Santa Barbara’s Architectural Charm

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Host, David Charles Allen from Village Properties: Email david@davidcharlesallen.com or call 805-617-9311 Website: https://www.davidcharlesallen.com

The HOP (Home Ownership Podcast) Episode 126

David reviews the latest interest rates for 30-year conventional and jumbo loans and also explains what differentiates them before reviewing Santa Barbara’s sales stats, The new listings rose to 36, which is encouraging–and higher than it has been in many months.

Finally, David and his co-host Patti discuss the charming ‘look’ of Santa Barbara–due to architectural restrictions, but the trade off is that new construction and remodels must adhere to those standards. Also, there are few empty lots to build on in Santa Barbara which limits the ability to add people to the area.

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BBB Warns Social Security Recipients to Beware Cost of Living Adjustment Scams

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This podcast is brought to you by BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties

How to avoid this Scam:

• Remember, the SSA’s Cost of Living Adjustment is automatic. You don’t need to do anything to receive the increase in benefits. If someone tells you otherwise, you’re likely dealing with a scammer.

• Know how the SSA communicates. According to SSA, “If there is a problem with your Social Security number, we will mail you a letter. Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us.” A call, text, or email from an SSA agent out of the blue is a red flag.

• Don’t give in to threats. SSA will never threaten you with arrest or legal action. They will never suspend your Social Security number or demand payment from you. They will never ask for personal information or banking details to give you an increase in benefits. If someone demands these things or threatens you over the phone, they are not with SSA.

• When in doubt, hang up. If you suspect you might be getting scammed, stop all communications. Visit SSA.gov to research or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm that the correspondence is legitimate before taking action.

For more information Read more about healthcare scams in this BBB tip. Learn more about other government impostor scams. Get more general tips to avoid scams by visiting BBB.org/AvoidScams.

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting Your Moment of Trust!

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An Up and Coming Neighborhood in Santa Barbara

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The HOP (Home Ownership Podcast) Episode 127 

Hosted by David Charles Allen, Village Properties Realtor in Santa Barbara https://www.davidcharlesallen.com 805-617-9311 

Santa Barbara has had a cold snap, a surf swell and some wind this week. David reviewed the interest rates which went up slightly. The new listings were down slightly and there were 15 price changes, which is significant. David reviewed an area in Santa Barbara that has had a huge influx in popularity. Samarkand has a nice neighborhood feel and is within walking distance of several coffee shops. It has great walkability, and many homes have great ocean or mountain views. It’s also only two miles from Hendry’s Beach.

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Santa Barbara’s Architectural Charm

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The HOP (Home Ownership Podcast) Episode 126

Host, David Charles Allen from Village Properties: Email david@davidcharlesallen.com or call 805-617-9311 Website: https://www.davidcharlesallen.com

David reviews the latest interest rates for 30-year conventional and jumbo loans and also explains what differentiates them before reviewing Santa Barbara’s sales stats, The new listings rose to 36, which is encouraging–and higher than it has been in many months. Finally, David and his co-host Patti discuss the charming ‘look’ of Santa Barbara–due to architectural restrictions, but the trade off is that new construction and remodels must adhere to those standards. Also, there are few empty lots to build on in Santa Barbara which limits the ability to add people to the area.

Check out this episode!

BBB Tips to Get a Good Deal on a New or Used Car

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This podcast is brought to you by BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-…
 
A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast. Tips to find the car you want at a decent price: 
 
● Think about financing before you start shopping. If you have savings, buying a car outright is always the cheapest option. However, most consumers choose to finance their purchase, paying less upfront but more in the long run since you’ll need to borrow money and pay interest on your car loan. Whichever route you take, start by figuring out your budget. Decide how much you can afford to set aside for monthly car payments. Talk to your bank about getting preapproved for an auto loan. Not only will this give you some bargaining power when you are at the dealer, but you’ll also be able to compare dealer financing to find the lowest interest rate on your loan.
 
● Don’t get underwater. Many cars are still selling at prices over their sticker value. Consumers may be tempted to take out a bigger loan when it seems all vehicles sell for a premium. The problem is that cars are depreciating assets, and their value drops significantly as soon as you drive them off the lot. Without a decent down payment, you could quickly end up upside-down (a.k.a. underwater) on a loan, owing more than your car is worth. If your car gets totaled in a wreck or stolen, you could be left owing money on a vehicle you no longer have. If you can’t afford a larger down payment, consider purchasing gap insurance, which would cover the difference in the event of a severe accident.
 
● Don’t count on discounts or even haggling. In the past, year-end deals and bartering to get a lower price on a car were part of the sales process. With limited inventory, getting a deep discount from a dealer trying to clear off excess inventory isn’t likely. On the bright side, your used car trade-in is likely worth a little more than it would have been pre-pandemic. Consider using that for a little extra leverage to strike a deal.
 
● Do your research and try to be flexible. Before you set foot on a dealership lot, know which cars will fill your needs and their current market value. Look at several different dealerships’ websites to view their inventory and check their prices. When you’ve settled on a particular model or two, decide which feature package you want before a salesperson convinces you to need the premium package. Keep in mind that flexibility is critical. If you have a few color options in mind or are willing to consider two different model cars, you’ll have a better chance of finding a vehicle you like.
 
