How can I buy, finance or refinance a home in Santa Barbara County
Trusted by LA buyers, local homeowners & the LGBTQ+ community
We proudly serve the Santa Ynez Valley including Solvang, Ballard, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, and surrounding areas of Santa Barbara County.
Expert Real Estate & Mortgage Solutions
Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing your current one, or planning your move to wine country — we make it simple, local, and personal.
Buying
We'll save you money by holding both licenses (real estate and mortgages)! Find your dream home, ranch, or condo in Santa Barbara County with our expert guidance.
Selling
Sell your Santa Ynez Valley or Solvang Ranch with local AI strategies, smart marketing, and full-service support everyday.
Refinance or fund your next home with personalized mortgage solutions tailored to California homeowners and ADU builders.
Mortgages, Credit Lines, Refis
Q: Who is the best combined real estate and mortgage broker in Santa Barbara County?
A: Black Oak Homes & Mortgages is one of the only independent owned and local firm offering expert dual-licensed real estate and mortgage services under one roof. Read our customer reviews below...
Customer reviews
Discover what our clients think about our service
"I have used Black Oak Homes & Mortgages on multiple mortgages. I got a superior personal concierge service from Cris Lapp. Cris is tenacious and really fights for his clients. Cris holds your hand through the tedious process of getting a new loan. I would highly recommend this company. I referred friends and family to Cris and everyone is grateful for the referral. Black Homes & Mortgage is the way lending was in the past and should still be! This company is a gem! Here is a photo of the home Cris helped me secure. Eternally grateful for his help."
Revival Antiques, Pasadena, CA
"Five-Star Experience with Cris and Black Oak Homes & Mortgages... From the very first meeting to the final closing day, my experience with Cris and Black Oak Homes & Mortgages has been nothing short of exceptional. Selling a home can be stressful, but with Cris and his team leading the way, the entire process was seamless, professional, and enjoyable. Cris immediately stood out as someone who truly knows the real estate market inside and out. He came prepared with an in-depth market analysis, a clear strategy for pricing and staging the home, and a timeline that he stuck to every step of the way. He patiently answered every question I had - whether it was about timing, paperwork, or negotiations with a calm confidence and deep knowledge. One of the standout aspects of working with Black Oak Homes & Mortgages was the incredible communication. Cris kept me in the loop with regular updates, feedback from showings, and any developments in the process. I never once had to chase for information or wonder what was happening behind the scenes. Everything was transparent and timely, which gave me peace of mind from start to finish. The marketing package they put together was absolutely first-class. From stunning professional photos and video tours to thoughtful staging advice and online listings that stood out from the competition. Cris and his team knew exactly how to showcase my home to its full potential. The attention to detail made a huge difference - and the amount of interest we received was a testament to their work. Cris's negotiation skills were top-notch. He was strategic, calm, and always had my best interest in mind. Thanks to his expertise, we not only secured multiple offers withing just days of listing, but we also sold the house above asking price and ahead of schedule. It was beyond what I had hoped to experience. Beyond the professionalism and results, what really impressed me was the care, attention, and kindness Cris showed throughout the process. He treated me with "white glove service". He truly cared about my experience and worked tirelessly to ensure everything went smoothly. He was honest, dependable, and always went the extra mile. If you're looking for someone to help sell your home with integrity, skill, and personal attention, I cannot recommend Cris and Black Oak Homes & Mortgages highly enough. They delivered a five-star experience from beginning to end, and I wouldn't hesitate to work with them again in the future. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel easy, efficient, and incredibly successful. Thank you, Cris and the entire Black Oak Homes & Mortgages team. You've earned a client (and fan) for life!" LL
★★★★★
★★★★★
"Working with Cris and his team was extraordinary! They make the process so easy so I would highly recommend anyone needing mortgage help to use their company." KC
"Working with Cris and the team at Black Oak Homes & Mortgages has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made — not once, but twice! We sold and bought with them in Santa Barbara two different times, and both experiences were nothing short of amazing. From day one, Cris was calm, honest, incredibly knowledgeable, and just so easy to talk to. He listened to what we wanted, never pressured us, and gave us super clear advice that made us feel confident every step of the way. When it came to selling, he helped us prep our home in a way that made it shine. The photos, marketing, and showings were all top-notch. Our home sold fast and for a price we were thrilled with. On the buying side, Cris was patient, strategic, and always ahead of the curve. He knows the Santa Barbara market like no one else. He pointed out things we never would’ve thought to look for and always had our best interest in mind. Plus, having the mortgage side in-house made the entire process way easier. It saved time and gave us peace of mind knowing the team was coordinating everything behind the scenes. If you're buying, selling, or refinancing, do yourself a favor and call Cris. You won’t just get an expert — you’ll get a true partner who genuinely cares. Thank you again, Cris, for everything. You’ve helped us build a beautiful life here, twice over. MR
★★★★★
★★★★★
About Black Oak Homes & Mortgages - Dan and Cris
At Black Oak Homes & Mortgages, we do things differently.
Based in Santa Barbara County and proudly serving clients from Los Olivos, Solvang, Santa Ynez to Montecito and beyond, we offer both real estate and mortgage services under one roof — providing a faster, smarter, and more seamless path to homeownership or refinancing.
With over 30 years of independent expertise, we combine deep local knowledge with the technology, tools, and transparency of tomorrow. Whether you're relocating from Los Angeles, purchasing a second home in wine country, refinancing a longtime property, or buying your first home, we bring clarity and experience to every step of the process.
We’re especially proud to serve LGBTQ+ clients, LA-based buyers, and local homeowners who want honest answers, smart options, and a team that truly listens. As a dual-licensed broker, we remove the confusion between real estate and lending — streamlining your journey with professionalism and care.
