Sustainable Real Estate ~ Santa Barbara

I like....

2012-02-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

These chairs are so cool. Like the Barcelona chair. They are made with FSC-certified machiche-Guatemalan hardwood. My husband tells me that for the price we I could spend a holiday in Guatemala and bring some home. Hmmm......

For more "eco" goods, visit one of my favorite sites. VivaTerra.

End of the Year Sales for Santa Barbara

2012-01-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to enlarge image.

California leads venture funding for electric vehicle technology

2011-12-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

December 7, 2011

- Jerry Hirsch

California is fast becoming a global center for electric-vehicle innovation and jobs.

Businesses in the state collected $467 million in electric vehicle venture capital investment during the first half of this year, or 69% of the global total, according to a study by Next 10, a nonprofit founded by Silicon Valley venture capitalist F. Noel Perry.

California also is now tied with Michigan, the traditional center of the U.S. auto industry, in the number of patents filed for electric vehicle technology. Both states generated 300 patents for electric vehicle technology from 2008 to 2010.

Globally, California trails only Japan and South Korea in electric vehicle patents and leads other nations, including Germany, Taiwan and France, Perry said.

Employment also is taking off. Tesla Motors has hired 300 workers in California so far this year, bringing its national workforce to about 1,400. It plans to double its employment next year, with most of the jobs coming to an auto factory in Fremont that it is refurbishing to launch production of its Model S electric sedan in 2012.

“We have a huge hiring plan for next year,” said Arnnon Geshuri, Tesla’s vice president of human resources.

Tesla’s growth is starting to trickle to vendors and contractors. Geshuri said Tesla is busy upgrading and building more office space at the Fremont factory.

“That means we will need more carpet, tables and desks, and that has an economic effect on the trade groups that provide those services,” he said.

Other companies, from small electric drive manufacturers to businesses that install electric vehicle charging stations commercially and in homes also are growing rapidly, with many having doubled their workforces or grown even faster this year.

The growth is important because it is one of the few areas of expansion in a struggling state economy, said, Tracey Grose, a vice president of collaborative economics who prepared Next 10’s report.

To be sure, the venture capital being spent in California represents just a fraction of what the auto industry is putting into electric and hybrid vehicle technology. Nissan, for example, is spending more than $1 billion on just one project: a new factory to build battery packs for its electric Leaf sedan in Smyrna, Tenn.

And the industry is not without its setbacks; last week electric vehicle start-up Aptera Motors shut its doors, putting its staff of 30 out of work after the Carlsbad company ran out of funds.

But “venture capital and patents give us a look into innovation and are a leading indicator of emerging industries,” Grose said.

California’s status as the nation’s biggest auto market -– and electric vehicle market -- and a tech savvy population of early adopters have made the state a friendly environment for companies investing in electric drive technology, said Jordan Ramer, chief executive of EV Connect, a Culver City company that installs public and home charging stations.

To continue this article, click here.

Homes Powered by the Sun: Sell For More, Becoming New Standard

2011-12-06T13:43:00.001-08:00

by Phoebe Chongchua

PhoebeChongchua.com

They might be a costly addition to your home at first but solar panels are boosting a home's resale value, according to a study earlier this year by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Homeowners may recoup their full investment from the installation and then some, when their home is sold.
Over a period of approximately a decade, about 2,000 solar homes in California were analyzed by researchers and compared to about 72,000 comparable homes not solar powered.

Here's what the study found that estimates for average photovoltaic (PV) premiums among a large number of different model specifications coalesced at a $17,000 price increase for a relatively new "average-sized" (based on the sample of homes studied) PV system of 3,100 watts (DC).

According to the report, the PV energy system is rapidly growing, especially in California where (at the time of the report) almost 100,000 were installed in mostly residential properties.
However, the report authors indicate that, "Although this research finds strong evidence that homes with PV systems in California have sold, on average, for a significant premium over comparable homes without PV systems, the authors recommend that extrapolation of these results to different locations or market conditions be done with care".

Studies like this one may be influencing builders. KB Homes announced this month that the company is making solar power a standard feature in its homes that are being developed in Southern California beginning next year. This development will apply to 28 home communities, an increase from just 10 communities in March.

To continue reading this article, please visit: RealtyTimes.com

LED Holiday Lights: 6 Need-to-Know Tips

2011-12-01T09:44:00.001-08:00

By: G. M. Filisko

LED holiday lights vs. old-fashioned bulbs: 6 tips to help you decide which is right for you.

1. LED holiday lights save you money. LED lights use at least 90% less energy than traditional holiday lights, according to the U.S. government’s Energy Star program.

That results in a $50 energy savings for the average family during the holidays, says Avital Binshtock of the Sierra Club in San Francisco.

Put it into perspective: The amount of electricity consumed by one 7-watt incandescent bulb could power 140 LEDs—enough to light two 24-foot strings, says Energy Star.

2. But LED lights typically cost more than old-fashioned holiday lights.

GE 100-bulb string of Energy Star-certified LED white lights: $18.97 at Lowe’s

GE 100-bulb string of conventional white lights: $8.97

But shop around because a growing number of retailers are offering sales on LED holiday lights and, if you can’t find a sale before the holidays, you can certainly find one after. Plus, prices will surely go down as these lights gain traction.

3. LED holiday lights last and last. LED bulbs can keep your season bright for as long as 100,000 hours, says Cathy Choi, president of Moonachie, N.J.-based Bulbrite, which manufactures LED and regular bulbs. That’s substantially longer than the life of your old holiday light strings.

4. You can string a BIG strand of LED lights. Safety wise, you shouldn’t connect more than three traditional light strings, but you can connect up to 87 LED holiday light strings, totaling a whopping 1,500 feet, Choi says. So blow your neighbor's display away by cocooning your house in lights:

You won’t have to buy as many extension cords.

You can take your holiday lighting display further away from the outlet.

5. LED lights reduce the risk of fire. They stay cooler than incandescent bulbs, according to Energy Star.

6. How about that hue? Some people stick with their old lights because they don’t like the brighter hue that white LED holiday lights emit. But Choi says manufacturers now offer a “warm white” bulb that more closely mimics the glow of an incandescent light. Be sure to read the label to choose a bright or warm white and to ensure what you’re purchasing isEnergy Star-certified.

Colored and color-changing LED holiday lights are more vibrant than conventional lights, making your display easier to see from the street, Choi says.

7 Tips For Improving Your Credit

2011-11-30T12:43:00.001-08:00

Here’s how to clean up your credit so you get theleast-expensive home loan possible

Getting the loan that suits your situation at the bestpossible price and terms makes homebuying easier and more affordable. Here areseven ways to boost your credit score so you can do just that.

1. Know your credit score

Credit scores range from 300 to 850, and the higher, thebetter. They’re based on whether you’ve paid personal loans, car loans, creditcards, and other debt in full and on time in the past. You’ll need a score ofat least 620 to qualify for a home loan and 740 to get the best interest ratesand terms.

You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit reportannually from each of the major credit-reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian,and TransUnion. Access all three versions of your credit report atwww.annualcreditreport.com. Review them to ensure the information is accurate.

2. Correct errors on your credit report

If you find mistakes on your credit report, write a letterto the credit-reporting agency explaining why you believe there’s an error.Send documents that support your case, and ask that the error be corrected orremoved. Also write to the company, or debt collector, that reported theincorrect information to dispute the information, and ask to be copied on anymaterials sent to credit-reporting agencies.

3. Pay every bill on time

You may be surprised at the damage even a few late paymentswill have on your credit score. The easiest way to make a big difference inyour credit score without altering your spending habits is to diligently payall your bills on time. You’ll also save money because you’ll keep the moneyyou’ve been spending on late fees. Credit card or mortgage companies probablywon’t report minor late payments, those less than 30 days overdue, but you’llstill have to pay late fees.

4. Use credit carefully

Another good way to boost your credit score is to pay yourcredit card bills in full every month. If you can’t do that, pay as much overyour required minimum payment as possible to begin whittling away the debt.Stop using your credit cards to keep your balances from increasing, andtransfer balances from high-interest credit cards to lower-interest cards.

5. Take care with the length of your credit

Credit rating agencies also consider the length of yourcredit history. If you’ve had a credit card for a long time and managed itresponsibly, that works in your favor. However, opening several new creditcards at once can lower the average age of your accounts, which pushes downyour score. Likewise, closing credit card accounts lowers your availablecredit, so keep credit cards open even if you’re not using them.

6. Don’t use all the credit you’re offered

Credit scores are also based on how much credit you usecompared with how much you’re offered. Using $1,000 of available credit willgive you a lower score than having $1,000 of available credit and using $100 ofit. Occasionally opening new lines of credit can boost your available credit,which also affects your score positively.

7. Be patient

It can take time for your credit score to climb once you’vebegun working to improve it. Keep at it because the more distance you putbetween your spotty payment history and your current good payment record, theless damage you’ll do to your credit score.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer whokeeps a close eye on her credit scores. A frequent contributor to many nationalpublications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American BarAssociation Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personalfinance, and legal topics.

