Season's Greetings!

Merry Christmas from The Wagners! 

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 12/14 - 12/20 2009

New Listings: 16
Price Improvements: 12
Pending:  21 breaks down to:
     under $1 million: 15
     $1-2 million: 4
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 2
     $8 million+: 0
Closed: 23
Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 27
Back On Market: 4
Data From Santa Barbara MLS.

Images From The Holiday Time of Year!

 

 

December Santa Barbara EcoBroker Newsletter

In This Issue: Santa Barbara Real Estate Snapshot Cash For Caulkers Top 10 Environmental Documentaries Organic Living Santa Barbara Local Gift Donating Ideas  Vocab Lesson: Zero Waste  Cool Websites Of The Month Happy Holidays and Happy New Year's!  Thank you for your kind comments about our newsletters, for the real estate business, for the referrals, friendships and ideas.  2009 was a much better year than 2008 and we are confident that 2010 will be even better!  We continue to work hard to grow the green real estate niche in the Santa Barbara area and know that with the help of all of you, we can continue to focus on this sustainable business model and make a substantial impact on our community.  We are very blessed and wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all! Sincerely, Elizabeth and DeAnn LATEST & GREATEST...     SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE SNAPSHOT:  In June of 2008 there were 127 sales. In June of 2009 there were 158 sales. In July of 2008 there were 115 sales. In July of 2009 there were 144 sales. In August of 2008 there were 121 sales. In August of 2009 there were 121 sales. In September of 2008 there were 116 sales. In September of 2009 there were 132 sales. In October of 2008 there were 126 sales. In October of 2009 there were 145 sales. In November of 2008 there were 79 sales. In November of 2009 there were 141 sales. For Nov. that's 80% better than one year ago! And 2010 is going to be even better! This is a look at statistics provided through the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service over the past month.  They include single family residences and condos, from Carpinteria to Goleta.   November 16 - December 13, 2009 New listings: 108 Price Improvements: 88 Pending: 79 (break down:) Sub $1million: 57 $1-2M: 15 $2-4M: 3 $4-8M: 4 $8M+: 1 Closed: 110 Off Market: 78 Back On market: 22   GREEN NEWS:  Cash For Caulkers Could Mean $12,000 Per Home President Obama proposed a new program Tuesday that would reimburse homeowners for energy-efficient appliances and insulation, part of a broader plan to stimulate the economy. The administration didn't provide immediate details, but said it would work with Congress on crafting legislation. Steve Nadel, director at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, who's helping write the bill, said a homeowner could receive up to $12,000 in rebates.  The proposal is part of the President's larger spending plan, which also includes money for small businesses, renewable energy manufacturing, and infrastructure. We know energy efficiency "creates jobs, saves money for families, and reduces the pollution that threatens our environment," Obama said. "With additional resources, in areas like advanced manufacturing of wind turbines and solar panels, for instance, we can help turn good ideas into good private-sector jobs."  The program contains two parts: money for homeowners for efficiency projects, and money for companies in the renewable energy and efficiency space.  More of the article by Steve Hargreaves, CNNMoney.! com staff writer.    Top 10 Environmental Documentaries of 2009 (click here) These eco-films are sure to shock, inspire and entertain movie buffs this holiday season.   COMMUNITY: Organic Living Santa Barbara launches and began delivery service on October 6th and are a new and innovative Santa Barbara-owned company that will revolutionize the way you eat. They offer fresh, organic, healthy, and delicious lunches that will be delivered to your door. They also provide catering for your business meetings and functions. www.organiclivingsb.com   GET INVOLVED:   Great Gift Ideas: Donate to a local environmental non-profit in your friend or family member's name.  We suggest these groups: The Sustainability Project Community Environmental Council The Teacher's Fund Back Yard Harvest VOCABULARY LESSON: Zero Waste: The Planning Group of the Zero Waste International Alliance adopted the following definition of Zero Waste on November 29, 2004. "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 (S) OF THE MONTH: www.WeekendHippie.com   Weekend Hippie was born Santa Barbara, California, and is all about living a full, responsible life on this planet—and having fun while doing so. First, and foremost, loving life and living it with passion while making conscious choices, even small ones, that make a difference. Go ahead, make a small statement—change your light bulbs, wear TOMS shoes, give a micro loan to a Kiva entrepreneur, travel eco-mindfully, shop at your local farmers’ market, pick-up Patagonia clothes made from recycled plastic or an organic cotton t-shirt from Weekend Hippie! Give 1% to the earth; do what you can, but do something.  Be a Weekend Hippie—seven days a week! &  www.zerowasteparty.com Looking for a sustainable way to throw a party?  Don’t have time or simply don’t want to go shopping for the service ware?  Hate the after party cleanup?  Let GreenProject Consultants help with all of this! With GPC’s Zero Waste Party Kit* you can feel good about throwing those plates in the “trash”.  Included in your zero waste kit you will receive compostable service ware (i.e., cups, plates, bowls, forks, spoons, knives, and napkins), signage explaining to you and your guests what a zero waste party is and a custom box lined with a compostable bag to make cleanup a snap! Put everything in the box at the end of your party.  Yes, we did say everything!  GPC will drop off the kit and pick up the aftermath right at your door and with that the majority of the cleanup is done! *All compostable waste is disposed of through the City of Santa Barbara’s Commercial Composting program, which is taken to the Engel and Gray Composting Facility and turned into a soil amendment. Your Referrals are always welcomed and appreciated!   Please forward this informative newsletter to all that are interested in: Green Homes,  Real Estate and a healthy lifestyle. You can help us grow the green home movement in our community. FOR SALE: Laurel Springs Ranch (very motivated seller) 160 acre, 5 parcels Turn key retreat business, 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 Retreat Center Website: www.LaurelSpringsRetreat.net NEW LISTING (Coming in January!)   East Anapamu St. Currently a 1920's era, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 story home with lots of character and charm. Zoned R3 (residential 3) Many neighbors have converted their R3 lots in to condos.  Please let us know if you have interest.  FOR SALE 5481 Calle Ocho Carpinteria, CA  A beautiful, wooded, creekside .70 acre lot. 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathroom home. Ready for a GREEN REMODEL!  In the Concha Loma neighborhood and just a few blocks from the beach. Reduced $100K now offered at $897,000 www.5481CalleOcho.com VACATION RENTAL: Casa San Miguel Available to rent by the night/week/ month. 3br/2ba remodeled home with roof top ocean view deck and jacuzzi. Features non-toxic cleaners, Natura mattresses, organic linens, energy efficient appliances and many more healthy/green details. Book a stay at: www.CasaSanMiguelSB.com We take the month of December off.  We look forward to seeing you on January 19th. We will let you know where!  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

