Santa Barbara Independent Real Estate 3/30/23

6BD/6½BA • $18,500,000

The Easter Team, 805.570.0403

LIC# 00917775

2930 BRAMADERO RD, LOS OLIVOS 4BD/3½BA; ±19.3 acres • $3,250,000

Laura Drammer / Nancy Kogevinas, 805.448.7500 / 805.450.6233

LIC# 01209580 / 01209514

3BD/3BA • $1,825,000

Mia Teetsel & Beverly Herrera, 805.202.9118

LIC# 01256862 & 01152828

TAKE A TOUR TODAY at

bhhscalifornia.com

21 VIA ALICIA, SANTA BARBARA

4BD/3½BA • $5,400,000

Andrea Cambern, 805.722.2352

LIC# 02158714

909 CHELHAM WY, MONTECITO 3BD/2BA • $2,650,000 Cole Robbins / Laura Drammer, 805.403.7735

LIC# 01910827 / 01209580

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 accuracy of that information.

137 3RD ST, SOLVANG

3BD/2½BA • $1,550,000

Laura Drammer, 805.448.7500

LIC# 01209580

© 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. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including

© 2023 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. 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 verify the accuracy of that information.

TAKE A TOUR TODAY at bhhscalifornia.com

TAKE A TOUR TODAY at bhhscalifornia.com

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 verify the accuracy of that information.

© 2023 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.

LLC and

Cielo Store Ready for a New Chapter

Aspiritual aura infuses the property at 5396 East Camino Cielo both inside and out. As I admired the myriad details in each room and meandered down the paths from one part of the property to the next, I knew I shouldn’t try to capture the particulars, because while the details are incredible the magic of this extraordinary place is in the sum of its parts.

Its history is resplendent in the stories told by area locals throughout the years and documented in photographs that hint at its colorful past. It has a beautifully curated present, obvious as its current owner answered my questions about the craftsmanship evident throughout. But its future is the most intriguing component of the story of 5396 East Camino Cielo, once known as The Cielo Store.

I drove up on a recent misty afternoon: 12 minutes from my doorstep downtown to the welcoming Cielo Store & Café sign and wood-shingled water tower that greeted me as I pulled just off the 154 at the top of the mountain. The clouds lifted and I knew I was someplace special.

Down a flagstone pathway and past a romantic, trellis-covered seating area, the low-lying main building is an understated backdrop to what lies within and around it. The front door opens into a room that was the actual store in the home’s past life, serving the neighborhood as café, bar, convenience store, and gas station all rolled into one. In its current form, the room is both a welcoming entryway and the kitchen, with hand-hewn custom cabinetry built around a jaw-dropping La Cornue range. A spiral staircase in one corner leads up to a loft and points to the original store’s sign, lovingly rescued and showcased front and center, poised above the doorway that leads into the heart of the home.

I stepped into a long great room that’s naturally divided into distinct areas that each serve their own purpose. An original bar runs the length of one wall,

with dining, living, office, and other functions all peacefully coexisting in this warm space.

The bedrooms lie just beyond and carry a similar style with natural-wood-beamed ceilings and hand-carved shelving. The primary suite can be closed off into a world of its own, with double French doors that open onto the magical back grounds.

The other half of the house is the showstopper that opens innumerable possibilities for future uses. A 1000-square-foot studio could be utilized as a secluded retreat or event center; a sprawling art studio; a fitness, classroom, or garden center; a full photography or sound studio; or infinite other countless applications. The setting is ripe for creativity and serenity.

Outside, a cluster of tiny-house-sized buildings are scattered under the limbs of a magnificent oak tree. One of these cottages is my favorite spot on the entire property: a redwood bath house outfitted with a quintessential iron claw-foot tub, just begging to be soaked in at sunrise.

The private acre also includes a meditation room, an outdoor shower, full outdoor kitchen, spa, and much more. The thoughtfully cultivated grounds maintain their natural appeal with a selection of mature fruit trees and a commitment to the ecosystem, offering an organic, sustainable lifestyle.

