Lyndsey Jones

10.28.23 🌝✨

The happiest day of my life!! We got married under the warm Santa Barbara sun and danced the night away under the full moon. I know I’ve posted a lot of pictures on my stories and shared videos, but it’s time I share some of the photos that truly captivate the tone of the day: pure joy.

So humbled I get to marry you, , today and every day. 💕

Huge shoutout to all of our vendors who made this day nothing short of spectacular!!!!!

Venue -
Planner -
Photographer -
Ceremony music -
DJ -
Floral -
Cake -
Hair -
Makeup - .taft
Dress -
Suit -

Thinking of pressing pause on your house hunt this winter? Here’s why you shouldn’t.

Real estate is cyclical, and having traveled around the calendar many times, here’s what I consistently see in the last month of the year:

• Fewer buyers in the market
• Greater negotiating power for buyers
• Sellers eager to close ASAP

With that in mind, here are a few questions to ask yourself or your agent during your winter house hunt:

• Are the driveways and walkways well-maintained? Does the exterior of the property exude a welcoming and well-lit ambiance?
• Has the home been adequately insulated, and is the HVAC system in sound working order? What is the age of the HVAC system?
• How is the natural light in the home? Given the shorter winter days, ample natural light can significantly enhance your emotional well-being and overall mood.
• Is there any evidence of storm damage within the property, such as water spots, frozen pipes, or roof issues?
• Are the neighbors decorating their homes for the holidays? This is a good indicator of a warm and inviting community.

Collaborating with a seasoned real estate agent with lots of experience is always a smart idea. They can successfully guide you through the market and help you find the best deals this time of year.

If interested, reach out for more thoughts on the nuances of purchasing a home during the winter season! ❄️

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

You don't want to miss Santa Barbara's holiday festivities! 🎄 Whether you're looking for a family-friendly activity or a cozy spot to sip a holiday cocktail, I’ve rounded up the best of December 2023 in Santa Barbara in one bookmarkable place! Click my link in bio to get all the details of dates and times! :)

• ZooLights at Santa Barbara Zoo: Santa Barbara Zoo debuts its brand-new walk-through light show, ZooLights. Here, guests will experience a glowing display of handcrafted, silk-adorned animal- and nature-themed lanterns with interactive zones, photo opportunities with Santa Claus (select dates) and festive libations and snacks for purchase.
• Seaside Sock Skating at The MOXI: This winter is about to get a whole lot cooler—without the chill. Sock skating is coming to MOXI’s rooftop! Opening Nov. 18, this new seasonal exhibit will allow kids and adults to kick off their shoes to enjoy frictionless fun by sliding across a specialty tile floor reminiscent of ice, without the chill.
• Holiday Snowfall at Paseo Nuevo: Embrace the glittering “snowfall” in Santa Barbara at Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center, where you don’t have to bundle up to feel the magic.
• Holiday Movie Nights at The Steward: Snuggle up with your loved ones and enjoy showings of Terra’s favorite family holidays movies and cult classics in the garden theater. Movies are complimentary and all are welcome! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and movie starts at 7 p.m., and snacks and drinks will be able for purchase from Terra.
• Lane Farms Christmas Patch: Get into the holiday spirit and shop for the perfect, or perfectly imperfect, Christmas tree at the Lane Farms Christmas Patch. Browse through the vast inventory and select from fresh Noble Fir, Nordman or Douglas Fir trees. While there, test your puzzle skills by going through the challenging corn maze, made people of all ages. On your way out, grab fresh fruits at the produce stand to make a homemade holiday pie.

Plus lots more! :)

What missed this list? Drop the details below, bookmark this post for later, and tag a friend who needs this list!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

Waiting to buy a home until interest rates drop? Can I shoot straight with you? You *might* want to reconsider. ✨

Let me explain.

While it's true that lower interest rates make it cheaper to borrow money, interest rates are just one factor that determines affordability.

Another is demand. When rates drop, demand increases because more people can afford to buy. As a result, prices tend to inch upward as interest rates dip down.

In other words, if you wait to buy a home until interest rates drop, you may find you can't afford the home you want because prices have jumped even more.

If you're serious about buying, the best thing you can do is to talk to a trusted agent to discuss your options.

A good real estate agent can help you find a home that fits your budget and needs — regardless of what rates are doing.

Let me know if you want to talk more about navigating this market. I'm here to help you make the best decision for you and your family! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

October is Fire Safety Month, and if you haven’t recently, there are a few things you should do to ensure you and your loved ones are safe and protected from the risk of a house fire.

