Relocating to Santa Barbara & Montecito
What Does a Relocation Specialist Actually Do?
30 years in Santa Barbara & Montecito
Relocation goes far beyond finding a house—it’s about building a life. If you are moving to the Santa Barbara area, I consider it my true privilege to ensure your experience feels safe, nurtured, and educated every step of the way.
“There is a Japanese concept called Ikigai — finding your life’s passion, the idea that when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
I feel incredibly blessed to help people make this move and call this amazing community home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Relocating to Santa Barbara
What exactly does a real estate relocation specialist do?
A real estate relocation specialist goes beyond standard property showings to manage the entire transition of moving to a new city. As a local specialist backed by a team that is number one in productivity, I provide personalized, concierge-level support. This includes:
- Conducting neighborhood orientation tours
- Securing short-term and transition housing
- Providing insider school and education insights
- Navigating off-market real estate and exclusive listings
- Offering a fully vetted network of local service providers
How do I choose the best neighborhood in Santa Barbara for my lifestyle?
Santa Barbara is a collection of distinct micro-communities. After 30 years here, I have personally lived in San Roque, Hope Ranch, the Mesa, and now Montecito. Every neighborhood offers something uniquely special, and you really can't go wrong. I share my deep, insider knowledge of these coastal enclaves to help you find the absolute perfect fit for your lifestyle before making any major decisions.
How do out-of-town buyers buy a home without being there in person?
Many relocating clients cannot be here in person to tour properties, and I love doing Video and FaceTime tours to bridge that gap. Applying my passion for filmmaking, I create detailed, high-quality walkthroughs that truly shine. I promise you will feel the house virtually. My goal is to make you feel like you are standing right in the living room, allowing you to confidently evaluate a home from anywhere in the world.
How do I find off-market homes in Montecito and Santa Barbara?
Finding the right home in a highly competitive market takes time and strategy. I love putting the puzzle together—connecting your timing, budget, and lifestyle. Using my vast local network, I search for homes both on and off the MLS. Knowing this town inside and out gives me access to exclusive listings, meaning I can often find your perfect home before it even comes on the market.
How do I navigate building or remodeling a home in Santa Barbara?
Because I have personally built multiple homes in this community, I understand the complete lifecycle of building and remodeling within both the county and city jurisdictions. If your dream is to create something custom, I can expertly guide you through the entire process, including:
- Securing the perfect parcel of land
- Navigating complex local permitting processes
- Understanding the construction timeline and lifecycle
- Connecting you with top-tier contractors, architects, and designers
How do I navigate Santa Barbara and Montecito school districts?
Navigating education options from afar can be overwhelming, but schools are truly my masterclass. As a former educator in the Montecito and Hope School districts, and a mother who raised three daughters through the local public and private systems, I provide unparalleled, firsthand insight. I can personally guide your family through our top-tier educational landscape, having deep experience with:
- Early Education & Montessori: All Saints by the Sea and Montessori Center School
- Public Elementary Schools: Montecito Union, Cold Spring School, Vieja Valley, and Hope School
- Private Education: Crane Country Day and Laguna Blanca
- Middle & High Schools: Santa Barbara Middle School and Santa Barbara High School
Where can we live while looking for a home or remodeling?
Transitions take time, and finding the right home shouldn't be rushed. To help you comfortably bridge the gap while you search or complete a renovation, I have access to a fantastic network of transition properties. Many of my empty-nesting friends now rent their beautiful homes for short and long-term stays. In addition, a dear friend of mine owns Wanderlust Luxury Rentals, which offers a stunning collection of local homes, ensuring you have the perfect place to land while we secure your permanent residence.
How do we find reliable local contractors, doctors, and services?
To make your move feel completely seamless, I share my coveted, closely guarded referral list. Long after the paperwork is signed, you gain immediate access to my trusted, decades-long network of:
- Doctors and Dentists
- Babysitters and Nannies
- Designers and Painters
- General Contractors
- Gardeners and Cleaning Services
We moved our family from Chicago to Montecito without ever setting foot in the house we bought — Candy's video walkthroughs were so thorough we knew every room before we landed. She lined up a short-term rental for us, walked us through the Montecito Union school enrollment process, and had a contractor at our new place before the moving truck even arrived. It's rare to find someone who can make a cross-country move feel this calm.
Ready to Make the Move?
If you are asking these questions, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s start putting the pieces of your relocation puzzle together.
Candy Hedrick