Over the past 20 years, the home’s current owner has lovingly shaped every inch of the property, both inside and out. The zoning allows for creativity in both residential and commercial uses, while the history of the property itself offers a unique opportunity to further a legacy in this mountain-side community mere minutes from the center of Santa Barbara. This magical space will build upon its storied past and carry its next lucky owner into a future just waiting to be imagined.

ADDRESS: 5396 East Camino Cielo

STATUS: On the market

PRICE: $2,495,000

D OWNTOWN H OSPITALITY

$5,880,000

1323 D E L A V INA - E LEGANT I NN BY T HEATRE/ A RTS D ISTRICT

OPEN THURSDAY MARCH 30 TH , 12-3 pm

AUTHENTIC ARCHITECTURAL HOSPITALITY PROPERTY IN AN A+ SANTA BARBARA LOCATION BY THEATRES, FINE DINING AND RETAIL, AND NEAR TO BEACHES AND WATERFRONT. SALE INCLUDES REAL ESTATE PLUS THRIVING BUSINESS WITH MULTIPLE REVENUE STREAMS AND LICENSES. ADDITIONAL LONG-TERM UPSIDE IN FLEXIBLE AND DENSE C-G ZONING / TRANSIT ZONING ON 0.30-ACRE PARCEL.

PRIVATE GARDENS, SUITABLE FOR EVENTS CHARMING DECOR, 7 FIREPLACES

OFFERING MEMORANDUM: WWW.1323DELAVINA.COM (OPEN LINK AND DOWNLOAD AS PDF FILE)

PROPERTY VIDEO: WWW.SANTABARBARADOWNTOWNINN.COM (PLAY SOUND ON, FULL SCREEN)

KEN SWITZER

805.680.4622

KENSWITZER1@YAHOO.COM

320 Dogwood Drive | Buellton | $1,485,000

Wonderful dual-living property featuring a two-story home + a detached guest house, located in the sought after Sycamore Ranch of Buellton. The light and spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom main home is just under 3,000 sq. ft. and ‘’boasts’’ high ceilings and quality finishes. Downstairs you’ll find a chef’s-sized kitchen with breakfast bar, center island, and breakfast nook, large formal dining area, spacious living room with walls of windows, plus guest bedroom and full bath. Upstairs features the en-suite primary bedroom with private view deck, luxurious bath complete with soaking tub + a giant walk-in closet that’s the size of a home office, plus two additional bedrooms, another full guest bath, open office space, oversized laundry room, and a lovely covered deck for relaxing while watchin the sunsets over the Coastal mountain range. Other highlights include central heat and air conditioning, 18KW Solar with a 23KW Generac Natural Gas Generator Back-Up, & a finished 3-car garage with plenty of storage. Enjoy the spacious backyard with beautiful stucco & stone outdoor fireplace, barbeque, & refrigerator, fenced, raised garden beds, fruit trees, spa, & apx. 500 sq. ft. of stamped concrete patio... the ideal indoor/outdoor lifestyle! Additionally, the apx. 600 +/- sq. ft. Guest house features a living room with big picture windows, bedroom & full bathroom, walk-in closet, kitchen, private patio space, & a separate entrance...perfect for guests or rental income! Don’t miss out on this amazing offering that is only a short distance to schools, shopping, wine tasting rooms, breweries, restaurants, & the Gaviota coastline. Explore this Property at www.320Dogwood.com

BEST

VALUE ON THE MESA!

OPEN SATURDAY 1:00pm-3:00pm

Your Mesa Realtors

Your Mesa Realtors

1427 Kenwood Road

1427 Kenwood Road

329 San Ysidro

Offered at $3,250,000

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.

329 San Ysidro

Offered at $3,250,000

1547 Shoreline Drive Offered at $7,995,000

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 features 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.

Enjoy complete privacy on this fabulous ~1 acre Montecito estate. Resting at the center of this property is a charming 2,300+ sq. ft. Craftsman style home originally built circa 1912. Today, it features modern amenities, and still retains its rustic charm. Located in MUS.

