Mark's Blog

Analysis of the Santa Barbara Real Estate Market May 2012

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:28:57 -0700

This is an analysis of the Santa Barbara Real Estate market including Carpinteria/Summerland, Montecito, Hope Ranch, downtown Santa Barbara and Goleta through the month of April 2012. For the Home Estate/PUD market April marked the second month in a row that sales were at or above 100. The median sales price fell however from $835,000 in March to about $760,000 in April. The reason for the decline in that median sales price is that 70 of the 100 sales were below $1,000,000 with 43 of those sales coming in between $450,000 and $800,000. There were about 20 sales between $1 and $2 million but of those sales 10 were below $1.4 million. The above $2 million range accounted for 10 of those 100 sales with 2 of those 10 coming in above $5 million.

Escrows continued to surge in April with about 145 Home Estate/PUDs starting the buying process. But, just like with sales, the median list price on those escrows slid from $816,750 in March to $789,000 in April. With the inventory way down and a substantial number of sales drawing multiple offers I would expect prices to start rising but at this point that phenomenon has not occurred.

Comparing the first 4 months of 2011 with the same period in 2012, sales are still up about 35% with escrows up about 45%. The median & average sales prices are down however, falling about 3% with the inventory down about 25%. Year over year the Sales Price to Original Price ratio is right at 87% for both years and the days on the market of sold properties continues right around 75.

Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are up from 22 to 27 and the median sales price is up from $617,500 to $737,500. The numbers of escrows are also up going from 27 to 32 with the median list price on those escrows rising from $737,000 last year to $849,000 this year.

For Montecito, sales are up going from 45 to 64 with the median sales price dropping from $2.25 million last year to $1.824 million. Escrows are also up going from 64 to 89 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $2.617 million to $2.19 million.

East of State St sales are up going from 62 in ’11 to 95 in ‘12 but the median sales price is down from $950,000 to $849,500. The escrows are also up going from 84 to 115 with the median list price on those escrows dropping from $977,500 last year to $887,000 this year.

West of State St sales are up from 57 to 61 and the median sales price is up from $682,000 to $749,000. The numbers of escrows are also up with 62 in ’11 compared to 91 in ‘12 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $739,000 last year to $699,900 this year.

Hope Ranch sales are down from 7 to 6 but the median sales price is up from $1.787 million to $1.82 million. The numbers of escrows are also down with 11 last year compared to 6 this year. But, the median list price on those escrows is up from $1.947 million in ’11 to $2.295 million in ‘12.

Goleta South sales are up with 16 last year and 35 this year but the median sales price is down from $605,000 to $540,000. The numbers of escrows are also up from 25 to 53 with the median list price on those escrows rising from $575,000 to $579,000.

Goleta North sales are up with 52 in ’11 and 66 in ’12 with the median sales price dropping from $699,000 to $612,500. The numbers of escrows are also up from 50 to 82 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $679,000 to $614,900.

For the Condo segment of the market, after the 41 sales in the month of March we came back to earth in April with 28 closed escrows. The median sales price also slid a bit dropping from $406,000 in March to $400,000 in April and the numbers of escrows fell from 52 to 44 for the month. The median list price on those escrows also dropped going from $409,990 in March to $389,000 in April. With the overall inventory remaining down at around 100 available condos from Carpinteria to Goleta and all the escrows and sales with multiple offers I would expect prices to start edging up but so far that is not the case.

Looking at the Year over Year numbers, condo sales are up about 45% and escrows are up 95%. The median sales price is up minutely by .2% with the average sales price down approximately 9%. But, the median list price on condos in escrows is up 3%. The Sales Price to Original List Price ratio is down slightly however from 90% to 89% and the Days on the Market for sold properties has risen a bit from 80 to 82.

Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are down from 19 to 11 with the median sales price falling from $350,000 to $330,000. The numbers of escrows are also down from 22 last year to 17 this year and the median list price on those escrows is down from $359,900 to $354,500.

Montecito condo sales are up with 5 in ’11 and 6 in ‘12 with the median sales price also up from $645,000 to $1,027,500.The numbers of escrows are up with 5 in ’11 and 10 in ‘12 while the median list price on those escrows is up from $1,195,000 in ’11 to $1,222,500 in ‘12.

