Santa Barbara Independent Real Estate 3/23/23

6BD/6½BA • $12,000,000

Team Scarborough, 805.331.1465

LIC# 01182792

TAKE A TOUR TODAY at bhhscalifornia.com

• $4,795,000

Cammy Pinoli / Laura Drammer, 805.452.9725

LIC# 02074002 / 01209580

6790 RINCON RD, CARPINTERIA

1BD/1BA; ±7.17 acres • $6,500,000

Cole Robbins / Laura Drammer, 805.403.7735

LIC# 01910827 / 01209580

3BD/2½BA + office; ±2.49 acres • $2,300,000

Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500

LIC# 01209580

2BD/2BA • $785,000

Cammy Pinoli / Laura Drammer, 805.452.9725

LIC# 02074002 / 01209580

1271 FRANCISCAN CT #2, CARPINTERIA

2BD/1BA • $735,000

Lauren Dulcich, 805.365.0560

LIC# 02073213

BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently

© 2022 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.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CALIFORNIA PROPERTIES

is pleased to congratulate

on the successful representation of the Seller at 491 Pimiento Ln., Listed for $8,750,000.

MARSHA KOTLYAR ESTATE GROUP

on the successful representation of the Buyer at 491 Pimiento Ln., Listed for $8,750,000; & the Seller at 3018 Paseo Tranquillo Listed for $3,575,000.

NANCY KOGEVINAS 805.450.6233

Nancy@Kogevinas.com

www.MontecitoProperties.com LIC 01209514

RANDY FREED & KELLIE CLENET

on the successful representation of the Seller at 302 Alston Rd., Listed for $3,995,000.

RANDY FREED & KELLIE CLENET 805.895.1799 / 805.705.5334

Randy@TheSantaBarbaraLifestyle.com

www.TheSantaBarbaraLifestyle.com LIC 00624274 / 01434616

on the successful representation of the Seller at Seller 47 Seaview Dr., Listed for $3,395,000.

BARBARA NEARY 805.698.8980

Barbara@NearyRealEstate.com

www.NearyRealEstate.com LIC 01491532

on the successful representation of the Seller at 250 Ash Ave., Listed for $2,500,000.

KARINA MATIC

805.680.7701

KarinaMatic@bhhscal.com

www.KarinaMatic.com

LIC 01726170

MARSHA KOTLYAR ESTATE GROUP 805.565.4014

Home@MKGroupMontecito.com

www.MontecitoFineEstates.com LIC 01426886

ANDERSON / HURST ASSOCIATES

on the successful representation of the Buyer at 302 Alston Rd., Listed for $3,995,000.

ANDERSON / HURST ASSOCIATES

805.618.8747 / 805.680.8216

Both@AndersonHurst.com

www.AndersonHurst.com LIC 01903215 / 00826530

TEAM SCARBOROUGH

on the successful representation of the Buyer at 47 Seaview Dr., Listed for $3,395,000.

TEAM SCARBOROUGH 805.331.1465

Team@TeamScarborough.com

www.TeamScarborough.com LIC 01182792

MITCH STARK

on the successful representation of the Buyer at 250 Ash Ave., Listed for $2,500,000.

MITCH STARK

805.689.2429

MStark@bhhscal.com

www.SantaBarbaraHomesForSale.com LIC 01196532

TAKE A TOUR TODAY at bhhscalifornia.com

LLC and

do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the

2022 Berkshire

HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH

2510 Santa Barbara Avenue | Los Olivos | $2,300,000

Wonderful opportunity to enjoy approximately 2.5± acres in Los Olivos, zoned 1-E-1, with County encouragement of the ability to split into 2 parcels, and create 2 separate compounds. This property is zoned 1-E-1 and falls under the SB92 Urban Area designation. This allows for the POSSIBILITY of the following: Lot split into one acre parcels. Each parcel could POTENTIALLY have one Single Family dwelling, one 1200 sq ft ADU, one 500 sq ft JDU and a duplex. However, Buyer is to do their own Due Diligence to verify how this zoning applies to this parcel. This information provided by Sellers via emails with the County of Santa Barbara. Currently, the property has a lovely 2-story Farmhouse-style home built in 1993 with 3 bedrooms + office/den , 2.5 baths, with additional 300± sq ft. storage over the garage, perfect for future office, gym or both, plus owned Solar. All level parcel that drifts gently into the seasonal Alamo Pintado Creek. Awesome 24’x30’ two story barn that boasts storage above. Your own personal fruit orchard with plum, pomegranate, fig persimmon, apricot, and guava trees + artichokes, glob grapes, asparagus and kiwi berry!