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 12/7 - 12/13 2009

December 7th - December 13th, 2009:

New Listings: 32
Price Improvements: 21
Pending:  15 breaks down to:
     under $1 million: 11
     $1-2 million: 4
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0
Closed: 30
Off Market (expired, canceled, withdrawn): 24
Back On Market: 9
Data From Santa Barbara MLS.

In June of 2008 there were 127 sales and in June of 2009 there were 158 sales.
In July of 2008 there were 115 sales and in July of 2009 there were 144 sales.
In August of 2008 there were 121 sales and in August of 2009 there were also 121 sales.
In September of 2008 there were 116 sales and in September of 2009 there were 132 sales.
In October of 2008 there were 126 sales and in October of 2009 there were 145 sales.
In November of 2008 there were 79 sales and in November of 2009 there were 141 sales.
For November that is 80% better than one year ago and 2010 is going to be even better!
Data from CORT report. 

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot: 11/29 - 12/6 2009

November 29th through December 6th, 2009:

New Listings: 33
Price Improvements: 28
Pending: 21 breaks down to:
     under $1 million: 18
     $1-2 million: 1
     $2-4 million:1
     $4-8 million:
     $8 million+: 1(Hill Road listed at $18,500,000)
Closed: 34
Off Market (withdrawn, canceled, expired) :28
Back On Market: 9

Pot Wars at Oakleigh Today, Sunday from Noon to dusk...

Santa Barbara International Marathon This Sunday December 6

This Sunday Santa Barbara is hosting its first International Marathon and I am NOT running in it!  I have done plenty of half marathons in my day but a full marathon is exactly13.2 miles farther than I ever plan to run!  I will be out there supporting the racers and look forward to this event from the sidelines! 

The 26.2 mile point-to-point course starts at 6:30am one mile west of Camino Real Marketplace on Hollister Ave and follows just under a loop and a half through the semi-rural city of Goleta, travels through scenic and diverse Santa Barbara neighborhoods, and finishes at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara.

