Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2007
Many downtown residents are bidding farewell to the city life. Owners of Santa Barbara homes are wanting more than the city has to offer. Individuals wanting to break free from city demands are allured to country living.

Much of country development is due to city dwellers who have decided to migrate to the countryside. Many folks choose to commute to surrounding cities for employment while others decide to transform their lifestyle completely and move to property with cows, goats, and roosters.

Shopping, movie theaters, and other kinds of entertainment are tough to find in small towns, however in most cases, a bigger city is just a short drive away. If you are interested in selling your Santa Barbara home and heading towards the country, please contact us.
More ...


Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Last May showed a surge in new home sales, based on information from the United States Commerce Department. This is wonderful news for Santa Barbara real estate . New, single family home sales soared by 4.6 percent, cited market analysts.

This growth amazed economists who have been predicting the market would slow, thanks to soaring mortgage rates. Only a moderate slowdown is projected even though the mortgage rates are expected to continue to rise over the following few months. There hasn't been a better time to buy a great Santa Barbara home .
More ...


Posted on Sunday, August 26, 2007
You have your Santa Barbara home but have you always dreamed of owning a home in The St. Thomas Islands? Forget about timeshares, instead, you ought to consider a fractional ownership. You are promised a few weeks of use every year with a timeshare. You purchase about one eighth of a home, will have guaranteed use for around 13 weeks a year, and recieve a property deed under fractional ownership.

You are unable to changes things around or put up family photos, however, you are living in luxury. Lawn maintenance, cleaning, and even grocery restocking are all taken care of by a concierge. Fractional ownerships are a good way to spend some time away from Santa Barbara without emptying the pocketbook.
More ...


Posted on Friday, August 24, 2007
Looking for a way to rejuvenate the drab mirrors in your Santa Barbara home? An one-of-a-kind frame is a fantastic way to personalize those mirrors. There are a number of ways this can be carried out.

Getting a frame that fits your mirror, cutting a mirror to fit your frame, or building a customized frame are some of the inexpensive ways. From carved maple to silver, a "mirror rescue guide" can be commissioned to embellish your mirror in anything. These kinds of consultations will be pricey, beginning at $500-$1,000, depending on the size.

Mirror framing is becoming more widespread, with sales growing at 40% every year. Mirror decoration is a great way to add spunk your Santa Barbara home .
More ...


Posted on Friday, August 24, 2007
A lot of the time, it is a breeze purchasing a piece of Santa Barbara real estate . You finish up in a community you have always dreamed of with a wonderful house. Unfortunately, it is generally too late when you learn that your neighbors are a problem.

Feuds between neighbors often get extreme and might cause one party to move away. You have a greater chance of receiving a response to your grievances when you shower a surly neighbor with kindness.

Be sure you do your research on local codes and regulations before you accuse a neighbor of breaking any laws. If your interests are not addressed you can then get the city involved.

The court and police should only be considered as a last resource and a mediator can oftentimes settle any disputes. By maintaining an open mind, you ought to be able to make friends with your neighbor.
More ...


Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2007
In-home recording studios are common for any serious Santa Barbara musician. The total number of home studios especially around Nashville and Los Angeles, is on the rise, according to Billboard reports.

Overall, the cost of installing a studio is much less than repeated visits to privately owned studios. You should consider installing a recording studio in your Santa Barbara home if you are a disciplined musician with extra space.
More ...


Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Interior design has gone from light to dark. Many Santa Barbara homeowners are switching to shades of black, brown, and grey instead of pale woods. Darker colors can be found on everything, from cabinets to faucets. To some, these darker colors create a pleasant ambiance and balance the daily stresses of life.

The downside to dark decorating is that like any fad, it will pass. The green shag of the 70s and formica of the 50s certainly date a room. Although, your Santa Barbara home can be converted from ordinary to warm and cozy, if done correctly.
More ...


Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2007
Has fixing up an old Santa Barbara home always been your dream? Make sure you take a legnthy look at the "bones" of a building prior to buying that diamond in the rough.