Published: February 25, 2010 By: G. M. Filisko

Santa Barbara Property Sales - October 2011

2011-11-10T14:19:00.001-08:00

Carpinteria

(REO)$185,000 4634 Ninth St

$192,000 5951 Birch St 1

$200,000 5936 Birch St 1

$203,000 7015 Gobernador Cyn

$282,000 6048 Jacaranda Way F

(REO) $350,000 1260 Franciscan Ct 11

$385,500 1413 Sterling Ave

$420,000 1484 Noma St

$520,000 4655 Aragon Dr

$615,000 1098 Linden Ave

$645,000 1477 La Jolla Pl

$1,100,000 7410 Shepard Mesa Rd

$424,792 Avg. Price
$367,750 Median Price
12 Sales

Goleta

(REO)$210,000 31 Dearborn Pl 34

(REO)$230,000 5516 Armitos Ave 79

$258,000 7105 Monique Ct

$300,000 6864 Silver Fern Ct

$325,000 7636 Hollister Ave 259

$363,000 534 Mills Way

(REO)$380,000 7017 Marymount Way

$425,000 107 Cardinal Ave

(REO)$460,000 688 La Roda Ave

(REO)$474,000 581 Poppyfield Pl

$480,000 5134 Calle Real B

$520,000 6245 Momouth Ave

(REO)$525,000 62 Touran Ln

(REO)$545,000 121 Santa Ana Ave

$557,000 523 Inwood Dr

(Reo)$632,000 7952 Winchester Cir

(Reo)$635,000 5155 Tabano Way

(Reo)$650,000 7938 Winchester Cir

$660,000 7319 Greensboro St

$687,000 5083 Parkwood Pl

$715,000 5304 Orchard Park Ln

$740,000 4976 La Ramada Dr

$750,000 5133 Walnut Park Dr

$825,000 6828 Shadowbrook Dr

$830,000 455 Orange Blossom Ln

$930,000 6784 Sueno Rd

$1,048,000 416 Mills Way

$561,259 Avg. Price
$545,000 Median Price
27 Sales

Montecito

$253,000 1125 Westmont Rd

$792,500 755 Circle Dr

$890,000 1355 Santa Clara Wy

$944,000 696 Cowles Rd

$1,060,000 116 Palm Tree Ln

$1,200,000 1368 East Valley Rd

$1,200,000 677 Orchard Ave

$1,550,000 950 Arcady Rd

$2,210,000 660 Randall Rd

$2,300,000 433 Alcala Ln

$3,300,000 275 Olive Mill Rd

$1,427,227 Avg. Price
$1,200,000 Median Price
11 Sales

Santa Barbara

$198,500 220 W Canon Perdido

(REO)$313,000 325 Ladera St 4

$325,000 1233 Richelle Ln G

$331,500 2113 Castillo #A

$340,000 1231 Stonecreek Rd D

(REO)$365,000 3663 San Remo Dr #5a

(REO)$375,000 1305 Cacique St

(REO)$375,000 2626 Calle Real

$380,000 551 E Montecito St

$380,000 557 E Montecito St

(REO)$383,000 1600 Garden St 18

$395,000 577 E Montecito St

$401,000 1709 Sycamore Cyn Rd

(REO)$405,000 433 E Micheltorena St

$410,000 535 E Montecito St

(REO)$425,000 431 E Carrillo St

$426,000 565 E Montecito St

$445,500 579 E Montecito St

(REO)$460,500 3943 Camellia Ln

$470,000 1010 N Nopal St

$475,000 222 Reef Ct

$483,500 452 Fellowship Rd

$485,000 221 Reef Ct

$485,000 2824 Miradero Dr

(REO)$485,000 418 E Sola St

$487,500 573 E Montecito St

$540,000 818 W Mission St

$560,000 823 Alberta Ave

$600,000 3508 Madrona Dr

$600,000 2525 State St 23

(REO)$605,000 305 Sherwood Dr

$615,000 202 San Nicolas

$638,000 515 W Quinto St

$682,500 227 Los Alamos

(REO)$690,000 832 Vales St

$715,000 4004 Via Lucero Unit 4

(REO)$715,000 3997 Foothill Rd

$717,000 1127 Bath St

$730,000 1576 Eucalyptus Hill

$736,000 342 Oliver Rd

$740,000 521 Carriage Hill Ct

$745,000 4018 Via Diego

$750,000 7 St Ann Dr

$750,000 316 W. Ortega #3

$753,000 1132 Crestline Dr

$775,000 1424 Pacific Ave

(REO)$777,000 218 Las Ondas

$780,000 3124 Argonne Cir

$798,500 1109 Las Olas Ave

$858,000 764 Casiano Dr

$867,000 1609 Garden St

$880,000 3677 Eileen Way

$895,000 4868 Vieja Dr

$987,000 3752 Lincoln Rd

(REO)$1,050,000 2020 Las Canoas Rd

$1,100,000 958 Arbolado Rd

$1,220,000 3084 Calle Mariposa

$1,250,000 707 E Valerio St

$1,379,000 1635 Oramas Rd

$1,400,000 1717 Mission Ridge Rd

$1,500,000 2660 Puesta Del Sol

$2,059,000 100 E Constance Ave

$3,580,000 1709 Overlook Ln

$720,113 Avg. Price
$610,000 Median Price
63 Sales

Summerland

$388,000 3960 Via Real

(REO) $500,000 2576 Lillie Ave

$3,415,000 745 Sand Point Rd

$1,434,333 Avg. Price
$500,000 Median Price
3 Sales

Total:

$739,621 Avg. Price
$610,000 Median Price
116 Sales
24% Reo Sales

Natural Holiday Decorating Tips

2011-10-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

For many of us, December brings the holidays, and whether it’s Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Christmas that’s celebrated, family and tradition are always in the forefront.

To celebrate, we can add some festive touches from our own natural landscape and bring the sense of calm and serenity we usually feel in our gardens inside our homes during this often-hectic time.

Here are some quick and easy ideas using collected branches, seeds, plants, leaves, fruit, and other natural items to extend the garden’s bounty into the winter holiday season.

One of the simplest things to do is to decorate the house with fresh greenery from your garden. Greenery gathered from your own garden will be much fresher than any that you can buy. Just remember when gathering live greenery from your shrubs and trees you are actually pruning the plants so carefully consider which branches to cut and which ones to leave.

You can use the greenery to create garlands, wreaths, swags, and to add to centerpieces and flower arrangements.

Door ornaments are quick and easy to make from evergreen branches. Wrap a sturdy wire around the ends of branches of several types of evergreens for contrasting color and texture. Then add a large bow to cover the attachment point. You can also substitute rope or raffia for the ribbon for a more natural look.

Use winter berries from your shrubs such as holly, pyracantha, and toyon to add to your garlands and wreaths.

To add unique color to your decorations, attach shiny, red, and gold apples to your wreaths and garlands. Cranberries, citrus, and pomegranates also look great in holiday decorations.

Gather dried pods, pine cones, dried wildflowers, and twigs and display them in a basket. They can be used as they are, sprayed with gold or silver paint, or sprayed with potpourri oil. You can also put a dab of glue on each point of the pine cone and sprinkle them with glitter.

All different sizes of candles, from votives to pillars, can be scattered with metallic painted pinecones and branches of leaves to make a decoration for the mantle.

For a simple Hanukkah centerpiece, you can light nine assorted candles (to represent the nine candles on the Menorah). Scatter colorful clementine or other tangerines from your garden, dreidels, and chocolate gelt with the candles. That way, between dinner courses, your family and friends can snack on a tangerine or chocolate and the children can play with the dreidels.

Add some sparkle to your decorations by including glitter or small mirrors.

Use fruit for decorating your holiday table. Pears and small apples are great for spray painting with metallic colors or in your favorite holiday color.

Oranges, lemons, or apples sprinkled with cinnamon or cardamom and stuck with whole cloves make fragrant pomander balls and are a great rainy day project for the whole family.

Judi Gerber is a University of California Master Gardener with a certificate in Horticultural Therapy. She writes about sustainable farming, local foods, and organic gardening for multiple magazines. Her book Farming in Torrance and the South Bay was released in September 2008.
Click here for more ideas on the care 2 website

Green still adds value

2011-10-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

Even in a volatile market, green office buildings post significantly better returns than their less-environmentally friendly competitors. Those are among the findings from a recent study by Nils Kok and Pier Eichholtz of Maastricht University in the Netherlands and John M. Quigley of the University of California at Berkeley. Using data from more than 25,000 commercial buildings on the listing site of the CoStar Group, the authors determined that buildings holding either the Energy Star rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council had rents that averaged 3 percent higher than comparable office buildings in the same market. In 2007, effective rents—the rent multiplied by the occupancy rate—for green buildings averaged 7.5 percent higher; by 2009, the rent premium had dropped to 5.1 percent. The authors note that some of this variation could occur because green buildings are often newer and larger than competitors.

The study, “The Economics of Green Building,” also determined that between 2004 and 2009, green buildings listed on CoStar sold for about 13 percent more than comparable properties. “This strongly suggests that property investors value the lower risk premium—perhaps the insurance against future increases in energy prices—inherent in certified commercial office buildings,” conclude the authors.

-REALTOR magazine, Sept. 2011
*photo courtesy of paradigmsforprogess

Doing a remodel? Not know what to do with your old materials?

2011-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara's Demo 2 Design specialize in architectural reuse. Materials may include doors, windows, plumbing and lighting fixtures.
Marborg and Demo 2 Design have recently teamed up. Now your materials from deconstruction can be picked up from your site, diverting it from the landfill and giving it the chance of another life in someone else's home.
Click here for hours of operation or to shop Demo 2 Design's inventory.

Carpinteria Bans Bad Bags

2011-10-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

City Council Votes to Go All Reusable All the Time

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

by TYLER HAYDEN

Plucking a hefty jewel from Santa Barbara’s supposed crown of environmental stewardship, the Carpinteria City Council voted on Monday evening for an across-the-board ban of single-use paper and plastic bags. The unanimous decision makes Carpinteria the first South Coast city to ban such bags and, once formalized, the ordinance will be the strictest of 14 similar laws throughout California.

All Carp businesses, from supermarkets and drug stores to restaurants and mom ‘n’ pop shops, will be required to stock and sell reusable totes as disposables phase out. Big retailers like Vons, CVS, and Rite-Aid will have three months to comply once the ordinance is enacted; smaller businesses, six months. The restrictions likely won’t apply to plastic produce bags at grocery stores, and there’ll be exemptions for those who can’t afford reusable bags. “I don’t think it’s going to be very difficult, and I think our community is ready for it,” said Councilmember Gregg Carty before casting his vote. “Let’s go.”

Carpinteria retailers distribute an estimated 1.5-million single-use bags annually, but that was up to 2.5 million before Albertsons stopped offering paper and plastic in April, a self-imposed move that was part of a corporate pilot program. While sales did dip at Albertsons for the first three weeks, people eventually embraced the idea. Most jurisdictions allow the use of recycled paper bags in one form or another, but the council — taking staff’s cue that paper bags are the 10th most collected item during coastal litter cleanup efforts — nixed them as well.

Long known to choke animals and landfills, pollute waterways, and wreak general havoc on delicate habitats, single-use bags have nevertheless enjoyed relative immunity from state and federal regulation, leaving cities and counties to draft their own laws. Those efforts have been tempered by the Coalition to Save the Plastic Bag, an industry-backed group that sues jurisdictions for not conducting environmental reviews before imposing bans. But a recent state court ruling in favor of Manhattan Beach and against the coalition determined that environmental review wasn’t required. The legal precedent put the Carpinteria city attorney’s office in a position to back the restriction without fear of lawsuit.

The city staff’s extensive report advised that the council not ban plastic and then impose a fee on paper, which Los Angeles County did and is now being sued by a South Carolina-based bag manufacturer. The report also recommended that stores under 10,000 square feet in size be allowed to carry single-use paper bags, but a letter from the California Grocer’s Association expressed concern over favoritism, so the council was convinced to make the rule uniform.

