Santa Barbara Real Estate Voice » Luxury Real Estate

Santa Barbara Real Estate – Carpinteria Real Estate Market Update June – October 2011

kevinschmidtchen — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:10:48 +0000

Here is an easy to view summary of the real estate market in the Carpinteria area from the summer months through until the end of October 2011. Normally this time of year sees a lot of activity in June and July, then slowing a little in August as many people are on vacation, sending kids off to school, paying bills from all the summer activities etc. Then in mid September through until about Thanksgiving we have a relatively strong real estate market on average. Overall, the Carpinteria market has been very strong in the price range from $200,000 to $750,000 with a lot of homes and condos selling as well as many current pending sales.

Closed Sales in the Carpinteria Area

During these 5 months from June – October, Carpinteria had approximately 53 Closed sales of condos, town homes, PUD’s (planned unit developments) and single family homes. The lowest priced sale that was recorded during this stretch of the year was a 2 bed 1 bath condo located on Birch Street for $192,000. The highest sale was a stark contrast to this as Carpinteria also has wonderful ranches, estates and ocean front property. The highest sale closed in June for $6.6 million. The home was a single level, open beamed home, roughly 2600 sqft. with commanding panoramic ocean front views. The home is was located in the coveted cove on Padaro Lane.

Carpinteria Ocean Front Real Estate - Padaro Lane

Carpinteria Homes - Padaro Lane

Current Active Homes for Sale in Carpinteria

Currently as of November 1st, 2011, there are approximately 54 homes available for sale in the Carpinteria area. The lowest priced available homes for sale are condos ranging generally from around $195,000 to around $375,000. The highest priced homes for sale tend to be properties located on the ocean front. Some of these are very high end ocean front listings such as the one currently listed for $25,500,000 located at 3165 Padaro Lane. There are currently 8 magical ocean front homes in the Carpinteria area that are active for sale priced between $4 and $25 million.

Padaro Beachfront Real Estate - Santa Barbara

The City of Carpinteria is located about a 7-10 minute drive to the south of Santa Barbara.

View: All Current Active listings in Carpinteria in the Santa Barbara MLS

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Thank you for reading. I hope you find Santa Barbara Real Estate Voice informative. Please feel free to contact me or comment below with any thoughts.

For more information on Real Estate here in Santa Barbara, Montecito and/or our surrounding areas, as well as any other aspects of life in the Santa Barbara area, please don’t hesitate to contact Kevin Schmidtchen at Sotheby’s Int’l Realty.

Montecito CA. Real Estate Once Again Finds Itself in Top 10 Wealthiest Zip Codes in the U.S.

kevinschmidtchen — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:41:56 +0000

Once again, America’s most expensive zip codes includes Montecito CA. Coming in this year at #9, statistics show that the median home price here in Montecito to be at $3,099,000. So far this year, the most expensive sale in Montecito was a dated, but clean ocean front home located at 1473 Edgecliff Lane that closed for $10,750,000. Other significant sales were a brand new Mediterranean Estate with privacy and panoramic ocean views located at 1379 Oak Creek Canyon Road. This wonderful Estate closed for $9,000,000. Another gorgeous Italian Villa located at 2959 Sycamore Canyon Road closed at $7,900,000.

Overall there have been no major high end sales in the $12-$25 million range, but plenty of sales in the $5 to $10 million range. This obviously has to do with the market coming down around 40% in the high end market for sure over the last 3 years.

Of the combined top 10 wealthiest zip codes, 4 were located in California (Montecito, Beverly Hills, Atherton and Hillsborough), while the other 6 were located in and around New York.

Montecito CA Estates

montecito ca real estate

Montecito Estates

Montecito Ocean View Real Estate

View: Santa Barbara / Montecito Real Estate $1-3 Million

View: Santa Barbara / Montecito Real Estate $3-5 Million

View: Santa Barbara / Montecito Real Estate $5 million and Above

Further Reading:

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Search: The Santa Barbara Area MLS

For information on Real Estate here in Santa Barbara, Montecito and/or our surrounding areas, as well as any other aspects of life in our area, please don’t hesitate to contact Kevin Schmidtchen at Sotheby’s Int’l Realty.

