on the successful representation of the buyer at 1625 Alisos Rd, Sold for $4,600,000.
CAROLE COLONE
805.708.2580
CaroleColone@bhhscal.com DRE 01223216
on the successful representation of the seller at 40 El Cielito Rd, Sold for $4,000,000.
CRISTAL CLARKE
805.886.9378
Cristal@Montecito-Estate.com Montecito-Estate.com DRE 00968247
on the successful representation of the buyer at 40 El Cielito Rd, Sold for $4,000,000.
MARISA GARBER
858.337.8727
MarisaGarber@bhhscal.com DRE 02153765
on the successful representation of the seller at 7035 Gobernador Canyon Rd, Sold for $3,945,000.
CRISTAL CLARKE
805.886.9378
Cristal@Montecito-Estate.com Montecito-Estate.com DRE 00968247
on the successful representation of the seller at 3625 Jalama Rd, Sold for $3,400,000.
LAURA DRAMMER
805.448.7500
Laura@LauraDrammer.com www.LauraDrammer.com DRE 01209580
on the successful representation of the buyer at 814 Pedregosa St, Sold for $2,128,000.
VALERIE MENKE
805.215.6733
ValerieMenke@bhhscal.com DRE 02192021
CAROLE COLONE
CRISTAL CLARKE
MARISA GARBER
VALERIE MENKE
LAURA DRAMMER
CRISTAL CLARKE
Picking the Perfect Fabric
by Laura Gransberry
Fabrics play an essential role in interior design, influencing the mood, texture, and overall aesthetic of a space. Whether you’re designing a cozy living room or a chic office, understanding how to work with different types of fabrics can help you create a harmonious environment that reflects your style and serves its purpose. I almost always choose a fabric at the beginning of a project as the jumping-off point, even in a bathroom. If there is a window in the bathroom, I’m looking for the perfect window treatment and building my design scheme from there. Most of the colors in a room can be pulled from a single print fabric you love, and this helps keep everything feeling connected and cohesive. And my cardinal rule for all fabric and textiles: natural fibers and materials, always. Ready to dive in? Here’s everything you need to know.
Choosing the Right Fabric for the Space
Before diving into specific fabric types, it’s crucial to consider the functionality and mood of the space you’re designing. The fabric you choose will depend on several factors:
• Room function: High-traffic areas, like living rooms or dining rooms, require durable fabrics that can withstand frequent use. More serene spaces like bedrooms or libraries might benefit from softer, luxurious textiles.
• Climate: If you’re designing in a warmer climate, light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal. In colder climates, heavier, cozier fabrics such as wool or velvet create a sense of warmth.
• Style: The texture, pattern, and finish of a fabric can contribute to the overall style whether it’s modern, traditional, boho, or minimalist.
Popular Fabrics and How to Use Them
Each type of fabric has its own characteristics that make it ideal for different applications. Here’s a breakdown of popular fabrics and tips on how to use them:
• Cotton is one of the most versatile fabrics in interior design. It’s breathable, soft, and easy to care for, making it a popular choice for upholstery, curtains, and throw pillows. Its natural texture is ideal for creating casual, comfortable spaces, such as family rooms or bedrooms.
• Linen is a natural fabric made from flax and is known for its textured, slightly wrinkled appearance. It’s often used in more casual, airy spaces due to its light, breathable nature. However, linen’s tendency to wrinkle is part of its charm, making it perfect for a relaxed, lived-in aesthetic.
• Velvet adds luxury, depth, and richness to a room. It has a soft, plush feel and is often associated with opulence. Velvet works well in spaces where you want to create a dramatic, sophisticated atmosphere, such as a formal living room or a master bedroom.
• Wool is a durable, warm, and insulating fabric, making it an excellent choice for colder climates or rooms you want to feel cozy and inviting. It’s often used for rugs, throws, and upholstered furniture due to its ability to retain its shape over time.
• Silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics available,
known for its smooth texture and high sheen. It’s often used for curtains, cushions, or as an accent in decorative elements due to its ability to reflect light and add an elegant touch to any room.
