June is National Homeownership Month, and it is a time to reflect on the role it plays in strengthening families, building communities, and creating generational wealth. Yet for many Californians, the dream of homeownership feels further out of reach than ever. High prices, low inventory, and burdensome regulations have created one of the nation’s most challenging housing markets.
Santa Barbara’s downtown has always been more than just a commercial district, it’s a cultural anchor, a place to gather, and a reflection of the character of the community. That’s why the formation of the new Downtown Santa Barbara Community Benefit Improvement District (CBID) is such a significant and welcome development.
Created through a coalition led by the Downtown Organization, the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, and a dedicated CBID Steering Committee, this initiative empowers property owners to reinvest in their neighborhood and take the lead in shaping its future. By establishing this district, property owners have committed to collectively funding services that go above and beyond what the City currently provides, a true example of community-driven progress.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer here in Santa Barbara. It’s also the time that many of us also begin preparing our homes for the warmer months ahead. Whether you’re planning to entertain guests, tackle home improvement projects, or simply enjoy more time outdoors, there are a few things you can do to ensure your home is ready for summer.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure whether you’re financially ready to take that next step.
Most homeowners don’t think twice about the security of their property title until it’s too late. Title fraud, also known as deed theft, is a serious and often overlooked crime that can result in the loss of your home, even while you’re still living in it. This article is based on information from the National Association of REALTORS® and can be found on facts.realtor.
Last week I was in Sacramento, along with other local colleagues, representing our Santa Barbara community at the California Association of REALTORS®’ Board of Directors meetings.
A significant moment of this year’s meetings is the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, landmark legislation passed in 1995 that remains a foundational safeguard for both property owners and future renters across California.
Before Costa-Hawkins, cities like Santa Monica, Berkeley, and San Francisco adopted extreme rent control ordinances, including “vacancy control”, a policy that capped rents indefinitely, even after a tenant moved out. These policies stripped owners of the ability to adjust rents to meet rising costs, discouraging investment and causing many to sell their properties at a loss. Housing providers were left without a fair return, and the rental housing market suffered.
On Tuesday, April 22nd, the Santa Barbara City Council voted on a series of amendments to the tenant protection ordinance that was first passed in 2024. These new provisions introduce significant changes that affect both rental housing providers and tenants, especially in cases involving substantial remodels of rental units.
As President of the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®, I want to ensure our community understands the proposed changes and what they mean in practice.
For many homebuyers, especially here along the South Coast, purchasing a home often means becoming part of a Homeowners Association (HOA) or similar community association. Whether you're considering a condo, townhouse, or a home in a master planned community, it’s important to understand what an HOA is, and how it might impact your lifestyle and budget.
Buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction, it’s a major life decision tied closely to your goals, your family, and your financial future. That’s why Fair Housing Month is so important. Not just for our profession, but for our community.
As we approach April 1, 2025, it's crucial to be aware of two significant housing-related laws coming into effect in California. These new regulations aim to enhance tenant rights and clarify landlord responsibilities.
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