Adding a hot tub to your second Santa Barbara home will make it more appealing to vacationers. On average rental homes without hot tubs yield $14,000 less than homes with hot tubs. The up-front cost is sizeable, but a hot tub will pay for itself many times over.
In addition, renters will remember a dirty house a good deal more than a clean house. To steer clear of any bad memories, make sure the linens are fresh and the floors are spick and span. Clothes and food are the only things a renter will need to bring to your Santa Barbara home . More ...
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007
Interior decorating has gone from light to dark. Many Santa Barbara homeowners are switching pale woods and bleached floors for shades of black, brown, and grey. Darker colors can be found on everything, from cabinets to faucets. To so many, these darker colors balance the daily stresses of life and create a pleasant ambiance.
Like any fad, dark decorating may one day seem dated. The pink bathtubs from the 60s and green shag of the 70s definitely date a room. However, your Santa Barbara home could be transformed from ordinary to warm and cozy, if done properly. More ...
Posted on Saturday, December 29, 2007
Interior decorating has moved to dark from light. A lot of Santa Barbara homeowners are switching pale woods and bleached floors for shades of black, brown, and grey. Darker hues can be found on everything, from cabinets to faucets. To some, these darker colors produce a pleasant ambiance and balance the stresses of daily life.
The drawback to dark decor is that like any trend, it will pass. The formica of the 50s and green shag of the 70s certainly date a room. Nevertheless, if done properly, your Santa Barbara home will be transformed from ordinary to warm and cozy. More ...
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Santa Barbara real estate market may be slowing, but there hasn't been a better time to buy a house. As soon as you found a home in a hot market, you had to jump on it.
Now, with more selection, you are able to take the time to find the ideal home. The existing market also allows more room for bargaining. The overall process may take a bit longer, but buyers have much more say at the table. Presently, interest rates are still relatively low. Rates are not at 6%, like they were in 2004, but for the most part, you are still getting a great deal.
Above all, a piece of real estate is a great investment. Whether you are buying to turn over, or buying to keep, owning a piece of real estate will yield great tax benefits. More ...
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Any piece of Santa Barbara real estate can be affected by mold. Although most assume that heat and humidity are significant signs of mold growth, a new investigation found that building quality might be one of the main factors.
Today's buildings are constructed to meet strict energy regulations. 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 keep up on mold infestations.
Costs may add up, but in the end, it will be cheaper than fixing a substantial mold problem. Furthermore, when the time comes to list your Santa Barbara home , a mold problem can cost you the sale. More ...
Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007
Don't panic when the time comes to put your home on the market, even though the Santa Barbara real estate market is balancing out. Heading into the situation with the right knowledge is all you need to do.
To start off, set the correct asking price. Listing your home at or below the competitive market prices is best. Thanks to competitive bidding, a lower price will produce even more interest and you just might end up with more money. You have got a better chance of getting your house sold now, instead of months from now, by providing buyer incentives. With so many other homes for sale, you can set your house above everybody else.
Finally, make sure both the outside as well as the inside are in order. Looks are everything and an unsightly home simply will not sell. Your Santa Barbara home has a greater chance of selling in a reasonable amount of time by sticking to these clear cut tips. More ...
Posted on Saturday, December 22, 2007
Does your Santa Barbara home need an additional bedroom? Outdoor sleeping quarters might be a good idea. From bars to beds to nightstands, folks are investing money on outdoor "rooms." Aluminum platforms, mosquito nets, nylon, and woven PVC ensure that water and mildew keep out of your bed.
These beds vary from luxury models by Armini/Casa's Oceano, to the more reasonably priced versions available at Home Depot or Lowe's, and come ready-to-go. A canopied daybed on the terrace will always be a terrific spot to kick back and take a nap, even though sleeping outdoors is not an option in some areas. More ...
Posted on Friday, December 21, 2007
There is some competition for buyers in the Santa Barbara condo market . There are many things you can do to set your condo above the others and guarantee a speedy sale. Above all, the price must be right. Analyze the local market and surrounding neighborhood and price your condo off that. Invite several brokers over for a "open house." The more brokers you have, the exposure you will get.
