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Realtor Buyer's Agent
updated: Aug 09, 2012, 11:05 AM

I am a first time homebuyer in the market for my first house, and my price range is very humble. I would like to know what realtors fellow Edhatters would recommend who will be willing to work with someone who can't afford a million dollar home and work to find me a house I can afford even if the commission will not be huge, based on my price range. And, someone who is honest! I'm also willing to search myself, but other than the MLS or Craigslist I'm not sure what resources are out there to find homes. Thanks!

Places People Are Talking About:

Bob Curtis	City's Affordable Housing Program	Daniel Zia
Dianne Porinsh	Gail Cooley	Justin Urban
Linda Mason	Lorie Bartron	Marie Sue Parsons
Scott Williams	Staci Caplan	Stan Tabler
Sue Irwin

What People Are Saying:

EZ2	2012-08-09 11:12 AM
Lorie Bartron Prudental 563-4054..eric zahm recommended
EDHATBARBARA	2012-08-09 11:19 AM
John Gaffney will definitely be a very able, competent and personable guy to assist you. He works at UCSB's real property office and places many new employees there in their first homes. sbjohn@cox.net; 805-448-4663
COMMENT 306316	2012-08-09 11:21 AM
Heh, he said "honest realtor". Heh heh, heh.
EDHATBARBARA	2012-08-09 11:25 AM
Also, be VERY careful about using Craigslist to find homes for sale -- there are a lot of scams out there these days!
COMMENT 306321	2012-08-09 11:31 AM
Move away from SB!
COMMENT 306322	2012-08-09 11:32 AM
Cam Gittler is smart, efficient and uber honest.
SBALAX	2012-08-09 11:35 AM
Marie Sue Parsons at Prudential SB. We've worked with her for almost 30 years on a variety of home purchases.
JOJOFLYS	2012-08-09 11:41 AM
Julie Joy Stilwell 729.6265
COMMENT 306328	2012-08-09 11:43 AM
Watch out for Craigslist scams. My sister was looking for a rental and saw a picture of her house for rent. It had just been sold and was being remodeled to flip!
COMMENT 306333P	2012-08-09 11:53 AM
Tell us if you find any 'humble' home prices in SB where the house is at least live-in-able. I for one would want to know if any still exist. Thanks.
COMMENT 306334	2012-08-09 11:56 AM
I wouldn't use an agent. Check any free local broker mls like sbaordotcom and follow up with Zillow to make sure the location and lot work for you. Listing agents will be much more helpfull if they're likely to get all the commission. I recently made an offer through a buyer's agent on a local property. The listing agent had his own client match the offer and I wasn't even countered. Don't get suckered into feeling like you "owe" a buyers agent for taking up his time. Go right to the source. 99.9% of properties for sale are listed on the mls and it's updated daily. Good luck!
COMMENT 306345	2012-08-09 12:18 PM
We had a good experience with Nancy Nolan at Pacific Coast Realty
COMMENT 306349	2012-08-09 12:21 PM
A house on Modoc (lots of traffic) near Las Positas just went for under $400K. Seems like the deal of a lifetime to me.
COMMENT 306354	2012-08-09 12:32 PM
Leah Sahagun 805-252-2531. She does a lot of short sale and forclosures so she's GREAT with "humble price ranges". Ignore all these other comments about your price range and SB being too pricey. SB is a fantastic place to live at any price range and Leah can help you find a lovely home that fits you perfectly. Have fun!!
COMMENT 306359	2012-08-09 12:42 PM
306349 - You're kidding right? Please tell me you're kidding!
COMMENT 306374	2012-08-09 01:04 PM
I would strongly recommend Matt Vaughan. He has lived here all his life and is a 2nd generation realtor. He is very knowledgeable, easy going and professional. Matt Vaughan Sun Coast Real Estate 805-689-9351
COMMENT 306392	2012-08-09 01:28 PM
If your "humble" price ranges allows you to purchase a mobile home in this area, then this is what you should be considering. Many, many people find Santa Barbara and its environs to be very affordable at many cost levels. This is what is meant by living within your means. However, lease do not expect to get million dollar home for $100,000 if you find the "right realtor". Plus they all get paid by commission based upon the selling price. This means the deck is already stacked against you. Stay away from subsidized affordable units - very poor investment long term. Stay away from dysfunctional condo associations. Be realistic about your ability to pay now and in the future. Once paid off, then you live "rent free" for the rest of your life. Except for all the house maintenance costs - be sure you keep a capital reserve savings account on top of all the other mortgage and property tax expenses. Think twice about voting for permanent parcel taxes.