1553 Shoreline Drive Offered at $3,495,000

1547 Shoreline Drive Offered at $7,995,000

Very clean 2bed/2bath (easy modification to a 3 bedroom) single-level home with mountain and city views. Enjoy the Mesa lifestyle with vaulted ceilings, an updated kitchen, living room fireplace, and dual-pane windows/sliders. The kitchen features a stainless steel Viking stove and dishwasher. The second bedroom is over-sized, as it was previously two bedrooms. The spacious backyard features a large deck and natural landscaping. This backyard is ready to be transformed into a paradise. There is plenty of room for lawn, fruit trees, jungle-gym, trampoline, and more. Towering over the backyard is 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.

OFFERED AT $998,500

This is the Santa Barbara Spanish cottage you have been waiting for! This charming home sits well off the street with an elegant curb appeal, a spacious front yard, manicured landscaping, mature trees, and a stamped concrete driveway. As you walk up to the front door you will enjoy wrought iron accents, white stucco walls, Saltillo tile steps, tasteful awnings, and a red tile roof. This homeowner has a pride-of-ownership that we rarely see in this day and age. She has meticulously cared for and improved the property throughout her many years of ownership. This home is centrally located in the Westside neighborhood between The Mesa and Downtown Santa Barbara. The back entrance to Elings Park, a 230-acre private non-profit park open to the public, is just a 1/4 mile away! The Mesa amenities are just a “hop, skip, and jump” from the home which include the Mesa Shopping Center, Lazy Acres Natural Market, Shoreline Park, Leadbetter Beach, and Arroyo Burro (dog-friendly) Beach.

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!

OFFERED AT $998,500

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!

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

1553 Shoreline Drive Offered at $3,495,000

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

805.963.1704

805.963.1704

www.mrrealtors.com

www.mrrealtors.com

Doctors Without Walls Hosts Forum with Tracy Kidder

On March 15, Doctors Without Walls S.B. Street Medicine (DWW) hosted an informal conversation with Tracy Kidder about his latest book, Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People. The afternoon, al fresco gathering at The Creekside Restaurant & Bar for those directly serving the homeless population was the day after Kidder’s conversation with Pico Iyer at The Granada Theatre. Guests included workers and volunteers from various nonprofits and S.B. County Health staff.

Kidder, who won the Pulitzer Prize for The Soul of a New Machine, is also well-known for his profile of Dr. Paul Farmer in Mountains Beyond Mountains. DWW Medical Director Dr. Chelsea Dean, who served as moderator, began by thanking Kidder for writing so articulately about the struggles facing those who serve homeless people.

Kidder related that the biggest thing he learned from spending time with Dr. O’Connell, who serves homeless people in Boston, is that every homeless person is just as human as everyone else and they all have reasons for being homeless. Most of those reasons, Kidder quickly added, qualify them for our sympathy and for admiration that they are still alive.

Kidder confessed that he, like most Americans, used to feel uncomfortable in the presence of homeless people, walking by them while seeing them only from the corners of his eyes. To those who make judgments about homeless people based on their appearances, viewing them as incurably primitive or even alien, he posited: How do you keep yourself clean in cities that have few public restrooms? The simple thing is, Kidder stated, homeless individuals lack the necessary facilities.

On terminology, Kidder was equally blunt: “Homeless” is exactly what these individuals are they have no home, and many were banished from their families. Society should use this adjective, not try to sugarcoat the plight of these individuals with other, seemingly kinder words.

Kidder shared that one of the psychiatrists on O’Connell’s team estimated that 75 percent of the individuals their team serves had severely traumatic childhoods and that O’Connell thought the figure was even higher. Somehow these individuals survived the trauma, Kidder reflected, but the

trauma is an important determinant in their lives. In the game of musical chairs that is our housing situation, Kidder commented, these are the people left standing.

Kidder turned positive, sporting a big grin when he noted that he does see a “wonderful mosaic of efforts going on to help the homeless” and that those providing assistance are doing a pretty good job of it. In the face of all the violence, chaos, and cruelty in the world, Kidder related, this helps get him through the day.

