Has remodeling an old Santa Barbara home always been your dream? Before you purchase that potential jewel, take a long look at the "bones" of the home.
It isn't a problem to fix a few shingles. Fixing the whole structure of the roof is an entirely different, and more expensive, story. Reparing a leaking basement is a simple task. Installing a new foundation will be a serious project. Replacing pipes, wiring, and toxic building materials should also be taken into account.
To make sure your checkbook, and more importantly, your sanity, is ready for the venture, thoroughly examine the entire house. More ...
Posted on Thursday, January 28, 2010
In regards to Santa Barbara real estate , the conventional Nuclear Family is turning out to be a thing of the past. Over the previous 70 years, the number of non-family households has gone up continually. Singles, single parents, young professional couples, baby boomers, and empty nesters are purchasing homes in high-rise condo buildings rather than in the suburbs like the Bradys or the Cleavers.
Different residents are leaning towards high-rises for several reasons. The majority of the young, individuals look for entertainment and culture, first-time buyers need affordability, and empty nesters seek a lifestyle makeover. This trend is hitting downtown communities all over the country. More ...
Posted on Wednesday, January 27, 2010
There are several things you can do to lower the electricity bill of your Santa Barbara home . To start off, you can switch to compact fluorescent bulbs in lamps that are turned on for longer than two hours a day. Fluorescent bulbs are 6-8 times more energy effective than conventional bulbs and will endure 10-20 times longer.
Devices such as lap top chargers or paper shreders must be unplugged when they are not in use. They still use up power, even while they aren't in use. Use an energy efficient microwave or toaster over while cooking small items that do not need to be pre-heated.
Switch your computer off or on to "standby" mode when you are done. You could reduce the cost of running a computer by 85 percent by using a laptop rather than a desktop. Put your fridge to 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit and do not open the door very often or for long periods of time.
Lastly, wash your clothes in cold water, just use the dryer for full loads, and if possible, line dry. By starting with these small steps, you will be able to lower your CO2 emissions and save money on your bills. More ...
Posted on Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The progressive real estate site, Zillow.com, is asking more from its visitors. Individuals now have the power to add new information about properties and make those facts public.
This new feature will "dramatically enhance the quality and relevance of Zillow," according to Zillow CEO, Richard Barton. A homeowner will need to register their name and their property history through a secure verification process to check out this info. Go to Zillow to add figures to your Santa Barbara home . More ...
Posted on Tuesday, January 26, 2010
For many years, we have been conscious of all sorts of pollution. A somewhat new form of contamination is light pollution. Some Santa Barbara homes are having "dark sky" lamps installed, created to lower the level of light pollution. The total amount of light shed into the night's sky is reduced as these dark sky lamps project most of their brightness downward.
Anti-light pollution regulations have been passed in many communities and subdivisions and a few cities have been declared International Dark Sky Cities. Fitting your Santa Barbara home with dark sky lamps just might be your next design step. More ...
Posted on Sunday, January 24, 2010
Interior design has moved to dark from light. A lot of Santa Barbara homeowners would like to see shades of black, brown, and grey rather than pale woods. Everything, from walls to doors, is taking on a darker shade. To some, these darker colors balance the daily stresses of life and create a soothing ambiance.
Like any trend, dark decorating may one day seem dated. The pink bathtubs from the 60s and green shag of the 70s certainly date a room. Nevertheless, if done correctly, your Santa Barbara home might be transformed from ordinary to warm and cozy. More ...
Posted on Friday, January 22, 2010
For years now, we have been conscious of all kinds of pollution. A fairly new type of contamination is light pollution. "Dark sky" lamps are being set up in so many Santa Barbara homes . This kind of lamp is designed to decrease the level of light pollution. The majority of the illumination from dark sky lamps is shot downward and the quantity of light shed into the nighttime sky is lowered.
A few cities have been declared International Dark Sky Cities and many other communities and subdivisions have passed anti-light pollution regulations. Setting up your Santa Barbara home with dark sky lamps just might be your next step in design. More ...
Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2010
Santa Barbara real estate has gone to great lengths to create paperless transactions. A paperless system promises to make buying or selling a home much simpler as well as save money and speed up closings. Going paperless isn't as easy as it appears since we have relied on paper for so many years.
