Bob's Blog

Bob's Best Buys (07/03/09)

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:32:46 -0500

Bob's Best Buys (04/17/09)

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:45:25 -0500

Who is using ForeclosureRadar.com and what are its benefits?

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:14:49 -0500

I am considering purchasing ForeclosureRadar.com. Has anyone used this program? How has it improved your business or not?

Bob's Best Buys (04/10/09)

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:05:37 -0500

Bob's Best Buys (04/03/09)

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:19:09 -0500

Bob's Best Buys (03/27/09)

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:16:31 -0500

Bob's Best Buys (03/20/09)

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:31:46 -0500

Wow, 2 days blogging in a row? I must be having the "Blogging Fever" or something? Attached in this blog are the latest listings that (in my opinion) are the Best Buys going on within the Santa Barbara county area. (Just click the image below or CLICK HERE.) So far about 75% of the listings that I've chosen have been sold within 2 weeks or less and neither of them have been a "foreclosure" or "short sale".

If you are wondering how this can benefit then here's a brief description of what it can offer, "The purpose of this service is to provide buyers with Santa Barbara´s most current weekly information on the "best buys" or better yet, "best values" using my experience of evaluating properties, thus saving buyers time and effort. Every week I preview 20-30 properties (homes, condos and residential income) and some of these will have the potential of becoming the weekly pick for "Bob´s Best Buys." These may also include properties that have been on the market for awhile but have either had a recent price and/or condition adjustment." You can CLICK HERE to find out more.

Market In A Minute - February 2009

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:19:10 -0500

Sorry for the lack of updates. Still trying to get accustomed to "blogging" all the time. Here is the latest Market In A Minute Newsletter that I do on a monthly basis. Market In A Minute is my comprehensive and detailed e-newsletter that informs people about what's going on with the Real Estate Market around Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Goleta, & Carpinteria. The information in the newsletter includes Home Sales in Santa Barbara, Prices & Addresses of Last Months Sales, Recent History Sales Comparisons, Weekly Updated Foreclosure Information and more. If you're interested in getting this newsletter emailed to you the minute that we have the information then you can always SIGN-UP HERE. Signing up allows you to view the archives of my past Market In A Minute's as well. Hope that you enjoy and any feedback is greatly appreciated! Thank. - Bob

Bob's Best Buys WORKS!!

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:42:51 -0600

My new advertising campaign...Bob's Best Buys is working. Last week I posted 4 listings on my website (which is updated every Friday) and as of today (Tuesday 2-3-09) 3 of those properties three have sold. Neither property was a foreclosure or shortsale, just a seller willing to listen to the market and their agents. If you want to see next week's Bob's Best Buys you can view there HERE.

Attached below is a screenshot of how it looks on my website:

Jane is a fantastic new restaurant in Santa Barbara

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:28:01 -0600

Jane is a wonderful new restaurant here in Santa Barbara. I recently took a two clients to lunch there this week and they were impressed (it made me look good). It's right next door to the Arlington Theatre which is hosting many of the movies for this year's Santa Barbara Film Festival. The food, atmosphere and service is excellent!! I would say this even if my daughter, Monica did not work there. Check out the review in todays article within SCENE in the Santa Barbara Newspress. CLICK HERE for the article in PDF format.

Moving back to Santa Barbara

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:00:08 -0600

I cannot believe how many inquires I get from people that want to move back to Santa Barbara. Many people left because of a pursuit of their college degree(s) and others left because they just could not afford to stay in Santa Barbara at that time. - Bob

My response to them is:
Contrary to what is being said in the media, properties are selling. There are just fewer sales and they are for less money primarily due to "short sales" or foreclosures.

You are correct, now is a good time to buy. I call this time period "BUYER'S REVENGE". Properties are down by 20 to 30% over the last couple of years.

If you still are considering owning a piece of SB during your lifetime, this is a time to be proactive.

