Santa Barbara Independent Real Estate 5/18/23

PRESENTED BY STEVE EPSTEIN FOR DETAILS, SEE PAGE 7

TAKE A TOUR TODAY at bhhscalifornia.com

6BD/5½BA + barn; ±20.13 acres • $6,150,000

Laura

/ Cammy Pinoli, 805.448.7500

01209580 / 02074002

$3,275,000

Kevin Schmidtchen, 805.689.6877

01316975

Laura

01209580

805.448.7500

Kevin Schmidtchen, 805.689.6877

01316975

Laura

01209580

805.448.7500

property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

© 2023Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of

3570 WOODSTOCK RD, SANTA YNEZ

Drammer

LIC#

2685 MEMORY LN, SANTA BARBARA 4BD/3BA •

LIC#

320 DOGWOOD DR, BUELLTON 4BD/3BA + GH; ±.23 acre • $1,485,000

Drammer,

LIC#

7098 N SUNLAND AVE, LA CONCHITA DEL MAR 4BD/3BA • $1,298,000

Felipe Castañeda, 805.636.4410 LIC# 02103365

5308 TRACI DR, SANTA BARBARA 2BD/1½BA • $960,000

LIC#

1672 EUCALYPTUS DR #B, SOLVANG 2BD/2BA • $629,000

Drammer,

LIC#

OPEN SAT 12-2

OPEN SUN 2-4:30

OPEN SUN 1-3

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES

is pleased to congratulate

CRISTAL CLARKE

on the successful representation of the seller & buyer of 935 Arcady Rd, Listed for $6,275,000, and the seller & buyer at 723 Via Manana, Listed for $5,450,000.

CRISTAL CLARKE

805.886.9378

Cristal@Montecito-Estate.com

www.Montecito-Estate.com

LIC 00968247

ANDREA CAMBERN

on the successful representation of the Seller of 25 Seaview Dr, Listed for $4,475,000.

TEAM SCARBOROUGH

on the successful representation of the seller of 434 Nicholas Ln, Listed for $4,750,000.

TEAM SCARBOROUGH 805.331.1465

Team@TeamScarborough.com

www.TeamScarborough.com LIC 01182792

DAN JOHNSON

on the successful representation of the buyer of 25 Seaview Dr, Listed for $4,475,000.

ANDREA CAMBERN 805.722.2352

AndreaCambern@bhhscal.com

LIC 02158714

on the successful representation of the buyer at 2017 Garden St, Listed for $3.350,000.

DAN ENCELL

805.565.4896

DanEncell@aol.com

DanEncell.com LIC 00976141

on the successful representation of the buyer at 835 Flora Vista Dr, Listed for $2,500,000.

ANDERSON & RABB

805.284.5234/ 805.687.2666

JasonAnderson@bhhscal.com

DejaRabb@bhhscal.com

LIC 02181545/ 02074885

DAN JOHNSON

805.895.5150

DanJohnson@bhhscal.com LIC 00609860

on the successful representation of the seller at 835 Flora Vista Dr, Listed for $2,500,000.

BUNNY DE LORIE

805.570.9181

BunnyDeLorie@gmail.com LIC 01397098

on the successful representation of the buyer of 7049 Armstrong Rd, Listed for $2,495,000.

MARY WHITNEY

805.689.0915

MWhitney@bhhscal.com

LIC 01144746

BUNNY DE LORIE

DAN ENCELL

MARY WHITNEY

ANDERSON & RABB

TAKE A TOUR TODAY at bhhscalifornia.com

of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

© 2023 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including

and

4BD/2½BA • $600,000 Karen Musser, 805.895.3958 LIC# 01266118

2222 E VALLEY RD, MONTECITO 5BD/6BA • $8,895,000 Nancy Kogevinas, 805.450.6233 LIC# 01209514

3620 CAMPANIL DR, SANTA BARBARA 4BD/4½BA • $7,995,000 Daniel Encell / Rose Lizardi, 805.565.4896 LIC# 00976141 / 02107492

Alma Del Pueblo Living

This pristine single-level Alma Del Pueblo condo is urban Santa Barbara luxury living at its best! With only 1 of 4 walls shared - unit 208 exudes a light and bright quality with its many windows and cheerful balcony on the main living area - allowing excellent breezes throughout. 208 features include an open floorplan with high ceilings, wood floors, a gorgeous kitchen with a breakfast bar, a spacious powder room, and in-unit laundry. The bedroom suite has air conditioning, ample closet space, and a luxurious bath with dual vanity sinks and a walk-in shower. The Alma Del Pueblo HOA boasts wonderful amenities and offers residents the ability to enjoy the sights and sounds of Santa Barbara’s Theatre District with countless attractions and top-tier dining in the immediate vicinity - including the popular Santa Barbara Public Market just next door. Live the Alma Del Pueblo pied-à-terre lifestyle in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara!

