Santa Barbara Independent Real Estate 2/12/26

Reputation Matters.

2465

805.452.9725 / 805.448.7500

654 CHALK HILL

N REFUGIO RD, SANTA YNEZ

3BD/4BA • $2,700,000

Glynnis Mullenary / Bob Jennings

805.705.5206 / 805.570.0792 LIC# 01748187 / 01387186

Spanish Colonial Revival: S.B.’s Signature Style

When the Panama Canal was completed in 1914, California was suddenly connected to Europe in a way it had never been before. Perhaps it was this feeling of connection that inspired architects in California to envision what the West Coast might have looked like had we belonged to Spain for a longer period of time. If Mexico had not won its independence from Spain in 1821, the Spanish might have stayed in California longer and built more than just missions. Maybe the Spanish would have built elaborate estates for the upper classes and modest, but attractive, homes for the masses here as they did in Spain. Maybe, maybe.

What would California have looked like? In 1915, architects here decided to make it happen. To celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal, a world-class exposition was built in San Diego in a Spanish style to celebrate what might have been and make it come to life in the Panama–California Exposition in Balboa Park. The chief architect of the expo was Bertram Goodhue. In 1902, he had traveled around Spain and Italy with James Waldron Gillespie in order to gain inspiration for the Gillespie mansion in Montecito. Buildings at the expo were based on elaborate estates Goodhue had seen in Spain.

Close to Home

Goodhue later designed some high-end buildings in our area, principally the Montecito Club and the El Fureidis estate in Montecito, but the local architect whose name is closely tied to Spanish Colonial Revival here is George Washington Smith. Smith had also traveled in Spain, where he had relatives. He designed the Lobero Theatre and the newspaper building in De la Guerra Plaza, but some of his designs were for homes that were simpler and more down to earth. In addition, people who wanted build-it-yourself Spanish Colonial Revival homes could choose from models offered by the Pacific ReadyCut catalog company in Los Angeles.

Most homes in Spanish Colonial Revival style have flat stucco walls, topped with gently sloping roofs with red clay roof tiles. The front door, usually wood, is set inside a simple wall opening that is sometimes arched. There may be wooden balconies or decorative tiles to add interest.

Immediately after the destructive earthquake here in 1925, Spanish Colonial Revival became the semi-official Santa Barbara style, although these buildings were usually called Spanish or Mediterranean at that time. The term “Spanish Colonial Revival” did not appear in newspapers until 1940, and it began to appear regularly in the 1960s and 1970s.

A number of architects built homes in this style in Santa Barbara, including Mary McLaughlin Craig, Lutah Maria Riggs, Edwards & Plunkett, Reginald Johnson, Anna Louise Murphy Vhay, Sauter & Lockard, and Carleton Winslow, to name just a few.

Please do not disturb the residents of these homes.

Very rarely does a single-level, top-floor penthouse come available in Santa Barbara’s downtown core. Built in 2007 and impeccably maintained, this Paseo Chapala jewel is the pinnacle of luxurious downtown living. From the oversized private 2 car garage, a private elevator takes you to the front door of this elegant penthouse. The singlelevel floor plan flows effortlessly, with vaulted ceilings accentuating the gorgeous mountain and Riviera vistas. French doors open to a spacious view terrace overlooking downtown’s vibrant shops and restaurants. With Paseo Nuevo across the street, and a Walk Score of 97 and Bike Score of 99, this penthouse offers unbeatable lock-andleave convenience.

Nearly 3,400 sq ft in the Peabody School District with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a permitted JADU (Studio + 1 bath) — ideal for multi-gen living, income potential, or a 1031 exchange. Light-filled interiors, a renovated designer kitchen, modern finishes, expansive flex space, and thoughtful upgrades throughout. Enjoy ocean and island views from the deck, a private yard, ample parking, and a home lovingly maintained for nearly 30 years.

at $2,775,000

DanEncell@aol.com DRE #00976141

Tuesday, February 24th - 4:00pm

Join us for a valuable Real Estate Question & Answer Forum designed especially for potential Sellers. This is your opportunity to gain insights, expert advice, and answers to your real estate-related questions in a comfortable setting. Whether you’re curious about current market trends, pricing your property, staging tips, or navigating the selling process, Dan Encell is here to provide clarity and guidance.

