Apr 7th	Where Are Those “Jumbo Conforming” Loans with Lower Interest Rates?
2008	Categories: Buyer's Resources & Advice

Here is a quick fact in the life within the lending business that no one can refute... The larger the mortgage, the riskier the loan and therefore the tougher it is for a home-buyer to get a mortgage approved. Now weeks after the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 changed the maximum amount on a conventional conforming loan from $417,000 to about $729,500 in high valued areas such as Santa Barbara CA, substantially lower interest rates on these larger loans are not being doled out to consumers as many thought they would be. This new adjustment and the conforming loan was in theory supposed to reduce... Read more

Tags: conforming jumbo loans, Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, lower interest rates, Montecito, Santa Barbara

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Feb 5th	Any Great Deals on Homes in Foreclosure in Santa Barbara?
2008	Categories: Buyer's Resources & Advice, Foreclosures & Bank Owned, Santa Barbara

This seems to be a common question I get here lately in Santa Barbara and Montecito, mainly from first-time home buyers and investors.  Like many things in life though, it simply depends. The common myth out there seems to universally be that homes in foreclosure must be the best opportunities to buy a cheaper home or get a "great deal".  Here is the big problem with this line of thought, at least in a town such as Santa Barbara or Montecito. First, when you see statistics in the newspapers or online about foreclosures in the Santa Barbara area, it almost always refers to... Read more

Tags: Carpinteria, experienced full-time realtor, First-time Home Buyers, foreclosure in santa barbara, Goleta, homes in foreclosure in santa barbara, Montecito, realtor, Santa Barbara, santa barbara proper

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Jan 30th	Trust Me, Don’t Worry – Santa Barbara Real Estate Predictions for 2008
2008	Categories: Buyer's Resources & Advice

One rule you should learn as a Realtor is to never say, Trust Me Don't Worry.  Well, I guess I am breaking this rule (partly at least) and giving you one prediction for Santa Barbara Real Estate in 2008. The part of the rule I am breaking is the Trust Me part, so here it goes. Trust Me, there are already many investors in 2008 poking around that recognize that a buyer's market in Santa Barbara is an excellent time to purchase real estate. The Santa Barbara real estate market is very unique for many reasons, some of them basic economics with demand for... Read more

Tags: market updates, Montecito, real estate investors, Real Estate News, real estate values, realtor, santa barbara real estate market, santa barbara real estate predictions

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Jan 24th	Santa Barbara International Film Festival Kicks Off!!
2008	Categories: Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Local / Things to Do

The 23rd installment of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) kicks off tonight and continues through February 3rd, featuring 220 films including 20 World Premieres, located in various venues throughout Santa Barbara.  The festival itself has grown tremendously in the last 5 years under the direction of Roger Durling.  For locals, one of the greatest aspects of the SBIFF is the representation of local directors and film makers from the Santa Barbara, Montecito and surrounding areas.  View the entire schedule of events, films, talks, tributes, panels, directors...you name it. This years honorees for various awards are: Cate Blanchett receiving the esteemed Modern Master Award, moderated... Read more

Tags: Montecito, Santa Barbara, santa barbara film festival

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Jan 22nd	Westmont College Expansion Approved in Montecito, CA.
2008	Categories: Montecito, School News & Information

Westmont College, located in high-end residential area of Montecito, CA., won a ruling in Superior Court on Tuesday, December 18th, 2007 to allow the expansion of its master plan.  In the first stage, the plan calls for 165,000 sqft. of new building starting with The Adams Center for the visual arts, The Winter Hall for science and mathematics, a residence hall and a chapel.  Over the coming 20 years, current plans call for an additional 200,000 sqft. of building.  Construction of the first stage is scheduled to start in November 2008.  Scott Craig, spokesman for the Westmont College said, "I think this is a huge... Read more

Tags: highest priced residential real estate, Montecito, westmont college

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Jan 16th	Who Wants Low Mortgage Rates and a Home in Santa Barbara?
2008	Categories: Buyer's Resources & Advice

The average 30 - Year Fixed Mortgage rates are at their lowest levels since the middle of 2005.  If you have any questions about loans and rates, I would be happy to talk with you and to point you in the direction of a few great lenders here in Santa Barbara, Montecito and the surrounding areas.  Further Reading: Is My Realtor a Santa Barbara Neighborhood Specialist in My Area?, Search the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito CA MLS for Free, My Home has Declined in Value...Can My Property Taxes Be Lowered?, Plan For Your Santa Barbara Remodel Now, So You Don't Go Crazy... Read more

Tags: home, home in santa barbara, Montecito, mortgage, Real Estate News

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