Posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Does your Montecito home need a couple of improvements? Forget about Martha Stewart Magazine and design shows. Instead, look at a model home. For design ideas, new amenities, or to see how a home measures up, a few homeowners are touring model homes.

It might be difficult to determine who is interested and who isn't, but homebuilders can see the difference. These looky-loos provide an understanding as to what homeowners are looking for and builders turn to them for help. A potential buyer will inspect everything in a model home, from the paint to appliances. Montecito homeowners and builders can actually learn a lot from each other.
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Posted on Monday, September 28, 2009
You have your Montecito home but have you always dreamed of owning a home in Snowmass, CO? You might want to think about a fractional ownership rather than a timeshare. When you have a timeshare, you are promised a few weeks of use per year. With a fractional ownership, you pay for nearly one eighth of a home, have guaranteed use for approximately 13 weeks a year, and are given a property deed.

You are not allowed to remodel or hang family photos, but you are living in luxury. Lawn maintenance, house painting, and even grocery restocking are all assigned to a concierge. You can spend some time away from Montecito without draining the pocketbook by buying through a fractional ownership.
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Posted on Saturday, September 26, 2009
You have your Montecito home but have you always dreamed of owning a home in Aspen? A fractional ownership, instead of a timeshare, could be precisely what you are looking for. When you have a timeshare, you are promised a couple of weeks of use each year. With a fractional ownership, you pay for something like 1/8 of a house, have guaranteed use for about 13 weeks a year, and are given a property deed.

You are not allowed to redecorate or hang family mementos, but you are living in luxury. A concierge is assigned to all services all services including lawn maintenance, house cleaning, and even dry cleaning pickup. You are able to spend some time away from Montecito without draining the pocketbook by buying through a fractional ownership.
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Posted on Thursday, September 24, 2009
You have an up-to-date kitchen and a backyard setup for entertaining in your . The subsequent phase might be installing an elevator. Among baby boomers, residential elevators are more widespread than you would imagine.

Traditional elevators, comprable to those in hotels or apartment building, are costly. The new, less expensive version is the pneumatic lift. Using the force of suction, this type is made up of a tall, see-through tube with a platform that moves up and down. Elevators take up space and may not be for everybody. However, Many Montecito homeowners without elevators can't imagine going back.
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Posted on Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Without decent credit, it will be hard to purchase the Montecito home you have been waiting for. Becoming a victim to identity theft will ruin your plan to make any kind of major purchase, even if you have always had good credit. There are a couple of things you can do to safegaurd your identity as well as your credit.

Start by phasing out your Social Security number as a password or Identification number. Do not use your birth date, address, or phone number for any kind of password . Securely lock away or memorize passwords. Do not keep them in your purse, wallet, or electronic organizer.

Only put the last four digits of your account on a check when paying credit card bills. Your account can still be opened with only the last four digits.

When giving out your personal information, always be wary. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. To make certain that you get the loan for your Montecito home , always trust your instincts
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Posted on Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Are you looking for ways to improve your Montecito home ? Stay away from design shows and Martha Stewart Magazine. Instead, visit a model home. More and more homeowners are visiting model homes for design tips, new amenities, or simply to see how their home compares.

It can be tough to determine who is interested and who isn't, however homebuilders know the difference. Builders depend on these looky-loos for an understanding as to what homeowners want. From the windows to appliances, everthing is examined by a potential buyer in a model home. Montecito homeowners and builders can really learn a lot from one another.
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Posted on Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Nationwide, an estimated 25 to 40 percent of condominium conversions have gone back to rentals. Montecito real estate could be affected by this transformation. Homeowners are unable to sell these converted condominiums and are encouraging tenants to come back. As more and more conversions take place, rental prices are likely to balance out. Watch for for conversions in Montecito.
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Posted on Monday, September 21, 2009
The opportunity to purchase a great Montecito vacation home has not passed There are advantages to owning a vacation home, although the market is not what it was. Buying to invest is not always a good idea. Second home sales are dropping in price. However, it is a good idea to purchase for personal ownership. A collapsing bubble makes a decreased price for the home you want.

Spend a couple of weeks in a potential area to get a feel for the area. Shop around and purchase something you love, not the best deal. If you do your homework, purchasing a piece of Montecito real estate as a second home might be the best decision you ever made.
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Posted on Sunday, September 20, 2009
Allowing your child design his or her own study area in your Montecito home may end in more study time, according to a recent study. A teenager's bedroom has got to reflect their personal style and is a place for socializing, studying, and relaxing.

