/15 - 8/21

2011-08-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 49

Price Improvements: 58

Pending: 40 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 15
     $600-800k: 8
     $800k-1 million: 7
     $1-2 million: 8
     $2-4 million: 2
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 25 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 12
     $600-800k: 7
     $800k-1 million: 1
     $1-2 million: 2
     $2-4 million: 3
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 27

Back On Market: 10

August Santa Barbara Green Team Newsletter

2011-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Always takes place on the third Tuesday of each month...tonight!

Green Drinks @ the Ty Warner Sea Center Tuesday, August 16th, 6pm

Jean-Michel Cousteau, will be the featured speaker for this exciting opportunity to connect with one of the stalwarts of ocean protection. As you might know, Mr. Cousteau's Santa Barbara-based non-profit organization, Ocean Futures Society, focuses on inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for the ocean's protection. Due to his countless accomplishments on behalf of the world's waters, Jean-Michel was recently honored by Santa Barbara's own Environmental Defense Center as a local environmental hero.

All are welcome. Bring a friend. Ride a bike. Enjoy each other.

www.greendrinks.org/CA/Santa Barbara

VOCABULARY LESSON:

Micro-sustainability:

focuses on the small environmental actions that when calculated collectively result in a large environmental impact. Micro-sustainability centers on individual efforts, behavior modification and creating attitudinal changes, which result in an environmentally conscious individual or community.

Micro-sustainability encourages sustainable changes through change agents, which are individuals that are encouraged; and therefore, foster positive environmental action inside their own sphere of influence.

Examples of micro-sustainability include recycling, turning off lights when not in use, programming thermostats for efficient use of energy, reducing water usage through conservation, changing driving habits or patterns in order to use less gasoline or modifying buying habits or behaviors in order to reduce waste and consumption.

www.wikipedia.com

Cool Website of the Month:

SB County Planning

www.sbcountyplanning.org

Did you know you don't need a building permit for building extra storage space on your property or an accessory structure.

A one story detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, gazebos, pergolas, and similar structures, provided that the height does not exceed 12 feet, roof area does not exceed 120 square feet, and the structure does not have plumbing or electrical facilities.

Check out the latest permitting and zoning rules at: http://sbcountyplanning.org/pdf/forms/LUDC/CountyLUDC_August2011.pdf

FOR SALE:

1419 Wyant Road

Montecito, CA 93108

Listed at $5,500,000

Ideally situated on a private knoll between the upper and lower villages of Montecito, this unique, warm and inviting gated estate boasts 1.3 acres and offers sweeping mountain views. Completed in 2004, with incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship, this property features an exceptionally functional indoor / outdoor floor plan with contemporary styling throughout all of the living spaces, including the four spacious bedrooms all complete with custom closet systems, a home office and a state of the art media room.

Green Features

• Strawbales with earthen plaster scratch coats inside and out and finished of lime (interior) and gypsum (interior).
• All Non-toxic products.
• Blue jean insulation in ceilings and between all rooms.
• Solar PV panels
• Solar hot water system for domestic and radiant floor heating uses.
• Required every sub-contractor to provide the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), for any proposed material in the house.
• Radiant Floor Heating throughout the entire house. Concrete floors level 1 and repurposed wood on level 2.
• Rain water catchment system that flows into three 1,700 gallon tanks underground, for landscape use.
• Gray water system not in use but installed. Able to bypass.
• Low Voltage lighting throughout.
• Full home automation system to reduce energy usage.
• All wiring run to avoid exposure to EMFs.
• High content flyash concrete floors
• Repurposed Jarrah wood used for floors, windows and doors.
• Repurposed antiques for all bath vanities.
• Feng Shui design
• Edible and native landscaping

www.1419WyantRoad.com

FOR SALE:

10 San Marcos Trout Club
Santa Barbara, CA 93117

Listed at $829,000

Relax and enjoy the views in the San Marcos Trout Club. This 2/2.5ba 2 story cedar log home was built in 1992.

This property boasts high ceilings, lots of wood, granite countertops, a masonry fireplace and custom cabinets. The decks and Jacuzzi have sweeping ocean and city views.

The Trout Club offers acres of community space and access to a creek that flows year round. All of this and only 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara.

IN ESCROW!
The real deal this time!!!

Laurel Springs Ranch

2720 Painted Cave Road

Santa Barbara, CA 93117

160 acre, 5 parcels

Turn key property, panoramic views

lodge that sleeps 30,

yoga studio,

main house, multiple

guest houses, spa,

solar heated pool,

barn, riding arena, pond, hiking trails, plentiful water,

organic garden &

more.

www.2720PaintedCaveRoad.com

SOLD:

131 La Vereda

Montecito, CA 93108

Sold for $1,195,000

Located in the prestigious Montecito Hedgerow and in the Montecito Union Elementary School District attendance area, this single-story Spanish style residence was a great find for a great price. Inhabited by the same family for many years, the property will shine again with some updating and attention. Built in 1930, the bones of the house are incredible and the attention to detail that was put in to the property throughout the years is notable.

The pie shaped, spacious, level grounds contain mature trees, fountains and ponds as well as a pool and plenty of flat grass to play on. The estate contains five generous sized bedrooms, along with three full sized bathrooms, a formal dining room, grand entrance and comfortable living room. Located just a few blocks from Miramar Beach, this property has a lot of life left in it and my Buyers saw that right away!

