Categories:
-
Nov162023
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: OCTOBER 2023
Still a Seller's Market, but Shifting Edition
Read More
-
Oct122023
THE ART OF SELLING A LUXURY HOME IN SANTA BARBARA
8 Tips to Sold, No Matter the Season
Read More
-
Sep252023
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: AUGUST 2023
Sunshine on Buyers Minds Edition
Read More
-
Aug312023
CRISTAL CLARKE’S HOME SELLERS' GUIDE TO SUCCESS
For Even Seasoned Sellers, this “Closing 101” Checklist Can Be a Useful Reminder
Read More
-
Aug242023
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: JULY 2023
The Sizzling Summer Edition
Read More
-
May112023
10 LUXURY HOME FEATURES BUYERS WANT
Hint: Amenities, Technology, and Style Top the List
Read More
-
Mar202023
WHAT EVERY SELLER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS
What Luxury Home Buyers Should Inspect and Expect
Read More
-
Mar162023
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2023
Will Home Prices Drop in 2023?
Read More
-
Feb202023
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: JANUARY 2023
The Transition to a “New Normal” Continues
Read More
-
Feb172023
CELEBRATING THE SPRING 2023 REAL ESTATE MARKET
10 Reasons to List Your Santa Barbara Area Home Right Now
Read More
-
Jan102023
HOW TO FIND THE BEST SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE AGENT
Whether You’re Buying or Selling a Home, The Right Agent Can Make a Huge Difference
Read More
-
Nov172022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: OCTOBER 2022
Consumer Sentiment and Confidence Reaches a Tipping Point Edition
Read More
-
Oct212022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 2022
The Return to Normal Edition
Read More
-
Oct42022
HOW TO SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR GARDEN WHEN YOU MOVE
7 Tips to Make it Easier to Part With Your Garden
Read More
-
Sep232022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: AUGUST 2022
The Classic Double-Edged Sword Edition
Read More
-
Sep132022
SELLERS' MARKET vs. BUYERS’ MARKET
What They Mean to You. Plus: What Are the Current Santa Barbara Real Estate Market Conditions?
Read More
-
Aug262022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: JUNE & JULY 2022
The California Housing Market Summer Edition
Read More
-
Jun272022
THE IMPORTANCE OF BRANDING YOUR MONTECITO HOME FOR SALE
Believe it or not, branding is a key component when it comes to selling real estate, especially in the luxury sector. Branding a Montecito home for sale begins by hiring the best in the business. Over the years, I’ve developed an arsenal of proven real estate branding ideas designed to position my clients in the marketplace and sell their property for top dollar as quickly as possible.
Read More
-
Jun182022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET REVIEW: MAY 2022
When it comes to home values, the May 2022 Santa Barbara real estate review indicates the region has enjoyed a historic run over the course of the last decade.
Read More
-
May252022
SECRETS TO SELLING YOUR HOME QUICKLY FOR TOP DOLLAR
Luxury home sales in Santa Barbara County are still soaring. However, there are some tips Award-Winning Realtor Cristal Clarke has to share to ensure selling your home quickly also brings top dollar.
Read More
-
May162022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET REVIEW: MARCH 2022
We’re seeing more pressure on pricing in the Santa Barbara real estate market as we enter the second quarter of 2022. Due to that pressure, home prices are up across the board in our little slice of heaven, while inventory is still down.
Read More
-
May162022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET REVIEW: APRIL 2022
The word “unprecedented” has become ubiquitous when describing the real estate market in Santa Barbara and across the nation as buyers continue to buy and sellers continue to sell. The market is not quite as frenetic as last spring and summer, but this is still an excellent time to list your home and buy that dream home you’ve always wanted.
Read More
-
Apr242022
PRIMARY BATH REMODEL: 8 REASONS TO START NOW
There are many reasons homeowners decide to begin a primary bath remodel. And for today’s high-end homebuyers, an updated primary bath, like the spectacular one pictured above from my Italian Country Estate in Montecito’s Ennisbrook listing, has become a must-have. But a good return on investment is not the only reason to redo that sacred space.
