Reputation Matters.
758
00882496 / 01070384
Light & Bright Condo in The Hideaway
7863 Whimbrel Lane – Offered at $715,000
Welcome home to this beautifully updated and conveniently located condominium in the serene Hideaway community. This one-bedroom, one-bath residence o ers 781 square feet of thoughtfully updated living space, featuring gorgeous manufactured hardwood floors, granite countertops, high ceilings and fresh interior paint throughout. The home includes a private one-car garage, washer/ dryer in unit and a quiet balcony, and a patio—perfect for enjoying the fresh ocean air drifting in from the nearby blu s. Ideal for students, a vacation retreat, or as an income-producing rental, this condo o ers exceptional versatility. Don’t miss this opportunity to live just minutes from the beach, Ellwood Pier, Ellwood Blu s, Sandpiper Golf Course, and all the amenities Goleta has to o er.
• Built in 2015; 781 sq. ft.
• 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
• 1-car garage
• In-unit washer and dryer
• Contemporary finishes, high ceilings, and fresh paint throughout
• Juliet balcony and private patio
• Serene location near the beach, Ellwood Blu s, Sandpiper Golf Course, Ritz Carlton Bacara and Camino Real Shopping Center
• Dos Pueblos High School
Shutdown Complete: Ending the Workday with Order, Not Exhaustion
SIMPLY
by Sara Caputo
Most months, when you read my column, you get insight into one of my favorite productivity tools. I think the right tool at the right time is important. One of the most deceptively powerful productivity tools I’ve ever adopted isn’t about doing more. It’s about stopping intentionally, confidently, and without the mental residue that follows so many of us into the evening.
It’s called End Your Day with Order (EWO) or the Friday 45. This is where you don’t work up until the last minute, but instead spend the last few moments of the day/week putting stuff away and preparing for your next productive session. In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear says, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems,” highlighting that consistent habits (systems) build long-term results, not just fleeting goals, making the process (system) more important than the outcome (goal) for real change.
Here’s my EWO system:
1. ONE TRUSTED CAPTURE PLACE: Before anything else, I do a final sweep. Loose notes, sticky thoughts, random to-dos all of it gets captured in one place. Not five apps. Not my inbox and my notebook and my phone. Just one system my brain trusts.
2. A SHORT “TOMORROW LIST”: This is not a full task dump. It’s a short, realistic list of what actually matters tomorrow. When your brain knows what’s coming next and that it’s been chosen intentionally it relaxes. In an interview on the podcast The Diary of a CEO, James Clear talked about learning to become a writer and how he put a Post-It note on his keyboard describing what he would write about the next day. No more pause to think about what to do!
3. CALENDAR ALIGNMENT: I quickly glance at the next day’s calendar and make sure my expectations match reality. Meetings accounted for. Transitions acknowledged. No surprises waiting to ambush Future Me.
We all know these things, and I am sure that I am not the first person to introduce you to these ideas. So, why don’t we do them? Because we have forgotten the most important part, and it’s something that, in our busy world, has gotten lost. As Socrates said, “Understanding a question is half the answer.” We need to know why we don’t do certain things, and what gets in the way!
This year, I’m excited to bring my better half my husband, Steve into this column with me. Alongside my practical productivity tools, he’ll be sharing mindset insights to help you actually do the things you already know are important. Because productivity without the right mindset rarely sticks. Think of this as Productivity + Mindset, working together. Let’s end with one of Steve’s favorites:
4. THE CLOSING PHRASE: Cal Newport, in his book Deep Work, calls this practice “Shutdown Complete.” The idea is simple but profound: End your workday with a deliberate ritual that closes open loops, creates a plan for what’s next, and signals to your brain that it is safe to rest. When done well, this single habit can dramatically reduce overwhelm, improve focus the next day, and reclaim your evenings as actual off-time.
But here’s the key: Shutdown Complete only works if it’s paired with order. Without structure, your brain doesn’t believe you. It keeps spinning, rehearsing, worrying, and reminding you of all the things you might forget.