First time on the market, opportunity is knocking, answer that door!

Home Update Trends to Watch

If you follow real estate news even minimally, you know that the market has seen a big shift in the past year. Between inflation and high interest rates, home sales have slowed, and markets have quickly changed from favoring sellers to buyers.

If you’re considering putting your home on the market this year, you’ll likely need to make some updates to impress buyers and stand out above your competition. To increase appeal and get the best offers, check out these home design trends noted by the National Association of Realtors as “trends to watch” for 2023.

Home Office

Even if buyers have returned to the workplace, most of them will still look for a place to create a home office. If the kitchen table is still your family’s home office, I recommend adding a small desk somewhere in your

home to lure buyers and help them see that your property offers flexible spaces to accommodate their needs.

Induction Cooking

Like it or not, induction ranges are here to stay. As cities start to outlaw natural gas hookups in new homes, induction cooking will eventually become the norm. Personally, I’m reluctant to give up my gas range, but if water boils faster and the smooth surface is easier to clean, then I’m all for it. Buyers are starting to think this way, too.

Smart Technology & Eco-friendly Design

Whether it’s the cost of energy or concern for the climate, more buyers are prioritizing eco-friendly design in homes. Solar panels and energy-efficient windows mean reduced energy cost for buyers, so investing in these items before putting your home on the market helps give you a competitive advantage. Additionally, smart technology features such as programmable thermostats and video doorbells are an appeal to today’s buyer.

Natural Interiors

Organic style and warm color palettes have been ontrend for several years, and although you don’t need to buy new furniture just to sell your house, adding a bit

of the natural can help impress buyers. Adding a large plant in the corner of your living room and cozy-looking throw pillows and a blanket can help create a welcoming, natural environment that so many of us are craving.

I’d love to see before and after photos of your home upgrades! Tag me on social media

Christine S. Cowles is owner of Styled & Staged Santa Barbara, an interior design company specializing in short-term rental properties. She is a certified Short-Term Rental Stylist™, mem ber of Santa Barbara Association of Realtors and Real Estate Staging Association, and a proud WEV graduate. She can be reached at info@styledandstagedsb.com.

4 BED

4 ½ BATH

555 Christmas Tree Lane | Santa Barbara

Rarely available single-family home in The Tree Farm. This beautiful contemporary 4 bed 4.5 bath home is turn-key and ready to move in. This home was built in 2019, which gives a homeowner all the modern-day luxuries and technology you want in a new home. The open floor plan on the first level is a wonderful area to relax with the family or entertain guests. This house has a great flow as the main room rolls right outside through the massive glass sliding doors. The homeowners have completely updated the backyard, making it the perfect low-maintenance area to enjoy the outdoor Santa Barbara lifestyle. Another great feature of this home is the primary bedroom on the first level, and it has all the amenities you’d expect from a home of this caliber; light & bright, a large gorgeous shower, a soaking tub, and a walk-in closet.

Open House: Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 4pm

www.555ChristmasTreeLane.com

Brett Buschbom

805.451.9108

BBuschbom@gmail.com

www.BrettBuschbom.com

LIC #01952245

Listed at $3,334,000

± 3,481 SQ. FT.

C.A.R.E.4Paws Hosts Fundraiser for New Mobile Clinic

On March 12, about 100 of C.A.R.E.4Paws supporters gathered at La Lieff Winery in the Funk Zone to raise funds for a new mobile clinic that will enable the nonprofit to serve more pets in need. Guests enjoyed the first rays of sunshine in several days, along with wine and nibbles.