Thank you for reading. I hope you find Santa Barbara Real Estate Voice informative. Please feel free to contact me or comment below with any thoughts.

What Are Considered the Higher End Neighborhoods in Santa Barbara?

kevinschmidtchen — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:01:46 +0000

When talking about Santa Barbara proper, the high end real estate market is usually referred to as home prices $2 million and above, although this is obviously pretty subjective. For example, within Montecito proper, most people would consider the high end there to start at around $ 5 million.

So what are the highest priced neighborhoods in Santa Barbara?

Number 1 on the list is Montecito with Hope Ranch not being too far behind. Montecito continuously finds itself within the top 10 zip codes nationally with the “average priced home” selling somewhere in the $2 – $4 million price point. One of the things that sets Montecito apart from most high end areas around the country is the extreme high end values. Within Montecito there is a legitimate real estate market of homes in the $12 – $20 million price point. Only a handful of areas in our country have this and most all of them sit next to a major city.

Hope Ranch follows Montecito as the second most exclusive area within Santa Barbara. Most of the “average homes” in Hope Ranch tend to sell somewhere between $1.7 and $3 million. Hope Ranch also has a very high end with values within this high end ranging from $7 to $20 million.

The next highest end neighborhood is most likely The Riviera. This is the beautiful “hill” that lines the town of Santa Barbara with most likely 50-70% of homes having gorgeous island and ocean views. The “average home” on The Riviera tends to sell for somewhere between $1.4 and $2.8 million.

The Upper East is considered the oldest established in-town residential area just off State Street. Most of the homes simply have larger yards and wonderful settings, but tend to be much bigger homes on average. The “average home” here also tends to sell for somewhere between $1.4 and $2.8 million.

The final higher end neighborhood is a little nook of a neighborhood along the ocean just outside of Hope Ranch called Campanil Hill and Braemar. Most of the homes that tend to sell here have spectacular ocean views and range from $1.3 to $3 million on average with the highest end most likely around the $4-7 million price point.

These 5 areas are not the only high end areas in Santa Barbara as many other areas have homes selling easily above the $1.5 million price point such as The Mesa, The Foothills, scattered ranches and anything along the ocean front. With that said, Montecito, Hope Ranch, The Riviera, Campanil Hill and The Upper East are for most people considered the “higher end neighborhoods” within Santa Barbara.

View: Santa Barbara Real Estate $1-3 Million

View: Santa Barbara Real Estate $3-5 Million

View: Santa Barbara Real Estate $5 million and Above

Further Reading:

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Thank you for reading. I hope you find Santa Barbara Real Estate Voice informative. Please feel free to contact me or comment below with any thoughts.

Good Activity on Beach Front and Ocean Front Homes from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara

kevinschmidtchen — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:25:43 +0000

During the last 60 days, beachfront real estate here in and around Santa Barbara has picked up quite a bit with a lot of activity. Just in the last 2 months we have seen 9 new Active ocean front listings, 4 closed sales and 1 pending (in escrow).

Of these listings, 7 have been in Carpinteria mainly along Padaro Lane and Sand Point Road.
Of these listings, 7 have been in the Santa Barbara or Montecito areas.

