You've Been Scrolling Zillow at Midnight for Six Months

Traffic was brutal again today. You missed another bedtime. Your kids are growing up and you're missing it. LA used to feel like opportunity—now it just feels exhausting.

Santa Ynez Valley keeps calling. But coordinating an agent you've met once, a lender who doesn't understand wine country, land-use questions, schools—it starts feeling like another project to manage. So you close the laptop and tell yourself "maybe next year."

We made this exact move. Dan and I left LA. Melissa left Chicago.

The disconnected process almost killed our dream. So we built what should have existed: one team that handles your real estate, financing, land questions, and relocation. People who've actually done this move.

You're not just buying property. You're choosing a different life. We make sure you actually get there.

What We Do

Find & Buy in Santa Ynez Valley
Homes, vineyards, ranches in Los Olivos, Solvang, Los Alamos. We know which neighborhoods deliver the lifestyle you want and which properties are overpriced.

Finance Without the Runaround
Jumbo loans, construction financing, land loans. Local lenders who understand wine country values and pre-approve you while you're still in LA.

Handle Your Relocation
Virtual tours, school research, contractor connections, community intro. We've guided hundreds through this transition.

Santa Ynez Valley Frequently Asked Questions

Can you help if I live outside the area?
Absolutely. We regularly work with buyers from Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and international clients purchasing second homes, vineyard estates, and ranch properties in Santa Ynez Valley. We handle virtual tours, remote closings, and coordinate everything so you don't need to make multiple trips.

Do you handle both real estate and mortgage financing?
Yes. Unlike working with separate agents and lenders, our dual licenses (DRE 01093529 & NMLS 337876) mean we manage your entire transaction—from property search and negotiation to loan approval and funding. One team, one timeline, zero confusion.

Do you offer land and construction loans?
Yes. We specialize in one-time-close construction loans that combine land purchase and building financing into a single loan. This eliminates the need for multiple closings and saves you thousands in fees. Perfect for custom homes, vineyard development, and ranch properties.

What areas do you serve?
We serve all of Santa Ynez Valley including Santa Ynez, Solvang, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Ballard, Buellton, and surrounding Santa Barbara County communities. We also work throughout the Central Coast wine country region.

Search Available Properties

Client Reviews

"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." MR ★★★★★

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 ★★★★★

Meet the Black Oak Team

Why we work this way:

Buying wine country property shouldn't mean juggling five different people who've never talked to each other. When your agent doesn't understand land use and your lender has never seen a vineyard loan, your dream gets stuck in bureaucracy.

We built Black Oak differently. One tight team. Real estate, mortgages, land entitlements, staging, project management—all in-house, all coordinated, all focused on getting you from offer to keys without the chaos.

The Team

Cris Lapp - Founder & Dual-Licensed Broker/Lender/Land Use Expert
DRE 01093529 | NMLS 337876
He handles complex financing, negotiation strategy, and ensures your real estate and mortgage timelines actually align. When most deals would fall apart, Cris finds the path through.

Melissa Krantz - Real Estate Strategies
DRE 02364218
Melissa guides buyers and sellers through the entire property search and sales process. Her background in corporate project management and design means our listings sell faster and for more, and our buyers can see a property's full potential before making an offer.

Dan Ferguson - Development Consultant
DRE 02305088
If you're buying raw land, expanding a vineyard, or navigating county entitlements, Dan turns regulatory complexity into clear action plans.

Charming Santa Ynez Valley & Happy Canyon Areas

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

We know Los Olivos offers walkable wine tasting and amazing dining.

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 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.

Instagram Dolly Parton Former Home: 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/

561 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93463