During the short program, Executive Director Isabelle Gullo thanked donors and recognized lead supporters for the new mobile clinic: Lee Heller, Lyn Proctor, John and Karen Jostes, and a few others. She shared how last year, C.A.R.E.4Paws helped nearly 13,000 dogs and cats in its two aging mobile clinics. It did 2,300 spay and neuter surgeries and 2,800 microchips. It provided wound care, infection care, and dental care, along with vaccines and flea treatments to many more.

The mobile clinic is C.A.R.E.4Paws largest program, serving Santa Barbara County Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc five days per week and San Luis Obispo County twice a month. The nonprofit’s aim is to ensure that neither cost nor transportation are barriers to pets receiving medical care or getting spayed or neutered. The clinics are staffed by paid veterinarians and veterinary technicians and a volunteer team.

Having now reached its $350,000 goal, C.A.R.E.4Paws has the new 37-foot van on order. It is much larger than the existing 1995 and 2004 vans, enabling increased space to perform procedures and to house equipment and kennels. The present space limitations have led to a backlog for larger dogs needing surgeries. The new clinic will also allow for more types of procedures and for a greater geographic reach, pending sufficient operational funding. Given the high level of demand for services, C.A.R.E.4Paws will continue to operate its two older vans for as long as they are useable.

C.A.R.E.4Paws saw a spike in demand for its services with the pandemic, but even now, Gullo relates, so many of our community members still struggle to meet basic expenses for themselves, and these financial constraints “can get in the way of a pet receiving the care he or she needs.

C.A.R.E.4Paws helps bridge this gap, making it possible for pet families to alter and provide

medical services for their dogs and cats, for free or at a very low cost.”

According to Gullo, spaying and neutering are the keys to preventing the birth of unwanted litters and thus lowering our shelter intake numbers. Since the cost of these procedures can be prohibitive, C.A.R.E.4Paws offers them for free or for a small donation for those who otherwise could not pay.

It offers spay and neuter surgeries also for several rescue organizations on an ongoing basis. Lately, because of the nationwide and local vet shortage, C.A.R.E.4Paws has been doing spay and neuter procedures and providing some other medical care for S.B. County Animal Services and S.L.O. County Animal Services as well.

In addition to its main mobile clinic program, C.A.R.E.4Paws also distributes pet food to low-income and homeless individuals year-round. About two tons of food go out each week at sites throughout the county, some in collaboration with other nonprofits.

Another valuable program is its Safe Haven Domestic Violence Assistance Program, which arranges for immediate, anonymous foster care for pets of domestic violence victims. Referrals to the program come from Domestic Violence Solutions and government agencies. Additional foster families are being sought for this program.

Another program directly serves homeless individuals. Every Thursday, C.A.R.E.4Paws is part of the pack of nonprofits serving this population in Alameda Park. It provides pet food and supplies and once per month, with A’s Mobile Grooming, free dog grooming. Gullo remarked on how big a difference these services make to unhoused individuals and that C.A.R.E.4Paws is committed to continuing the service as long as it can. It is now offering similar services in Santa Maria and hopes to do so in Lompoc as well.

While C.A.R.E.4Paws reached its funding goal for the new van, it continues to rely on the community to fund the critical services it provides yearround. For more info or to make a donation, go to care4paws.org.

FOR MORE PHOTOS & INFORMATION SCAN

THE QR CODE

LISTED | 2434

SANTA BARBARA

Exquisitely remodeled home - new wood floors throughout, living room with a black marble fireplace and south facing French doors to a front yard sitting area and pergola, remodeled bathrooms and kitchen, and a classic formal dining room. Primary suite has 16-foot cathedral ceilings, fireplace, and French doors to the private rear yard with three new sitting areas & flagstone patios for entertaining. Red tile roof (2019), AC, new landscaping, elegant light fixtures, newer interior doors and so much more. Call today for a tour!