ADDRESS: 1426 Mountain Avenue

STATUS: On the market

PRICE: $2,125,000

Westside Charmer Full of Surprises

Ilove the Westside of Santa Barbara. My family and I lived in a cute two-bedroom house on Clearview Road many moons ago. My boys were both born while we lived there, enjoying stroller rides around the neighborhood, play time at Harding School playground, and eventually their first Halloween trick-or-treating experiences. They were happy years.

So I thought I knew what to expect when I went to visit the house at 1426 Mountain Avenue on Santa Barbara’s Westside. Described as a 1920s cottage that was remodeled and expanded in 2008, the two-story home offers three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and all sorts of modern conveniences in its 2,000-plus-square-foot space. I knew those facts from the data I read, and I know the Westside. Yet I wasn’t prepared in the least for this charming home, nor for the stunning view that it enjoys.

The 1400 block of Mountain Avenue combines houses of different architectural styles into a friendly, welcoming street. When I arrived at 1426 Mountain, I walked up a brick path past rock-lined garden beds to a low wall that hugs the tidy front porch. I paused to admire a wrought-iron lantern hanging from a hand-forged hook, framed in an arched opening overlooking colorful succulents. Poppies, birds of paradise, bougainvillea, and native plantings vied for my attention in colorful camaraderie.

On the side of the house, a long, gated driveway leads to the garage with the backyard beyond. A terraced patio with a hot tub and multiple seating areas looks out onto serene, drought-tolerant grounds with a gently flowing fountain, avocado tree, and flowering rock garden. The far corner is a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. I was mesmerized by the home’s harmonious details, and I hadn’t even stepped inside.

Once I did, I found that the feeling of harmony pervades this entire cheerful home. The living room is a warm, sunny space at the front of the house. The curved lines of the striking fireplace are echoed by two graceful arch-

ways, one leading into the dining room and the other into the kitchen beyond. Clean lines and minimalist details marry perfectly with the charming original touches from the home’s 1920s origins. While the kitchen countertops are sleek, contemporary honed granite, the subtle sage subway-tile backsplash is reminiscent of the colorful original tile in two of the bathrooms. A curved niche above the living room fireplace mimics the architectural archways and stands ready to display artwork or other treasures, adding an additional artistic aesthetic.

The first floor also offers an office, bedroom, and full bath, plus a laundry area and hallway with extra storage. Another bonus is additional doorways from the kitchen, hallway, and living room to the outside, adding a convenient indoor/outdoor flow conducive to entertaining.

A gorgeous hardwood staircase leads upstairs, where a landing opens to the two remaining bedroom suites, including the jaw-dropping 400-plus-square-foot primary suite. A cozy fireplace, two walk-in closets, and a corner seating area are all lovely amenities, but it’s the view that steals the show. French doors lead out to a 175-square-foot deck that spans the length of the entire house and offers sweeping mountain views above the city. This vista stopped me in my tracks. The house sits just high enough to overlook the surrounding neighborhood, and it takes full advantage of the elevation.

I stood on the deck and admired the view for a few extra minutes, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and thinking about the lucky next owner of this beautiful home. I was reminded that experiencing something once doesn’t mean you know it. This Westside beauty surprised me in the best possible way and left me smitten and spellbound.

