Enjoy this collection of listings designed to harness the power of the sun, perfectly suited to take full advantage of Montecito’s summery climate. Discover the epitome of contemporary living with this collection of modern homes, each boasting an array of cutting-edge amenities designed to enhance comfort and convenience. Among these sought-after features, solar power stands out as a crucial addition, particularly in the sun-drenched communities of Montecito and Santa Barbara. By incorporating solar energy systems, these homes not only reduce utility costs but also promote sustainability, all ..read more

Discover pristine beaches just moments away from our exceptional properties. Montecito BUTTERFLY BEACH Butterfly Beach in Montecito is a serene and picturesque coastal gem. Known for its stunning sunsets, it offers breathtaking views of the Channel Islands and the Santa Ynez Mountains. The beach is perfect for leisurely strolls, sunbathing, and enjoying the calm, gentle waves. Its proximity to the luxurious Four Seasons Biltmore adds an air of exclusivity and charm, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Additionally, Butterfly Beach is dog-friendly, allowing leashed pets to e ..read more

The Santa Barbara real estate market has flourished in the past month. Across the South County, there were 111 closed sales in April, marking a 16% increase from April 2023. The median price surged by 12% to $1.9 million, with an unprecedented 90% of sales exceeding $1 million. Inventory has grown, featuring a diverse range of prices, styles, and sizes, and RP has listed 8 new properties in the past month alone. Additionally, buyer activity has intensified, with increased showings as individuals seek to secure homes before the summer season. As May gray gives way to the sunny season, we are e ..read more

Celebrate the start of summer with these vibrant activities that promise endless fun and unforgettable memories. TASTE OF SANTA BARBARA May 13-19 Welcome to a week of celebrating the best of Santa Barbara’s food and drink, hosted by the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience as a tribute to Julia Child. The Taste of Santa Barbara events include film screenings, tasting events, farm tours, cooking classes, and even more ways to bring together both our community and its visitors. LEARN MORE   SIPPING ON THE SEA Third Thursday of the month Enjoy breathtaking sunsets and indulge in local wine abo ..read more

Sales In the First Quarter, there were 274 closings across the South County. This marks a notable milestone as it represents a 14% increase compared to Q1 2023, the first year-over-year increase since the pandemic ended. As we have noted how sales have decreased consistently since peak covid due to restricted inventory, we are finally seeing an uptick in sellers willing to place their properties on the market. As an example, as of March 15th, Available Inventory in Santa Barbara (proper) was 389 listings, up 71% from March 2023 while Montecito Inventory was up 50% YoY.  While Months of S ..read more

Embrace the Easter spirit with these festivities, from delectable brunches to Easter egg hunts, ensuring entertainment for the whole family.   BRUNCH   Numerous special eateries are offering Easter brunch, spanning from casual to more formal dining experiences.   Terra at The Steward Visit Terra, located at The Steward, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an Easter Brunch Buffet featuring a variety of breakfast favorites and a fun-filled Easter egg hunt for the whole family. Cost: $40 per adult, $12 per child (12 and under). LEARN MORE Brass Bear Uptown Delight in the Easter spirit with ..read more

Put some spring in your step and get outside to enjoy our beautiful spring weather with these outdoor activities!   HIKES WITH WATERFALLS TANGERINE FALLS Head to Tangerine Falls, Santa Barbara's tallest at 100 feet, located on East Mountain Drive; while the trail is challenging, with creek crossings and bouldering, the sweeping views down the canyon make it worth the effort. photo from Noozhawk   SEVEN FALLS Begin your adventure to Seven Falls, a classic Santa Barbara hike, from the Tunnel Road trailhead, shared with Inspiration Point; traverse through Los Padres National Forest, cr ..read more

In all of 2023, there were only three sales over $20M. Riskin Partners is honored to have been involved in all three. Halfway through Q1 of 2024, there have already been three sales over $20M (two of them Riskin Partners’ closings over $30M), and there is currently one additional property in escrow over $30M (another RP sale). Additionally, there have been several sales YTD over $10M, some of them with multiple offers. 2024 is shaping up to be a real showcase of the current strength in the market!  As noted in The Wall Street Journal, Santa Barbara leads the Winter 2024 Emerging Housing M ..read more

Explore Riskin Partners’ handpicked selection of ways to celebrate Valentine’s day in our beloved coastal paradise. WHERE TO EAT Discover a variety of fine dining options in the area to celebrate the love in your life, with a selection of delicious restaurants. Several hotels provide exquisite dining experiences for those who prefer accommodation at the same location. RESTAURANTS TRE LUNE Fine Italian Cuisine - Menu LUCKY’S Steakhouse - Menu BIBI JI Contemporary Indian Cuisine - Menu BETTINA Neapolitan Pizza - Menu LITTLE DOM’S SEAFOOD Italian-American Cuisine - Menu TOMA Italian-inspired Med ..read more

The Montecito real estate market has transitioned into a new normal characterized by welcomed price stabilization, marking the end of the Covid-induced pricing frenzy. The current market reflects a healthier, more balanced pace, emphasizing traditional real estate fundamentals such as location, price, and presentation. Despite a plateau in prices, tight inventory persists, with more buyers than sellers, and a preference for remodeled homes, indicating a competitive market that remains attractive to prospective buyers in 2024. We have already noticed renewed energy on the high-end and are aware ..read more