Maurie McGuire's Montecito Real Estate Update - Newsletter April 8th, 2011

Spring Wildflowers | 2 Hikes Coming Up

Sedgwich Reserve Hike
This Saturday, April 9th at 8:30am

Three hikes with varying themes such as geology, landforms, Sedgwick panoramas, plants and animals or birds, and approximately two to three hours each are conducted simultaneously, followed by the opportunity to picnic with your own lunch at the Reserve. In addition to the hikes, other activities such as a tour of the newly-renovated old barn, the new observatory, the pond, and the new Tipton House, as well as a set up for painters at the pond, and the use of a bocce ball court are all planned for those who don't want to hike and would like to just enjoy the Reserve attractions while the hikes are being conducted. Sedgwick operates on a very limited University budget; therefore a donation of $10 per hiker or $15 per couple or family is suggested for the hikes. Donations can be made on the day of the hike, and reservations are required. Also, be advised that if there is inclement weather, the hikes will be cancelled and a message will be placed on the Sedgwick answering machine. For further information and reservations, email sedgwick@lifesci.ucsb.edu or 805-686-1941, Ex 6.

Canyon Wildflower Hike at Arroyo Hondo Preserve
Saturday, April 16th, 10am-12:30am

Familiarize yourself with some of the local flora at beautiful Arroyo Hondo Preserve. Sally Isaacson, one of Santa Barbara's most respected botanists, will lead a hike to find the best and brightest native plants in the canyon. If you wish, birng a lunch and enjoy the view afterwards. The cost is $10 for Land Trust Members and $15 for Nonmembers. To make a reservation & get directions email info@sblandtrust.org or call 805 966-4520, or visit the facebook page.

Green Car Show and Ride & Drives at the Earth Day Festival

For 12 years, the Green Car Show has been one of the most popular and cutting-edge features of CEC's Earth Day Festival, showcasing the latest technologies in electric, hybrid and advanced-fuel vehicles. Green Car Show Flier and Details. This largest collection of efficient and alternative-fueled vehicles between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and is the longest-running public Green Car Show in the United States. Experience cutting-edge technology first hand! The collection features the latest electric and plug in hybrid vehicles, such as the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf – including some available for test drive – and other vehicles that run on hydrogen, ethanol, biodiesel and compressed natural gas.

Join Maurie at this years Earth Day Festival at Alameda Park in Santa Barbara, Saturday, April 16, 11am-7pm & Sunday, April 17, 11am-6pm. The cost of admittance is FREE. So please come, bring your family, friends and kids. For more information please visit www.sbearthday.org

12th Annual Historic Homes Tour

The Pearl Chase Society Invites you to visit five intriguing homes in the historic upper Eastside neighborhood of Santa Barbara, on Sunday, May 15th, 2011 from 11am to 4 pm. The historic homes include the Gilbert House, the Johnstone House, the Hatch House, the Hopkins House, and the Gansi House. The tour has sold out in the past, so early reservations are advised but limited. Tickets range between $50-$75 a person. Plan to allow 2 1/2 hours to enjoy the tour.

For more information please visit www.pearlchasesocitety.org or call 805-961-3938.

Real Estate Activity Update

Hot off the press, MLS Statistics Through March 2011, the update for Santa Barbara, South County real estate activity, courtesy of our friend and real estate associate, Gary Woods. The update is based on data from the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service (MLS), through March 2011. The area covered is Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Goleta, and the unincorporated areas of southern Santa Barbara County. Included are statistics for total sales as well as break outs for each of the districts.

Please let us know if you would like additional detail or other specific information.

5 Easy Steps to your MLS Search

1. Go to www.MontecitoLand.com
2. Click the Property Search link.
3. Click on the left image, the Santa Barbara MLS Search button.
4. Check the boxes on this form. Remember to not get too specific when during your search. Do the broadest search criteria, but still focus on what is most important to you.
5. After you've filled out the property type, desired city and quick search criteria fields click on the MLS Search button. Resluts will pop up on the next page. Adjust your search according to more specific desires from this point.

Contact Us Today

If you're looking to buy or sell a property in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch or surrounding areas, you owe it to yourself to contact Maurie and her team today! Their extensive knowledge of the Santa Barbara real estate market, combined with years of experience, a stellar track record and a record number of repeat clients ensures you will be taken care of with the utmost in caring, integrity and personalized service. Contact Maurie Today.