...from Yahoo Real Estate:

Housing: Best time to buy in four years

Valuations—the difference between a home’s actual price and what it should cost—are the lowest they’ve been in four years.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

• More than 88 percent of 330 housing markets surveyed showed price declines and improved affordability during the last three months of 2007, according to bank National City Corp. and financial analysis firm Global Insight.
• The survey covered home valuations during the last quarter of 2007, but there's reason to believe that valuations are even more favorable for buyers today, according to the authors of the report.
• The biggest gains in affordability occurred in California, Michigan and Florida, which are areas that also have been some of the hardest hit by foreclosures. Those states registered 43 of the 50 biggest price declines.

To read the full story, please click here.

Increase home's value

1. An updated kitchen
2. Modern bathrooms
3. A well-appointed master suite
4. Natural materials
5. Curb appeal
6. A light, airy spacious feel
7. Good windows
8. Landscaping
9. Lots of storage
10. Basement

** from Yahoo **

Here is a simple graph that illustrates recent sales compared to the last 2 years. Compliments to United General Title Insurance Company, http://www.ugtHT.com

It's summer in California once again and that means beaches and sand... Finding that special home close to the action can be difficult... especially if you want new construction.... something not readily available in the Santa Barbara area... it can literally take years to obtain design and permit approval, not to mention the course of construction... plan on a minimum of 2.5 years for a low key, out of the way, trouble free (HA!) project... anything that is high profile or encompasses hillside or Coastal Commission and you might double that time!

Discouraged??? Don't be... here is one that is all ready for you!!!


http://www.santabarbara-realestatetours.com/SL

If you have never heard of Zillow.com, it is because you don't already own real estate, don't do online research or... the value of your property is just not important to you at this time...

For those of you that don't know what Zillow is all about... it is a web site that will generate a dollar value for your property in about 10 seconds... all you need to do is plug in an address and a zip code and wham, bam thank ya ma'am.... here is a value! Is it accurate? Well...maybe!!

I have done some comparisons of properties with recent sales and did find on many occasions that the value was wildly optimistic... in fewer cases it was right on but all in all... you can use it for another information input!

The system doesn't take into account recent improvements, but it is a starting point... any Realtor you should choose to employ would likely have a look at this site... if they don't perhaps they are not web savvy and that should tell you something!

If you would like to give it a try... follow this link:


http://www.zillow.com

One of the best things to do is attend a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Built in 1936, the Bowl has become a home for the performing arts in Santa Barbara. As the largest outdoor amphitheater in Santa Barbara County, capacity 4,562 the Bowl retains its intimate ambiance while offering the freedom of a beautiful and natural outdoor venue.

Interested in what is up and coming?

Here is the link to the Bowl:

http://www.sbbowl.com/

Climate Details Santa Barbara


Average January High Temperature 64.50ºF

Average January Low Temperature 44.70ºF

Average July High Temperature 75.10ºF

Average July Low Temperature 58.60ºF

Annual Precipitation 18.58

Air Pollution Index View 97 100 Nat'l Average

What's the weather like right now???

Click here: http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/USCA1017_f.html

Aside from hiking.... plentiful beaches...shopping...eating and just hanging out.... we have a plethora of events..some cultural...some educational... some just plain fun! Here is a link to the Santa Barbara Independent Events page! This paper has risen to new height in local coverage and you can always pick up a copy at many locations around Santa Barbara... it's what the locals read!


http://www.independent.com/events/2007/

March was a turning point in the real estate market springing back!

92 homes closed in March compared to 73 in December 2006 and 91 homes went pending compared to only 52 in December! Big increase in sales and pendings!

Also, sellers are getting 96.37% of their asking price (usually after a realistic price reduction!) Still almost a 10% cancellation rate for escrows. Buyers, make sure you are pre-qualified!

Best Wishes as our Spring market blossoms!

One of the features of the Mesa are the stairs to the beach... 241 in all... I know..I counted them! A great place to exercise... play with your dog and just hang out.... for more pics go to http://http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=sosoomi&aid=576460762400858678&pid=&wtok=8Q3UK1fk57FLO8ytzldx7g--&ts=1178652429&.src=ph