Proven performance across every price point

Mike and Kyle Richardson | Santa Barbara Real Estate

Personal Sales Performance from 2020-2025

153

Closed Transactions

165 Clients Represented

Your Mesa Realtors

111

54 Sellers Represented

$337,593,683 in Total Sales Volume

Average Saleto-List Price Buyers Represented 103.3%

$505,000-$8,750,000

Lowest to highest sale price

Mike and Kyle Richardson represent an exceptional range of Santa Barbara properties, from entry-level condominiums to multi-million dollar oceanfront estates. Their experience spans nearly every segment of the local real estate market, offering clients thoughtful strategy, clear communication, and proven results regardless of price point.

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.

at

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!

Sales by Price Range 2020-2025

Under $750k - 7 $750k–$1M - 24 $1M–$1.5M - 29 $1.5M–$2M - 35 $2M–$3M - 31 $3M–$5M - 23 $5-6M+ - 3 $8M+ - 1

Considering a sale? Work with a proven local team.

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 805.963.1704

Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com 805.963.1704

www.mrrealtors.com

www.sbrealtor.com

Lic. #00635254 + #01902531

OPEN HOUSES

Goleta

7368 Hollister Avenue #37, 1BD, 1BA, Sat 1-3, $325,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Taryn Martin 805-636-6442, DRE#01995581

345 Kellogg Way #18, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 1-3, $1,079,000, Village Properties, Cimme Eordanidis / Jill Agonias 805-722-8480 / 805-8959902, DRE#01745878 / #02150975

4689 Atasco Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-4 & Sun 11-2, $1,295,000, Village Properties, Lourika van Tonder / Justin Corrado 805-280-5865 / 805-451-9969, DRE#02211987 / #01356799

7075 Del Norte Drive, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,350,000, Century 21 Masters/Coast and Valley Properties, The Ouellette Team/ Monica Lenches 805-895-1421 / 805-689-1300, DRE#00974906

112 Santa Ana ave, 7BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 12:30-3, $1,675,000, JBR Broker, Judy Beth Replogle 805-570- 6164, DRE#00812543

San Roque

3728 State Street #135, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,598,000, Village Properties, Marilyn Moore / Jennifer Grube 805-689-0507 / 213-3995682, DRE#01255085 / #02132436

39 East Calle Crespis, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $2,100,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Diane Waterhouse 805-886-2988, DRE#01257696

The Mesa

1070 Miramonte Drive #10, 1BD, 1BA, Sat 12-3, $737,000, Village Properties, Brittany Lough 805-4555736, DRE#01905525

222 Las Ondas, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 1-4, $2,275,000, Village Properties, Ryan Kell 805-220-0848, DRE#02224217

2417 Calle Linares, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 2-4, $2,375,000, Keller Williams Santa Barbara, Nancy Newquist-Nolan 805-570-1015, DRE#01459696

Hope Ranch

700 Via Hierba, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $6,185,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Michelle Eskandari 805-637-8061, DRE#01861525

Saturday 2/14 & Sunday 2/15

Mission Canyon

2253 Las Canoas Road, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 1-4, $2,450,009, Village Properties, Emily McPherson / Brian King 805-766-6014 / 805-452-0471, DRE#02133962 / #01868186

2937 Glen Albyn, 5BD, 5BA, Sat 1-4, $2,775,000, Village Properties, Kim Crawford 805-886-8132, DRE#01440068

The Riviera

712 Arbolado Road, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $3,325,000, Village Properties, Liz Benson / Thomas Dabney 805-402-1945 / 805-6897306, DRE#02252004 / #01262014

