Real estate comes with long hours, tight deadlines, plentiful personalities, and never-ending negotiations. Imagine navigating all of that with your dad or your son watching over your shoulder every step of the way.
Like Father, Like Realtor
This Father’s Day, we asked three Santa Barbara father-son Realtor teams what it’s like to work side by side. From generational differences and good-natured rivalries to stories of mentorship and matching wardrobes, these dynamic duos shared all, complete with a couple of dad jokes, naturally.
Chris and Mike Agnoli have been working together as a father-son real estate team for the past four and a half years. They say that building a team together was “an easy decision. Real estate has always been a natural part of our conversations, so transitioning into working together professionally felt seamless.”
What is your favorite part about working together?
Mike: The best part is the trust and communication. I know he truly wants what’s best for me, which has been incredibly valuable as I continue to learn and grow in the business. Being able to receive honest feedback, whether positive or constructive, is something I really appreciate.
Chris: We know each other very well, which helps us move quickly and stay fully aligned for our clients. It’s incredibly rewarding to go through the process together, from guiding clients through key decisions to celebrating successful closings as a family. We truly enjoy working side by side.
Any funny, awkward or unexpected moments to share?
Mike: Some of the funniest moments are when we show up to a meeting or the office unintentionally dressed almost identically, with the same shirt color, the same pants color, and sometimes even matching from head to toe. Everyone we run into notices and has something to say about it. I’d like to think he’s picked up a bit of my sense of style over the years.
Any challenges?
Chris: Real estate is a fast-paced industry, and because we’re both passionate about what we do, it’s easy for business conversations to carry over into family time. Over the years,
we’ve learned how to communicate effectively, navigate disagreements, and make decisions quickly.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Mike: We’ve found that our strengths complement each other well: experience and deep market knowledge on one side, and energy, technology, and a fresh perspective on the other. Building a team together was an easy decision. We stay focused on what’s best for our clients.
Mike and Kyle Richardson, Richardson Real Estate Services
Mike Richardson founded Richardson Real Estate Services in 1978. His son Kyle joined him in the business in 2011, and they’ve been known locally as “The Richardson Team” ever since. With more than 15 years as partners, they are clearly the veteran dad/son team in town.
What is your favorite part about working together?
Mike: My favorite part is knowing that our clients benefit from two very different perspectives. We approach problems differently, and that often leads to better solutions. I have enjoyed seeing Kyle grow professionally and knowing that the business I’ve spent my life building will continue serving the community long after I am gone. It’s especially rewarding when veteran peers in the business tell me how impressed they are by him. I’m a very proud father.
Kyle: The best part is that we genuinely care about getting the best results for our clients, and we can challenge each other’s thinking without worrying about hurting feelings. If one of us sees something differently, we’ll say it point blank. Plus, it’s pretty special to spend every day working alongside your dad. I know that someday I will look back on these years and be very grateful for the time with him and the mentorship I have received.
Any funny, awkward, or unexpected moments to share?
Mike: Oh, there have been plenty of them over the years! One that has occurred on numerous occasions people will mistake us for brothers. I consider this a great compliment. Kyle, on the other hand, considers it one of life’s more humbling experiences.
p.m., and neither do our conversations. Family dinners can quickly turn into discussions about inspections, appraisals, and escrow deadlines. So, it can be hard to completely detach from work.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Kyle: Santa Barbara is a small community built on trust and reputation. We never take for granted that people choose us to represent them in one of the most important financial decisions of their life. We feel incredibly fortunate to do what we love, work together every day, and serve the community we call home.
Bob and Braden Curtis, Village Properties Realtors
Bob and Braden Curtis both started their careers at the same age. Bob launched his real estate career 40 years ago at 26, and last year, Braden followed suit, joining Village Properties at age 26 as well. The father-son team has been working together for nearly a year.
What is your favorite part about working together?
Bob: After Braden went away to college and moved into his own home, I did not see him as much. Now, I get to see him and spend time with him every day. Braden is a really enjoyable person to be around and has a great sense of humor. I really like the idea of passing on my knowledge to a new generation and am thrilled with the idea of turning over my business when I retire in 10 years instead of just walking away from it.