So, if your brain won’t let go at the end of the day, review steps 1-3. If you’ve technically “stopped working,” but you still feel mentally on call, that’s not a willpower issue. It’s a clarity issue.
Your brain is a threat-detection system. When tasks are unfinished, undocumented, or floating vaguely in your head, your brain keeps them active. This is why you can be sitting on the couch at 8:30 p.m. and suddenly remember an email you didn’t send or a detail you didn’t capture.
So, make sure you EWO keep one trusted place to capture things, make your short to-do list (or Post-It on your keyboard), and look at your calendar, and then say (out loud, if possible), “Shutdown complete!” Or, “Finished!” Or, “DONE!”
It may feel a little silly at first. It is also wildly effective.
When you end the day with order, you don’t carry work into rest. You don’t lie awake mentally rearranging tomorrow. You don’t start the next day already behind. Instead, you start from clarity.
Shutdown Complete isn’t about rigid productivity or squeezing more output from your day. It’s about protecting your attention, your energy, and your life outside of work. It’s about setting a boundary about when you work AND when you don’t.
The goal isn’t to work longer.
It’s to work cleanly and then be done.
And when your day ends with intention and order, rest finally gets to be what it’s meant to be. In my next article, I’ll introduce you to another mindset idea that shows you how our physiology drives our psychology! I bet you can’t wait!
Sold
Your Mesa Realtors
SAN VICENTE 55+ MANUFACTURED HOME PARK
340 OLD MILL ROAD SPC #198 |REPRESENTED BUYER
“Kyle Richardson just found us a house that matches exactly what we asked him to look for! Kyle is a fantastic agent who we have gone to multiple times when searching for a home. We have always gone with him as we know we can expect the same professionalism, tireless searches, and incredible correspondence. Kyle answers my questions almost instantly via email or phone call. He doesn’t only do excellent work for my wife and I, but he has helped my other family members as well find new homes. He made the escrow very understandable for me as this was a rather complex purchase/refi situation. He is well versed in the financial aspects of real estate. He even came over after our most recent purchase to teach us how to work the televisions and get the thermostat set up. It was invaluable to get a list of the vendors he trusts so that I didn’t have to do any work locating the best electrician, plumber, and general contractor. There is no need to look any further than the Richardson Real Estate Services.”
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.
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!
-Harvey B. (Buyer of 340 Old
Mill #198)
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
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com 805.963.1704
805.963.1704
www.mrrealtors.com
www.sbrealtor.com
DRE Lic. #00635254 + #01902531
BRE Lic. #00635254 + #01902531
Exceptional investment opportunity in Santa Barbara’s desirable Eastside. This Victorian-style triplex with the added unit features three separate structures, including a three-bedroom, two-bath single-family residence, a duplex with three-bedroom, three-bath and four-bedroom, two-bath units, and a detached one-bedroom, one-bath unit. The property offers multiple income stream opportunities and potential for a thoughtful renovation. Ideally located just moments from downtown, beaches, hiking, dining, and shopping, residents can enjoy the best of Santa Barbara’s coastal lifestyle. Don’t miss this opportunity. This Eastside offering presents strong cash flow potential and long-term appreciation for investors in a prime location.
OFFERED AT $2,000,000
JUST LISTED: 1060 TREMONTO ROAD, SANTA BARBARA
Nestled on The American Riviera, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom Santa Barbara home offers ±3,060 square feet of comfortable living space on a spacious 0.88-acre lot. Perched in an idyllic setting, the home boasts timeless character with richly grained wood interiors, handcrafted built-ins and expansive picture windows. Various decks offer the perfect spaces for sunset dinners or morning coffee. A large 3-car garage provides ample storage, while mature oak trees offer privacy and a serene connection to nature. This beloved home has been cherished by the same family for decades and is ready for its next chapter. Located in the Roosevelt Elementary School attendance area, this property presents a rare opportunity to reimagine a timeless home. Enjoy close proximity to the Old Mission, Natural History Museum, Mission Rose Garden, Upper East, Uptown, The Santa Barbara Tennis club and Downtown Santa Barbara.
