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Santa Barbara’s I Madonnari Street Painting Festival

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:42:50 -0400

Chalk drawing on pavement isn’t just a children’s activity – it is also the preferred medium of many talented artists who will create the wonderful works of art at the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival at the Mission Santa Barbara this weekend, May 25^th-27^th from 10am-6pm daily (admission is free). The I Madonnari Street Painting Festival at the Mission Santa Barbara was the first of its kind held in the northern hemisphere, and has become so highly regarded that a group of artists from Santa Barbara were invited to share their gift in our sister city of Toba, Japan. The festival is yet another example of Santa Barbara’s thriving, community driven art scene, which constantly strives to create opportunities to enjoy and learn about art in ways that are readily accessible to all of our residents and visiting guests.

The tradition of carefully crafting chalk masterpieces directly onto the streets dates back to 16th century Italy and still continues into modern times. I Madonnari was brought to Santa Barbara in 1987, and many of the pieces are still heavily inspired by the artwork of the Italian Renaissance. By the end of the long weekend, the paved surfaces surrounding the Mission Santa Barbara are drenched in color. In the spirit of Santa Barbara’s passion for giving back to the community, the I Madonnari festival benefits the Children’s Creative Project, a non-profit organization that brings children and professional artists together to educate the and encourage local youth to appreciate and create art. The organization is active in over 100 schools in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

There’s something wonderful to do in Santa Barbara every day, whether you’re searching for luxury homes and real estate with us, attending the many events, festivals, and celebrations that our city hosts, appreciating our dedication to historic preservation, exploring the waterfront, or simply enjoying all that the fabulous Santa Barbara lifestyle has to offer. We hope you’ll have the chance to search for your next home with us in our wonderful little city by the sea!

Sterling Properties Opens Second Office in Montecito

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:20:00 -0400

Photo L-R: Michael Humphrey and Staci Caplan, Co-Owners, Diana Bull, Broker-Associate, Vicki Busby, Ewy Axelsson, Broker-Associate, Diana Lippert, Deborah Cristobal, Miguel Avila, Dani Burckhardt, Sylvia Arzate-Elenes, Jack Fishenfeld, Jordan Robinson, Barbie Detmer, Nick Vail, and Madeline Jacques. (Not pictured: Teresa Arellanes, Ray Benenate, Broker-Associate, Bryan Calderon and Peter Leyva.)

MONTECITO, CA- Sterling Properties & Estates has expanded its operations to include a second office in the lower village of Montecito, California. Their second location, which opened on May 1st, is located at 1225 Coast Village Road, Suite I. Owners Michael Humphrey and Staci Caplan are thrilled with the success Sterling Properties has had in the past three years and are looking forward to growing with an ever-changing and improving Santa Barbara real estate market. When the topic of expansion came up, they both agreed that Montecito needed a boutique firm with hi-tech concierge services and the timing was right. Michael says, “The fundamental theme of our culture is stated in our company slogan, “Home Town Feel … World Class Service.” Staci, who was born and raised in Santa Barbara, is proud of what they have accomplished so far and says, “We offer such great service to our clients that our office is filled with testimonials of how we exceeded customer expectations. When they see the worldwide reach of our marketing, they are very impressed. All we say is ‘welcome to the digital age.’”

When agents are asked what makes Sterling Properties so special, Miguel Avila, one of the first agents to come aboard says, “It’s the leadership and the support. They lead by example and the marketing they have is fantastic. I’ve increased my business by 400% and they are definitely the best kept secret in town!” Longtime seasoned veteran, Ewy Axelsson, who joined the Montecito office says, “After working for large corporate entities most of my career, I finally found a place where I belong. The leadership is fantastic and I talk more with my Brokers now than in all my previous 35 years in the business. Their perspective gives me a great edge in providing superior customer service.”

Santa Barbara’s Granada Theater Presents The Nutcracker

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:46:17 -0500

Twas the week before Christmas, and though the year’s late, Sterling’s agents keep selling Santa Barbara real estate!

With Christmas less than one week away, there’s plenty to do to keep busy in Santa Barbara! Between selling beautiful Santa Barbara homes, last minute shopping trips to historic State Street, and the many parades and events happening in Santa Barbara to celebrate the season, we at Sterling Properties and Estates have been keeping busy. This weekend we look forward to enjoying a special holiday tradition – watching The Nutcracker Ballet at the Granada Theater in downtown Santa Barbara.

The Granada Theater is a historic venue on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara with a rich history. Originally built in 1924, The Granada Theater has in the last decade enjoyed a triumphant return to glory after an extensive remodeling effort that was completed in 2008. Upgrades include reconfigured seating arrangements to provide each of the theater’s over 1,500 seats with great sightlines, refinements to the acoustics of the theater, a custom designed orchestral shell, restored and improved lighting throughout, extensive “new” Spanish decorative elements, and much more.

Throughout the theater, lobby, and lounges, The Granada’s historic charm has been not only maintained, but enhanced through these renovations. Today, The Granada Theater in Santa Barbara seamlessly blends the use of top-of-the-line equipment in a setting that brings to mind the glamour and elegance of the past.