East of State St sales are up from 11 to 30 with the median sales price rising from $420,000 to $465,040. The numbers of escrows are also up going from 12 to 61 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $601,000 last year to $599,000 this year.

West of State St sales are up from 13 to 25 with the median sales price falling from $425,000 to $400,000. The escrows are up from 22 to 35 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $424,500 to $350,050.

Goleta South sales are down from 18 to 17 with the median sales price also down from $369,000 to $258,000. The numbers of escrows are up however with 19 in ’11 and 25 in ‘12 but the median list price on those escrows is down from $375,950 last year to $264,900 this year.

Goleta North sales are up from 9 to 14 with the median sales price down from $375,000 to $333,750. The escrows are also up from 12 to 25 with the median list price on those escrows falling from $379,000 to $365,500.

Starting quarter two, sales and escrows remain strong for both Single Family Dwellings and Condos and inventories remain low with about 400 Homes and 100 Condos currently on the market. Despite a substantial number of multiple offers occurring for both condos and homes very few of those offers have been for over the asking price. In fact, the median sales price for both segments continues to increment down. At some point, if the inventories remain low and demand continues high I would think the basic law of supply and demand would kick in but at this point that is not the case.

Submitted by Chuck Farish, Branch Manager - Coldwell Banker Montecito

Finding that Perfect Property, or Person Online!

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 08:30:03 -0700

* Stop reading now if you are even remotely humor impaired or comedically challenged! Yesterday's man or woman used to think, "if I need to find someone this way, I'm already lost!" But today, someone might say, " I don't have enough time to drive around and look at all the open houses/a potential homebuyer's version of "speed dating", so maybe I can use this service!" We've all seen those ads for E-Harmony - where this scary looking guy comes out and tells us how great his dating service is, and then tries to convince us that it's all scientific, and that people are matched on 92 points of compatibility! Yeah, right ... E-Harmony people are just regular folks like yourself, not circus freaks, drooling sexual perverts, or couch humping Scientologists. (Perish the thought) The product of your union wil be an "Everlasting Love!", not some head revolving, vomit spewing, bed wetting, priest cursing, ungrateful devil child, that you'll have to support till you're 18. (okay, maybe I have some issues) But ... if you're still a hopeless romantic, a word of advice ... look beyond the curb appeal! Speaking of which ... matchmaking and the promise of finding that perfect property is also here today! No doubt every prospective buyer, seller, and real estate agent has heard of the Multiple Listing Service. The real estate agent's "on the make" equivalent of a dating service. Real estate agents even have their own codes to help inform potential suitors. Possibly E-Harmony might want to implement this kind of methodology, as you'll soon see, into their 92 reasons to run for the hills! (The following is gender specific ... feel free to substitute whatever gender makes this PC for you ... or not!) *New: A new listing! The competition will be lining up for the first dance! A new listing has that "special glow!" ... for now. *Active: Active listing. This gals has been danced around, but so far, no one wants to marry her. *DOM: Days on the Market. Everyone watches this number, like the date on a milk carton. It is an indication of freshness. The longer she sits on the shelf, the less desirable she becomes. *CC: Contingent, but continue to show. She says she's engaged, but there's no ring on her finger - the "due diligence period." The wedding may still be called off, especially if the finances don't measure up! *BOM: Back on the market. ewww...something could be wrong here. Definitely not a first choice. But if it's 2a.m., and you're drunk out of your skull and getting desperate, she might look pretty good. Of course, you may have to overlook that little hump, the lazy eye, and her spooky resemblence to Karl Malden. *TW: Temporarily withdrawn. She's not pretty, and she knows it. She realizes that if she wants more interest, she's gonna have to get a face lift, fix herself up, start going to the gym, and maybe buy a wonder bra. *EXPIRED: Listed, but never sells. She thinks she's Paris Hilton, but she looks more like Yoda after a night of heavy drinking. *PENDING: Okay, she's bought the dress, had the rehearsal dinner, picked out the china pattern, and the wedding march has started. Potentially the groom can still back out and run screaming up the aisle. (Of course, such things usually only happen in the movies ... still, there's always the chance.) *SOLD: They're married! Happily? Who cares!? It's re-harmony! (Cue music) " This will be an everlasting love ..."That is, till he discovers that she has a raging case of dry rot in her basement, terminal fung sway, and a sagging back porch.

