For over 21 years, Marsha Kotlyar has remained one of the most respected names in luxury real estate. Her extensive knowledge and meticulous attention to detail have resulted in a long list of repeat clients, awards, and honors as the top ½ of the 1% of agents nationwide. Coupled with her team’s ever-increasing standards, Marsha’s strong intuition and passion for architecture deliver the dream of homeownership to those within the special community she loves.
Here, she discusses her real estate journey and what makes Santa Barbara unique with Haute Residence.
Why did you choose Real Estate?
I’ve always been obsessed with Architecture & Design. After getting a degree in City Planning with a minor in Real Estate Development from California Polytechnic State University with numerous jobs in public and private sector planning as well as a few retail jobs, I stumbled upon a real estate ad in our old local newspaper, the Santa Barbara News-Press. The ad called for an entry-level assistant, and I remember I was drawn to it immediately because it was from one of the most respected realtors in Santa Barbara, a face and name I had recognized and respected from his magazine ads for many years. I initially thought it could be a temporary gig, but within a few months, I had a serious bug for local residential real estate sales. I had no idea then that this would turn into a deeply rewarding career that I would sincerely enjoy for over 21 years now.
What was your journey to where you are today?
Coming to the US with my parents when I was only 6 years old gave me a deep appreciation and gratitude for what we have here. We literally came to America with $300 and 3 suitcases. We were fortunate to move to Santa Barbara almost immediately, and I feel that the journey my family went through as Soviet Jewish immigrants and my humble beginnings have always influenced my desire for success and a strong work ethic, particularly when it comes to helping people find their own idea of “home.”
231 Middle Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 - $5,650,000
What is one of your favorite client stories?
I don’t think I could name just one favorite. Every client and home sale is more than a transaction. Each client’s home journey is special for me, and it’s just a treasure that we are able to be a part of that process and see their joy.
What is your biggest success story to date?
I love it when I can help a client see the potential in a property. My passion is helping them realize it, connecting them with the right architects, builders, landscapers, interior designers, etc. Also, I love helping someone realize that Montecito and Santa Barbara offer the ideal lifestyle, whether you’re a couple retiring or a family looking for that perfect getaway, and showing them how to achieve it.
But my most significant success story is my two sons, who are growing up in a safe and truly wonderful community, and surrounding myself with supportive people, like my amazing husband and my fantastic team of professional women, who make showing up to work every day not really feel like its work. Being in this kind of environment is critical. It helps me thrive and, in turn, helps me ensure our clients’ needs are also met.
What makes your market unique?
Santa Barbara and Montecito are in a bubble. Whatever happens in the headlines usually doesn’t impact us like in other areas. We have what I describe as having a very introverted community with more off-market sales than you would expect. The market is tight the way it is because of a combination of limited inventory, excellent school districts, tremendous quality of life, a desire for privacy, and a strong sense of community. People who have made their wealth elsewhere often move here and can choose to live anywhere in the world. They have come here to live a relaxed, enjoyable life. Our area provides many outdoor activities and cultural experiences. It is a small, big city with something for everyone. The pandemic made a lot of people in the country realize that a home is great, but a home in an amazing community with a lot of open space, whether in the mountains or the sea, is even better. Santa Barbara has a rich cultural history, with homes for everyone’s taste, from a classic 1920s Spanish Revival home to a horse property with acreage to a modernist ocean-view compound. It is very unique.
For more information, please contact Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group at 805-565-4014 or home@mkgroupmontecito.com.
Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group represents the Montecito, CA, real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.