The Nutcracker will be performed at three times this weekend (Saturday Dec. 22^nd at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday Dec. 23^rd at 2:00pm). The State Street Ballet will be performing their original version of this holiday classic, with music performed live by the Opera San Luis Obispo’s orchestra. The full symphony orchestra will be conducted by internationally recognized conductor Brian Asher Alhadeff. With such a fantastic array of talented performers and musicians, The Nutcracker at The Granada Theater promises to be a magical experience.

Santa Barbara is a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays, and the coastal beauty of the American Riviera makes Santa Barbara magical year-round. We love selling real estate in Santa Barbara every month of the year! When you’re ready to begin searching for your Santa Barbara dream home, we at Sterling Properties and Estates will be glad to share our expertise and love of Santa Barbara with you!

Happy holidays from Sterling Properties and Estates in Santa Barbara!

Michael Humphrey Receives 2012 Best of Santa Barbara Award

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:06:22 -0500

PRESS RELEASE

Michael Humphrey Receives 2012 Best of Santa Barbara Award

Santa Barbara Award Program Honors the Achievement

SANTA BARBARA, CA — Michael Humphrey has been selected for the 2012 Best of Santa Barbara Award in the Real Estate Agents category by the Santa Barbara Award Program.

Each year, the Santa Barbara Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Santa Barbara area a great place to live, work and play.

The Santa Barbara Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Santa Barbara area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

About Michael

Michael Humphrey is an active California real estate Broker and the co-owner of Sterling Properties & Estates. He is actively representing clients in Montecito, Santa Barbara and Hope Ranch in the purchase and sale of luxury estates, oceanfront dream homes and equestrian ranches. Michael has a strong background in real estate law, contract law and strategic marketing.

Michael started his real estate sales career in 1996 and was Rookie of the Year, selling an unprecedented 23 properties his first year. His second year he went from ranking 2500 in the company to number 13 and from 101 to number 3 in his marketplace, selling 34 properties that year. Michael continues to demonstrate his sales and leadership skills by leading by example.

Michael’s philosophy is simple and one that has become part of the Sterling Properties Core Value Statement. “Provide superior service, exceed customer expectations and have high ethical standards. Be fair, honest and respectful in dealings with clients and other agents. Be innovative in marketing, technology and sales strategy.”

Michael is happy to help with any of your real estate needs or questions. Visit Michael’s website at www.michaelhumphrey.com, email michael@michaelhumphrey.com or call Michael directly at (805)570-3333.

Holiday Cheer in Santa Barbara

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:47:42 -0500

If you’ve been keeping up with our blog the past few weeks, you’re well aware of the many fun and spirited ways that owners of Santa Barbara homes have to make to most of the holiday season. This weekend, the holiday cheer continues in full force with these great events around town.

Una Noche de Las Posadas
El Presidio State Park - Friday, Dec. 14^th 7-10pm
El Presidio Historic State Park was originally a Spanish military outpost built in 1782. From this site, the city of Santa Barbara grew outward, as evidenced by the great number of historic adobes and landmarks in close proximity. This Friday, El Presidio State Historic Park will host Una Noche de Las Posadas, a chance to experience the rich cultural traditions of Santa Barbara’s earliest Spanish and Mexican residents during the Christmas season. Attendees can look forward to enjoying traditional songs, food, and a reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter.

Holiday Nature Craft Workshop
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Saturday, Dec. 15^th, 10am – noon
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will be holding a Holiday Nature Craft Workshop event this weekend where visitors can make handcrafted holiday decorations such as fresh wreaths, ornaments, and other items inspired by nature while sipping hot cider and enjoying the gardens and natural beauty of the American Riviera.

59^th Annual Milpas Holiday Parade
Milpas St. (From Canon Perdido to Mason) - Saturday, Dec. 15^th, 11am
The 59^th Annual Milpas Holiday Parade is a fun parade that combines a celebration of the holidays, classic cars, and the youth community of Santa Barbara. The parade will include quite an array of participants, featuring marching bands, dance teams, Boys and Girls Club, bike surreys pedaled by school board members, martial arts groups, schools and retro cars. There will also be live music and a toy drive.

Holiday at the Ranch
Rancho La Patera - Saturday, Dec. 15^th and Sunday, Dec. 16^th, 11am-4pm
Rancho La Patera was established in the late 1800s, when the Stow family planted the first commercial lemon orchard in California at Rancho La Patera after discovering that the mild weather in the verdant Goleta Valley, adjacent to Santa Barbara, was ideal for growing lemons. This weekend, Rancho La Patera offers a glimpse back into history during their signature holiday open house with tours of the house which has been decorated throughout, photos with Santa, crafts, cookie-baking, and live holiday music.