OFFERED AT $2,465,000 | 1060TREMONTOROAD.COM | SCHEDULE A PRIVATE SHOWING
OPEN HOUSES Saturday 1/31 &
Goleta
7863 Whimbrel Ln, 1BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 12-2, $715,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Peggy Reagan 805-6793882, DRE#01341553
345 Kellogg Way #18, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,079,000, Village Properties, Bruce Frey / Cimme Eordanidis 805-515-4135 / 805-7228480, DRE#22946790 / #01745878
541 Sweet Rain Pl, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 12:30-3:30, $1,239,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sunnie Maxwell 805-2529524, DRE#01463861
562 Poppyfield Pl, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,255,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Doug Van Pelt / Reyne Stapelmann 805-637-3684 / 805-705-4353, DRE#01822551 / #01347808
7039 Del Norte Dr, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $1,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Patricia Garrett 805-568-8661, DRE#01982565
San Roque
39 East Calle Crespis, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $2,100,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Diane Waterhouse 805-886-2988, DRE#01257696
1230 Northridge Road, 6BD, 4.5BA, Sun 2-4, $3,960,000, Sun Coast Real Estate, Chris Agnoli 805-895-0313, DRE#01132004
The Mesa
1547 Shoreline Drive, 5BD, 5BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $14,500,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Chris Palme 805-448-3066, DRE#00989478
Hope Ranch
4356 Via Glorieta, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 12-3, $3,600,000, Epstein Partners/ Keller Williams, Steve Epstein 805689-9339, DRE#00994429
4004 Via Laguna, 4BD, 4BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $6,925,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brad Merritt 805-450-6522, DRE#01855401
Mission Canyon
1439 Tunnel Road, 4BD, 4BA, Thur 10-2 & Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,495,000, Village Properties, David M. Kim 805296-0662, DRE#01813897
The Riviera
555 East Arrellaga Street, #6, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $1,450,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Nicole Dever 805-570-5226, DRE#02110739
1535 Loma Street, 1BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,695,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Chris Palme 805-448-3066, DRE#00989478
1060 Tremonto Road, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-4, $2,465,000, Epstein Partners/Keller Williams, Steve Epstein 805-689-9339, DRE#00994429
712 Arbolado Road, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $3,325,000, Village Properties, Liz Benson 805-4021945, DRE#02252004
1720 Mission Ridge Way, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $3,695,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Kathy Henry 805-637-4400, DRE#01403548
Santa Barbara
4808 Ogram Rd, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3, $1,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Patricia Garrett 805-568-8661, DRE#01982565
112 Santa Ana ave, 7BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $1,675,000, Judy Beth Replogle, Judy Replogle 805-5706164, DRE#00812543
5308 University Dr, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 12-4, $1,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ty Whelehan / Britney Schalla 805-471-0993 / 805-4039606, DRE#02197732 / #02381638
5190 Kara Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-4, $1,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bunny De Lorie / Rose Van Schaik 805-570-9181 / 805-452-2051, DRE#01397098 / #00782017
918 Crestwood Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,835,000, Compass, Jan Banister 805-455-1194, DRE#01244760
1501 Clearview Rd, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat 2-4, $1,895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Chase Enright 805-708-4057, DRE#01800599
610 W Valerio St & 1702
Sunset Ave, 0BD, 0BA, Sun 12-2, $1,895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Valerie Menke 805-215-6733, DRE#02192021
1034 Portesuello Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,950,000, Coastal Properties, Dorrie Powell 805-451-2576, DRE#01208634