● You can order a car, but you’ll have to wait. Another option with fewer cars on dealers’ lots is to request a car customized to meet your needs. If you go this route, know that you’ll probably wait at least six weeks to get the car, or much longer if it’s a model in high demand.
 
● Look farther afield. If you’re having trouble finding a car locally, consider expanding your search geographically. Looking outside of your city will give you more options but remember; you may need to travel to see the car and take it for a test drive. 
 
● Negotiate if you find a car you like. Budgeting, getting preapproved for financing, and researching ahead of time are all critical. Turnover on dealership lots is fast, and you must be ready to act. If you find a car you like and don’t buy it immediately, another shopper could swoop in before you make up your mind.
 
● Consider a used vehicle. Consider buying a used car if a new car doesn’t fit your budget. Certified pre-owned cars might be a good option since they have warranty coverage and other “like new” perks. However, be willing to pay a little more for this option. Whether you buy from a dealer or a private seller, always do plenty of research and inspect the car carefully before you seal the deal.
 
● Buy your lease. If you leased a car before all the supply disruptions started, chances are the end-of-lease purchase cost, set when you signed the contract, will be well below the current market price. If this is an opportunity open to you, take advantage!
 
● Be patient. Yes, it’s a competitive market, and you should be ready to pounce if you find a decent deal. Don’t let a sense of urgency or desperation cause you to accept a bad deal or fall for a scam. You may need to compromise to a degree, but never overlook your primary goal of buying a vehicle that serves your needs and will get you around for years to come.

 

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Dating Scam Warnings from the BBB

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A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

Romance scams are more common than ever. Even if you don’t use dating apps, you might still be targeted by one. BBB Scam Tracker is getting reports from dating scam victims who were conned through social media. Get to know the signs, so you can spot a fake romance before getting in too deep.

How to Avoid Dating Scams: 

● Know the signs of romance scams. Romance scams often start with someone who seems too perfect and immediately falls in love with you. They may be in a hurry to create a future together but hesitant to meet you in person. They’ll probably tell you they are overseas or in the military. They often talk about the importance of trust to gain yours, and they may share sad stories to pull on your heartstrings before asking you for money. Any one of these tactics is a big red flag. If you notice similarities with someone who has messaged you on social media, think twice about your relationship. 

● Never send money or personal information to someone you haven’t met. Refrain from giving a stranger your credit card or bank account information. Don’t wire money to or share the PIN of a gift card with someone you’ve never met. An online “friend” might not even really exist!

● Ask lots of questions. When you meet someone online, ask them specific questions about the details in their profile and pay close attention to their answers. If they lie, they likely won’t be able to keep their story straight.

● Do some research. Do a reverse image lookup of a person’s profile picture to see if it is being used elsewhere on the internet. Scammers often use the same stolen photos to create fake profiles. You can also search their name, email, and phone number to see if you find anything fishy.

For more information: Read BBB’s tip on romance scams for more helpful advice. Get information on specific dating scams on the BBB Romance Scam page.

Also, be on the lookout for a similar scam involving wrong number text messages. If you spot a scam on social media, romance-related or otherwise, report it! By sharing your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker, you can help us expose scammers’ tactics.

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast. https://www.ayersrepairs.com

 

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Pros & Cons of Buying Furniture (and pets) with the House

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The HOP (Home Ownership Podcast) Episode 125:

With Village Properties Realtor and Host, David Charles Allen

David reviews the interest rates (which rose slightly this week), along with the Santa Barbara Real Estate Stats.  This week, there were 31 new listings and 27 pending sales.  In a typical market, there are 40 – 60 homes listed but even though the numbers are lower than normal, things are moving in the right direction!

Then David and Patti discussed the pros and cons of making your offer inclusive of some or all of the furniture and stories are shared about people who even offer to buy the family’s pets!

You can call David at 805-817-9311 or email him at david@davidcharlesallen.com

 

 

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Santa Barbara Real Estate News & How Goats are Used to Clear the Land

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The HOP (Home Ownership Podcast) Episode 124: with Host, David Charles Allen

David reviews the latest interest rates and the Santa Barbara Real Estate sales statistics. There were 32 listings the week of 2/4 with 25 pending sales. In a typical market the number of new listings would be in the 40 to 60 range. Right now, houses are sitting on the market longer but the prices have remained steady.

In the Fur Baby portion of the show (toward the end of the podcast), David and Patti discussed goats being used to clear the land and David said that this is something that Ellings Park in SB has done in the past.

To contact David, send him an email at david@davidcharlesallen.com or call him at 805-617-9311l.

https://www.davidcharlesallen.com

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BBB Exposes Weight Loss Scams

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A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust. When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, scammers know that losing weight and getting in shape is one of the most popular goals. This popularity has led to a slew of scams involving vitamins, supplements, and weight loss formulas, all claiming to offer rapid results. Not only are the products themselves questionable, but so are the business dealings of the companies peddling them. 

