Posted on Thursday, September 02, 2010
The proper lighting in any Montecito home can make a huge difference. An entire space will be illuminated, a particular architectural piece will stand out, or the mood of a room will be altered by lighting. When installing new lights, there are a few details to consider. Using a consistent style is vital. Colorful tract lighting is not going to look natural in an older home, while a period crystal chandelier will fit right in. Different things are often achieved through different types of lighting. By adding lights under cabinets, you will accent a granite countertop.

Make sure you inspect each room at night, without any natural light, to get a feel for the type of lighting that you will need. A sconce is a great way to add a romantic, elegant, touch to any wall. There is nothing more unsightly than a bare light bulb, always cover the bulb. Finally, install individual switches for every light and don't forget the dimmers. By keeping these hints in mind, your Montecito home is going to be exquisitely lit.
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Posted on Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Adding a hot tub to your second Montecito home will make it more appealing to vacationers. Rental homes with hot tubs generate $14,000 more than homes without, generally speaking. The start-up cost is big, but a hot tub will pay for itself many times over.

What's more, a dirty house is more memorable than a clean house, according to renters. To avoid any unpleasant memories, make sure the linens are clean and the floors are spick and span. The only articles a renter should bring are clothes and food.
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Posted on Monday, August 30, 2010
In-home recording studios are common for any serious Montecito musician. The total number of home studios is rising, especially around Nashville and Los Angeles, according to Billboard reports.

Overall, the cost of putting in a studio is much less than repeated trips to privately owned studios. If you are a disciplined musician with room to spare, you might want to think about putting a recording studio in your Montecito home .
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Posted on Saturday, August 28, 2010
Along with heat waves come rolling blackouts. There isn't any way to tell how long a blackout will go on and they can happen at anytime. It's necessary to be prepared when the power is shut off in your Montecito home .

For blackout info, speak with your local utility company. A geographic area is generally the basis of a scheduled blackout. If you know that a blackout is coming, plan on going somewhere with power. When your house is without power, going to the movies, shopping mall, friend's house, or even on a vacation are all good choices.

Throughout the sizzling summer months, plan ahead with extra food and plenty of water. Leave the refrigerator door shut and have extra ice in the freezer. Do not forget food and water for your animals. Make sure you have plenty of batteries, medical equipment, and other personal items. Remember that your cell phone battery could die and networks do become congested during an emergency.

If nothing else, keep an eye on children and the elderly, who are the most affected by heat. Heat waves are here to stay, mostly because of the earth's mounting temperatures, based on weather projections. Start planning for a heat wave today.
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Posted on Thursday, August 26, 2010
Montecito real estate is experiencing a new trend. The majority of new homeowners are young, single women. Actually, between 2001 and 2005 there was a 6 percent increase in female homeowners.

Most young singles are looking for secure neighborhoods, closeness to entertainment and nightlife, and affordability. More of the buying market is made up of recent immigrants and minorities. Some are buying condos to build equity so that one day, they can afford a larger home. Finally, retirees and empty-nesters are downsizing and migrating to active adult communities. They are finished with gigantic houses and prefer to live in smaller homes, nearby friends and entertainment.
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Blue Star Real Estate
Lenny Gerthoffer: Broker/Owner
(805) 884-0040
1029 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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