Braden: My favorite part has been getting to see firsthand just how good my dad is at what he does. Growing up, I knew he was respected in the industry, but actually working alongside him and seeing how he handles clients, negotiations, and relationships has given me a whole new appreciation for what he’s built over the last 40 years.
Kyle: I love that we can be in the middle of a serious discussion regarding a multimillion-dollar transaction, and five minutes later, we’re laughing at cute videos of my children playing in the backyard. It’s a great way for us to ease the tension when things get stressful. As you can imagine, we also know how to push each other’s buttons. Dad, for example, has a little OCD over cleanliness, so if I really want to bug him, I’ll sprinkle crumbs on his office chair before he comes in.
Any challenges?
Mike: Like any family business, separating work from personal life can be challenging. Real estate doesn’t stop at 5
Any challenges?
Bob: I’ve been a sole practitioner for almost 40 years, so a big challenge has been learning to delegate. I’m not used to having someone to lean on.
Braden: The biggest challenge for me has been trying to absorb 40 years of knowledge and experience. Sometimes it feels like drinking from a fire hose. The good news is that I get to learn from someone who’s seen just about every market condition and transaction scenario imaginable.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Bob: When Braden started working with me, I was concerned with how my previous clients would react. I thought they might mistakenly think that I was stepping back and turning things over to him. It turns out that I had nothing to worry about. Without exception, my clients love Braden and view our teamwork as a benefit. n
Chris and Mike Agnoli, Sun Coast Real Estate
by Sarah Sinclair
MAKE MYSELF AT HOME
Bob and Braden Curtis
Mike and Kyle Richardson
Chris and Mike Agnoli
970CollegeCanyon.com | $3,350,000
Absolutely stunning chic and stylish Ranch-style house, with attention to every detail! Over 3,400 sq. ft. of casual yet elegant living, with beautiful views. Sunlit living room with fireplace, gourmet chef’s kitchen, spacious dining room, 4 generously sized en-suite bedrooms, each bathroom evokes relaxation and pampering, designer-influenced powder room and a gorgeous laundry room. Additional outbuildings for outdoor covered entertaining and possible future guest quarters. All of this on 5 ± gentle rolling acres of native grasses, majestic oak trees, and a seasonal creek that runs through the property, a perfect Santa Ynez Valley Retreat. Privately situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, and in Ballard School District. 970 College Canyon Road
OPEN HOUSES Saturday 6/20 &
Goleta
7368 Hollister Avenue SPC 32, 1BD, 1BA, Sat 1-3, $334,000, Compass, Roya Castro 805-8867692, DRE#02282596
7620 Hollister Ave #111, 1BD, 1BA, Sun 1-3, $595,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Britney Schalla 805-4039606, DRE#02381638
53 Amador Ave, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,299,000, Village Properties, Kyber Logue 805-4557044, DRE#01254712
6578 Pipeline Place, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 2-4, $1,299,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Taryn Martin 805-636-6442, DRE#01995581
53 Amador Ave, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,299,000, Village Properties, Kyber Logue 805-4557044, DRE#01254712
5080 Rhoads Ave D, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 12-2, $1,300,000, Village Properties, David Magid 805-451-0402, DRE#01964710
515 Mills Way, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 1-3, $1,450,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Stefan Stojanovski / Avi Becker 805-570-0640 / 805-9442653, DRE#02112629 / #02076584 4654 Puente Plaza, 4BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,595,000, Village Properties, Jill Agonias / Heather Sikes 805-895-9902 / 530-5589634, DRE#02150975 / #02251924 7561 Padova Dr, 5BD, 3BA, Sat 12-2, $1,699,000, Village Properties, Vince Caballero 213-219-2490, DRE#02234441
1098 Tisha Court, 5BD, 4BA, Sat 10:30-3 & Sun 1-3, $2,295,000, Village Properties, Stephanie Ornani / Pat Saraca / Emily McPherson 805-755-8283 / 805-886-7426 / 805-766-6014, DRE#02180493 / #01080801 / #02133962
5416 Tree Farm Lane, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 2-4, $2,595,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Michelle Eskandari 805-637-8061, DRE#01861525
1150 North Fairview Ave, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-5, $5,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Mimi Greenberg 805-570-9585, DRE#01196887
The Mesa
1102 Plaza Del Monte, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,195,000, Village Properties, David M. Kim / Devin Wong 805-296-0662 / 805-4516157, DRE#01813897 / #01976444
1312 Shoreline Drive, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 1-4, $7,650,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Sherry Lawson 805-252-4400, DRE#01019856