Fabric Combinations and Layering
An important part of fabric usage in interior design is layering. Combining different fabrics not only adds texture and interest to a room but also creates a sense of depth and balance. When layering fabrics, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
• Texture contrast: Mix heavy, luxurious fabrics like velvet with lighter materials like cotton or linen to create visual contrast.
• Color balance: Use a cohesive color scheme across fabrics. While it’s fun to mix patterns, make sure the hues complement each other.
• Pattern mixing: Combine solid fabrics with patterned ones (like floral or geometric) for a dynamic, well-rounded look. Just make sure the scale of patterns varies to avoid visual overwhelm.
There is a special kind of peace that only comes from spending time in well-designed spaces. The right fabrics are not only essential for good design, but they are also the key to unlocking this feeling. The right combination will feel seamless, tying your spaces together, adding softness, and making you feel like everything makes sense. With the right blend of fabrics, you’ll have a design that is as functional as it is beautiful.
THE DESIGN DOCTOR
Crowning Santa Barbara's prestigious coastline, 320 1 Campanil Drive offers an unparalleled 3.75-acre legacy estat square-foot residence masterfully captures coastal living, where walls of windows frame sweeping Pacif Channel Islands vistas. The interior showcases time craftsmanship with soaring ceilings, custom millwor sophisticated entertaining spaces that flow seamles sly from indoor to outdoor living.
The 8,788California ic and less k, and pool. A tranquil
The grounds rival exclusive resorts with a champion court and pavilion, pickleball court, and stunning koi pond and private walking trail enhance the esta beauty. Generous accommodations include a separate house and an apartment above the three-car garage, complemented by a fully-equipped gym beneath the te nnis pavilion with a guest suite.
Most coveted is the estate's rare offering of predo minantly flat, usable acreage—an increasingly precious commodity a mong Santa Barbara's coastal properties.
Andrea O’Loughlin, Luxury Collection Specialist & Founder of Searching
We are proud to congratulate these exceptional agents for their outstanding representation and successful closings. Their dedication and professionalism continue to set the standard for excellence in our industry.
Cindy Campbell
cindy@villagesite.com | DRE 00691884
3002 PASEO TRANQUILLO OFFERED AT $3,795,000
4700 SANDYLAND ROAD #12 OFFERED AT $1,099,000
David M. Kim
david@villagesite.com | DRE 01813897
588 PASO ROBLES DRIVE OFFERED AT $3,785,000
2324 SONORA DRIVE OFFERED AT $2,645,000
David Marchetti
davidmarchetti@villagesite.com | DRE 02007487
6528 SABADO TARDE ROAD OFFERED AT $5,000,000
6529 TRIGO ROAD OFFERED AT $5,000,000
1600 SHORELINE DRIVE OFFERED AT $3,695,000
6640 DEL PLAYA DRIVE OFFERED AT $1,895,000
l 805.969.8900 l DRE 01206734
Crawford Speier Group csgroup@villagesite.com | DRE 01440068
4097 NARANJO DRIVE OFFERED AT $2,150,000
23 SAN JANO DRIVE OFFERED AT $1,595,000
Michelle King topagentsb@gmail.com | DRE 02030289
171 HERMOSILLO ROAD OFFERED AT $2,950,000
257 POR LA MAR CIRCLE OFFERED AT $899,000
Sharon Wilson
sharonwilson@villagesite.com | 00949207
3002 PASEO TRANQUILLO OFFERED AT $3,795,000
4700 SANDYLAND ROAD #12 OFFERED AT $1,099,000
THE BEATING HEART OF SANTA BARBARA
NEWLY LISTED: 770 COYOTE ROAD, MONTECITO
Nestled on 4.73 secluded acres in Montecito, this agricultural estate offers breathtaking views of the valley, mountains, ocean, and islands. The property includes a main residence with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, and a historic cellar with over 1,000 square feet of storage. Additional buildings feature a guest house, office/workshop, and a 2-car garage with attached facilities for work crews. Lush grounds boast mature avocado and lime trees, a cedar hot tub, a greenhouse, and ample space for further cultivation or development. Conveniently located within the Cold Spring Elementary School district, it’s just three miles from Upper Montecito Village and Coast Village Road. OFFERED AT $4,000,000 | 770COYOTEROAD.COM | SCHEDULE A PRIVATE SHOWING
1221 Chapala St Santa Barbara, CA 93101
$4,950,000
Bob Ruccione, Realtor
Coast & Valley Properties
805.729.2004
DRE#544022
CoastAndValleyProperties.com
Downtown Santa Barbara beautiful Spanish architecture 3 story mixed use trophy building with approximately 7,525/ft of fully leased office/retail & residential penthouse.