by Sarah Sinclair

MAKE MYSELF AT HOME

RAFAEL

317 Calle Hermoso

Custom Mediterranean Montecito Estate

This stunning Spanish oasis offering ±2,684 square feet of living space is surrounded by lush landscaping and is wonderfully sited on ±.86 acres on a quaint cul-de-sac in the highly acclaimed and sought after Cold Spring School District. Inside you’ll be greeted by an inviting ambiance featuring classic Spanish-Mediterranean features including large arches, Spanish tile floors, and natural light streaming in from the abundance of picturesque windows and French doors. The kitchen features a Subzero side by side fridge, Wolf built-in microwave and oven, Bosch dishwasher, Dacor gas stove, recessed lighting and granite counter tops. The kitchen opens to the bright and spacious family room with gas fireplace, open shelving and two sets of French doors that lead to the expansive patio. A separate formal dining room with large windows and French doors to the superb patio offer peek-a-boo Pacific Ocean views. The generous primary suite located on the lower level enjoys ample closet space with an ensuite bathroom adorned with a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and beautiful double vanity. French doors open to a private, peaceful patio and lead to an outdoor gym area. Three additional bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms allow plenty of space for a plethora of needs. Magnificent landscaping throughout features drought tolerant plants, drip systems in the front and back yards, and bountiful patios, providing the perfect opportunity to host and entertain or relax while still enjoying the privacy offered by the substantial lot. Other features include a custom wine cellar that holds approximately 500 bottles, a dog run with planter boxes for gardening, and a spacious driveway that can easily house six cars. Attached to the home is a three-car finished garage with a built-in workbench, cabinet storage, and attic pull down. You can rejoice in space for all your cars, toys, storage, and more! Ideally located with access to world class hiking trails and all that Montecito and downtown Santa Barbara have to offer. Open Saturday from 1-4 pm & Sunday from 12-4 pm Visit 317CalleHermoso.com to take a virtual tour.

Offered at $3,199,000

We Proudly Congratulate These Fine Agents For

805.637.7772 darcie@villagesite.com DRE 01717947/01262014

805.296.0662 david@villagesite.com DRE 01813897

1251 N. ONTARE ROAD OFFERED AT $2,695,000 2476 LILLIE AVENUE OFFERED AT $2,200,000 3831 MARIANA WAY OFFERED AT $999,000

805.755.8283 stephanie@villagesite.com DRE 02180493 2017 GARDEN STREET OFFERED AT $3,350,000

805.895.1467 elizabeth@villagesite.com DRE 01440591

2706 CUESTA ROAD OFFERED AT $1,795,000 2435 CASTILLO STREET OFFERED AT $1,295,000

Chuck Aljian

David M. Kim

Stephanie Ornani

Wagner

Darcie McKnight & Thomas Dabney

New Listing

Updated Sunrise Village townhome with soaring ceilings, cozy fireplace, and sliding doors to an expanded stone front patio. Custom kitchen features cherry cabinetry, concrete countertops, and high-end appliances. Spacious bedrooms with vaulted ceilings and remodeled bathrooms. Additional upgrades include tankless water heater, newer furnace, and bamboo flooring. Community amenities include pool, tennis court, and BBQ area. Kellogg School District and convenient access to parks, shopping, and UCSB.

Offered at $960,000

Women’s Fund Awards $925,000 to 10 Nonprofits

On May 9, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara awarded an impressive $925,000 to 10 local nonprofits. As always with these annual awards, the grants targeted critical needs of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County.

This year’s recipients were 2nd Story Associates, Alpha Resource Center, Alzheimer’s Association CA Central Coast Chapter, Family Service Agency, Food from the Heart, Hillside House, Independent Living Resource Center, Legal Aid Foundation of S.B. County, S.B. County Immigrant Legal Defense Center, and St. Vincent’s. Six grants are for programs, four are for capital grants, and awards range from $30,000 to $140,000.

This annual Presentation of Grants event, held at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, drew approximately 400 of the 1,200 members. After a courtyard reception, members adjourned to the theater for the grant announcements followed by heartfelt remarks and compelling stories from the grant recipients.

For example, S.B. County Immigrant Legal Defense Center (ILDC) Executive Director Julissa Peña discussed the $130,000 grant to fund a staff position for two years to assist undocumented immigrant children facing myriad challenges. She shared how Rodrigo, who fled Honduras on his own at age 11 with a newly diagnosed brain tumor, spent 82 days in detention before arriving in Santa Barbara. At school here, he was bullied because of his skin color and lack of English skills, and then brutally assaulted. Peña related that while ILDC staff attorneys pursue legal redress, the new staff person will assist Rodrigo in gaining confidence to resume schooling.

