Following the Monday Market Update, I was curious about the number of sales year-to-date this year over last year, as well as the percentage of so-called "distress" sales vs. traditional, regular sales.  A little research brought the following results:So far this year, regular sales are neck and neck with short sale closings and REOs still top the other categories.  Yet...Read More!

Very interesting!  Product once again is diminishing, with only 120 single family homes and condos available for purchase in the Santa Maria - Orcutt real estate market area.  Even more interesting, here we are at the time of year known as "the Spring Market", and sales are actually down.  Compare pendings and contingent sales, not the closed sales, as those...Read More!

This is not my favorite time of the year, to be perfectly honest! My absence over the past few days can be explained in one five letter word: TAXES! Alas, I have been buried for days in a mound of paper, trying to create order out of the chaos of a year's evidence of my life. Every year I vow...Read More!

Monday again, and here is the update from this past week, April 1 through April 7.  The news that we are losing inventory every week is nothing new, in fact it is getting pretty stale about now --- but should we complain, when homes are selling?  Probably not.  Other areas of the country are quite stagnant, so perhaps we should...Read More!

I'm often asked how 2012 is shaping up in comparison to 2011, so here is the low-down for the first quarter sales activities! First and most notably, we have 80 more sales closed between January 1 and March 31 this year that we did last year! 2011: 245.  2012: 325.  Like that?  So do I! 2011 Closed Sales, 1st quarter 245 total  63...Read More!

Just a short post to tell you, if you aren't already aware, about a great local online news outlet called Noozhawk.com!  Based in Santa Barbara, coverage does extend up the Central Coast and future plans call for increased coverage, so if you like getting fresh news with a local touch, check into this service right here!  It is always good...Read More!

Still losing ground, no pun intended, on active listings in the Santa Maria Valley real estate market.  We are down on inventory of single family homes, condominiums and PUDs (planned unit developments) and currently have only 143 units for sale. Prices range from $79,000 for a one bedroom condo to $1,995,000 for a six bedroom single family residence.  The average price...Read More!

No joke, it may be April Fool's Day today, but there are now only TWO homes left for sale in Foxenwood Estates!  This very popular neighborhood in Orcutt is experiencing some healthy volume in sales activity recently, and it can only be because of the friendly, people-oriented nature of the area.  On any given day or evening, you will find...Read More!

Thursday I told you about the Los Padres Art Guild's Spring Show today in Old Orcutt, the accompanying Bent Axles and Model A auto exhibits, and the Lions Club BBQ (read about it here). After you've enjoyed a few hours there, why not browse and buy at some of the local shops while strolling along Clark Avenue, and then at 5:00...Read More!

The title may be slightly misleading! A discussion of the best times in the history of the Santa Maria - Orcutt area?  Not!  Today I'm talking about where I've found the most satisfying salads!  Everyone has a favorite spot for lunch, and sometimes we get in a rut and need to be reminded of other restaurants. I'm always on the...Read More!