If you’re looking for a Los Angeles staycation getaway, look no further than the Santa Ynez Valley. Turns out, it’s a lot more than just wine country (though it should be noted that Mother Nature practically handcrafted this precise climate for its grape-yielding power). After just two hours northbound on the 101, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from for a weekend away from the city. Consider this your chance to take a breather–whether you’re in town for an evening, a weekend, or an artist in residence (maybe you’re writing the next Great American Novel on a vintner in Los Olivos ..read more

Despite the rise in inflation and mortgage rates, there are many great reasons why you may want to consider buying your Santa Barbara dream home this year instead of waiting. Buying a Home is a Great Investment Several reports indicate that real estate is a good investment topping other options such as gold, stocks, bonds, and savings. Why? Real estate helps build equity, a form of investing for you and your family. According to CoreLogic’s Equity Report,   “U.S. homeowners with mortgages (roughly 64% of all properties) have seen their equity increase by a total of nearly $457 bill ..read more

Welcome to Santa Barbara, the quintessential California destination. In just one stunning community, you can look forward to upscale living, relaxed beaches, farm to table dining, and some of the best wine country in the nation. The refined ruggedness of the California coast is truly something to behold–and Santa Barbara is no different. Whether you’re looking for a much needed staycation from the big city or you’re visiting from far out of town, there’s so much out about Santa Barbara you’ll love. From the year round sunshine to the California fresh cuisine, fewer places are more charming tha ..read more

You’re buying a second home? Congratulations! There’s a dozen different reasons to buy a second home–even more if you’re buying in the Santa Ynez Valley. Maybe you’re establishing a permanent vacation spot, investing in a rental, or looking to renovate and flip. Regardless of what’s ahead for you, buying a second home is a big financial step with different considerations than you might’ve expected. Depending on how you use the property, your mortgage options will shift and change–be sure you’re prepared!   Why buy a second home? Buying a second home in Santa Barbara or the Santa Ynez Vall ..read more

You’ve checked off all the boxes: Your credit is looking good. The market is looking promising. You’ve got a down payment ready to go. The real estate agent of your dreams is available and ready to go. Now’s the time to buy! Take note of these ten mortgage financing tips and you’ll be ready to shop for your Santa Barbara home in no time.   1. Now’s the time for due diligence–let’s research! It’s time to hit the books! Your due diligence will pay off in a huge way–promise. When you put in the time it takes to research loan types, rates, and the lenders who can fund your purchase, you’re li ..read more

The question many homebuyers are facing this year is, “Why is it so hard to find a house?” We’re in the ultimate seller’s market, which means real estate is ultra-competitive for buyers right now. The key to buying a home in the Santa Ynez Valley or Santa Barbara will be patience this year.  The National Association of Realtors (NAR) notes homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale, and that number keeps rising. Why? It’s because there are so few houses for sale. Low inventory in the housing market isn’t new, but it’s becoming more challenging to navigate. While many homeow ..read more

It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home. Many needs have changed in 2020, and it’s okay to admit if your house no longer fits your lifestyle. If you’re now working remotely, facilitating virtual school, trying to exercise at home, or simply just spending more time in your own four walls, you may be bursting at the seams in your current house. According to the latest Home Price Insights from CoreLogic, prices have appreciated 7.3% year-over-year. At the same t ..read more

Welcome to the world of luxury home sales—turns out, it’s tougher to find a buyer for your high end home than you might’ve expected. In Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, luxury homes are listed at higher price points, naturally—and as a result, they attract a smaller audience with the budget to buy them. The bottom line? It’s not easy to sell a luxury home on a limited timeline, but there are a few strategies you can implement to ensure your home catches the eye of a well qualified buyer.   Throughout the selling process, it’s important that you team up with a real estate professio ..read more

Homeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted: “Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families with a place that is their own and an avenue for building wealth over time. This ‘wealth’ is built, in large part, through the creation of equity…Building equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a critical part of homeownership that can help you create financial stability.” Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your house and ..read more

Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize: One option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the equity you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one that better meets your needs – something that’s truly a perfect fit, especially if your lifestyle has changed this year. 2. Become a First-Time Homebuyer ..read more