3092 Calle Rosales, 2BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,125,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sarita Vasquez / Kristen Maggitti 805-729-1115 / 805-8958387, DRE#02232751 / #02195648
5114 Walnut Park Dr, 5BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $2,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Steve Heller 805-2522749, DRE#00929496
2800 Palomino Ridge Ln, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat1-3 & Sun 11-1, $2,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets / Todd Shea 805-708-2323 / 805-4537730, DRE#02061444 / #02028163
3715 Brent St, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $2,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Shaparenko 805455-4945, DRE#01885544
2020 Las Canoas Ridge Way, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 2-4, $2,798,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott McCosker 805-451-1721, DRE#00494253
2720 El Prado Rd, 4BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ali Evans 805-980-8007, DRE#01846603
3919 Antone Rd, 6BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $3,165,000, Bell Tower Realtors, Ann Rasmussen 805-705-3865, DRE#01818392
718 Las Canoas Place, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 12-3, $3,295,000, Village Properties, David Magid 805-4510402, DRE#01964710
3855 Calle Cita, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 2-4, $3,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Caleb Overton 805-453-7080, DRE#02117608
905 Laguna Street, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $3,995,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Kelly Vormelker / Scott Westlotorn 805-857-1114 / 805-403-4313, DRE#02348530 / #01875690
1051 Via Chaparral, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3, $4,595,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Beth Goodman 805-455-1909, DRE#00966870
737 Sea Ranch Drive, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 2-5, $5,500,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Sherry Lawson 805-252-4400, DRE#01019856
1367 Via Veneto, 6BD, 6BA, Sun 2-4, $5,895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Chase Enright 805-708-4057, DRE#01800599
Montecito
1071 East Mountain Drive, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 11-3, $7,995,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Sandy Lipowski 805-403-3844, DRE#01355215
Carpinteria
3950 Via Real #239, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $845,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Marie Larkin 805-680-2525, DRE#00523795
5455 8th Street, #5, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 11-2, $899,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, David Pringle 805-350-2140, DRE#02068477
349 Ash Ave #45, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 12-2, $1,049,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Yolanda Van Wingerden 805-570-4965, DRE#01308141
123 Polo Way, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $3,400,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammie Calcagno-Newell 805-455-7661, DRE#02055049
1994 Paquita Drive, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-4, $3,750,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Thalia kerstiens 805-705-2693, DRE#02180975
121 Polo Dr, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $3,900,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammie Calcagno-Newell 805-455-7661, DRE#02055049
“The team members at Baxter insurance were all super responsive, professional, and made getting my home insurance policy easy.”
- Matt M.
“Our Family has used Baxter Commercial Insurance for three decades and been very pleased with the relationship. Recently I had a need for home insurance and after spending three weeks talking and looking, my sister suggested trying Baxter. Never occurred to me. I had coverage at a reasonable rate in two days. I now sleep at night.”
- Sally T.
“Baxter Insurance have always exhibited impeccable integrity, they are highly experienced, and are very easy to work with. I highly recommend them.”
- Dennis A.
“I want to say how much! appreciate Baxter Insurance’s prompt and efficient attention to our insurance needs. They have assisted us in securing health, homeowners, commercial property, errors and omissions, and an umbrella policy from reputable carriers at affordable rates.”
- Gregory Y.