Hillside House Chief Development Officer Cheryl Sweeney discussed the $100,000 grant for a van that can accommodate four residents in wheelchairs. Sweeney explained that currently, Hillside can transport only one resident in a

wheelchair at a time and most residents require a wheelchair. According to Sweeney, “these adults live in a world often defined by their disabilities. This grant enables Hillside to provide more and different opportunities to experience the beauty of Santa Barbara’s beaches, our parks, public libraries, places of worship, to enjoy the zoo, or just the simple pleasure of having a meal in a restaurant.”

The Women’s Fund pools the donations of its members to make large grants. Known for the rigorousness of its work, the Research Committee labors nearly year-round to produce a ballot of options on which members vote. The volunteerled organization relies on the work of nearly 200 volunteer members. Site visits to grant recipient organizations and educational forums enable members to gain more knowledge about community needs and the vital role nonprofits play in meeting those needs.

Because of COVID, programming went virtual for a while, but in-person events have now resumed. Last December, the Women’s Fund hosted a forum for members on homelessness that featured speakers from S.B. ACT, DignityMoves, and Channel Islands YMCA. Earlier this week, a forum on mental health wellness featured speakers from Storyteller Children’s Center, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, and Sanctuary Centers of S.B. In-person visits to grant recipients have also resumed, enabling members to learn more about the impact of their grants.

Expenses are kept low so 90 percent of funds raised goes to the grants, the remainder to educational programming and other expenses. Membership is open to any woman at the individual level ($2,750 or more) or group level ($2,750 or more collectively from a group of any size). The Women’s Fund hopes to increase its grant pool to $1 million next year for its 20th anniversary year. The nonprofit truly lives up to its motto every year of “changing lives together.”

For coverage of other events, go to independent.com/society. Send invites to gail@independent.com.

SOCIETY MATTERS Text and photos by Gail Arnold

Research Committee Co-Chair Yonie Harris, Board Chair Jamie Dufek, and Research Committee Co-Chair Marita Hawryluk Event Co-Chairs Kathy Hollis and Diane Powell

Research Secretary Carolyn Jabs, Membership Committee Chair Lauren Trujillo, and Website Editor Marjorie Larkin

Communications Committee Members Susan Matsumoto, Chris Silverstein, and Lori Williams

Member Sallie Coughlin, Boardmember Nancy Harter, and Member Sarah Stokes

Rancho Bella Vista

3BD | 5BA | $14,700,000

RanchoBellaVistaSYV.com

BRADY GROUP 805.331.3053

SAN LUIS OBISPO

SANTA BARBARA

Chic Contemporary, Ocean Views

4BD | 4BA/1PBA | $5,848,900

4340PrefumoCanyon.com

PATTY CASTILLO 805.570.6593

Bespoke Santa Barbara Craftsman

6BD | 5BA | $5,450,000

504EValerio.com

JOY BEAN 805.895.1422

Charming Meadows PUD

$875,000

419BarlingTerrace.com

DAVID MARCHETTI 805.637.4160

Downtown Ojai Condo

2BD | 2BA | $699,000

306Aliso.com

ROSALIE ZABILLA 805.455.3183

RARELY AVAILABLE LOS

Welcome to this ground level 1311 s/f unit located in the back of the complex away from State St. This mid-town location offers easy access to stores, restaurants, downtown, the Mission, bus lines, and schools. The unit offers a large living room with fireplace and large windows to let in the light. The dining area looks out to the patio and nice garden area. The primary bedroom offers an updated ensuite bath and walk-in closet. The second bedroom has large windows, walk-in closet and attached bath. The unit has new flooring, updated lighting, and has been completely painted. There is an inviting pool and spa. Move-in ready.

For information call: SCHMANDT REAL ESTATE

Katie Schmandt (805) 895-6301

schmandtre@gmail.com

DRE# 01017427

the buyers.

