The Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group is the #1 team in the top real estate brokerage in Santa Barbara County, California. Representing exceptional luxury properties in both Santa Barbara and Montecito, the team has closed over $2 billion dollars in sales.

I crafted elevated listing copy for high-end luxury properties to drive buyer engagement and competitive sales. I also authored bi-monthly editorial features on regional design, architecture, and culture, and served as lead editor for quarterly market reports, translating complex real estate data into clear, compelling market intelligence.

Long-form listing copy

  • "Never before in the MLS and owned by the same family for over 45 years, gain access to one of Montecito’s most private country compounds. Prepare to be transported back to the simplicity of vintage Montecito living as nearly six and a half acres of lush pastoral property sit surrounded by panoramic ocean, mountain, and hillside views. Situated at the top of a long private tree-lined drive and nestled among local ranches, privacy and peacefulness here remain unparalleled. Scenic skylines, mountain vistas, and the melodic hum of nature create an enchanting dreamlike setting, while framed ocean views keep picturesque California charm ever-present. Discover what it’s like to live in tandem with nature as you explore the vast property to find a meandering creek, a hidden island, and a hillside olive grove. One of three structures on the property, the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom single-level rancher balances classic country living with breathtaking ocean and canyon views. The light-filled living room faces the ocean and is anchored by a cozy fireplace, high ceilings, and built-in bookcases, while the primary bedroom suite enjoys the same special views. Vaulted ceilings, original wood floors, and rich wood paneling enrich the interiors, as the spacious kitchen and formal dining room encourage convenient gatherings. The attached 2-car garage keeps storage out of sight for seamless organization. Complete with its own driveway, a quaint one bedroom, one bathroom guest cottage with kitchen and living room sits alongside Toro Canyon Creek. Guests will feel in a world all their own as they relax with the soothing and meditative sounds of nature. With its own separate driveway, prepare to feel inspired in the metal-clad car barn. Designed as both a workshop and garage, the two-story space could house a cherished car collection or become a future party barn, this European-inspired structure is calling for your creativity. Perched at the top of the property, is a potential future estate building site with views that span the horizon. With ample acreage for horses, an orchard, rambling gardens, and additional structures, nostalgia for a simpler era can now be transformed into a reality."

  • "Overlooking all of Santa Barbara’s natural wonders is this one-of-a-kind sanctuary, sprawled across a bountiful 6.51 ocean, island, and canyon view acres. The panoramic setting is strikingly beautiful, surrounded by nature and yet moments from the best of Santa Barbara. Kept as a private getaway or transformed into a dream compound estate, opportunity spans as wide as the imagination here. From the moment you come down the long, impressive driveway, winding through the old historic Mission olive grove, to the instant you step out onto one of the multiple verandas and breathe in the expansive views, magic abounds in this enchanting Pueblo revival home. Unparalleled privacy, countless opportunities for activities, entertainment, and reflection are all right outside your door. Impressive construction and solid infrastructure were cornerstones for this Allen and Associates 2000 build which enjoys 3 bedrooms, plus an office and 3 baths. The lush hillside is an extension of your living room, countless windows and doors open to stunning landscaping, gravel pathways, and grape vine-covered pergolas for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Sculpted cream plaster walls and soft curves shape the open living room and kitchen, while wood beams, fireplaces, hidden crystals, and bamboo floors ground the space with warm and calming notes. The primary bedroom, located on the second floor, is perfected with a fireplace, luxe bathroom, private outdoor shower, and a large covered terrace that looks out to mesmerizing vistas. Brilliant tangerine sunrises and sherbet sunsets will become part of your daily life. Surrounded by both lush and manicured grounds, there is an Argosy “guesthouse” as well as multiple places to expand to create the ultimate compound property. Just a short jaunt from the Botanic Gardens, the culture of downtown, and the history of nearby landmarks such as The Mission and Rose Garden, and yet somehow its very own singular world, this property awaits an owner as equally exceptional."

  • "Blending classic Santa Barbara elegance with the quality of a newer build, this turnkey 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home offers the refined, yet relaxed living that Santa Barbara is known for. With Pacific blue accents, flourishing landscaping, and distinct architecture, curb appeal abounds in this Spanish colonial revival property. Expertly built in 2005 by Arnold Brothers Construction, every inch of this spacious San Roque gem was constructed with luxe livability in mind. Venetian plaster walls, traditional tile accents, and rich wooden beams perfect the unmistakable Santa Barbara style. Abundant natural light pours in through multiple windows and French doors, while mature hedges surround the property to create a private oasis. Ascend the gently curved, tiled staircase to discover four quaint bedrooms located on the top floor. The primary suite enjoys an en-suite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a romantic Juliet balcony. The detached two-car garage offers additional space for parking and storage. Nestled above the garage sits a spacious studio with bathroom and mountain views. Perfect for a guest apartment, at-home office, or artist's studio, this flexible space lends itself to a multitude of uses. Anchored between the home and the garage is a peaceful backyard garden, which enjoys a sun-soaked courtyard, central fountain, lush lawns, and fruit trees. Highly convenient to all the neighborhood amenities and moments from the culture of downtown Santa Barbara, near Peabody Elementary School, the ideal location of this home is only one of the many features that will keep life sweet for many years to come."

Blog posts

  • Santa Barbara Market Update | Q3 2023

    Check it out.

  • Richard Neutra: The Visionary Who Defined Modern Architecture

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  • A Local Guide to the Best Dog Parks in Santa Barbara & Montecito

    Check it out.

Smart Smile Dental is a leading dental practice in Orange County, California. 

I refreshed web copy and created a net-new landing page targeting a new customer demographic. Combining creative direction from the practice with my own industry research, the landing page not only adhered to the state’s marketing guidelines for dental services but also incorporated mandatory LSI keywords for optimal SEO. 

Check it out.

Jostens has been America’s leading manufacturer of memorabilia for the last 125 years. In addition to its steady production of student-focused products such as yearbooks and class rings, Jostens has also partnered with Disney, Nascar, and the National Football League to create brand-specific merchandise sold on a global scale.  

I created copy for product campaigns targeting key audiences, including students, parents, educators, and sports organizations, spanning marketing emails, product landing pages, and out-of-home (OOH) displays. 

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