FOR MORE PHOTOS & INFORMATION SCAN

THE QR CODE

OFFERED AT $2,800,000 | TRIPLEX 3B/2BA MAIN + 2B/2BA COTTAGE + STUDIO APARTMENT

Incredible opportunity to own 3 units in downtown Santa Barbara. Spectacular craftsman style 3 bed 2 bath single level main home of 1,567 sq ft (current rent $5,050) could be the perfect owner’s unit. In addition, this property includes a two-bedroom 1 bath upstairs unit (current rent $3,300) and a very private single level studio (current rent $2,100) all on a 6,900 sq ft lot with 3 one car garages. All three units have been nicely upgraded and include working fireplaces, hardwood floors, coved ceilings and in unit laundry. Call today for a tour!

SantaBarbaraHomesbyCarmen

If you’re thinking of selling, call us today and put Glick Real Estate Associates to work for you!! GlickRealEstateAssociates.com

Gorgeous modern Mediterranean-style home located near Hendry’s beach and Boathouse restaurant! This incredible, over 1-acre property amidst lush landscaping, is truly a private paradise. From the beautifully landscaped front yard with meandering pathway and dry riverbed, to the lush and sprawling backyard with expansive lawns, sand volleyball, pool, spa, and outdoor kitchen with fireplace, this home brings the resort to you. Features include 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms with second floor verandas from every bedroom. The lower level features a spacious living room with fireplace and double French doors, dining area that opens to the entertainer’s backyard, family room with direct access to the pool and outdoor kitchen, laundry room with built in cabinetry, pool bathroom and guest powder room. A large gourmet kitchen offers abundant storage and prep space, granite countertops, Thermador stainless steel appliances, dual ovens, under cabinet lighting, a stylish and modern metal roof, tumbled travertine and espresso bamboo flooring, recessed lighting, French doors and luxury cabinetry throughout. The sizable and bright primary suite offers 2 separate balconies with French doors, master bathroom with lighted dual closet, walk-in double shower, water closet with skylight and spiral staircase leading to the pool and spa. Completing this amazing property is a 2-car direct access garage and ample space for RV, boat parking and a possible ADU or lot split. Ideally situated close to surfing, dog beach, hiking and dining, with a short drive to Elings Park, the Mesa and everything downtown Santa Barbara has to offer.

137 3rd Street | Solvang | $1,550,000

This splendid oasis sits near the end of the cul-de-sac and enjoys magical, expansive views over the Santa Ynez River and the Alisal Ranch. A beloved artist’s haven for many years, this home features a true Great Room concept, with a designer’s kitchen that opens to the dining room and then on to the gracious living room beyond, complete with a centerpiece stone fireplace, large picture windows, and a library wall ready for the reading enthusiast or book collector. Custom iron gates forged by local artisans, lead you into the wisteria covered Flagstone patios. This flexible floor plan offers the three bedrooms their own wing of the home, and each has outdoor access for privacy. There is even a dark room, plus the owner has created an intimate office that adds to the many spaces in this many spaces in this home to enjoy. Glass paned French doors lead you outside where you can lounge under the covered patio and be mesmerized by the views, wander down the stairs to the many terraced gardens with flowers and fruit trees or relax on the floating deck. Originally built by Erling Pohls as his own personal residence, this truly is a wonderful home in a wonderful location in the charming town of Solvang.

Explore this Property at www.137ThirdSt.com

OPEN HOUSES

Goleta

7248 Georgetown Rd, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $999,995, Coldwell Banker Realty, Joanne Stoltz 805-895-7322, DRE#00387433

Hope Ranch

3620 Campanil Dr, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $8,950,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Rose Lizardi 805-452-4492, DRE#02107492

Santa Barbara

1210 Cacique St, Spc 31, 1BD, 1BA, Sat 2-4 & Sun 1-3, $179,500, Coldwell Banker

Realty, Brisaly Balderas 805335-4726, DRE#02128318

306 W Ortega St, 2BD,

2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3 & Sun 3-5, $899,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Annette Vait / John Comin / Michelle

Madril 805-886-1926 / 805689-3078 / 805-453-0927, DRE#02044281 / #00662357 / #01961707