Santa Barbara

2030 State St #6, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Angela B Moloney 805-451-1553, DRE#01221588

3909 Calle Cita, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,149,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Erika Burrows 805-8861588, DRE#02222512

163 Lassen Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 1-4, $1,275,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lyndsey Jones / Renae Connor 805-680-2856 / 805-2846344, DRE#02125898 / #02013226

1831 Chapala St, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 11-2 & Sun 12-3, $1,329,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Jessica Stovall 805-6989416, DRE#01887272

834 W Valerio St, 4BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $1,339,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sunnie Maxwell 805-252-9524, DRE#01463861

4712 Calle Reina, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 1-4, $1,399,000, Village Properties, Pam Shalhoob / Gary Welterlen 805-895-9190 / 805-8954744, DRE#02053975 / #01894704

941 Weldon Road, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 12-3, $1,450,000, Zia Group eXp Realty, William Franco 805-450-0820, DRE#02020491

521 E Anapamu Street #8, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,475,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Paul Hurst / John Comin 805-680-8216, DRE#00826530

218 Santa Barbara St #D, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat 12-4 & Sun 1-4, $1,649,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bob Walsmith Jr. / Lindsey Haeberle 805-720-5362, DRE#01932231 / #02199986

610 W Valerio St & 1702 Sunset Ave, 6BD, 4BA, Sat 12-2, $1,895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Valerie Menke 805-215-6733, DRE#02192021

357 Oliver Rd, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $2,395,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Hristo Hristov 805-2848471, DRE#01978598

2800 Palomino Ridge Ln, 2BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $2,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Britney Schalla 805-4039606, DRE#02381638

3715 Brent St, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 2:30-4:30 & Sun 12-3, $2,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, John Finseth / Andrea Shaparenko 805-403-3151 / 805-455-4945, DRE#01336897 / #01885544

618 Anacapa Street #5, 3BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $2,895,000, Village Properties, Nicole Wesley / Bruce Frey 805-448-6858 / 805-515-4135, DRE#02017169 / #02294679

518 E Islay Street, 4BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,950,000, Village Properties, Teddy Muller / Thomas Johansen 805-698-2347 / 805-8861857, DRE#02160267 / #01401533

1144 Portesullo Avenue, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 10-12, $3,095,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Greg Moss 805-886-6125, DRE#01069933

947 Palermo Drive, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 2-4, $3,195,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Christian Webb 559-631-0825, DRE#02125765

2106 Mount Calvary, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 2-4, $3,200,000, Village Properties, Ruth Ann Bowe 805698-1971, DRE#01751940

105 W De La Guerra St #F2, 2BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,350,000, Village Properties, Devin Wong 805451-6157, DRE#01976444

3855 Calle Cita, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $3,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Natasha Kucherenko / Karen Rojas 515-778-8720 / 907-360-0516, DRE#02312066 / #02181914

9 E Quinto, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-4, $3,500,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ken Switzer 805-680-4622, DRE#01245644

905 Laguna Street, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $3,995,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott Westlotorn 805-403-4313, DRE#01875690

1051 Via Chaparral, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $4,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Beth Goodman / Lorie Bartron 805-455-1909 / 805-6894613, DRE#00966870 / #01005021 2850 Torito Road, 3BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $4,900,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Kelly Vormelker 805-857-1114, DRE#02348530

1367 Via Veneto, 6BD, 6BA, Sun 1-4, $5,895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Chase Enright 805-708-4057, DRE#01800599

Montecito

713 Alston Rd, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Mia Teetsel / Beverly Herrera 805-202-9118 / 805-755-8405, DRE#0126468 / #01152828

31 Cedar Ln, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $3,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sarita Vasquez 805-729-1115, DRE#02232751

1175 E Mountain Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $4,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kendall Hunter 310-321-8410, DRE#02274835