Located on the 3rd floor is an approx. 1,911+ sq/ft 2 bedroom 2 bath penthouse w/large deck of living room & large roof deck/spa area with 360 degree views of Santa Barbara.
Located on ground floor 2,750+ sq/ft retail/office space. Second floor 2,864+ sq/ft multiple office spaces with large private view deck.
Elevator service to all floors.
13 designated parking spaces plus adjacent parking & city parking lot across the street.
One block off State St close to the historical theater arts section. Across from SB Public Market, Vic, Arlington & Granada Theaters. Close to Lobero Theater, Art Museum, Public Library & Plaza.
5046 Birchwood Road, 2BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $895,000, Village Properties, Johnny Deim 805-6790692, DRE#02247763
375 Cannon Green Drive Unit B, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,200,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Mark Moseley 805-570-0363, DRE#00771422
7055 Del Norte Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 11-3, $1,279,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Madhu Khemani 805-252-0625, DRE#01387945
4440 Shadow Hills Circle #C, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,300,000, Village Properties, Jim Witmer 805-448-3921, DRE#00425344
562 Poppyfield Place, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $1,360,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Monica Gear 805-746-9598, DRE#01347808 5535 Somerset Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $1,649,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Erin Beck 805-708-0446, DRE#00552664
20 Baker Ln, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 12-2, $1,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Caleb Overton 805453-7080, DRE#02117608
1423 Camino Manadero, 4BD, 3BA, Fri 3-5 & Sat & Sun 10-4, $3,895,000, Village Properties, Emily McPherson / Brian King / Pat Saraca / Carly Gribble 805766-6014 / 805-452-0471 / 805-886-7426 / 805 951-7255, DRE#02133962 / #01868186 / #01080801 / #02233358 San Roque
4154 Via Andorra Unit C, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 10-4, $895,000, Village Properties, Mandy Gocong / David Marchetti 805-698-4457 / 805-637-4160, DRE#02219541 / #02007487
26 W. Constance #8, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $1,095,000, Village Properties, Cara Gamberdella / Nicole Powers 805-680-3826 / 925-548-1305, DRE#01766267 / #02185632
3052 Lucinda Lane, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $1,495,000, Village Properties, Thomas Johansen 805-886-1857, DRE#01401533
2731 Miradero Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2 & Sun 2-4, $1,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Annette Vait / Kristen Maggitti 805-886-1926 / 805-895-8387, DRE#01426886
The Mesa
1078 Miramonte Drive #3, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $1,095,000, Village Properties, Johnny Deim 805-6790692, DRE#02247763
Saturday 1/25 & Sunday 1/26
2051 Cliff Drive Unit 10, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,475,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Stefan Stojanovski 805-570-0640, DRE#02008932
The Riviera
516 Alameda Padre Serra, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $2,790,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805-7082323, DRE#02153765
1235 Mission Ridge, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 1-3, $3,850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Claudia Schou / Terri Dimond 805-403-7053 / 805709-0934, DRE#02134548 / #01378431
1227 Viscaino Road, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 1-4, $3,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Mark Schneidman 805-452-2428, DRE#00976849
Santa Barbara
340 Old Mill Rd Space #12, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $485,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Rachel Brown 805-570-7160, DRE#01950975
1078 Miramonte Drive #4, 1BD, 1BA, Sun 1-4, $799,000, Sun Coast Real Estate, Mike Agnoli 805-7220154, DRE#02193883
120 El Sueno Rd, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 12-4 & Sun 12-3, $995,000, Village Properties, Michael Dickman / Angel Speier 805-689-3355 / 805-316-4336, DRE#02093312 / #02037359
1130 Hutash Street, 2BD, 2BA, Thu 11:30-2, Fri 11:30-2 & Sat 11:30-2, $1,398,000, Keller Williams Santa Barbara, Autie Bayaban 805-699-6515, 2196482 3736 State Street #109, 2BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4, $1,655,000, Village Properties, Carly Gribble 805-9517255, DRE#02233358