No one spoke out against the bag ban before the unanimous vote, instead lauding Carpinteria for having the foresight — and what many called the “bravery” — to move forward. The supportive remarks were met with audience applause. “I think we’ve all finally come to a place where we realize this is an issue, that it is a negative impact to the environment,” said Kathi King of the Community Environmental Council, “which is more than I can say for some of the other jurisdictions where I have been beating my head against the wall for a long time.”

Sandy Lejeune with the Surfrider Foundation, who’s spoken before the Santa Barbara City Council on the issue more than once, touched on the impact of rogue bags. “It costs a lot of money to clean up bags that don’t get disposed of properly,” he explained. “Every piece of plastic that’s ever been made is still out there. It doesn’t go away,” he went on, remarking that plastic only photodegrades, never biodegrades, meaning it eventually becomes so small fish eat plastic particles mistaken for plankton, introducing the toxic substance into human food streams.

Former Carpinteria mayor Donna Jordan, speaking on behalf of Carpinteria Beautiful, which has spearheaded the area’s reusable movement for years, stated, “Single-use bags are a disaster not waiting to happen, but happening … It’s really time to break the habit. We’ve tried education, tried persuasion, tried setting examples for people, but it just hasn’t been enough.”

As staff finalizes the ordinance over the next two to three months, Carp government employees will be speaking to and working with area businesses to ensure the switch goes as smoothly as possible. A public hearing will also be held. If all proceeds according to plan, Carpinteria will be sans-single-use by spring and summer of 2012.

Santa Barbara County Sales for September

2011-10-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

CARPINTERIA

$186,000 5935 HICKORY ST 2
$355,000 4692 CARPINTERIA AVE 30
$399,000 4816 SAWYER AVE
$510,000 4234 CARPINTERIA AVE 1
$600,000 1484 NAMOUNA ST
$625,000 6955 GOBERNADOR CYN RD
(REO) $727,000 5384 STAR PINE RD

$486,000 Avg Price
$510,000 Median Price
7 Sales

SUMMERLAND

(REO)$800,500 2289 SHELBY ST

$5,900,000 3555 1/2 PADARO LN

$3,350,250 Ave/Median Price
2 Sales

MONTECITO

$533,000 1932 JAMESON LN D
$535,000 1028 THE FAIRWAY
$535,500 1940 JAMESON LN A
$950,000 1126 HILL RD
$980,000 633 TABOR LN

(REO)$1,106,000 2803 EAST VALLEY RD
$1,662,000 840 RIVEN ROCK RD
$1,757,500 175 TIBURON BAY LN

(REO) $1,825,000 2024 SANDY PLACE RD
$2,550,000 920 CAMINO VIEJO RD
$2,775,000 145 BUTTERFLY LN
$2,975,000 965 PARK LN
$3,134,500 807 PARK HILL LN
$3,300,000 780 ROMERO CYN RD
$3,600,000 897 PARK LN
$4,700,000 202 OLIVE MILL RD
$4,850,000 449 COURT PL

$2,221,676 Avg Price
$1,825,000 Median
17 Sales

SANTA BARBARA

$212,500 492 N LA CUMBRE RD
$234,500 350 CHAPALA ST #203
$234,500 4538 OAK GLEN DR F
$250,000 21 W ISLAY ST
(REO) $310,000 315 S CANADA ST A

315,000 732 BOND AVE
$320,000 721 W VALERIO ST
$325,000 34 W CONSTANCE AVE 2
$329,000 618 SAN PASCUAL ST
$329,000 618 SAN PASCUAL ST
$329,000 618 SAN PASCUAL ST
$330,000 711 W ORTEGA ST 11
$377,500 358 OLIVER RD
$380,000 535 E MONTECITO ST
$390,000 101 S SALINAS ST
$410,000 128 W ALAMAR AVE 3
$417,000 1078 MIRAMONTE DR 7
$417,500 416 POR LA MAR CIR
$437,000 407 W PEDREGOSA ST 21
$445,000 355 POR LA MAR CIR
$450,000 539 E MONTECITO ST
$450,000 46 BARRANCA AVE 2
$470,000 1717 THOMAS AVE
$474,000 716 EUCALYPTUS AVE
(REO) $310,000 29 LA CUMBRE CIR
(REO) $450,000 1411 CLIFTON ST

$500,000 1440 W VALERIO ST
$500,000 3039 LUCINDA LN
$505,000 1311 W VALERIO ST
$512,000 830 KENTIA AVE
$520,000 2229 DE LA VINA ST

$536,000 920 CHELTENHAM RD
$540,000 1085 VERONICA SPRINGS
$550,000 616 MULBERRY AVE
$550,000 LA CORONILLA
$550,000 421 VERANO DR

$570,000 328 LOMA VISTA AVE
$580,000 931 WELDON RD
$600,000 318 W DE LA GUERRA ST B
$604,000 4004 VIA LUCERO UNIT 7
$612,000 1518 LAGUNA ST B
$631,000 535 E MONTECITO ST
$635,000 4004 VIA LUCERO UNIT 9
$649,000 824 CHELTENHAM RD
$655,000 1818 PAMPAS AVE
$660,000 2829 PUESTA DEL SOL
$665,000 1835 CHAPALA ST
$667,000 26 E VALERIO ST
$689,500 535 E MONTECITO ST
$716,500 1902 EL CAMINO DE LA LU
$720,000 3934 CAMELLIA LN
$735,000 3742 BRENNER DR
$740,000 2122 RED ROSE WAY
$746,500 2915 VALENCIA DR
$755,000 1153 PALOMINO RD
$790,000 221 GROVE LN
$810,000 3210 CALLE MARIPOSA
$880,000 627 SURF VIEW DR
$891,000 3992 PRIMAVERA RD
$930,000 407 E FIGUEROA ST
$959,000 2229 STATE ST
$969,000 501 CALLE ALAMO

$975,000 4538 VIA MARIA
$1,025,000 220 E JUNIPERO ST
$1,112,500 211 BATH ST
$1,112,500 614 KENTIA AVE
$1,125,000 588 VIA RUEDA
$1,145,000 209 BATH ST
$1,150,000 2150 FOOTHILL LN
$1,195,000 1266 SAN MIGUEL AVE
$1,296,000 229 N ARBOLEDA RD
$1,300,000 2928 ARRIBA WAY
$1,337,500 407 NORTHRIDGE RD
$1,350,000 259 SAN RAFAEL AVE
$1,465,000 1915 SANTA BARBARA ST
$1,495,000 2817 EXETER PL
$1,550,000 4663 VINTAGE RANCH LN
$1,550,000 2465 CALLE ALMONTE
$1,570,000x 4175 PALOMA DR
$1,574,500 1608 LAS CANOAS RD
$1,595,000 637 E MICHELTORENA
$1,685,000 1717 MIRA VISTA AVE
$1,890,000 501 E GUTIERREZ ST
$1,985,000 734 ARBOLADO RD
$1,997,000 531 CHAPALA #D
$2,255,000 209 E PEDREGOSA ST
$4,000,000 4484 VIA ESPERANZA

$832,575 Avg Price
649000 Median Price
87 Sales

HOPE RANCH

$1,200,000 777 VIA AIROSA

$4,850,000 4010 BITHYNIA RD

$3,025,000 Avg/Median Price

2 Sales

GOLETA

$175,000 29 DEARBORN PL 19
(REO) $180,000 7560 CATHEDRAL OAKS 4
$220,000 7610 HOLLISTER AVE 315
$285,000 5740 ENCINA RD 2
$335,000 7606 HOLLISTER AVE 307
$365,000 7620 HOLLISTER AVE 219
$372,000 5020 BIRCHWOOD RD
$380,000 137 ATLANTIC LANE
$400,000 255 MORETON BAY LN 2
$425,000 413 CANNON GREEN DR G

(REO) $430,000 4983 SAN MARCOS CT
$445,000 558 POPPYFIELD PL
$455,000 547 POPPYFIELD PL
$460,000 7262 DEL NORTE DR
$480,000 4913 RHOADS AVE
(REO) $489,000 559 PINTURA DR
$495,000 637 AVENIDA PEQUENA
$525,000 314 CINDERELLA LN
$530,000 4844 WINDING WAY
(REO) $540,000 4824 PAYTON ST
$540,000 373 N KELLOGG AVE
(REO) $541,000 184 SALISBURY AVE
$555,000 7592 HEMPSTEAD AVE
(REO) $566,500 7244 FORDHAM PL
$600,000 104 ATLANTIC LANE
$608,000 7618 NEWPORT DR
$612,500 523 S SAN MARCOS RD
$620,000 101 ATLANTIC LANE
$663,000 5051 WALNUT PARK DR
$703,000 5635 PEMBROKE CT
$769,000 265 CINDERELLA LN
$800,000 421 PEPPERDINE CT
$830,000 935 DENA WAY
$1,300,000 7772 HERON CT
$1,450,000 1025 OCEAN VISTA LN

$546,971 Avg Price
$525,000 Median Price
35 Sales

ISLA VISTA

$820,000 6730 SABADO TARDE RD
$925,000 6603 TRIGO RD

$872,500 Avg/Median Price
2 Sales

Food Festival-Sol Food! Local, organic eats & information

2011-09-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, the first day of October from 10-6

Click here for more information.

Cool Concept-Solar Highways

2011-09-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Village Insight

2011-08-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Village Properties is proud to announce its fourth edition of the Village Insight! A gorgeous completely digital magazine, accessible online with just one click.

homes. style. life.

Village Insight has it all. Local stories, people and places. Real estate market news and insights. And lest we forget, a beautiful presentation of hundreds of Village's current listings. Grab the laptop, kick back, and browse through the full double-page layouts and photography. Village Insight is beautiful, fast, and free.

This coming "First Thursday" in SB

2011-08-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

Before you head out to the bars on this "First Thursday" (also the 2nd night of Fiesta - olé!), stop by for a look at the renderings, photos and artwork of sustainable architects and designers. It is a good chance to find out how and where SB is going "green." Hosted by C4 (the US Green Building Council's chapter on CA's central coast). Refreshments will be served. Click here for the deets.

Debunking popular real estate myths

2011-07-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

Misconceptions include notions of a 'perfect' house; that length of time on the market means easier negotiating; that lowball bids are OK in a buyer's market; that distressed property sales are easy and cheap options; and that prices will continue to fall in down markets.

By Lew Sichelman

July 24, 2011

When it comes to real estate, all is not always as it seems. Many buyers — and some sellers — labor under misconceptions that could sink their housing aspirations.

Take the notion that you will hunt for a house until you find the "perfect" one. Sorry. There is no such thing as the perfect house. Even gently used houses come with blemishes. And new homes rarely, if ever, have absolutely everything you want at the price you want to spend.