One of the most difficult aspects of employing an electronic system is making sure agreements are protected. Electronic signatures were made legal in 2000 but there is always the possibility of fraud. The switch to paperless systems continues to spread as stronger laws make paperless transactions even more secure.
We will create a better, more efficient system as this happens. More ...
Posted on Wednesday, January 20, 2010
There is some competition for buyers in the Santa Barbara condo market . To guarantee a quicker sale and to put your condo above the others, there are many things you can do. To start, be sure the price is right. Price your condo according to the local market and surrounding neighborhood. Invite a number of brokers over for a "open house." More brokers mean more exposure.
For every possible buyer, create an individual "resource list." Empty nesters are often interested in fine dining or cultural activities while families are searching for local schools or day-care centers. Make the kitchen and bathroom a point of interest. Putting money towards upgrades here will pay off big time. My last piece of advice, offer incentives such as a plasma TV or grocery store gift card. More ...
Posted on Monday, January 18, 2010
Just because the Santa Barbara real estate market is balancing out, it doesn't mean that you need to panic when the time comes to sell your home. Approaching the situation with the right background is all you need to do.
Setting the right asking price is a great place to begin. It is smart to list your property at or below the competitive market price. Lower prices will produce much more interest and you could finish with a greater amount of money because of competitive bidding. By offering buyer incentives, you have got a higher possibility of getting your house sold now, rather than months from now. With plenty of other homes on the market, you can set your house above the others.
Finally, make sure both the outside as well as the inside are spic and span. An unsightly home simply will not sell since looks are important. By following these simple tips, your Santa Barbara home has a better chance of selling . More ...
Posted on Sunday, January 17, 2010
Most of the time, it is easy buying a piece of Santa Barbara real estate . You finish up in a neighborhood you have always dreamed of with a fabulous house. Unfortunately, your don't find out that your neighbors are a problem until it is too late.
Conflicts turns extreme when one side chooses to move away. You have a greater chance of receiving a response to your complaints when you shower a nasty neighbor with kindness.
Make sure you do your research on local codes and rules prior to accusing a neighbor of violating any laws. Then, if they do not answer your interests, you can bring the city in.
A mediator can generally settle any disputes and the courts and police should only be used as a last resource. You ought to be able to make friends with your neighbor if you sustain an open mind. More ...
Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010
In regards to the setup of Santa Barbara homes , times are changing. Ever since 1970, the greatest change is the amount of square footage. A normal new home has spread to 2,400 square feet, up from 1,600 square feet in 1973. Right now, homes have at least two bathrooms when they used to have less than two.
Kitchens have experienced an expansion also, now at a whopping 285 square feet, up from a mere 9x10. Islands, breakfast bars, and nooks are among the additions to a lot of kitchens. An old-fashioned living room is a characteristic of the past. The flat screen TV is what families crowd around today. Most garages allow for more than two cars and an all-inclusive laundry room is essential. As four bedrooms are becomming most common, 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 Friday, January 15, 2010
Your child could spend more time studying if you allow him or her design thier own study area in your Santa Barbara home , based on a recent study. A teenager's bedroom is a space for socializing, studying, and relaxing and will need to reflect their particular style.
To create an effective study area, technology, including a computer and music, is a must. A study nook can me made a reproduction of a bookstore cafe or coffee shop by putting in small rugs, table and floor lamps, organization units, and warm colors. The hardest, yet most successful task, is keeping things in order.
Your child could spend more time studying if you allow him or her design thier own study area in your Santa Barbara home , based on a new study. A teenager's room is a place for socializing, studying, and relaxing and has got to match his or her personal style.
A computer and music are necessary in any efficient study area. With area rugs, table and floor lamps, organization systems, and warm colors, a study nook can be made a reproduction of a bookstore café or coffee shop. Keeping everything in order is perhaps the toughest, yet most effective task.
An estimated 25 percent to 40 percent of condominium conversions have gone back to rentals, nationwide. Santa Barbara real estate might be influenced by this transformation.
