Homes in the Cold Spring School District
By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   May 30, 2019

Just inside the western edge of Montecito is an area commonly referred to as the Cold Spring School District (CCSD). This area reaches from the hills around Coyote Road and West-East Mountain Drive, down through neighborhoods including the streets around Westmont College, the estates at Riven Rock, homes on Pepper Hill, Sycamore Canyon and Cold […]

Montecito’s $2- to $3-Million Sweet Spot
By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   April 18, 2019

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 […]

 

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The Montecito Debris Flow One Year Later: Housing Market Impact and Recovery
By Robert Niehaus   |   April 4, 2019

The Thomas Fire and subsequent debris flow on 9 January 2018 devastated portions of Montecito and surrounding communities. The debris flow killed 23 people and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and commercial properties. As of April 2018, insurance claims total $421.9 million, including 107 homes declared total losses (California Department of Insurance, 2018). Those […]

For Sale On or Near Miramar Beach
By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   March 21, 2019

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 […]

New and Reduced Listings
By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   February 21, 2019

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 […]

Comparison Shopping
By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   February 7, 2019

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 […]

Sotheby’s Names New Brokerage Manager
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   January 31, 2019

Sotheby’s International Realty has announced that Michael Cohen has been appointed vice president and brokerage manager for the company’s Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Santa Ynez Valley brokerages. In this role, Cohen will lead 115 independent sales associates based in these offices. Cohen joins the company with a depth of experience both in the real estate […]

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  • Montecito Under a Million
    By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   January 24, 2019

    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, […]

    Big Views in East Montecito
    By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   November 1, 2018

    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, […]

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    Real Opportunities
    By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   October 11, 2018

    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, […]

    Compass Opens Second CVR Office
    By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   October 4, 2018

    Real estate brokerage Compass has opened a second office on Coast Village Road, located in the former home of Red Hair & Makeup Studio, which closed earlier this year after 28 years in business. “We needed more space for agents to utilize, and this was the perfect spot,” said brokerage manager John Nisbet.  Now with […]

    The Montecito Heat Index
    By Michael Phillips   |   September 27, 2018

    How hot is Today’s Montecito Real Estate market? The Heat Index measures buyer choices for single family homes in five price sectors. Rather than sales data, typically at least 30 days old, the Index measures signed contracts resulting in present demand and thus market strength and direction. Since home purchases fluctuate seasonally, indeed monthly, today’s […]

    Montecito under $2 Million
    By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   September 27, 2018

    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 […]

    San Ysidro Ranch Style
    By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   September 13, 2018

    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 […]

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