Another popular myth is that the longer a house is on the market, the more willing the seller will be to negotiate. Not necessarily.

A long time on the market could be a sign that the seller has dug in his heels. He could be hardheaded about the price, unwilling to come down and unwilling to bargain. Perhaps it means the seller is unmotivated. Or it could be an indication that the seller is just tired of the long, drawn-out process.

"After some point, most sellers become exhausted," says Bill Kuhlman, broker-owner of Kuhlman Residential Real Estate in Needham, Mass.

Among the frustrations that can sap a seller's spirit and stamina, Kuhlman lists these: the need to keep the house in showroom condition for months, having to put the house back on the market after one issue or another sinks a deal that looked so promising, having to put more money into the place to improve its marketability, or having to cut the asking price to the bone in a series of unsuccessful attempts to entice a buyer to step forward.

"Any of these can extract a heavy toll," Kuhlman says. "And they can become overwhelming when two or more of them come into play."

Add into the equation that moving is stressful, or that the seller is starting a new job or a new life, and it's possible that the seller will act irrationally. Maybe he'll balk over a minor issue the buyer wants fixed. Or if he feels slighted, perhaps he'll break off negotiations altogether.

The bottom line: There is no way of knowing how a seller will react to an offer, so assume nothing, Kuhlman says. "All buyers can do is make an offer that makes sense to them at the time and see how the seller responds."

Speaking of offers, many people believe they can make any bid they want, no matter how ridiculous, because it's a buyer's market. False. Even foreclosures and short sales are never priced at half their value "or anything even close to that type of fire-sale discount," says Christina Rordam of Exit Real Estate Results in Longwood, Fla.

Besides, starting exceptionally low because you can always go higher could offend the seller to the point that he won't respond. Or if he does and you end up buying the place, you could be in for a difficult transaction because the seller just won't like you.

"Homes are personal, and sellers take such things personally," says Lou Barbee of Re/Max Real Estate Group in Rocky River, Ohio. So if the inspection turns up a few issues that you would like fixed, don't expect the seller to make the repairs because you've already nickel-and-dimed him to the point where he is not going to lose any more money, no matter what.

Another popular misconception involves distressed properties and the notion held among many folks that buying one would be cheaper and easier than working with a seller who's under no particular pressure to ink a deal. Not so, says John Platten, a Keller Williams agent in West St. Charles, Mo.

When you're buying a foreclosure from a bank or dealing with a lender on a short sale, don't expect logical or rational decisions, Platten warns. "Banks work on their own set of rules, have their own priorities. They make decisions based on the financials at the moment and usually don't consider the future costs of a delayed sale or the condition of the property."

In fact, distressed sales often take much longer than normal to close if they close at all. And they are far more difficult, which is why Sue Paskert of Courter Realty in Tampa, Fla., won't touch them.

"Lenders are extremely difficult to deal with, whether it be a lack of communication or incompetence, who knows?" Paskert says. "But it takes many months to get approval. And in the end, the buyer may not get the house and, therefore, lose out on other good deals."

Then there's the notion, especially among first-time buyers, that they need the advice of their parents or friends before making a decision. After all, Dad or best buddy knows as much about the real estate market as their agents, if not more. Wrong — especially if these relatives or friends haven't dabbled in real estate for years.

Finally, if you like a place, try to buy it. Don't wait, especially in markets showing signs of recovery.

Keith Elliott of House to Home Realty in Fairfax, Va., had clients not long ago who found a home they liked, only to lose it because they wanted to wait because the market was still down. As a result, someone else snatched up the place.

"When it sells and they didn't get it," says Colleen Cotter of Keller Williams in San Diego, "they are mad and accuse the agent of not making them act." But if you wait for prices to drop some more, you may have only yourself to blame.

Source: LA Times

And the winner is....

2011-05-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

click here to find out more: The Santa Barbara Million Dollar Home Raffle Winner for 2011

6 Property Enhancements that can Increase Your Home's Resale Value

2011-05-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Just read this in the latest REALTOR magazine. Over 600 real estate professionals were interviewed to discover which DIY home improvements give sellers the biggest bang for their buck. Hope you find it useful.

1. Cleaning and de-cluttering. Remove personal items, declutter countertops-get your home super clean!

2. Brightening. Clean all windows-inside and out. Remove anything that blocks windows/light. Make sure you do not have burned out bulbs in light fixtures.

3. Staging. This doesn't necessarily mean you need to have all new furniture brought in, but consider rearranging your existing furniture. Again-de-clutter and provide a comfortable ambiance. Perhaps have soft music playing in the background.

4. Landscaping. Curb appeal is super important. Make yours more attractive by adding mulch, bushes and flowers. Pull weeds. Don't forget the back and side yards as well!

5. Repair electrical & plumbing. Fix leaks, remove mildew stains. Fix lights or outlets that aren't working and replace old plug points with new safety features.

6. Replace or shampoo your carpets. Pet stains, etc. on carpets is such a turn off. Also consider fixing any creaking floor boards.

*Excerpted from HomeGain's 2011 Home Sale Maximizer Survey.

Earth Day in SB!

2011-04-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have attended know that Earth Day in SB is huge.

With over 30,000 attendees and 250 vendors there is a ton to see, learn and do! Enjoy live music (this year the headliner is the Wailing Souls and special guest is Daryl Hannah) and tons of activities - it is worth checking out!

Click here to check out event highlight's & schedule on the CEC's website.

Just signed up!

2011-04-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

We just signed up for Plow to Porch deliveries! A box of local and fresh produce will be at our door every Tuesday. Looking forward to NOT having to shop around for super fresh, pesticide-free produce, supporting local farms and excited to eat whatever it is that's in season :)

Click here to learn more.

Attention SB Home Owners! (and renters too).

2011-03-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is a FREE seminar on how to maximize your comfort, energy efficiency & health within your home. Learn a little, save a lot!

January Santa Barbara Stats!

2011-02-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

For more statistical information visit my website: NicoleByrnes.com

Santa Barbara Real Estate through the end of January 2011 for Montecito, Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria and Summerland

Escrows are up from January 2010 when there were 48 with an $825,000 median list price to 68 for 2011 with an $850,000 median list price. The return to an $850,000 median list price is particularly encouraging after experiencing 2 months of the median list price for escrows dipping into the $790,000 range and seeing evidence of that decline in the $787,500 median sold price of December 2010. Throughout most of 2010 and back into a substantial portion of 2009 the median list price of escrows was $850,000 so at this time it doesn’t look like there’s going to be a further erosion in home prices.

The sub $1 million market took a big drop from 56 sales in December to 25 in January and the $1 to $2 million market fell from 20 sales in December to 12 in January with the over $2 million segment dropping from 12 to 4 sales including only 1 over $5 million.

New listings always spike up in January because a lot of listings expire at the end of the year and then get re-listed at the beginning of the New Year and 174 “new listings” appeared in January. But, the overall inventory also went up to 472 from 429 in December with those approximately 475 properties having a median list price of about $1.55 million and an average list price of $3.2 million.

Looking at the Districts, we see that Home sales in Carpinteria/Summerland fell from 9 in ’10 to 1 in ’11 and the median sales price dropped from $790,000 last year to $591,000 for that one sale. In Montecito sales declined from 7 in ’10 with a median sales price of $3.3 million to 5 in ’11 with a median sales price of $3.15 million.

On the East Side of Santa Barbara sales fell dramatically from 21 in ’10 to 8 in ’11. But, those 8 sales this year had a median sales price of $1.4 million compared to those 11 sales last year that had an $849,500 median sales price. On the West Side of town the sales are way up over last year however rising from 8 in ’10 to 17 in ’11 but the median sales price fell from $738,750 last year to $730,000 this year.

In Hope Ranch there has been 1 sale this year for $1.6 million and last year there were 2 sales with a median and average sales price of $3,582,125. For Goleta South sales have fallen from 8 last year to 5 this year. But the median sales price has gone up from $546,000 last year to $707,500 this year and in Goleta North sales are up with 9 in ’10 and11 in ’11. But, the median sales price has gone way up from $674,000 last year to $900,000 this year.

Sales this year are starting out substantially below where they were in 2010 but the escrows for all the Districts are up from where they were last year plus the median list price on those escrows is up for all the Districts except Goleta North and South. After seeing sales rise for the last three months of 2010 and then falling back a lot in January 2011 with the numbers of escrows that have opened in January activity should return to the 2010 level.

The condo market in Santa Barbara also experienced a dramatic decline in sales in January 2011 going from 25 in December to 16 in January 2011. The numbers of sales was also below January 2010 when there were 21 closings. The median sales price also continued to increment down falling from $422,500 in November to $415,000 in December down to $382,000 in January. But, at least the median sales price for January ’11 was ahead of where it was in January ’10 when it was $375,000.

Unlike Homes however the opened escrows declined from the previous year except for Goleta North which had one more property start the buying process than occurred in 2010. In the past three months escrows went from 31 in November with a median list price of $399,000 to 18 in December with a median list price of $450,000 then stayed at 18 for January with the median list price sliding back to $420,000.

With only 16 sales for the month and 9 of those in the $350,000 to $500,000 range it looks at this time like condo prices are continuing to increment down. There were 2 sales in the $850,000 to $999,999 range but nothing over the $1 million mark which had seen a substantial increase in activity in the past few months.

There were 44 “new listings” in January with a median list price of $499,000 but the overall inventory remained at around the mid 140 level with a median list price of about $575,000 and an average list price of approximately $780,000.

Looking at the Districts, sales for Carpinteria/Summerland were the same with 5 in ’10 and 5 in ’11 but the median sales price went up slightly from $330,000 to $350,000. Escrows went up from 4 to 5 but the median list price on those escrows dropped from about $400,000 last year to $348,300 this year.

In Montecito there was 1 sale in each year with the 2010 offering going for $1,050,000 and the 2011 property selling for $890,000. Last year there were 2 escrows at this point with a median list price of $1.2 million and this year the one escrow has an asking price of $998,000.

On the East Side of Santa Barbara there were 7 sales last year compared to 3 this year but the median sales price rose from $310,000 to $450,000. The numbers of escrows are also down from 3 to 2 and the median list price on those escrows is down from $435,000 last year to $369,900 this year.

The West Side of Santa Barbara is down 1 sale from 2 to 1 this year and the median sales price is down from $443,000 in ’10 to $315,000 for that one sale this year. Escrows are way down however dropping from 7 to 2 with the median list price on those escrows remaining basically stable slipping from $434,900 to $420,000.

