Blog | Montecito & Santa Barbara Luxury Real Estate | Marsha Kotlyar Real Estate Group

Local Market Update 2019: A Year in Review

What a year for local real estate! Prices went up, Buyer confidence is up, and Montecito is back! I have been tracking local real estate prices for nearly 20 years. During this cycle, home values have consistently increased since bottoming out in 2012, and this past year, average and median prices reached roughly the same levels we saw in 2007. Read More »
Advantages of Buying Real Estate in the Winter

With the cold weather of winter, buyers are less likely to be out shopping for real estate and sellers are less likely to have their homes on the market. Surprisingly this can be a huge benefit for buyers looking to buy in the slow months. We’ve compiled a list of the benefits of buying in the winter, as opposed to the competitive spring and summer seasons. Read More »
What's Happening in the Market? Q3 2019

What’s happening in our local real estate market? Comparing the 3rd quarter 2019 statistics (July through September) to the previous year, South Santa Barbara County (Goleta through Carpinteria) statistics showed improvements in most segments. Read More »
Architect Spotlight: Becker Studios

As one of Santa Barbara’s most sought-after designers, Becker Studios has conceived and completed a number of exquisitely designed homes. They are highly known for their impeccable taste and suburb attention to detail with every project they oversee. Read More »
What's Happening In The Market? Q2 2019

What’s happening in our real estate market? According to the Santa Barbara MLS, the first half of 2019 South Santa Barbara County statistics (Goleta through Carpinteria) remained relatively the same as last year (with slight price increases). Read More »
Pools of Santa Barbara!

Nothing screams summer like a sparkling pool to dive into. Whether you’re into swimming laps, just lounging by a pool, or throwing a pool party, we’ve compiled the listings with the best pool areas. These fantastic pools will inspire you to jump right in! Read More »
Montecito’s Most Exclusive Community

A prestigious gated golf community comprised of 142 single family homes and estates with most parcels hovering just under one acre. The gated community was founded by Robert McLean who purchased the 250+ acre Rancho Las Fuentes in 1964. Read More »
The Best Hikes in Santa Barbara

Those fortunate enough to make Santa Barbara home find everything about the city and its surroundings optimal. A unique geography of mountains, foothills, beaches, and islands creates enormous opportunity for outdoor activities, especially exceptional hiking. Read More »
Historic Summerland

Just south of east of Montecito lies the tiny beach community of Summerland. Known for its breathtaking views, vintage antique stores, and welcoming coffee shops, this intimate seaside community is home to approximately 2,000 residents. Read More »
Billings and His Exclusive Estates Meet Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is known for its amazing architectural history, often represented in the many estates located in the hills. Cornelius Billings, a well known entrepreneur, brought his love of extravagant manors to Santa Barbara where he built his own residence know as Billing’s Estate. Read More »
What's Happening In The Market? Q1 2019

While comparing the 1st quarter 2019 statistics to that of the previous year, South Santa Barbara County (Goleta through Carpinteria) experienced more selection, more sales, and stabilizing prices. Read More »
Drag Racing Returns to Its Santa Barbara Roots

Santa Barbara Drags Takes Over Cabrillo Boulevard This Weekend Read More »
Small Business Highlight

As a fellow small business, we want to take the opportunity and highlight the other wonderful, hard-working, small businesses that are local to Santa Barbara. So every Thursday we will be spotlighting a new local business on our handle. And if you would like to nominate someone, please let us know. Read More »
34th Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrates its 34th anniversary in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara. Film enthusiasts can enjoy special panels, award ceremonies and 200+ films at some of the city’s most historic theaters. Read More »
New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2019: #3 SANTA BARBARA

Already a popular vacation destination, Santa Barbara is receiving new accolades from media outlets. The city is ranked third on The New York Times’ ’52 Places to Go in 2019.’ Only Puerto Rico and Hampi, India are listed higher. Read More »
What's Happening in the Market? Q4 2018

When comparing the 2018 statistics to the previous year, South Santa Barbara County (Goleta through Carpinteria) saw prices level out and sales activity decline. Read More »
2018 Local Holiday Shopping Black Book

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Montecito's Ghost Village Road Oct. 31

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What's happening in the market? Q3 2018

When comparing the 3rd quarter 2018 statistics (July through September) to the previous year, South Santa Barbara County (Goleta through Carpinteria) inventory rose, number of sales declined, and on average, listings sold at 95% of their asking price, the same as last year. Read More »
Opportunity At This Darling Montecito Cottage