Here is a list below of the Current New Active Listings

4975 Sandyland Road #205, Carpinteria CA. priced at $999,500. Exceptional ocean front property at Carpinteria Shores. On second floor with full view of breaking surf year around. Beautifully remodeled unit. Furnishings (with some exceptions) are included. Rarely available property overlooking the Pacific. Owner may have pets. Elevator newly installed in building.
1220 Shoreline Drive, Santa Barbara CA. priced at $1,950,000. The beauty of Santa Barbara awaits you in this exquisitely designed cottage on Shoreline Drive, featured in Coastal Living Magazine. Ideally located with fantastic views of the ocean & islands, it is across from the park & steps to the beach. High-end quality throughout. Fully approved plans for an expansion & 2nd story addition. Don’t miss this one!
1349 Plaza Pacifica, Montecito CA. priced at $2,500,000. Rarely Available Near Oceanfront Luxury Penthouse End Unit. Great white water views from LR & huge enclosed terrace. All surfaces completely redone down to studs with exquisite taste. This single level 2nd flr 3/3 is the largest floor plan! Unit below is for sale too. Buy both! Washer/dryer, Fire Place, 2 garage spaces steps away & incredible location. Complete redo by Dennis Woodson AIA & Spieler Construction.
5289 Austin Road, Santa Barbara CA. priced at $2,695,000. Spectacular panoramic front-row oceanfront! Under $3M for one of the most beautiful bluff top view spots in Santa Barbara, with nearby private beach access. Newer upgraded home with almost 200′ of oceanfront, perfect for ocean-view entertaining and relaxing. Think 2nd home or in-town-always-on-vacation home! Private lane of 11 oceanfront homes by More Mesa.
1533 Shoreline Drive, Santa Barbara CA. priced at $3,250,000. Romantic oceanfront home with panoramic ocean & island views. Exceptionally private and thoughtfully remodeled 3/2.5 bright & airy home offering a gourmet’s kitchen, open beam ceilings, wood floors and many doorways to the seaside terrace for true indoor/outdoor living. Gated & beautifully landscaped property consisting of 2 parcels totaling 0.6 acres.
745 Sand Point Road, Carpinteria CA. priced at $4,300,000. Awe inspiring ocean, bird refuge, and mountain views from this 1+ acre beachfront property perfectly located on exclusive and coveted Sand Point Beach. Highly sought after enclave of rarely available ocean front homes. Guarded, gated. Acclaimed privacy and serenity. 1940′s original shingled beach cottage, enlarged with 2 story addition, guest quarters, garage/workshop. Extraordinary property.
871 Sand Point Road, Carpinteria CA. priced at $6,650,000. Breathtaking ocean, island & coastline views, a stunning floating staircase, majestic 2 story LR, formal DR, private master with fireplace, gym & wrap around balcony & attached guest quarters w/separate entrance are features of this quality home in a guarded enclave. Enjoy easy beach access & the fabulous community pool, tennis court & clubhouse.
869 Sand Point Road, Carpinteria CA. priced at $10,900,000. One-of-a-kind oceanfront site extends beyond the beach/neighbors, grandfathered by pre-1920 original estate. Moroccan Mediterranean style home feels remarkably ”surrounded” by ocean on 3 sides. Very rare. Private, gracious proportions, hi ceilings, flooded w/natural light, paneled Office/Library, Studio, Guest Suite, beach access, comm. Pool, Tennis Court, Gated.
4257 Avenue del Mar, Carpinteria CA. priced at $22,500,000. A very special & private beachfront family compound in exclusive & gated Sandyland Cove includes a 6 bedroom main house, a 1 bed guest house with living room, tennis court, swimming pool & spa, 3+-car garage on 1 +- acre with approximately 95 ft of beach frontage. One of the largest parcels on the “Cove.” Properties like this are almost never on the market.

Here is a list of the Recent Sales and 1 Pending Sale

661 Del Parque #B, Santa Barbara CA. closed at $1,299,000. Front and Center at East Beach–Tasteful Beach Abode, White Water Dolphin Views, gated, 2 car attached garage, fireplace, vaulted ceilings, over l600 square feet of Beach front living.
1109 Luneta Plaza, Santa Barbara CA. closed at $1,900,000. One of the most sought after ocean front sites. Steps from the beach, harbor, Stearn’s Wharf and downtown Santa Barbara in a fabulous bluff-top location. Existing structure features 4 bedrooms & 3 baths. Remodel plans by Tom Meaney AIA available.
1542 Miramar Beach Drive #B, Montecito CA. closed at $2,160,000. Darling Board n’ Batten BEACHFRONT cottage on the sand of Miramar Beach with 2 beach side decks and panoramic ocean, island & coastline views. While very cozy, it is extremely romantic and delightful throughout with open beam ceilings, a fireplace & abundant French Doors. This is the lowest priced beachfront home in years and an excellent rental income opportunity.
755 Sand Point Road, Carpinteria CA. closed at $5,000,000. Rarely available, build your Dream Home on this 6.15 acre site in prestigious Sand Point Beach Colony. Direct access to ocean and beach,all year-round resort lifestyle. Private Rd.Gate-Guarded Community. Great Bird Sanctuary views, Dolphins and Whales frolic out your front window.
3281 Padaro Lane, Carpinteria CA. pending sale…asking price $7,450,000. Commanding panoramic ocean, island & coastline views are enjoyed from this premier location on Padaro’s coveted knoll w/easy beach access yet total privacy & safety from wave damage. This spacious & bright South facing single story home has open beam wood ceilings & a flexible floor plan, large family rm, & a huge beach side patio for entertaining in privacy.