Right here in Santa Barbara, we are fortunate to have that mosaic, and a key player is the event host, Doctors Without Walls S.B. Street Medicine, which provides free medical care to homeless individuals. This dedicated team of 186 volunteers, about half of whom are UCSB pre-med students, provides care at about 14 outreach missions each week. Most are daytime, fixed-location events, but some are in the evening and some involve its Street Medicine Team going by van and on foot to reach others where they are.

When care is needed beyond the scope of what DWW can provide, volunteers work with clients to overcome the logistical and psychological barriers to obtaining care. In 2022, DWW provided medical care in more than 1,000 encounters. It provided other types of assistance, including food and housing, many times more.

In November 2022, pursuant to a state-funded initiative, DWW entered into an agreement with CenCal Health to provide outreach to chronically homeless people for housing, medical care, and other assistance. Presently, DWW is managing six clients with its newly hired part-time case manager.

In addition to this event and his event at The Granada, Kidder did a separate forum with student journalists and a representative from the S.B. Independent about the challenges of covering health issues and homelessness.

About half of all UCSB Arts & Lectures guests engage in some form of outreach or educational activity while in town. The organization relies heavily on the community for support for its lectures, performances, education, and outreach.

For more info about DWW, go to sbdww.org. For more info about UCSB Arts & Lectures, go to artsandlectures.ucsb .edu

JUST LISTED ~ 968 VIA LOS PADRES DRIVE OFFERED AT $5,200,000 | 5B/6BA | 4,670 SQFT | 0.8 ACRES

Stunning contemporary estate style pool home featuring 5 bedrooms and 6 baths on a beautifully landscaped and hardscaped .80 acre in Park Highlands. In addition, to 5 bedrooms this home offers a large ocean view work from home office which could be a 6th bedroom guest suite. Beautiful mountain and peaceful ocean views highlight this turnkey 4,670 sqft home. Home enjoys gourmet kitchen with honed granite counters and large center island, formal living room and dining room with Cathedral ceilings, open concept family room/great room off the kitchen, wood and travertine floors throughout, private primary suite with beautiful bath and walk in closets, 5 spacious bedrooms with 10-foot ceilings and sliding doors to beautiful views. Incredible entertaining home with luxury finishes. Outdoor spaces include a huge pool and spa, outdoor sitting area with firepit, and built in outdoor kitchen. Immaculate home in a whisper quite location.

THE MARKET IS CHANGING

Each new market presents unique challenges and opportunities. Working with a dynamic, innovative, and experienced team is critical to make your real estate dreams come true. Our team is committed to excellence and you can count on us to embrace change, innovate, and constantly improve. We have fun, inspire and celebrate each journey together!

RANDY GLICK

DRE License #00950129

805.689.7167

Randy_Glick

CARMEN GALZERANO

DRE License #01953155

805.705.3080

SantaBarbaraHomesbyCarmen

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING, CALL US TODAY AND PUT GLICK REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES TO WORK FOR YOU!!

OPEN HOUSES

Goleta

280 Moreton Bay Ln, #4, 1BD, 1BA, Sun 12-3, $615,000, Village Properties, Curtis Swan II 805-6079709, DRE#02049218

151 Kalley Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,395,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

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

7049 Armstrong Road, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-4, $2,495,000, Epstein

Partners/Keller Williams, Kendrick Guehr 805-4484185, DRE#01964065

Mission Canyon

2609 Montrose Pl, 4BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,495,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Ann Zafiratos 805-448-4317, DRE#01355461

Santa Barbara

4025 State St. #29 (55+ park), 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $415,000, Century

21 Everest Realty, Laura Raudenbush 805 886-4777, DRE#01080810

4025 State St #74, 2BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $459,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Annette Vait 805-886-1926, DRE#02044281

1015 Quinientos St, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun

1-3, $1,299,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Andrea

Rughe / Atanas Ivanov / Katya sheets 805-895-5862 / 805-951-9518 / 805-7664235, DRE#01965484 / #02193507 / #02061444

