Moving in the Santa Ynez Valley starts with the right town

Los Olivos, Solvang, Buellton and Santa Ynez each offer a different pace of daily life. Jenae Johnson, a Santa Ynez Valley real estate professional with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, helps buyers and sellers read the valley market and plan each step, even from far away.

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5.0 11 reviews on Zillow
Jenae Johnson
Serving Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos
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Reviews

What Clients Shared About Working With Jenae Johnson

11 reviews on Zillow Rated 5.0 from 11 reviews on Jenae’s Zillow profile

Thank you for all that you have done to locate a house for us in the Santa Ynez Valley and proceed with the transaction to a successful closing. You are the best agent and have given us unfaltering service on this and the numerous previous transactions that we have had with you in the Valley. Specifically, your attention to every detail in documentation and excellent, rapid communication is unsurpassed. Since we were not able to visit the property, your videos and our directed photographs were essential to this transaction. We give our highest recommendation for the service that you have given us over the past years.

Bob and Uta SilvermanRepeat buyers, bought from a distance · Website testimonial

We are so happy to have listed our home with Jenae. She is knowledgeable, dedicated and brings a calm confidence to the process. Jenae was always a step ahead, anticipating the next task. She clearly enjoys her work and we enjoyed working with her.

Kevin and Teri MillerHome sellers · Website testimonial

Having been through a number of home purchases and sales, we still knew ourselves to be in new territory when we decided to sell our rural, and undeveloped, Santa Ynez parcel. From the beginning to the end of the process Jenae was an outstanding agent, not only in finding us a good buyer, but then in assisting us in smoothly transacting a complicated sale. She has many qualities most appreciated in an agent: beyond having wide experience, she is ever resourceful, responsive and enthusiastic. We don’t hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend Jenae to anyone looking for a top quality agent.

Linda and Jim MillerSellers of a rural Santa Ynez parcel · Website testimonial

Due to a job relocation, we had to sell our beautiful home in Solvang. Jenae Johnson was referred to us by a close friend, who was also a realtor. Jenae was everything our friend promised. Honest, resourceful and hardworking, with an excellent grasp of the market in the Santa Ynez Valley. She helped us to set a realistic price and had the patience to wait for the right buyer. Because we had to move quickly, Jenae was very helpful and responsive with us. She kept contact and managed any repairs and inspections for us so that we did not have to make trips back. She knows the Santa Ynez market and is an excellent agent to work with. We highly recommend her to help you buy or sell your house.

Teri and Rick BeachHome sellers in Solvang · Zillow review

Jenae went above and beyond on this transaction. We had a numerous issues come up during the sale and Jenae was able to come up with solid solutions in a timely manner. She was always a phone call away and returned calls promptly. Highest recommendation.

Ashley GarciaHome seller in Buellton · Zillow review

We couldn’t have asked for a more top-notch real estate agent than Jenae Johnson. She was tremendously experienced and knowledgeable about every aspect of purchasing a new home. We are new to Santa Ynez, and her extensive knowledge about the area was very helpful. Her warmth and sweet personality made house hunting fun, and her rigorous professionalism helped allay our anxiety during negotiations with the seller. She was always available to answer any question no matter how small, and her input was smart and savvy. Beyond the real estate transaction, we always felt that Jenae cared about us on a human level, and still do. She understands that finding the right home is a life decision, not only a financial one. I can honestly say that it was a genuine pleasure to work with Jenae. Not only did we find our dream home, we also found a dear friend.

