Santa Barbara Real Estate Trends: 3 Ways Buyers Have the Advantage

2010 will be known as the beginning of the recovering economy and new markets in real estate. During these uncertain times, we still wonder: have the economy and real estate market finally hit bottom?

One thing is for certain - new opportunities abound in buying Santa Barbara real estate and investment property. Santa Barbara real estate trends will inevitably dip to their lowest, but so will interest rates for home loans. This is the perfect time to get involved with the Santa Barbara real estate market.

Living through these times is challenging, but we will all have a story to tell about what it was like to live through a very difficult period and come out the other side. Your story about surviving the big recession could be as transformative as the new economy if you take the opportunity to invest in income property, find your new home, or refinance your mortgage.

Think of the bragging rights you’ll have years from now if you take advantage of the current Santa Barbara real estate market conditions:

1. Refinance your existing mortgage. Current interest rates are below historic lows.
   
2. Purchase real estate NOW! Elevated inventories and seller motivation are at all time highs.
   
3. Invest in income property. In 25 years of selling property in the area we have never seen the affordability this attractive. This is by far one of the best ways to provide passive income to your retirement portfolio.

You can listen to the talking heads and watch the news religiously; they all have their slant (or their major stock holders' slant) on what the future will bring. In the end, slow and steady confidence in the financial sector and diligent planning from the business leaders will bring the country and world back to profitable times.

By purchasing property now, you become the driving force behind the upward trend in your own Santa Barbara real estate investment.

Craft your success story of investing in Santa Barbara real estate and property today by contacting Santa Barbara Realtor John Sener. In 24 years of listing and selling properties in Santa Barbara and Montecito, John Sener has built a superb team of marketing specialists, contractors, service people and consultants to help you in every aspect of your real estate needs. John Sener and his remarkable team will help you plan your pathway to Santa Barbara real estate buying, selling, or investment. Contact John at (805) 331-7402 or visit JohnSener.com.

What's Driving Current Santa Barbara Real Estate Trends?

When the Association of Realtors held its economic forecast for 2010 in southern Santa Barbara county, Santa Barbara real estate trends post-recession were a hot topic. It’s a fact that property values have declined since pre-recession days, but Santa Barbara property sales are 25 percent better than the bottom of the market in January 2009. While our region reflects the same general real estate trends as the rest of the country, the Santa Barbara real estate market is coming out strong.

Billionaire Warren Buffett appeared on CNBC in March and had these comments about the national economy: "the worst is behind us"; "things are getting better but at a very slow rate,” and; " the jobs will come back but it won't be fast". The rest of the country is starting to feel the effects of the recovery. It’s not the same economy as before we started, but we are coming out of one of the biggest recessions in the history of the United States.

What effect does this have on local Santa Barbara real estate trends?

It’s a buyer’s market in Santa Barbara. The strong appeal of Montecito and Santa Barbara neighborhoods, from good school districts to exclusive private living in paradise, is translating to more real estate and investment property sales in Santa Barbara. We are hovering well above the rock bottom of last year - and climbing. Current MLS statistics show that we are averaging between 20 and 30 pending sales a week.

A closer look shows that a majority of the sales are in the conforming sales market. What does that mean? Conforming loan sales are purchases with loan amounts under $729,000. This translates into a majority of our transactions coming in under $900,000.

What is driving all the activity in this market? In pre-recession days, the medium house price on the South Coast was over $900,000. Today that number is $760,000. Home loan interest rates are at historic lows, and attractive government tax credits (soon to expire!) are strong incentive for first time home buyers (who make up 47% of buyers) and young families to take a foothold in the Santa Barbara real estate market.

Santa Barbara, Hope Ranch, and Montecito estates and high end home sales over $1,000,000 have also increased over the past six months. Just like the Beatles song says, they're “getting better all the time." This premier property market offers the most opportunity for buyers today - whether you’re looking for a new luxury Santa Barbara home or investment property. Inventories are high and sellers are competing for a limited number of buyers, making this by far a buyer’s best opportunity to buy Santa Barbara real estate that was priced 25-35% higher in value just two yeas ago.

This newly recovering market is your chance to buy Santa Barbara property that is both a great value and a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity.


It is vital to have a qualified team of professionals at your service to purchase and sell your home - and especially to navigate a major estate property transaction. In 24 years of listing and selling properties on the South Coast, John Sener has built a superb team of marketing specialists, contractors, service people and consultants to help you in every aspect of your real estate needs. Santa Barbara Realtor John Sener and his remarkable team will help you plan your pathway to Santa Barbara real estate or property investment. Contact John at (805) 331-7402 or visit JohnSener.com.

FEDERAL STIMULUS WILL HELP HOMEOWNERS

Despite all the controversy around the economic stimulus package, the intention of any stimulus is be a catalyst-influencing something else to happen. Creating movement in these ever changing economic times is essential and will present excellent opportunities for homeowners.