Buying a home and remodeling it, gives you the opportunity to build your dream home exactly as you picture it. 541 Hodges Lane is a quintessential country-style home in one of the most highly desired neighborhoods in Montecito. Located in the Montecito Union School District, and a stone's throw away from the Upper Village's restaurants, boutiques and the San Ysidro Ranch. Read More »
Hope Ranch Lifestyle

Hope Ranch is a utopia for its residents with offerings including a private beach, tennis court access, a plethora of equestrian and hiking trails, a members-only country club, stunning ocean and mountain views and a strong sense of community. Along with the aesthetics of Hope Ranch comes the genuine family, neighborly and community love. It is the perfect location to raise a family in a setting of beauty, activity and opportunity. Read More »
Ultimate Beachfront Compound

Located off one of the most popular surf spots in California at Rincon beach, is an extremely rare opportunity to own a beachfront compound totaling just over 80ft of beach frontage. Nestled in the highly desired Seacliff Colony, both homes have been extensively renovated with no expenses being spared. Read More »
Rob Lowe & Ellen DeGeneres Take Over The Montecito Market

Talk of the town is that Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi's home on Hidden Valley sold off market for $34 Million. The property was offered at $38 million and recently sold off market. Ellen isn't the only local celebrity who is handing over the keys to their home, Rob Lowe also just listed his dreamy estate for $47 million early this week. Read More »
The Wall Street Journal

A Wall Street Journal written by Nancy Keates about the uprising of Hope Ranch after the recent tragedies in Montecito. Read More »
Santa Barbara's Summer Solstice Celebration

The Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration has been a tradition in Santa Barbara since 1974, and is something that the Marsha Kotlyar Real Estate Group team looks forward to all year. One of our favorite events from the celebration is the parade, with live music, dancers, giant puppets, and floats, some of us have even participated in the parade ourselves. After the parade you can still continue to celebrate at Alameda Park where there is more live music, dancing, arts and crafts vendors, food, drinks, and more! Summer Solstice has grown to become the largest single-day event in Santa Barbara County and is the perfect way to kick off a start to summer. Read More »
Spend Memorial Weekend At the Beach!

Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching and what better way to spend the holiday than out in the Southern California sun on one of Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches.Hammonds Beach in Montecito is a local’s spot hidden away amongst several beachfront homes and is popular for surfing & swimming, gathering with friends or simply relaxing and enjoying the picturesque view and weather. Read More »
Architect spotlight: Chester Carjola (1901-1985)

When you spend as much time as we do getting to know the homes of the Montecito, Santa Barbara and Hope Ranch communities, examples of historic architecture make us dream of what life was like in this area’s formative years. Today we have the exquisite pleasure of representing a classic Hope Ranch farmhouse at 4691 Via Roblada designed by Chester Carjola. Read More »
Q1 2018 Properties Sold

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Architect Spotlight: The Historic Moody Sisters

With names such as Hollyhock, Sweetbriar and Greencote, these whimsical homes and gardens seem straight out of an English fairy tale. The intriguing work of four sisters in the 1930’s and 40’s left Montecito and Santa Barbara with three dozen petite creations. Read More »
Thomas Fire & Mudflow: January 9th, 2018

Having survived the Thomas Fire to then endure a terrible tragedy, this is a story of a community coming together in times of devastation and loss to rebuild and restore. Read More »
$82 Million SOLD in 2017!

WOW, what a year nationally, locally, and for Marsha Kotlyar Real Estate Group! We reached an all time high in sold volume at $82 million, with 22 successful sales! We started the year off strong and proudly sold 9 properties totaling to $26 million in one month. To honor our favorite properties, celebrate our client's success stories, and envy those lucky buyers....we have compiled a walk through memory lane. Below are a few of our sold properties and stories from 2017! Read More »
2017 - A Year In Review

Curious how Santa Barbara's and Montecito's real estate market performed in 2017? Nationally, a relentless inventory shortage, a booming stock market, and attractive interest rates fueled strong home buying demand. In South Santa Barbara County, housing supply remained limited, sold volume grew, and days on market grew. Read More »
Thomas Fire: Looking For A Way To Help? Here's How You Can Donate

United Way of Santa Barbara County has joined forces with United Way of Ventura County to directly support those individuals and families affected by the Thomas Fire. Nonperishable food, new clothing, toiletries, and monetary donations are being accepted at the agencies listed below. Used clothing, bedding, and toys are not being accepted. Read More »
Third Quarter 2017 - Real Estate Market Update