318 Arden Road, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,699,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sue Irwin / Kit Peterson / Ty Whelehan 805-705-6973 / 805-689-5535, DRE#01413354 / #02008932 / #02197732
3069 Lucinda Lane, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 11-3, $1,950,000, Village Properties, Lourika van Tonder / Pam Shalhoob 805-280-5865 / 805-895-9190, DRE#02211987 / #02053975
1020 Flora Vista Drive, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $2,250,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Ryan Strehlow 805-705-8877, DRE#10446673
1227 De La Vina Street Unit C, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $2,397,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Ruhge 805-895-5862, DRE#01965484
2335 State St, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $2,485,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andy Katsev 805-8962010, DRE#01348655
805 Palermo Drive, 4BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $2,595,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katinka Goertz / Steve Breihan / Ashley Anderson / Paul Hurst 805708-9616 / 314-753-1899 / 805-618-8747 / 805-680-8216, DRE#01871645 / #02244138 / #01903215 / #00826530
700 Mateo Court, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $2,695,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Brooke Ebner 805-453-7071, DRE#00917775
518 E Pedregosa, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $2,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Marisa Garber 858-337-8727, 02153765
311 Stanley Drive, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,349,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ashley Anderson / Paul Hurst / Katinka Goertz / Steve Breihan 805618-8747 / 805-680-8216 / 805-708-9616 / 314-753-1899, DRE#01903215 / #00826530 / #01871645 / #02244138
7 E Arrellaga Street, 3BD, 5BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 12-4, $3,995,000, Village Properties, Kim Crawford / Michael Dickman 805-886-8132 / 805-689-3355, DRE#01440068 / #02093312
2700 Torito Road, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-4, $4,450,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, The Olivers 805-680-6526, DRE#00949938
3319 Braemar Drive, 5BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $5,100,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Frank Abatemarco 805-450-7477, DRE#01320375
Upper East
20 E. Valerio Street, 2BD, 2.5BA, Thur 10-1, Sat 10-4 & Sun 11-4, $1,395,000, Village Properties, Bob Curtis / Nicole Wesley / Cimme Eordanidis / Emily McPherson 805-570-1660 / 805-448-6858 / 805-722-8480 / 805-766-6014, DRE#02160376 / #02017169 / #01745878 / #02133962
700 Mission Canyon Road, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat 1-3, $7,250,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Nell Grokenberger 310-889-4379, DRE#01426886
Montecito
505 El Bosque Road, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $4,500,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Patrice Serrani 805-637-5112, DRE#01764713
595 Freehaven Drive, 5BD, 5BA & 1PBA, Sun 2-4:30, $5,575,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Sherry Lawson 805-252-4400, DRE#01019856
226 E Mountain Drive, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sun 1-3, $6,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Beverly Herrera 805-755-8405, DRE#00950129
840 Riven Rock Road, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $6,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805-708-2323, DRE#02061444 712 Ashley Road, 3BD, 4BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $8,150,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Michelle Eskandari 805-637-8061, DRE#01861525
207 Eucalyptus Hill Drive, 5BD, 4BA, Sat 1-3, $8,900,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Erika Burrows 805-8861588, DRE#02222512
Summerland
2335 Whitney Avenue, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $3,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cole Robbins 805-403-7735, DRE#01209580
Carpinteria
3375 Foothill Road Unit 323, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,150,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Reyne Stapelmann 805-705-4353, DRE#01347808
4000 Green Heron Springs Drive, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat & Sun 11-1, $1,495,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Nicole Dever 805-570-5226, DRE#02110739
Santa Ynez Valley
523 Myrtle Ct, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3, $1,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Jenae Johnson 805452-9812, DRE#01308742
