Have you been thinking of buying a home in California? The central coast is undeniably one of the best places to live in the state. “From the sprawling estates of Montecito and Hope Ranch to the stunning and expansive views from the picturesque homes of the Riviera and the historic Upper East neighborhood surrounding the Santa Barbara Mission, buyers have the opportunity to choose a home for their individual lifestyle,” say Dianne and Brianna Johnson of Village Properties, which is one of the top brokerages in the area with offices in Santa Barbara, Montecito and Santa Ynez.
Because Santa Barbara is so desirable, the home-buying process can be a bit different than purchasing in other upscale locales. “The Santa Barbara area market is hot, hot, hot right now. The secret is out that our little slice of paradise provides a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with plenty of room to breathe and live in a more relaxed environment surrounded by beauty, culture and nature,” they say.
So, selecting the right agent or broker is essential not only for finding the right home, but also for closing the deal. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you look for a home to buy in Santa Barbara.
Neighborhood Knowledge Is A Must
Whether you are buying a new house, a condo for vacation or an investment property, it’s essential to find a broker who has extensive knowledge of each neighborhood. According to the Johnsons, “Knowing the area and the nuances of the individual neighborhoods is critical for making the proper financial and lifestyle decisions for your new home. Working with a seasoned professional with experience in the area is important. They can guide you towards neighborhoods and specific areas that can offer the best amenities to complement and enhance your lifestyle.”+
Whether you are buying a new house, a condo for vacation or an investment property, it’s essential to find a broker who has extensive knowledge of each neighborhood.
Ask Around For Referrals
If you’re a local in the area, or know someone who is, the Johnsons suggest reaching out to people in your social sphere and family for a referral before searching elsewhere. “Focus on finding a trusted local broker with deep ties to the community who truly knows the Santa Barbara area market intimately,” they recommend. After that, it’s important to read reviews and testimonials from prior customers.
On the other hand, if you’re new to the area, the Johnsons suggest reaching out to Village Properties to discuss which agent will be the best match.
A top agent or broker should have extensive knowledge of the current market.
Work With Someone Who Has Extensive Market Knowledge
According to agent David Kim, also with Village Properties, your agent or broker needs to have extensive knowledge of the current market because it’s so competitive. “An area like Santa Barbara is so nuanced and not cookie-cutter, so you will want to have an experienced and knowledgeable advisor in your corner,” he says. “There is incredible buyer demand and very slim inventory.”
It’s crucial for your broker or agent to explain the process as a whole upfront before scheduling showings or perhaps even sending out listings for consideration.
A Good Agent Explains The Process Up Front
It’s crucial for your broker or agent to explain the process as a whole upfront before scheduling showings or perhaps even sending out listings for consideration. “We find when assisting purchasers, it is most helpful to review the buying process with them in a consultation and needs assessment right up front,” say the Johnsons. “As the first step, we always recommend buyers determine how much they are comfortable spending on their purchase, obtain their verification of funds for an all-cash transaction and/or financing pre-approval from their preferred lender to determine the price range that works for their home purchase.”
When it comes to competitive areas like Santa Barbara, knowing what’s available off-market is as important as knowing what’s available on-market.
A Great Agent Knows About Properties Before They Hit The Market
With such a challenging market, buyers can have a better chance of having an offer accepted before a home is officially available. But not every agent will be aware of listings before they become public. “A good agent/broker will be proactive with seeking out properties that best fit your criteria, and sometimes even tell you about listings before they hit the market,” Kim says. “This allows a buyer to better prepare in a market where things are selling at lightning speed.”
Because Santa Barbara is so desirable, the home-buying process can be a bit different than purchasing in other upscale locales.
Communication Is Key
From sending listings to arranging appointments, and especially after an offer is submitted, your broker should be in constant contact with you. If he or she isn’t telling you what’s going on, or won’t return your calls or emails, it’s a sign you should be working with someone else. “Be certain your agent communicates with you well. You will want to be comfortable in knowing your needs are their top priority. The right broker will return your texts, calls and emails promptly when you reach out,” note the Johnsons. “The right broker will ask you numerous questions to determine what your needs are. They will listen to your needs and do their best to help you match your needs with the right home.”
Village Properties is locally owned and operated real estate company with a finely tuned focus on the Santa Barbara region and the people who call it home.
Standard Real Estate Rules Don’t Always Apply In Santa Barbara
Having an offer accepted often comes down to nailing down the right price. During this process, your agent may show you “comps” or sales prices of similar properties. However, this doesn’t necessarily apply in the current Santa Barbara market. “Many of the properties are so unique, there may not be a truly comparable fit to compare. Educating buyers about our local market and values is paramount. It is important to give our clients the information they need to make wise decisions,” say the Johnsons. “We always try to discern the sellers’ motivations and needs in the hopes of crafting the most enticing offer to present.”