It isn't a problem to fix a couple of shingles. It is a very different, and more costly story, to repair the entire roof structure. Reparing a leaky basement is an easy task. Installing a brand new foundation will be a massive project. Replacing pipes, wiring, and toxic building materials should be considered as well.

Carefully evaluate the entire structure and move ahead only if you truly believe that your checkbook, and more importantly, your sanity, is ready for the project.
More ...


Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007
The opportunity to purchase a great Santa Barbara vacation home has not passed Although the market is not what it was, there are advantages to owning a vacation home. Remember; you should not buy as an investment. Second home sales have begun to drop in price. Personal ownership is a wise purchasing goal. A deflating bubble ends in a lower price for the home you love.

To get the vibe of an area, spend a couple of weeks in the possible community. Avoid going for the best deal, instead, shop around for something you love. Buying a piece of Santa Barbara real estate as a second home could be the best decision you will ever make, if you do your research.
More ...


Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007
In-home recording studios are typical for any serious Santa Barbara musician. The amount of home studios is increasing, particularly around Nashville and Los Angeles, based on Billboard reports.

Overall, the cost of putting in a studio is less than frequent trips to private studios. You should think about installing a recording studio in your Santa Barbara home if you are a disciplined musician with extra space.
More ...


Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007
From DVDs to kitchen appliances, free music downloads are used to market everything. Will Santa Barbara real estate be next? Everyone, from preteens to the young at heart, are enticed by digital rewards. The desire for free music is steady, and shows no sign of slowing.

The reason why free music downloads are so widespread is that they are particularly easy to earn. Consumers simply cash in all the points they collect. When a business starts promising these incentives, they have a better chance of repeat customers. Maybe one day, Santa Barbara real estate will include a free song or two with each transaction.
More ...


Posted on Monday, August 13, 2007
Looking for a way to wake up the drab mirrors in your Santa Barbara home? An one-of-a-kind frame is a good way to personalize those mirrors. This can be done a number of ways.

Getting a frame that fits your mirror, cutting a mirror to fit your frame, or constructing a customized frame are among the practical ways. Bringing in a "mirror rescue guide" to dress your mirror in just about anything from carved maple to gold is another option. These kinds of consultations can be expensive, beginning at $500-$1,000, based on the size.

Mirror framing is becoming popular, with sales increasing at 40% every year. Mirror decoration is a fantastic way to add vigor your Santa Barbara home .
More ...


Posted on Monday, August 13, 2007
In the Santa Barbara condo market, buyers are experiencing a bit of competition. To set your condo above the others and to guarantee a quicker sale, there are a few things you can do. To start, the price must be right. Price your condo off the local market and surrounding neighborhood. Invite several brokers over for a "open house." More brokers mean more exposure.

For each potential buyer, create an individual "resource list." Empty nesters are probably interested in fine dining or theaters while families are looking for local schools or day-care centers. Major points of interest need to 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 Sunday, August 12, 2007
Zillow.com, the breakthrough real estate site, is asking more from its visitors. Browsers now have the power to add new information about homes and make those facts public.

According to Zillow CEO, Richard Barton, this new feature will "dramatically enhance the quality and relevance of Zillow." To view this info, a homeowner must register their contact info and their home's history through a private verification process. To add details to your Santa Barbara home , go to Zillow.
More ...


Posted on Saturday, August 11, 2007
From gym memberships to toothpaste, free music downloads are used to market everything. Is Santa Barbara real estate going to be next? Digital incentives are turning out to be trendy for all walks of life, from preteens to the young at heart. The need for free music shows no signs of slowing.

Free music downloads are really easy to earn, making them popular. After collecting points, buyers begin cashing them in. Businesses have a better chance of repeat customers after they begin providing these rewards. Maybe one day, Santa Barbara real estate will give out a free song or two with each transaction.
More ...


Posted on Thursday, August 09, 2007
The chance to purchase a good Santa Barbara vacation home is not gone There are advantages to owning a vacation home, although the market may not be what it was. Buying to invest isn't always a smart idea. Second home sales are dropping in price. Personal ownership is a better purchasing goal. A deflating bubble ends in a decreased price for the home you want.