1301 Cougar Ridge Rd, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat 11-12 & Sun 12-2, $2,495,000, Village Properties, Lisa Allen 805-705-3460, DRE#01242652
Realtors: submit your open house listings at INDEPENDENT.COM/ OPENHOUSESUBMISSIONS Email: openhouses@independent.com with questions $25 PER LISTING OR FREE FOR INDEPENDENT ADVERTISERS
C alcagno & H amilton Real Estate Group
MONTECITO & SANTA BARBARA’S #1 REAL ESTATE TEAM *
NEW LISTING | COTTAGE-STYLE PROPERTY IN SAN ROQUE
2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,311 Sq. Ft. | 1-Car Garage | Community Pool w/ Patio & Lounge Area | Peabody Elementary 2836 MIRADERO DRIVE | LISTED AT $1,195,000 | SHOWINGS BY APPOINTMENT
Welcome home to this wonderful single level Cottage-style property located in the heart of Santa Barbara. This unit has been well maintained and is in move-in condition with new updates including all new interior paint, carpet, faucets etc. The home features a large living and dining area with huge windows, vaulted ceilings and multiple access points to the wrap around patio. The living area and bedrooms have tons of natural light and views out to open space and mountains. There are two large bedrooms, two full baths, a cozy fireplace in the living room, in-unit washer/dryer, ceiling fans, solar tubes, ample storage space and 1-car garage. The quiet and serene Villa Miradero North community also boasts a clean welcoming pool with patio and lounge area, just around the corner from the unit. This property sits in a prime San Roque location near restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, shopping, Santa Barbara Mission, and Cottage Hospital.
HOA dues include water, exterior common area and roof maintenance, earthquake insurance, fire insurance, community pool with lounge area, guest parking, property management, community landscaping and garbage/recycling services.
Very clean 2bed/2bath Mesa lifestyle with kitchen features two bedrooms. The formed into a paradise. the backyard is tucked 329 Offered Enjoy complete ~1 acre Montecito center of this property 2,300+ sq. ft. originally built features modern retains its rustic
Sold for $2,400,000 1347 Cliff Drive
THE RICHARDSON TEAM
Your Mesa Realtors
“It took at least a year for my sister and I to reach the difficult and emotional decision to sell our parents’ home. When we talked with Kyle and Mike, we immediately had a good feeling about them, and they proved to be empathetic, safe, and trustworthy people to work with during an emotionally fraught time. With their offices just a few blocks from our place on the Mesa, they already felt like neighbors, and being a family business, we sensed that they understood our family dynamics, and indeed like a family, they helped us bring it all together.
1427 Kenwood Road
They professionally guided the whole process, and were always respectful of our various opinions. They were easy to work with, and really did go the extra mile in all aspects and created a strong bond with us. They’re just genuinely good people. It was clear that being a multi-generational business gave them a historical perspective on the Mesa community and had seen how the Mesa was changing.
329 San Ysidro
Since we were out of town, Mike and Kyle guided the house preparation work — painting, landscaping, repairs— expertly and at a reasonable price; they shared ideas for colors, and made good recommendations that all paid off in the end. Then they went the extra mile, regularly checking on the place and even made sure the new shrubs were watered regularly.
Offered at $3,250,000
2bed/2bath (easy modification to a 3 bedroom) single-level home with mountain and city views. Enjoy the with vaulted ceilings, an updated kitchen, living room fireplace, and dual-pane windows/sliders. The a stainless steel Viking stove and dishwasher. The second bedroom is over-sized, as it was previously The spacious backyard features a large deck and natural landscaping. This backyard is ready to be transparadise. There is plenty of room for lawn, fruit trees, jungle-gym, trampoline, and more. Towering over a gorgeous oak tree providing wonderful shade over the deck. This home is located on a very quiet, tucked away cul-de-sac at the end of Kenwood Road. Attached 2-car garage with interior access.
privacy on this fabulous Montecito estate. Resting at the property is a charming Craftsman style home circa 1912. Today, it modern amenities, and still charm. Located in MUS.