JUST LISTED ~ 288 ROYAL LINDA DRIVE

OFFERED AT $2,550,000 | 4B + BONUS MEDIA AREA OR 5TH BED/3.5BA | 3,800 SQFT | YB 2000

Wow! Talk about space! Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 ½ bath Mediterranean style 3,800 sq ft home built in 2000 in the Crown Collection. Spectacular floor plan enjoys a downstairs bedroom, bath and living room with separate entrance that could be a perfect in-law unit. Upstairs is 3 good sized bedrooms including the oversized primary suite and a media room, or 5th bedroom. Amenities include: Huge living room with fireplace, 20 foot ceilings and floor to ceiling windows with views of the private rear yard. Large country kitchen with abundant storage, new oven and dishwasher and granite center island which opens to the dining area and family room. Custom built in shelving throughout, recessed lighting throughout, built in BBQ, and quaint water fountain in the pavered back yard. Two car attached garage and so much more. Home overlooks green belt and enjoys stunning sunsets. Ever dreamed of having enough room for your family, your mother-in-law and all their stuff? Look no further.

SCAN HERE FOR A

VIRTUAL TOUR!

RANDY GLICK

DRE License #00950129 805.689.7167

Randy_Glick

CARMEN GALZERANO

DRE License #01953155 805.705.3080

SantaBarbaraHomesbyCarmen

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING, CALL US TODAY AND PUT GLICK REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES TO WORK FOR YOU!!

OPEN HOUSES

San Roque

3817 Calle Cita, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 10-4, $1,750,000, Village Properties, Michael Dickman / Ron Dickman 805689-3355 / 805-689-3135, DRE#02093312 / #00895030

246 Northridge Rd, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun

1-4, $2,495,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Erin Beck / Lyndsey Jones 805708-0446 / 805-680-2856, DRE#01488548 / #02125898

The Mesa

1919 El Camino De La Luz, 3BD, 2BA, Sun

2-4, $4,325,000, Mike

Richardson, Realtors, Kyle Richardson 805-680-3131, DRE#01902531

Hope Ranch

700 Via Hierba, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-4, $5,575,000, Market Ready Properties, Alden Fairbanks 805-4557416, DRE#00952941

4305 Via Presada, 4BD,

3.5BA, Sat 2-5 & Sun

2-4, $6,895,000, Village

Properties, Kelly Knight / Gabe Grandcolas 805895-4406 / 805-450-4723, DRE#01463617 / #02136492

1435 Estrella Drive, 4BD, 5BA, Sat 11-2 & Sun 11-3, $7,900,000, Village Properties, Claudia Schou / Devin Wong / Teddy Muller 805-4037053 / 805-451-6157 / 805698-2347, DRE#02134548 / #01976444 / #02160267

4040 Marina Dr, 5BD, 6.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $9,475,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Team Scarborough 805-252-4991, DRE#02165838

Mission Canyon

1430 Orange Grove Ave, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 1-4, $1,099,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Jessie Sessions / Stefan Stojanovski 805-709-0904 / 805-5700640, DRE#01937789 / #02112629

Saturday 5/20 & Sunday 5/21

The Riviera

519 E Pedregosa St, 4BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $2,795,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Michelle Madril / John Comin 805453-0927 / 805-689-3078, DRE#01961707 / #00662357

Santa Barbara

5308 Traci Dr, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $960,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Kevin Schmidtchen 805-689-6877, DRE#01316975

2648 State Street #25, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4, $995,000, Schmandt Real Estate, Katie Schmandt 805-895-6301, DRE#01017427

667 Wakefield Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $1,799,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Steve Heller 805-252-2749, DRE#00929496

2609 Montrose Pl, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $2,349,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Andi Ruhge 805-895-5862, DRE#01965484

8 Cedar Ln, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $2,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805-708-2323, DRE#02061444

1915 Garden Street, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 1-3, $2,695,000, Epstein Partners/Keller Williams, Steve Epstein 805-689-9339, DRE#00994429

4156 Vista Clara Road, 5BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $2,849,000, Village Properties, Spencer Cole | Ruth Ann Bowe | Chuck Aljian 805-689-6673 / 805-698-1971 / 805-6896390, DRE#02115510 / #01751940 / #01985594

2101 Mountain Ave, 6BD, 5.5BA, Fri 3-6 & Sat 12-3 & Sun 12-2, $4,300,000, Village Properties, Jena Harris / Pranav Shadtri / Stephanie Ornani / Marcy Bazzani 805-331-3683 / 805729-7993 / 805-755-8283, DRE#01930435 / #02152010 / #02180493

547 Owen Rd, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 1-3, $5,200,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Sara Guthrie 805-570-1211, DRE#01294545