1015 Quinientos St,

3BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4 & Sun 1-3, $1,299,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Avi Becker / Katya Sheets 805944-2653 / 805-708-2323, DRE#02076584 / #02061444

Saturday 3/25 & Sunday 3/26

2706 Cuesta Road, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3 Sun 12-3, $1,895,000, Epstein Partners/Keller Williams, Stan Krome 805-637-0338, DRE#00967246

530 Ricardo Avenue, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $2,575,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Taryn Martin 805-636-6442, DRE#01995581

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

555 Christmas Tree Ln, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat 1-4, $3,334,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

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

3202 Braemar Dr, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 2-4, $4,995,000, Sun Coast Real Estate, Michael Agnoli 805-722-0154, DRE#02193882

504 East Valerio Street, 6BD, 5BA, Sun 1-4, $5,450,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Joe Bean 805-895-1422, DRE#00925828

3139 Cliff Drive, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 2-4, $9,995,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Houghton Hyatt 805-4534124, DRE#01992372

Upper East

1701 Anacapa St. #24, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $825,000, Village Properties, Julie Barnes 805-895-9498, DRE#01107109

Montecito

909 Chelham Way, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4 & Sun 1-4, $2,650,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Katya Sheets / Stefan Stojanovski 805-708-2323 / 805-5700640, DRE#02061444 / #02112629

231 Rametto Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $2,950,000, Sun Coast Real Estate, Chris Agnoli 805-895-0313, DRE#01132005

269 Oak Road, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 1-4, $3,500,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Joe McCorkell / David Pringle 805-455-7019 / 805350-2140, DRE#02051326 / #02068477

279 Santa Rosa Ln, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $5,575,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Sina Omidi 805-689-7700, DRE#01944430

Carpinteria

1271 Franciscan Ct #2, 2BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $735,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Lauren Dulcich 805-365-0560, DRE#02073213

1128 Calle Lagunitas, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 12-2 & Sun 1-3, $1,750,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Yolanda Van Wingerden / Lindsey Densmore 805570-4965 / 310-991-6439, DRE#01308141 / #02162929

6726 Breakers Way, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $3,500,000, Coastal Properties, Gary Goldberg 805-455-8910, DRE#01172136

Santa Ynez Valley

330 W Hwy 246 #134, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-3, $469,000, Berkshire Hathaway

HomeServices California Properties, Georgette Owens 805-570-6138, DRE#02172408

1674 Laurel Ave #1, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $1,185,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

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

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

$25 PER LISTING OR FREE FOR INDEPENDENT ADVERTISERS

Email: openhouses@independent.com with questions

Calcango & Hamilton real estate group proudly welcomes... Kevin Schmidtchen

About Kevin...

Kevin is a Santa Barbara native and has been a full-time real estate professional here in the Santa Barbara and Montecito areas since 2001. With 22+ years of experience and knowledge stemming from being involved in several hundred sales and negotiations, he is consistently one of the higher-producing agents and maintains a highly respected reputation within the entire real estate community.

Many past and current clients express their gratitude for working with a Realtor® who is both a true local and has such a relaxed demeanor in which they feel no pressure.

Kevin’s commitment is to be the best Realtor® for you and to provide you with the best resources and advice for real estate in Santa Barbara, Montecito, and the surrounding areas.

What his clients say...

“Kevin is awesome! When looking to buy a house in Santa Barbara, my wife and I didn’t know where to start. Kevin’s laid back, no pressure style kept us relaxed through the process. With the Santa Barbara market being as competitive as it is, his experience in navigating the offer process really put us in a great position. It is no wonder why he sells so many houses in the Santa Barbara area; a true real estate expert. We highly recommend Kevin and will use him in the future for our real estate needs.”