1547 Shoreline Drive
Offered at $7,995,000
1553 Shoreline Drive
Offered at $3,495,000
In terms of the sale, their marketing materials, both on the web and the booklet, really hit on the strong points of the house. They were super helpful in working through paperwork and disclosures. They were always available to talk, and kept us informed. In the end they helped us sell the house at a price we were happy with, and enabled the escrow process to be smooth and drama free.
OFFERED AT $998,500
- Ken C.
Rare ocean front estate on the Mesa! This spectacular 4bed/4.5bath ultra-luxury property boasts ~5,100+ sq. ft. of living space resting on over 1/2 acre of prime California coastline. Enjoy unparalleled ocean views from every corner of this contemporary home. Must see in person!
As you can see we recommend Richardson Real Estate Services, better known as Mike and Kyle, one hundred percent wholeheartedly.”
1/2 acre ocean front lot! This is a once in a life time opportunity to purchase a vacant piece of ocean front property located in one of Santa Barbara’s most desirable neighborhoods. Build your dream home to the exact specifications that you desire. Panoramic ocean views! The Richardson Team
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com
805.963.1704
805.963.1704
www.mrrealtors.com
www.sbrealtor.com
DRE Lic. #00635254 + #01902531
BRE Lic. #00635254 + #01902531
Spectacular Views with Room for Everyone! This stunning home, at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, islands, cityscape, mountains, and canyons. Set on a private .66-acre lot surrounded by open space, it’s perfect for nature lovers.
Magnificent Views from every angle. Spacious Living Areas: Living room with vaulted ceilings, wood floors, and a cozy fireplace. Island kitchen with new quartzite counters and stainless appliances. Flexible Floorplan: 3,900 sf, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and multiple family rooms options. Ground Floor Primary Suite with vaulted ceilings, fireplace, and en-suite bathroom w/ huge walk-in closet. Flagstone patio, large orchard, and peaceful location. 4 fireplaces, central AC, 2-car garage. Located in top-rated school areas.
Financial Self-Care
The start of the New Year is always a time of reinvigoration, change, prioritization, and reflection. For many, our focus is on health changes and big goals. For some, that health change may be just as much for their pocketbook as the number on the scale. And while as a state we will continue to see many changes as a result of recent devastation, it is important to focus on the small changes we can make as well as the big ones. If having a larger savings account, or tighter budget is your focus, here are a few things that can help put you on the right track.
Pay yourself first: While many of us are working down credit card bills racked up over the holidays, it can be just as important to be sure to save cash. A good rule of thumb is to split what you have after paying your survival minimums between a savings account and paying off debt with a goal of keeping a “float balance” of three times your monthly survival number.
Know your monthly survival number: This is the minimum it takes to run your life. Your housing payment + groceries + utilities + minimum car and credit card payments. This is not your vacation fund or going-out budget. Having this number defined allows you to better focus on what you can do with any additional monies, like save for a house, go out on the town, or get out of debt faster.
Check the apps: Your phone is a magic device that also can hide recurring spending. By going to your Settings and then the list of apps that are on your phone, you can see which ones may come with a recurring price tag that could be brought down or even cut out. Many will let you still use the app until
the membership time is set to expire, and then offer you a discount to stay connected.
Weekly $10 challenge: Every week, challenge yourself to cut spending by $10 from the previous week. Does that mean getting only one drink at dinner versus two? Or perhaps planning ahead to have leftovers to take for lunch one day versus eating out? Take that $10 and apply to debt, or a savings jar that you can watch grow. Tip: Label the savings jar with a picture of a dream vacation to entice you to fill it up sooner. Act like it’s already yours: Getting ready for a big purchase that comes with a recurring monthly payment? Pretend like you have that payment now what must adjust? Does it feel right, or do we need to refocus? Maybe you are asking for a raise or promotion. What responsibilities would come with that raise, and can you handle them? Do these changes inspire you?
