Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010
There is some competition for buyers in the Montecito condo market . There are a lot of things you can do to put your condominium above the others and guarantee a quicker sale. Above all, the price must be right. Price your condo based on the local market and surrounding neighborhood. Invite multiple brokers over for a "open house." More brokers mean more exposure.

Compose an individual "resource list" for prospective buyers. Families could be searching for nearby schools or day-care centers while empty nesters are thinking about fine dining or museums. Make the kitchen and bathroom a point of focus. You will see big payoffs when you put money towards improvements here. Last but not least, offer incentives such as a few months free cable or grocery store gift card.
More ...


Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010
The opportunity to purchase a great Montecito vacation home is not gone There are benefits to owning a vacation home, although the market may not be what it used to be. Remember; you should not buy as an investment. Second home sales have begun to drop in price. Personal ownership is a better purchasing goal. A collapsing bubble means a decreased price for the home you want.

To get the feel for an area, spend a couple of weeks in the prospective community. Look around and buy one you love, rather than the best deal. If you do your research, purchasing a piece of Montecito real estate as a vacation home might be the smartest decision you will ever make.
More ...


Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2010
So many baby boomers are remodeling the extra bedrooms in their Montecito homes. The primary residents of these rooms are aging parents or kids in their 20s returning home after college. Decorating a room for an older adult is not the same as decorating for children.

In the case of an aging parent, a separate sense of space and seclusion has got to be created. Room for medical devices in the bedroom or bathroom must be taken into consideration too.
More ...


Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010
Some cities are looking to the past for city design. Cities of the past were designed in a rectangular group with a roads system, public and private buildings, a theater, and an amphitheater.

Developers, and folks interested in Montecito real estate , must remember that some elements of design are enduring and should not be forgotten. Environmental factors are among the more prominent concerns for new developments. Instead of removing trees, drainage corridors, and mountain slopes, developers strive to work around them to guard natural qualities, just like earlier developments.

Details also involve easy "walkability," which means eighty-percent of development will be within five minutes of 80 percent of all activities. The fact that this advancement relies less on the house and a good deal more on the community could be the most notable tie to ancient civilization.
More ...


Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010
You might not be a Hollywood star, but don't give up on your Montecito home just yet. Film or TV shoots have caused some owners to vacate their home for days, even weeks. Movie producers are willing to shell out big money for the use of the perfect home.

The glamour and money is worth it for some. For others, the idea of a handyman entering their house causes worry. Even for fame, a hundred crewmembers are too much. Nonetheless, it will be fun to see your Montecito home on the silver screen.
More ...


Posted on Friday, April 23, 2010
Prior to putting in a laundry room upstairs in your Montecito home , you have to do a bit of meticulous planning. If the job is completed incorrectly, you could face water damage or structural headaches.

It is wise to bring in an architect and perhaps even a structural engineer to ensure that your house will hold the additional weight and vibrations from a washer and dryer. A floor drain and electronic shutoff valve, which will consequently block the spread of water in case of a leak, is the best way to avoid water damage from flooding.

The priciest part of the job is going to be putting in a dedicated electric and gas line. Lastly, do your research to find the most quiet and energy efficient appliances. By following these easy steps, you will be able to safely add upstairs laundry and raise the value of your Montecito home .
More ...


Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Interior decorating has shifted to dark from light. A lot of Montecito homeowners would rather see shades of black, brown, and grey as opposed to pale woods. Everything, from floors to faucets, is taking on a darker shade. To some, these darker colors balance the daily stresses of life and create a soothing ambiance.

Like any fad, dark decorating may one day seem passe. The green shag of the 70s and formica of the 50s definitely date a room. Although, your Montecito home could be transformed from ordinary to warm and cozy, if done properly.
More ...


Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2010
There hasn't been a better time to purchase a piece of real estate, although the Montecito real estate market is slowing. In a hot market, the minute you came across a house, you had to jump on it.

You can take your time to look for the ideal home now, since there is a greater choice in housing. Room for bargaining is possible in the present market. Buyers have even more say at the table, even though the whole process will take a bit longer. Presently, interest rates remain somewhat low. Rates might not be at 6%, as they were in 2004, but overall, you are still getting a great deal.