Holiday Julefest Performances
Solvang - Saturday, Dec. 15^th and Sunday, Dec. 16^th
Julefest (Yule-fest) in Solvang is a celebration of holiday traditions honoring the town’s rich Danish roots. With free live entertainment including local musical groups performing in various locations around the heart of Solvang, this Santa Ynez Valley gem provides a fantastic holiday getaway. Enjoy strolling amongst over 100 festively decorated live fir trees lining Solvang’s walkways or attend the Julefest Nativity Pageant on Friday at 5pm and 7pm.

There’s something wonderful to do in Santa Barbara every day, whether you’re searching for luxury homes and real estate with us, attending the many events, festivals, and celebrations that our city offers or simply taking in the natural beauty of the Riviera landscape. We hope you’ll be able to join us in your search for the best in Santa Barbara homes and real estate in our coastal paradise!

Santa Barbara’s Parade of Lights 2012

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:37:39 -0500

We love sharing our favorite things to do in Santa Barbara, and a day on the waterfront is always high on our list. Between the stunning sight of our beaches stretching out along the coast, biking along palm-tree lined Cabrillo Boulevard, exploring the many shops and eateries on Stearns Wharf and at the Santa Barbara Harbor, and taking a stroll through Chase Palm Park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the waterfront every day.

Santa Barbara’s attractive Mediterranean climate is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities year round and is a part of what makes Santa Barbara real estate so valuable and highly sought-after. While most of these activities are best enjoyed under the warm California sunshine, on Sunday December 9^th, a special event is taking place after the sun sets at the Santa Barbara Harbor – The 27^th Annual Santa Barbara Parade of Lights.

The Santa Barbara Parade of Lights takes place on the water, setting it apart from other typical holiday parades. Participants will be navigating extravagantly decorated boats decked with lights and other creative displays to celebrate this year’s theme of “Starry, Starry Night” in the waters of the Santa Barbara Harbor. At the end of the boat parade, a fireworks show will follow to light up the night sky above.

Although the boat parade doesn’t start until 5:30pm, after sundown, there will be plenty to do before the Parade of Lights. Starting at 3:00pm on the City Pier, explore the Santa’s Village event, which will feature holiday music, a visit from Santa, and an incredible ten tons of snow!

There’s something wonderful to do in Santa Barbara every day, whether you’re searching for luxury homes and real estate with us, attending the many events, festivals, and celebrations that our city offers or simply taking in the natural beauty of the Riviera landscape. We hope you’ll be able to join us in your search for the best in Santa Barbara homes and real estate in our coastal paradise!

Santa Barbara’s Downtown Holiday Parade 2012 – A Diamond Holiday

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:41:00 -0500

Love the winter holidays but hate harsh winters? Owners of Santa Barbara real estate enjoy the best of both worlds! One of the great things about Santa Barbara is that we are south-facing, meaning we experience a year round, mild, Mediterranean climate very similar to the south coast of France, or the Amalfi coast of Italy. Owners of Santa Barbara homes are familiar with the benefits of our ideal climate and this is one of the many reasons we live here. While we may not experience the traditional charm of a snow-sprinkled landscape, we do take advantage of the opportunity to attend outdoor events year-round, such as the Downtown Holiday Parade this Friday, November 30th at 6:30pm along historic State Street in downtown Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara Downtown Holiday Parade is a time honored tradition in our city by the sea, held the week after Thanksgiving each year since the 1950s. It is Santa Barbara’s only night-time street parade, allowing the dazzling displays to light up the night. This year marks the 60^th year of the Santa Barbara Downtown Holiday Parade, and as such this year’s theme is “A Diamond Holiday.” With more than 50,000 Santa Barbara residents and guests expected to be in attendance, there will be no shortage of holiday cheer! The parade will include marching bands, holiday themed floats, giant balloons, an array of local performance groups, and much more. In addition, Olympic Gold Medalist Kami Craig will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2012 Santa Barbara Downtown Holiday Parade.

As we string the palm trees with lights and build sand castles for Santa Claus, there’s no question that we at Sterling Properties and Estates in Santa Barbara are already enjoying the holiday spirit! Contact us at Sterling Properties and Estates today to learn more about Santa Barbara, our climate, our neighborhoods, the current Santa Barbara real estate market and inventory, and how we can help you find your Santa Barbara dream home!

Santa Barbara Arts and Culture – The Funk Zone

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:32:00 -0500

When people think of Santa Barbara, the scenes that often come to mind first are of architecture with gleaming white stucco structures topped by our famous red rile roofs, luxury homes in exclusive neighborhoods such as Montecito and Hope Ranch, an endless array of boutique shops, decadent dining options, world class wineries, resplendent resorts, meticulously maintained golf courses, and our spectacular waterfront. Santa Barbra excels in all of these areas, making it a treasured hotspot for luxury lifestylers and celebrities as well as an excellent destination for anyone interested in arts and culture. However, some of the most exciting and inspiring aspects of Santa Barbara’s arts scene are found not in polished, pristine galleries or grand theatres, but in Santa Barbara’s legendary Funk Zone.

Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is located just off historic State Street, extending to Garden Street to the east and bounded top and bottom by Monetcito Street and Cabrillo Boulevard. In these last few blocks, downtown Santa Barbara ends and the beach begins. Don’t be fooled by the name – Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is a flourishing center for the arts community, drawing a quite impressive selection of local artists and businesses working together to revive this special area of town. In the Funk Zone, visitors can find everything from painted murals stretching along entire facades of buildings, to surf shops, art galleries, restaurants, and more in a charming and quirky mixture of new, old, marine, residential, and industrial style buildings. In addition, many of the participating wineries of Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail are located in the Funk Zone.

Santa Barbara has a vibrant community-driven arts scene, one not limited to the confines of museums, galleries and theatres. Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone serves as a refreshing break from the ordinary, and a journey into this eccentric little amalgamation of shops, homes, studios, and more is a great way to spend a day in Santa Barbara. If you would like to know more about Santa Barbara or are searching for your dream home in the Santa Barbara area, Sterling Properties is glad to be of service to you - contact us today!

Santa Barbara’s Veterans Day Celebrations

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:43:00 -0500

Living in idyllic Santa Barbara, nestled between soaring mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, enjoying the selection of some of the finest luxury real estate opportunities in the world, it’s easy to feel as if you’ve been completely whisked away from the rest of the world. However, with Veterans Day approaching, it is important to remember and honor those who fought so bravely for the many freedoms that we enjoy today.

Santa Barbara is honoring Veterans in a number of ways over this weekend. Bright and early Saturday morning, the Santa Barbara International Marathon begins. This great event will honor veterans throughout the course of the race, with a Color Guard fly-over of WWII war planes at the beginning of both the full and half marathon, authentic WWII Jeeps escorting the runners, and a “Veterans Mile.” The “Veterans Mile” will occur along the entire final mile of the race, which will be lined with veterans, active duty personnel, and supporting members of the community proudly holding American flags and the campaign flags of all the wars and conflicts of the 20^th century alongside a display of military vehicles. After the race, a concert will be held with performances by the Westmont College Orchestra and local high school choruses. Selections of music will range from our National Anthem to music identified with the different wars. Later in the evening, the 17^th Annual Military Ball will be held at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort along the waterfront, one of Santa Barbara’s premiere resorts.

On Sunday morning, attend a special Veterans Day ceremony at the historic El Presidio de Santa Barbara, which will include a wreath ceremony, the playing of taps, and a cannon and musket firing. Following this ceremony at 12:30pm, the Veterans Day Parade will begin its journey along State Street, just a moment’s stroll from El Presidio. This spectacular parade will begin in the air with a fly-over of both vintage and modern aircraft. On the ground, the Santa Barbara Veterans Day parade will include hundreds of participants from all sections of the armed forces and many historic vehicles.

Sterling Properties & Estates thanks all those who have served our country and we wish you a very happy Veterans Day!

Santa Barbara’s Farmers Markets

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:42:00 -0400

While the East Coast is recovering from one of the most severe storms in our nation’s history, the West Coast continues to have unseasonably warm weather. One of the great things about Santa Barbara is that we are south-facing, meaning we experience a year round, mild, Mediterranean climate very similar to the south coast of France, or the Amalfi coast of Italy. Owners of Santa Barbara homes are familiar with the benefits of our ideal climate and this is one of the many reasons we live here. From maintaining raised garden beds, now planted with winter vegetables, to lush gardens and outdoor living areas on their property, we truly enjoy the Santa Barbara lifestyle! With the spirit of free enterprise, another wonderful benefit is that Santa Barbara has a thriving community of local farmers who are able to make the fruits of their labor available at Santa Barbara’s many Farmers Markets each week!

Six days a week, rain or shine, the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association holds events throughout the Santa Barbara area where local agricultural experts share their goods. Founded in 1983, the Association consists of over 130 grower members who are committed to promoting local family farmers, environmental protection and restoration, and sustainability efforts. With events in downtown Santa Barbara on historic State Street, Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria, and Solvang, residents across the Santa Barbara area can enjoy an exceptional selection of the finest local produce, baked goods, and more nearly every day of the week (see the complete Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Weekly Schedule).

The Santa Barbara Farmers Market is a fantastic way to support the health of the local economy as well as your own health! If you are interested in finding out more about the wonderful advantages of living in and owning a home in Santa Barbara, contact Sterling Properties & Estates today!

Halloween in Santa Barbara

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 17:31:17 -0400

Santa Barbara boasts some of the most stunning mountain and ocean vistas in the world, a wealth of historic architecture throughout town (we recommend the Red Tile Walking Tour), a premier selection of beaches and resorts, and of course plenty of gorgeous luxury real estate properties. In addition to all this, owners of Santa Barbara homes enjoy a wonderful selection of local events year-round. With Halloween approaching in less than a week, Sterling Properties in Santa Barbara is excited to share our favorite ways to celebrate this haunted holiday with you!