Pending Home Sales Rise Unexpectantly in June

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:43:04 -0700

PENDING Home Sales Rise Unexpectantly in June

Marin Foreclosures Level Off, Defaults Fall in Marin

The Debt Ceiling, Bond Market, and Real Estate

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:05:38 -0700

Let’s take a look at what is happening in Europe these days to understand why it’s key that the United States finds a solution to the debt ceiling issue. Not only have some European banks recently failed a stress test, but last week there was news that Greek, Italian, Portuguese, and French “credit default swaps” (which are insurance policies against default) were trading at record levels. While the European Union is continuing to work to contain Europe’s debt problems and prevent a default in Greece, these events carry a very important lesson for the U.S.

Why? Because solving our debt ceiling debate and finding a long-term plan for lowering our deficit and being fiscally sound will raise confidence in our debt and help the U.S. keep its excellent AAA credit rating from the various credit rating firms like Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s. This will help investors continue to see the U.S. as a safe haven for their money, which is a key aspect of our continued economic recovery.

There was some good news last week for the housing sector, as June Housing Starts and Building Permits were both reported better than expected.

Political uncertainty caused volatility in the markets last week, which put pressure on the bond market and home loan rates.
The Tiburon Shoreline and Mount Tamalpais from Angel Island

Marin Online Open Houses

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 09:36:48 -0700

Click here for: Sunday Marin County Online Open Houses by the Marin Independent Journal

The Marin Independent Journal Sunday Online Open House web site is the definitive
Marin Online Open House Web Site.

Click the link below for the Marin Association of Realtor's new Sunday Online Open House's web site:
Marin Online Open Houses

Click the link below to search Marin Homes For Sale (No Registration Required)
Marin Homes For Sale

Marin Real Estate and Google One

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:52:06 -0700

Testing the Google One recommendation from Active Rain

Loan Modification Nightmare

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:41:42 -0700

The banks have made loan modifications very difficult. Sherry Belcher of ReMax Golden Empire Realty in Southern California reported in this months's NAR Realtor's magazine: "I've worked in the loan servicing business for 18 years, and real estate is my passion. The way I see it, most people are forced to do a short sale simply because the banks won't modify their existing loan. I've have seen several instances in which struggling borrowers try to work with the banks, only to learn that the banks won't even consider a loan modification request until the mortgage is three months behind. Crazy! Why, instead of giving the home to a complete stranger at a discounted price, can't banks help borrowers who truly have a hardship? Qualify owners for what they can pay and reduce the principal. The government is helping banks cover their losses, so taxpayer should have a voice. So, where's our voice? Where's the political leadership? Current Bank policies regarding loan modifications are a disaster, and are making any kind of economic recovery in the housing markets very difficult if almost impossible. Why? Recently a homeowner in Marin that was current on their payments with Wachovia were told that they would not qualify for a loan modification because they made too much money. This homeowner missed two payments, contacted Wachovia to try and modify their loan again, and were told they did not make enough money to qualify for a loan modification? Without any leadership from Washington, the bank's loan modification programs are a disaster. What a mess Washington, Wall Street, and the Big Banks have gotten us in. Until the banks are ready to reasonably modify loans the housing recovery will continue to stall. Are you listening President Obama? (playoff on the Rick Santelli rant)

Tiburon and Belvedere Real Estate

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:18:39 -0700

The information provided here comes from the 2005 to 2009 American Communiity Service (ACS) conducted by the U.S. Census:
Belvedere:
Total Population: 2,068
Households by Type: 928 households, 611 of them in families
Housing: a total of 1,045 housing units, of which 117 were vacant, and 15 on the market for sale. 55 homes were for seasonal, recreational, or occassional use.
Race: Nearly 94% white, Hispanic or Latino 3.5%, Asian 2.8%,African American 0.1%
Income: Median Income for Belvedere is $117,778
Tiburon:
Total Population: 8,962
Household total: 3,729 households, 2,482 of them in familiers
Housing: Nearly 28% of household occupants live in their homes by themselves and persons age 65 or older made up more than half of those who lived alone. Of the total number 296 were vacant. The rental vacancy factor was 5%, as of the census taking
Race: 88% of the Tiburon population is white, Hispanic or Latino:4.6%, Asian: 5.6%, African -American: 0,8%
Income: The median income for Tiburon residents was $146,917
This data was published in the Ark Newspaper May 18, 2011