If nothing else, a piece of real estate is a smart investment. Whether you are buying to turn over, or buying for good, owning a piece of real estate is going to yield great tax benefits.
More ...


Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010
Montecito real estate has gone to great lengths to generate paperless transactions. Buying or selling a piece of real estate is much easier with an electronic system. What's more, it will speed up closings and save money. Going paperless isn't as simple as it sounds seeing how we have used paper for many years.

One of the hardest parts of employing a paperless system is making sure transactions are safe. Electronic signatures were legalized in 2000 but there is always the possibility of fraud. Nevertheless, electronic transactions are safer with newly written laws.

As this takes place, we will see a better, more effective process.
More ...


Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010
When dealing with Montecito real estate , the regular Nuclear Family is turning into a thing of the past. Over the previous 70 years, the level of non-family households has risen little by little. Instead of buying homes in the suburbs, singles, single parents, young professional couples, baby boomers, and empty nesters are now living in high-rise condo buildings.

Different occupants are leaning towards high-rises for different reasons. First-time buyers look for low prices, empty nesters need a lifestyle change, and so many younger individuals want entertainment and culture. This trend is hitting urban communities across the United States.
More ...


Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2010
Mold can bring down any piece of Montecito real estate . Although most are sure that weather and humidity are significant signs of mold growth, a new study revealed that building quality just might be one of the main factors.

The buildings of today are constructed to adhere to tight energy guidelines. When it is sizzling outside, the trapped moisture has nowhere to go, producing the greenhouse effect. It is beneficial to get regular roof, drainage, and structure inspections to keep up on mold infestations.

It is more costly to repair a gigantic mold problem than it is to get yearly inspections. What's more, when the time comes to list your Montecito home , a mold problem might cost you the sale.
More ...


Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010
There is a bit of competition for buyers in the Montecito condo market . There are a few things you can do to set your condominium above the others and guarantee a quicker sale. To start, the price must be right. Look at the local market and surrounding neighborhood and price your condo off that. Invite a number of brokers over for a "open house." The more brokers you have, the exposure you will get.

For every possible buyer, create an individual "resource list." Families might be looking for nearby schools or day-care centers while empty nesters are interested in fine dining or theaters. Make the kitchen and bathroom a point of focus. Putting money towards improvements here will pay off big time. Incentives, such as a few months free cable or grocery store gift card, are a great way to bring in buyers.
More ...


Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Any piece of Montecito real estate can be affected by mold. A new report revealed that building quality just might be one of the main factors of mold growth, not weather and humidity.

Tight energy guidelines control the construction of today's buildings. The greenhouse effect is created when moisture is stuck inside the walls of a structure. It helps to get regular roof, drainage, and structure inspections to maintain mold infestations.

It is much more costly to repair a big mold problem than it is to get annual inspections. A mold problem might collapse the deal when the time comes to sell your Montecito home .
More ...


Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010
You might need to bring in the experts if your Montecito home remains on the market . Staging your house is a fantastic way to make a memorable first impression on potential buyers. Staging simply means trading or taking out furniture to form an aesthetically pleasing look. An added cost is unappealing, but staging will pay for itself.

On average, a staged home will be on the market for 1.5 months less than its non-staged counterpart will. To sell a home, the owner must be as removed as possible since staging is all about depersonalization. When a possible buyer can envision themselves in your Montecito home , you have the sale.
More ...


Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mold can hinder any piece of Montecito real estate . Mold growth is mostly due to building quality, not weather and humidity, based on a recent investigation.

Tight energy guidelines control the construction of today's buildings. When moisture becomes stuck inside the walls of a structure, the greenhouse effect is created. It is beneficial to get regular roof, drainage, and structure inspections to maintain mold infestations.

Prices may add up, but in the long run, it will be cheaper than repairing a massive mold problem. A mold problem could end a deal when it comes time to list your Montecito home .
More ...


Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010
You might want to bring in the specialists if your Montecito home stays on the market . A good way to make a noteworthy first impression on possible buyers is to stage your house. Staging simply means trading or taking out furniture to produce a tasteful look. An additional cost is unappealing, but staging will pay for itself.