Read More
-
Apr62022
SPOTLIGHT ON: CARPINTERIA STATE BEACH AND COAST
With terraced bluffs, dunes, and a mile of sand and surf for swimming, surfing, fishing, tide pooling, exploring or just relaxing, Carpinteria State Beach is truly a unique treasure.
Read More
-
Mar182022
THE LAWS: CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE DISCLOSURES
Even in our current HOT real estate market, every California home seller, including my clients who contracted me to sell their Breathtaking Ocean View Montecito Retreat pictured above, must familiarize themselves with California real estate disclosures laws.
Read More
-
Mar152022
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2022
Spring officially begins on March 20, but the current Santa Barbara real estate market is not waiting to celebrate the season of rebirth. In fact, here, the market continues to be red HOT and is expected to get even hotter as we welcome spring.
Read More
-
Mar42022
SPOTLIGHT ON: SANTA BARBARA’S HOPE RANCH
Santa Barbara's Hope Ranch is a highly sought-after, affluent residential community showcasing a sophisticated outdoor, beach and equestrian lifestyle.
Read More
-
Feb52022
ARCHITECT REX LOTERY: MASTER OF MODERNIST DESIGN
The renowned architect Rex Lotery died in 2007, but his legacy is manifest on The American Riviera where he designed the AIA Award-Winning Modernist Masterpiece as his personal residence, and pictured throughout this blog post.
Read More
-
Feb22022
ENNISBROOK: LUXURIOUS HOMES AND NOTEWORTHY PROVENANCE
In 1845, 356 acres of vacant land in the hills a few miles northeast of the Santa Barbara Presidio, dotted with native oaks and not much else, were granted to Nemecio Dominguez, a prominent Presidio soldier.
Read More
-
Jan192022
Staging a Home: Key to a Successful Sale?
The importance of staging a home cannot be overstated. That’s why staging is one of the most important things I do – or recommend my clients do. Think Pinterest-ready.
Read More
-
Jan92022
Montecito Real Estate: A Look Back at the 2021 Market
As we welcome the new year, it seems like everyone’s asking the same question: what’s going to happen next with the Montecito real estate market? And for good reason.
Read More
-
Dec202021
Ojai California: A Magical Mecca of Wellness and Wonder
As real estate buyers continue their search for the perfect home or home away from home, I’ve added a new hamlet to my portfolio of distinctive Santa Barbara area communities.
Read More
-
Dec22021
Vacation Homes: Competition, Cash and Considerations
Today’s homebuyers are still in love with vacation homes. So much so that demand for vacation homes in the U.S. rose by 70% in October of 2021. And it looks like this trend will continue; solidified by work-from-home policies, preferences, and a desire to beat an expected interest-rate hike.
Read More
-
Oct72021
Selling a Montecito Home This Fall or Winter?
Thinking of selling a Montecito home this fall or winter, like the owners of my Charming French Normandy Style Home Near MUS listing pictured above? A great place to start is by selecting the right real estate agent.
Read More
-
Sep292021
The Art of Selling a Luxury Home: Secrets of A Top Realtor
If you’re considering selling a luxury home, keep in mind that sales are soaring. In fact, multi-million-dollar home sales surged by 88.2% year over year in the second quarter of 2021.
Read More
-
Sep222021
What Makes a “Luxury Home”?
What makes a "luxury home"? The epitome of a lavish California beach villa, the home pictured above and elsewhere in this post is well-appointed with luxury décor and amenities.
Read More
-
Jul282021
The Best Interior Paint Colors for Selling a House
Is it worth considering the best interior paint colors for selling a house? Every home seller has heard about the importance of sprucing up their property before listing a home, as the owners of my Exquisite Italian Villa in Montecito’s Ennisbrook (pictured above) did.
Read More
-
Jun232021
Around The World Ideas for Santa Barbara Gardens
Our amazing Mediterranean climate is one of the many things that make living in Santa Barbara desirable, and makes magical Santa Barbara gardens possible.
Read More
-
Jun182021
The Santa Barbara Real Estate Market Continues to Skyrocket
The Santa Barbara real estate market is continuing to surge, with prices soaring, even as more inventory hits the MLS. In May of 2021, Santa Barbara home sales shot up 61.3% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.8M.