Search Belvedere and Tiburon Homes For Sale

Median Home Sales Value versus Mean

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Fri, 20 May 2011 11:29:25 -0700

On May 17, 2011 the Marin Independent Journal headlines reported that April Home Sales Up Slightly in Marin, But Prices Still Down. The accompanying chart provided by the Marin County Assessor's Office that ran with this article would question those conclusions.

Once you understand the difference between "Median Home Sale Value" and "Mean (average) Home Sales Value" you might want to question these kinds of analysis.

In a world of statistical averages, many have asked why anyone would report a median home sale value instead of a mean average? Many people believe the mean/average is easier to understand than the median, but the median measure is not too difficult to appreciate. Before addressing the chart in yesterday's Marin Independent Journal article let me start by defining the difference between the two measures.

A mean/average value is calculated by adding up all the values in a distribution, and then dividing the sum by the total number of values contained in the distribution. To find a median value, one talkes all the values in the distribution, sorts in ascending order, lines them up and finds the miiddle value.

Though they sound similar, and in many instances, there is not too much difference between the two values. The reason a lot of newspapers focus on the Median instead of the Mean is because the mean value calculation has a limitation that can prevent it from reflecting an "Average?" In calculating home sales price statistics this limitation occurs when the sale price of one home varies greatly from the remainder of the homes which can skewer the average.

The chart in yesterday's Marin Independent Journal (not the chart above) reflected sales compared from April of 2010 to sales in April of 2011. With only 3 sales in Belvedere last month the median percent change from 2010 where there had been 4 sales was a negative 25%. Did property values in Belvedere come down 25%? No, and that's why people need to understand how and why this methodology oftentimes skewers the reality of what's actually happening.

Yesterday's chart also showed that Ross, that only had 2 sales in April of 2010 and 5 sales in April of 2011, was up 150%. Did property values in Ross increase by 150%?

This kind of data tends to confuse the general public. When you'd like to have know what's really going on, check with your LOCAL real estate professional. If you'd like to find out what your home is really worth in today's real estate market, feel free to contact me.

May 17 2011 Marin Independent Journal Article

Marin Real Estate News

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 08 May 2011 10:16:15 -0700

Foreclosures Climb in Marin While Rest of Bay Area Stabilizes

New Home Construction Numbers Up 7.2% in March

Marin Named One of the Richest Counties

Tiburon Real Estate The Martha Property

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 08 May 2011 10:13:14 -0700

After litigation, legal rulings, political maneuvers and a thicket of red tape spanning three decades, a Tiburon land owner appears headed for the finish line with an enviromental report that paves the way for up to 43 homes on a 110 acre tract off Paradise Drive.
Plans for 43 Homes on Track

Planners Want More Details on Tiburon Martha Property Subdivision

Tiburon Real Estate

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 08 May 2011 10:10:53 -0700

NEW LISTING IN TIBURON, CALIFORNIA
Located in the highly coveted Hawthrorne Terrrace neighborhood this two bedroom two bath mid century home is located a short distance from the Tiburon Bike Path. The views from this lushly landscaped home spans from the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge thru to Mount Tamalpais.

The first Open House for this home will be Wednesday May 11, 2011. This Open House is open to the Public and Real Estate Brokers. The Open House will take place Wednesday from 10:30am to 1:30pm. The next Open House will be Sunday May 15. 2011 from 1pm to 4pm. For more information about this incredible home contact the listing agent, Kirsten Wolfe/ Coldwell Banker at MarinRealEstate@gmail.com

Opening Day on the Bay 2011

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:29:51 -0700

Opening Day on the Bay is Sunday May 1st, 2011. with the traditional blessing of the fleet, and boat parade.