When comparing the 3rd quarter 2017 statistics to the same time last year, the local real estate market experienced an overall decline in selection, bump in sales, thereby driving prices up. Read More »
Montecito, Hope Ranch, & Riviera Third Quarter 2017 Sales

When comparing the 3rd quarter 2017 statistics to the same time last year, the local real estate market experienced an overall decline in selection, bump in sales, thereby driving prices up. Read More »
Surprising Benefits Of Buying Or Selling Your Home In The Fall

Seeing fewer for-sale signs now that summer is over? That can be great news for buyers who are looking to score a new home and buyers who want to get rid of their place and buy a new one. If you think you missed the boat on making your move this year, we're here to tell you why buying and selling in the fall can work for you. Read More »
Santa Barbara's Annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta!

A comprehensive itinerary for 2017's Old Spanish Days Fiesta activities and events! August 2-6, 2017 Read More »
Los Angeles Times: Summer Vacation Alternatives

Amy Tara Koch at the New York Times got it right when she wrote about vacation hot spots. "Positano. Vail. St.-Tropez. Yellowstone. There’s one big problem with these vacation hot spots. Everyone knows about them." Evidently vacationing in Santa Barbara is a great substitute to many vacation hot spots, such as St. Tropez! Read More »
Montecito & Hope Ranch Second Quarter Sales 2017

What a difference a quarter can make! It seems that the post-election hangover has passed because the 2nd quarter local real estate market showed significant improvement over the disappointing 1st quarter 2017 statistics. When comparing the 2nd quarter 2017 statistics to the same time last year, the local real estate market showed a drop in supply, coupled with rising demand, thereby pushing sales activity and prices up. Read More »
How to Choose a Property Manager for Your Rental Home

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Fannie Mae will ease financial standards for mortgage applicants next month

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LA Times "Home of The Day" 5/10/2017

Our chic Hope Ranch hacienda listing, 4066 Sonriente Road, was featured as the "home of the day" in LA Times today, on May 10th 2017! Lauren Beale, the writer for "Hot Property" describes Sonriente as "pouring on the charm"! Read More »
15 BEAUTIFUL CALIFORNIA BEACHES TO PUT ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST

Santa Barbara's very own Leadbetter & Arroyo Burro Beach as well as Carpinteria's State Beach, are featured as some of the top 15 beached to put on your bucket list. Read More »
Local Market Update - First Quarter 2017

Nationally, the 1st quarter real estate market was generally spirited. The South Santa Barbara County & Hope Ranch market activity experienced a rise in inventory and sales but at reduced prices. The first quarter Montecito statistics were somewhat disappointing. Even though potential wildcards like changes in tax policies and interest rate hikes lurk over any market forecast, most national economists are predicting 2017 will be another strong year and even experience improvements. Read More »
Find the Pot O' Gold at the End of the Rainbow - St. Patrick's Day in Santa Barbara

March 17 in Santa Barbara always means a plethora of fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The following are a few shamrock themed events to help you find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Read More »
Opportunity for an Elegant Ranch Estate!

We have been so inspired by the modern farmhouse homes that extend the interiors to the outdoors, and see the growing market for this style of architecture. Safe to say, when we realized our listing at 2255 Featherhill Road has all the hallmarks and potential to transform into this style home, we got excited! Read More »
Santa Barbara County Offices of BHHS California Properties Rank No. 1 in 2016 Home Sales vs. All Competitors!

Santa Barbara County Offices of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties Rank No. 1 in 2016 Home Sales vs. All Competitors! Read More »
Important New California Ordinance That Could Affect You!

New California Ordinance That Could Affect You! Your granny could now be legal?! We wanted to make you aware that there is a new California state ordinance that will allow homeowners in California to legally have an additional dwelling unit on their property. Basically, California lawmakers felt that the housing situation wasn't adequate and new building production hasn't kept up with demand. The state passed AB 2299; the new ordinance that encourages homeowners to legally build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on their property (regardless of what their local jurisdictions allow). Read More »
Why May Is the Magic Month for Home Sellers

List your home at the right time, and it could sell faster and at a higher price. Read More »
New Montecito Listing! 2255 Featherhill

New Montecito Listing! 2255 Featherhill Road Read More »
Hope Ranch 2016 Sales

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Montecito Market Update 4th Quarter 2016

Montecito Sales for the 4th quarter in 2016! Read More »