SHORT SALE FINALLY APPROVED. (Only 371 days of waiting) LOOK FOR THIS UNDER SOLD NEXT MONTH!

328 Loma Vista

Santa Barbara, CA 93103

In escrow since August of 2010 with a Short Sale through Bank of America...my Buyers are very patient!

Interested in making some Extra Money from your home while you are away?

Consider renting out your home as a short term vacation rental or as a long term rental.

There is strong demand for renters from all over the world wanting to come enjoy our oceanside paradise.

I have successfully helped several clients and I can help you too.

Here are a few current rental websites I manage:

www.LaCasaSanMiguel.com

www.BestViewRentalSB.com

www.CasaDeLaLuz.com

www.SBPueblo.com

Contact DeAnn for more information.

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 8/8 - 8/14

2011-08-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 50

Price Improvements: 60

Pending: 34 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 18
     $600-800k: 5
     $800k-1 million: 5
     $1-2 million: 5
     $2-4 million: 1
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 28 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 12
     $600-800k: 4
     $800k-1 million: 1
     $1-2 million: 7
     $2-4 million: 3
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 1

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 23

Back On Market: 9

Santa Barbara Real Estate through the end of July 2011

2011-08-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

For the Home Estate/PUD market of Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Carpinteria, Summerland and Goleta July 2011 was a significant month in that it marked the third month in a row that there were 90 or more sales and it was the first month of the year that sales surpassed the 2010 mark. But, while the sales increased to 94 for the month the median sales price declined from $862,500 in June to $827,000 in July. The average sales price remained stable however going from $1,299,018 in June to $1,226,920 in July.

The numbers of escrows declined a bit in July but still came in right around the mid 90s for the month down from 110 in June and the median list price on those escrows went down a little from $797,000 in June to $749,000 in July. But, despite falling from the previous month, escrows remained over 16% ahead of where they were last year at this time.

The inventory increased in July finishing the month with about 575 Home Estate/PUDs available for purchase from Carpinteria to Goleta and the median list price on that inventory remained stable at about $1.5 median with a $2.8 million average.

The price range break out for sales remained at about the same ratio that we experienced in June with 55 sales below a million in July up from 54 in June and 29 sales from $1 to $2 million up from 25 in June. For the above $2 million range there were10 sales for both months with 3 of those sales topping the $5 million mark.

Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are up 17% from 39 to 46 and the median sales price is up from $675,000 to $716,250. The numbers of escrows are also way up going from 33 to 52 with the median list price on those escrows rising from $625,000 last year to $749,000 this year.

For Montecito sales are up by 25% going from 79 to 99 with the median sales price dropping from $2.492 million to $2.227 million. Escrows are up 34% going from 87 to 118 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $2.75 million to $2.295 million.

East of State St sales are down 1% going from 142 to 140 and the median sales price is down from $975,000 to $915,000. The escrows are up by 12% however going from 152 to 171 with the median list price on those escrows dropping from $995,000 last year to $959,000 this year.

West of State St sales are up 4% from 112 to 117 but the median sales price is down from $800,000 to $701,000. The numbers of escrows are about equal for both years with 131 in ’10 and 134 in ‘11 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $824,000 to $717,000.

Hope Ranch sales are up from 11 to 15 but the median sales price is down from $2.975 million to $1.925 million. The numbers of escrows are also up from 10 to 20 and the median list price on those escrows is up from $1.87 million to just under $2 million.
Goleta South sales are down 39% from 64 to 39 and the median sales price is down $665,000 to $600,000. The numbers of escrows are also down from 60 to 57 with the median list price on those escrows declining from $729,000 to $574,900.

Goleta North sales are also down from 98 to 90 with the median sales price dropping from $732,448 to $666,000. The numbers of escrows are up however from 104 to 116 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $731,950 to $685,000.

With the escrows continuing to mount, the second half of 2011 should see sales push significantly past the numbers that we saw in 2010. The median sales price remains slightly behind the previous year however with about a 2% drop to a $839,950 median down from $857,500 and when you take Montecito and Hope Ranch out of the mix the median sales price drops by about 8% coming in a $728,250 through July 2011 falling from $793,325 July 2010.

For the condo market July marks the 4^th month in a row that the numbers of sales have increased. It also marks the highest median sales price that we’ve seen in the last 12 months rising to $551,450 from $439,500 in June and $375,000 in May. The numbers of opened escrows also took a big leap forward with 47 for the month up from 36 in June and only 15 in May. But, the median list price on those opened escrows remained at about the same level we’ve seen in the previous months with a $449,000 median in July, $447,495 in June and $420,000 in May.

At this point in the year escrows are only 8 behind where they were last year but the median list price on those escrows is down from $469,350 in 2010 to $425,000 in 2011. With escrows surging sales still lag significantly dropping from 193 in 2010 to 141 in 2011, but despite the lack of sales the median sales price is down only slightly going from $435,000 last year to $420,000 this year and the average sales price is actually ahead of the previous year rising from $523,548 to $535,272.

That increase in the average sales price is due to condo sales in the upper end starting to move forward particularly in Montecito but there have also been higher priced sales in Carpinteria and both the East and West Sides of Santa Barbara.

Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are down from 39 to 34 with the median sales price falling from $386,500 to $359,950. The numbers of escrows are even however 39 in both years. But, the median list price on those escrows is down from $404,450 to $374,000.