504 East Valerio Street, 6BD, 5BA, Sun 10-2, $5,450,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Joy Bean 805-895-1422, DRE#0925828

3620 Campanil Dr, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $7,995,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Rose Lizardi 805-879-8007, DRE#02107492

Montecito

390 Mira Monte Ave, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 3-5, $1,595,000, Village Properties, Ed Edick 805-689-1153, DRE#00520230

43 Seaview Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun By Appt, $2,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California

Properties, Kit Peterson / Sue Irwin 805-689-5535 / 805705-6973, DRE#02008932 / #01413354

317 Calle Hermoso, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 12-4, $3,199,000, Epstein Partners/ Keller Williams, Steve Epstein 805-689-9339, DRE#00994416

Summerland

2570 Lillie Ave, 2BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,395,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Dan Crawford 805-886-5764, DRE#01923245

Carpinteria

1511 Meadow Circle, 4BD, 2.5 BA, Sat 2-4 & Sun 1-3, $1,495,000, Compass, Jennifer Berger 805-4515484, DRE#01309181

1128 Calle Lagunitas, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 1-4, $1,695,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Stefan Stojanovski 805-570-0640, DRE#02112629

6371 Lagunitas Court, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $1,695,000, Village Properties, Michelle King 805-455-8818, DRE#02030289

3375 Foothill Rd #134, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $1,895,000, Village Properties, Emily McPherson 805-7666014, DRE#02133962

Santa Ynez Valley

625 Central Ave #D, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 11-1, $559,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California

Properties, Kirsten Hubbard 805-598-3040, DRE#02153877

1674 Laurel Ave #1, 2BD, 3BA, Sat 12-3, $1,185,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Blake Williams 805-450-4003, DRE#02166159

320 Dogwood Dr, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 12-2, $1,485,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Brenda Cloud 805-901-1156, DRE#01772551

3290 Wild Oak Rd

(Lompoc), 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Georgette Owens 805-5706138, DRE#02172408

2995 Calle Bonita, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat 1-3, $5,950,000, Village Properties, Lynn Golden & Viven Alexander 805-570-5888, DRE#01259260

Realtors: submit your open house listings at INDEPENDENT.COM/ OPENHOUSESUBMISSIONS

$25 PER LISTING OR FREE FOR INDEPENDENT ADVERTISERS

Email: openhouses@independent.com with questions

Real Estate Rental Scams

Q: Marsha, I desperately need a larger rental. Twice I’ve almost been duped by rental scams on Craigslist. Why is this so prevalent?

A: The internet seems to have ratcheted up the fraudsters. All renters need to be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

Santa Barbara rents have always been high and rentals tight. When I was looking for a rental in the 1970s, the rental scam was “home finders.” These were agencies that advertised in the paper and for a $20 monthly fee they would let you know of the “latest rentals” on the market. Many gullible people, including me, paid the fee and discovered the only service these agencies provided was to search the newspapers and provide a dated print-out of homes for rent. It was a low-tech scam, but they raked in money from desperate rental applicants. The scams today are more sophisticated but still prey on the disheartened.

I first became aware of recent rental scams when I was holding an open house at a condo that was for sale on the Mesa. I noticed I had an abnormal number of college-age attendees at my open house. I was getting questions like, “How much deposit do you want? When can we move in? Will it be month to month?” Initially, I assumed they were young and inexperienced home buyers. I asked a particular group who their real estate agent was. They had no agent and had seen my ad on Craigslist. I realized they were seeking a rental and not a purchase. I searched Craigslist and there were my beautiful photos on the Craigslist rental site. The three-bedroom, two-bath ocean-view condo was listed

to rent for about $1,000 below the market rate.

The ad said the owner lived out of town and really wanted to rent to great tenants who would take care of his property. He knew the rent was low, but he was renting it himself as he hated dealing with property managers. He strongly encouraged potential tenants to fill out the rental application and send in a $1,000 deposit to secure the rental.

I reported the scam to the Santa Barbara district attorney’s office and to Craigslist. Craigslist promptly took the ad off the site. Yet, like ever-returning cockroaches, scammers will keep posting the ads back on Craigslist. The faux owners can be anywhere in the world and are impossible to track down. Since that first condo experience, almost every listing I’ve had has shown up on Craigslist as a rental.