OPEN HOUSES
105 Polo Way, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $4,300,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammie Calcagno-Newell 805-455-7661, DRE#02055049
Santa Ynez Valley
639 Roskilde Rd, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $682,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Dianna Zlaket 805-3908382, DRE#01701860
536 Elkton Ln, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $749,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kelly Mahan Herrick 805-208-1451, DRE#01974836
91 Six Flags Cir, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Angie Marrufo / Cammy Pinoli 805-863-6866 / 805-4529725, DRE#02231894 / #02074002
9 Chamiso Dr, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 11-2, $939,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Suzy Ealand 805-689-9902, DRE#01766178
Saturday 1/31 & Sunday 2/1
1334 Edison St, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $1,235,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Beau Staley 805-550-2408, DRE#02252461
40 Bobcat Springs Road, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 11-1 & Sun 12-3, $1,598,000, Monument Global Estates, Kristina Novak 805-325-8843, DRE#01140992
1260 Hager Lane, 4BD, 3BA, Sun 12-3, $1,998,000, Monument Global Estates, Kelleen Greenwald 805-7571718, DRE#02190292
224 Valhalla Drive, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 11-1, $2,795,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott Loos 310702-9930, DRE#02236075
2465 Grand Ave, 4BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $2,850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Beau Staley 805-550-2408, DRE#02252461
SANTA BARBARA
A rare blend of timeless architectural distinction and modern sophistication, this estate captures elevate d California living with soaring ceilings, walls of g lass, and ocean, mountain, and Hope Ranch views. Natural ligh t highlights Brazilian Cherry wood floors, expansive decks and patios, and a first-floor primary suite with a spa-like bath and a generous walk-in closet. At the heart of the home, a gourmet kitchen with a dramatic island and premium appliances flows seamlessly to the outdoor dining terrace, creating an ideal setting for enter taining.
Additional features include a media room, three en suite bedrooms, an attached guest suite, and over 1,000 s quare feet of outdoor living space. Set on 1.6 landscaped acres with a resort-style pool, cabana, and dual driveway access, this Don G. Sharp–designed architectural masterpiec e offers rare elegance, privacy, and enduring style. Offered at $8,000,000.
What Would You Do with $200 Million?
The current administration recently announced a plan to inject $200 million into the market by instructing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to use their cash reserves to purchase Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS). Very simply, an MBS is a bundle of securitized home loans. Think: You want to invest in the housing market, so you lend money to someone buying their primary residence. When groups of investments like this are pulled together, it results in a mortgage-backed security. When there is more demand for MBS, rates should go down accordingly.
With America longing for lower mortgage rates and our local housing market longing for more affordable supply, what could this mean for us here? Will lower rates unlock inventory, or increase demand?
by Austin Lampson THE
helping folks get to the next level, could it instead push prices up as inventory remains tight?
If the infusion is into Fannie and Freddie, that then means conforming loans are most impacted, though the market will overall get a push. With the secondary market becoming more robust, that means someone could put down way less than 20 percent using a conforming first and a $500,000 second mortgage.
Here are a few examples for maximum sales prices that I’ve seen:
We love it here because space is limited, though the limited space makes concentrated demand all the more impactful.
A rule of thumb is that every one percent in rate means that someone can qualify for 10 percent in variance. If you qualify for a $1 million house, and rates drop by one percent, you should qualify for a $1.1 million house now. Instead of
Conforming loan limits being what they are, less expensive debt could start to lure Baby Boomers out of their family homes and into downsized luxury. Hopefully, that will help an infusion into a tight market.
It will be curious to see how much difference the state and local tax (SALT) adjustments will be to payroll as the updated tax law takes effect. Since the maximum loan balance for deductible interest remains at $750,000, increasing SALT is one-way new tax law has impact on your next filing.
Of course, our story is what we will
make of it, and there are way too many variables on the world stage to have accuracy in any prediction. The market will continue to adjust, react, and adjust again. In the meantime, let’s continue to watch the 10-Year Treasury for relative rate data and continue to strategize as policy unfolds around us.
Austin Lampson is a licensed mortgage professional and branch manager of Origin Point Mortgage. She has spent the last quarter-century helping her clients balance math and emotion to achieve their financial goals. Reach Austin at (805) 869-7100, austin@ austinlampson.com, or visit austinlampson.com.