Sales are the same in both years in Goleta South with 3 in both years but the median sales price declined from $465,000 to $335,500. The numbers of escrows are up however going from 3 to 4 with the median list price on those escrows rising from $259,000 in 2010 to $375,950 in 2011.

Goleta North sales are up by one going from 3 to 4 but the median sales price has dropped from $459,000 to $382,000. The numbers of escrows are the same however with 3 in both years with the median list price on those escrows going up from $228,100 last year to $479,000 this year.

For the overall Santa Barbara area, home sales while starting slowly look like they’ll return to the 2010 level with the median sales price remaining stable at about $850,000. Condos however look like the numbers of sales are going to decline as does the median sales price of those units that do sell.

-Gary Woods

The Stats are in. Looking back at 2010.

2011-01-26T17:24:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest housing statistics in Santa Barbara. For more information on the housing market visit my website by clicking here.

Santa Barbara Real Estate for all of 2010 compared to 2009 for Montecito, Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria and Summerland

For the greater Santa Barbara area including Carpinteria/Summerland, Montecito, Hope Ranch and Goleta, sales of single family residences finished 2010 about 7.6% ahead of where they were in 2009 just nosing over the 900 units sold mark. But, the median sales price was just barely ahead of the ’09 number finishing the year at about $850,000 only $5,000 up from ’09. The average sales price moved a little farther ahead however finishing the year at around $1.46 million up from $1.4 million in ’09. Escrows were also up for the year rising from 869 in ’09 to 922 for ’10 for a 6.1% rise and the median list price on those escrows, just like the sales price was within about $5,000 of the previous year finishing ’10 at $879,000.

After sales declined 6 out of the 7 months from April through October they started back up in November with 69 and December with 88. But, while the numbers of sales went up in December the median sales price went down, dropping from $865,000 in November to $778,500 in December. The numbers of escrows also declined in December from 76 in November to 63 in December. This slowing of sales activities usually occurs because the focus in the last month of the year turns to getting the open escrows closed rather trying to put new escrows together.

Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland finished the year 9% ahead of the ’09 rate of sales rising from 73 in that year to 80 in ’10. But, the median sales price declined slightly dropping from $687,500 in ’09 to $675,000 in ’10 for a 2% dip. Montecito also had sales go up in ’10 rising from 143 in ’09 to 153 in ’10 for a 6% gain. But, the median sales price for the area remained basically at the previous year’s level rising slightly from $2.35 million to $2.375 million.

For Santa Barbara’s East Side, sales went up from 236 in ’09 to 244 in ’10 for a 3% rise and the median sales price rose from $885,000 in ’09 to $925,000 in ’10 for a 4.5% rise. But, after moving ahead of the previous year’s pace for most of the year, activity on the East Side looks like it’s slowing with escrows almost at exactly the same level they were at in ’09 and the median list price on those escrows dropping below the $900,000 mark coming in at the same price level as ’09.

Over on the West Side however, sales finished the year substantially ahead of where they were in ’09 rising from 152 to 196 for a 29% boost. The median sales price for the area is also up going from $743,000 in ’09 to $785,000 in ’10 for a 5.7% gain. The numbers of escrows is even farther ahead than the sales finishing the year with 217 up from 166 in ’09 for a 30% gain.

Hope Ranch finished the year almost exactly where it left ’09. There were 19 sales in ’09 and 21 in ‘10 but the median sales price dipped slightly from $2.335 million to $2,212,500 in ’10. The average sales price was way up however going from $3,276,575 in ’09 to $3,888,212 in ’10. This rise was due to some very high priced sales in the area.

Goleta South ended the year with 9.2% more sales activity than the previous year going from 87 sales in ’09 to 95 sales in ’10. The median sales price fell however dipping from $700,000 to $670,000 in ’10 for a 4.3% drop. But, sales in Goleta North dipped from the previous year going from 162 in ’09 to 157 in ’10 for a 3% decline while the median sales price remained exactly where it ended in ’09 at $705,000.

For condos in the greater Santa Barbara area the picture is not quite as rosy as the single family dwelling market. For the final 3 months of 2010 sales declined from 33 in October to 27 in November and down to 25 in December. The median sales price also dropped for those 3 months from $475,000 in October to $425,000 in November and down to $415,000 in December. The numbers of escrows also dropped substantially from November when there were 31 to 19 in December but the median list price on those escrows did come up from just under $400,000 in November to about $459,000 in December

The numbers of condo sales for 2010 were about the same as we experienced in 2009 rising ever so slightly from 319 to 324. But, the median sales price continued to decline dropping from $465,000 in ’09 to $434,000 in ’10 for a 6.7% drop. As the median sales price continues to decline it is getting closer to the ’02 level than it is to the ’03 level unlike single family home median sales price which have remained at almost exactly the same median sales price level we experienced in 2003.

Looking at the districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are 26% ahead of where they were in ’09 rising from 52 to 66. The median sales price has dropped however sliding from $430,000 in ’09 to $382,500 in ’10 for an 11% drop. Montecito condo sales finished the year at more than double where they were in ’09 rising from 11 to 26 and the median sales price was also up from $945,000 in the previous year to $1,075,000 in ’10 for an almost 14% rise.

For the East Side of Santa Barbara condo sales were also up from 56 to 67 for a 19% rise, but the median sales price fell from $529,900 in the previous year to $481,500 in ’10 for a 9.1% drop. The party may be over for the East Side however because escrows have dropped about 7% for the year falling from 68 in ’09 to 63 in ’10.

The West Side of Town had sales below the ’09 level dropping from 81 to 80 for a 1.2% decline and the median sales price dropped a little from $503,000 to $495,000 for a 1.6% dip. The numbers of escrows are also very close together for the area so things should remain at about the same level of price and activity.

Goleta South has experienced two rough years in a row. Sales dipped 31% for the area falling from 67 in ’09 which fell significantly from ’08 to 46 in ’10. The median sales price also fell dramatically from $450,500 the previous year to $375,000 in ’10 for almost a 17% decline. Across the freeway in Goleta North sales also fell but not quite as far. For ’10 there were 48 sales compared to 60 in ’09 for a 20% drop. But, the median sales price went up if ever so slightly from $395,000 in ’09 to $397,500 in ’10.

Sales of condos have been slowing through the last quarter of ’10 and at this point it looks like they’re going to continue in that direction. There has been substantial activity in the luxury condo market however with 4 sales over $1 million in December and several more in both October and November. The single family home market has also experienced a surge at the upper level with 5 sales over $5 million in December and 12 sales over $2 million.

The real boost in sales was in the below $1 million market where there were 56 sales up from 38 in the previous month. This rise in that sector is the reason the median sales price for the month tumbled to $778,500. Going into 2011 it look like the single family home market should remain strong with some upward pressure on prices below $1 million. The $1 to $2 million looks unsteady however while the over $2 million market has remained stable.

-Gary Woods

Eat Wild!

2011-01-25T12:48:00.001-08:00

I love this site, very informative if you're interested in learning more about the benefits of raising and eating grass fed meats and dairy (and you should want to learn more). Look up farms near you - are they on the list? Do they sell all natural, grass fed products?

C'mon, learn something new today: EatWild.com

Small Business owner in Santa Barbara?

2011-01-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

Southern California Edison has contracted with energy efficiency experts who will come and evaluate your facility to identify ways that you can save on energy costs. See if your business qualifies. It is free and doesn't take long! Click here for more information!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

With the start of a new year, I have resolved to not neglect my blog anymore and have since started giving my online presence a little face-lift. Thank you to Ken Rockwell, who very kindly consented to my use of his stunning photo of the oak tree on my blog. You should check out his website: KenRockwell.com.

Come celebrate with us!

2010-11-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday Night! The place to be:

Click here for more info on C4.

Santa Barbara's Real Estate Stats through July - Summary

2010-08-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

If you would like to look at the entire Real Estate Statistical Report, visit NicoleByrnes.com

Santa Barbara Real Estate from Carpinteria to Goleta for July ‘10 including Montecito, Hope Ranch and Summerland.

For the Home Estate/PUD market of Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Carpinteria, Summerland and Goleta sales rose in the month of July 2010 after declining from April to June. Going from 89 in April, 85 in May and 82 in June the numbers of sales rose to 84 for July. The median sales price slid slightly however to $871,250 from $915,000 the previous month but the average sales price rose from $1.2 million in June to about $1.5 million in July. The average days on the market that it took to get an accepted offer remained at about 75 for July which is down from earlier in the year when it was in the mid 80s.

The numbers of opened escrows for the month fell back to the low 80s where they've been for most of the year after rising to over 100 in June. But, the median list price on those escrows fell below $800,000 dropping from close to $900,000 the previous month while the average days on the market that it took to get those accepted offers continued at right around 70.

The inventory of houses listed for sale went up to around 680 for the month with approximately 165 new listings coming on the market. The median list price on those new listings was just below $1 million while the median list price of the overall inventory remained at about $1.575 million.

Looking at the first 7 months of '10 compared to '09 the numbers of sales are still dramatically ahead of where they were last year but the median sales price is starting to come back to what it was last year at this time after being ahead of last year's numbers for most of this year. The numbers of escrows for '10 are also still ahead of the '09 pace but the median list price of those escrows is declining to right about where it was last year after being above last year’s median list price most of the year.

Looking at the Districts, starting out in Carpinteria/Summerland the numbers of sales are still ahead of where they were last year with 38 compared to 35 but the median sales price of $675,000 this year finally fell below where it was last year when it was about $690,000. The numbers of escrows this year are way behind where they were last year so things are currently not looking very good for Carpinteria/Summerland home sales at this time.

For Montecito, there have been 79 Home Sales so far this year up from 71 last year and the median sales price is up from $2.25 million in '09 to about $2.5 million in '10. The escrows are also up from 84 to 93 this year but the median list price on those escrows has dipped slightly from $2.8 million last year to $2.75 million this year.

On the East Side of Santa Barbara home sales are way up from about 116 last year to 141 this year with the median sales price also up from $900,000 last year to $1 million this year while the average sales price is also up from $1.06 million in '09 to $1.24 million in '10.

On the West Side of Santa Barbara sales are also up from 96 last year to 112 this year with the median sales price rising from about $750,000 last year to $800,000 this year. The average sales price is also up from $835,000 last year to $950,000 this year and the escrows are way up from 107 in '09 to 135 in '10.

After being way ahead of last year's pace all year things have gotten quiet in Hope Ranch. There have been 11 sales so far this year compared to 8 last year and the median sales price is up from $2.35 million to just under $3 million. But, the numbers of escrows have fallen behind the '09 pace with only 1 home currently in escrow which is listed for $1.95 million.