It’ll only take about 10 minutes to knock out this list, but the payoff could be lifesaving.

1) Test your alarms - smoke and carbon monoxide.
2) Ensure your space heaters have space to operate effectively and ensure every adult knows how to safely use a space heater.
3) Inspect your electrical cords to ensure they’re intact and free of frays. Replace as necessary.
4) Practice safe cooking. Keep oven mitts and towels away from open flames, and always turn pot handles towards the back of the stove. Consider purchasing a fire blanket for ease of putting out sudden flames.
5) Have a fire escape plan and review it with the members of your household.

Stay safe, and let me know if you have any additional concerns or questions after reading this post. I’m here to help however I can. :)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

Selling soon? You’ll FALL in love with the advantages!

• Less competition - Fewer homes on the market = Your home stands out from the rest.

• Serious buyers - Fall tends to attract more serious buyers, motivated to settle in before the holidays and colder months.

• Year-end tax benefits - Buyers are usually eager to purchase before year-end to maximize tax benefits.

• Relocations - Many companies relocate employees before the year’s end, bringing a fresh pool of potential buyers.

• Warm and inviting ambiance - Changing leaves, cooling temps, and pumpkin spice everything create a cozy setting for showcasing your home in its best light.

Want to chat more about getting your home listed to sell? Message me, and I'll be in touch!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

I want you to see what I get to witness every single day — that real estate is one of the greatest investments you can make for a happy and secure financial future.

Let me share 3+ reasons why.

1) Real estate appreciates.

Here’s the best part: There’s this concept known as "depreciation."
Depreciation is a tax deduction that allows real estate investors to deduct a portion of the property's cost as an expense. The deduction accounts for wear and tear and deterioration over time.

So while the property value goes up, you get tax perks that allow you to deduct expenses from your taxable income, reducing your tax burden. It's a win-win!

2) Real estate offers incredible financing opportunities.

There's nothing else like it — the government is eager to loan you a substantial portion of the price of a home, typically 95% to 97% of the purchase price.

This means you can invest in real estate with a relatively small down payment, giving you more financial flexibility to pursue other investment opportunities.

3) Real estate returns are consistent.

In spite of stocks' faster, flashier returns, real estate has historically produced more consistent and less volatile returns. If you’re looking for passive income and have time to invest for the long term, real estate shouldn't be overlooked.

Further, investing in real estate:

• Generates cash flow
• Protects against inflation
• Diversifies your portfolio
• Helps build wealth

I'm curious. Do you own real estate as an investment? What do you love about it? Share below — I’d love to hear what you think!

Source: Why You Should Look Into Real Estate Investing: 10 Benefits

Investing in Real Estate vs. Stocks: The Pros & Cons of Each | Concreit

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

Today we’re getting to the bottom of building equity in a home.
—Trust me, this is one of the most important topics for your financial future.

Beyond the obvious benefits of owning your own home, it’s an investment. When done correctly, it offers significant financial advantages. Below are the top 3 ways building equity can help you create a strong foundation of future wealth.

1. The option to tap into the value of your home
Your property appreciates over time, which means so does your equity. When deciding to sell, refinance or take out a home equity loan, your equity gives you a valuable asset at your disposal. With the option to borrow against your home, you could renovate, pay for your children’s education, start a business, etc.

2. A pathway to future financial stability
While you can never get back what you pay in rent, mortgage payments are an investment in your equity. With each mortgage payment, your debt decreases, and ownership increases.

3. Potential tax benefits
You may be able to deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage and your property taxes from your taxable income. Consult a tax professional on the specific benefits available to you.

If you are currently renting and are ready to start investing in your future, I'd love to chat! Send me a message of when your lease is up, and I'll send you over my digital home buyer guide to help you get started! Or, comment "I'm Ready" below!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

Hey friends! If you're looking for Open Houses in the Santa Barbara area, make sure you follow my page Open House - Santa Barbara for a list of all open houses! It's updated weekly, so you'll always stay informed! 🫶🏼

In the meantime, you can click on the links below for Open Houses this Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday: https://www.flexmls.com/share/96jSh/Selected

Sunday: https://www.flexmls.com/share/96jES/Selected

Selected

Ugh, slow markets... the bane of every real estate agent, buyer, and seller's existence.

The crawling pace and uncertainty can make us want to throw our hands up in frustration. But hey, let's not wallow in frustration! Slow markets may hold hidden gems and untapped potential if only we know how to navigate them with finesse.