830 Summit Rd, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $5,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Maude Morehart Boersema 805-881-2121, DRE#02003961

99 La Vuelta Rd, 5BD, 4BA, Sat 12:30-2:30 & Sun 1-3, $5,750,000, Village Properties, Sharon Fisher / Ryan Gleason 805-886-8001 / 805-857-9275, DRE#01442186 / #02205616

1071 East Mountain Drive, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $7,598,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Sandy Lipowski 805-403-3844, DRE#01355215

1493 Sycamore Canyon Road, 6BD, 8BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $8,250,000, Village Properties, Spencer Cole 805-689-6673, DRE#02115510

“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.

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- 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.

1033 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 | (805) 963-4048 | ClientSupport@BaxterInsurance.com

OPEN HOUSES

Carpinteria

3950 Via Real #239, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $845,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Marie Larkin 805-680-2525, DRE#00523795

4700 Sandyland Rd #54, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 12-2, $1,150,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805-7082323, DRE#02061444

3375 Foothill Road #921, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $1,800,000, Village Properties, Michael Dickman 805-689-3355, DRE#02093312

Santa Ynez Valley

3939 Mesa Cir Dr (Lompoc), 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $475,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Todd McChesney 805291-7902, DRE#00864365

639 Roskilde Rd, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat 1-3, $682,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Judy Crawford 805-588-1425, DRE#01280176

Saturday 2/14 & Sunday 2/15

924 Skagen, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-3, $1,495,000, Village Properties, Debbie Davidson 805-588-0028, DRE#01950726

1350 Willow St, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 12-3, $1,685,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Daulton Wolf / Angie Marrufo 805-757-6797 / 805-8636866, DRE#02202805 / #02231894

2465 Grand Ave, 4BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $2,850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Arielle Carleton 818-4488970, DRE#02247215

Ventura

1127 Acadia Pl, 2BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $425,000, Village Properties, Jena Harris 805-331-3683, DRE#01930435

5014 Floral Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $650,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Magda Nordahl 805-701-5001, DRE#02021494

Situated in desirable East San Roque, this well-maintained mid-century modern home offers versatile living across 2,222 square feet of interior space, plus a 440-square-foot laundry/storage room and a two-car garage. The layout includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two spacious offices that could serve as additional bedrooms or an ADU. Vaulted ceilings, large windows, and refinished oak floors create a bright, open atmosphere, while recent updates - including fresh paint, newer HVAC, updated plumbing, and a 2012 permitted renovation/addition with foundation and drainage improvements - enhance comfort and functionality. Outdoor spaces - including the deck, a balcony, and the backyard - allow you to enjoy the changing light and views throughout the day. Ideally located near downtown Santa Barbara, shopping, dining, beaches, and Peabody Elementary.

REAL ESTATE SCOOP

SHARED CONCERNS DRIVE LOCAL SOLUTIONS

HOUSING, WORKFORCE MOBILITY AND SHARED VALUES: REFLECTIONS FROM RECENT LOCAL FORUM

By Kathleen Rogers

Santa Barbara is a place of abundance: innovation, education, agriculture, hospitality, creativity, healthcare, and the skilled trades, all part of our small coastal region. Alongside that abundance, many struggle to afford housing, childcare, and a longterm future in the community they help sustain.

Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Leadership Forum

At the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Leadership Forum on January 27, I witnessed this duality up close, from multiple perspectives, and came away with hope for our shared values. I was encouraged by an ‘all hands on deck’ commitment to meeting this challenge for the benefit of our employers, workforce and housing.

Abundance and Tradeoffs in Santa Barbara

Let me back up. The Chamber, being the Chamber, spent time talking about economic development and growth. Guest Speaker Marek Goodman, a Brookings Institute Senior Fellow, shared details on what makes our area unique.