For Goleta South the numbers of sales are still ahead of '09 with 63 this year compared to 48 last year but the median sales price has dropped from $705,000 in '09 to $665,000 in '10. The numbers of escrow are even closer with 55 in '09 compared to 62 this year but the median list price on those escrows for both years is right at $725,000.

On the North Side of Goleta sales are also up from 87 last year to 98 this year and the median sales price is up from $707,000 last year to $732,000 this year. The average sales price is also very close rising from $840,000 last year to $870,000 this year.

Up until this point the '10 numbers have been substantially ahead of the '09 numbers for sales as well as median and average sales price but that should start to change because the second half of '09 started to move forward and it looks like the second half of '10 is starting to pull back.

July marked the 3rd month in a row for declining condo sales. The numbers of sales having fallen from 37 closings in May to 34 in June down to 22 in July. The median sales price fell from May to June but leveled out in July going from $467,000 in May to $437,000 in June and stayed at about $436,000 in July. The average days on the market for those approximately 20 sales was rather brisk however coming in at 34 and the sales price to original list price ratio went up to over 95%.

The pended properties declined for the past 3 months dropping from 35 in May to 31 in June and to about 24 in July and the median list price on those pended properties dropped from $473,000 in May to $439,000 in June but came back up in July to about $479,000.

There were about 50 new listings that came on the market for the month with a median list price of about $480,000 and the overall inventory rose to about 155 available properties with a median list price of approximately $555,000 and an average list price of about $830,000.

Looking at the Districts, Carpinteria/Summerland sales are up from 26 to 39 this year while the median sales price continues to hover right around $390,000. Montecito condo sales are still way ahead with 12 compared to 2 last year but the median sales price for both years is right around $1.06 million.

On the East Side of Santa Barbara sales are up from 34 to 44 but the median sales price has dropped from $517,000 in '09 to about $465,000 in '10. The West Side of Santa Barbara also has sales above the '09 level with 46 this year compared to 36 last year and the median sales price is very close but dropping slightly from $505,000 last year to $495,000 this year.

Goleta South sales are down from 42 to 27 this year with the median sales price dropping from $455,000 to $355,000 and there are only 6 condos available for purchase in the area and the Goleta North sales show 25 for both years while the median sales price rose a little from $380,000 last year to $400,000 this year.

With sales of both homes and condos falling for the past few months and the median sales price for homes coming back to where it was last year at this time things could be cooling off for the last half of '10. The end of the first time buyer credit has brought sales down even though we still have record low interest rates. There are definitely buyers out there but getting them to commit at this time seems to be more difficult.

-Gary Woods

Less is definitely more for this guy....

2010-08-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

I really like this. He did a good job.

The May Santa Barbara Real Estate Stats are in!

2010-06-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

My blog has been super neglected! It is a good thing though, it means I have been BUSY! I now have a moment to take a breather and therefore I bring you The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - May's RE Stats.

Santa Barbara Real Estate for January through May ’10 including Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito, Hope Ranch and Goleta.

For May of 2010 for Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Carpinteria/Summerland and Goleta the Home Estate/PUD there were 83 sales dropping from 89 in April. The April sales surge looked like it was going to keep going into May because of the substantial number of escrows that opened during April but sales fell back somewhat.

With the declining numbers of sales, the median sales price rose however from $865,000 in April to about $905,000 in May. This rise in the median sales prices was caused by sales below $1 million falling from about 50 in April to right around 45 in May. Accompanying that drop in sales below $1 million was a drop in the over $2 million sales falling from 18 in April to 10 in May. But, sales in the $1 to $2 million range rose from 19 to 28 for the month bringing up the overall median sales price.

There were about 85 Homes that went into escrow for May which dropped from approximately 120 opened escrows in April. But, the median list price on those escrows remained steady at around $880,000. The inventory grew about 10% for the month up to around 625 but the median list price on those properties for sale remained stable at about $1.7 million. The median list price on the more than 160 new listings that appeared during May did drop however down to roughly $1.1 million.

Looking at the Districts, starting out in Carpinteria/Summerland for Home Estate/PUDs, sales are up from 18 in ’09 to 29 in ’10 and the median sales price has gone up from $632,000 last year to about $850,000 this year. But, when you look at the pending listings they have dropped from 26 in ’09 to 24 in ’10 with the median list price for those escrows coming in this year at $679,000 compared to about $700,000 last year.

In Montecito sales are up from 44 in ’09 to 51 in ’10 with the median sales price rising slightly from $2.35 million to about $2.45 million this year. But, the escrows are way up this year from 45 in ’09 with a median list price of about $2.6 million to 58 in ’10 with a median list price of $2.5 million.

On the East Side of Santa Barbara sales are up from 70 last year to 98 this year with the median sales price going up from $910,000 last year to $951,000 this year. The pended listings are also up from 74 to 99 with a similar rise in the median list price for those opened escrows. For the West Side sales are also up from 58 to 70 with the median sales price rising from $775,000 last year to $810,000 this year.

In Hope Ranch sales are up from 5 in ’09 to 10 in ’10 with the median sales price going up from $2.55 million last year to $3.23 million this year. The average sales price is also up from $2.55 million last year to $3.83 million this year soaring by almost $1 million.

In Goleta South sales are basically where they were last year going from 33 in ’09 and 37 in ’10 but the median sales price has declined from $690,000 last year to $630,000 this year. In Goleta North, sales are up from 51 last year to 68 this year with the median sales price coming up only slightly from $715,000 in ’09 to $722,500 in ’10.

With the first time buyer credit coming to an end in April the sales below $1 million took a hit but sales above $2 million also fell off. With the rise in the numbers of sales from $1 to $2 million the Price Range Statistic ratios more closely resemble what we’ve been used to seeing in Santa Barbara. But, if we are to continue moving forward the sub $1 million sales will have to remain robust also. Of the almost 625 current Home listings only about 250 of those are below $1 million so that segment of the inventory needs to grow in order for the market to continue expanding.
For condos in Santa Barbara for the month of May ’10 sales went up to 35 from 32 in April and 27 in March and the median sales price rose to $495,000 for the month up from $456,000 in April and $415,000 in March. But, what didn’t go up was the numbers of escrows which rose from 35 in March to 40 in April and rose to 42 in May. The median list price on those escrows remained stable however at around $475,000 for May but up from March when that number was about $440,000.

The inventory also did not go up however remaining at around 150 condos for sale from Carpinteria to Goleta with the median list price on those properties continuing to hover around $625,000. There were only 34 new listings that came on the market during May to replace the 35 sold listings but they came on the market at a good number with a $499,000 median list price.

Of the 35 properties that sold, 15 of them were at $500,000 and over with 3 over $1 million and 2 of those over $2 million, while 1 condo sold just below $1 million. This surge in the over $500,000 market is a return to the sales of more expensive condos which had declined substantially in the previous months.

Looking at the Districts, starting in Carpinteria/Summerland sales are double from where they were last year rising from 14 to 28 and the median sales price has come up a little going from $395,000 in ’09 to $401,000 in ’10. The pending numbers are also up going from 19 last year to 26 this year so the surge should continue in the area.

In Montecito sales are up from 1 last year to 8 this year with the median sales price at about $1.1 million and the average sales price close to $1.3 million up from $679,000 for the only sale last year. The trend should continue in Montecito with 11 opened escrows this year at a $1,050,000 median list price up from 1 escrow last year with a list price of $729,000

On the East Side of Santa Barbara sales are up from 19 in ’09 to 29 in ’10 but the median sales price has declined from $528,000 last year to about $460,000 this year. The pending numbers are a lot closer together with 29 opened escrows in ’09 compared to 33 in ’10 and the median list prices are also close together going from $525,000 in ’09 to $519,500 in ’10.

For the West Side of town there are 33 sales this year compared to 19 last year but the median sales price has dropped from $520,000 last year to about $465,000 this year. The escrows are also way ahead of where they were last year with 40 opened this year compared to 25 last year and the median list price on those escrows is very close falling from $525,000 in ’09 to $515,000 in ’10.

In Goleta South there were 21 sales in both years but the median sales price has dipped from $410,000 last year to $355,000 this year. The escrows are way behind however with 35 last year compared to 25 this year and the median list price on those escrows has dipped from $419,000 last year to $339,900 this year.

For Goleta North there have been 16 sales this year compared to 14 last year with the median sales price rising from $360,050 in ’09 to $405,000 in ’10. The escrows show a slight bulge this year with 25 compared to 21 last year and the median list price on those escrows has risen from $365,000 last year to $419,000 this year.

Condo prices are starting to rise and as long as fewer properties come on the market than sell the inventory will continue to decline which should push prices up further. So the questions are, with the first time buyer credit coming to an end in April will the surge in condo sales continue, and second if prices do continue to go up will that spur the sellers to bring their properties onto the market?

-Gary Woods

The 6 Million Bottle House

2010-05-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

Don't Believe the Hype!

2010-04-23T11:06:00.001-07:00

This is a good article about a topic that needs to be brought up more often - Greenwashing!

The word "green" is used way too often and gives the impression that an important topic/lifestyle/message is just a passing trend. It is not and should not be viewed in that light. Just because something has "green" in the title does not mean that it is good for you or the planet.

The Good Guide

2010-04-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

I like this site for info and safety ratings on products that you are considering bringing into your home - covers everything from baby food to cleaning supplies. Check out the Good Guide.

2010-04-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

Did you know that planting deciduous trees on the east and west sides of your house can help you save on utility bills? Because they drop their leaves in the fall, deciduous trees allow the sun to warm a home in the cold months and shield it from the sun in the summer months.

There are some trees are better on the North/South sides of your home too - click here to read more.

*photo from atlestore.com

What Fruits and Veggies are in Season Now?

2010-03-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

Peak Season for a fruit or veggie means they have developed their fullest amounts nutrients and vitamins - more benefits for us if we eat them then!

Trying to eat more greens and want only what's in season?

Here's your list for the end of March through April.

March:

Broccoli

Lettuce

Kiwi

Mangoes

Pineapple

April:

Artichokes
Asparagus
Broccoli
Lettuce
Rhubarb
Spring Peas
Zucchini

Kiwi
Mangoes
Pineapple

Sustainable Real Estate Newsletter & Real Estate Stats

2010-03-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

Click Here for your monthly Sustainable Real Estate newsletter.

A sneak peek as to what this month's articles include:

* TAX CREDITS!!!! (Time is running out!)

- You may qualify for the $6500 "Move-up Buyer" tax credit.

The Stats are In!

* For more information and YTD statistics click on the link above and open the article

"Santa Barbara Area Statistics."