Montecito condo sales are down from 12 to 10 with the median sales price up from $1,062,500 to $1,200,000. But, the numbers of escrows are up from 12 to 15 with the median list price on those escrows up from $1,062,500 to $1,297,000.

East of State St sales are down 47% from 44 to 23 with the median sales price rising from $467,000 to $517,500. The numbers of escrows are also down but only by a little going from 40 to 39 with the median list price on those escrows up from $519,725 last year to $550,000 this year.

West of State St sales are down 31% from 47 to 32 with the median sales price falling from $498,000 to $425,000. The escrows are also down from 55 to 45 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $507,000 to $429,000.

Goleta South sales are up by 14% from 27 to 31 with the median sales price up just a little from $355,000 to $362,000. The numbers of escrows are up 33% from 27 to 36 with the median list price on those escrows up from $339,900 to $355,950.

Goleta North sales are down 30% from 26 to 18 with the median sales price down from $405,000 to $362,000. The escrows are also down from 31 to 22 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $419,000 to $349,500.

With Home sales surpassing the numbers we saw last year and condo escrows starting to mount the second half of 2011 looks like it will be strong. I’m particularly encouraged by the increase in the numbers of sales from $1 to $2 million in the home market which will bring the overall median sales price up. Also encouraging is the increase in condo sales that we’ve seen for the last 4 months and when you couple it with the rise in the median sales price of condos things should really start to move forward in that sector.

The questions that remain are first, what is going to happen with interest rates particularly if the US Treasuries get downgraded and second, what about that significant ghost inventory of homes and condos that are either in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure. But, whatever occurs in those areas the Santa Barbara Real Estate market still looks stronger than what’s going on in the rest of the country.

My (actually my Dad's) road to energy sustainability

2011-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

on Thursday, 04 August 2011.

by Russ Waldrop, Goleta resident

Envision a future when your electrical production comes from the "solar garden" on your roof, when you can get around town in a plug-in car powered by clean energy (which the roof system will now support), and when your food production comes from the garden in your back yard. You are guaranteed a reduction in your monthly electrical bills, gasoline bills and food bills.
It's this vision of the future that motivates me on my lifelong journey toward energy sustainability. I have been tapping away at this challenge for more than 40 years and I am on the right path. I visualize my journey in 4 phases:

Electricity production – Complete.
Solar panels and a 10 kW wind generator are all up and running. The electrical portion was quite possibly the most complicated and expensive step. My original estimation was that the monthly savings that I would enjoy, once the system was up and running, would allow me to pay off the initial cost of the system in a little over ten years. With AB 920 becoming available, this time period will be reduced. Check out my bill from April...
Transportation – In progress.
My six year old Prius is a transitional car that has religiously produced a 40 mpg average. I am looking forward to see what the transition to the next generation of electric cars will produce.
Food sustainability – In progress.
My extensive experience with organic gardening and Santa Barbara Heirloom Nursery will greatly assist me in accomplishing this goal.
Conservation, awareness, consciousness, education – In progress.
I remain aware of my energy choices on a daily basis and take action to conserve everywhere I can. We have dual glazed windows and a sod roof in our home; architectural design that maximizes the site location; solar pumps for water well and koi pond. We're also raising children with this energy consciousness as a template.

As food, electricity and gasoline prices continue to go up, I know that my long range plans will be productive and would be productive for anyone. It's really pretty simple and altogether achievable.
Hopefully one day my grandson will look back on all of this and be able to see my vision of the future. He'll know that his family played a small but significant part in promoting sustainability and will do his part to promote it in his own life.

Tags: energy efficient homes, energy smart pro

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 8/1 - 8/7

2011-08-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 50

Price Improvements: 38

Pending: 32 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 17
     $600-800k: 6
     $800k-1 million: 2
     $1-2 million: 7
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 26 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 8
     $600-800k: 9
     $800k-1 million: 5
     $1-2 million: 2
     $2-4 million: 1
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 1

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 25

Back On Market: 16

Just Sold: 131 La Vereda Montecito, CA 93108

2011-08-07T09:00:00.001-07:00

July Santa Barbara Green Team Newsletter (forgot to post in July)

2011-08-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

Supervalu (Albertson's) to Go Zero Waste at 40 Stores

Supervalu Inc. and its Albertsons brand of supermarkets have announced that they will move 40 stores to be zero waste by the end of next February, Waste & Recycling News

In November of 2010, two SUPERVALU-owned Albertsons stores in Santa Barbara, Calif. reached “zero waste” classification, making SUPERVALU the first U.S. retail grocer to announce this achievement. Through a combination of innovative recycling programs, a food donation program and a joint organic composting program with the City of Santa Barbara, the two stores now divert all non-contaminated waste from landfills and incinerators.

In total, over 95 percent of all waste products from both stores are recycled, reused or composted –exceeding the 90 percent threshold commonly recognized as zero waste. Together, the stores divert annually on average 2,074,328 pounds of waste from the landfill, including 808,200 pounds of cardboard, 27,524 pounds of plastic and 2,688 pounds of paper. “We are excited that Albertsons, an EPA WasteWise partner, is on the path towards zero waste,” said Viccy Salazar, Materials Management and Stewardship Lead for the EPA’s Seattle Office. “Based on the results Albertsons shared with EPA, their two Santa Barbara stores are beyond the 90% diversion rate that is commonly used to mean zero waste. It takes leadership, commitment and a clear vision to achieve those results.”