View: Santa Barbara Real Estate $1-3 Million

View: Santa Barbara Real Estate $3-5 Million

View: Santa Barbara Real Estate $5 million and Above

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Most Significant Luxury Montecito and Santa Barbara Real Estate Sales in 2011…So Far

kevinschmidtchen — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:07:21 +0000

2011 has started off the year once again with the upper end of our market feeling fairly active. There seem to be a bunch of buyers looking around above the $3 million price point, with several homes going into escrow. So far in 2011, we have had our share of significant closed sales here in the upper end in Montecito, Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria.

Montecito Sales

770 San Ysidro Lane, Montecito CA 93108. Listed price $6,300,000. Sales price $5,650,000. This 6 bedroom / 8 bathrooms gated estate is located near San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito’s Golden Quadrangle. This stylish home lends itself to grand entertaining with the flow of indoor / outdoor spaces, highlighted by 2 pools and spacious lawns. Sophisticated, yet inviting, the home has high-end appliances & finishes, a family room and media room and a guest house.
361 Ortega Ridge Road, Montecito CA 93108. Listed price $6,950,000. Sales price $5,300,000. Enjoy expansive, panoramic views of the Montecito Valley, mountains & ocean. Set on 1.4+/- acres with beautiful gardens, swimming pool, pool house & tennis court. This distinctively designed 5700+/- sq. ft. home combines indoor/outdoor living and features, 6 bedrooms, 5 full baths, office/den, formal living and dining rooms, family room, wet bar, 3-car garage and much more.
339 Santa Rosa Lane, Montecito CA 93108. Listed price $4,995,000. Sales price $4,250,000. Extensive remodel on this extremely well located Montecito home in MUS district. Panoramic mountain views captured from almost every room. Everything redone including underground utilities. New hardwood floors, dual zone heat/air, 3 stone fireplaces, romantic master suite w/his/her baths, 3 other en suite bedrooms, guest house, gorgeous pool/spa with shade pavilion. Must see to appreciate.
786 Hot Springs Road, Montecito CA 93108. Listed price $5,650,000. Sales price $3,930,000. Captivating English Tudor estate is nestled on over 1½ lushly landscaped acres. Main home enjoys 4bd/4.5ba, library/den, gleaming kitchen opening to large terrace w/BBQ, lavish master suite. Also includes spacious pool house, sparkling pool/spa, ponds, tennis court, brick & stone patios, beautiful trees, extensive lawns, & wonderful mountain views. Outstanding detail & superb craftsmanship throughout!
1720 Glen Oaks Drive, Montecito CA 93108. Listed price $3,795,000. Sales price $3,600,000. Magnificent Mediterranean estate situated on 1 beautifully landscaped acre & features superior quality throughout! Extensively remodeled, boasting designer finishes, 4bd/4.5ba, 5 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, formal living /dining room, family room, hardwood floors, cathedral beam ceilings. Also a large separate cottage, top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen, sparkling pool w/spa, & entertaining patios.

Santa Barbara and Hope Ranch Sales

440 Via Dichosa, Santa Barbara CA 93110. Listed price $7,950,000. Sales price $6,100,000. One of the very best in Hope Ranch, this approximately 9,000 sq. ft. residence — defined by understated elegance, quality and comfort — features construction and classic architecture that will stand the test of time. This spectacular home offers premium views of Laguna Blanca Lake, the mountains and Goleta Valley and hosts all the amenities you could ever imagine.
3475 Marina Drive, Santa Barbara CA 93110. Listed price $4,950,000. Sales price $4,825,000. Prominent Mediterranean Estate featuring unobstructed bluff-top ocean & island views from most rooms in this exquisitely crafted, single-story home. Completed in 2008, the thoughtfully designed spaces connect seamlessly to the private & lushly landscaped grounds to provide all of the elements most desired for today’s luxury coastal lifestyle.
1368 Via Veneto, Santa Barbara CA 93111. Listed price $3,495,000. Sales price $3,050,000. La Romana Estates… A Way of Life… Ever changing vistas of the Islands, coastline & Mountains provide the dramatic backdrop for this brand new Mediterranean estate. Located in a gated enclave of only 24 sites, this custom 5 bedroom, 5 bath home with 3 car garage features a splendid entry courtyard with fountain & a rooftop entertainment terrace w/330 degree views, fireplace & vertical valet.