To construct an efficient study area, technology, including a computer and music, is required. A study corner can me made a replica of a bookstore cafe or coffee shop by putting in small rugs, table and floor lamps, organization systems, and warm colors. The hardest, yet most effective task, is keeping everything in order.

For more tips on decorating your child's study area, contact Montecito real estate .
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Posted on Sunday, September 20, 2009
Do the boring mirrors in your Montecito home need a bit of spice? Try adorning them with an one-of-a-kind frame. There are many ways this can be accomplished.

Finding a frame to fit your mirror, cutting a mirror to fit your frame, or making a custom frame are a few of the most economical ways. From carved cedar to silver, a "mirror rescue expert" can be brought in to dress your mirror in just about anything. Starting at $500-$1,000 and depending on the size of the mirror, these kinds of consultations will be pricey.

Mirror framing is becoming popular, with sales increasing at 40% every year. A good way to add vigor to your Montecito home is through mirror decoration.
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Posted on Saturday, September 19, 2009
Nationwide, an estimated 25 percent to 40 percent of condominium conversions have gone back to rentals. This could impact Montecito real estate . Having been unable to sell these converted condominiums, homeowners are welcoming back tenants. As more and more conversions happen, rental prices are expected to level out. Watch for for Montecito conversions.
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Posted on Friday, September 18, 2009
Have you been hoping to put in an additional bedroom in your Montecito home? You may want to try outside sleeping quarters. From bars to daybeds to nightstands, homeowners are spending more money on outdoor "rooms." To guarantee water and mildew keep out of your bed, these rooms are equipped with aluminum platforms, mosquito nets, nylon, and woven PVC.

These beds range from extragagant models by Armini/Casa's Oceano, to the more economical versions available at Home Depot or Lowe's, and arrive ready made. A canopied daybed in the garden will certainly be a terrific spot to kick back and take a nap, even though sleeping outside is not allowed in a lot of climates.
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Posted on Thursday, September 17, 2009
The correct lighting can make all the difference in the world in your Montecito home . Lighting can illuminate a whole room, make a specific architectural piece stand out, or just alter the appearance of a room. When installing brand new lighting, there are several things to keep in mind. You should use a consistent style. Bright tract lighting will not look natural in an older home, while a period crystal chandelier is going to fit right in. Different things can be achieved through different types of lighting. A granite countertop can now be highlighted by installing lights in under cabinets.

To get a feel for the type of lighting you will need, take a look at each room at night, without any natural light. A sconce is a fantastic way to add a romantic, elegant, touch to most any wall. Nothing is more unattractive than a bare light bulb, always cover the bulb. Finally, install individual switches for each light and don't forget the dimmers. Your Montecito home will be exquisitely lit by keeping these handy hints in mind.
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Posted on Tuesday, September 15, 2009
In an attempt to assist teachers in buying a piece of Montecito real estate , a new initiative has been released recently. The actuality of buying a home is a long way off, especially since the salary average for first-year teachers is $31,794.

Teaming together, lending and title companies want to provide mortgage options for teachers. They also want to make teachers aware of unique loan programs that are set up for folks in the education field. All around the country, teaching is one of the most underpaid careers. These kinds of special programs give teachers the chance to buy a home close to their school, with their present salary.
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Posted on Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Numerous communities are looking to the past for downtown design. Cities of the past were designed with a system of roads, public and private buildings, a theater, and an amphitheater, in a rectangular block.

Developers, and individuals interested in Montecito real estate , will need to keep in mind that many elements of design are timeless and shouldn't be forgotten. The top concern for new developments is environmental issues. Much like the ancient developments, newer developers are building around trees, drainage corridors, and mountain ranges, as opposed to obliterating them.

Agendas are set up so that eighty-percent of development will be within five minutes of 80 percent of all activities for easy "walkability." The fact that this advancement focuses less on the house and much more on the community is the most fundamental tie to ancient civilization.
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Posted on Sunday, September 13, 2009
When dealing with Montecito real estate , the standard Nuclear Family is turning out to be a thing of the past. The level of non-family households have increased slowly over the past 70 years. Rather than buying homes in the suburbs, singles, single parents, young professional couples, baby boomers, and empty nesters are now buying homes in high-rise condo buildings.

There are several reasons why residents are leaning towards high-risees. First-time buyers look for low prices, empty nesters need a lifestyle makeover, and so many younger individuals seek entertainment and culture. All over the country, this trend is hitting downtown regions.
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Posted on Friday, September 11, 2009
The cabinets have been selected and the blueprints are drawn. Your Montecito home is ready for a remodel. However, be careful, the value of your house might be lowered by one mistake.

Over expanding must be avoided. Your house might be the best on the block, but when the time comes, it will be harder to sell. It's critical to avoid making your home something it is not. Keep kitchens as kitchens and bathrooms as bathrooms.

You should not change the overall style or architectural design. Make sure you budget sufficiently for your remodel. Most people under budget, in time and money, by 20-30 percent. Hire someone to do the job, unless you are a pro.

All upkeep should be properly maintained. Clear the fireplace regularly, keep the power lines cleared from tress, and the yard trimmed. Sticking to these guidelines means that the remodel of your Montecito home will be a success.
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Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009
It can be tough to buy the Montecito home of your dreams without sufficient credit. Your plans to make any sort of big purchase will be spoiled by identity theft, even though you have always had great credit. To safegaurd your identity and your credit, there are a lot of things you can do.

You can begin by phasing out your Social Security number as a password or ID number. Never use your birth date, address, or phone number for any kind of password . Remember password info and keep it safely locked away. Don't store information in your wallet, purse, or electronic organizer.

Only write the last four digits of your account on a check when paying credit card bills. The credit card company has enough information to open your account.

Above all, be careful when providing your personal information. If something appears too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts so you are able to get the loan for a Montecito home .
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Posted on Monday, September 07, 2009
The fight over cell phone towers neighboring Montecito homes is typically inconsistent. The majority want even better cell phone coverage and do not want their phone calls dropped. However, most communities hope to keep cell towers out of their neighborhoods. Towers are an eyesore and could lower property worth. For a cell tower to operate properly, it need to be in sight. This means an ugly, enormous piece of steel will be installed above the tree line. This does not fit well into a neighborhood design, but is OK for an urban setting.

Companies started putting in towers that look like trees to remedy this. Although, a steel tree hardly fools anybody. Cell phone companies have got to be delicate and open when debating towers with neighborhoods. In turn, Montecito households need to remember that they can win a fight against cell phone companies. By approaching the situation with a team mentality, both sides might get what they want.
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Posted on Saturday, September 05, 2009
Along with heat waves come rolling blackouts. There isn't any way to tell how long a blackout will last and they can happen at anytime. If your Montecito home is without power, it is important to be ready.

Check with your local utility company for blackout info. Many times, blackouts are planned dependent upon geographic areas. If you think that a blackout is coming, plan to go somewhere with power. When your home is without power, going to a movie, shopping mall, friend's house, or even on a vacation are all good choices.

Plan ahead with extra food and plenty of water throughout the hot summer months. Store extra ice in the freezer and leave the refrigerator door closed. Food and water for your pets must not be forgotten. Make sure you have extra batteries, medical materials, and other personal items. Remember that your cell phone battery might die and networks do get congested during an emergency.

Most importantly, keep an eye on individuals who are most vulnerable to heat, specifically, children and the elderly. The earth's increasing temperatures mean that heat waves are here to stay, according to climate projections. Today is a good day to begin preparing for heat waves.
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Posted on Thursday, September 03, 2009
Numerous towns are looking to the past for city design. Ancient cities were designed in a rectangular group with a roads system, public and private buildings, a theater, and an amphitheater.

Developers, and anybody involved in Montecito real estate , need to remember that so many elements of design are timeless and should not be forgotten. The more prominent concern for newer developments is environmental issues. Similar to the earlier developments, newer developers are working around forests, drainage corridors, and mountain ranges, instead of demolishing them.

Details also involve easy "walkability," which means eighty-percent of development must be within five minutes of 80 percent of all activities. Perhaps the most significant tie to ancient civilization is the fact that growth relies a lot less on the home and even more on the community.
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Posted on Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Montecito real estate is experiencing a new trend. The majority of new homeowners are young, single women. Actually, there has been a 6 percent jump in female buyers between 2001 and 2005.

Most young singles are looking for a safe neighborhood, closeness to entertainment and nightlife, and affordability. More of the buying market consists of recent immigrants and minorities. Some are buying condos to build equity so that they can purchase a bigger home down the line. Finally, retirees and empty-nesters are downsizing and migrating to like-minded communities. They would rather 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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