Natalie KaplanHome buyer new to Santa Ynez · Website testimonial

Jenae Johnson was referred to us an out of town broker who is a friend of ours. He made the referral without knowing Jenae, based upon her excellent reputation in the Santa Barbara County real estate community. Although we knew we wanted to live in the Santa Ynez Valley, we knew very little about the real estate market in the area. Through Jenae’s guidance and expertise, that quickly changed. By means of a carefully constructed and executed itinerary of showings, Jenae immediately introduced us to the Valley and the various types of properties available in our targeted price range. Those showings together with the constant informational updating by e-mail quickly gave us a keen sense of the market and the values of properties. Jenae was careful to point out the negatives about properties as well as the obvious positives because she wasn’t just interested in having us buy a house, she wanted us to buy the right house. Even though we were working long distance because we live in New York, Jenae was able to find a house which we loved in short order. She then guided us through the negotiation process with excellent advice on how to structure the offer. Our offer was accepted and we soon owned our dream home. The professional expertise and assets that Jenae possess are enhanced by her friendly, intelligent and receptive personal demeanor. If you are considering beginning the search for property in the Santa Barbara County and want top notch guidance and advice, look no further than Jenae.

Steven M. Del VecchioLong distance buyer · Website testimonial

Jenae Johnson represented us in the purchase of a home in the Santa Ynez Valley. Because we are from out of the area, we didn’t know who to select as a real estate agent. One of her previous clients referred us to her and now we are very pleased to pass along that high recommendation to others. At every stage of our search and transaction, Jenae was knowledgeable, professional and a pleasure to work with. She knows the marketplace and has the respect of other area agents. Our purchase negotiations and escrow matters had a few bumps along the way, but Jenae handled them with calm efficiency and grace. We’re glad we had her on our side! We couldn’t be happier with our new place and with Jenae’s work to help us find and buy it.

Roger and Frances RidlehooverOut of area buyers · Website testimonial

We were really fortunate to have Jenae Johnson as our agent on our recent property transactions at Hollister Ranch. Our escrow entailed a 1031 exchange and the 5 month escrow was really a challenge. There were a lot of obstacles and issues to work out between the buyers and the seller, and there was a tremendous amount of coordination necessary between attorneys, escrow agents, brokers, 1031 exchange officers and other real estate professionals. Jenae did an impressive job. Because of Jenae’s meticulous attention to detail, her professional attitude and ability to stay calm in a somewhat stressful escrow, we were able to successfully complete our 1031 exchange and purchase a really fabulous property at Hollister Ranch. In addition, Jenae showed us that she has extensive knowledge and experience in handling Hollister Ranch transactions and we highly recommend her to anyone considering a purchase at the Ranch.

Joel and Lisa FeitlerProperty buyers, Santa Barbara County · Website testimonial

Jenae Johnson was recommended to me by a friend, who is also a Realtor, to help assist in the sale of my home in the Santa Ynez Valley. She showed great knowledge of the market and was very professional at the same time. Jenae demonstrated hard work, persistence and the ability to find the right buyer for my house! She is well respected and her enthusiasm is second to none. I would recommend Jenae to anyone for the sale or purchase of a home in Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez Valley! Thank you Jenae for keeping me calm and easing my anxiety through the entire process! You were wonderful to work with!

Tim FlorezHome seller in the Santa Ynez Valley · Website testimonial

Thank you for all that you have done to locate a house for us in the Santa Ynez Valley and proceed with the transaction to a successful closing. You are the best agent and have given us unfaltering service on this and the numerous previous transactions that we have had with you in the Valley. Specifically, your attention to every detail in documentation and excellent, rapid communication is unsurpassed. Since we were not able to visit the property, your videos and our directed photographs were essential to this transaction. We give our highest recommendation for the service that you have given us over the past years.

Bob and Uta SilvermanRepeat buyers, bought from a distance · Website testimonial

We are so happy to have listed our home with Jenae. She is knowledgeable, dedicated and brings a calm confidence to the process. Jenae was always a step ahead, anticipating the next task. She clearly enjoys her work and we enjoyed working with her.

Kevin and Teri MillerHome sellers · Website testimonial

Having been through a number of home purchases and sales, we still knew ourselves to be in new territory when we decided to sell our rural, and undeveloped, Santa Ynez parcel. From the beginning to the end of the process Jenae was an outstanding agent, not only in finding us a good buyer, but then in assisting us in smoothly transacting a complicated sale. She has many qualities most appreciated in an agent: beyond having wide experience, she is ever resourceful, responsive and enthusiastic. We don’t hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend Jenae to anyone looking for a top quality agent.