Here is the map:

 For more information: http://www.sbimarathon.com and come on out and spectate.  A good friend, Andrea McLarty will be the swoosh that flies past you in black with purple nails and I will be out there cheering her on!  Go Drea, rock it sister!!!!

Downtown Holiday Parade Tonight

7TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY PARADE - UNWRAP THE MAGIC

Friday, December 4, 2009 Parade begins at Sola and State and ends at Cota Street Announcers will be in front of McDonalds, Saks 5th Avenue and Macys More than 50,000 spectators are expected to line downtown Santa Barbara on Friday evening December 4, to cheer a colossal contingent of high-stepping marching bands, giant helium balloons, fabulous holiday floats, spectacular performance groups, local personalities, and of course, the most anticipated appearance of the evening the annual arrival of Santa Claus, dispensing holiday cheer from atop his festive sleigh. The Holiday Prince & Fairy officially light up the night with the lighting of the large Christmas tree at State & Victoria Streets.

1st Thursdays; Downtown Santa Barbara

  Come on down tonight to check out 1st Thursday and get in the Holiday spirit!  Elizabeth
 

Special Events

1st Thursday is an award winning program highlighting downtown arts, culture and entertainment on the first Thursday of every month. All 1st Thursday attractions are free from 5-8 p.m.   The next 1st Thursday event is scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd. In the meantime, be sure to check out all of the other great Featured Events happening in Downtown Santa Barbara.     Click on one of the links below for more information.      - About 1st Thursday - Download the 1st Thursday Map and Guide    December 3rd Programming: - Galleries & Performing Arts Venues - Special Performances - Partner Events - Calendar of Events - 1st Thursday Sponsors - Member Login ABOUT 1st THURSDAY 1st Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and art-related venues offer free access to visual and performing art in a fun and social environment from 5-8 p.m. 1st Thursday venues feature attractions, such as art openings, live music, artists' receptions, lectures, wine tastings and hands-on activities. In addition, State Street comes alive on 1st Thursday with performances and interactive exhibits. Look for previews of forthcoming plays, symphony performances, concerts and dance productions, as well as local up-and-coming performers. The Downtown Organization also partners with Santa Barbara cultural groups for one-time 1st Thursday attractions. 1st Thursday is for locals and visitors alike. It provides an opportunity for residents to indulge in local culture, mingle with neighbors and participate in the arts community. The program also offers visitors the chance to experience, in one evening, the diversity of downtown Santa Barbara’s visual and performing arts scene. 1st Thursday is aimed at developing a lively atmosphere downtown as well as showcasing the cultural variety that Santa Barbara has to offer. The 1st Thursday Passport is a printed guide and map to all of the 1st Thursday attractions and are available at participating galleries and venues, MTD shuttles, The Visitors’ Center, and hotel concierge desks. OR you can download a printable version above. Expect something special in art and culture on the first Thursday of every month!

Two Weeks Real Estate Snapshot 12/21 - 1/3 2010

December 21, 2009 through January 3, 2010 (Two Weeks)

New Listings: 17
Price Improvements: 10
Pending:  21 breaks down to:
     under $1 million: 17
     $1-2 million: 1
     $2-4 million: 2
     $4-8 million: 0
     $8 million+: 0
Closed: 32
Off Market: 107 (expired, canceled, withdrawn)
Back On Market: 7

*Stats from the Santa Barbara Muiltiple Listing Service.
**This is two weeks worth of stats due to the holidays.
***There are always a lot of expireds at the end of a year.  

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot: 11/23 - 11/29

November 23rd through November 29th, 2009:

New Listings: 12 (at this time of year, many sellers choose to wait until after the holidays to list)
Price Improvements: 12
Pending:  21 breaks down to:
     under $1 million: 13
     $1-2 million: 4
     $2-4 million: 2
     $4-8 million: 3
     $8 million+: 0
Closed: 15
Off Market (expired, canceled withdrawn): 10
Back On Market: 0

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you and to your family.

I hope that you have a restful, filling and wonderful weekend. 

Sincerely,

Elizabeth

Weekly Real Estate Snapshot: 11/16 - 11/22

November 16th through November 22nd, 2009:

New Listings: 31
Price Improvements: 27
Pending: 22 breaks down to:
     under $1 million: 15
     $1-2 million: 6
     $2-4 million: 0
     $4-8 million: 1
     $8 million+: 0
Closed: 31
Off Market: 16
Back On Market: 4

*According to NPR, existing home sales are at their highest levels, nation wide since 2007! 