Saturday 4/1 & Sunday 4/2

1423 W Valerio Street, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 1-4, $1,539,000, Mike Richardson, Realtors, Kyle Richardson 805-680-3131, DRE#01902531

316 Peach Grove Lane, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 2-4, $1,750,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Caroline Santandrea 805-452-0212, DRE#01349311

5489 Tree Farm Ln, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,825,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Mia Teetsel / Beverly Herrera 805-202-9118 / 805-7558404, DRE#01256862 / #01152828

2706 Cuesta Road, 2BD, 2BA, Fri & Sun 12-3, $1,895,000, Epstein

Partners/Keller Williams, Stan Aslanian 805-637-0338, DRE#00967246

530 Ricardo Avenue, 4BD, 2BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 1-4, $2,495,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Jennifer Gore / Taryn Martin 805705-1195 / 805-6366442, DRE#02199075 / #01969409

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

3620 Campanil Dr, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $8,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Rose Lizardi 805-879-8007, DRE#02107492

Montecito

909 Chelham Way, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $2,650,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cheylin Mackahan 805-212-9344, DRE#02104724

800 Oak Grove Drive, Lot, Land, Sun 1-4, $2,695,000, Village Properties, Ryan Malmsten 805-444-7926, DRE#01867047

1231 East Valley Road, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat 1-4, $2,699,000, Epstein Partners/Keller Williams, Steve Epstein 805-689-9339, DRE#00994428

269 Oak Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $3,395,000, Village Properties, Pranav Shastri 805-729-7993, DRE#02152010

802 Oak Grove Drive, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $3,950,000, Village Properties, Ryan Malmsten 805-444-7926, DRE#01867047

900 Toro Canyon Rd, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $5,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California

Properties, Karin Ucer & Monica Gear 805-4037866 / 805-746-9598, DRE#02172987 / #02126541

166 Butterfly Ln, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $6,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California

Properties, Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group 805-565-4014, DRE#01426886

Carpinteria

1128 Calle Lagunitas, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 12-2, $1,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Lindsey Densmore 310-991-6439, DRE#02162929

Santa Ynez Valley

625 Central Avenue Unit # C, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat 1-3, $594,900, Village Properties, Lindsey Drewes 805-2451817, DRE#02121681

1674 Laurel Ave #1, 2BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,185,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Ty Whelehan / Blake Williams 805-471-0993 / 805-4504003, DRE#02197732 / #02166159

1510 Kronborg Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,795,000, Pacific Crest

Realty, Staci Caplan 805886-3970, DRE#01450103

223 Valhalla Dr, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,950,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Bob Jennings / Bill Coker 805-570-0792 / 805-6897415, DRE#01387186 / #00825468

345 Meadowlark Rd, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 2-4, $3,595,000, Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices

California Properties, Kristen Maggitti 805-879-8033, DRE#02195648

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

SLB FAMILY GROWER’S RANCH

beautiful

and

views,

Ranch provides a rare opportunity for additional development and incredible potential for its new owner. The private and gated property hosts 51.4± acres, which includes a productive 26±-acre avocado orchard and 18±-acres of fallow land currently leased for 18 months providing additional income. There are no current structures, but there is the possibility to build and or plant additional avocados. Multiple water sources include four wells, and access to a water canal with pre-1914 rights that benefit the property are included in the sale via transfer of shares in a privately owned Water Company. Some equipment will be transferred with sale and onsite management is available if required. This is a unique property with historically high avocado income generation. Explore the potential of this very special ranch.

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 of her hours.

Real estate is an open and inclusive career. You must be 18 years old, take classes, and pass the California state real estate exam. Realtors come from all walks of life: former teachers, attorneys, bankers, nurses, 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 went to work at Sunset Realty at the age of 23 in the 1970s, where she was hired by Ruth Pokrass, who was an office manager and training director. Michele relays that Ruth told the story of applying for work in the 1960s and being told, “But, honey, we already have a female in our office.” Michele claims that her success in real estate has been due to Ruth’s mentoring, plus getting involved at the Association by serving on the Board and committees, and her desire to do a great job. Michele is president-elect of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors and will serve as president in 2024. Michele set the terms for her real estate career and raised three kids while doing it.