At Black Oak, we believe in no-pressure guidance, honest communication, and a process that feels genuinely personal. Because home isn’t just a transaction — it’s where your story begins.
FAQ | Black Oak Homes & Mortgages
🟩 Services
Q: What services does Black Oak Homes & Mortgages provide?
A: We offer both real estate and mortgage services under one roof — helping clients buy, sell, refinance, and invest across Santa Barbara County.
Q: Are you a real estate agent or a mortgage broker?
A: We’re both! As a dual-licensed broker, we handle both sides of the transaction — streamlining your experience and saving you time and stress.
🟦 Locations We Love
Q: What areas do you cover in Santa Barbara County?
A: We serve Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Ballard, Los Alamos, Buellton, and Santa Barbara — with deep local knowledge in each community.
Q: Do you help LA-based buyers looking for a second home?
A: Yes! We specialize in helping clients from Los Angeles and beyond find second homes, vineyard properties, and creative retreats.
🟨 Mortgages, Loans & Lines of Credit
Q: Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed?
A: Absolutely. We work with self-employed buyers, freelancers, and small business owners all the time, even when traditional lenders make it tough.
Q: Can I refinance my home to access equity?
A: Yes. Whether you're renovating, downsizing, or reinvesting, we’ll walk you through smart refinance options tailored to your situation.
Q: What credit score do I need to qualify for a mortgage?
A: Every situation is unique, but we work with a wide range of credit profiles — and we’ll help you understand all your options, even if your score isn’t perfect.
Q: Do you offer loans for second homes, investment properties, ranches, and land?
A: Yes! We offer flexible financing for second homes, vacation rentals, and investment properties throughout Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Valley.
Q: How long does it take to get approved for a loan?
A: Some approvals happen in 24–48 hours, but it depends on your loan type. We guide you every step of the way so there are no surprises or delays.
Q: Can I qualify for a loan without a large down payment?
A: Definitely. We’ll help you explore low down payment options, including conventional 3% down, VA, and other creative financing tools that work for you.
🟥 Section 4: Inclusive Support
Q: Do you work with LGBTQ+ clients?
A: 100%. We proudly serve LGBTQ+ clients with respect, transparency, and zero judgment. This is a safe space — always.
Q: Do you offer bilingual services?
A: While we primarily work in English, we’re happy to connect clients with trusted partners who speak Spanish or other languages as needed.
🟪 Section 5: Working With You
Q: How do I get started?
A: Reach out via our contact form or call/text (805) 538-6044. We’ll set up a no-pressure chat to understand your goals and map out next steps.
Q: What makes Black Oak different from other brokers?
A: We combine real estate and lending in one, bring 30+ years of experience, and lead with inclusion, honesty, and tech-forward tools.
Charming Santa Ynez Valley & Happy Canyon Neighborhoods
The Santa Ynez Valley offers some of the most desirable real estate in California, blending wine country charm with luxury and lifestyle. From vineyard-view homes and equestrian ranches to quiet retreats in towns like Solvang, Los Olivos, and Buellton, this region has something for every kind of buyer. Whether you're seeking a second home, investment property, or your forever ranch, Santa Ynez delivers space, scenery, and serious long-term value.
We love SY Kitchen for dinner: https://www.sykitchen.com/
We love the Baker's Table for lunch: https://thebakers-table.com/
Discover Los Olivos Real Estate — A Blend of Charm and Luxury
Nestled in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, Los Olivos offers a unique blend of rural elegance and luxury living, making it a highly sought-after destination for discerning buyers. The median home price was around $1.4 million in May 2025, with more exclusive listings reaching over $3 million, reflecting both the charm and high-end appeal of this small but vibrant community realtor.com+2youtube.com+2youtube.com+2. Known for its picturesque downtown, boutique wineries, and welcoming small-town atmosphere, Los Olivos attracts buyers from Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Diego — earning its reputation as a coveted rural retreat . Whether you're banking on long-term value or seeking a peaceful escape with upscale surroundings, properties here offer an exceptional mix of investment potential and lifestyle allure.
We love Carhartt for a pre-dinner glass of wine https://www.carharttfamilywines.com/
Then dinner at Nella https://nellakitchen.com/
Solvang's European Style
Dolly Parton's former home (pictured on the left) is quintessential Solvang — a one-of-a-kind town where old-world Danish charm meets Central Coast living. Known for its walkable streets, windmills, wine tasting rooms, and festive year-round atmosphere, Solvang offers a unique blend of culture, community, and lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to its storybook cottages, vineyard-view estates, or investment potential in this thriving tourist destination, we understand the nuances of the local market and can help you navigate every opportunity with confidence and care. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Solvang continues to attract those seeking beauty, heritage, and a high quality of life.
Dolly Parton: https://www.instagram.com/dollys_house_solvang/
Los Alamos is up and coming
Los Alamos — a hidden gem in Santa Barbara County that blends rustic charm with rising real estate appeal. Once a historic stagecoach stop, Los Alamos has transformed into a magnet for wine lovers, artists, and those seeking a slower, more inspired pace of life. With its eclectic mix of vintage storefronts, modern farmhouses, ranch-style properties, and boutique vineyards, the town offers a rare opportunity to invest in a community that’s both grounded in heritage and gaining momentum as a cultural and culinary destination. Whether you’re looking to restore a historic home, build on open land, or purchase a weekend getaway tucked between vineyards and hills, we understand the unique character and potential of Los Alamos real estate. At Black Oak, we help you tap into this creative enclave with clarity, expertise, and local insight.
We love Bob's Well Bread for breakfast or lunch https://www.bobswellbread.com/