COMMENT 306402	2012-08-09 01:52 PM
Gail Cooley, number one with Mobile Home Sales and more...
EDHATBARBARA	2012-08-09 01:57 PM
Be careful too about buying property that has been foreclosed on and and is currently "bank owned." The delays involved can be horribly frustrating. Qualifying for your own mortgage these days is an ordeal in and of itself. Having an experienced real estate broker who understands the process and can hold your hand through escrow is extremely valuable -- doing it yourself for the first time is not wise, despite the savings on commissions. Any misstep along the way could cause the deal to go south and make your sellers want to back out. A savvy realtor can save a deal that otherwise would fall apart. Trust me, I've been through it and know firsthand!
COMMENT 306419	2012-08-09 02:14 PM
Dianne Zamora @ Pacific Realty. More than 40 yrs. experience, conscientious and professional. Knowledgeable and will guide you through the process every single step of the way. 682-0400
COMMENT 306427	2012-08-09 02:24 PM
We are also first-time homebuyers with a modest budget. Cara Gamberdella (Village Properties) is our agent and we highly recommend her. She is professional, communicates quickly and reliably, very organized and is well respected and connected in the community. Her knowledge of the market, planning/zoning and inspections have been invaluable. We are right now in escrow on an REO (which btw is very straight forward and closing in a normal timeframe). If it weren't for her diligence and follow-though we would simply not be in this situation - she got us this house. Thanks Cara!
COMMENT 306479	2012-08-09 03:41 PM
The best realtor in Santa Barbara is Bob Curtis. I recommended him several times to neighbors and he was chosen every single time. He is the best. When we bought our house, we had very specific needs. He showed us 88 homes before we decided. He is patient and other realtors ask his advice constantly. We've now been in our house over 18 years and have no regrets. He is at Village Properties, (805) 683-7333. Good luck.
COMMENT 306535	2012-08-09 05:15 PM
What is your price range? Any possibility you could be happy with a condo rather than a single family home? They are much less expensive to maintain and a lot less work. El Escorial and East Beach Townhomes in a great area by the beach have some pretty nice and affordable units for sale. I agree with Matt Vaughn and Bob Curtis being honest and humble a combination that is not always found in SB Realtors who forget they are just salespeople and there to serve their clients.
COMMENT 306538	2012-08-09 05:30 PM
There is a house on Pedregosa for sale for under 500. I have driven by it many times and it looks really nice!
COMMENT 306562	2012-08-09 06:29 PM
Forget about the East Beach Cubicles for sale at about half a million. Do some research on the history of how much Condo / Trailer Park fees before considering purchasing a condo or trailer. Better to stick with a single family home if you don't want to be told what you can or cannot do with your property.
COMMENT 306593	2012-08-09 08:05 PM
479, you had very specific needs, and Bob Curtis showed you 88 homes? He must have the patience of a saint. Did you not bother telling him just what those needs were? My RE Agent got me the right house on the second try - she understood what I wanted. OP, the first three rules of residential RE remain unchanged: location, location, location. If you have some idea of what part of town you want to live in, let us know and you'll get much more informed recommendations. If you can't do that, rent. None of the agents named so far would make my list, and I know them all.
COMMENT 306599	2012-08-09 08:31 PM
We had a great real estate and loan team for our first purchase. Buying a house in a moderate price range here now can be very hard, there is a lot of competition. Educate yourselves, and be prepared for some heartache if you get outbid. Get your approvals, your team together, and go for what you want. Do not work with a sellers agent. They do not have your best interests at heart, and you likely don't have the $ to pay for repairs you didn't know about . Also, don't go it alone. Look to see if your work participates in Coastal housing partnership, since it will give you good benefits. Best of luck.