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, visit the Santa Barbara Zoo for the 2012 Boo at the Zoo festivities. Hailed as one of the most beautiful zoos in the world, the Santa Barbara Zoo is home to more than 400 animals from 160 species. Each year during the Halloween season, the Santa Barbara Zoo transforms into a trick or treater’s paradise. This year’s theme, “Land of Adventure”, promises khaki-clad explorers and adventurers in addition to the usual cast of pirates, faeries, mermaids, and other volunteers who help make Boo at the Zoo a truly special experience. With over 20 treat stations throughout the zoo featuring sustainable goodies, a Trick or Treat Trail, Boo Choo Choo train rides, Creepy Crawly encounters, Spooky Storytelling, Goblin Games, Costume Parades each night, and no worrying about traffic, Boo at the Zoo is a fantastic choice for celebrating a safe Halloween and remains one of the most popular Halloween events in the area.

Santa Barbara enjoys a rich Spanish and Mexican history, and as such our local Halloween season festivities include celebrations of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. On Sunday, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art will be hosting a Día de los Muertos Free Family Day, to share the Mexican tradition of remembering and honoring the dead. Attendees can look forward to a colorful celebration featuring music, dance performances, bilingual storytelling, displays of altars created by local school and community groups, and opportunities to make your own art. Historic Casa De La Guerra will also be hosting a Día de los Muertos Craft Day on Sunday, where visitors can participate in making traditional holiday crafts such as skeleton masks, sugar skulls, tissue paper marigolds, and prints while enjoying pan de muerto (a sweet bread) and Mexican hot chocolate.

Sterling Properties in Santa Barbara wishes you a safe and spooky Halloween!

The California Lemon Festival

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:59:00 -0400

October is typically a time for big, bright orange pumpkins. But here in Santa Barbara, all eyes are on our favorite little yellow citrus fruits as we welcome the California Lemon Festival 2012! This fun festival (October 13^th and 14^th at Girsh Park in Goleta, CA), brings together the greater Santa Barbara community to celebrate the big impact a little fruit has had on the area’s history.

Santa Barbara’s lemon history dates back to the late 1800s, when the Stow family planted the first commercial lemon orchard in California at Rancho La Patera after discovering that the mild weather in the verdant Goleta Valley, adjacent to Santa Barbara, was ideal for growing lemons. Through the mid 20^th century, Goleta lemons enjoyed fame and were in high demand. The hillsides of the Goleta Valley are still dotted with gorgeous lemon orchards to this very day, and homeowners in the area enjoy the fresh citrus fruits, the year-round views of the orchards against the mountains, and of course the value these orchards add to their Santa Barbara homes.

Featuring lemon cotton candy, lemon bars, lemon pies, lemonade, lemon ale, and many, many additional lemon-inspired goodies, the 21^st annual California Lemon Festival certainly won’t leave a sour taste in your mouth. Local bands, dancers, and performers will offer entertainment all weekend. In addition, there will also be a pie eating contest, a car show, demonstrations by local emergency response teams at “Safety Street”, and a wide selection of other games and activities (for a full schedule, click here). The California Lemon Festival in Goleta always serves to bring the Santa Barbara community together, providing a venue for local organizations and attendees to celebrate delicious and historically important Goleta lemons.

Between great events like the California Lemon Festival and the natural beauty of the historic lemon orchards, it’s easy to see why Santa Barbara real estate and luxury homes are so highly desired among home seekers. If you’re ready to find your Santa Barbara dream home, contact Sterling Properties. We look forward to sharing our expertise in Santa Barbara real estate with you!

Sterling Properties Demonstrates Industry Leadership at CAR Expo 2012

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 20:41:12 -0400

The beginning of October brought much more than thoughts of ghosts, ghouls, and goblins to our office in beautiful Santa Barbara. Michael Humphrey and Staci Caplan, brokers and owners of Sterling Properties & Estates started off the fourth quarter of 2012 strong by participating in the California Association of REALTORS’ 2012 CAR Expo in Anaheim, CA. Michael and Staci have a demonstrated passion not only for successfully selling luxury real estate properties, but also for larger-scale industry involvement and service. They are involved both locally in Santa Barbara and at the state level.

CAR’s 2012 Expo offers a wealth of educational, networking, and professional development opportunities tailored to the needs and interests of California REALTORS. With a schedule packed to the brim with speakers, events, and training sessions, CAR’s Expo 2012 is truly a fantastic event for any real estate professional to further improve their skills and keep on top of the latest industry developments and news.

Michael Humphrey currently serves on the Transaction Regulatory Committee and Legislative Committee. For 2013, Michael received a two year appointment to serve on Communications Advisory, and was appointed to serve another term on the Transaction Regulatory Committee and the Legislative Committee.

Staci Caplan currently serves on the Standard Forms Advisory Committee, Land Use Committee and Legislative Committee for the California Association of REALTORS. For 2013, she has been appointed to serve as the Environmental Issues Chair for the Land Use Committee, and will continue to serve on Legislative Committee as well as the Forum on Forms.