May 1st 2011 94th Opening Day on the Bay Pacific Inter Yacht Association Link

Boat Owners Association of the United States Opening Day Press Release

Search Marin Homes For Sale No Registration Required

Marin Real Estate Modern Home Tour 2011

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:32:18 -0700

The "Bridge House" in Sleepy Hollow, San Anselmo designed by Stanley Saitowitz of Natoma Architects will be on the Marin Home Tour.

PJ Bremier recently reported/ announced in the Marin Independent Journal newspaper that five homes in Southern Marin will be open to ticket holders on April 30, and four from Larkspur to Lucas Valley will be held open on May 1, 2011. A "Meet the Architects" evening from 6:30pm to 8pm at the Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley. Tour tickets can be bought online, and ticket holders may pick up maps at the tour headquarters on the day of the tour.

This event is sponsored by Dwell and Marin Magazine.
For the whole story click here: Marin Modern Home Tour 2011

To purchase tickets online go to: Purchase Tickets for the Marin Modern Home Tour 2011

Marin Real Estate Market Trends April 2011

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:10:41 -0700

The Anlyan Report April 2011

Les Christie, CNN.Money.com staff writer, and a lot of other people have been talking about a "double dip" housing recession. In a March 29 article "Home Prices Near a Double Dip," he wrote, " I think prices will drop another 5 to 10%. Home Prices Near A Double Dip

Mr. Christie is referring to the National Housing Market, an animal that barely exists, since it is composed of averages of thousands of individual markets which vary greatly from each other in their performances at any given point in time. And with regard to the National Averages, Mr. Christie may or may not be right. But, he obviously has not been to Marin County recently!

New open transactions files are being welcomed into Marin County real estate brokerages at an increasingly fast pace. Multiple Offer situations are becoming more common although not going wildly over asking prices due to much stricter appraisals and lender standards as well as buyer reluctance. Lots of distressed property sales are still working their way through the system also holding prices down, and for the moment, mortgage rates are still excellent.

Fred Anlyan is a Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker in Greenbrae

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Marin Real Estate Live Statistics

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:28:37 -0700

This Graph will change Towns every 7 seconds

Data provided by Mark Lomas
Marin Real Estate
(415) 435-1718 cell/direct
MDLomas@gmail.com
Testimonials For Mark Danforth Lomas
Marin Luxury Real Estate

Marin Real Estate

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:26:36 -0700

Search Marin Homes For Sale No Registration Required

Ten Home Selling Secrets

Americas Most Stubborn Home Sellers

How To Fix The Mortgage Mess

Mortgages Available Only For The Highly Qualified

Mortgage Rates Break 5%

Truck Takes Dive into Richardson Bay along the Tiburon Bike Path

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:24:50 -0700

A dump truck crossed the Tiburon Bike Path last Monday, and landed in the water after losing it's brakes on Gilmartin Drive . Miraculously missing walkers, joggers, and cycllist using the path. The drive climbed out through the broken windshield, and waded out of the water to safety.

Tiburon Security Cameras

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:21:54 -0700

Coming....
Tiburon Security Cameras Yields Third Arrest Article by the Marin Independent Journal

Editorial Tiburon Police Cameras Yield Promising Results
Going....