Santa Barbara is listed as one of U.S.'s most distinctive destinations

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:54:14 -0600

Here is something I read in the Santa Barbara Newspress the other day. I knew the was a reason why a
moved here 25 years ago....Bob

BILL McMORRIS, NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

January 13, 2009 12:00 AM

The city known as the American Riviera can add another accolade to its mantel; it has been named one of America's 12 most distinctive destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The organization founded the Dozen Distinctive Destinations honor in 2000 as part of its efforts to encourage the preservation of local culture and the environment. The designation is intended to be a recommendation for travelers who wish to enjoy culture and historic atmosphere, along with gorgeous weather and adequate entertainment, while on vacation.

The title is bestowed upon a town or city that offers "an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization," according to the organization.

The criteria made Santa Barbara an obvious choice, according to officials with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

"Since the 1920s, the Santa Barbara community has worked to preserve the city's historic character and regulate development to ensure that its superb quality of life can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come," said Richard Moe, president.

"Once you have experienced its vitality and extraordinary character, you won't ever want to leave."

The review covers everything from the downtown area to the mountains and beaches.

The judges in their commentary noted the fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and unparalleled scenery that make Santa Barbara a "coastal paradise" and a "Mecca for outdoor pursuits."

They also lauded the unique architectural landscape that makes Santa Barbara so distinctive.

Officials from the organization paid homage to some of the city's 70 landmarks in the downtown area. The County Courthouse wowed the judges with its "Roman triumphal arch, the (Courthouse) Sunken Garden and an 80-foot clock tower." The heritage embodied in Casa de la Guerra fulfilled their search for the city's "rich history."

The commendation took note of the Santa Barbara Mission as well, emphasizing not only the beauty of the architecture but the Native American statues that grace the property.

The judges also recognized the city for creating a downtown atmosphere that is fitting of a big metropolitan area while preserving the small-town culture that makes Santa Barbara 'Santa Barbara.'

Panelists strolling through the likes of Paseo Nuevo and lower State Street praised Santa Barbara's "pedestrian-friendly enclaves, which are filled with quaint cobbled arcades, bubbling fountains, and towering palms." The walkways and shopping centers of Santa Barbara, the report went on to say, make for easy navigation for tourists.

The term quaint, however, disappeared from the visitors' vocabulary when discussing the accommodations and attractions ever-present in the downtown area.

"The city has evolved into a dynamic food center," the report read, praising the combination of fine dining and local flavor that distinguishes restaurants in Santa Barbara.

"Seasoned chefs create fine cuisine based on local ingredients and partner each meal with world-class wines from the Santa Maria, Santa Ynez and Lompoc Valleys," the report said.

The wide array of lodging also impressed the judges, who were looking for a city diverse enough to suit any taste and accommodate any budget.

The preservation group was glad to see that the original Motel 6 was still around for those vacationing on a small budget; they also praised the luxurious waterfront resorts along the coastline.

Accessibility was another important criterion for judges. The group pointed out the number of walking and riding tours, which allow visitors a glimpse into Santa Barbara's soul.

The area's environmental considerations were also key to its distinctive nature. The organization said that Santa Barbara is the destination for any eco-tourist, citing the nation's largest fleet of public electric vehicles and bike-friendly riding areas.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit membership organization based in Washington, D.C.

It seeks to preserve not only historic landmarks but places of cultural or local importance in hope of encouraging economic development and environmental sustainability.

Santa Barbara is one of the 120 distinctive cities, located in 43 states, that the organization has recognized in the 10 years that the list has been in place.

For a full list of winners, past and present, or more information about the organization, go to www.preservationnation.org/ddd.

e-mail: bmcmorris@newspress.com

Market In A Minute - August 2008

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:02:01 -0500

Click Here to view the July Issue 2008 of Market In A Minute. Attached below is my latest monthly e-newsletter entitled "Market In A Minute". Market In A Minute is a comprehensive and detailed e-newsletter that informs people about what's going on with the Real Estate Market around Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Goleta, & Carpinteria. The information in the newsletter includes Home Sales in Santa Barbara, Prices & Addresses of Last Months Sales, Recent History Sales Comparisons, Weekly Updated Foreclosure Information and more. If you're interested in getting this newsletter emailed to you the minute that we have the information then you can always SIGN-UP HERE. Signing up allows you to view the archives of my past Market In A Minute's as well. Hope that you enjoy and any feedback is greatly appreciated! Thank. - Bob