A staged home will be on the market for 1.5 months less than its non-staged counterpart will, generally speaking. To sell a house, the owner must be as detached as possible because staging is all about depersonalization. You have success when potential buyers can imagine themselves in your Montecito home .
More ...


Posted on Saturday, April 10, 2010
Adding a hot tub to your second Montecito home will make it more alluring to vacationers. Rental homes with hot tubs take in $14,000 more than homes without, generally speaking. A hot tub will pay for itself many times over, despite the up-front cost.

What's more, a dirty house is more memorable than a clean house, claim renters. To avoid any bad memories, make sure the linens are fresh and the floors are spick and span. The only things a renter will need to bring are clothes and food.
More ...


Posted on Thursday, April 08, 2010
Your child could devote more time to studying if you allow him or her design thier own study area in your Montecito home , based on data from a recent study. A teenager's room is an area for socializing, studying, and relaxing and has got to reflect his or her particular style.

To make an effective study space, technology, including a computer and music, is a must. A study nook can me made a replica of a bookstore cafe or coffee shop by adding small rugs, floor and table lamps, organization units, and warm colors. The hardest, yet most effective task, is keeping everything neat and clean.

Contact
Montecito real estate for more tips on decorating your child's study area.
More ...


Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Zillow.com, the progressive real estate website, is requesting more from its visitors. Browsers now have the ability to add new info about homes and make those facts public.

According to Zillow CEO, Richard Barton, this new component will "dramatically enhance the quality and relevance of Zillow." A homeowner will need to register their contact info and their property history through a private verification process to obtain this info. Log on to Zillow to add details to your Montecito home .
More ...


Posted on Monday, April 05, 2010
According to a recent study, allowing your child setup his or her own study space in your Montecito home could result in more study time. A teenager's room is an area for socializing, studying, and relaxing and must reflect his or her personal style.

To create an effective study space, technology, complete with a computer and music, is a must. A study corner can me made a copy of a bookstore cafe or coffee shop by putting in area rugs, floor and table lamps, organization systems, and warm colors. Keeping everything neat and clean is probably the most difficult, yet most effective task.

Contact Montecito real estate for additional tips on decorating your child's study area.
More ...


Posted on Saturday, April 03, 2010
An increasing number of people in their 20s are acquiring Montecito real estate . Owning a piece of real estate means a greater sense of responsibility and commitment, particularly for twentysomethings. However, the payback is fantastic. 20 years ago, individuals in their 20s were much less inclined to buy real estate than they are today.

Money is tight, but the freedom of being self-supported is worth so much. Instead of paying rent to somebody else, many young homeowners would rather pay a mortgage. A leaky toilet or new driveway might need to be purchased on a credit card, but at 25, a Montecito real estate investment is worth a lot.
More ...


Posted on Friday, April 02, 2010
Cell phone towers around Montecito homes seems to be an inconsistent fight. Most want not as many dropped calls with even better cell phone coverage. However, a lot of communities try to keep cell towers out of their neighborhoods. Towers could diminish property value and are very unsightly. For a cell tower to operate properly, it need to be in sight. Above the tree lines, an ugly, enormous piece of steel must be put in. This is OK for a downtown setting, but doesn't fit well into a community design.

Companies started adding towers that resemble trees to remedy this. Although, a steel tree hardly fools anyone. Cell phone companies have to be sensitive and open when discussing towers with communities. Montecito residents should remember that it is possible to win a fight against cell phone companies. Both sides can get what they want when they go into the situation with a team mind set.
More ...

April 2010
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
<<   >>
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930
Blue Star Real Estate
Lenny Gerthoffer: Broker/Owner
(805) 884-0040
1029 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Click Here for our
Montecito
Website
Archives
  • September(2010)
  • August(2010)
  • July(2010)
  • June(2010)
  • May(2010)
  • April(2010)
  • March(2010)
  • Feburary(2010)
  • January(2010)
  • December(2009)
  • November(2009)
  • October(2009)



  •