You might think a “for sale” sign in front of a supposed rental would be a red flag to people. The typical explanation given is that the home had been on the market, but the owner became disgusted with his greedy agent and decided to rent his home to some good people. The scammers also target potential tenants who live out of the targeted area and will rent the home sight unseen.

One other warning: the scammers aren’t just collecting deposits; they are also trying to steal identities. The applicants are asked to fill out an application with all their

personal information, such as bank account, Social Security number, assets, and referrals.

When renting a house, always meet a real person at the home and verify who they are.

It is sad that we must now maintain a wary eye on everything. It’s the trade-off we make for the many conveniences of the World Wide Web.

Marsha Gray, DRE #012102130, NMLS#1982164, has been a real estate broker in Santa Barbara for more than 20 years. She works at Allyn & Associates, real estate services and lending. To read more Q&A articles, visit MarshaGraySBhomes.com. She will research and answer all questions submitted. Contact Marsha at (805) 252-7093 or MarshaGraySB@gmail.com.

by Marsha Gray

Real Estate Q&A

Exquisite Estate, Scenic Splendor

Michael Woodard

805.564.5078

michael@michaelwoodard.com

DRE 01128958

Gail Pearl

805.637.9595

gail.pearl@compass.com

DRE 00712260

141 Rametto Road

3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 5,388 Sq Ft | $9,500,000

Welcome to 141 Rametto Road, a stunning custom home in Santa Barbara. This property showcases exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Panoramic views of the golf course, ocean, and landscape captivate from every room. The open floor plan is ideal for entertaining, complemented by a gourmet kitchen. Discover a hidden wine cellar for intimate gatherings. Relax in the inviting living room, dine in elegance, or unwind on the expansive outdoor patio. This home epitomizes luxury, style, and comfort. With incredible views, top-notch amenities, and impeccable detail, 141 Rametto Road is truly extraordinary. This home is sure to exceed your expectations.

Contact us now to schedule a viewing and discover the unparalleled beauty and elegance that await you.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES

REAL ESTATE SCOOP

ALEC BRUICE JOINS BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is proud to announce Alec Bruice has joined the company as Regional Training Director for Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

As Regional Training Director, Alec will focus primarily on newer agents at the Santa Barbara, Montecito, Los Olivos, and Goleta offices who have one to two years of experience. He also will help the more veteran agents fine-tune their skills to reach the next level.

“Alec has held many leadership positions throughout his outstanding career, most recently as Team Leader and Manager at Keller Williams in Santa Barbara. We are delighted he is now a valued member of our team,” said Kyle Kemp, Vice President and Regional Manager, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.

Alec has served on the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Association of REAL-

REALTORS®:

TORS®, where he was President in 2016. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the California Association of REALTORS® and holds several committee positions at both the local and state associations.

Alec grew up in Santa Barbara and received a degree in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law.

After 10 years of practicing law, and as a partner in a law firm and experienced litigation attorney, Alec developed a strong interest in real estate law. “I was looking to diversify my law practice and getting more into transactional work,” he said. “So, I went to the law library and studied the treatise on real estate law. I decided to take the tradi-

MADHU KHEMANI

Presidents Circle 2020

Top 4% of all Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Agents Nationwide

Professionally Representing Sellers and Buyers in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Ventura, and Santa Ynez Valley for over 15 years.

805-252-0625

MadhuRealty.com

MadhuK49@gmail.com

Cal BRE# 01387945

Joe Parker 805-886-5735

Garrett McCaw 805-252-2335

Avi Becker 805-944-2653

Weston Rowan 805-512-3892

tional route of selling real estate. I joined a brokerage part time and then full time in 2010.”

Alec’s legal background has been an immense value to clients and fellow agents, Kyle said. Understanding contract law, purchase agreements, and disclosures paves the way for smooth transactions, a specialty for Alec.

“Our job in real estate is to make it a positive experience,” Alec said. “Our intention is to make it a win-win for all parties by the conclusion of each transaction, and that’s what I love about this profession.”

Alec lives in Santa Barbara with his wife Whitney, his teenage sons Dante and Jensen, and his dog Burley.

If you are an agent considering your next career move, contact Alec at 805-637-5774 or AlecWorthingtonBruice@bhhscal.com.

Alec Bruice

© 2021 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.