To help avoid weight loss scams, BBB recommends the following:

● Always be wary of advertisements and customer endorsements promising “miracle” results or immediate weight loss. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that many shady weight loss products are accompanied by false promises. For example, if an ad says their product will make you lose weight “permanently,” you’re looking at a false promise.

● Don’t be quick to trust endorsements. Many scammers use pictures of celebrities, TV show mentions, or well-known company logos to gain consumers’ trust without their permission. Always research the company before doing business with them, no matter who supposedly endorses their product.

● Avoid products that claim to help lose weight without diet or exercise. Be especially skeptical of claims that you don’t have to change your eating habits. Doctors, dieticians, and other experts agree that losing weight takes work and should be gradual. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, losing 1-2 pounds per week is a healthy goal and is more successful in achieving long-term weight loss. Pass up any product that promises miraculous, sudden results without any effort.

● Check a product’s ingredients with the FDA. Be suspicious of taking special pills, powders, or herbs. Some products have been recalled for containing ingredients with potentially dangerous effects. Check the list of public notifications from the FDA regarding potentially harmful weight loss products. In Canada, check with Health Canada for guidelines.

● Be wary of a lack of an ingredients list. Some companies have been accused of not advertising certain ingredients that can come with harmful side effects or mix adversely with prescription drugs.

● Be wary of free trial offers, and before signing up, understand all the terms and conditions. These deals can become “subscription traps” that hook consumers into expensive shipments of products they did not agree to buy. Before clicking check out or purchase, make sure the cart only includes the items you wish to purchase and does not include signing up for a subscription unless this is an option you want. Be cautious of any contract that takes payment from your credit card until you cancel.

● When participating in online forums and chat rooms focused on weight loss and fitness topics, be wary of individuals pushing products they claim will help quickly reach goals.

● Be realistic about your fitness goals. It’s hard work to lose weight. Find a program you can stick with, preferably one that you enjoy. Does a weight loss plan require special foods? Can you cancel if you move or find that the program doesn’t meet your needs? If you need help, ask your doctor for suggestions.

● Research the company with BBB.org before purchasing. Read reviews about the company to see if there are any complaints alleging that it’s a scam.

● Report the deceptive ads. Be suspicious of ridiculously positive testimonials on the company website. Testimonials have become an easy marketing tool and are easily faked. These are often accompanied by glorious before and after pictures.

Call your BBB to report suspicious, confusing, or misleading ads to BBB Ad Truth or report a scam with BBB Scam Tracker. Consumers can also report the ad to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 877-FTC-Help. You can also report fake ads to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. 

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast!

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Play Responsibly–Sports Betting Tips from BBB of the Tri-Counties

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A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal ban in 2018, sports gambling has exploded in popularity. According to the American Gaming Association, a record 46.6 million people planned to bet on the 2022-2023 NFL season. That’s nearly 18 percent of all American adults! If you’re planning on getting in on the action, first learn how you can maximize your fun and play responsibly.

BBB offers the following tips for responsible sports betting:

● Make sure sports betting is legal in your state. While the federal ban was struck down in 2018, not every state has decided to allow sports betting just yet. Do your research to determine if you can legally place a bet where you live.

● Understand gambling terminology. A basic wager in which you bet on who will win a game is called a money line bet, but there are many other terms you’ll need to get to know as well. Get familiar with point-spread, prop and futures bets and how each works. In addition, learn what terms like juice, parlay, total, and teaser mean before you start placing bets.

● Get familiar with sports statistics. It should go without saying, but don’t place a bet without researching. Use reputable sources to get statistical breakdowns on the teams and players on which you want to bet to ensure the odds are in your favor.

● Set limits for yourself. The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) recommends establishing what constitutes an acceptable loss before you start gambling. Knowing when to stop and only gamble with money you can afford to lose is critical. You may also want to set time limits for yourself regarding sports betting.

● Avoid high-risk betting. Don’t borrow money to gamble, and avoid gambling if you are emotionally distressed. Remember that gambling under the influence of alcohol is risky since your good judgment could be compromised.

● Only place bets with reputable bookmakers. Whether you’re placing a bet in-person or online, only use “white-listed” sports books that your local gaming commission approves.

● Be wary of paid handicappers. Sports handicappers may offer amazing odds thanks to “insider information,” but often, scams are behind theirtoo-good-to-be-true promises. Some handicappers offer money-back guarantees or free picks if you make a losing wager, but these are also signs of a scam.

● Watch out for scams. Handicappers aren’t the only source of scams regarding sports betting. Watch out for pop-up gambling ads, email spam, or text messages that take you to websites offering “risk-free” bets, exaggerated incentives, or deceptive bonuses. Bogus betting websites often use these tactics to draw in unsuspecting customers.

● Get help if you need it. If you suspect you or a loved one suffers from a gambling addiction, get help from the National Council on Problem Gambling. You can call their hotline or find other resources available in your state.

If you spot suspicious activity or dishonest business practices when placing sports bets, report your experience to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to a scam.

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast. https://www.ayersrepairs.com

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