Every now and again I like to pretend as if I am one of those people that has time on their hands. I love visiting libraries and museums because it reminds me of my youth. Both my parents were in education, so spending time in libraries feels so natural – the old books, the hushed voices, the attendants that can answer almost any dreamed of question. As a busy professional, I rarely get time to do so. But on Wednesday this week (after showing a few houses and snapping a few pictures for my blog), I decided to stop by the Lompoc Museum. It is located at 200 S. H Street in Old Town Lompoc and housed in a building constructed with funds from the Andrew Carnegie endowment. The building itself is a thing of beauty, (for people that love houses – like me!) built in the Classic Revival style, it has a both a stately appearance and elegant charm.
Lompoc Museum
On the first floor, it houses a collection of Native American art donated by Clarence Ruth; the pieces are all from Lompoc’s local area, and are one of the best collections of its kind. There is also an interesting display highlighting the contribution of Juanita Centeno, lifetime Lompoc resident, Chumash Indian, and archaeological enthusiast. Her elaborate ceremonial dress is exhibited there along with a picture of her wearing it. Downstairs has a tribute to Old Town Lompoc and is built in the style of old wooden storefronts. Rows and rows of pictures of early Lompoc residents are exhibited. There is also an elaborate display (complete with audio guide) of the naval tragedy at Point Honda. The Lompoc Museum is definitely worth a visit.
In July 2006, Mint Properties opened an office in the Mission Creek Plaza on Santa Maria Way. Tni’s stated aim is to offer the highest quality representation and professional service to her clients. Independence affords her the ability to avoid a volume driven approach; the result is prompt, reliable, individualized service coupled with straightforward advice. Indeed, she brings the same level of professionalism to real estate as she did to the law.
For those looking to buy your first rental property, or pick up an extra one now that prices make sense again, be aware that lenders have rolled back the down payment requirements for investment property. Most lenders I polled recently say that a 20% down payment is required for an investment property. Many of us remember when lenders required a 30% down payment for investment property, and I wonder how long it will be until we are back to those days. Lenders slowly but surely increased the down payment requirement for investors during the housing boom and have slowly but surely increased that obstacle again.
The Department of Defense has announced the Homeowners Assistance Program ("HAP")for eligible military personnel. The central coast is home to Vandenberg Air Force Base and HAP may assist those who have suffered due to the severe local housing bust. Several types of assitance are offered:
An open secret to locals, Orcutt Burgers has some of the best food in Santa Maria and Orcutt. They regularly place as one of the favorite fast food restaurants in town. But don't let the name fool you -- it's not just burgers. The breakfast menu is outstanding with plenty to offer. Visit any weekend morning and you will see the place packed with locals enjoying flapjacks, super sized omelettes and the homemade salsa.