Click Here to view the August Issue 2008 of Market In A Minute

Santa Barbara NOD's, NOT's & REO's from 09/08/08 to 09/16/08

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0500

Submitted Week of 09-24-2008

(NOD's and NOT's are ran from 09/08/2008 - 09/16/2008 REO's are ran 09/08/2008 - 09/15/2008)

Notices Of Default (NOD) - Download PDF File
Notices Of Trustee Sales (NOT) - Download PDF File
Real Estate Owned Sales (REO) - Download PDF File

Santa Barbara NOD's, NOT's & REO's from 09/03/08 to 09/08/08

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:28:34 -0500

Submitted Week of 09-18-2008

(NOD's and NOT's are ran from 09/03/2008 - 09/08/2008 REO's are ran 08/28/2008 - 09/08/2008)

Notices Of Default (NOD) - Download PDF File
Notices Of Trustee Sales (NOT) - Download PDF File
Real Estate Owned Sales (REO) - Download PDF File

GOING BACK TO CHINA

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:06:59 -0500

I will be going to China for the fourth time early this October. This is something I thoroughly enjoy especially because I travel with a very good friend of mine, who is a retired Chinese cardiologist. We will first go to Shang Hai and then stay in Quingdao, a coastal city almost directly straight across the Pacific from my home in Santa Barbara.

This trip will not be to see the sights (already done that) but instead I have asked my traveling friend to arrange for us to meet with the “average” person (who of us is really average?). The last time we did this we were invited to a special luncheon with the mayor, ass’t mayor, the leader of the Communist Party of that small village along with others. We ate in a little restaurant (probably the only one nearby) and were put in a small room on the second floor. I was put in the place of honor at the table and no one would eat until I did first. We were served approx. 15 entrees with the first two being “Silk Worm Cocoons” followed up with “Sticky eel”.

I did my part and sampled them but was glad to see many vegetables to follow. We went back to the “Mayor’s” humble home in his village and while my friend the doctor chatted with them I went on my own to walk around and meet the inhabitants.

I am a fairly large man with white hair and a white beard who likes to wear shorts (something I did not see the locals ever where). Obviously I stood out but I felt totally at ease as people would walk up and meet me. I was able to “gesture” and we communicated on a basic level and I was even allowed to meet some of the children. Looking like Santa Claus does not hurt and our time together was very friendly and memorable.

The Olympics opened China up to many who never considered traveling there. I sincerely recommend it if you ever have the opportunity.

Santa Barbara NOD's, NOT's & REO's from 08/27/08 to 09/03/08

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:26:58 -0500

Here is another blog entry of my weekly NOD's, NOT's & REO's of Santa Barbara that I post on a regular basis. Hope that you find this information useful. - Bob

Submitted Week of 09-10-2008

(NOD's and NOT's are ran from 08/27/2008 - 09/03/2008
REO's are ran 08/27/2008 - 08/28/2008)

Notices Of Default (NOD) - Download PDF File
Notices Of Trustee Sales (NOT) - Download PDF File
Real Estate Owned Sales (REO) - Download PDF File

Santa Barbara NOD's, NOT's & REO's from 08/20/08 to 08/27/08

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:10:12 -0500

Sorry for the late entry but here are my weekly NOD's, NOT's & REO's of Santa Barbara that I post on a regular basis. Hope that you find this information useful. - Bob

Submitted Week of 09-05-2008

(The NOD's and NOT's are ran from 08/20/2008 - 08/27/2008, REO's are ran from 08/19/2008 - 08/27/2008)

Notices Of Default (NOD) - Download PDF File
Notices Of Trustee Sales (NOT) - Download PDF File
Real Estate Owned Sales (REO) - Download PDF File

GOOGLE CHROME (New Web Browser)

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:31:39 -0500

It looks like GOOGLE is giving Microsoft a run for their money by creating a new web browser entitled "Chrome". I wanted to see what the "internet craze" was about with this browser so I downloaded it and installed it onto my computer. All I can say is, "WOW!" It took me roughly about 5 minutes to get use to the navigation process but I think that this will probably be one of the best web browsers out there right now. The best feature is being able to view a website at full screen and having the pages load up noticeably quicker. you can read more about the internet "stir-up" over here. Below is my personal screenshot of my website using Google's "Chrome" browser. - Bob

