Tuesday, May 22, 2012

some Santa Barbara real estate stats


Here are a quick summary stats for 2012 YTD vs. 2011 YTD.
This is for houses/PUDs, (no condos, mobiles). Sales are up! 

Sold HE/PU ’11 vs. ’12 Jan.-Apr.
  • Number of Sold Properties
    ’11 249, ’12 340 UP +36.5%
  • Median Sales Prices
    ’11 $810,000, ’12 $785,000 DOWN -3.1%
  • Median Sales Prices w/o Hope Ranch/Montecito
    ’11 $706,000, ’12 $700,000 DOWN -0.8%
  • Average Sold Price
    ’11 $1,275,347, ’12 $1,240,262 DOWN -2.8%
  • Average Sold Price w/o Hope Ranch/Montecito
    ’11 $909,843, ’12 $821,341 DOWN -9.7%
  • Sold Volume
    ’11 $317,561,610, ’12 $421,689,178 UP +32.8% 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Help Save the Gaviota Coast-Eco friendly surfboards project

Ryan Lovelace, a Santa Barbara surfboard shaper is planning to have an art show/benefit featuring work from local artists. All profits from the show will be donated to the Save Naples Coalition.

Ryan is not only working on reducing the toxins that are created while shaping surfboards but also taking action to help protect the one and only- Gaviota Coast. With your donation Ryan will build his first full line of eco friendly surfboards, then auction them off at the benefit. Remember - all profits go to the Naples Coalition. Click here for more information on Ryan, his fundraiser and how to dontate. PS. this fundraiser ends on May 25th, so act now!
 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Buying a Home Won't Get Much Cheaper

Buying a home may never get any cheaper than this. Several housing experts are predicting that this year will be the last chance for bargain hunters to cash in on the best deals of the weak housing market.

With home prices down 34% nationally since 2006 and mortgage rates at historic lows, homes have never been more affordable -- but it won't stay this way for much longer.

Stuart Hoffman, chief economist for PNC Financial Services, said he expects home prices to flatten out by the third quarter and start climbing by next year.

A number of factors will help bolster the housing market, he said, including a decline in the number of foreclosures and continued job growth. In addition, homebuyers will have better access to mortgages as they get their finances in order and improve their credit scores.

"This is a strong indicator that we will start seeing home price indexes, like the S&P/Case-Shiller, start to report home price increases this summer," he said.

Prospective homebuyers who've been sitting on the fence shouldn't worry if they aren't quite ready to make the leap. Analysts are predicting that the initial price gains will be modest, at least, in most markets.

By Les Christie
Read more at CNNMoney.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Refrigerator pick-up weekend Saturday, May 19 Sunday, May 20


The South County Energy Efficiency Partnership (SCEEP) is hosting a free refrigerator pick-up day on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20. During that weekend, Southern California Edison will haul away your old refrigerator or freezer and give you a $35 check for each (limit two). Go to www.sce.com/pickup to register or call 1-800-234-9722