Goleta and Hollister Ranch and Gaviota Sales

575 Refugio Road, Goleta CA 93117. Listed price $10,990,000. Sales price $10,000,000. Historic ‘Rancho Refugio’ Caldwell Ranch 449+Acres has a long history from the early 18th century. Located just north of Santa Barbara and has an abundant water supply from 15 existing water wells. Ideal setting for the income producing lemon and avocado orchards and for the 4 income residences. Main Ranch House with pool offers mountain and distant Pacific Ocean views.
111 Hollister Ranch Road, Goleta CA 93117. Listed price $6,000,000. Sales price $6,000,000. Rare parcel in Hollister Ranch with main house and barn guest quarters. Parcel 111 is in a prime location, just 8 minutes from the gate and 3 minutes to private beaches. The main house is just 3 yrs old, contemporary ranch style built with top quality construction and eco-friendly materials. Beautiful canyon views, open floor plan with indoor/outdoor living flow and wonderful pool area.

View: Current Real Estate Listings $ 3 Million to $7 Million

View: Current Real Estate Listings $ 7 Million and above

Further Reading:

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2010 Top 10 Oceanfront Real Estate Sales For Montecito, Santa Barbara, Hope Ranch and Carpinteria

kevinschmidtchen — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 05:14:36 +0000

The dream of living on the ocean. For most, this is the ultimate…especially if it is here in our wonderful home of Santa Barbara. Fresh air, pounding waves, sand at your toes…

With 2009 being a pretty tough year for oceanfront real estate sales in the Santa Barbara, Carpinteria and Montecito areas, 2010 has seen solid sales for most of the year. Prices on average have come down anywhere from 35-40% from their peak in 2007, but now seem to hit good stable price benchmarks. Almost anything above these price benchmarks are simply sitting on the market.

Here are the top 10 Oceanfront sales in our area for 2010:

4181 Creciente Drive, Hope Ranch CA, 93110. Sales Price $18,440,000. Spectacular oceanfront estate on nearly 8 acres with breathtaking ocean and island views, 2 parcels with rare paved golf-cart path down towards the local beach. Remodeled 4 bed 5 bath Main House with large wine cellar, media room, exercise room & paneled study. Large 3 bed 3 bath guest house, pool, cabana, lighted tennis court, putting greens, acres of manicured lawns, pond, lush landscape, gated & very private.
591 Sand Point Road, Carpinteria CA 93013. Sales Price $16,250,000. Stunning contemporary Cape Cod on 190′ of beach frontage in private gate-guarded enclave of Sand Point Lane. Beautiful high end construction all single level. Windows everywhere with ocean and island views. Private access to beach.
1801 Fernald Point Lane, Montecito CA 93108. Sales Price $15,500,000. Beachfront in Montecito is the perfect location for this stunning five bedroom contemporary with Mediterranean influences. Magnificent views of the ocean, high quality custom details throughout, spacious public rooms, chef’s kitchen, inner sun-filled courtyard, tiled pool and outdoor terraces with steps to the beach, the union of sand, sea and sky complete this comfortably luxurious oceanfront estate.
1169 Hill Road, Montecito CA 93108. Sales Price $12,943,000. Ocean, mountain and harbor views near the Biltmore Hotel in a picturesque setting. Priced together: the House and primary lot on Hill Road, including the two lower separate legal parcels enter on Channel Drive. There are a total of three lots.
571 Sand Point Road, Carpinteria CA 93013. Sales Price $10,700,000. The Hamptons in Santa Barbara. Spectacular Paul Gray designed Cape Cod masterpiece on 1.42 ac in the prestigious Sand Point beach colony. 133’ of “on the sand” frontage. 2 bed plus 1 bath guest house. Never before on the market. Enormous seaside deck for dining and entertaining, plus lap pool. Lower level via elevator or stairs has additional 3055 SF of finished space. All year resort lifestyle.
1115 Hill Road, Montecito CA 93108. Sales Price $8,500,000. California beach cottage moments from butterfly beach with private gate to Channel Drive. The beautiful gardens adorn this 3 bedroom, 3 bath beach hide-away set on .68+/- acres. Mature landscaping and stunning ocean and island views. Montecito Union school district close to Coast Village Road shopping; Four Seasons Biltmore and Music Academy of the West. Excellent location!
8096 Puesta del Sol, Carpinteria CA 93013. Sales Price $5,700,000. Beachfront!! Gorgeous newer Cape Cod estate with fabulous panoramic ocean, coastline & surf line views on the sand within the gates of Rincon Point. Wood floors, open beam ceilings & French doors are enjoyed throughout this spacious home w/library, office, formal dining, & circular tower room. Outdoor fire place, spa and lovely landscaping!
1813 Fernald Point Lane, Montecito CA 93108. Sales Price $5,100,000. This idyllic beachfront sanctuary in Fernald Cove captures the air of relaxed sophistication that embodies the Montecito lifestyle. A separate guest Apartment, spa, wine cellar, darkroom compliment this oceanfront home.
2547 Medcliff Road, Santa Barbara CA 93109. Sales Price $3,175,000. Mid-Century 4 bed 2 bath Contemporary in very good condition on 1.11 acres with panoramic ocean & island views and a vast 162′ of ocean frontage. Hardwood floors, open beam ceilings and fireplace. Pool & spa. Steps from a 70 acre oceanfront preserve with meandering paths & magnificent trees.
2417 Medcliff Road, Santa Barbara CA 93109. Sales Price $2,895,000. This is a very special oceanfront property. No traffic, no train, no freeway. Down a private drive ”easement” in a quiet, secluded and private location with magnificent ocean & island views across a beautifully manicured back yard and sparkling pool. Spacious bungalow with beautifully remodeled kitchen and a very warm wood motif.

View: Montecito and Santa Barbara Real Estate $5 Million and Above

Further Reading:

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Montecito Beachfront Town Homes and Condos at Bargain Prices!! Bonnymede & Montecito Shores

kevinschmidtchen — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:41:20 +0000

As the run up in real estate values continued through early 2008 here in the Montecito area, the exclusive condominium enclaves of Bonnymede and Montecito Shores (the only 2 oceanfront condo / town home complexes we have in the Montecito area) saw prices comfortably in the $2.5 – 5 Million range. Many of these units seemed to be selling to either 2nd home buyers or Montecito residents downsizing from larger estates.

As the market has changed over the last 2 years, values here within both the Bonnymede and Montecito Shores complexes have been hit very hard. It is difficult to put an exact number on a percentage drop since location means a lot within the comlex, but most would agree that values have dropped within both these exclusive complexes around 35-40%. Some of the most recent sales have really stood out simply for their closing price of under $1 Million.

Montecito Shores

Within Montecito Shores in 2010, there have now been 2 sales of less than $1 million.

29 Seaview Drive, 2 bed 2 bath closed in June 2010 for $891,000
35 Seaview Drive, 2 bed 2 bath closed in July for $975,000

So far there have been a total of 10 sales in Montecito Shores this year, all under $1,610,000. Contrast this to 2007 when the market was very strong and a total of 9 units closed ranging in price from $1.2 Million to $3.5 Million.

Currently there are 4 units Active for Sale in Montecito Shores ranging in price from $1 – 2 Million.

Bonnymede

Within Bonnymede, there have only been a total of 3 sales this year.

1300 Plaza Pacifica closed at $3 Million in February 2010
1311 Plaza Pacifica closed at $1.225 Million in May 2010
1330 Plaza Pacifica closed at $1.2 Million in August 2010

Compare this to 2007 where there were also 3 Closed Sales with price points of $1.8 Million, 3.7 Million and $5 Million.

Currently there are 3 units on the market in Bonnymede ranging in prices from $2.1 to $2.9 Million.