One slide illustrated our region’s rich abundance across many sectors. According to the data shared at the meeting, Santa Barbara has roughly twice the level of research and development activity compared to other regions on the central coast. We have a strong technology sector and numerous global, regional, and local brands based here, supported by strong institutions and a network of local people from all backgrounds.

At the same time, 42 percent of our local workforce struggles to acquire a home they can afford. Living in Santa Barbara often requires real tradeoffs, and I was encouraged to hear about growing investment and alignment around “economic mobility” and investing in our “workforce pipeline.”

New Announcements from the Chamber

At the annual chamber meeting, Kristen Miller, the president and CEO, swore in a new board of directors from diverse local organizations to help address these challenges and lead public-private collaborations. The chamber made three major announcements:

BEAM, formerly SCORE, the small business mentoring program, will be integrated into the Chamber and will relaunch as BEAM to better support entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses.

A new economic development foundation was announced, designed to raise funds and make longterm investments in our local community.

A new five-year strategic plan was introduced, focused on regional impact and collaboration across the South Coast from Goleta to Carpinteria to grow jobs, expand housing opportunities and enhance experiences for residents, employers and visitors. What stood out to me was the focus on strengthening the connection between businesses, educators, and the workers who make our region special, along with a clear emphasis on policy and housing.

INNOVATION AS A DRIVER: Santa Barbara dramatically outperforms both the nation and the state in R&D productivity relative to population:

Shared Values Across Santa Barbara Industries

Leaders from local businesses Cottage Hospital, Hotel Californian, Brownstein Law and American Riviera Bank spoke about the hardworking people they work with, the need for jobs that lead to economic mobility, and the struggle with both housing and childcare as a common concern.

What stood out to me most throughout the meeting was how similar the concerns sounded, even though the speakers came from different industries. Employers want to hire locally and retain good people. Employees want good jobs that allow them to stay in the community nearby their work. Across sectors, housing availability and affordability, along with access to childcare, came up repeatedly as challenges.

There was also a clear focus on the idea of the need for a better local student workforce pipeline along with “economic mobility.” Not just creating jobs, but creating jobs that offer stability, growth, and the ability to build a life here over time. That idea resonated with me, because it connects business needs with community needs.

When families can live near where they work, they can give back, too. Nonprofits are stronger, neighborhoods are more stable, and the community as a whole is more connected.

These conversations about abundance, scarcity and drama continue as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival continues this week and our community plays host to visitors from around the world. The experiences they come for are made possible by creators, artists, technicians, hospitality workers, and local businesses who live and work here. Our economy balances visitors and locals, and at the end of the day, we are a tight-knit community. We are not a playground.

I’m grateful to live and work here, to volunteer and team up with many who also care deeply.

It has been horrible to see what’s happening in Minneapolis, and so to feel hope about who we are, and where we may be headed locally, was something I wanted to share and remember, our shared values and deep relationships. We don’t need to speak with one voice because welcoming different perspectives leads to stronger results.

I appreciate the opportunity to share information, lis ten to different perspectives, and support ways we can work together around shared values. That includes recognizing our business leaders as well as the hard working individuals and families who have lived and worked here for generations, all contributing to what makes Santa Barbara the special place we call home.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES

AREA SELLER BUYER

CARPINTERIA EDWARDS ELDON EU

GARET TRACEY

EDSTROM CHRISTIAN EA

MARTINEZ LUIS EU

GOLETA GUNSON MICHAEL EA

MOORE KIRSTEN EA

MARTORANA JOSEPH EA

RIVERA CHRISTINA

FISHMAN SCOTT EA

MEZA JORGE EU

ROMASANTA MARK EA

RHINEFHART ANDREW EU

SINIFT JEREMY EU

MATZKIN-BRIDGER JONATHAN EU

DUFFY PETER EA RAO SUSANNAH EU

NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR HOMES LLC SMITH ROBERT EA