As industry leaders, Michael and Staci are always on the lookout for ways to demonstrate their commitment to industry involvement and service, share their professional expertise, and educate themselves and others in order to provide exceptional service to their clients, associates at Sterling Properties & Estates, and REALTORS throughout the state of California.

The Santa Barbara Home and Garden Expo

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:24:19 -0400

So, you’ve finally found your Santa Barbara dream home…now what? Transforming a house into a home is a multifaceted process. It can be time consuming and stressful to coordinate furniture, décor, organization, remodeling, upgrading, and creating the perfect outdoor space to enjoy Santa Barbara’s ideal Mediterranean climate. Thankfully, this weekend at the Santa Barbara Home and Garden Expo, visitors can find inspiration, advice from professionals, and home and garden related products and services for indoor and outdoor living at the Earl Warren Showgrounds!

The Santa Barbara Home and Garden Expo will feature hundreds of vendors from a wide variety of specialties. Whether you’re looking to learn about the latest and greatest offerings to add to your gourmet kitchen or searching for a professional to help tear it down completely for a top-of-the-line remodel, the Santa Barbara Home and Garden Expo promises a bountiful selection of ideas, industry experts, and products to suit any taste. In addition, many exhibitors will be offering exclusive savings to attendees, making this expo a must-see show for any current or future homeowner.

Many of the exhibitors at the Santa Barbara Home and Garden Expo will be showcasing “green” products and services that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and high-quality to help educate attendees about sustainability, energy efficiency, and other environmentally responsible options. These booths will be prominently flagged to increase visibility and encourage visitors to learn more, echoing the Santa Barbara community’s consistent efforts toward promoting eco-conscious living - a practice that Sterling Properties supports. In fact, Broker and Co-owner Staci Caplan was among the first to earn the GREEN designation through the National Association of REALTORS in 2009. She also chaired the first Green Task Force at the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS in 2009 and served on the Green Task Force at the California Association of REALTORS in 2008 and 2009. She continually educates herself and her fellow associates at Sterling Properties about sustainable practices in real estate, business, and green building.

If you haven’t found your Santa Barbara dream home just yet, the Santa Barbara Home and Garden Expo is still an excellent opportunity to plan for the future, learn from the many experts in attendance, and get inspired – and when the time comes, Sterling Properties will be happy to help you find your perfect Santa Barbara home!

The Santa Barbara Zoo

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 17:32:48 -0400

The Santa Barbara lifestyle is one of refined beachside elegance. Visions of grand luxury homes and real estate properties, fine local wines, pristine beaches and resorts ideal for your next vacation, and incredible natural beauty come to mind, attracting countless visitors and luxury home seekers each year. Imagine a 30 acre property within walking distance to the glimmering Pacific Ocean, filled with lush botanical gardens, overlooking the Andree Clark Bird Refuge and the Santa Ynez Mountains…does this sound like a dream property? Welcome to the Santa Barbara Zoo, hailed as one of the most beautiful zoos in the world and the dream home of more than 400 animals from 160 species!

The coastal city of Santa Barbara has a rich and interesting history, and the Santa Barbara Zoo is no exception. The land that the Santa Barbara Zoo is located on was purchased in the late 1800s by a tea and coffee merchant who rode on horseback from Pasadena to Santa Barbara – and who was so charmed by Santa Barbara’s beauty that he decided to stay! When he died, his widow graciously allowed a self-policed community of victims of the Great Depression to live on the property – so long as they abided by her rules on order and neatness. Once she was no longer able to maintain the estate, she donated it to the Santa Barbara Foundation. When the time came for the Santa Barbara Foundation to decide what to do with the land, they ultimately decided to give back to the community by using the land as the site for the Santa Barbara Zoo, which opened its doors in August 1963.

Today, the Santa Barbara Zoo continues to be a well-loved community establishment. With animals from every corner of the globe, there is sure to be something for everyone. In addition to observing the many creatures in residence at the Santa Barbara Zoo, visitors can get take part in activities such as hand-feeding the giraffes and penguins or participate in the Keeper For A Day, Backstage Pass, and Behind-the-Scenes Tour programs to get up close and personal with the zoo’s wildlife. The Santa Barbara Zoo also provides a number of other great community events such as Zoovies (outdoor movies at the zoo) during the summer, the upcoming Boo At The Zoo, a Halloween themed festival, and the Thanksgiving Day Pumpkin Smash (click here for a complete list of events at the Santa Barbara Zoo).

As people scour the globe searching for their perfect home, the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo already enjoy prime Santa Barbara real estate with an ocean view! If you’re searching for your dream home in the Santa Barbara area, Sterling Properties is glad to be of service to you - contact us today!

Danish Days in Sunny Solvang

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:58:32 -0400

The historic city of Solvang, just 33 miles north of Santa Barbara in the gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley, is a unique little town and one of our favorite options for a day trip or weekend getaway. A visit to this little town in wine country promises a short escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – walking down the streets past the many shops and eateries feels more like strolling through a quaint Northern European village. Solvang (which means “sunny fields” in Danish) was originally built up around the Mission Santa Inès in the early 1900s by Dutch pioneers. Today, Solvang’s cultural roots are still highly evident in the Danish Provincial style architecture that dominates the main areas of town, the wealth of authentic dining options, the many festivals held throughout the year, and of course its four windmills!

