Montecito Real Estate Statistics  -  New Listings of Homes for Sale in Montecito Decline for 5th Consecutive Month

Beginning in September 2009, the number of newly listed Montecito homes for sale  dropped -21.7% year over year.  In October, the number of new Montecito home listings dropped  -40.6% year over year.  November dropped -65.6% year over year and December saw a decline of -35.3%.  For 2009, the number of new listings of Montecito homes for sale was down -5.2%.  Now we have a new year, and January saw yet another decline of -14.7%

Eventually, this 5 month trend will have an impact on the Montecito Real Estate market.  In the meantime, Buyers can enjoy the wide selection of  homes for sale in Montecito in all price ranges. 

Search homes for sale in Montecito now by clicking "Search the MLS" tab at the top left of the home page.  You can browse descriptions and photos of homes matching your specific criteria at your leisure without any sign ups. 

Year End Santa Barbara Real Estate Statistics

2009 was a tough year for real estate all over.  Santa Barbara was no exception. That said, Santa Barbara real estate had a far less blow than the majority of real estate markets across the country.

The total number of homes sold in Santa Barbara in the year 2009 was up +7.7% year over year.    The total number of homes listed for sale in Santa Barbara in the year 2009 on the other hand was down -2.4%.   More Santa Barbara homes sold, and fewer Santa Barbara homes listed for sale demonstrates that if this continues, the Santa Barbara real estate may be on the upswing.

To view homes for sale in Santa Barbara click on the Search MLS tab at the top of the page.   

Santa Barbara Real Estate - It Is Time To Buy!

James B Stewart of Smart Money states "the data suggests that real estate prices hit a bottom some time during 2nd Quarter and now have begun to rise"  He cites many reasons for this which include bargain prices on homes for sale, a good selection of inventory of homes for sale, and strict appraisals which benefit buyers.  Stewart goes on to say  "I cant imagine a better time to buy than now...that means if you have been sitting on the fence its time to act."   

The Santa Barbara real estate market have closed sales to back up James Stewarts claims.  Over the last 30 days, Santa Barbara real estate closings  include a brand new Montecito Estate home sell for $18.5 million, a historic Montecito Estate home sell for $15.3 million, a Sports Star's Montecito home sell for $9.5 million, a Montecito home in a guard gated community  sell for $9 million, a Montecito Mini Estate home sell for $8.2 million, another Montecito home sell for $7.1 million and a Montecito fixer upper sell for $6.7 million.

The experts are saying it is time to buy, and the Santa Barbara buyers are buying.   That said, there are still many great real estate deals in Santa Barbara to be had.  There is a large supply of homes for sale in Santa Barbara, and there are several motivated sellers willing to make a deal.  To top it all off, interest rates are at historic lows.  So what are you waiting for?  Stewart says its time to get off the fence.   

To view homes for sale, go to the Search the MLS tab at the top left.   

Santa Barbara Hits US News & World Reports Top 10 List

In a recent article in US News & World Report, Santa Barbara was listed at the top of their list as providing the greatest quality of life.   The article cites a working paper by David Albouy, an Economist with the University of Michigan that details that a home in Santa Barbara .."provides much more than a roof over your head.  The land where you live brings a certain quality of life.."  The article goes on to cite the weather, which is Santa Barbara averages 72 degrees year round,   the article also cites the proximity to the Coast, Santa Barbara is an oceanfront resort community.  The article cites the cultural and recreational opportunities.  Santa Barbara, a University town offers a wide array of cultural and recreational opportunities.  In short, Santa Barbara is one of the very best quality of life communities in the world and US News & World Report just wrote about it.  The article was written by Matthew Bandyk on June 23, 2009.   

You can view homes for sale in Santa Barbara that match your specific criteria by clicking here.