View: Montecito Oceanfront Condos For Sale

Further Reading:

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Montecito CA Among Top 10 Most Expensive Zip Codes in America – 93108

kevinschmidtchen — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:02:25 +0000

According to an article in the latest addition of Forbes, Montecito, here in Santa Barbara CA is once again among the top 10 Most Expensive zip codes in America. Six of the top 10 zip codes are in California while the other 4 zip codes reside around the New York area.

Top 10 List:

Duarte/Bradbury, California 91008: Median Home Price $4.27 Million
Atherton, California 94027: Median Home Price $4.01 Million
Rolling Hills, California 90274: Median Home Price $3.89 Million
Alpine, N.J. 07620: Median Home Price $3.81 Million
New York, New York 10014: Median Home Price $3.78 Million
Beverly Hills, California 90210: Median Home Price $3.68 Million
New York, New York 10065: Median Home Price $3.62 Million
Belvedere/Tiburon, California 94920: Median Home Price $3.28 Million
New York, New York 10012: Median Home Price $3.22 Million
Montecito/Santa Barbara, California 93108: Median Home Price $3.15 Million

View: Montecito Real Estate Listings $ 1 – $5 Million

View: Montecito Real Estate Listings $ 5 Million and Above

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Santa Barbara CA. Among Top 10 Most Expensive Real Estate Markets in the U.S.

kevinschmidtchen — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 21:09:13 +0000

A recent real estate home listing report looked at thousands of four-bedroom, two-bathroom properties early in 2010 across nearly 300 various real estate markets. To most of us here that live along the coast in California, the findings did not prove to be surprising…The most expensive markets are mainly found here in California, and many along the coastline.

The Most Expensive Cities – Top 10 List

At the top of the list of most expensive real estate markets is Newport Beach, while 5 other California cities also made the list with Santa Barbara wrapping up the top 10.

Below are the most expensive cities as well as their average listing prices:

1. Newport Beach, Calif., $1.83 million

2. Palo Alto, Calif., $1.48 million

3. Rye, N.Y., $1.33 million

4. San Francisco, $1.33 million

5. La Jolla, Calif., $1.21 million

6. Greenwich, Conn., $1.20 million

7. Wellesley, Mass., $1.08 million

8. Pasadena, Calif., $1.04 million

9. Honolulu, $1.03 million

10. Santa Barbara CA., $1.02 million

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Helpful Tips When Looking for Your Perfect Montecito Home or Estate

kevinschmidtchen — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:44:23 +0000

Location, Location, Location

Everyone has heard this tip before and it pretty much always holds true. Simply stated, consider the home’s exact location before you are won over by a spectacular interior. Also, maybe look for the exact location you want and completely redo the home etc. Do views and setting out way walking distance to the beach or vice versa? Can you “bike home” from town and/or the beach? Etc.

Check Your Immediate Neighborhood

It is very obvious…when you purchase a home, you not only get a house, you also buy into a neighborhood. Walk around the area at morning time, dinner time, night time etc. and think about whether the immediate neighborhood will suit you. Even if the house feels perfect, strange neighbors next door or a school across the street can become bothersome to some? Outside of this, Montecito is very manageable and getting to upper or lower village, schools, tennis and golf clubs for example is never more than a few minutes drive. Also, most homes in Montecito have a good amount of privacy.

Think “HOME” First

When purchasing a home here in Montecito, it is probably best not to imagine the dollar signs you might see the day you sell it. Buy a home that would be great to live in first and think about its resale value second. Plus, while home renovations tend to add value to your home and make it exactly what you want, they rarely recoup more than what was spent on them.

Think About Leaving Room to Grow and Expand

If you are currently single, a couple, thinking about kids, expecting a sibling to move back in etc., aim for a home that will be able to adapt to your needs as your life changes. If you can not afford a home that will be able to accommodate your anticipated future needs, then quite honestly think about another home…unless you like moving a lot. With regards to schools, both Cold Springs and Montecito Union have great reputations. Also, there are numerous private school options such as Crane and Laguna Blanca.

When it Comes Time To Sell

While you hope to think of your new home as a home first, home prices in Montecito are what they are and therefore your home will also be an investment. You should put at least some thought into how easy or difficult it might be to resell the home one day.

View: Current Montecito Real Estate Listings up to $3 Million

View: Current Montecito Real Estate Listings $3 – $5 Million

View: Current Montecito Real Estate Listings $5 Million and Above

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