Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group  |  License #01426886  |  805-565-4014

Q3 2020 Real Estate Market Update - An All Time High

October 8th, 2020

 

Despite all the moving parts in the economy, the upcoming election, and the worldwide pandemic, housing demand for Santa Barbara County is at an all-time high, with no apparent slowdown in sight. A few months ago, we noticed a change in buyers’ behavior, emphasizing the beginning of a significant lifestyle shift where our homes became the center of our lives in a way we have never experienced before. People now realize they can live anywhere regardless of where their office is located, and as a result, Santa Barbara and Montecito have been added to a short-list of communities drawing people in to reside here permanently.

backyard patio with table and chairs

patio with view of steps

The hot buttons we hear most are properties with views, charm, beautiful gardens, are “walkable”, and recently updated, turn-key homes. Additionally, buyers are gravitating toward wide-open spaces with acreage and tranquility. We also saw the vacant land market return, with numerous parcels selling during Q3, proving that buyers are planting roots here for the long haul. August was the busiest month for closings, both nationally and locally, where 258 listings sold in South Santa Barbara County. Mortgage applications continued to rise, and buyers are taking advantage of the record low rates – which are below 3%. We anticipate this extremely busy market will continue through the end of the year and most likely into the new year.


MONTECITO


large grassy area behind building
total sales numbers
kitchen bar seating

LUXURY MARKET


Montecito had 8 sales over $10 million, 4 of which were sold off market.

There were many off market sales in Montecito's third quarter, including the highest sale, 700 Picacho Lane which sold for $44,500,000.


VIEW Q3 2020 SALES IN MLS


*statistics are pulled from the SBMLS

Average Sales Price $3,646,268

(DOWN 7% compared to Q3 2019)

Median Sales Price $2,887,500

(DOWN 12% compared to Q3 2019)


SOUTH SANTA BARBARA COUNTY


living room seating near fireplace
sales numbers
view of ocean and mountains

*statistics are pulled from the SBMLS


HOPE RANCH



living room seating
sales numbers
front walkway and entrance

LUXURY MARKET

There was one sale over $10 million in Hope Ranch and 6 over $5 million. The highest sale was 4295 Marina Drive which sold for $10,475,000.

Hope Ranch had 23 sales in the third quarter of 2020, compared to 9 sales in Q3 2019.

VIEW Q3 2020 SALES IN MLS


*statistics are pulled from the SBMLS

Average Sales Price $4,002,116

(Up 12% compared to Q3 2019)


Median Sales Price $3,400,000

(Up 17% compared to Q3 2019)


SO WHERE ARE THE BUYERS COMING FROM?


living room seating near fireplace

So where are the buyers coming from? The majority are moving from other parts of California (predominantly Los Angeles and the Bay Area), but we are also seeing many residents of Santa Barbara County mixing around. Other buyers are coming from New York, Boston, Chicago, and Texas.

kitchen sitting nook under large windows


OTHER Q3 TRENDS



+ Many listings went pending in record time, for over their asking price.


+ Numerous out of town Buyers purchased properties sight-unseen.


+ Many properties were scooped up before even hitting the market.

dining room seating under chandelier with large window
large open bathroom
backyard pool

MARSHA KOTLYAR ESTATE GROUP SOLD OVER $51 MILLION IN Q3 OF 2020

front entryway

Whether you’re searching for your dream home, or you’re ready to sell your property, we’d be honored to come alongside you in your process. Please call us at 805-565-4014 or email Home@MKGroupMontecito.com to discuss your needs. All calls are confidential.

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