Hope Ranch
700 Via Hierba, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 1-3, $5,400,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Lizette Pedroza 805-350-6585, DRE#02160420
Mission Canyon
2669 Montrose Pl, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $2,449,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Valerie Menke 805-215-6733, DRE#02192021
The Riviera
518 E Islay Street, 4BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 11-1, $2,650,000, Village Properties, Shawn Poindexter 805826-1762, DRE#02222632
1416 Dover, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $4,295,000, Village Properties, Thomas Johansen 805-886-1857, DRE#01401533
Santa Barbara
340 Old Mill Rd Spc 82, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Mermis Team 805-8955650, 00891742 / 02434442
57 N San Marcos Rd #A, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 10-1, $995,000, Village Properties, Cimme Eordanidis 805722-8480, DRE#01745878
559 Zink Ave, 4BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 12-4, $1,050,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katie Walsh 805-3506533, DRE#01513946
613 Coronel Pl, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Maddison Scanlan / Beth Goodman 805-350-2294 / 805-4551909, DRE#02176065 / #00966870
124 Citrus Ave, 4BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $1,740,000, Village Properties, Emily McPherson 805-766-6014, DRE#02133962
2535/2537 Crescent Ave, 4BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Carmen Galzerano 805-705-3080, DRE#01953155
535 Arroyo Ave, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 2-4, $1,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lyndsey Jones / Katie Spieler 805-680-2856 / 805-2454582, DRE#02125898 / #02172820
126 Santa Ana Ave, 7BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 12:30-3:30, $1,900,000, JBR Broker, Judy Beth Replogle 805-5706164, DRE#00812543
1929 Mountain Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-3, $1,950,000, eXp Realty/Zia Group, Maurice Kirby and Bianca Vargas 424-333-7447, DRE#02252918
936 North Nopal Street, 4BD, 5BA, Sat & Sun 2-5, $2,298,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Scott McCosker 805-451-1721, DRE#00494253
503 Miramonte Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 2:30-4:30 & Sun 1-4, $2,495,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Ruhge / Felipe Castenada 805-895-5862 / 805-636-4410, DRE#05801965 / #02103365
2441 Borton Drive, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4, $2,495,000, eXp Realty/Zia Group, Alan Siebenaler 805-3311776, DRE#01405400
31 Cedar Ln, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat 1-3, $3,595,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sharon Jordano 805-280-2055, DRE#02195847
905 Laguna Street, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $3,685,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Maurie McGuire 805-403-8816, DRE#01061042
4055 Naranjo Drive, 3BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-4, $3,895,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Kristi Curtis 805886-6135, DRE#02012866
1460 Twinridge Road, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 12-3, $3,895,000, eXp Realty/ Zia Group, William Franco 805-4500820, DRE#02020491
1416 Dover Road, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 2-4, $4,295,000, Village Properties, Shawn Poindexter 805-826-1762, DRE#02222632
450 El Cielito Rd, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat 1-4, $4,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katinka Goertz 805-708-9616, DRE#01871645
Upper East
512 E Arrellaga St, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 12-3 & Sun 11-4, $2,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Claudia Schou / Ken Switzer / Katya Sheets 805-403-7053 / 805-680-4622 / 805-708-2323, DRE#02134548 / #01245644 / #02061444
Continued on page 16
OPEN HOUSES
9 E Quinto St, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-4, $3,195,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ken Switzer 805-680-4622, DRE#01245644
Montecito
1032 Fairway Rd, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun By Appt, $1,995,000, Village Properties, Cathy O’Neill 805-8867760, DRE#01788156
159 Loureyro Rd, 2BD, 1BA, Sat 1-3, $2,850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Charlie Bogue 805-837-4213, DRE#01803038
746 Westmont Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 11-4 & Sun 1-3, $2,895,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Michael Schlink / Kathleen LaManna / Sarita Vasquez 309-657-2469 / 630-745-1376 / 805-729-1115, DRE#02241142 / #02151627 / #02232751
2154 East Valley Road, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $3,500,000, Village Properties, Carly Gribble / Lourika van Tonder 805-951-7255 / 805-280-5865, DRE#02233358 / #02211987
315 Calle Elegante, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3, $4,550,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Annette Vait 805-886-1926, DRE#02044281