MONTECITO HERTL NICOLAS EA

SANTA BARBARA ELSASS GARY

BROIDA ALEXA

LYNN JOANNE EA

HAYDON CHRISTOPHER EU

BECHLER KENT EU

ARIAS DANIEL EA

DEBOW JEREMY EA

DATE ADDRESS

$620,000 1/27/26 5940 BIRCH ST 2

$3,300,000 1/29/26 5510 CALLEJON DR

$942,500 1/30/26 4886 SAWYER AVE

$1,550,000 1/30/26 5081 ALVARADO RD

$2,400,000 1/30/26 260 CINDERELLA LN

$1,420,000 1/30/26 5184 SAN SIMEON DR

$1,500,000 1/30/26 4840 WINDING WAY

$4,150,000 1/30/26 1030 VIA LOS PADRES

$1,250,000 1/30/26 6217 MARLBOROUGH DR

$3,900,000 1/30/26 530 BARKER PASS RD

$1,800,000 1/27/26 401 POR LA MAR CIR

$3,700,000 1/30/26 1226 ALAMEDA PADRE SERR

$7,650,000 1/30/26 945 ARBOLADO RD 778 MISSION CANYON ROAD

AUGUST CAPITAL GROUP COLLINS RAYMOND EU $1,295,000 1/28/26 1708 CASTILLO

BY JENNIFER BERGER, 2026 PRESIDENT, SANTA BARBARA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

PROPOSITION 13: WHY IT’S OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD AND WHY IT STILL MATTERS

Every so often, a familiar complaint bubbles up:

“Why does my neighbor pay a few thousand dollars a year in property taxes while mine is in the tens of thousands?” It sounds unfair at first blush. But that reaction usually skips an important fact: TIMING. And timing is exactly what Proposition 13 was

designed to address.

Before Proposition 13 passed in 1978, California homeowners lived with constant uncertainty. Property taxes were based solely on current market value, reassessed frequently, and there was no meaningful limit on how fast those taxes could rise. In the 1970s, home values surged across the state. For many homeowners, especially seniors and working families, tax bills skyrocketed even though their incomes did not. People who had done everything “right” suddenly faced the very real possibility of being taxed out of their homes.

Proposition 13 was the voters’ response to that instability. At the heart of the law, it did three simple but powerful things. First, it capped the property tax rate at one percent of assessed value. Second, it limited annual increases in assessed value to no more than two percent per year. Third, it reset the assessed value only when a property changed ownership.

Proposition 13 also ensured predictability for taxpayers while still providing a stable base for funding essential local services, including schools, fire protection, and public infrastructure.

That last point is where most of today’s confusion comes from. When you buy your home, your property taxes are based on what you paid for it. From that point forward, the increases are limited, year after year. If your neighbor bought the same house decades earlier, that neighbor’s tax bill reflects their purchase price, not today’s market value. The system may look unequal in a snapshot, but over time it evens out. Ten years from now, you will be the one paying “less than

the new neighbor.” That protection moves with each homeowner.

This is why many people describe Proposition 13 as a contract between homeowners and the state. You agree to buy a home at a certain value, and in return, the rules don’t change underneath you. You can plan. You can budget. You can stay. And the state must abide by that contract.

The certainty of that contract matters more now than ever before. Housing costs are already high, and property taxes are not something a homeowner can negotiate away or refinance. Without Proposition 13, rising values alone could force families out of homes they still own and maintain. That’s not theoretical, it happened before 1978, and it’s why voters acted decisively.

None of this means the system is perfect, or that conversations about tax policy should be off-limits. But it does mean we should be honest about what Proposition 13 actually does. It doesn’t provide a special exception; it provides long-term predictability. Once you buy, you’re protected from unpredictable spikes, and the rules are clear going forward.

That stability has helped generations of Californians put down roots, stay in their communities, and pass homes on to the next chapter of owners, who receive the same deal in turn. In a state where housing is already hard enough, that kind of certainty isn’t a loophole. It’s a safeguard.

In California, stability in homeownership isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

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.

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.