Posted on Saturday, July 31, 2010
Times are changing, particularly in regards to the layout of Montecito homes . It is likely that the biggest difference since the 1970s is the amount of square footage. A normal new home has expanded to 2,400 square feet, up from 1,600 square feet in 1973. Now, homes have at the very least two bathrooms when they used to have less than two.

Kitchens have seen an increase as well, now at a giant 285 square feet, up from a modest 9x10. Islands, breakfast bars, and nooks are some of the additions to many kitchens. An old-fashioned living room is a feature of the past. The flat screen TV is what families congregate around today. Many garages hold more than two cars and an all-inclusive laundry room is a must. As four bedrooms are becomming the norm, children are less likely to share a room. Keep posted, Montecito real estate is continuing to change with the times.
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Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010
You might hurt your chances of completing your Montecito real estate transacation if you become a victim of identity theft. As Congress inspects email phishing scams, they should initiate initiatives to combat identity theft.

When an individual or organization pretends to be a legitimate company, like Amazon.com or a large bank, and obtains delicate information fraudulently, they are participating in phishing. It is extremely important to keep an eye out for email that sounds phony. If you have any reservations, report any email that you think is a scam.
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Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2010
Adding a hot tub to your second Montecito home will make it more attractive to vacationers. Rental homes with hot tubs generate $14,000 more than homes without, generally speaking. The up-front cost is big, but a hot tub will pay for itself many times over.

Additionally, a dirty house is more memorable than a clean house, according to renters. To avoid any bad memories, make sure the linens are clean and the floors are spick and span. Clothes and food are the only materials a renter will need to bring to your Montecito home .
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Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010
There are several things that could affect the sale of your Montecito home . The deal breaker should never be fleas, termites, or bugs. Bring in an exterminator before you even set your house on the market. Also, do not let a prospective buyer into your home until all traces of bugs are gone.

If you have pets, take preventative steps to ensure that fleas will not be a problem. Give your pet's flea medicine and use a fogger to kill any surviving fleas. If possible, keep Fido outside until your home is sold. You will save time and money in the end by taking care of these steps now.
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Posted on Sunday, July 25, 2010
In your Montecito home , the correct lighting can make a big difference. Lighting can brighten an entire area, draw attention to a specific architectural piece, or just change the tone of a room. There are many things to think about when installing brand new lighting. Using a consistent style is essential. A period crystal chandelier will look better in an older home than radiant tract lighting will. Different things will be achieved through various ways of lighting. By installing lights under cabinets, you can highlight a granite countertop.

Make sure you assess every room at night, without any natural light, to get an idea for the kind of lighting that you will need. A wonderful way to add a romantic, elegant, touch to every wall is by adding a sconce. Always cover the bulb, there's nothing more unattractive than an uncovered light bulb. Finally, put in 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 Sunday, July 25, 2010
You ought to bring in the experts if your Montecito home stays on the market . A great way to make a noteworthy first impression on potential buyers is to stage your home. Staging simply means trading or taking out furniture to form an aesthetically pleasing look. Staging will pay for iteslf even though an extra cost is unappealing.

Generally, a non-staged house will stay on the market 1.5 months longer than its staged counterpart. To sell a home, the owner needs to be as removed as possible since staging is all about depersonalization. You have success when prospective buyers can foresee themselves in your Montecito home .
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Posted on Friday, July 23, 2010
Does your Montecito home need a few improvements? Stay away from Martha Stewart Magazine and design shows. Look at a model home instead. A few homeowners are visiting model homes for design tips, new amenities, or simply to see how their home stacks up.

It is hard to determine who is interested and who is not, however 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 examine everything in a model home, from blueprints to appliances. Builders and Montecito homeowners can really learn a lot from one another.
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Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Are you looking for ways to enhance your Montecito home ? Don't bother with design shows and Martha Stewart Magazine. Instead, visit a model home. A lot of homeowners are visiting model homes for design hints, new luxuries, or just to see how their home compares.

It is often hard to determine who is interested and who is not, however homebuilders can see the difference. Builders rely on these looky-loos for an understanding as to what homeowners want. From the paint to appliances, everthing is scrutinized by a potential buyer in a model home. Builders and Montecito homeowners can actually learn a lot from one another.
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Posted on Monday, July 19, 2010
Tree houses are not just for the kids anymore. Consider building in the woods, literally, rather than buying a typical Montecito home . In certain communities, tree houses, complete with running water, electricity, and plumbing, are popular. Homes constructed surrounded by the branches of pine, spruce, and birch tress offer seclusion and an one-of-a-kind lifestyle.

To tap into the inner child, some homes come equipped with swings, bridges, slides, or even a zip line. These home are not for everyone, however, many have been waiting their entire lives for the opportunity to live in a tree.
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Posted on Saturday, July 17, 2010
You may need to bring in the professionals if your Montecito home stays on the market . A good way to make a noteworthy first impression on potential buyers is to stage your house. Rearranging or taking out furniture to form an aesthetically pleasing look is how you stage a home. An added cost is unappealing, but staging will pay for itself.

A staged home usually stays on the market for 1.5 months less than its non-staged counterpart will, on average. To sell a house, the owner needs to be as detached as possible since staging is all about depersonalization. When a prospective buyer can foresee themselves in your Montecito home , you have success.
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Posted on Friday, July 16, 2010
Based on information from the United States Commerce Department, this past Month exhibited a rise in new home sales. For Montecito real estate , this is wonderful news. According to analysts, new, single family home sales rose by 4.6 percent.

This increase amazed economists who were expecting the market would slow down, thanks to inflating mortgage rates. Only a moderate slowdown is predicted even though the mortgage rates are expected to continue to rise over the next few months. Now might be the best time to buy a great Montecito home .
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Posted on Thursday, July 15, 2010
You might not be a Hollywood star, but don't give up on your Montecito home just yet. Movie or TV shoots have caused some owners to leave their home for days, even weeks. Film producers are willing to pay big for the use of the perfect home.

The glamour and money is worth it for some. Others become uneasy at the idea of having a handyman come into their home. Even for fame, a hundred crewmembers can be impossible. Still, it should be fun to see your Montecito home on the silver screen.
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Posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Several buildings throughout the country are literally going green. Green roofs are being installed in Chicago, and maybe one day in Montecito. These aren't roofs constructed from renewable materials or solar panels. From wildflowers to tomatos, here you can plant everything.

Potted plants have garnished rooftops for years but this new type of roofing, complete with an one-of-a-kind drainage system, enables plants to actually root. Green roofing allows for a couple of benefits. Above all, the greenhouse effect is narrowed as cooling needs are lowered by more than 25 percent. Plants can absorb the heat radiated from concrete and blacktop.

A rooftop terrace is more aesthetically pleasing than a flat, black roof. Whether you grow grass, flowers, or brush, you will have a spot to stop and smell the roses. Keep an eye out for Montecito homes going green. For now, green roofing can only be found in the big city.
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Posted on Monday, July 12, 2010
The opportunity to buy a good Montecito vacation home is not gone While the market may not be what it was, there are benefits to owning a vacation home. Buying as an investment isn't always a smart idea. Second home sales have started to drop in price. Nevertheless, it is a great idea to buy for personal ownership. A shrinking bubble means a lower price for the home you love.

To get a feel for the area, spend a few weeks in the prospective community. Look around and buy one you love, instead of the best deal. If you do your homework, buying a piece of Montecito real estate as a vacation home might be the best decision you ever made.
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Posted on Sunday, July 11, 2010
Rolling blackouts are a good indication of a heat wave. A blackout can happen at anytime and there is no way to tell how long one will last. If your Montecito home is without power, it is important to be prepared.

For blackout info, check with your local utility company. A geographic area is oftentimes the basis of a planned blackout. If you are sure 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 viable options.

During the hot summer months, plan ahead with extra food and plenty of water. Keep the refrigerator door shut and have extra ice in the freezer. Food and water for your animals should not be forgotten. Be sure you have extra batteries, medical equipment, and other personal items. Remember that cell phone networks become congested in emergencies and your phone battery might die.

Above all, watch those who are most vulnerable to heat, more specifically, children and the elderly. The earth's climbing temperatures mean that heat waves are here to stay, according to climate projections. Begin planning for heat waves today.
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Posted on Thursday, July 08, 2010
Don't frett, you haven't missed out on the chance to purchase a great Montecito vacation home . Even though the market is not what it was, there are benefits to owning a vacation home. Keep in mind; you should not buy as an investment. Second home sales are falling in price. Personal ownership is a smart purchasing goal. A collapsing bubble makes a decreased price for the home you love.

To get the vibe of an area, spend a couple of weeks in the possible city. Look around and buy something you love, not the best deal. Buying a piece of Montecito real estate as a vacation home might be the smartest decision you ever made, if you do your research.
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Posted on Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Despite a slight drop in ordinary Montecito apartment rentals, student housing remains stable. The average growth rate for every type of student housing has gone up by 7 percent, according to a recent report. The greatest increase, from 9 to 13 percent, was seen in units with +3 bedrooms.

The majority of leases run the typical year and remains by unit, not by bed. Montecito homeowners renting to students might find this news valuable.
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Posted on Sunday, July 04, 2010
The dry months of summer mean beach parties and BBQ's. They also suggest an increase in risk of fire. To make sure you and your family stay safe in the case of a fire in you Montecito home , you have to be prepared. In every room of the house, including the stairwell, put in smoke alarms. Test and clean them every month.

With your family, review and practice escape plans. Make sure all exits are clear from obstructions and easy to access. Have all heating units and electrical outlets examined regularly and do not keep flammables inside. Get in touch with Montecito real estate or your local fire department for more hints on fire safety.
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Posted on Friday, July 02, 2010
Free music downloads are being used to sell everything from blue jeans to cleaning products. Will Montecito real estate be next? Everybody, from preteens to the young at heart, are attracted to digital incentives. There is no sign of free music slowing down, as the demand is still steady.

Free music downloads are so popular because they are quite easy to earn. After racking up the points, consumers simply cash them in. Businesses have a better chance of repeat clients when they begin giving out these incentives. Maybe one day, a free song or two could be included with any Montecito real estate transaction.
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Posted on Thursday, July 01, 2010
Montecito real estate is seeing a new trend. The majority of new homeowners are young, single women. Actually, there has been a 6 percent rise in female homeowners between 2001 and 2005.

Affordability, a closeness to entertainment, and a safe neighborhood are what the majority of young singles are searching for. Recent immigrants and minorities make up much more of the buying market. To build equity so that a larger home can be purchased, many are starting off with condos. Finally, retirees and empty-nesters are downsizing and migrating to like-minded communities. They want 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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