840 Toro Canyon Rd, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sat 1-4, $6,499,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, J.J. Gobbell 805-4035785, DRE#02063124 Summerland
2231 Banner Ave #B, 2BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Erika Burrows / Mia Teetsel 805-886-1588 / 805-2029118, DRE#02222512 / #01256862
Saturday 6/20 & Sunday 6/21
Carpinteria
4700 Sandyland Road #54, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 11-3 & Sun 1-4, $1,125,000, Village Properties, Heather Sikes / Lourika van Tonder / Brian King 530-558-9634 / 805-280-5865 / 805-452-0471, DRE#02251924 / #02211986 / #01868186
3375 Foothill Rd #424, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,325,000, Village Properties, Michael Dickman 805689-3355, DRE#02093312
3256 Via Real, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-3:30, $1,690,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammie
Calcagno-Newell 805-455-7661, DRE#02055049
3375 Foothill Road #921, 3BD, 2BA, Sun By Appt, $1,750,000, Village Properties, Michael Dickman 805689-3355, DRE#02093312
123 Polo Way, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-4, $3,400,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammie Calcagno-Newell 805-455-7661, DRE#02055049
121 Polo Dr, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-4, $3,900,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Cammie Calcagno-Newell 805-455-7661, DRE#02055049
105 Polo Way, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-4, $4,300,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Cammie Calcagno-Newell 805-455-7661, DRE#02055049
7401 Shepard Mesa Rd, 5BD, 4BA, Sat 1-4, $4,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bella Fredericks 805-8957706, DRE#02244342
Santa Ynez Valley
216 2nd Street, 4BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 12:30-3, $875,000, Village Properties, Daisy Gomez / William M Reed 805-245-5792 / 805-8963002, DRE#02439850 / #01155355
548 Irelan Drive, 4BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $979,000, Richardson Real Estate Services, Inc., Kyle Richardson 805680-3131, DRE#01902531
590 Pine St, 2BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Bill Coker 805-689-7415, DRE#00825468
1570 Mountain View Dr, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 12-2, $1,349,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Judy Crawford 805-5881425, DRE#01280176
630 Lillebakke Court, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $1,425,000, Village Properties, Michelle Glaus 805-4520446, DRE#01921235
1129 Highland Rd, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $1,799,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Rhoda Johnson 805-705-8707, DRE#01070384
3561 Olive St, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat 2-4 & Sun 12-3, $1,875,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Angie Marrufo / Dianna Zlaket 805-863-6866 / 805-3908382, DRE#02231894 / #01701860
2485 Park St, 3BD, 1.5BA, Sat 11-1, $2,350,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Angie Marrufo 805-863-6866, DRE#02231894
1631/1633 Fredensborg Way, 5BD, 4BA, Sat 1-3, $2,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Beau Staley 805-5502408, DRE#02252461
1551 Meadowvale Road, 4BD, 6.5BA, Sun 1-4, $4,495,000, Epstein Partners/Keller Williams, Mark Heitmann 805-448-8500, DRE#01007490
Ojai
1114 Mercer Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $1,545,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Sandy Lipowski 805-403-3844, DRE#01355215
918 El Toro Rd, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 1-4, $2,775,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Serge Bandura 323-251-1204, DRE#02147030
Ventura
28143 Village 28 (Mission Oaks), 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $545,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Shawn Baker 805-233-1725, DRE#01945168
30105 Village 30 (Mission Oaks), 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $675,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, John Baker 805-233-1525, DRE#01804388
2548 Ukiah St (Port Hueneme), 3BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4, $689,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Carrie Stanton 805-816-9344, DRE#01824394
620 Saratoga Avenue, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 12-3, $1,075,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Linda Borkowski 805-252-7305, DRE#01970135
10995 Alto Court (Oak View), 4BD, 4BA, Sun 12-3, $2,899,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Julie Fox 323829-5562, DRE#01264068
Realtors: submit your open house listings at INDEPENDENT.COM/ OPENHOUSESUBMISSIONS Email: openhouses@independent.com with questions $25 PER LISTING OR FREE FOR INDEPENDENT ADVERTISERS
Inviting single-level Buellton home offering over 1,500 sq. ft. of comfortable living space with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing plenty of space for family, guests, a home office, and hobbies!