Play the Credit Card Challenge: Remember, credit is like high school you want a lot of folks saying nice things about you. Spread debt balances over several cards to keep balance-to-limit ratios on the lower side. Make a list of cards from lowest to highest balance and focus on paying the lowest balance off
first, then repeat.
by Austin Lampson
Celebrate the wins: All of these challenges must be celebrated when you achieve them. Did you make progress? YAY, GO YOU! Give yourself a pat on the back, a big grin in the mirror, and maybe get a little something to reward yourself. By making it fun, you will achieve more and faster.
Whether you are saving to buy a home, working to afford the one you are in, or simply struggling as prices continually increase in any marketplace, taking a healthy approach to managing your finances is key. And while, yes, our state is in for quite a recovery coming out of recent events, by working on putting ourselves in a better place, we can then give more to others. Give more, give often, and be courageous money compounds over time, and your efforts will too.
Austin Lampson is a licensed mortgage professional and branch manager of Homeowners Financial Group. She has spent the last quarter-century helping her clients balance math and emotion to achieve their financial goals. Reach Austin at (805) 869-7100, alampson@ homeownersfg.com, or visit austinlampson.com.
HOW TO FIRE HARDEN YOUR HOME
As wildfires continue to impact communities throughout California, including the current fires in Los Angeles, it’s crucial for us in Santa Barbara to take proactive steps to protect our homes and loved ones. Fire-hardening your home doesn’t just reduce the risk of damage, it can save lives. Drawing on valuable insights from the California Association of REALTORS®, here’s what you need to know:
Address These Vulnerabilities First:
• Upgrade Your Roof: If your roof is made of shingles or wood, consider replacing it with Class A fire-rated materials such as composition shingles, tile, or steel.
• Seal Roof Gaps: Inspect your roof for gaps and seal them to prevent embers from entering your home.
• Vent Safety: Cover all open vents, including chimneys, with 1/8” mesh to block embers. Move
any combustible materials away from vents, both inside and outside your home.
• Fire-Resistant Walls: If your home has wooden walls, think about remodeling with ignition-resistant materials like stucco, fiber cement, or fireretardant-treated wood.
• Gutter Protection: Use screens to cover rain gutters and keep leaves and debris from accumulating.
• Vegetation Management: Maintain defensible space around your home by:
• Keeping only small, well-pruned plants with high moisture content within 20 feet of your house.
• Removing all vegetation within five feet of the property.
• Window Upgrades: Install multi-paned, tempered glass to reduce the likelihood of windows breaking due to heat and allowing embers inside.
Did You Know?
Embers are the most dangerous part of a wildfire. Carried by the wind, they can land directly on your house and ignite it, even if the fire itself is far away. Every inch of your home could be a vulnerability, so it’s important to take comprehensive measures to harden your property.
Additional
Fire-Safety Tips:
• Ensure your home’s address is clearly visible from the street to help emergency responders locate it quickly.
• Equip your home with at least one fire extinguisher, or two if you have a detached garage.
Stay on Top of Ongoing Maintenance:
• Regularly clean out rain gutters.
• leaves, and other flammable debris from your property.
• Trim trees that come close to your home.
• Clean outdoor decks, especially between deck boards, to prevent trapped leaves from becoming a fire hazard.
• Check your fire extinguishers annually to ensure they’re not expired.
• Keep your driveway and access roads in good condition for emergency vehicle access.
By implementing these measures, you’ll help ensure your home is better protected against wildfires. Let’s work together to keep our Santa Barbara community safe. Special thanks to the California Association of REALTORS® for providing these vital tips.
Summer Knight is a Santa Barbara native and top producing Realtor at Sun Coast Real Estate. Summer has been a member of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors for over 20 years and currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors. Reach Summer at 805-886-1261 or summer.k.knight@gmail.com.
Sarah Sinclair brings you the inside scoop on real estate in The Home Page. Come along as she takes a peek behind the doors of grand estates, tiny houses, and everything in between. Enjoy style secrets, garden gossip, industry insights, and more in your inbox each Sunday. Sign up at independent.com/newsletters