* You can also view a more detailed report with graphs at NicoleByrnes.com and click on "monthly market real estate stats"

A quick summary of what happened in the month of February 2010:

- Median Sale Price = $795,000

- This is the same median sale price as in 2003

- Median List Price for sold properties is $829,00

- This is a 96% INCREASE from February 2009.

Highest price sold property:

$12,943,000 - 1169 Hill Rd in Montecito

Lowest priced sold property:

$374,325 - 5694 Alondra in Goleta

* There are New Rules for FHA borrowers

* Want to switch to Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs (CFLs)?

-According to the EPA, in 2007, Americans saved $1.5 billion by switching to ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs.

-Now there's a variety of CFLs to choose from; everything from dimmer bulbs, to ones

for your chandelier. CHECK IT OUT!

P.S. Don't forget to "Spring Forward" this Sunday March 14th. Day Light Savings!

Green Wall - Parabienta

2010-02-12T12:28:00.001-08:00

Parabienta is a living wall of green developed by Japan-based Shimizu Corporation. This relatively low-cost, greening system is light weight and works quite sufficiently as insulation, thus reducing a building's energy costs . Different plants can be used and you can do a variety of designs. Looks pretty cool too, right? For more information visit Tree Hugger

Turning Plastic Bottles into Flowers

2010-02-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Notice the displays in Anthropologie windows lately? Many of them are decorated with ornate, brightly colored flowers made of - plastic bottles. How very creative - love it.

Here's some ideas on how to make your own bouquet, or visit Instructables.com

1. Cut around the bottom grooves

so that you have one piece that looks kinda like a flower.
2. Punch some holes, or use a hot needle to make holes.
Gather some string, fishing line, dental floss, or metal craft rings.
3. String them together and VIOLA! You have an instant wall hanging, doorway curtain, or privacy blinds for your window.
Also, you can also make a hole in the middle of them and insert a LED into each of them for some pretty flower lights!

Some facts about plastic, pulled from earth 911.com:

*Plastic bottles take 700 years to begin composting

*90% of the cost of bottled water is due to the bottle itself

*80% of plastic bottles are not recycled

*38 million plastic bottles go to the dump per year in America from bottled water (not including soda)

*24 million gallons of oil are needed to produce a billion plastic bottles

*The average American consumes 167 bottles of water a year

*Bottling and shipping water is the least energy efficient method ever used to supply water

*Bottled water is the second most popular beverage in the United States

California Adopts Greenest Building Codes

2010-01-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

California - at the forefront of sustainable living -

A new commercial building code called Calgreen will effect newly constructed schools, malls, hospitals...and takes effect January 2011.

Calgreen will require these buildings to have low-flow plumbing, non-VOC paints, construction waste to be recycled and more. Read a full article by clicking here

Smart Meters - Care to Use One?

2010-01-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Heard this on NPR this morning and thought that some of you might find it interesting. I am curious to know what you think? If you were to see where most of your energy bill was coming from, would you curb usage?

January 8, 2010

It's said that information is power but could information mean less power, when it comes to electricity use? Environmentalists and makers of so-called smart meters are convinced that's the case. They say if consumers could see in real time how much power they're using, they'd conserve more. But some behavioral economists say no way. They say electricity is so cheap that real-time information might lead people to run their lights and gadgets even more.

Click here to listen to the show.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree!

2010-01-03T15:12:00.001-08:00

Your tree must be free of ornaments, tinsel, etc to be recycled.

If you live in a single-family home in Carpinteria, Goleta, Hope Ranch, Isla Vista, Montecito, or Summerland, or in the Cities of Santa Barbara or Goleta, and you are a customer of Allied Waste or MarBorg, you can place your tree in or next to your green waste container or next to your trash container on your collection days.

Where to drop off:
South Coast Recycling & Transfer Station 4430 Calle Real, Santa Barbara Open Monday through Saturday from 7am - 5 pm.
Questions?
Call the County Public Works Dept. Resource & waste management 805.882.3616 or visit Less is More

*image courtesy of tinyoranges.com

Last Minute Gift Ideas!

2009-12-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

For the Conscious Shopper.

One of the funnest gifts that I assembled for someone was a personalized basket. This included a reusable woven shopping basket (perfect for the farmer's market or a picnic). I filled it with local goodies ranging from honey and salsa to a bottle of wine. Other local products that are perfect for filling a gift basket are chocolates, lotions, soaps and candles. Here are a few one-stop-shops for these kinds of gifts.

I love The Isla Vista Coop. It is jam packed with all sorts of products. You are certain to find something for someone here.
Santa Barbara Gift Baskets has wonderful local items to choose from-even for those with a more discriminating taste.
Similar to the I.V. Coop but closer to downtown-the Santa Barbara Tri-County Produce is where you can find dried fruits, great local wines, coffee and sweet treats from around our area.
Find unique jewelery and other worldly gifts at Arcoboleno Trade. This is a fair trade gift shop that helps support artisans in developing countries and promotes sustainability.
A great item to stuff in your gift basket are these Reusable Produce Bags. Perfect for your friends that shop the Farmer's Market.
Don't forget that local coffee shops carry reusable coffee mugs. Wrap one up with some coffee or tea and it makes for an easy and thoughtful gift. One of my favorite coffee shops in town is Vices and Spices. They have a large selection of tea, coffee, jewelry and fine soaps. Located at 3558 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93105-2628 - (805) 687-7196.

Change the way you present your present. Reuse special paper for wrapping your gifts. Calendars can make great wrapping paper that can be quite pretty and interesting to look at.

Holiday Light Exchange Dates!

2009-12-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

The South Coast Energy Efficiency Partnership (SCEEP) is helping Southern California residents save time, money and the environment by hosting drives to exchange our standard incandescent holiday lights in exchange for light emitting diodes (LEDs). Here are the Santa Barbara locations and times so you can swap yours out!

Santa Barbara
1st Thursday Holiday Tree Decorating Station
December 3, 5-8 p.m.
Borders Bookstore patio (in front)
900 State Street
Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center
December 12 & 13, 12-4 p.m.
415 East Gutierrez St.
Santa Barbara

Goleta Goleta Valley Community Center Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 4, 5:30 p.m.
5679 Hollister Avenue
Goleta

Orchard Supply and Hardware
December 6, 12-4 p.m.
125 N Fairview Ave.
Goleta

Carpinteria Carpinteria Boy Scout tree lot – Troop 50, Pack 50, and Troop 147
Saturday, December 5, 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Carpinteria Ave., under the historical Torrey Pine (across the street from the Carpinteria Public Library)

For more check out SCEEP's website.

Grow Your Holiday Greeting

2009-11-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

These are cool and unique - seed embedded paper. Add your message inside a card that can grow wildflowers!
Simple planting instructions are on the back of each card, along with the seed content. Each handmade card will recycle naturally into the soil as the seedlings grow. They are blank inside for you to personalize. Click here for more on how to grow your notes!

Take a Tour of a Smart Home

2009-11-18T12:11:00.001-08:00

Tour this Cutting Edge Home.

This Mixed Use Property Won the "Building of the Year" from S.B. Contractor's Association

2009-11-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

For Sale: Mixed Use Property and 2 Bedroom Home

Constructed by Campanelli Construction, State-of-the-Art "Green" built office building
2 story
~2,218sq. ft.
Loft Storage
Two, 2 car-garages
Constructed with Sips (Structural Insulated Panels)
16 Solar Panels - supply electricity and hot water for the building's energy needs
Mostly recycled materials have been used for the finishes throughout: bamboo floors, marble, granite and tile
Monthly utility bills average ~$13-$15

Also on the property is a 2BD/1BA home.

Offered at $1,100,000

Turning Your Turkey Grease into Fuel

2009-11-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Did you know the grease that accumulates while baking your Thanksgiving turkey can be used to fuel biodiesel vehicles?
Instead of clogging your sink's drain and contributing to waste put that Thanksgiving grease to use.
For more information on recycling centers and how-to's visit Earth911

*photo courtesy of SP Times

Groups in Ventura county coming together and planting gardens that require NO water!

2009-11-02T21:02:00.000-08:00

Story covered by KCLU's Lance Orozco.

Click here to listen to the MP3

For more info visit KCLU's website

The Girl Who Silenced The World For 5 Minutes

2009-10-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Worth a watch

More on Your Hom's IAQ

2009-10-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

This is a continuation of my last post. I have come across so much info/videos/articles that go into depth about the health concerns regarding some of the cleaning products (chemicals) we use in our homes.

Here is a link to "Five Questions to Ask About Your Household Cleaners," provided by Eco-Safe Cleaners for your home. There is a video link within this article that shows test results of what some of these products do to our IAQ.

Here is to part 2 of Dangerous Household Cleaning Products.

DECIPHERING BETWEEN "GREEN" CLEANING PRODUCTS? HERE ARE SOME FACTORS TO CONSIDER

2009-10-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Some cleaning products contribute to toxins in the home and can lead to health issues.
Did you know that no standards exist for "green" cleaning product regulations or standards? Unlike food products, the order of ingredients listed on cleaning solutions does not represent the relative amounts within the product. This can easily lead to confusion about which products are best and safest to use.

Therefore, I have put together a little guide to help weed through any uncertainty.
1. As with any kind of "green" claim - be weary of green washing
2. Avoid products that are not specific about their ingredients, just because something says it's "safe, biodegradable, natural, earth friendly or green" does not necessarily mean that it is good for you and your home. Ask yourself questions. Is it safe for the environment? Is it safe for humans? What is it made out of (ie.: is it plant or petroleum based)? Is it recyclable? And remember a "natural" product can contain chemicals.
3. A few companies that focus on producing environmentally friendly products for the home are:
1. Mrs. Meyers
2. Simple Green
3. Seventh Generation
4. Earth Friendly Products (ECOS)

Click on the image below to read more about what makes a cleaning product "green".

According to Consumer Reports, Cleaning Products: Green Buying Guide (2007) these ingredients should be avoided:

-Ammonia
-Antibacterials
-Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)
-Butyl Cellosolve
-Chlorine bleach
-d-limonene
-Diethanolamine (DEA)
-Triethanolamine (TEA)
-Disinfectants
-Fragrances
-Hydrochloric acid
-Naptha
-Petroleum based cleansers
-Phosphates
-Sodium hydroxide (lye)
-Sulfuric acid

For more information visit:
Greener Choices
The Green Guide
Consumer Reports

100 Ways you can improve the environment ~ By the Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life

2009-09-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

In Your Home — Conserve Energy
1. Clean or replace air filters on your air conditioning unit at least once a month.