Each year in September, Solvang celebrates its history during Danish Days. This weekend long festival features a wonderful array of ways to learn about and participate in many aspects of Danish culture. During the festivities, visitors from all over the world come to Solvang to enjoy authentic Danish cuisine such as the signature æbleskiver (Danish pastry ball) and medisterpølse (Danish sausage), listen to music, watch performances by local dance groups, and even see live demonstrations of Viking Age weapons! Throughout the weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the works of local craftspeople skilled in traditional Scandinavian arts and crafts, woodworking, papercutting, and more in the Old World Artisans Marketplace (Click here for a complete list of events). And of course, being in wine country, there will be plenty of chances to indulge in a fine selection of beverages from the Santa Ynez Valley’s many world class wineries.

Despite its old fashioned roots, Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley as a whole provide incredible opportunities for the finest in wine country luxury real estate. The exceptional mingling of the relaxed countryside and luxury lifestyle is part of what makes the Santa Ynez Valley such an attractive option for homebuyers. If you’d like to learn more about the real estate opportunities in Solvang, the Santa Ynez Valley, and Santa Barbara, Sterling Properties would love to be your guide!

Santa Barbara's Urban Wine Trail

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:39:06 -0400

After a long, beautiful summer, fall is knocking at the door. We have entered September, a time of year which evokes visions of bright autumnal leaves falling from trees, crisp and cool air, apple-picking, and kids headed back to school. However, in Santa Barbara, as the seaside sunshine still pours down and the palm trees keep swaying, we are preparing for a special harvest – gourmet grapes! Harvest time is approaching in the vineyards of Santa Barbara County!

Wine-making (and tasting!) in Santa Barbara dates back hundreds of years, before California was officially a state. In the late 18^th century, Father Junipero Serra planted vine cuttings near theSanta Barbara Mission. By the turn of the 20^th century, Santa Barbara County was home to 45 vineyards covering 260 acres of land. Today, the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association boasts a membership of over 100 wineries and more than 20 vineyards spanning over 17,000 acres! The most popular varietals in the area are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy harvest time in Santa Barbara is to journey along the Urban Wine Trail. Though there are a number of walking tours of Santa Barbara, such as the Red Tile Walking Tour, the Urban Wine Trail is arguably the most fun of all. The Urban Wine Trail features a series of 17 tasting rooms of highly acclaimed local wineries (Click here for a list of the participating wineries). Most are within walking distance of each other, making the Urban Wine Trail a great way to explore downtown Santa Barbara, learn about wine-making and tasting, and simply relax in one of the most beautiful cities on earth.

With such easy access to the finer things in life – world-class wines, gourmet cuisine, pristine beaches, and an ideal Mediterranean climate just to name a few - it’s no wonder that so many luxury home seekers choose to purchase property in beautiful Santa Barbara. When you’re ready to find your Santa Barbara dream home,Sterling Properties is here to share our love of our city by the sea with you!

Santa Barbara’s Stunning Courthouse

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:38:07 -0400

Downtown Santa Barbara is a unique, beautiful place – it offers an overwhelming array of the finest restaurants, wine tasting rooms, shopping boutiques, and arts and entertainment venues. The atmosphere is upscale and refined, yet relaxed - reminiscent of early California with strong Mediterranean influences instead of the typical urban, gritty feel associated with the word “downtown.” Instead, downtown Santa Barbara presents a polished, modern re-interpretation of Spanish old world charm. Dominated by the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture, visitors and residents alike can soak up the coastal sunshine amidst gleaming white stucco surfaces, terra cotta elements, arcades, and courtyards.

A particularly striking example of Santa Barbara’s elegant design and architecture is the famous Santa Barbara Courthouse, just a block from State Street. The original courthouse, a Greek Revival style building which stood where the sunken gardens exist presently, was destroyed in a 1925 earthquake. The Courthouse we know and love today was completed in 1929. Its hand-painted ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers, giant murals, imported tiles, and spectacular bright white exterior provide a rare glimpse into the past. The Courthouse has been hailed as the “grandest Spanish Colonial Revival structure ever built” by famous architect Charles Willard Moore. Spanning an entire city block, this breathtaking structure is surrounded by lush landscaping. A visit to the beautiful Courthouse makes it abundantly clear why the Spanish-inspired architectural style is highly sought after by those interested in luxury homes and estates.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is much more than a place for government affairs. In addition to allowing guests to enjoy the aesthetics and history of the courthouse and gardens (we recommend taking the elevator to the top of the 85 foot tall “El Mirador” clock tower for a stunning vista of Santa Barbara that stretches from the mountains to the sparkling Pacific Ocean), many events are held for the community on the grounds. Throughout the year, there are many opportunities to enjoy live music and concerts in the sunken gardens. During Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta, musicians and dancers perform almost every night during the weeklong celebration to pay homage to Santa Barbara’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. Film aficionados can enjoy the breezy summer nights in the Courthouse’s sunken gardens watching free screenings of classic sci-fi films courtesy of UCSB Arts & Lectures.

