Tag Archives: Santa Maria CA

Westgate Ranch in Santa Maria — 2011 Real Estate Market Update

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

The Westgate Ranch area is located north of Betteravia and west of Blosser. It offers convenient access to Orcutt and Vandenberg Air Force Base by way of Blosser which turns into Skyway Drive and leads directly into the Orcutt area and Highway 135. Nearby amenities include Pepper Garcia’s, the Santa Maria YMCA, the Radisson Hotel and Spencer’s grocery store. Continue reading →

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Is “Lease to Own” A Scam?

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

Well I told her that it sounded like a scam. Not a major league scam on the part of the people getting $160 for the “database” but there probably was a major league scam somewhere behind it. I explained that quit claim deeds and foreclosures aren’t typically a part of a lease option deal. Continue reading →

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Central City Market – A Welcome Addition to the Santa Maria Restaurant Scene

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

Have you checked out Central City Market in Santa Maria Town Center mall yet? If you head to the Macy’s annex and look directly across from the new location for Gina’s Piece of Cake you will make a delightful discovery. Central City market is part deli, part gourmet grocery, and it fills a much needed void for the local wine and food enthusiast (i.e. food snob). The items included in their inventory have been thoughtfully selected and are displayed in a manner that will draw you in rather than overwhelm you with excess Continue reading →

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What is the City of Santa Maria California Best Known For?

Posted on February 5, 2010 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

Let’s see, if I had to say three things that Santa Maria was known for it would be strawberries, tri-tip barbeque, and now its wine country. Strawberries are honored at the yearly Strawberry Festival. And although the number of strawberry stands has decreased over the years, you can still get some of the best strawberries in the country from Santa Maria fields. Continue reading →

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Friday Night at the Elks Lodge in Santa Maria, CA

Posted on January 30, 2010 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

I spent last night at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge on Bradley Road. And even though, I’ve lived in Santa Maria for years and been to the Elks many times, I’ve never been a member nor have I attended on Friday night when attendance is open to the general public. The Elks are responsible for the local Elks Rodeo and Parade which are a tradition in Santa Maria. Continue reading →

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Looking to Buy HUD Homes in Santa Maria or Lompoc CA?

Posted on January 1, 2010 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

Are you interested in buying a HUD home in Santa Maria, Orcutt, or Lompoc? You can search for HUD homes by clicking here. Also, you need a registered HUD agent to write an offer on a HUD home. I am a registered selling agent with HUD and I can take you for a tour of any local HUD home, explain the bidding process, and write an offer. These homes are generally not listed on the MLS, so the potential for a buyer bargain is tremendous as they receive less exposure. Continue reading →

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The Hitching Post – A California Central Coast Tradition

Posted on December 27, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

I went out to dinner with friends at the Hitching Post in Casmalia. And despite it being the day after Christmas it was packed. I hadn’t been out there in awhile. It is true that we take for granted things that are right here under our noses. The Hitching Post has a national reputation and a rich history here on the Central Coast. For those who don’t care to go off the beaten path, you can chow down at the Hitching Post 2, located right off the 101 in Buellton. This was the location the movie Sideways. But, for those with a pioneering spirit, who want the authentic experience will venture out to the abandoned stage coach and railroad outpost known as Casmalia. Continue reading →

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Where Have all the Houses Gone in Santa Maria – Orcutt?

Posted on July 15, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

When I searched the MLS for active properties this morning, I came up with 158 single family homes or condos for sale. 29 of those listings are short sales, and 35 are active REO listings. There are 234 contingent listings, and 222 of them are short sales. In the last 30 days, 131 homes have sold, with an average price of about $250,000, average price per square foot of $150, and averaging about 75 days on market. 28 of those sold homes were closed short sales, and 61 were REO (bank owned property) sales. Average days on market for short sales were about 120 days (this reflects the time period to obtain bank approval), and average days on market for REO listings was about 53 (this includes the time it takes to get the contract finalized by the bank). Continue reading →

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Best Sushi Restaurants in Santa Maria CA

Posted on March 26, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

I know the Santa Maria Sun publishes a list of local favorites every year, but because I LOVE sushi so much, I feel qualified to publish my own list of favorite sushi restaurants in Santa Maria. If I were going on a business lunch or going out to dinner I would probably go to Ichiban (805) 614-9808 at 2011 S Broadway (next to Family Health & Fitness) great authentic food, private booths and sushi bar seating available. Continue reading →

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Trader Joe’s Set to Open in Santa Maria CA

Posted on March 15, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

It may seem like small news, but in Santa Maria it is big news that we got a Trader Joe’s. For those of us who have been making the treck up to Arroyo Grande for years — the arrival of Trader Joe’s in Santa Maria is a real treat. I can’t wait to zip up the street for the fresh organic produce and meats. It is conveniently located in south Santa Maria near Costco, right off the 101 Stowell exit. Since Santa Maria is now the largest city in Santa Barbara county — it is about time! Welcome Trader Joe’s! They are set to open on March 16th. Continue reading →

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