Green Gala's Waste Audit Results

Thank you to all who joined us for CEC’s annual Green Gala on October 17. The evening began with delicious greentinis and music on the patio by Palmer Jackson, Jr. and John Simpson, and was followed by dinner inspired by local, organic purveyors, and dancing with Area 51. Guests received Greenpoint raffle tickets for all that they are doing to become fossil-free – with the winners collecting elegant, fabulous gifts. A huge thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and guests for helping us party for the planet and further our mission of Fossil Free by ’33! 

 The Green Gala 2009 produced approximately 458 pounds of total waste. Due to careful planning and detailed waste management strategies, approximately 415 pounds of the total waste, or 90.75%, will be recycled and/or composted, leaving only 10% actual trash. 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 10% trash resulted in large part out of the necessity to package delivered food.

These numbers are derived from a waste audit supervised by trained staff from Merryl Brown Events. There was little to no contamination of each of the three waste categories due to cooperation of event planners, staff, caterers, and participants.  

From the www.cecsb.org website.

November Santa Barbara EcoBroker Newsletter

In This Issue: Santa Barbara Real Estate Snapshot Tax Credit For Home Buyers Conforming Loan Limits Extended Park and Go Green in Isla Vista URGENT - Cell Sites Proposed Habitat For Humanity Opportunity Vocab Lesson: Ocean Acidification Cool Website: Greenopia LATEST & GREATEST...   SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE SNAPSHOT:  This is a look at statistics provided through the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service over the past month.  They include single family residences and condos, from Carpinteria to Goleta.    October 19 - November 15, 2009 New listings: 131 Price Improvements: 141 Pending: 113 (break down:) Sub $1million: 83 $1-2M: 21 $2-4M: 6  $4-8M: 2 $8M+: 1 Closed: 90 Off Market: 35 Back On market: 42   Tax Credit for Home Buyers: Extended and Expanded   President Obama on Friday, Nov. 6 signed a bill extending and expanding the Federal Tax Credit for Home Buyers. The bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.    The tax credit will be extended through April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension if a binding contract is in place prior to the deadline.   First-time home buyers will continue to receive a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners will receive a reduced credit of up to $6,500. Existing homeowners will be eligible for the $6,500 if they have lived in their current residences for at least five years.   The bill also will increase the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers, to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively.  The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000.   Under additional provisions in the bill, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns. The bill maintains the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit provided the home remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase, and waives this requirement for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.     Conforming Loan Limits Extended President Obama signed a congressional resolution to extend through 2010 the current conforming loan limits of $417,000 for most areas in the U.S. and $729,750 for high-cost areas, including many in California.  The resolution was part of a broader piece of budgetary legislation that will prevent a government shutdown. A provision of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 included temporarily raising the conforming loan limits from $625,500 in high-cost areas to $729,750 and extending the limits through 2009.  These actions effectively extend the higher conforming loan limits for Fannie, Freddie, and FHA loans through 2010. The conforming loan limit determines the maximum size of a mortgage that Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can buy or "guarantee." Non-conforming or "jumbo loans" typically carry higher mortgage interest rates than conforming loans, increasing monthly payments and hampering the ability of families in California to purchase homes by making them less affordable. *As always, please contact your CPA, financial planner, or attorney when making financial decisions.   GREEN NEWS:    Park and Go Green in Isla Vista Just by parking your car in Isla Vista, you could help support efforts to save the environment.  A grand opening was held Thursday for a solar powered parking lot at the 800-block of Embarcadero del Mar. It is the first-of-its kind in Santa Barbara County, complete with solar panels that light the lot and Pardall Road, two electric car charging stations, an irrigation system that uses rain water, and bio-filters that remove pollutants from storm run-off before it reaches the beach.  "Our new, green parking lot blends the Isla Vista community's commitment for sustainability with the County's goal of increasing amenities in Isla Vista for positive change," said Third District Supervisor Doreen Farr. "It's very exciting to have an environmentally friendly project like this become a reality." The project was a collaborative effort by the community and several county departments, including the Santa Barbara County Redevelopment Agency, Planning and Development, and General Services. It cost about $760,000 with funding coming from the Redevelopment Agency. Reported by: Carina Corral     COMMUNITY: PROPOSED CELL SITES BEING RUSHED THROUGH - URGENT HELP NEEDED: The County Planning Department is about to approve new cell sites in many of our neighborhoods.  There are 140 applications (click HERE for list of first 50 sites) from a company called Next G on file with the County. Through a loop hole in the regulations they will be able to mount cell phone sites on any telephone pole, street light and neighborhood lamps.   The Planning Department is powerless to implement any regulations without community support.  We are asking you today to write your own or sign and send this letter to our County Board of Supervisors.   The reasons to support this effort are the following:    1) Concerns for the effects of radio frequency radiation on the central nervous system the immune system as well as other metabolic effects observed in preliminary studies.   2) Property and neighborhoods become stigmatized causing housing prices to drop and homes difficult to sell.   3) Concern for the local community having any say on this matter regarding their own property. If you have a utility pole or street light on or near your home you have no say or power to influence the decision.   4) Your letters will empower our elected officials and planning departments to be able to reassess the placement of these cell sites. *SIGN AND SEND LETTER IMMEDIATELY. This must be in County hands by Monday, November 16, 2009. Click HERE for letter.   *ATTEND THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 at 9:00 AM located at 105 E. Anapamu St., 4th floor.       GET INVOLVED: Habitat For Humanity Needs Volunteers for their upcoming building project The first step to becoming a volunteer is to attend our Volunteer Orientation held in the ReStore at 6725 Hollister. You will learn about our mission to end poverty housing and how you can get involved. Please let us know if you can make it so we can plan accordingly. There will be cookies! RSVP to volunteer@sbhabitat.org   VOCABULARY LESSON: Ocean Acidification:   Our action on land is having a negative impact on our oceans. Excess carbon dioxide is dissolving in our oceans, changing sea water chemistry.  The more acidic water makes it difficult for tiny creatures at the bottom of the food web to form their shells.  The effects could work their way up to the fish 1 billion people depend upon for their food source of protein.  From "Sea Change" a movie that played at the Natural History Museum.    COOL WEBSITE OF THE MONTH: www.greenopia.com/SB   Greenopia provides consumers with high quality information to help them reduce their impact on the environment through their daily purchasing decisions. Greenopia publishes extensive green business directories, product directories, and brand directories, as well as offering a growing community, news articles, blogs, and tips to help everyone eat, shop, and live green.         Tuesday, Nov. 17th   6-8ish   Crushcakes Cupcakery & Cafe   1315 Anacapa St / near Arlington   Come join us for our last Green Drinks of 2009!    Join us as a fan on Facebook: Green Drinks Santa Barbara for future locations!         Your Referrals are always welcomed and appreciated!     Please forward this informative newsletter to all that are interested in:   Green Homes,    Real Estate   and a healthy lifestyle.   You can help us grow the green home movement in our community.   Thank you for your support and we hope to see you soon.           FOR SALE:   Laurel Springs Ranch (very motivated seller)     160 acre, 5 parcels Turn key retreat business, 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 and much more.      www.2720PaintedCaveRd.com   The Retreat Center website:   www.LaurelSpringsRetreat.net NEW LISTING COMING SOON:    East Anapamu St. (very close to the S.B. Bowl)     Zoned R3 (residential 3) Many neighbors have converted their R3 lots in to condos.  Please let us know if you have interest.       Currently a 1920's era, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 story home with lots of character and charm.   FOR SALE    5481 Calle Ocho Carpinteria, CA      A beautiful, wooded, creekside .70 acre lot. 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathroom home.    Ready for a GREEN REMODEL!    In the Concha Loma neighborhood and just a few blocks from the beach.   $997,000   OPEN SUNDAY 2-4pm   www.5481CalleOcho.com   JUST SOLD:   517 West Quinto Street #3 Santa Barbara, 93105   $699,000  Great condo in a central location near Oak Park & Cottage Hospital, with easy access to everything.   Large unit with 3 fireplaces, patio, garage, balconies and private.   VACATION RENTAL:   Casa San Miguel   Available to rent by the night/week/ month.   3br/2ba remodeled home with roof top ocean view deck and jacuzzi.   Features non-toxic cleaners, Natura mattresses, organic linens, energy efficient appliances and many more healthy/green details.     Book a stay at:   www.CasaSanMiguelSB.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