2. If you have central air conditioning, do not close vents in unused rooms.

3. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°.

4. Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket.

5. Turn down or shut off your water heater when you will be away for extended periods.

6. Turn off unneeded lights even when leaving a room for a short time.

7. Set your refrigerator temperature at 36° to 38° and your freezer at 0° to 5°.

8. When using an oven, minimize door opening while it is in use; it reduces oven temperature by 25° to 30° every time you open the door.

9. Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every load so that it uses less energy.

10. Unplug seldom used appliances.

11. Use a microwave whenever you can instead of a conventional oven or stove.

12. Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.

13. Reverse your indoor ceiling fans for summer and winter operations as recommended.

14. Turn off lights, computers and other appliances when not in use.

15. Purchase appliances and office equiptment with the Energy Star label; old refrigerators, for example, use up to 50% more electricity than newer models.

16. Only use electric appliances when you need them.

17. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.

18. Keep your thermostat at 68° in winter and 78° in summer.

19. Keep your thermostat higher in summer and lower in

winter when you are away from home.

20. Insulate your home as best as you can.

21. Install weather stripping around all doors and windows.

22. Shut off electrical equipment in the evening when you leave work.

23. Plant trees to shade your home.

24. Shade outside air conditioning units by trees or other means.

25. Replace old windows with energy efficient ones.

26. Use cold water instead of warm or hot water when possible.

27. Connect your outdoor lights to a timer.

28. Buy green electricity - electricity produced by low - or even zero-pollution facilities (NC Greenpower for North Carolina - www.greenpower.com).

In your home — reduce toxicity

29. Eliminate mercury from your home by purchasing items without mercury, and dispose of items containing mercury at an

appropriate drop-off facilities

30. Learn about alternatives to household cleaning items that do not use hazardous chemicals.

31. Buy the right amount of paint for the job.

32. Review labels of household cleaners you use. Consider alternatives like baking soda, scouring pads, water or a little more elbow grease.

33. When no good alternatives exist to a toxic item, find the least amount required for an effective, sanitary result.

34. If you have an older home, have paint in your home tested for lead. If you have lead-based paint, cover it with wall paper or other material instead of sanding it or burning it off.

35. Use traps instead of rat and mouse poisons and insect killers.

36. Have your home tested for radon.

37. Use cedar chips or aromatic herbs instead of mothballs.

In your yard

38. Avoid using leaf blowers and other dust-producing equipment.

39. Use an electric lawnmower instead of a gas-powered one.

40. Leave grass clippings on the yard—they decompose and return nutrients to the soil.

41. Use recycled wood chips as mulch to keep weeds down, retain moisture and prevent erosion.

42. Use only the required amount of fertilizer.

43. Minimize pesticide use.

44. Create a wildlife habitat in your yard.

45. Water grass early in the morning.

46. Rent or borrow items like ladders, chain saws, party

decorations and others that are seldom used.

47. Take actions that use non hazardous components (e.g., to ward off pests, plant marigolds in a garden instead of using pesticide).

48. Put leaves in a compost heap instead of burning them or throwing them away. Yard debris too large for your

compost bin should be taken to a yard-debris recycler.

In your office

49. Copy and print on both sides of paper.

50. Reuse items like envelopes, folders and paper clips.

51. Use mailer sheets for interoffice mail instead of an envelope.

52. Set up a bulletin board for memos instead of sending a copy to each employee.

53. Use e-mail instead of paper correspondence.

54. Use recycled paper.

55. Use discarded paper for scrap paper.

56. Encourage your school and/or company to print documents with soy-based inks, which are less toxic.

57. Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of a disposable cup.

Ways you can protect our air

58. Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or

telecommuting.

59. Recycle printer cartridges.

60. Shut off electrical equipment in the evening when you leave work.

61. Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.

62. Don’t use your wood stove or fireplace when air quality is poor.

63. Avoid slow-burning, smoldering fires. They produce the largest amount of pollution.

64. Burn seasoned wood - it burns cleaner than green wood.

65. Use solar power for home and water heating.

66. Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.

67. Purchase radial tires and keep them properly inflated for your vehicle.

68. Paint with brushes or rollers instead of using spray paints to minimize harmful emissions.

69. Ignite charcoal barbecues with an electric probe or

other alternative to

lighter fluid.

70. If you use a wood stove, use one sold after 1990. They are

required to meet federal emissions standards and are more efficient and cleaner burning.

71. Walk or ride your bike instead of driving, whenever possible.

72. Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.

Ways to use less water

73. Check and fix any water leaks.

74. Install water-saving devices on your faucets and toilets.

75. Don’t wash dishes with the water running continuously.

76. Wash and dry only full loads of laundry and dishes.

77. Follow your community’s water use restrictions or guidelines.

78. Install a low-flow shower head.

79. Replace old toilets with new ones that use a lot less water.

80. Turn off washing machine’s water supply to prevent leaks.

Ways to protect our water

81. Revegetate or mulch disturbed soil as soon as possible.

82. Never dump anything down a storm drain.

83. Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.

84. Check your car for oil or other leaks, and recycle motor oil.

85. Take your car to a car wash instead of washing it in the driveway.

86. Learn about your watershed.

Create less trash

87. Buy items in bulk from loose bins when possible to reduce the packaging wasted.

88. Avoid products with several layers of packaging when only one is sufficient. About 33% of what we throw away is packaging.

89. Buy products that you can reuse.

90. Maintain and repair durable products instead of buying new ones.

91. Check reports for products that are easily repaired and have low breakdown rates.

92. Reuse items like bags and containers when possible.

93. Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.

94. Use reusable plates and utensils instead of disposable ones.

95. Use reusable containers to store food instead of aluminum foil and cling wrap.

96. Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.

97. Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.

98. Reuse packaging cartons and shipping materials. Old

newspapers make great packaging material.

99. Compost your vegetable scraps.

100. Buy used furniture - there is a surplus of it, and it is much cheaper than new furniture.

Please visit the SEQL website for more information

Click on the image to enlarge.

EVENT! Rain Barrel Sale

2009-09-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW?
One inch of rain falling on a 1,000 sq ft roof harvests up to 600 gallons of rainwater for use in your landscape...
for more info please visit the Santa Barbara County Water website

Saturday September 26th 9:00-4:00 at SBCC’s parking lot 3 (corner of Shoreline & Loma Alta Dr.). The barrels, normally a $120 value, will be sold for $50.

EVENT! Where's Your Bag?

2009-08-27T13:24:00.001-07:00

Great community event tomorrow in De La Guerra plaza! The "Where's Your Bag?" campaign is to promote the use of reusable grocery bags & help spread awareness about the negative impacts of disposable plastic bags. For more who, what, where, when and why visit the City of SB's website.

What You Can Do to Save Water

2009-08-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Save Our Water website gives many tips on how you help conserve water. Set a goal by trying to save 8 gallons a day. Updating your appliances? Find out what rebates you may be eligible for. Landscaping? Check out their suggestions for 'water-wise' plants.

New Locale for Santa Barbara Farmer's Market

2009-08-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Who: Santa Barbara Farmer's Market

Where: Harding Elementary School, 1625 Robbins street

When: Every Wednesday (rain or shine) from 3:00 - 6:30pm

More Information: 805-962-5354, or email sbcfma@rain.org.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2009-07-28T21:24:00.001-07:00

It's getting a little late in the season, BUT here's a great video on growing your own organic garden.

Grow Food. Not Lawns!

2009-07-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

I love it when I come across this kind of stuff. It has been a great day for grassroots movement discoveries! HC Flores wrote a book on "How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden and Your Neighborhood into a Community"
Learn more at; Food Not Lawns

Tight on space for a garden? Food Map Containers

Watch this video with Carleen Madigan author of the Backyard Homestead. She gives great tips on how to produce your own food - even with a small amount of space.

Talking Trash

2009-07-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

I love the concept and info that this site has to offer...
Visit: BuiltFromTrash.com

Yes, 'tis true...

2009-07-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

Another organic/natural food vendor is due to open in Santa Barbara;

Who: Whole Foods

When: Fall of '09

Where: State and Hitchcock (where the Circuit City used to be)

Just a reminder that nothing is better than directly supporting your local farmers. So don't forget about the farms and markets we have in town! For locations & times visit the SB Farmers Market website.

Love Food?

2009-07-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

The second issue of Edible Santa Barbara has just hit stands. This is a great publication that covers everything from how to plant a veggie garden to locally owned breweries - AND it is published on recycled paper (we love that!)

Solar SUNday!

2009-07-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (July 19th, 11-4pm) the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will be hosting an event dedicated to solar power. This is a FREE solar trade show where there will be speakers, over 20 exhibitors and plenty of activities for children. If you get hungry be sure to visit the recently debuted Burger Bus, where you can enjoy locally grown and delicious eats!
Check out the Solar SUNday website for more info: SolarSUNday.info

Rooftop Tiles that are Solar Powered!

2009-07-07T09:23:00.001-07:00

I found this article online and thought that it was pretty cool. I really like the Alternative Energy site-worth checking out. Here is a link to more information on the Solè Power Tiles
*Photo provided by fastcompany.com

Peroxide, who knew?

2009-06-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

I got this sent to me the other day and thought that some of these could be really useful...

(Peroxide: Safer and healthier than bleach)
This was written by a a doctor's wife from Indiana
and this is what she says...
I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store.
My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide. Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor's office? No!! Why?
Because it smells, and it is not healthy! Ask the nurses who work in the doctor's offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know better!
Did you also know bleach was invented in the late forties? It's chlorine, folks! It was used to kill our troops in World War II.
Peroxide came into popular use during and after WWI. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals.
Please think about this......

1. Take one capful and hold in your mouth for ten minutes daily, then spit it out. No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters. (Wouldn't it be nice if restaurants would do this?)

4. After rinsing your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue. (really good one!)

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change. (hmmm!)

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.

12. Add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. Use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this. I could go on and on. It is in a dark bottle so it will not be degraded by UV. No home should be without it! With prices of most necessities rising, here's a way to save tons of money in a simple, healthy manner!
*INFORMATION DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED*

Help Keep Our State Parks Open

2009-06-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Tell Gov. Schwarzenegger: Don't shut down 220 state parks!

The governor has proposed cutting the state parks budget to zero, which will mean park closings all over the state.

We need to protect our state parks, as a critical part of our state economy and a refuge for Californians – especially in tough times.

The entire parks budget accounts for only 0.88 percent of the budget shortfall, and every dollar we spend on parks brings $2.35 back to the state in tourism.

Join me in e-mailing the governor telling him to protect our state parks.

Please visit Environmental California for more information