One available option right now, and well worth the time and expense, is to re-finance your current First Trust Deed. With conforming loans increasing to $729,000, now is the best time in years to lock in a fixed rate on your home. These new 30 year loans come with fixed rates in the low 5 percent range. Looking at your current mortgage, is it over 6 percent? Are you currently in an adjustable rate mortgage? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, it is time to think about re-financing your home. Even if you have done so in the last few years, the savings on the interest rate will cover the costs of the new loan in a matter of a few months. If you have any questions about your current mortgage, or want to know more about the new conforming loans, call me! I can help you get all the right information that will save you thousands of dollars a year.

Current market conditions allow homeowners to reduce their property taxes!

Lately, the news for homeowners has been all about lost values. Here is a way to take advantage of this situation and put cash back into your household. With property values declining, you as a home owner are allowed to take advantage of this decrease in value by re-assessing your property at today's values, thereby reducing your property tax liability.

If you purchased your home in the last 5 years, chances are the current value may be less than what you paid for the property. In many cases, the new assessed value could now be thousands less than the original purchase price. With my help, the process is easy. Many of my friends and clients have received letters in the mail and others have downloaded information from independent companies that charge up to $500 to process these documents but together we can get this done for little or no cost to you. Stop paying higher property taxes today. I'm here to answer any questions you may have about this legal and easy way to reduce your current property tax bill.
Together, we can put you back in control, and remember, be the change you wish to see.

Always at your service, with the guiding hand of optimism,


John

Manifest Success - The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Life of Your Dreams

For Immediate Release
Santa Barbara, California
December 1, 2008

“JOHN AND LINDA SENER CO-AUTHOR NEW ANTHOLOGY”

Imagine you have just received an exclusive invitation to attend a closed door "mastermind" meeting of highly successful, powerful, loving individuals. At this meeting, you will be given the wisdom of personal experience, courageous actions will be shared and priceless business tips and personal insights, revealed. All you need to do is simply decide that you want more out of your business, your relationships and your life and open the invitation and say ‘yes”!

As co-authors, John and Linda Sener of Santa Barbara, California are proud and excited to announce the launch of a new book,


MANIFEST SUCCESS- The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Life of your Dreams. John and his wife Linda, together wrote a chapter on their relationship and personal journey through life's joys and challenges.

The book will be released Jan 13th, but you can purchase your signed copy now for $19.95 (plus shipping) while supplies last.

New Years Special - buy 5 books and recieve the 6th book FREE! We'll even personalize your copies for each of your gift recipients. Just send us a separate email to linda@lindasener.com once you have purchased your copies. Order before December 15 to assure it will arrive by the holidays! (expires 3/31/09)

To find out more about Manifesting Success and Peace Everyday, by visit the Manifest Success Day Blog.


Forever Has No Ending…But It Has a Beginning.
~ John and Linda Sener

Opportunity - take action NOW!

More Housing Struggles

U.S. market will stay problematic until at least next summer, Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts. San Francisco Chronicle, Wednesday October 22, 2008


In times of uncertainty, with news headlines being so negative, does anyone stop to read the whole story? NO! Headlines sell the paper and, unfortunately, conversation around the water cooler the next morning is too often confined to just the headlines read and not the content missed. I say this because I too used to be a headline reader and never take the time to read the entire story.

Contrary to what headlines proclaim, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Carpinteria, and even North County properties are all selling, and buyers are acquiring some of the best buys these markets have offered in over 15 years.
It doesn’t take long to figure out why so many transactions are being consummated at this seemingly perilous time. Astute buyers are taking advantage of what the rest of the country is running away from - OPPORTUNITY.

Opportunity is the effect created by a combination of favorable circumstances that offer some kind of advantage within there intersection.

Within every disaster there are opportunities and the buyers that take advantage of today’s doom and gloom headlines are those who have read the entire story and understand that a combination of many factors offer some of the best buying conditions - large inventory, historically low interest rates, and high seller motivation.

My point? Don’t be left out, take action NOW.

While many are rushing out the door, be the one rushing in to negotiate and buy! This window will close and it will close quickly and without notice. NOW is the time to take action, take the opportunity.

I have been a realtor for over 23 years. My knowledge and insight of the market are keen and proven. Contact me so I can help you take advantage of this incredible time in the real estate market.

Warren Buffett one of the wealthiest men in the world recently was quoted saying “it’s time to buy America”

It’s time to buy Santa Barbara!

A Santa Barbara Riviera “Wow!”

This morning I had the opportunity to tour a classic 1929 Spanish Monterey home (4bd./3.5b) situated just above the renowned El Encanto Hotel in the exclusive Riviera neighborhood of Santa Barbara. The home and property combine to make up a truly timeless masterpiece of landscape and architecture. Designed by Henry Howell and built in arguably one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Santa Barbara the property is situated just above the historic Santa Barbara Mission and and is truly a breath of fresh air.