MINT.COM - ONLINE MONEY MANAGEMENT

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:59:12 -0500

I don't how many of you use Microsoft Money or QUICKEN as your money management tool but I found something online that was worth looking into. It's called MINT.com and is a FREE online money management tool. "Mint downloads, categorizes, and graphs all of your finances automatically every day— so you don’t have to. Know where you’re spending, without spending any effort." On very rare occasions I would like to check up on my finances while I am out of town but can't do that with the Money or QUICKEN so I gave MINT.com a try. All I needed was computer access. It took me about 7 minutes to get set up and have all of my finances displayed on a pie chart through the website. Pretty cool thing to check out. - Bob

BOB'S BEST BUY (08/29/08)

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:34:11 -0500

I was on broker tour of new listings Thursday and came across a very good "Value". This is a 4 bedroom home just a couple blocks from the very popular Arroyo Burro Beach and the Douglas Family Preserve. If you are a dog lover, both of these locations allow dogs to run, walk and play off leash (my boxer loves it there).

This home which is listed by a fine agent for another company is priced extremely well for a beach location $875,000.

Click the image to view the listing.

Santa Barbara NOD's, NOT's & REO's from 08/12/08 to 08/20/08

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:05:16 -0500

Here are my weekly NOD's, NOT's & REO's of Santa Barbara that I'd like to share with everyone. Hope that you like and thank you for your time. - Bob

Submitted Week of 08-27-2008

(NOD and NOT's are ran from 08/12/2008 - 08/20/2008, REO's are ran from 08/11/2008 - 08/19/2008.)

Notices Of Default (NOD) - Download PDF File
Notices Of Trustee Sales (NOT)- Download PDF File
Real Estate Owned Sales (REO) - Download PDF File

Click the image above to view the archives

Market In A Minute - July 2008

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:04:24 -0500

Attached below is my latest monthly e-newsletter entitled "Market In A Minute". Market In A Minute is a comprehensive and detailed e-newsletter that informs people about what's going on with the Real Estate Market around Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Goleta, & Carpinteria. The information in the newsletter includes Home Sales in Santa Barbara, Prices & Addresses of Last Months Sales, Recent History Sales Comparisons, Weekly Updated Foreclosure Information and more. If you're interested in getting this newsletter emailed to you the minute that we have the information then you can always SIGN-UP HERE. Signing up allows you to view the archives of my past Market In A Minute's as well. Hope that you enjoy and any feedback is greatly appreciated! Thank. - Bob

Click Here to view the July Issue 2008 of Market In A Minute

Santa Barbara NOD's, NOT's & REO's from 07/31/08 to 08/12/08

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:54:33 -0500

Here are my weekly NOD's, NOT's & REO's of Santa Barbara South County. - Bob

Submitted Week of 08-20-2008 (NOD's and NOT's are ran from 07/31/2008 - 08/12/2008. REO's are ran from 07/30/2008 - 08/11/2008)

- Download PDF File Notices Of Default (NOD)
- Download PDF File Notices Of Trustee Sales (NOT)
- Download PDF File Real Estate Owned Sales (REO) - Download PDF File

NOTE: You can always go to my website (Click on the image below.) and view our archives of everything.

DON'T STOP WORKING!!!

Bob Widing (Coldwell Banker) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:14:20 -0500

Hi Everyone,

YES, the market is slowing down. YES, the media constantly talks about what is wrong with the real estate market. YES, interest rates are volatile. YES, buyers are nervous about buying now. YES, sellers think this is not the time to put their home on the market. YES, YES, YES there are many reasons to shut down your effort to sell now. What's my point? Many, in fact too many realtors are immersed in this reasoning and are already thinking what they will start doing in 2009. As of today (8-20-08) there are still 133 days left in 2008 (over 1/3 of this year) . Still plenty of time to be productive and make some sales while most of your competition are already shutting down and thinking of 2009.

Get back to work!