For every would-be buyer, generate an individual "resource list." Families might be searching for nearby schools or parks while empty nesters are attracted to fine dining or theaters. Major points of interest should be bathrooms and the kitchen. Putting money towards upgrades here will pay off big time. Rewards, such as a plasma TV or grocery store gift card, are a great way to bring buyers in. More ...
Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007
Across the country, several buildings are going green, literally. Buildings in Chicago, and one day in Santa Barbara, are starting to put in green roofs. Environmentally friendly materials or solar panels aren't what these types of roofs are made from. From wildflowers to lettuce, here you can plant everything.
Potted plants have decorated rooftops for years but this new form of roofing, complete with a unique drainage system, allows plants to actually root. Green roofing allows for numerous benefits. Most importantly, the greenhouse effect is lessened as cooling needs are lowered by approximately 25 percent. The heat from concrete and blacktop is absorbed tremendously by plants.
A flat, black roof is far less aesthetically pleasing than a rooftop conservatory. Whether you grow grass, flowers, or brush, you can have a spot to stop and smell the roses. Keep a lookout for Santa Barbara homes going green. For now, green roofing will only be found in the big city. More ...
Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2007
Don't panic when it comes time to put your home on the market, even though the Santa Barbara real estate market is balancing out. Heading into the situation with the right knowledge is the only thing you need.
Setting the ideal asking price is a good place to begin. Listing your house at or below the competitive market price is usually best. Thanks to competitive bidding, a lower price will yield a greater amount of interest and you should end up with much more money. You have got a better chance of selling your house now, instead of months from now, by providing buyer perks. It can cost you a bit more in the beginning, but with so many other options, you must set your home above the rest.
Finally, make sure both the outside as well as the inside are spic and span. An unsightly home simply will not sell considering that looks are important. By following these clear cut tips, your Santa Barbara home has a greater chance of selling . More ...
Posted on Monday, December 17, 2007
Do the drab mirrors in your Santa Barbara home need a bit of spice? Try enhancing them with a unique frame. There are several ways this can be completed.
The inexpensive way involves either getting a frame to fit your mirror, cutting a mirror to fit your frame, or constructing a custom frame. Hiring a "mirror rescue guide" to dress your mirror in anything from carved cedar to silver is a second option. Starting at $500-$1,000 and depending on the size of the mirror, these kinds of consultations can be pricey.
Mirror framing is becoming more widespread, with sales increasing at 40% every year. Mirror decoration is a great way to add vigor your Santa Barbara home . More ...
Posted on Sunday, December 16, 2007
A cutting edge trend in design is spreading throughout the nation. For Santa Barbara home decorating ideas, a lot of homeowners are looking to a taxidermist. Stuffed animals are being carried at boutiques and fancy department stores. Taxidermy adornments are all over the place, from black crows and ducks to elk and bobcats.
A lot of individuals believe that decorating with stuffed animals gives modern, cold interiors a bit of warmth. Many believe an armadillo in front of the fireplace to be disturbing while others love the look. It is best to get your flamingo while you can because there is no telling how long this taxidermy chic look will go on. More ...
Posted on Friday, December 14, 2007
The sale of your Santa Barbara home could be affected by a lot of things. The deal breaker should never be fleas, termites, or bugs. Before you even put your house up for sale, bring in an exterminator. Make sure all traces of pests are gone before a prospective buyer even enters your home.
If you own animals, ensure that fleas will not be a problem by taking preventative steps. Administer flea medication and use a fogger to kill any surviving fleas. If possible, make sure Fido stays outdoors until your home is sold. Taking care of these steps now will save time and money down the road. More ...
Posted on Thursday, December 13, 2007
A lot of towns are turning to the past for urban design. Cities of the past were designed with a roads system, public and private buildings, a theater, and an amphitheater, in a rectangular group.
A lot of design elements are enduring and should not be forgotten. This really should be remembered by developers and those involved in Santa Barbara real estate . Environmental issues are the top concerns for new developments. Developers hope to work around forests, drainage corridors, and mountain slopes, as opposed to destroying them, just like earlier developments.
Details also contian easy "walkability," meaning eighty-percent of development will be within five minutes of 80 percent of all activities. Perhaps the biggest tie to ancient civilization is the fact that advancement relies a lot less on the home and much more on the community. More ...