Spend a couple of weeks in a prospective community to get a feel for the area. Avoid settling on the best deal, instead, shop around for something you love. If you do your homework, purchasing a piece of Santa Barbara real estate as a second home could be the smartest decision you will ever make.
More ...


Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2007
In an attempt to help teachers purchase a piece of Santa Barbara real estate , a new program has been released recently. With an average yearly salary of $31,794 for first-year teachers, the reality of owning a home is a long way off.

Lending and title companies have joined together to provide mortgage options for teachers. They also hope to make teachers aware of unique loan programs that are set up for those in the field of education. Teaching in one of the most underpaid job in the country. Teacher can now buy a home nearby their school, with their present salary, with help from these programs.
More ...


Posted on Monday, August 06, 2007
Older Santa Barbara homes might be affected by new remodel guidelines designed by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA asks for lead training, certification, and safe work practice requirements for builders involved in remodels on homes built prior to 1987. They hope to to erase the public health worry of lead poisoning by the year 2010.

Lead is a highly toxic metal that has been used for several years in paint. Children under the age of six are more likely to be affected since their nervous systems have not fully developed. A slew of health problems can happen to anybody. If you have any concerns with regards to lead in your home, contact Santa Barbara real estate .
More ...


Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2007
Any piece of Santa Barbara real estate can be impacted by mold. Mold growth is primarily due to building quality, not weather and humidity, based on a recent study.

Nowadays, buildings are constructed to adhere to tight energy regulations. When moisture is trapped inside the walls of a structure, the greenhouse effect is created. It is beneficial to get regular roof, drainage, and structure inspections to keep up on mold infestations.

It is much more costly to fix a substantial mold problem than it is to get annual inspections. Plus, when it comes time to sell your Santa Barbara home , a mold problem just might cost you the sale.
More ...


Posted on Friday, August 03, 2007
Many individuals in their 20s are getting a piece of Santa Barbara real estate . For twentysomethings, purchasing a piece of real estate means a greater sense of responsibility and commitment. However, the payback is fantastic. 20 years ago, people in their 20s were much less likely to purchase a piece of real estate than they are today.

The liberty of being self-sufficient is worth a lot, even though money will be tight. Many young homeowners claim that instead of paying rent to somebody else, they would rather be paying a mortgage. A credit card might have to finance a leaky roof or a new dishwasher, but at 25, a Santa Barbara real estate investment is worth so much.
More ...


Posted on Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Does your Santa Barbara home need an additional bedroom? Outdoor sleeping areas might be a good idea. From kitchens to daybeds to nightstands, homeowners are spending more money on outdoor "rooms." Aluminum platforms, mosquito nets, nylon, and woven PVC ensure that water and mildew keep out of your bed.

These beds come ready-to-go and vary from luxury models by Armani/Casa's Oceano, to the more inexpensive versions, available at Home Depot or Lowe's. A canopied daybed in the garden will usually be a terrific place to kick back and take a nap, although several climates don't permit sleeping outdoors.
More ...


Posted on Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Does your Santa Barbara home need a couple of enhancements? Don't bother with Martha Stewart Magazine and design shows. Instead, visit a model home. For design ideas, new luxuries, or to see how a home stacks up, a few homeowners are visiting model homes.

Homebuilders recognize who is actually interested and who isn't. These looky-loos provide an understanding as to what homeowners would like and builders turn to them for help. A possible buyer will examine everything in a model home, from floor plans to appliances. Builders and Santa Barbara homeowners can actually learn a lot from one another.
More ...

August 2007
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
<<   >>
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031
Blue Star Real Estate
Lenny Gerthoffer: Broker/Owner
(805) 884-0040
1029 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101


Click Here for our Santa Barbara Website
Archives
  • May(2008)
  • April(2008)
  • March(2008)
  • Feburary(2008)
  • January(2008)
  • December(2007)
  • November(2007)
  • October(2007)
  • September(2007)
  • August(2007)
  • July(2007)
  • June(2007)



  •