182 Victory Drive | Buellton | $785,000

Own a stand-alone home for the price of a condo! Super charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Rancho de Maria, turnkey and ready for you to enjoy life here in the Santa Ynez Valley! The living room features vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and opens up to the kitchen and dining area. The beautifully remodeled kitchen is Pinterest worthy and features Quartz countertops, and newer Kitchen Aide appliances. The wood floors flow throughout the main living space and bedrooms and create consistent warmth throughout the home. The backyard is low maintenance with artificial turf, plentiful citrus trees, a banana tree, and sitting area. The front yard is anchored by a beautiful peach tree along the quiet cul-de-sac. Living in Buellton offers the convenience to Highway 101, grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, craft beer, Zaca Creek Golf Course, and coffee shops. HOA members have access to the nearby park with BBQ area, basketball courts, tennis court, and recreation room.

Explore this Property at www.182Victory.com

Featured Listings

Upper Eastside Retreat

3 BD | 2 BA | $2,695,000 1915GardenSt.com

Turnkey home with large deck that overlooks the stunning Zen garden backyard.

Open Houses: Saturday 12-3 pm & Sunday 1-3 pm

Ocean View Samarkand Home

2 BD | 2 BA | $1,895,000 2706CuestaRoad.com

Rare opportunity to create your dream home with unobstructed ocean views in the highly sought after Samarkand neighborhood.

Open Houses: Saturday 1-3 pm & Sunday 12-3 pm

Modern

4 BD | 3 BA | $2,495,000 7049ArmstrongRoad.com

Graciously appointed for the best of everyday living while offering an elevated taste of a modern-day sophisticate, this entirely reimagined 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home is a sanctuary of superior craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

Three Bar Diamond Ranch

5 BD | 5 BA | $4,499,000 10901CreekRd.com

Private Ojai equestrian estate on nearly 13 acres. It features a pool, spa, media room, wet bar, 60 stall barn, and a riding rink. Endless possibilities await in Ojai - a place that’s been recognized by the New York Times as a wonderful getaway town.

The Home Page

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

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES

Women in Real Estate

Q: Marsha, I am considering becoming a Realtor. I have a husband and three children under the age of 10. Is this a realistic choice for a busy mom?

A: March is Women’s History Month, so you picked the right month to ask. My answer is a solid yes! I have been a Realtor for more than 25 years, and it’s a fantastic career for women.

I entered real estate in the mid-1990s. I correctly saw it as a career with a flexible schedule and growth potential. My first broker had been a high school teacher. She had two children under 10 years old. She created business by walking around her neighborhood, knocking on doors, and introducing herself to the neighborhood. She quickly developed a strong client base, and her real estate profession took off. She told me she never missed a family dinner, went to all her children’s school events, and volunteered at their schools. She joked that, with real estate, she could work her own hours, as long as it was all her hours.

Real estate is an open and inclusive career. The bar to become a Realtor is relatively low. You must be 18 years old, take some classes, and pass the California state real estate exam. Realtors come from all walks of life: former teachers, attorneys, bankers, nurses, and certified public accountants, as well as recent high school graduates, former day-care providers, hairdressers, house cleaners, people with disabilities, and all races and nationalities. It is an inclusive profession.

Early in my career, I worked with a pioneer, top-sales producer who had entered the field in the 1960s. She had

been a local waitress and would serve male Realtors their breakfast orders. When she overheard them discussing business, she realized “I’m as organized, hardworking, and intelligent as these guys.” She got her real estate license and never looked back.

Michele Allyn was also a female pioneer in Santa Barbara real estate. She entered real estate at 24 in the 1970s. Acceptance by the predominantly male field was slow in coming. Michele loves to tell the story about applying to work at Sunset Realty in the early 1970s and being told, “But, honey, we already have a female in our office.” Michele went to work for her mentor Ruth Pokrass, the first female president of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors. Michele set the terms for her real estate career and raised three kids while doing it. She knows that her clients have recognized her value as a hard-working agent. No discussion about women in Santa Barbara real estate is complete without mentioning Diana Bull. Diana has worked diligently to advance women and real estate at the local, state, and national level. She became a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors in 1976. She has innumerable awards and recognitions. Diana was named one of the top

50 women in business by the Pacific Coast Business Times. The first female joined the National Association of Realtors in 1910. Today, women represent approximately 66 percent of all residential real estate agents in the United States. Get your real estate license; it’s a great profession for all!

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

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES