Santa Barbara - Montecito - Carpinteria Beach front - 06/23/09 06:08 PM
We are coming up on the half way point of 2009 and the values along the ocean have continued downward, unfortunately, with 2007 being the height of the market for this location.  Buyers are on the fence, not ready to buy unless that most amazing opportunity presents itself.  (And it did recently, with the sale in our office of a beatiful ocean front home on Posilipo Lane - $8,300,000.  It was purchased in 2007 for $10M; the owner was offered $16M within weeks of this purchase, an offer the owner regretfully declined.)   Our office has also relisted a home above Summerland … (0 comments)

The Market is Moving and So should you... - 06/23/09 04:13 PM
This is the line I received today from an investment advisor in the "other market."    The missive went on to state that now is NOT the time to be sitting on the sidelines.
So, borrowing this viewpoint and putting it in the perspective of the Real Estate market - I know the same holds true.   Now is NOT the time for buyers to be sitting on the sidelines, waiting for "interest rates to go down" or "prices to fall more."   
Buyers should not wait for the low "interest rate" when they just might miss out on that perfect property for … (0 comments)

Summer Solstice Celebration - Just Around the Corner - 06/19/09 03:38 PM
 The Solstice Festival begins Friday June 19th. Friday Hours are 4-9 PM. Festival Hours on Saturday are from noon to 8 pm.   This is our annual event that definitely brings out the craziness in our city, Santa Barbara, the American Riviera!
If you are in town, or know someone who is planning to come here, the event starts at Alameda Park with lots of great music and food!  Cuban, Brazilian, American, jazz...even a drum circle.  Dress casually, bring a chair or a blanket, a picnic dinner or enjoy food from the many different food vendors.  This is a fun event for … (2 comments)

Samarkand - Land of Heart's Desire - 06/15/09 10:53 PM
I am fortunate to live and specialize in the Samarkand neighborhood of Santa Barbara - this is truly the land of heart's desire.  Underground utilities, wide streets, custom houses, beautiful mountain views, close to everything, including Santa Barbara's newest Trader Joe's!
My new listing was featured on the news tonight as being Green Built.  I am very excited to start marketing this property right after the 4th of July...nearly all new from the foundation up, this home features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths downstairs with the lovely back to back living room/ family room and 2 fireplaces.  The great room kitchen … (0 comments)

Santa Barbara Information - collected from Chamber of Commerce - 06/06/09 02:13 AM
SANTA BARBARA REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCEwww.sbchamber.org  HOTEL PROFILESSANTA BARBARA, SOUTHCOAST From the Chamber of Commerce www.santabarbarachamber.org:   DESCRIPTION OF CITY: Quietly nestled between the ocean & the mountains, Santa Barbara represents the essence of California -- the art and culture of a large city and the heart and hospitality of a small, coastal town. Between the shopping on State Street, some of the finest restaurants in the country, and superb accommodations, Santa Barbara is truly a magnificent place to live or visit! The sun shines year-round on this coastal getaway. Located off of scenic Highway 101, between San Francisco & Los Angeles, Santa … (0 comments)

Open Sunday Back on the Market - 06/06/09 02:10 AM
Open this Sunday 2-4 for your viewing pleasure  - please come see me if you are in town. 1525 Las Tunas Road, Montecito 93108Across a stone bridge and through an olive grove An exquisite French Country home on 1.39 acresSorrel Design and stagingGrand living room, expanded master suite, media/game room, Provence farmhouse kitchen/family roomSeasonal stream meandering past stone-terraced swimming pool/spa and rose gardens$7,500,000
 Kathleen Barnato    k@kathleenbarnato.com    www.kathleenbarnato.com   805.570.3366 cell/text 
… (0 comments)

Interesting facts about Santa Barbara - 06/06/09 02:07 AM
THE INTERESTING FACTS
 
SANTA BARBARA  www.santabarbaraca.gov
THE CITY IS UNDERWATER    19 sq miles of land  22 sq miles of water
THE CITY FLOWER IS..............HIBISCUS
ONLY 10 % OF COUNTY IS DEVELOPED
50% OF THE COUNTY IS OWNED BY THE GOVERNMENT
35,000 PEOPLE PER DAY VISIT SANTA BARBARA
10,000 BUSINESSES IN SANTA BARBARA
2,000 NEW BUSINESSES EVERY YEAR
63% OF BUSINESSES HAVE NO EMPLOYEES
THE BIG THREE     TOURISM, SERVICES AND GOVERNEMNT EMPLOYMENT
THE BIG ONE      UCSB   www.ucsb.org
10 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL SPACE
10 MILLION SQ FT OF RETAIL
 26 VACANT LOTS IN THE CITY
 20,000 CARS/DAY COMMUTE … (0 comments)