Swipe for 3 tips on how to take advantage of a slow market: for agents, buyers, and sellers →

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

We’re officially less than 100 days until we say I Do. I am so ready to marry you!!! 🫶🏼✨

📸:

Tired of battling it out with hordes of buyers for the same properties? I've got an insider's secret for you: off-market properties. 🤩

Off-market homes are listings that are sold every month without ever hitting active status on the MLS. They’re only advertised by word of mouth or by tapping into the extensive network of an agent like myself.

In our fast-paced, low-inventory market, off-market properties can be key to you gaining an edge. Plus, they often come with added perks, like cost savings on commissions and a chance to bypass the competition.

If you know what you’re looking for in your next home, I’d love to keep my eyes and ears out for an off-market property that checks your boxes! Just DM me, and as soon as I hear something, you’ll be the first to know.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

Performing at The Red Piano! Tonight from 5-8PM! 💃🏼

Here's a truth that not all real estate agents will tell you:

Just like any investment, home values can fluctuate. One month, your home could be worth a fortune 🤩, and the next, it could drop in value 😢.

However, unlike other investments, owning a home comes with benefits that extend far beyond financial gain. It provides:

- A place to call your own
- A space to add your own personality & flair
- A greater sense of security and stability
- Equity, equity, equity!

Plus, the financial perks aren't too shabby either. One 2020 survey actually showed that homeowners have an average net worth 40x higher than renters.

So yes, it's important to be aware of the potential for fluctuations in home value. BUT there are so many positive things that come with owning a home that other investments simply can't offer.

If you have questions about the real estate market in your area and what investing in a home might look like this summer, drop a comment below, and I’ll be in touch!

Source: https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scfindex.htm
https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/is-buying-a-house-a-good-investment #:~:text=For%20many%20people%2C%20owning%20a,equity%20when%20paying%20a%20mortgage

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

Hey fam!! Excited to announce a couple of upcoming gigs for June. Swipe right to see the dates ✨

I look forward to seeing you there!!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

Contrary to what you’ve heard, staging isn't just for luxury homes.

It can benefit any type of property and entice the right buyers. Not only does it make your listing photos more appealing, but it also allows buyers to easily picture themselves living in your home.

But here's the real kicker: staging can increase your home's value by 1-5%, according to a March 2023 report from the NAR.

And the best part? You don't need to spend a fortune on professional staging to see results.

As an agent, I've picked up some tips and tricks that can help you get your home ready. From decluttering to rearranging furniture, even small changes can make a big difference.

The next time you're ready to sell, don’t overlook the power of staging the To help, give this post a quick save so you can come back to it later.

Source: Home Staging: How Much Does It Cost? Is It Worth It? | Bankrate

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

You've got your dream home all picked out, and moving day is right around the corner! But before you start packing, let's chat about some moving day mishaps you'll definitely want to avoid.

Trust me, I've seen it all before - from boxes with no labels to furniture that won't fit through the door. But don't worry, I've got you covered with some easy tips to help you move with ease.

Do you have any moving day tips to share? Let me know in the comments below! And don't forget to save or share this post for later. ✨

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Spechler and Beck Real Estate Group
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

✨ ATTENTION FRIENDS AND FAMILY ✨
After a 9 month hiatus from Red Piano, I will FINALLY be returning for several dates this month! I'll also be performing at Mastro's in Thousand Oaks TONIGHT for Cinco De Mayo! Swipe to see my scheduled dates, and I hope to see you at one! 💃🏼




Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

Want to add value to your home? These high-ROI renovations under $10,000 are the way to go.

Swipe to see the latest home reno projects that will elevate your ROI and give your home the modern upgrade it deserves. (Spoiler alert: It's all about curb appeal.)

Find this post helpful? Save it for later or share it with a friend!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
📞 805.680.2856
📧 [email protected]

This is everything when it comes to selling your home:

Timing.

Over the years, I've seen how the timing of the market can impact the sale of a home. It's like cooking a masterpiece, you have to gather all the right ingredients and wait for the perfect moment to bring everything together.

That “perfect moment” often comes in late spring — specifically May — when over the past ten years, sellers have seen added 12.6% boost in the sale price, according to ATTOM Data Solutions.

All that to say, if you’re thinking about selling, now is a great time to pull together the best ingredients for a successful sale - prepping, staging, and showing. And don’t worry, as a local agent with years of experience, I can help! I promise when the timing is right, your home will be the main course everyone is talking about!

Thinking about selling your home? Comment "SELL" and I'll DM you my free Guide to Selling Your Home!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Spechler & Beck Real Estate Group
DRE 02125898
805.680.2856
[email protected]

Did you know that Spring is peak home buying season, with 40% of purchases happening between March and June?!

If you’re buying a home this Spring, it’s time to put on your game face and get ready to compete. Here are a few tips to help you win the bidding war and secure your dream home...

Be ready to act fast.
In a hot market, homes don’t last long. Be prepared to act quickly and make an offer as soon as you find the perfect home. *Ahem* this means getting pre-approval from a lender before starting your search.

Be prepared to make a strong offer.
In a competitive market, you may need to make an offer above the asking price to stand out. Be prepared to move fast and make a strong offer to secure your dream home. Don’t worry, I have a few more tricks up my sleeves to help your offer stand out!

Be flexible.
Be open to different neighborhoods, home styles, and move-in dates. The more flexible you are, the more options you’ll have. Pro tip: Create a wants vs. needs list before you start searching.

I love helping clients come out on top of a bidding war and lock down their dream home. The sooner we can start preparing for your purchase the better, send me a message and let’s get started!

Statistics:
*According to NAR, spring is often the busiest season for home sales, with 40% of typical existing-home purchases taking place between March and June.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
DRE 02125898
805.680.2856
www.lyndseyjoneshomes.com
[email protected]

Gentle reminder today that curb appeal makes all the difference when selling your home.

You know the curb appeal trifecta: mulch, seasonal color, and a pressure-sprayed driveway. But you're gonna need to add these three if you want to level up your outdoor game:

1) Illuminate walkways. Would-be buyers are sure to do a nighttime drive-by (trust me, they will). Ambient outdoor lighting will have them oohing and ahhing. (Quick tip: Solar lights make this a cinch.)

2) Update porch lights. Replace crooked, outdated, or rusty porch lights with something fresh and modern. Your local home improvement store and a couple of hours are all you need.

3) Add seating with outdoor throw pillows. Everyone dreams of a breezy afternoon in the yard, sipping a cold glass of lemonade. Add seating to give buyers an exact place to do just that.

Time to get to it! And, of course, save this post for later, or reach out if you want to talk about what’s happening in your neighborhood market this February!

Hey there, first-time homebuyer, can we have a heart-to-heart?

You see, you’re buying your first home, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m showing up as your biggest fan.

But my guess is you’re hearing lots of chatter about this not being the ideal time to buy. Maybe even from people you love.

Here’s the thing: Maybe conditions aren’t ideal, but if you know in your heart you’re ready to buy, then NOW is THE time.

So long as you can take that spirit into this process, you’re going to be just fine. And I’ll be with you every step of the way. To leave nothing unsaid, here are a few other mind shifts I hope you, and all first-time buyers, will embrace:

1. This is your first home. Not your forever home. It’s okay if it doesn’t have everything on your wish list. That will come with time.
2. You can’t control the market or interest rates. You know the home you could have afforded two years ago isn’t the home you can afford today. But that’s okay. You will find the home that’s right for you right now.
3. Staying within your budget is important. Don’t get caught up in the emotional side of buying or begin to equate your value as a person with the home you purchase.

Now that your mind and heart are ready, it’s time to get moving. Send me a DM, and let’s take the next step.

LIC: 02125898

Did you know the month of May has the rep for being the best time of year to sell? A ten-year analysis of home sales shows sellers see a 12.6% boost above home market value during May.

So, sure. Look towards May. But here’s the thing. It takes more than the right month to get top dollar. It'll take careful planning and preparation — and that ain’t gonna happen overnight.

So…if you’re thinking of selling this spring — March, April, or May — here are 8 things you can knock out NOW that will make it all worthwhile come spring.

8 To-Do’s to Prep Your Home to Sell this Spring

1) Declutter, donate, and organize your closets, drawers, and attics.
2) Clean out the garage and consider painting the walls and floor.
3) Identify major repairs and make a plan to fix them one by one.
4) Ensure that major appliances are in working condition.
5) Focus painting efforts - think entryway, foyer, kitchen, and bathrooms.
6) Replace your house numbers and mailbox to make it easy for sellers to find your home.
7) Clear out winter debris little by little.
8) Reach out to your agent (me!) If you're out of the area, I can refer you to a great agent.

Selling your home in 2023? Let’s partner together to maximize your profits. DM me to get started!