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Local Realtors
updated: May 30, 2012, 10:45 AM

What is the best way to find a reputable and reliable realtor in Santa Barbara/Montecito? What questions should I ask? What references should I check? Is a record of sales by realtors available online? Is there anything else I should know? I am the seller, and my question at this point is HOW to find a realtor to work with..

Thank you very much if you can help!

Places People Are Talking About:

Adrienne Schuele	Annette Ordas	Bob Curti
Bob Curtis	Coldwell Banker	Gay Milligan and Co.
John Gaffney	Village Properties

What People Are Saying:

COMMENT 283715P	2012-05-30 11:05 AM
Usually find the best by word of mouth, but there are thousands of realtors in this town. I've used Ann Rassmussen, she's honest and a straight shooter. http://annrasmussen.net/
COMMENT 283719	2012-05-30 11:13 AM
Bypass the realtor. Sell/buy your property yourself. Get a real estate attorney and a title company to do the work. Then, sit back an enjoy the money you didn't flonk down on those who fleece the fleecees. My fav line from realtors is, "Don't insult the seller with such a low offer."
COMMENT 283726P	2012-05-30 11:27 AM
Call Nick Svenson at Southbys. I can not recommend him highly enough. My wife and I looked for a house for 4 months and he was honest about what was not right for us. He was patient and knowledgable. He is more interested in lifetime clients than one sale.
COMMENT 283730P	2012-05-30 11:33 AM
Gay Milligin and Company. The most honest realtor I have ever come across. This is her website http://www.gaymilligin.com. All pertinent information there.
COMMENT 283736P	2012-05-30 11:49 AM
What does a RE Attorney do for the seller and what do they charge?
COMMENT 283742	2012-05-30 12:02 PM
Bob Curtis of Village Properties is the best realtor in Santa Barbara. I've recommended him many times and he is always the choice after friends interview several realtors. His number is 805-683-7333. Good luck.
COMMENT 283756	2012-05-30 12:40 PM
Gary Goldberg, Coastal Properties, handled my recent sale. He and his staff were wonderful
EDHATBARBARA	2012-05-30 01:19 PM
John Gaffney will treat you like gold. He's very knowledgeable (he does housing placement for UCSB staff and instructors): sbjohn@cox.net / cell: 448-4663
COMMENT 283782	2012-05-30 01:48 PM
My only recommendation would be Marie Sue Parsons and Stephanie Young!
COMMENT 283801	2012-05-30 02:30 PM
The real estate attorney will process the paperwork for you and make sure all of the correct legal documents are filed. Their fee will be a lot less than the 5 to 6% of the sale that is charged by most buyers' agents and their brokers. Half of that goes to the buyer's agent. Only Goodwin and Thyne say they charge 1.5% but I don't know how they get the buyer's agent to agree to that if they are working for the seller. On a house worth 600K we're talking about 30K in agent fees. The weird part is that it is commonly 5% no matter where you are in the United States, even if the house prices are more like 200K and the agent only gets 6K for the sale. And don't get me started on the yield spread premium charged by the mortgage broker!
COMMENT 283813	2012-05-30 02:58 PM
would that same attorney defend the seller inclusive in that fee if the buyer were to sue the seller for missing any details on inspections or other disagreements that occur on these transactions.
COMMENT 283820	2012-05-30 03:26 PM
Rose and Bill Reed with Sothebys. They are hands down the best realtors in Santa Barbara!!
COMMENT 283824	2012-05-30 03:32 PM
I also would recommend Gay Milligan and Co.
COMMENT 283860	2012-05-30 05:28 PM
Finding a "good" realtor in SB is not as easy as it may sound, but you do have some good suggestions here based on people's personal experiences. I personally agree that Gay Milligan is as honest and helpful as they come. So many realtors in SB start thinking of themselves as more than salesmen/women and their attitudes reflect it. Who wants a realtor that treats you like they are doing you a big favor by taking your listing or has a "snob attitude". Sometimes realtors are willing to negotiate the commission, so don't be afraid to ask. Also if you want a lot of exposure and want open-houses ask how often they will be willing to hold them for you. I personally like working with large companies that have a big advertising budget and national recognition like Sotheby's. Interview a few realtors and see who you like, but get references from others too like you are doing here. Good luck!
COMMENT 283894	2012-05-30 07:56 PM