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 and has received innumerable awards and recognitions. She was the first female treasurer of California Association of Realtors and in 2020, Diana received the Distinguished Service Award

from The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). She is the first California woman to ever receive this prestigious recognition, in which only two members of NAR’s 1.6 million members are selected each year.

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 or MarshaGraySB@ gmail.com.

New Montecito Construction

4 BD | 5 BA | $2,699,000 1231EastValleyRd.com

This turnkey home offers all ensuite bedrooms, Viking appliances, wraparound deck, and private backyard.

Open House: Saturday 1-4 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: Friday 12-3 pm & Sunday 12-3 pm

Three

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.

Open House: Sunday 1-4 pm

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.

Open House: Sunday 1-4 pm

Joe Parker 805-886-5735

Garrett McCaw 805-252-2335 Avi Becker 805-944-2653 Weston Rowan 805-512-3892

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES

Message From the President

IF YOU OWN PROPERTY, HAVE YOU LOOKED INTO PUTTING IT INTO A TRUST?

Transferring property ownership to a trust is one of California's most popular estate planning techniques. Here in the Santa Barbara area, many of the homes we come across as REALTORS® are owned in a trust. A trustee is tasked with overseeing the management of the assets held by a trust on behalf of beneficiaries. In California, having assets in a trust has several advantages, such as avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, offering asset protection, allowing for flexibility, offering tax advantages, and guaranteeing continuity of management.

Eliminating Probate

The ability to sidestep the probate process is one of the main advantages of holding assets in a trust. When a property owner passes away, their assets become subject to probate, a procedure for dispersing assets to heirs or beneficiaries that is governed by the court. Having a trust in place can help avoid going through the timeconsuming and expensive process of probate. When a trust is established, the property is given to the trust, and the trustee is in charge of overseeing and allocating the assets in accordance with the conditions of the trust agreement. Beneficiaries may save time and money by doing this.

Maintaining Privacy

Unlike the probate process, which is a matter of public

record, a trust allows for privacy in the distribution of assets. Since the trust document is not a matter of public record, the distribution of assets can be kept confidential. This can be particularly important for individuals who value their privacy or who have sensitive family situations that they want to keep private.

Protection of Assets

In the case of litigation or a creditor claim, a trust can preserve assets. Due to the fact that the trust is a separate legal body and the assets held inside are not regarded as a part of the individual's personal assets, this is the case. In a trust, the property is shielded from liens and court orders directed at the individual owner. People who are at risk of being sued or who have significant assets they want to protect may find this to be especially crucial.

Making Room for Flexibility

Asset distribution to recipients is flexible thanks to trusts. The trust document may stipulate how and when assets are allocated according to certain circumstances. A trust may, for instance, provide that distributions be made gradually over time or only in specified circumstances. This might be especially crucial for people who have unusual family situations or wish to make sure that their assets are dispersed in a specific way.

Providing Tax Benefits

A trust can provide tax benefits to property owners. For example, a revocable trust can help avoid estate taxes

and capital gains taxes by allowing for a step-up in basis at the time of the property owner's death. This means that the property's value is adjusted to its fair market value at the time of the property owner's death, which can reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes if the property is sold. Additionally, a trust can help minimize estate taxes by allowing property owners to transfer assets to their beneficiaries outside of the probate process.

Ensuring Continuity of Management

A trust can ensure that the property is managed and distributed according to the property owner's wishes. The trustee appointed to manage the trust will have the authority to manage and distribute assets according to the trust document, even after the property owner's death. This can provide peace of mind for property owners, knowing that their assets will be managed and distributed according to their wishes.

As you can see, having properties in a trust in California can provide several benefits. Most importantly, start with reaching out to your local REALTOR®, who can assist in answering more questions and connecting you with a great estate planning attorney. Getting a trust set up is something that can be done by some great local professionals here in town. It's important to work with a qualified estate planning attorney to determine if a trust is a right option for your individual circumstances. It is well worth exploring these options if you are a property owner here in Santa Barbara.