Albertsons also partnered with the City of Santa Barbara to establish one of the first citywide composting programs in the United States, which is a key piece of their waste diversion efforts. As a result of this program,
the city will compost 4,000,000 pounds of foodscraps from 120 program participants this year alone. Another key component of the waste diversion program includes donating staple and perishable product that would otherwise go unused for area food banks. Through the Albertsons Fresh Rescue Program, these two stores donate on average a total of 149,598 pounds per year of food to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.
“Over the past several years, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has seen a substantial increase in the variety and volume of product we receive from Albertson's Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. “The nonprofit organizations and churches who rely on the Foodbank for their food distributions continue to comment on the quality and availability of the product we pick up from Albertsons.”

“As one of the largest generators of organic
materials in the city, Albertsons’ participa-
tion sets a high bar for sustainable waste
management practices on the South Coast,”
said Eric Lohela, Environmental Specialist for
the City of Santa Barbara.

GET INVOLVED:

The Harding School Farmers Market.

Every Wednesday, 3:30–7pm

1625 Robbins St. (at Valerio)

The Mobile Cafe Food Truck will be there with delicious food to eat there or take to go:

Grilled Chicken Tacos — $5

Organic Beef Hamburger — $5

Old Fashioned Grilled 3 Cheese Sandwich—$4

Farmers Market Salad w/ Grilled Balsalmic Vegetables —$5

Active Water — $1.50

We need your help to keep this going, please come to the market and bring a friend, lots of friends!

Bring a chair to sit and converse and meet your neighbors. Get your veggies and fruit while you are there! Make it a habit!

Green Drinks @ Soho Restaurant and Music Club

Tonight:

Tuesday, July 19th 6pm

Always takes place on the third Tuesday of each month...tonight!

A Green Drinks favorite, Soho will let us take over the patio for full enjoyment of the fine summer weather. Entrance is FREE.

This month's Green Drinks features the Dr. Steven Gaines, Dean of UCSB's Bren School of Environmental Management. He'll give a brief talk (starting at 7pm) about how the Bren School works, innovative projects by their students and a view into sustainability & higher education.

All are welcome. Bring a friend. Ride a bike. Enjoy each other.

www.greendrinks.org/CA/Santa Barbara

VOCABULARY LESSON:

Zero Waste:

"Zero Waste is a goal that is ethical, economical, efficient and visionary, to guide people in changing their lifestyles and practices to emulate sustainable natural cycles, where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use. Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not burn or bury them. Implementing Zero Waste will eliminate all discharges to land, water or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal or plant health."

Cool Website of the Month:

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN. BY GAUCHOS.

FOR GAUCHOS.

URBAN, UPSCALE LOFT STYLE APARTMENTS STEPS FROM UC SANTA BARBARA

6533 & 6539 TRIGO ROAD, ISLA VISTA, CALIFORNIA

http://www.theloopiv.com

FOR SALE:

1419 Wyant Road

Montecito, CA 93108

Listed at $5,500,000

Green Features

www.1419WyantRoad.com

Please contact Elizabeth or DeAnn for more information and to schedule a showing.

FOR SALE:

10 San Marcos Trout Club
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Price Adjusted $829,000

Relax and enjoy the views in the San Marcos Trout Club. This 2/2.5ba 2 story cedar log home was built in 1992.

This property boasts high ceilings, lots of wood, granite countertops, a masonry fireplace and custom cabinets. The decks and Jacuzzi have sweeping ocean and city views.

The Trout Club offers acres of community space and access to a creek that flows year round. All of this and only 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara.

BACK ON THE MARKET:

Laurel Springs Ranch

2720 Painted Cave Road

Santa Barbara, CA 93117

Price Adjusted Again to $8,000,000

160 acre, 5 parcels

Turn key property, panoramic views

lodge that sleeps 30,

yoga studio,

main house, multiple

guest houses, spa,

solar heated pool,

barn, riding arena, pond, hiking trails, plentiful water,

organic garden &

more.

www.2720PaintedCaveRoad.com

SOLD:

1605 Villa Avenue

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Sold for $675,000

There is lots of love and attention to detail in this lovely Westside cottage located on a two block long street.

Featuring two bedrooms, one light and bright bathroom, hardwood and cork floors throughout, fireplace, remodeled kitchen with Wolf Range, butcher block counter. There have been lots of upgrades in the home including the electrical and heating systems, new paint, upgraded windows, customized closets and a new sewer line.

The entire yard uses native landscaping and is low on water use. There is a compost bin, garden and fruit trees. The setting is peaceful with large deck in the back yard and a one car garage that has been converted into a home office.

Home sweet home for the new buyers!

SOLD:

2345 Skyline Way

Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Sold for $849,000

Not on the market, ocean view Mesa home. Comprised of three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a spacious living room, dining room and office, this gem is ready for its new owners!

The kitchen and dining room blend seamlessly to the large deck which looks out over expansive ocean and island views. The house is situated next to a hill which makes the setting very private and rests on approximately 1/3 of an acre. The house has been updated, is beautifully landscaped has a two car garage with storage space.

The location is ideal, just up the street from Monroe Elementary, a short jaunt to Elings Park and the Wilcox Property and all that the Mesa Shopping Center has to offer. This was a great find and a great price!

Interested in making some Extra Money from your home while you are away?

Consider renting out your home as a short term vacation rental or as a long term rental.

There is strong demand for renters from all over the world wanting to come enjoy our oceanside paradise.

I have successfully helped several clients and I can help you too.

Here are a few current rental websites I manage:

www.LaCasaSanMiguel.com

www.BestViewRentalSB.com

www.CasaDeLaLuz.com

www.SBPueblo.com

Contact DeAnn for more information.

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 7/25 - 7/31

2011-08-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

New Listings 48

Price Improvements: 36

Pending: 43 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 22
     $600-800k: 8
     $800k-1 million: 4
     $1-2 million: 7
     $2-4 million: 2
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 35 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 11
     $600-800k: 9
     $800k-1 million: 3
     $1-2 million: 7
     $2-4 million: 4
     $4-8 million: 1
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 30

Back On Market: 9

Village Insight Summer Issue (check out my listing on the cover!)

2011-07-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Our Summertime
Edition of the
Village Insight!

Village Properties is proud to announce its fourth edition of the Village Insight! A gorgeous completely digital magazine, accessible online with just one click.

homes. style. life.

Village Insight is for visitors and locals alike. With original articles and artwork, we're sure everyone will discover something new about Montecito, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez in each issue.

Please click here to view our Summer issue. We hope you enjoy it and share it with all your friends too. It's free!

What's New?
Well... everything really. Village Insight showcases more than beautiful homes and gorgeous estates.

Each issue provides its readers with stories about local treasures, events, people and businesses.

In this issue, VI talks to Alida Aldrich on Beautiful Santa Barbara Gardens; Carla Reeves chatters about the restoration of the fountain at the Court House; and we even showcase one of our very own agents, Billy Mandarino, who is in The Ultraviolet Light Brigade and how they raided money to help the Teachers Fund!

It's not all just human interest though. VI also weighs in with local real estate news and sales figures in our Real Insight section.

Listings, Listings, Listings

And lest we forget, VI showcases hundreds of gorgeous listings, from Ojai up through Los Olivos.

Everything from sensible family homes in perfect family neighborhoods, all the way to massive ranches and estates with all the amenities and views you could ever dream for.

What Are You Waiting For?
Why just read about it here though? Village Insight is just a click away.

Please follow the link below to start flipping through Village Insight right away.

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Village Properties

4050 Calle Real, suite 120

Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Add us to your address book

Debunking popular real estate myths

2011-07-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Misconceptions include notions of a 'perfect' house; that length of time on the market means easier negotiating; that lowball bids are OK in a buyer's market; that distressed property sales are easy and cheap options; and that prices will continue to fall in down markets.

By Lew Sichelman

July 24, 2011

Reporting from Washington—

When it comes to real estate, all is not always as it seems. Many buyers — and some sellers — labor under misconceptions that could sink their housing aspirations.

Take the notion that you will hunt for a house until you find the "perfect" one. Sorry. There is no such thing as the perfect house. Even gently used houses come with blemishes. And new homes rarely, if ever, have absolutely everything you want at the price you want to spend.Another popular myth is that the longer a house is on the market, the more willing the seller will be to negotiate. Not necessarily.
A long time on the market could be a sign that the seller has dug in his heels. He could be hardheaded about the price, unwilling to come down and unwilling to bargain. Perhaps it means the seller is unmotivated. Or it could be an indication that the seller is just tired of the long, drawn-out process.
"After some point, most sellers become exhausted," says Bill Kuhlman, broker-owner of Kuhlman Residential Real Estate in Needham, Mass.
Among the frustrations that can sap a seller's spirit and stamina, Kuhlman lists these: the need to keep the house in showroom condition for months, having to put the house back on the market after one issue or another sinks a deal that looked so promising, having to put more money into the place to improve its marketability, or having to cut the asking price to the bone in a series of unsuccessful attempts to entice a buyer to step forward.
"Any of these can extract a heavy toll," Kuhlman says. "And they can become overwhelming when two or more of them come into play."
Add into the equation that moving is stressful, or that the seller is starting a new job or a new life, and it's possible that the seller will act irrationally. Maybe he'll balk over a minor issue the buyer wants fixed. Or if he feels slighted, perhaps he'll break off negotiations altogether.
The bottom line: There is no way of knowing how a seller will react to an offer, so assume nothing, Kuhlman says. "All buyers can do is make an offer that makes sense to them at the time and see how the seller responds."
Speaking of offers, many people believe they can make any bid they want, no matter how ridiculous, because it's a buyer's market. False. Even foreclosures and short sales are never priced at half their value "or anything even close to that type of fire-sale discount," says Christina Rordam of Exit Real Estate Results in Longwood, Fla.
Besides, starting exceptionally low because you can always go higher could offend the seller to the point that he won't respond. Or if he does and you end up buying the place, you could be in for a difficult transaction because the seller just won't like you.
"Homes are personal, and sellers take such things personally," says Lou Barbee of Re/Max Real Estate Group in Rocky River, Ohio. So if the inspection turns up a few issues that you would like fixed, don't expect the seller to make the repairs because you've already nickel-and-dimed him to the point where he is not going to lose any more money, no matter what.
Another popular misconception involves distressed properties and the notion held among many folks that buying one would be cheaper and easier than working with a seller who's under no particular pressure to ink a deal. Not so, says John Platten, a Keller Williams agent in West St. Charles, Mo.
When you're buying a foreclosure from a bank or dealing with a lender on a short sale, don't expect logical or rational decisions, Platten warns. "Banks work on their own set of rules, have their own priorities. They make decisions based on the financials at the moment and usually don't consider the future costs of a delayed sale or the condition of the property."
In fact, distressed sales often take much longer than normal to close if they close at all. And they are far more difficult, which is why Sue Paskert of Courter Realty in Tampa, Fla., won't touch them.
"Lenders are extremely difficult to deal with, whether it be a lack of communication or incompetence, who knows?" Paskert says. "But it takes many months to get approval. And in the end, the buyer may not get the house and, therefore, lose out on other good deals."
Then there's the notion, especially among first-time buyers, that they need the advice of their parents or friends before making a decision. After all, Dad or best buddy knows as much about the real estate market as their agents, if not more. Wrong — especially if these relatives or friends haven't dabbled in real estate for years.
Finally, if you like a place, try to buy it. Don't wait, especially in markets showing signs of recovery.
Keith Elliott of House to Home Realty in Fairfax, Va., had clients not long ago who found a home they liked, only to lose it because they wanted to wait because the market was still down. As a result, someone else snatched up the place.
"When it sells and they didn't get it," says Colleen Cotter of Keller Williams in San Diego, "they are mad and accuse the agent of not making them act." But if you wait for prices to drop some more, you may have only yourself to blame.
lsichelman@aol.com
Distributed by Universal Uclick for United Feature Syndicate.

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 7/18 - 7/24

2011-07-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 50

Price Improvements: 55

Pending: 36 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 23
     $600-800k: 4
     $800k-1 million: 1
     $1-2 million: 4
     $2-4 million: 2
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 1

Closed: 24 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 8
     $600-800k:7
     $800k-1 million: 0
     $1-2 million:7
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 1
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 12

Back On Market: 8

CEC Action Alert!

2011-07-25T15:58:00.001-07:00

Join us tomorrow (Tuesday, July 26) at 2pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall to voice your support for a cleaner, healthier built environment with options for all residents.

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Act now on Plan SB

Energy and Environment subsections to be decided

The City of Santa Barbara’s General Plan Update is coming back to the City Council, Tuesday, July 26. Key decisions relating to energy, climate change and the environment will occur tomorrow, and the impacts will be felt for decades. Please help us encourage the Council to empower future generations with appropriate tools and resources. We believe this means embracing new technologies and allowing people to choose from a range of options in transportation, housing, and business. Read more about the specific goals, policies, and implementation steps...
Please join us tomorrow (Tuesday, July 26) at 2pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall to voice your support for a cleaner, healthier built environment with options for all residents.

Send the letter below to the City Council and the City Clerk to show your support:

HSchneider@SantaBarbaraCA.gov ; DFrancisco@SantaBarbaraCA.gov ; GHouse@SantaBarbaraCA.gov ; RRowse@SantaBarbaraCA.gov ; MSelf@SantaBarbaraCA.gov ; HWhite@SantaBarbaraCA.gov; CMRodriguez@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Dear Santa Barbara City Council:
I support new technologies that allow people to choose from a range of options in transportation, housing, and business. I support the PlanSB Subcommittee recommendations but would like to see several of the implementation actions strengthened or clarified. Specifically:

ER6.5 Facilitate Renewable Energy Technologies.
The City has an exemplary over-the-counter permit process for rooftop solar. Unfortunately this process does not apply to historic structures or structures in historic areas. ER6.5 should specifically highlight the intent to facilitate use of renewable energy on historic structures and in historic areas. It should also lay out a plan for how such a plan might be implemented.
ER6.6 Solar Energy
I support all new construction and significant remodel projects installing solar energy and ask that any residential projects of three units or greater be required to install a minimum of 2kW of solar photovoltaic per unit. If 2kW per unit will not fit onto the property then the maximum physically feasible should be required. While it is often easiest to install solar on the residential roof, solar may also be installed over a parking structure or on the ground. All types of installation should be encouraged through this implementation element.
ER9.1 Electric Vehicles
Southern California Edison has identified the City of Santa Barbara as the fourth largest electric vehicle market out of 183 cities in their service territory. This means that they expect Santa Barbara residents to adopt this new technology faster than almost every other city in Southern California. Specifically they expect to see 450,000 to 1,000,000 electric vehicles in their territory by 2020, with Santa Barbara making up a substantial chunk. ER9.1 is vital if Santa Barbara residents are going to embrace options that move them away from the gasoline pump. Please leave it in the PlanSB update.

Thank you for your consideration.

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Just Listed: 30 South Salinas Unit D Santa Barbara, CA $585,000

2011-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 7/11 - 7/17/2011

2011-07-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 37

Price Improvements: 45

Pending: 21 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 6
     $600-800k: 8
     $800k-1 million: 3
     $1-2 million: 2
     $2-4 million: 1
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 1

Closed: 31 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 13
     $600-800k: 4
     $800k-1 million: 4
     $1-2 million: 9
     $2-4 million: 2
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 28

Back On Market: 14

Solar SUNday by the Community Environmental Council is coming up!

