Several of you have mentioned that you miss our Birnam Wood real estate updates and commentary. We have good news to share – we are back! And growing! Our son, Jim Vaughan, is returning to Santa Barbara to revitalize our firm, Montecito Village Realty Group! Jim, along with his good friend and new business partner, Kevin Goodwin, of Goodwin & Thyne Properties, will be bringing new energy and expertise, along with our legacy of knowledge and experience, to provide our friends and clients with even greater real estate services. As Birnam Members since 1985 and former Birnam Wood homeowners, we couldn’t be more thrilled to share this legacy.
Many of you have met Jim. His resume speaks volumes: after graduating from SMU in 2013, Jim entered real estate development as a Project Manager for several Toll Brothers home developments in Orange County. He was in charge of the first ever Toll Brothers Modern Collection, a new development of modern homes in Irvine. As a Toll Brothers Project Manager, Jim was not only responsible for managing the construction of new builds, but also supervising the sales of the new homes. In 2018 Jim returned to Montecito to help rebuild the community following the devastating Thomas Fire and subsequent debris flow. He became a Superintendent for Giffin & Crane, one of Santa Barbara’s premier construction firms. He is very proud of the beautiful Montecito homes he has built. Jim’s vast understanding of the building industry in Santa Barbara, its procedures, providers and subcontractors will aid clients making important buying or selling decisions. His knowledge of Birnam Wood is deep-rooted, especially after growing up in Montecito and learning to play golf and tennis on its course and courts. As a Junior Club member today, Jim’s professional experience was instrumental in Birnam Wood’s most recent fitness center improvements. As an active volunteer on the Fitness Committee, Jim helped to design the popular free weight room and selected its specialized equipment.
Kevin graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a degree in computer engineering in 1998. He moved to Santa Barbara to work with a startup tech company, TransSoft Networks, which was later acquired by Hewlett Packard. At HP, Kevin developed technological products for which he earned five patents. In addition to his strong technical skills, Kevin’s passion has long been real estate. He began investing in local real estate shortly after moving to Santa Barbara and now owns several properties. He has owned and run a successful real estate company for over 21 years. With several attorney/brokers in his company, he has ready access to legal expertise to advise clients in complex transactions. By blending his knowledge and experience in finance and technology with his company’s capabilities, Kevin affords his clients a distinct advantage.
Today, Jim brings his unique advantage — his extensive experience in construction and personal Montecito and Birnam Wood knowledge — to join Kevin, with his vast expertise and resources. Together they will build a new legacy of providing exceptional real estate services. Collectively, we will keep you updated on the real estate happenings in Birnam Wood as well as property updates in the greater Montecito and Santa Barbara areas. Please know that both enterprising young men will provide you with the highest level of knowledge, experience and personal attention.
With Jim’s return to Santa Barbara, you will be seeing much more of him in the fitness center and on the golf course. We know you all will join us in welcoming him home. As we combine our efforts, you will have access to even greater real estate services. Jim and Kevin will promptly respond to your inquiries. Please see their contact information on the attached Birnam Wood Update. Bill is also readily available with recommendations and advice gathered over his long real estate career, and would be happy to arrange informal meetings or lunch with you, our Birnam friends, to get to know Jim and Kevin better. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us regarding your real estate needs!
Montecito Village Realty LLC is a boutique residential brokerage firm founded by experienced and well-connected professionals. Sellers who choose to work with us know their home will be marketed through local and global media sources utilizing state of the art technology, including aerial imagery for exterior angles, and high quality professional photography for interiors.
MVRG is also closely associated with industry professionals and experts to assist clients in making well-informed real estate decisions. Clients selling or buying Montecito or Birnam Wood homes appreciate Montecito Village Realty’s research and negotiating skills – giving them a distinctive advantage in closing intricate, and sometimes difficult, real estate transactions.
Let Montecito Village Realty guide you through buying, selling or renting a home in California. View active listings, research past transactions, and schedule showings with our dedicated team.