Michael Humphrey and Staci Caplan of Sterling Properties recently listed a luxury condo at 1130 Laguna Street, just two blocks from the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Imagine strolling by the Courthouse, perhaps lingering for a moment in the lush sunken gardens while on your way to a gourmet lunch on State Street – just another day living the fabulous Santa Barbara lifestyle! We hope you’ll have the chance to search for your next home with us in our wonderful little city by the sea!

Santa Barbara's Lobero Theatre

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:06:40 -0400

The Santa Barbra lifestyle evokes thoughts of all the finer things in life – incredible luxury homes in exclusive neighborhoods such as Hope Ranch and Montecito, the best in wining and dining, pristine beaches and high end resorts, strolls along the waterfront, world class golf and country clubs, and so much more. Another major part of the Santa Barbara lifestyle is our community’s love of and support of arts and entertainment. From the annual star-studded Santa Barbara International Film Festival to our monthly “1^st Thursday” celebrations, it is abundantly clear that Santa Barbara is a city that values and encourages community-driven creativity and artistry.

Santa Barbara’s involvement in the entertainment industry reaches back to the birth of our city. In 1873, the Lobero Theatre was founded, and today it is California’s oldest continuously operating theatre. Originally an opera house, the Lobero would evolve into a venue for artists and performers of many types to showcase their talents in beautiful Santa Barbara. The building itself was rebuilt in the early 1920s and redesigned by the famed architect George Washington Smith and Lutah Maria Riggs in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, making the building itself a part of Santa Barbara’s art history. During this time, the Lobero really developed into a cultural hot spot with headliners such as Bela Lugosi and Sergei Rachmaninoff. In the 1940s, the Lobero continued to attract a wide range of talented artists such as Clark Gable, Igor Stravinsky, and Ingrid Bergman. The late 1940s marked the beginning of the Lobero’s jazz history – the theatre would go on to host jazz legends such as Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, and many others. Today, the Lobero continues to host a wide variety of world class performers, and is hailed as one of DownBeat Magazine’s Best Jazz Venues. (Click here for the Lobero’s current lineup.)

Santa Barbara is a perfect stop between Los Angeles and San Francisco for performers traveling between these major centers of the entertainment industry, and Santa Barbara residents enjoy the luxury of the finest offerings in entertainment without the hustle and bustle of living in a major urban center. We hope to share our love of arts and entertainment with you on your next trip to Santa Barbara!

Montecito’s Exquisite Lotusland

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:49:46 -0400

The wonderful luxury homes and real estate opportunities in our city by the sea are just one part of what makes living in Santa Barbara so desirable. Santa Barbara also enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, with cool coastal nights even on the warmest summer days and gentle winters. This ideal climate, in fact, is what drew many wealthy industrialists who sought to escape harsh Eastern winters to Santa Barbara at the turn of the 20^th century. Falling under the spell of our lovely city, they began to build luxury homes in esteemed areas such as Montecito and Hope Ranch. And of course, to compliment their grand estates, many luxury homeowners commissioned elegant gardens and landscaping that could thrive year-round under the California sunshine. Today, Santa Barbara remains a horticultural paradise, and even houses the largest concentration of orchid growers in the nation.

Though many luxury homes in Santa Barbara have impressive gardens, very few can compete with Lotusland in Montecito. These exclusive gardens, accessible only by advance reservation or membership, are a closely guarded treasure of Santa Barbara. Lotusland consists of a series of spectacular and exotic collections on the grounds of the historic Montecito estate of Madame Ganna Walska, an early 20^th century opera singer. In 1941, she bought the 37 acre estate known at the time as Cuesta Linda, originally intending to use the property as a retreat for Tibetan monks. Although the monks never came, Ganna continued tirelessly designing and planting the exquisite gardens. To this day, Lotusland remains a fantastic retreat from the everyday, with over 3,000 plants, many of which are exotic and unusual. Lotusland is comprised of 18 gardens, each unique and expertly arranged. Because of Santa Barbara’s ideal climate, a staggering variety of plants thrive here, from the resilient succulents of the cactus garden to the most delicate lotuses in the water garden, which grows in what was originally the estate’s swimming pool.

This weekend, Lotusland presents its annual Summer Twilight Tour, one of only a handful of special events open to the public. On Saturday, August 18^th, attendees can walk through the gardens on a docent led tour or take advantage of the very rare opportunity to journey through the gardens themselves, enjoying a selection of fine wines and hors d’oeuvres on an enchanting summer evening. The peaceful, serene, and ethereal gardens of Lotusland highlight what a special place Santa Barbara is – few other climates could support a garden so extensive and varied throughout the year. We hope you’ll join us in beautiful Santa Barbara to enjoy the homes, the weather, and the amazing gardens at Lotusland soon!