Having been unable to sell these converted residences, property owners are encouraging tenants to come back. Rental prices are set to balance out as more conversions take place, but so far, prices have grown by 12-15 percent. Keep an eye out for conversions in Santa Barbara. More ...
Posted on Sunday, January 10, 2010
The breakthrough real estate site, Zillow.com, is asking more from its visitors. Individuals now have the capability to add updated data about properties 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 needs to register their contact info and their home's history through a secure verification process to check out this info. To add details to your Santa Barbara home , go to Zillow. More ...
Posted on Friday, January 08, 2010
It is generally an inconsistent battle regarding cell phone towers around Santa Barbara homes . Most people want fewer dropped calls with better cell phone coverage. On the other hand, a lot of communities do not want cell towers in their neighborhoods. Towers could lower property value and are very unattractive. Cell towers have to be in sight to work properly. Above the tree lines, an unattractive, colossal piece of steel will need to be put in. This is fine for a downtown setting, but doesn't fit well into a neighborhood design.
To fix this, companies started putting towers in that look like trees. However, a steel tree hardly fools anybody. When discussing towers with neighborhoods, cell phone companies should be sensitive and open. In turn, Santa Barbara residents need to remember that they are capable of winning a fight against cell phone companies. Both sides could get what they want when they go into the situation with a team mind set. More ...
Posted on Thursday, January 07, 2010
Your child could devote a greater amount of time to studying if you let him or her design thier own study area in your Santa Barbara home , according to a new study. A teenager's bedroom really should reflect his or her personal style and is a space for socializing, studying, and relaxing.
A computer and music are required in any efficient study area. A study corner can me made a replica of a bookstore cafe or coffee shop by adding small rugs, floor and table lamps, organization systems, and warm colors. The hardest, yet most effective task, is keeping everything in order.
Your Santa Barbara home has an up-to-date kitchen and a backyard designed for entertaining. Putting in an elevator could be the next step. Residential elevators are more common that you would think, especially among baby boomers.
Elevators found in hotels or apartment buildings, traditional elevators, are expensive. The new, less expensive model is the pneumatic lift. This type involves a tall, clear tube with a platform that moves up and down using the force of suction. Elevators will not be for everyone and do take up a lot of space. However, Most Santa Barbara homeowners without elevators can't imagine going back. More ...
Posted on Sunday, January 03, 2010
A cutting edge design trend is sweeping the nation. For new thoughts on how to decorate their Santa Barbara home , some residents are visiting a taxidermist. Boutiques and fancy department stores have begun offering stuffed animals. Taxidermy decor is all over the place, from quails and partridges to alligators and bears.
Stuffed animals provide contemporary, cold interiors a bit of warmth, according to numerous individuals. Although many love the look of an armadillo in front of the fireplace, many think it's a bit disturbing. You better get your monkey while you can because there is no way to know how long this taxidermy chic look will last. More ...
Posted on Saturday, January 02, 2010
In regards to the setup of Santa Barbara homes , times are changing. It is likely that the most significant difference since the 1970s is the amount of square footage. The average new home has expanded to 2,400 square feet, up from 1,600 square feet in 1973. Bathrooms have moved from less than two per home, to at least two.
Kitchens have seen an increase as well, now at a giant 285 square feet, up from a mere 9x10. Islands, breakfast bars, and nooks are some of the additions to several kitchens. An old-fashioned living room is a thing of the past. Families today assemble around the flat screen TV instead. A complete laundry room is a must and many garages hold more than two cars. Children are less likely to share a room as four bedrooms are becoming typical. Keep posted, Santa Barbara real estate is continuing to adapt to the times. More ...
Posted on Friday, January 01, 2010
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created new remodel restrictions, which may impact older Santa Barbara homes . When modifying houses built prior to 1978, the EPA demands that lead training, certification, and safe work practice specifications for contractors involved in such ventures. They hope to to remove the public health worry of lead poisoning by the year 2010.
Lead was used for many years in paint and is a remarkably toxic metal. Children under the age of six are more likely to be affected because their nervous systems have not totally developed. A range of health problems can happen to anybody. Contact Santa Barbara real estate with any questions regarding lead in your home. More ...
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