COMMENT 306607P	2012-08-09 08:57 PM
I wouldn't suggest doing a first home purchase in Santa Barbara. Buy your first home somewhere else - it's way too expensive here for what you get. The only difference between a SB home and a yacht in terms of a hole to throw money down is that the yacht floats. If you must own, rent here and buy somewhere you like to vacation. Due diligence is your friend.
COMMENT 306609	2012-08-09 09:21 PM
In my experience, the loan is harder to get than the property. I would focus on getting a loan locked in...and then go find the property yourself. Real Estate agents for buyers are a crock....seriously, the selling agent is happy to show you the property..and is the owners responsibility to pay. Think about it, do you really think it is worth 3% for someone to show you around town? The loan officer does the loan, the title officer does the title, the inspectors do the inspections..and they get paid separately. To me, the 3% for a real estate agent to show me houses is absurd. (especially if you are on a budget) good luck to you....
COMMENT 306611P	2012-08-09 10:07 PM
Scott Williams is great! We used him to sell our condo and buy our house back in 93. We have recommended him to quite a few people. Most recently (April), we recommended him to my brother and sister-in-law. They were very happy with him. He helped them sell her mom's house and their two homes. He is knowledgeable, friendly and super hard working for YOU! Sorry, I don't have his # handy. Good luck to you. I hope you find what you want.
COMMENT 306638	2012-08-10 06:48 AM
Nobody better, kinder, more helpful or more honest than Gail Cooley! She is with Prudential.
COMMENT 306641P	2012-08-10 06:51 AM
Linda Mason, 687-0711, of Home Realty. Has been here for ages, knows everybody, will work very hard and personally for you, used to run fabric stop on Santa Barbara so good grasp on lower-priced properties from having starving artist clientele.
COMMENT 306651	2012-08-10 07:07 AM
I second Linda Mason at Home Realty. Mid price is her speciality. And she's great to work with.
COMMENT 306655P	2012-08-10 07:13 AM
Bill Urbany. He is honest and knows the SB market well. And hey, you gotta love a guy whose name fits with his occupation.
COMMENT 306657P	2012-08-10 07:17 AM
Dianne Porinsh with Village Properties...she's a joy to work with and makes her clients her priority!
COMMENT 306670	2012-08-10 07:42 AM
Staci Caplan at Sterling 805-886-3970. You will be glad you made the call....
COMMENT 306692	2012-08-10 08:06 AM
You absolutely should consult the City's Affordable Housing Program. I purchased a great home that way. To inquire: Contact David Rowell (for excellent help) Housing Programs Specialist City of Santa Barbara Community Development Department 630 Garden Street P. O. Box 1990 Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990 805-564-5461x4578 Fax: 805-564-5477 DRowell@santabarbaraca.gov
COMMENT 306693	2012-08-10 08:07 AM
I can't recommend Angela Moloney @ Prudential enough. We bought our (humble) house with her and she was very patient. I have a recommendation closing with her now too.
MESAJIM	2012-08-10 08:09 AM
Justin Urban 252-7951 Humble, honest fellow who won't waste your time or push properties on you that you can't afford.
PROGRESS	2012-08-10 08:17 AM
I second Marie Sue Parsons.
BILLY BOB	2012-08-10 08:37 AM
Daniel Zia
COMMENT 306718	2012-08-10 08:40 AM
Sue Irwin, Prudential. Sue is very personable and patient, she will keep you realistic. Short Sale and Foreclosure Expert, a Green specialist, been on several committees. (805) 705-6973, sueirwinrealtor @ gmail. Certified Residential Specialist Accredited Buyer Representative GREEN Certified Real Estate Agent Board of Directors, Santa Barbara Assoc. of Realtors Chair, Education Committee, SB Assoc of Realtors
COMMENT 306729P	2012-08-10 08:56 AM
I would suggest heading directly to your local sporting goods store and asking for the "tent" department---------------
POTPOURRI	2012-08-10 09:22 AM
"Home Buying for Dummies" is an excellent guide for home buyers. It is easy to understand and explains how to find real estate agents, search online for houses, calculate mortgage payments, and how to determine what you can afford on your budget. It was invaluable when we bought our house.
COMMENT 306762	2012-08-10 09:34 AM
Stan Tabler!