Depends just where your home is, and also what kind of proprty it is. Mesa - Mike Richardson Riviera - Chris Palme Rancho San Antonio - Regina Magid Rancho Embarcadero - Gay Milligan Hope Ranch - Linda Hughes Downtown - Lori Bartron Beach (SB)- Kathleen Winter Beach (Carp) - Lori Ebner Samarkand - Kathleen Barnato San Roque (lower) - Gloria Easter San Roque (upper, north of Foothill) - Karen Spechler Goleta North - Karen Spechler Condomonium (anywhere) - Karen Spechler These individals are all connected with large brokerages, and are the most knowledgeable about values in the areas I've mentioned, are all thoroughly professional, and personable. Post again if you are in an area I haven't mentioned. I know 'em all. Mission Canyon - Kelly Knight
COMMENT 283898	2012-05-30 08:17 PM
Hope Ranch is Adrienne Schuele!
COMMENT 283917	2012-05-31 07:08 AM
Mesa - Mike Richardson Hope Ranch - Linda Lorenzen REO/Bank Owned - Steve Epstein Montecito - Rebecca Riskin Probate/Trust - Jeff Owen Condo - Karen Spechler Beach - Kathy Winter Mountain View/Goleta - Marie Sue Parsons Affordable County Units - Anita Ward Riviera - Julie Barnes or Chris Palme Carpinteria - Shirley Kimberlin Mission Canyon - Kelly Knight Mark Mosely, Randy Glick, Bob Curtis, Kathy Hughes, Roger Jacobsen, John Thyne...all great agents too. I have been an escrow officer for 15 years and know who specializes in certain areas.
COMMENT 283926	2012-05-31 07:27 AM
Linda Lorenzen-Hughes has a great reputation. She listens to what you want and really works hard for you. I highly recommend interviewing a few realtors and seeing who you connect with best. Even the best realtor can rub you the wrong way.
COMMENT 283929	2012-05-31 07:30 AM
My sister uses real estate attorneys for her transactions but she has a number of investment properties so is very knowledgeable about the process. If you don't mind the agent fees then that is the most straightforward way to go.
COMMENT 283930	2012-05-31 07:31 AM
dont use Ted BAUER hes reallly untruthful
COMMENT 283932	2012-05-31 07:35 AM
Allen Jones was less than helpful when I bought my house. I'm still sorry. I would recommend steering clear of him.
RHS	2012-05-31 08:15 AM
"Realtor" is an artificially created title which the real estate sales people created to give some gravitas to their business. What you want is someone who can help you sell your property at a reasonable rate. Most "realtors" are engaged in restraint of trade price fixing by insisting on getting a 3% commission on each side of the deal. Goodwin and Thyne fight this and as they have legal expertise they bring even more to the table. In any event I have never used a "realtor" to sell my real estate and will never do so. If the other party is using a "realtor" we engage in negotiations about what commission that person has earned and which side will pay it. This works. In the end the real estate sales business is just about making money--they are no more your "friend" than the used car sales guy.
COMMENT 283951P	2012-05-31 08:18 AM
You want a realtor who listens to you and tailors the options to what you want rather than what they want to sell....
COMMENT 283953	2012-05-31 08:21 AM
First off, a "Realtor" is merely a member of a national trade association. All you need is someone with a real estate sales license, preferably a lawyer, who has access to multiple listing services. It has been proven that these realtors aren't interested in getting top dollar for your house* - there are no incentives beyond getting the quickest sale (their added percentage, beyond the cost of holding out for a higher price, is effectively nill). *Know how they proved this? Economists studied lengths of time agents held clients houses on market (to secure highest price) - compared to how long they kept their own properties on the market! Guess who they worked harder for.
COMMENT 283954	2012-05-31 08:23 AM
Right on, 283894. A neighborhood specialist is always a good idea! And, be sure to interview 3 agents - experience counts!
LOUWHO?	2012-05-31 08:32 AM
Adrienne Schuele in Hope Ranch (not Linda Lorenza -LINDA represents the buyer and the seller a lot and that is trouble for both parties!!). Adrienne will fight like a tiger for you to get the best price for YOU if you are buying or selling. She is a real life SUPER WOMAN!! (805) 452-3960
COMMENT 283971	2012-05-31 08:49 AM
Always use a realtor, never sell by yourself because of the legal pitfalls! Ask for referrals and ask the Realtor Board if there are any complaints filed against that realtor before deciding. Better yet, call Coldwell Banker and ask for Bob Jennings in Santa Ynez! Great guy, honest, hard working, very responsive and he would be my choice any time!
COMMENT 284001	2012-05-31 09:40 AM
I would never sell or buy without a realtor I trusted for their advise on pricing, negotiating, and marketing. It's all easy and fun until it's not, and it's not when the house doesn't sell or the buyer and or transaction gets complicated. Everyone has a favorite realtor. I noticed that at least one of the names mentioned is literally not living in SB any more and has not been a realtor for many years. Ask around, talk to friends and then interview 3 realtors. You will find someone you like and trust. I've seen realtors get themselves "elected" as Realtor of the Year all because they've been fabulous at e-marketing themselves to family, friends, college buddies and the like. Doesn't make them good, just says they know that "tag" will sell them.