Read More
-
May62021
How to Add Value to Your Home
Whether you’re selling a Hope Ranch property like the French country-style Hope Ranch Estate pictured above, a Montecito Luxury Estate or a Santa Barbara home, there are things you can do when considering how to add value to your home.
Read More
-
Mar62021
Housing Market 2020: Let’s Look at the Record-Setting Year
If you Google “housing market 2020,” you’ll be part of a large group of inquisitors wanting to know how and why residential real estate across the country enjoyed a record-breaking year in spite of record-breaking hardship.
Read More
-
Feb262021
A Luxury Realtor’s Homebuyer Guide to Property Easements
This comprehensive home buyer guide to property easements offers a comprehensive knowledge base for buyers to refer to prior to entering into escrow.
Read More
-
Jan42021
The Smart House: More Valuable in Today’s Market?
By now, every homeowner should know about the importance of integrating smart house technology into their abode. After all, it’s technology that can make life easier and add value when the time comes to sell.
Read More
-
Aug42020
Santa Barbara Landscape Design: Complementing Your Home’s Architecture
From Spanish Colonial Revival homes and Victorian and Craftsman beauties, to mid-century modern and contemporary residences, Santa Barbara’s distinctive architecture is greatly enhanced by complementary landscape design.
Read More
-
Jul172020
Buying a Santa Barbara Home During a Pandemic
As I stated in a previous blog post, the residential real estate luxury segment is leading the way in our economic recovery from COVID-19, especially here in Santa Barbara.
Read More
-
Jul142020
7 Tips for Creating Your Own Safe Haven
What makes a happy home? A safe haven offering sanctuary from the storm, so to speak. It’s one that brings a smile to your face and a feeling of security even when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
Read More
-
Jul72020
Preparing Your Santa Barbara Home For Sale
A few minor touch-ups can go a long way toward making a favorable impression on potential buyers — and perhaps cinching a deal.
Read More
-
May72020
Montecito’s 93108 Zip Code: Consistently One of Forbes Richest
The Santa Barbara-Montecito area, also known as the “American Riviera,” has been a magnet for the rich and famous for over a century.
Read More
-
Mar112020
Selling a Montecito Home: A Few Things to Consider
If selling a Montecito home is at the top of your to-do list, then this blog is for you. Selling your home is hard. And emotional.
Read More
-
Feb262020
Montecito: Best Place to Live in the Santa Barbara Area
Those of us who call Montecito home know it is one of the best places to live in California, the nation and maybe even the world.
Read More
-
Apr162020
The Richness of Santa Barbara History
The founders of the City of Santa Barbara were among the first in the nation to realize the cultural and economic value of preserving historic buildings.
Read More
-
Apr292020
Santa Barbara Housing Market: Home Prices in the Shadow of COVID-19
It seems like everyone is wondering how COVID-19 is affecting the U.S. housing market these days. Even with the widespread shelter-at-home orders and extreme unemployment numbers, a new report from real estate strategists UBS Wealth Management Americas, predicts U.S. home prices are likely to hold steady in 2020.
Read More
-
May212020
Moving During the Pandemic: 7 Steps to Doing it Safely
Are you considering moving during the pandemic? In a recent blog, I shared my expertise about the Santa Barbara and Montecito housing market in the slowdown of COVID-19.
Read More
-
Aug122020
The Santa Barbara Luxury Real Estate Market is Booming
A limited supply of available properties along the South Coast of Santa Barbara County are keeping home values higher than one might expect in the time of COVID-19.
Read More
-
Dec272020
Housing Market Forecast: Predictions for 2021
There’s a lot to be optimistic about when it comes to the 2021 housing market forecast and predictions from the experts. Home sales, new construction and homeownership are expected to climb to record highs as mortgage rates remain historically low.
Read More
-
Dec172020
Selling Your Home During the Holidays?
Selling your home during the holidays? How to optimize that effort might be the most important decision you'll make. It’s true that the season’s home sellers might see fewer house hunters, but those buyers are motivated.
Read More
-
Feb112021
The Real Estate Closing Process in The Age of Covid
The first step in the real estate closing process, in times like these, is to hire an agent with years of experience who knows how to make a sale in any environment, including a worldwide virus outbreak.
Read More
-
Apr22021
The Sweet Spot for Luxury Homebuyers: Not Too Big, Not Too Small
As affluent Americans reconsider their priorities amid the pressures of COVID-19, a sweet spot has emerged for luxury homebuyers.