The updated, light-filled kitchen showcases newer countertops and appliances, plus French doors that open to a private patio and pergola. The adjacent living room features a cozy fireplace, an additional dining area, and French doors that lead to a second spacious outdoor patio, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
The fully fenced backyard creates a welcoming area filled with fruit trees, room for gardening, and space to entertain, relax, or dine al fresco. All four bedrooms are nicely sized with plantation shutters and ample storage, while the primary suite includes a walk-in closet.
Additional highlights include an attached two-car garage with washer and dryer, built-in workbench, and extra storage. Conveniently located in the heart of Buellton, this move-in-ready home offers comfort, functionality, and outdoor enjoyment.
FEATURED PROPERTIES IN SANTA BARBARA & MONTECITO
345 Sierra Vista Road | Montecito
Offered at $2,750,000
2 Bed | 2 Bath | Office/Potential 3rd Bedroom | 1 Acre
Turnkey Montecito retreat in Cold Spring School District on full 1-acre only $2,750,000! Updated throughout this home has 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms plus an office with ensuite bathroom that could easily serve as 3rd bedroom. Conceptual design plans are available for building footprint expansion, including a guest unit and ADU with approximately 3,600 SF of living space and three dwelling units.
Just minutes from downtown and lower and upper villages. Great opportunity to live comfortably in Montecito Cold Spring district at an attractive price point with opportunity to expand!
444 Rosario Drive | Santa Barbara
Offered at $2,100,000
3 Bed | 2 Bath | Guest Studio
Beautifully updated and remodeled throughout, this 3bd/2bath single-level home was professionally updated and remodeled throughout by experienced contractor owner. Converted garage guest studio offers a secondary residence, including full kitchen and bathroom and living area with separate private entrance. Large flat lot with multiple covered patios, outbuildings and mature landscaping, usable front and private back yards. Quiet and convenient San Marcos Gardens neighborhood in Hope School District, walkable to nearby schools and upper State St shopping and restaurants.
Brokerage / Development / Investments (805) 452-2149 | tatmanproperties.com
# 02152322
Offered at $979,000
Welcome to 548 Irelan Drive, a beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Buellton. Remodeled circa 2017, the home features newer windows and doors, updated flooring, recessed lighting, and refreshed finishes throughout. The open-concept layout includes a cozy living room with a wood-burning fireplace and a spacious kitchen with an oversized island, farmhouse sink, and modern appliances. French doors open to a covered patio and private backyard featuring fruitbearing trees, lawn space, gardening areas, and a fire
pit perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Additional highlights include central A/C, an affordable SunRun solar contract, abundant storage, an oversized twocar garage, and a versatile fourth bedroom ideal for a home office or guest room. Located on a quiet street with no home directly across and just moments from PAWS Dog Park, Jonata Middle School, and many of Buellton’s favorite restaurants and amenities, this movein ready property offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and Santa Ynez Valley living.
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com 805.963.1704 www.sbrealtor.com
DRE Lic. #00635254 + #01902531
Getting Ready for Wildfire
Wildfire is Santa Barbara’s most common natural disaster. Every year, firefighting and emergency services agencies get together to roll out Wildfire Preparedness Week in the late spring. As part of this year’s campaign, Cal Fire detailed its Wildfire Prevention Grants Program to provide financial support for projects that reduce the potential for destructive wildfire in and around high-risk communities. This funding aims to help reduce hazardous fuels (such as dry vegetation surrounding flammable structures) and beef up wildfire prevention planning and readiness.
“By investing in locally driven prevention projects, we are reducing risks today while building long-term resilience,” said Cal Fire’s Frank Bigelow, the state agency’s deputy director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation.
by
In high-risk areas and there are many across Santa Barbara County homeowners are required to maintain “defensible space” safety buffers around their main residences and outbuildings. Not sure exactly what that means for your property? Contact your local firehouse or the Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council to arrange a free inspection. The sooner the better.