2011-07-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

The event itself is on Sunday, July 17 from 11-4 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Thanks to CEC and our sponsors we’ll be opening the Museum for free that day;

including the Butterflies Alive exhibit.

This year’s Solar SUNday event will include:
• Solar electricity and solar water heating experts
• Info on rebates and incentives for solar and energy efficiency
• New! - Electric vehicles so you can drive on sunshine
• Native American Sun Stories
• Solar based art for kids
• Local food

Free admission
For more information visit: http://www.cecsb.org/solar-sunday

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 7/4 - 7/10 2011

2011-07-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

New Listings: 36

Price Improvements: 47

Pending: 37 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 17
     $600-800k: 4
     $800k-1 million: 3
     $1-2 million: 10
     $2-4 million: 3
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0

Closed: 24 breaks down to:
     Under $600k: 7
     $600-800k: 5
     $800k-1 million: 4
     $1-2 million: 7
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 1
     $8 million+: 0

Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 25

Back On Market: 6

Santa Barbara Real Estate through the end of June 2011

2011-07-09T09:00:00.001-07:00

For the Home Estate/PUD market for the greater Santa Barbara area from Carpinteria to Goleta including Summerland, Montecito and Hope Ranch for the first 6 months of 2011 the numbers of sales in June fell back to 89 from 91 in May but they were up from 72 in April. The median sales price for June did go up however to $865,000 from $795,000 in May but down from $880,000 in April.
             The rise in the median sales price was as a result of an increase in the numbers of sales between $1 and $2 million. Sales below $1 million remained the same with 54 for both May and June whereas sales from $1 to $2 million went up from 20 in May to 25 in June. Sales above $2 million fell back however going from 16 in May to 10 in June. But, there were 3 sales over $5 million in June compared to none in May.
             The escrows in June continued moving forward with 113 for the month down a little from May when there were 117 and the median list price on those escrows slid back from $879,000 in May to $799,000 in June.
             The year over year numbers are down a little with sales dropping from 435 in ’10 to 429 in ’11 and the median sales price dipped from $855,000 last year to $840,000 this year. There was a greater drop in the average sales price however going from about $1.46 million in ’10 to $1.256 million in ’11. But, the sales price to original list price ratio went up from 82% last year to over 87% this year.
             Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are up 17% from 34 to 40 and the median sales price is up from $675,000 to $723,750. The numbers of escrows are way up going from 27 to 44 with the median list price on those escrows rising from $625,000 last year to $775,000 this year.
             For Montecito sales are up by 28% going from 63 to 81 with the median sales price dropping from $2.48 million to $2.35 million. Escrows are up 36% going from 76 to 104 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $2.75 million to $2.29 million.
             East of State St sales are down 7% going from 121 to 112 and the median sales price is down from $960,500 to $895,000. The escrows are up by 12% however going from 132 to 148 with the median list price on those escrows dropping from $1,012,000 last year to $949,000 this year.
             West of State sales are up 10% from 90 to 99 but the median sales price is down from $813,750 to $701,000. The numbers of escrows are equal for both years with 114 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $849,950 to $739,000.
             Hope Ranch sales are up from 10 to 13 but the median sales price is down from $3.23 million to $1.85 million. The numbers of escrows are also up from 10 to 17 and the median list price on those escrows is up from $1.87 million to just under $2 million.
             Goleta South sales are down 43% from 53 to 30 and the median sales price is down $650,000 to $600,000. The numbers of escrows are also down from 56 to 47 with the median list price on those escrows declining from $725,000 to $555,800.
             Goleta North sales are also down from 83 to 76 with the median sales price dropping from $734,948 to $675,000. The numbers of escrows are up however from 93 to 98 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $750,000 to $682,000.
             Home sales for 2011 should surpass the 2010 numbers in the next few months but the median sales price is still trending downward. Montecito has experienced a strong year however and the median sales price in that area is keeping the rest the area’s numbers from reflecting a stronger downward trend. Without Hope Ranch and Montecito in the mix the median sales price is down about 8% from 2010 to approximately $730,000.

For the condo market for the same period the numbers of sales continues to creep upward. There were 23 sales in June up from 19 in May and 17 in April. The good news is that the median sales price bounced back up from May to $439,000 in June after declining for the previous 4 months. The pending numbers were also very healthy in June with 39 opened escrows up from 20 in May and the median list price on those escrows also went up from $409,500 in May to $439,000 in June.

The sales price to original list price ratio fell for the month however from 93% in May to 85.52% in June but that was reflective of the fact that there were 2 sales over $1 million with one of those over $2.5 million.

Year over year the sales are still dramatically down going from 169 in ’10 to 113 in ’11 with the median sales price dropping from $435,000 last year to $406,000 this year. But, with the numbers of escrows starting to pick up the sales figures should start closing the gap with the previous year’s numbers.

The inventory for Condos the inventory remained steady with 167 properties available from Carpinteria to Goleta with a $529,000 median list price and a $700,840 average list price.

Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are down from 36 to 29with the median sales price falling from $393,100 to $359,900. The numbers of escrows are only down by 1 however so sales should start picking up in the area. But, the median list price on those escrows is down from $409,950 to $382,000.

Montecito condo sales are down from 10 to 8 with the median sales price down slightly from $1,062,500 to $995,000. The numbers of escrows are also down from 11 to 8 with the median list price on those escrows actually up from $1,075,000 to $1,345,000.