Tiburon Film Festival 2011

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:18:24 -0700

Web Site for the Tiburon International Film Festival 2011</

Marin County Real Estate Sales Pick Up 2011

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:19:14 -0700

Marin Home Sales Pick Up by the Marin Independent Journal

Marin Sunday Open Houses Online

Marin County Luxury Real Estate

Slow Homes and Verticle Gardens

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:08:00 -0800

They say living in "Slow Home" can make life easier. What makes a Slow Home?
Location: A slow home is in a walkable neighborhood that minimizes use of a car.
Orientation: The home is correctly orientated to the sun and properly related to it's surroundings.
Organization: The home is modestly sized, with a good flow between spaces, with a strong connection to the outdoors.
Entry: The front and back entries are spaces, not just doors.
Living: Indoor and outdoor living spaces have good daylight, and are easy to furnish.
Kitchen: The kitchen is compact with an efficient layout, good work surfaces, and sufficient storage.
Dining: The home has a well defined dining area that properly fits a table, and is suitable for daily use.
Bedroooms: All bedrooms have good daylight, and sufficient storage, and can logically fit a bed.
Bathrooms: The home has an appropriate number of well-organized, modestly sized bathrooms.
Services: The service spaces are unobtrusive and highly functional.
"A slow home should ease the stress in life, not contribute to it"
Slow Home Movement by Mary Beth Breckenridge
Slow Home Video of 50 Hillcrest in Mill Valley
Open Sunday March 15, 2011 from 1 to 4pm

Verticle Gardens
Recently Time Magazine and the San Franciso Chronicle ran stories about "Verticle Gardens" with a focus on Patrick Blanc who is considered as the inventor of the "Verticle Garden." His oldest creation, in his Paris apartment, is still thriving after 29 years. Some examples of vertical gardens can be seen below. Below these images are links to more information in regards to Patrick Blanc, and verticle gardens.

Artist Rendering of the Drew School in San Francisco with Vertical Gardens created by Patrick Blanc
Patrick Blanc Verticle Garden Web Site

More Images and Information about Patrick Blancs Verticle Gardens

What Realtors Do To Earn Their Commissions

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 10:24:04 -0800

   What do Real Estate agents do to earn their commission ? Ever heard that question? Here's a comprehensive and humorous take on that very question from a Home Inspector who's worked closely with Real Estate practitioners.
   "They don't do @*!?&% thing! Why they just stick a sign in the yard and make easy money. I could do their job any day of the week."
   Well, maybe you could do their job. But it just won't be any day of the week. And if you intend to be successful at it (which means satisfying a bunch of clients, mortgage lenders, appraisers, and countless other associates), it will probably be EVERY DAY of the week as well as most nights, weekends, holidays, anniversaries, special occasions, sick days, snow days, and unpaid vacation days.
   Understood, there are Real Estate agents, and then there are good Real Estate agents. Just like Doctors, Lawyers, and Indian Chiefs. This article is about the good ones. The ones who go to work before,during, and after the times mentioned above.
   To serve their clients and stay competitive in their profession, today's Real Estate agent are expected, assumed, requested, required, and or demanded to perform, be knowledgeable of or have access to the following: Information Brokerage Services, Multiple Listing Services, tax rate adviser, appraiser, mortgage lender,financial planner, legal expert, credit counselor, city planner (fortune teller),building inspector, chauffeur, shuttle service, travel agent, tour guide, delivery boy, order taker, public relations expert, therapist,marriage counselor, family doctor, nurse, baby sitter, advertising executive, general contractor, construction estimator and superintendent, and multi-talented subcontractor (not excluding locksmith, yard man, maintenance man, garbage man, plumber, electrician, decoder scientist for alarm systems and programmable thermostats).
   They're often perceived as the bad guy when interest rates go up and the bad guy when your house doesn't sell by 10am the next day.
   It's helpful if their talents include being a diplomat, a negotiator, a referee (similar to those used in Roller Derby and Monday Night Wrestling) and, in general, a walking bureau of information for everything about anything - including whose check is good and whose wife or husband isn't.
   They must know about schools, churches, governments, public utilities, crime rates, world affairs, this weeks jail term for this weeks Environmental Protection Agency violations, future developments that no one has ever dreamed up yet, transportation, shopping, day care, soccer, T-ball,how many termites it takes to eat a house, every homeowners association formed since 12 BC and what kind of fences they don't allow, should you water and fertilize the Bermuda grass before, during, or after mowing, the best place in town to buy pizza, if you can buy beer on Sundays, and at least two dozen other skills and talents that I don't have room to mention.
   So, be nice to your broker/agent. Next time you start thinking. "They have it so easy", go spend a day with them. You'll soon realize that, like most of us, they work hard for their money, and your satisfaction really is important to them.

Is It Time To Buy?

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:54:08 -0800

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

50 Hillcrest Road in Mill Valley, California

Mark Lomas (Santa Barbara Real Estate) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:56:31 -0800