CABINETMAKER	2012-05-31 10:14 AM
Another vote for Bob Curtis.
COMMENT 284014	2012-05-31 10:18 AM
Most realtors are like politicians.... they're always selling themselves as it's the nature of their business. Some are more down to earth than others but it's how their style fits with you that counts. Interview several and just go with your gut. Yes, experience counts but so does their ability to HEAR you and work with you. Ask about their marketing plan, how they connect with other realtors to get the most qualified eye balls and feet through your door. Do they have a design plan to make your house look it's best to sell and can they move you to make tough decisions in a way that suits you?
COMMENT 284027	2012-05-31 10:36 AM
Goodwin & Thyne-the only ones brave enough to try to break the 6% cartel.
COMMENT 284043	2012-05-31 11:04 AM
I've always saved money going the DIY way. even the diy dentistry and hairplugs came out fine...so i'm told.
COMMENT 284053P	2012-05-31 11:35 AM
Ditto on Adrienne Schuele!!!
COMMENT 284059	2012-05-31 11:52 AM
GLORIA EASTER, this woman is honest as the day is long, she talked us out of selling our house and she could have made big big bucks. We had neighbors from hell, but we have a rental and she said don't do it, and we are glad we listened to her and things have calmed down.
COMMENT 284110	2012-05-31 02:20 PM
If you read over all the realty forms that are involved, they are primarily focused on protecting the realtor and their broker from any liability. Ultimately it is "all about the deal", not about the wants and needs of the buyer/seller. If you use a realtor, YOU still must make sure that your needs are met! Good Luck!
COMMENT 284139	2012-05-31 03:51 PM
I would NOT use Goodwin and Thyne. You get what you pay for. I have used 4 different Realtors in town and am now working with Kevin Schmidtchen of Sotheby's and he has been great. Excellent communication and has gone to bat for me several times. You want someone who will fight for you. Do you think a Realtor who will back down below 5% is going to fight for your money? He is also a Don.
COMMENT 284156	2012-05-31 04:24 PM
No one has mentioned Gail Shannon at Village Properties. She helped us find a house in Santa Barbara and did not grow impatient with our 14 month search for the right property. She is very knowledgeable and absolutely trustworthy. I do wish that I had heeded her advice and purchased one of the houses that she recommended as good investments, since they would be worth more than the house and neighborhood I ultimately decided on (against her advice).
SBPERSON	2012-05-31 10:59 PM
I would only use Annette Ordas. She is the best.
COMMENT 284507P	2012-06-01 03:44 PM
Aaron Gilles at Village Properties. He has done a fine job for us a couple of times now.
COMMENT 284816P	2012-06-03 03:07 AM
I would ask at different offices for agents who specialize in your type of property, condo, fixer, estate, etc. Then I would ask for a list of the agent's recent sales, average time on market, and average selling price relative to asking price. In this market it's so important to price right. And also ask for references from recent sellers. Most importantly make sure the agent speaks knowledgeably and realistically of your property--e.g. someone who only wants to deal with "prime" real estate is not going to promote your little cottage very well, but there are other agents who will (see those I mention below :-) Avoid someone who thinks you should do massive fixing-up before selling: in my experience, anything beyond a good cleaning and de-cluttering is not worth it either to you or the buyer. I can't recommend from personal experience (mine was bad). But I've met Gay Milligan, Gloria Easter and Dana O'Neil, and gotten good impressions of all of them as straightforward and honest people who have similar ideas to mine about houses. It's worth it to interview around, because you need to be able to trust this person. Mike Richardson, acting as owner's agent, tried to screw our commercial agent--who worked really hard for us and deserved every penny, but who was young and just starting out as a broker--out of his commission on a commercial lease. That sort of thing is a bad rec for me but may be appealing if you like that kind of bulldog approach.
COMMENT 284972P	2012-06-03 08:03 PM
Lyla Clyne at Coldwell Banker in Montecito!! Also a Don.
COMMENT 328436	2012-10-06 07:12 AM
Yes on Dana O'Neill!! She is the best. We have used her and recommended her and the experience has been excellent each time. Hard working, experienced, really patient, answered all our questions and hung in there until we found what we were looking for, which wasn't easy!!!