Read More
-
May292021
How to Declutter Your Home: Tips From a Luxury Realtor
Decluttering your home is not a new concept, but how to declutter your home requires some careful thought and a bit of expertise. And a decluttered home isn’t simply good for avoiding embarrassment when guests arrive; its health benefits have become increasingly recognized.
Read More
-
Aug212021
The 2021 Santa Barbara Real Estate Market : A Top Realtor’s View
The 2021 Santa Barbara real estate market continues, with experts seeing a major post-pandemic rebound. Steady mortgage rates and job recoveries, combined with the law of supply and demand are working together to make home sales surge.
Read More
-
Nov162018
How to Protect Your Home While You’re Selling
Selling a home in Santa Barbara isn’t necessarily unsafe; however, it’s always a good idea to take precautionary safety measures to protect your home and treasures as soon as you list with your favorite Realtor®.
Read More
-
Oct32019
Real Estate Investing: Still the Best Choice Anyone Can Make
Over the last two centuries, about 90% of the world’s millionaires have created their wealth through real estate investing. That statistic was first cited by Billionaire Andrew Carnegie.
Read More
-
May292019
Are “Pocket Listings” Effective When Selling Homes in Montecito?
So-called “pocket listings” have been a longtime staple among New York City and other high-end real estate market sellers looking to quietly sell a high-priced luxury residential property.
Read More
-
Jun42019
Buying a Home in a Buyer’s Market
As a follow-up to a recent blog post, I’m going to look at how buying a home in a buyer's market affects the high-end market, including the luxury home market right here in Santa Barbara and Montecito. It turns out there is a limit to how high home prices can go, even in some of America's most alluring, if overheated, places.
Read More
-
Aug62019
Santa Barbara: Oasis of Arts and Culture
You may not consider the arts and culture when you think about Santa Barbara, but the area's location, climate, and topography are definitely good for the creative soul.
Read More
-
Aug72019
Vietnam’s Economy Boom Means More Luxury Homebuyers in the U.S.
Once known as one of the poorest countries in the world, the boom in Vietnam’s economy is changing that reputation. In the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year alone, the country recorded 7.1% economic growth, making it one of the best performers globally today.
Read More
-
Aug142019
9 Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
Are you aware of the hidden costs related to buying a house? For the unsuspecting homebuyer -- moving to a new home like the Singular Ocean View Montecito Home pictured on this blog -- these hidden costs can be truly frightening.
Read More
-
Nov292019
Downsizing Your Home: 5 Signs It Might Be Time
Is it time for downsizing your home? I recently posted a guest blog, “Downsizing for Seniors,” explaining how to make it as stress-free as possible. But when I thought about the topic, I realized that downsizing is not reserved for seniors only.
Read More
-
Jul132018
Selling a Home: Want to do it Quickly and For Top Dollar?
Preparation is key if you’re interested in selling a home fast and for top dollar. That’s why I’ve created this list of the top 10 mistakes home sellers make that can keep their home sitting on the market for months with no or low offers.
Read More
-
Oct102018
Hiding The Children’s Mess While Selling Your Montecito Home
frustrated parents and battling children faced with hiding the children's mess My busy clients know, hiding the children's mess when selling their Montecito home can be a major challenge. The process of keeping everything clean and tidy when your Realtor brings potential buyers to showings can be exhausting and overwhelming, if not be downright chaotic when a seller has children. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Read More
-
Oct302018
Selling a Haunted House?
In honor of Halloween, I thought I’d take a look at the challenges of selling a haunted house. Would you buy one? In the real estate game, haunted houses have the official designation of being considered “stigmatized.”
Read More
Categories
- Buying (61)
- Celebrity Homes (9)
- Financial Matters (12)
- Home Design (20)
- Home Maintenance (9)
- Home Technology (11)
- Home Values (5)
- Housing Market (18)
- Interior Design (32)
- Just for Fun (42)
- Lifestyle (59)
- Local Happenings (63)
- Moving (7)
- Outside (17)
- Practical Advice (39)
- Real Estate Law (4)
- Realtor Tips (19)
- Remodeling (4)
- Selling (71)