Tag archives: housing

Former President George W. Bush, 73, who was resident at the White House from 2001 to 2009, will be in Montecito on December 17 to mark the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Turner Foundation at the Rosewood Miramar, which, with more than 400 guests, is expected to raise more than $500,000 for the […]

Montecito may be a small town by population standards, but it is not without diversity of landscape, view options, a variety of home sizes, styles, prices, and more. From a mansion on a promontory overlooking everything, to sitting just two miles away, on the patio of an 800 sq ft beachfront home, there are many […]

There are many homes for sale right now in Montecito that very probably could not be replaced for the price sellers are asking. This means that existing homes are in some cases less expensive than if one were to buy the land and build. Additionally, some homes are historic in nature so you literally can’t […]

Well everyone, the wait is over. After one of the fastest construction periods I’ve ever seen (to offset the 12 years of planning and approvals) the new Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort is here, and it’s impressive.  The grounds at the new Miramar resort are vast and open, the pools are well positioned on the property […]

There are two categories of real estate offerings that grab the most attention from agents and buyers alike, and these are new and/or reduced in price listings. When a property hits the market, everyone wants to see inside, judge the value, make an offer or wait and see… When a property has been sitting for […]

While available housing inventory in Montecito may be lower these days (about 120 homes and condos currently on the market; in years past that number would be 150 or more in a January), there are still options of styles and conditions of homes in every price range.  Each day I find it is interesting to […]

It may be difficult to imagine being able to own real estate in an internationally famous town such as Montecito for under a million dollars, but it is indeed very possible. From a studio condo near the beach and Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, to a two-story townhouse or an ocean view, single level two-bedroom condo, […]

We have seen slower sales (only five closed escrows in Montecito during the first three weeks in November), and fewer new listings. Whether this is seasonal or an overall slowing market trend in higher end communities only time will tell. For now, we are happy to see prices staying strong overall, regardless of the number […]

One can find a home with a guest unit in Montecito for less than those featured here, but the focus with this group of homes is to ferret out estate-level properties with substantial homes (more than 5,000 sq ft), along with other amenities such as a swimming pool or tennis court, privacy, and most specific […]

For those in search of an estate-level home that boasts ocean views and increased acreage, the area at the eastern border of Montecito can offer a lot of both for the money. From a close-to-town, 270-degree ocean view contemporary home on nearly two acres, to an 80+ acre working ranch with pool and tennis court, […]

This is a good time to be looking for an upper-price range home in Montecito, as there are many well-priced properties available in the $4.5-to-$15 million range on the market. Some “done” homes for sale are the result of a developer’s remodel, and others were on the market a while ago and are being reintroduced, […]

It often surprises people when I tell them they can purchase a single-family home, on a good-sized lot, with amenities and upside potential, for under (and often well under) $2,000,000 in Montecito.  In this price range, one is not likely to find a home with big ocean views or a done home on a large […]

We are regularly made aware of the damages done to homes and property, and the lost income to local businesses caused by this past winter’s dual episodes. There is one institution that has had a lot of both of these issues to contend with: the San Ysidro Ranch. This storied institution is the prize and […]

Next week, amendments to the County Land Use and Development Code, Montecito Land Use and Development Code, and the Coastal Zoning Ordinance to revise existing development standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) will go into effect; the amendments were approved by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors in August. Because the County had yet […]

“What’s going on in the real estate market?” It’s a question agents field on an almost-daily basis, and as of late, my answer to my clients and others is that we are in an adjustment period, with the market, in general, feeling a period of softening.  The number of properties sold in the first half […]

When one thinks of Montecito, images of the ocean, palm trees, Spanish-style architecture, San Ysidro Ranch cottages, and more come to mind. It is one thing to be able to live here, in such a special, small yet internationally recognized community, but it is another thing altogether to have a career that allows access to […]

There is no doubt that condominium living is completely distinct from that of a single-family home experience. We all know condominium dwellers who fired their gardener and the guy who fixes the electric gate years ago and would not live any other way, and others who miss being able to paint their front door any […]

by Adam Black Adam Black is the area manager and senior loan officer for New American Funding Montecito branch. He can be reached at 805-452-8393 or by email [email protected] Being a mortgage guy, I can’t help but formulate things into mathematical equations. When I was asked to provide an update on what the biggest trends […]

There is nothing quite like this 6,350-sq-ft former “pool pavilion,” designed by Francis Underhill, on the market here or anywhere else in the Santa Barbara area, at least nothing I’m aware of and… and I can say this because I am not in the real estate business and have no stake or interest in this […]