MORTGAGE MINUTE
The Home Page
Sarah Sinclair brings you the inside scoop on real estate in her weekly newsletter 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.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES
BUELLTON/SOLVANG FAZIO JOSEPH EA OSBORN TAMI EA
CARPINTERIA MARTIN ROSEMARY ESSELSTROM JOSIAH
GRANT ROBERT EA
JENNIFER
GOLETA CURRENT NEAL EA CHG LLC
TURNER CASEY EU NELSON JOEL EU
LOMPOC WOLF GARY EA VEGA RAYMOND EU
ARRIAGA JULIO
J&J ACQUISITIONS
TARIQ EU
MONTECITO PIPER ROMEY LLC
796 HOT SPRINGS LLC
OLIVOS HANSON FAMILY GRUST
PETER EU
MARTINEZ ANAHI
GARSH-OCHOA ARIEL EU
ELISABETH EU
LYNN LEYLA EA
SILVERMAN JAY EA
$5,050,000 1/16/26 1645 STILL MEADOW RD
$630,000 1/16/26 1051 BAILARD AVE 2
$775,000 1/12/26 4880 SANDYLAND RD 11
$900,000 1/14/26 7116 MADERA DR
$1,325,000 1/15/26 90 BRANDON DR
$400,000 1/15/26 315 E CHESTNUT AVE
$430,000 1/16/26 733 N SEVENTH ST
$580,000 1/14/26
1/15/26 1216 N C ST
$2,139,000 1/13/26 1308 PLAZA DE SONADORES
$8,464,000
LISA
MICHAEL EU
SALIDA DEL SOL EDISON MARILYN EA
AWELE
MEIGS RD 16 SUNDQUIST NORMA EA
MATTHEW EU
BY JENNIFER BERGER, 2026 PRESIDENT, SANTA BARBARA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
OPENING THE DOOR TO HOMEOWNERSHIP: THE CALIFORNIA DREAM FOR ALL PROGRAM
JENNIFER BERGER
Formany Californians, the biggest obstacle to buying a home is not the monthly payment. It is the down payment. Saving that amount, especially in higher-cost areas like Santa Barbara, can feel out of reach even for households with solid incomes and stable jobs. That chal-
lenge is even greater for first-generation buyers who do not have family resources to fall back on.
This year, the state is once again offering a program designed to help address that specific barrier. The California Dream For All program, administered by the California Housing Finance Agency, will open its 2026 application window on February 24 and close on March 16.
The program provides eligible first-time buyers with down payment assistance of up to 20 percent of the purchase price or appraised value, capped at 150,000 dollars. In practical terms, that assistance can make the difference between continuing to rent and being able to buy a home.
The program is structured as a shared appreciation loan. Buyers do not make monthly payments on the down payment assistance. Instead, when the home is sold or the mortgage is refinanced, the buyer repays the original assistance amount plus 20 percent of the home’s appreciation. Those funds are returned to the state and used to help future buyers. The goal is to create a program that can continue helping families over time rather than operating as a one-time grant.
To qualify, applicants must be first-time homebuyers, meaning they have not owned a home in the past three years. In addition, at least one buyer must be a first-generation homeowner, which means their parents do not currently own a home. Income limits apply and vary by county. In Santa Barbara County, household
income must be under $188,000. Buyers must also meet credit requirements, generally a minimum credit score of 660, and work with a CalHFA approved lender to obtain a mortgage pre-approval before applying.
Because interest in the program has been very high in past years, applications are not approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, the state uses a random selection process to distribute available funds fairly across California. For the 2026 cycle, the state expects up to $200 million to be available. Funding has been divided among regions to ensure fairness.
This is not a solution for everyone. Not all applicants will be selected, and buyers should carefully consider the long-term implications of sharing future appreciation. Still, the program has already helped thousands of Californians buy their first home, many of whom believed it would never be possible.
As REALTORS®, we believe access to clear information matters. Programs like this do not replace the need for more housing, but they can help qualified buyers overcome a real and specific hurdle. For those thinking about buying their first home, learning about the program and preparing early can make a meaningful difference.
More information, including eligibility details and a list of approved lenders, is available on the California Housing Finance Agency website at www.calhfa.ca.gov/ dream.
Jennifer Berger is a top producing, third generation California REALTOR® with Compass, bringing 28 years of experience in residential real estate serving Santa Barbara and its surrounding communities. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors. She can be reached at 805-451-5484 or jennifer.berger@compass.com.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES