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Any piece of Santa Barbara real estate can be affected by mold. Mold growth is largely due to building quality, not weather and humidity, according to a new investigation.
The buildings of today are built to meet tight energy regulations. When it's scorching outside, the trapped moisture has nowhere to go, producing the greenhouse effect. It is good to get routine roof, drainage, and structure inspections to keep up on mold infestations.
It's more costly to fix a giant mold problem than it is to get annual inspections. A mold problem could collapse the deal when the time comes to sell your Santa Barbara home . More ...
Posted on Sunday, December 09, 2007
Santa Barbara real estate is seeing a new trend. The majority of new homeowners are young, single women. In fact, between 2001 and 2005 there was a 6 percent rise in female homeowners.
Affordability, a closeness to entertainment, and a safe neighborhood are what the majority of young singles are looking for. Even more of the buying market consists of recent immigrants and minorities. Some are purchasing condos to build equity so that one day, they can invest in a larger home. Finally, retirees and empty-nesters are downsizing and migrating to active adult communities. They are finished with big houses and prefer to live in smaller homes, close to friends and entertainment. More ...
Posted on Friday, December 07, 2007
When dealing with the look of Santa Barbara homes , times are changing. Since 1970, the biggest change is the amount of square footage. In 1973, the average home was 1,600 square feet, a new home today has expanded to 2,400. Bathrooms have switched from less than two per home, to at least two.
From a humble 9x10 to a tremendous 285 square feet, kitchens have seen an increase in size as well. Several kitchens have added islands, breakfast bars, and nooks. An old-fashioned living room is a feature of the past. The flat screen TV is what families congregate around today. Most garages allow for more than two cars and an all-inclusive laundry room is essential. As four bedrooms are becomming standard, children are probably not going to share a room. Keep posted, Santa Barbara real estate is continuing to adapt to the times. More ...
Posted on Wednesday, December 05, 2007
A large number of people in their 20s are securing Santa Barbara real estate . For twentysomethings, owning a home suggests a greater sense of responsibility and commitment. However, the payback is great. Nowadays, people in their 20s are more likely to purchase real estate than they were 20 years ago.
Money might be tight, but the freedom of becoming self-sufficient is worth so much. Rather than paying rent to someone else, several young homeowners would rather pay a mortgage. At 25, a Santa Barbara real estate is worth a lot, even if a credit card is used to finance a leaky sink or new water heater. More ...
Posted on Tuesday, December 04, 2007
A lot of individuals in their 20s are securing Santa Barbara real estate . For twentysomethings, owning a piece of real estate leads to more of a sense of responsibility and commitment. The payback, however, is great. 20 years ago, people in their 20s were less inclined to buy real estate than they are today.
Money might be tight, but the liberty of becoming self-sufficient is worth so much. Instead of paying rent to someone else, many young homeowners would rather pay a mortgage. At 25, a Santa Barbara real estate is worth so much, even if a credit card must be used to finance a leaky roof or new washer and dryer. More ...
Posted on Monday, December 03, 2007
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced improved remodel guidelines, which might impact older Santa Barbara homes . For contractors involved in remodels on homes built prior to 1978, the EPA asks for lead training, certification, and safe work practice requirements. They hope to to clear the public health concern of lead poisoning by the year 2010.
Lead was used for many years in paint and is an extremely hazardous metal. It might cause a range of health issues and kids younger than six are most at risk since their nervous systems are not yet entirely developed. Contact Santa Barbara real estate with any questions with regards to lead in your home. More ...
Posted on Sunday, December 02, 2007
You may need to bring in the specialists if your Santa Barbara home stays on the market . A great way to make a memorable first impression on potential buyers is to stage your home. Trading or taking out furniture to form an aesthetically pleasing look is how you stage a home. An extra cost is unappealing, but staging will pay for itself.
Generally, a non-staged home stays on the market 1.5 months longer than its staged counterpart. Staging is all about depersonalization so to sell a house, the owner has got to become as separated as possible. You have a sale when potential buyers can foresee themselves in your Santa Barbara home . More ...
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