COMMENT 306767	2012-08-10 09:42 AM
I remember when home prices were at least attainable to the middle class here. It's disgusting now. Just sick that a 4th generation native Californian like myself cannot afford a home in my own homeland. My relatives were not rich and left me no big inheritence, so I'm on my own. No dreams of home ownership for me. What the HELL happened here? These homes are just not worth a million dollars. And DON'T tell me to move if I don't like it. I'm just upset at the bloated ugly prices. It's just too much.
COMMENT 306788	2012-08-10 10:06 AM
Just wanna thank edhat for making this kind of forum possible. Many of us who are trying to figure out if we could, after all, be home owners will find these comments thought-provoking and very helpful. Thank you!
EDHATBARBARA	2012-08-10 10:17 AM
I get a lot of real estate reports because I work for a probate and trust lawyer and I gotta say, real property prices have come down significantly in Santa Barbara over the past four or five years. While certainly not cheap, they are definitely more affordable than they have been in my recent memory. I agree, however, that getting approved on a loan is the more difficult challenge and pre-qualifying in advance so you know what price range you really will be able to purchase is an excellent idea. Having an established relationship with a lender will go a long way towards making the ordeal of getting a mortgage (and it IS an ordeal these days) less burdensome. A quality real estate broker will hold your hand through that process. There is so much more to buying a home than merely showing you what's on the market and guiding you through the offer/acceptance. Escrow can be a maze of documentation and each step can be a land mine. There are conditions to be met, inspections and results to consider, decisions along the way which affect how you will financially stand at the end of the transaction in large and small ways. Also consider the fact that interest rates are at an incredible low point and your own capacity to increase earnings over time will lessen the burden of mortgage payments in the long run. I've read that home ownership beats renting in just three years now.
COMMENT 306801	2012-08-10 10:24 AM
I just saw an ad for a 3 bedroom condo with a 2 car garage, offered by Linda Lorenzen-Hughes at Coldwell Banker. Seems like a good deal.
COMMENT 306804	2012-08-10 10:26 AM
If you're rich you live in Santa Barbara; if you're famous you live in Montecito; and if you're lucky you live in Carpinteria.
COMMENT 306816	2012-08-10 10:45 AM
This sort of post is prime for self-advertising by the realtors who sit around doing nothing most of the day. BTW, there's really nothing humble about home prices in SB!
EDHATBARBARA	2012-08-10 11:14 AM
I live in Carpinteria and I AM lucky! I am not a real estate person, either.
COMMENT 306889	2012-08-10 12:56 PM
OP, are you an employee of a local company that is a member of Coastal Housing Partnership? If so, you can choose a realtor off their list and save substantially on closing costs, and get a portion of the agent's commission paid to you.
COMMENT 307019	2012-08-10 04:35 PM
Lorie Bartron - Yes! Honest, approachable, knowledgeable, experienced!
COMMENT 307049P	2012-08-10 05:23 PM
I agree on PRE-qualifying for your loan before getting a realtor. And I disagree with using the seller's agent or no agent at all. Realtors work for free for dozens and sometimes hundreds of hours before they get that commission. AND 1.5% of the 3% goes to the broker they work for. Oh, and don't forget the realtor pays the costs of advertising any property they list, including the photographer's fees, etc., etc. That commission doesn't end up being as much as people think. That poor realtor who showed 88 houses worked for free even AFTER he got his 1.5%. No, I am not a realtor, but I know several who work very hard.
COMMENT 307815	2012-08-13 03:04 PM
I had my buyers agent keep money I was supposed to get in Escrow. The house I found wasn't one this agent showed me, I found it myself. It was cheaper than the 'only houses on the market'. I would say buyer agent is just another hand trying to get money from you.No motivation for them to get you a cheaper price, that just cuts into their commission. Lots of places to find homes now, and the seller agent happy to write up paperwork. Talk their commission down though, you get some of that savings:) Now - is - the - time House on Chino right now for 450. It should be 357 though. Here's a tip no Realtor would EVER tell you: Price per sq ft for an average home on the west side right now is $460/sq ft. Make your offer around that . . . Good Luck!
COMMENT 328429	2012-10-06 07:04 AM
Dana O'Neill with Prudential. She's excellent. Hard working, honest, easy to work with. We had a great experience with her.