East of State St sales are down 56% from 39 to 17 with the median sales price dropping from $442,500 to $420,000. The numbers of escrows are also down from 35 to 27 with the median list price on those escrows actually up a bit from $519,250 last year to $545,000 this year.

West of State St sales are down 41% from 41 to 24 with the median sales price falling from $496,000 to $425,000. The escrows are also down from 50 to 34 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $515,000 to $429,000.

Goleta South sales are up by 2 from 25 to 27 with the median sales price down just a little from $360,000 to $345,000. The numbers of escrows are up 32% from 25 to 33 with the median list price on those escrows up from $339,900 to $350,000.

Goleta North sales are down 30% from 20 to 15 with the median sales price down from $405,000 to $367,500. The escrows are also down from 28 to 19 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $419,000 to $350,000.

The condo sector of the market is still sputtering but has definitely shown some life in June. Sales are continuing to push forward and the numbers of escrows are about double where they were for the previous two months. The median sales price also took an upward trend in June as did the median list price on the opened escrows.

If the condo market does start to move forward and the single family dwelling market continues on the pace that its setting we could end up having a strong second half of 2011. But, even with the numbers of sales increasing the median sales price is still going down particularly below the $1 million mark. The real good news is that the $1 to $2 million sector which is moving forward at this time which would bring up the overall median sales price for the area.

Just Sold: 1605 Villa Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93101

2011-07-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara EcoBroker

Santa Barbara Real Estate Statistics 10/31 - 11/6

Buy vs. Rent

Thrive Westside Neighborhood Initiative: Creating a Better Westside Together

Santa Barbara Real Estate Statistics 10/24 - 10/30

Average Rental Rates

Santa Barbara Real Estate Statistics 10/10 - 10/23 * 3 Weeks Worth

30 S. Salinas Street Has Been Reduced Again $449,000

Team Wagner Update!

Van Jones "Green for All - The New American Economy"

Santa Barbara Real Estate through the end of September 2011

How To Bid on The Caravan!

Community Environmental Council Auctioning Off One-of-a-Kind Gypsy Caravan

Own a one of a kind gypsy caravan

by Merryl Brown

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 10/3 - 10/9

Green Gala: Friday, October 21 - 20 Tickets left!

The Green Gala is just around the corner on Friday, October 21 at the Santa Barbara Armory and promises to be a spectacular eco-evening!

We are pleased to announce that we have made room for about 20 additional seats. If you thought you were out of luck, now's your chance to purchase our last remaining tickets!

For ticketing information, visit our website or contact kking@cecmail.org. at the

Rethink the Drink: Reducing the use of plastic water bottles in local schools

"Rethink the Drink" is a pilot project to reduce plastic water bottle usage at three local schools and colleges by at least 75% this school year.

Water bottle production is very energy intensive.

OUR PROGRESS

That’s thousands of water bottles.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 9/26 - 10/2

Time For Revenge...of the Electric Car movie preview!

Time for Revenge

Join us for a preview of Revenge of the Electric Car

Watch the trailer

Buy tickets

RSVP on Facebook

Reserved EV parking

Plug In Santa Barbara

The Community Environmental Council's Green Gala is coming up!

Green Gala

October 21, 2011, 6:00pm-midnightThe Armory (700 East Canon Perdido)

Green Gala is a truly green event

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 9/19 - 9/25

Santa Barbara Real Estate through the end of August 2011

September Santa Barbara Green Team's Last Newsletter

House Prices: Another Look

Green Drinks

Always takes place on the third Tuesday of each month.

Tonight @ the Lobero Theatre Courtyard

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 9/12 - 9/18

Village Insight Fall Edition

Just Sold: 616 Mulberry Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 9/5 - 9/11

Just Sold: 328 Loma Vista Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Drastic Price Reduction: 30 S. Salinas D to $475,000!!!

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 8/29 - 9/4

Happy 1st Birthday Wyatt!

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 8/22 - 8/28

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 8/15 - 8/21

August Santa Barbara Green Team Newsletter

Always takes place on the third Tuesday of each month...tonight!

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 8/8 - 8/14

Santa Barbara Real Estate through the end of July 2011

My (actually my Dad's) road to energy sustainability

by Russ Waldrop, Goleta resident

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 8/1 - 8/7

Just Sold: 131 La Vereda Montecito, CA 93108

July Santa Barbara Green Team Newsletter (forgot to post in July)

Supervalu (Albertson's) to Go Zero Waste at 40 Stores

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 7/25 - 7/31

Village Insight Summer Issue (check out my listing on the cover!)

Debunking popular real estate myths

Misconceptions include notions of a 'perfect' house; that length of time on the market means easier negotiating; that lowball bids are OK in a buyer's market; that distressed property sales are easy and cheap options; and that prices will continue to fall in down markets.

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 7/18 - 7/24

CEC Action Alert!

Act now on Plan SB

Energy and Environment subsections to be decided

Send the letter below to the City Council and the City Clerk to show your support:

Just Listed: 30 South Salinas Unit D Santa Barbara, CA $585,000

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 7/11 - 7/17/2011

Solar SUNday by the Community Environmental Council is coming up!

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 7/4 - 7/10 2011

Santa Barbara Real Estate through the end of June 2011

October 21, 2011, 6:00pm-midnight
The Armory (700 East Canon Perdido)