Property owners in the middle of remodeling or new construction can also take extra steps to protect their homes against the flying embers and intense temperatures common during wind-driven firestorms. Such “home hardening,” as it’s called, can involve technically advanced venting of attics and crawlspaces, treating exposed wood with fireproofing finishes, and adding heat-resistant insulation to reflect heat away from the structure as wildfire closes in. There are many approaches that go above and beyond California’s strict fire-safety building-code requirements, and the upfront cost can buy peace of mind.
For much more information, try these resources:
• Sign up for Santa Barbara County ReadySBC alerts: readysbc.org
• Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council: sbfiresafecouncil.org
• Cal Fire’s One-Hour Wildfire Ready Checklist: readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/wildfire-preparedness-week
• The award-winning Disaster Prep Guide: independent.com/2020/01/29/the-santa-barbara-disaster-prep-guide-2020/ • Watch Duty smartphone app: watchduty.org
Keith Hamm
HEART
The Tea Fire, in November 2008, destroyed 210 homes in Montecito and Santa Barbara.
1150 N. FAIRVIEW AVE | GOLETA, CA OFFERED AT $ 5,950,000
3 BED | 2.5 BATH | 1BD/1BA APARTMENT 5-CAR GARAGE | 2 PARCELS | 5± ACRES
At the end of a gated private lane, this rare 5± acre knoll-top estate—once part of historic El Abrigo Rancho—offers stunning 360° views of the ocean, islands, mountains, and Goleta Valley. The mostly level, fully usable land is ideal for horses, agriculture, or open-space living just minutes from town.
Built in 2021, the single-level home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an office, open-beam ceilings, and seamless indooroutdoor living. A detached structure includes five garage spaces and a guest apartment with panoramic views.
A unique blend of privacy, usable land, modern comfort, and South Coast lifestyle—close to Goleta, UCSB, beaches, and Santa Barbara.
MIMI GREENBERG
Realtor®–Sales Associate
805.570.9585
mimi@mimigreenberg.com mimigreenberg.com DRE 01196887
Home Energy Upgrades at Point of Sale
The City of Berkeley has frequently pioneered environmental policies that have spread across the country. Its latest example is a Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO) that went into effect this past January. Single-family homes account for 58 percent of U.S. building emissions. In 2006, Berkeley set a target of 80 percent reduction in greenhousegas emissions by 2050. Since buildings are the second-largest source of carbon emissions after transportation, there have been many efforts in California and elsewhere to make buildings cleaner and more energy-efficient.
GOING
GREEN
In 2019, Berkeley became the first community in the country to ban natural gas hookups in new construction. Many other jurisdictions, including Santa Barbara, promptly took similar action. This approach was thwarted, however, when the California Restaurant Association successfully sued to halt the ban.
homes. The Berkeley BESO ordinance now requires sellers and buyers of homes to replace fossil-fuel appliances or make other green upgrades as a condition of sale. Some municipalities require home sellers to obtain and disclose the results of energy audits to encourage adding voluntary efficiency features. Improvements, however, have been paltry to date.
To increase the rate of retrofits, Berkeley is not only requiring audits as part of home sales but mandating that climatefriendly features be performed.
by Dennis Allen
Following this disappointing setback, efforts intensified to find ways to improve the energy performance of older
Great
BESO gives credit for a home’s low-carbon systems. A minimum score of six credits is required. The menu includes heat pumps for heating/cooling and for hot water worth six credits each. The same for upgrading a home’s electrical system to make it heat pump ready. Solar panels and batteries achieve three credits each if installed within the last five years. Two credits are given for an EV charger, induction stove, or a heat pump clothes dryer.
At time of sale, an energy audit is required and must be disclosed in the real
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estate multiple listing service. Currently, the sale of all single-family dwellings and duplexes fall under the ordinance. In 2028, three-and four-unit properties will have to comply. Sellers must make upgrades prior to sale or set up an escrow account of $5,000 for the buyer to make the improvements within two years. The sum gets forfeited if the two-year deadline is not met.
Already, the mandate is changing the dynamics of the housing market. One broker said, “Homes that are already electrified will be perceived as more move-in ready.
Homes that defer everything effectively carry a hidden cost that informed buyers will factor into their offers.”
Santa Barbara has a lot of old, inefficient housing so would do well to study Berkeley’s mandate and consider it for our community.
Dennis Allen is chair of Allen Construction, an employeeowned company committed to building and operating sustainably. He is also former chair of the Dean’s Council at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UCSB and a former boardmember of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