Drive through the massive wrought iron gates and ascend to the classically understated front entry of this timelessly designed home. If you appreciate the aesthetics of fine living you will enjoy every detail of this almost ¾ acre property. The current owners have taken great care not to disturb the original design but have added features that make for modern living while retaining the grandeur and style of Mr. Howell’s original floor plan. The real treat is when you ascend the back stairs to the expansive pool and guest house, and the absolutely alluring barbecue area with seating for many and fully outfitted for entertaining – a real chef’s and family delight. Sit on the patio and watch sail boats in the Santa Barbara Channel or lose yourself in thought while viewing vermillion sunsets bathing Santa Cruz Island.

This is the type of property that is rarely available and therefore is a rare OPPORTUNITY!

If you are looking for a spectacular and romantic home on the historic Santa Barbara Rivera this is by far and away the answer to your quest.

Call me for additional information and photos.

Hurry!

7 REASONS TO LIVE IN SANTA BARBARA

#1 Monday
#2 Tuesday
#3 Wednesday
#4 Thursday
#5 Friday
#6 Saturday
#7 Sunday

“Oh! That’s too easy!,” you may say. Especially since the same may be said about many elite communities around the world. Well, let’s take a closer look at why every day of the week is so special, living on the central coast of California.

MONDAY:
Some say this is the most stressful day of the week. Not if you start your Mondays with a morning walk on one of our many pristine beaches, watch the dolphins dancing in the waves and listen to the songs of the sea birds winging overhead. Then enjoy a quiet breakfast at the world reknown Four Season’s Biltmore or my personal favorite, The Bath House at East Beach, where the blueberry wheat germ pancakes are to die for! It’s a pretty casual beachside location but ideal for reading the Wall Street Journal, people watching or soaking up the mid morning sunshine.


After lunch enjoy a round of eighteen holes at one of four private country clubs (La Cumbre, Montecito, Birnam Wood and The Valley Club) or try one of several world-class public courses. My personal favorite among public courses is Sandpiper – adjacent to the Bacara Resort Hotel - where the 11th hole is reminiscent of Pebble Beach. Finish at sunset with a glass of award winning Santa Rita Hills pinot noir at my favorite wine shop, Vino De Vino, on de la Vina Street. Now that’s a tongue twister! Not a pinot fan? Ask to try the Harrison Clarke 2005 Syrah, you won’t be disappointed! Then reflect on the day while dining at one of the many world class restaurants in and around Santa Barbara. With the reopening of The Plow and Angel at San Ysidro Ranch…that would be my choice any day of the week. Stress? Not in my world, how about yours?

TUESDAY:
After you wake to the day you can stroll through the lower village of Montecito and enjoy a strong and distinctive cup of Peets coffee at Jeannine’s to chat with friends or meet a colleague for a morning business brief. This is just one of the many comfortable social meeting locations in Santa Barbara. Spend the afternoon walking “the village” and shopping in the boutique shops and galleries along Coast Village Road. Ladies, I would suggest Kate for that one of a kind design! Afternoons at the Coral Casino is just too posh to miss, you’ll have to call me for an invitation…truly Santa Barbara at its absolute best. Winter sunsets in Santa Barbara are a secret shared by few and enjoyed by everyone who live here. Choose Butterfly Beach, Shoreline or Francheschi Park or any number of other locations to see the colors, but remember, it’s only Tuesday, you have all week to explore!

I cannot imagine going any further than Tuesday right now…but it is just the beginning to another perfect week in Santa Barbara! Give me a call to start your journey…


John

THERE IS A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING

Welcome to my first blog entry! I invite you to visit often and see what is new in paradise as I share stories, insights and perspectives about Santa Barbara, real estate and creating the lifestyle that we all desire. My goal with these commentaries is to bring experience, insight and a much loved historical perspective.

For twenty three of my fifty years of living in Santa Barbara, I have been an integral force in the real estate community, representing both affluent clientele from around the world and local families and businesses. It has been an incredible joy and an opportunity for me to change lives by helping client's fulfill not only their personal and financial goals when it comes to real estate, but to be a partner in creating the lifestyle that will enhance my clients lives. Let these thoughts and stories as well as my services be your guide to our community as well as my services whether you are a Santa Barbara native or simply conducting a web search on Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch or many the other distinctive communities in Santa Barbara County.

I am ever aware that living in Santa Barbara is a distinct privilege. I love Santa Barbra and enjoy its rich history and sharing little known facts with anyone who wants to truly experience the Santa Barbara lifestyle. Real estate is not just about selling homes and listing properties, for me the joy is to bring meaning and purpose to every aspect of what I do. This blog will allow me one more vehicle to stay in touch with my friends, clients and for those seeking to truly become a part of the special place I call home.

Visit this site often….trust me, the journeys will be worth returning for.