Linda and Jim MillerSellers of a rural Santa Ynez parcel · Website testimonial

Due to a job relocation, we had to sell our beautiful home in Solvang. Jenae Johnson was referred to us by a close friend, who was also a realtor. Jenae was everything our friend promised. Honest, resourceful and hardworking, with an excellent grasp of the market in the Santa Ynez Valley. She helped us to set a realistic price and had the patience to wait for the right buyer. Because we had to move quickly, Jenae was very helpful and responsive with us. She kept contact and managed any repairs and inspections for us so that we did not have to make trips back. She knows the Santa Ynez market and is an excellent agent to work with. We highly recommend her to help you buy or sell your house.

Teri and Rick BeachHome sellers in Solvang · Zillow review

Jenae went above and beyond on this transaction. We had a numerous issues come up during the sale and Jenae was able to come up with solid solutions in a timely manner. She was always a phone call away and returned calls promptly. Highest recommendation.

Ashley GarciaHome seller in Buellton · Zillow review

We couldn’t have asked for a more top-notch real estate agent than Jenae Johnson. She was tremendously experienced and knowledgeable about every aspect of purchasing a new home. We are new to Santa Ynez, and her extensive knowledge about the area was very helpful. Her warmth and sweet personality made house hunting fun, and her rigorous professionalism helped allay our anxiety during negotiations with the seller. She was always available to answer any question no matter how small, and her input was smart and savvy. Beyond the real estate transaction, we always felt that Jenae cared about us on a human level, and still do. She understands that finding the right home is a life decision, not only a financial one. I can honestly say that it was a genuine pleasure to work with Jenae. Not only did we find our dream home, we also found a dear friend.

Natalie KaplanHome buyer new to Santa Ynez · Website testimonial

Jenae Johnson was referred to us an out of town broker who is a friend of ours. He made the referral without knowing Jenae, based upon her excellent reputation in the Santa Barbara County real estate community. Although we knew we wanted to live in the Santa Ynez Valley, we knew very little about the real estate market in the area. Through Jenae’s guidance and expertise, that quickly changed. By means of a carefully constructed and executed itinerary of showings, Jenae immediately introduced us to the Valley and the various types of properties available in our targeted price range. Those showings together with the constant informational updating by e-mail quickly gave us a keen sense of the market and the values of properties. Jenae was careful to point out the negatives about properties as well as the obvious positives because she wasn’t just interested in having us buy a house, she wanted us to buy the right house. Even though we were working long distance because we live in New York, Jenae was able to find a house which we loved in short order. She then guided us through the negotiation process with excellent advice on how to structure the offer. Our offer was accepted and we soon owned our dream home. The professional expertise and assets that Jenae possess are enhanced by her friendly, intelligent and receptive personal demeanor. If you are considering beginning the search for property in the Santa Barbara County and want top notch guidance and advice, look no further than Jenae.

Steven M. Del VecchioLong distance buyer · Website testimonial

Jenae Johnson represented us in the purchase of a home in the Santa Ynez Valley. Because we are from out of the area, we didn’t know who to select as a real estate agent. One of her previous clients referred us to her and now we are very pleased to pass along that high recommendation to others. At every stage of our search and transaction, Jenae was knowledgeable, professional and a pleasure to work with. She knows the marketplace and has the respect of other area agents. Our purchase negotiations and escrow matters had a few bumps along the way, but Jenae handled them with calm efficiency and grace. We’re glad we had her on our side! We couldn’t be happier with our new place and with Jenae’s work to help us find and buy it.

Roger and Frances RidlehooverOut of area buyers · Website testimonial

We were really fortunate to have Jenae Johnson as our agent on our recent property transactions at Hollister Ranch. Our escrow entailed a 1031 exchange and the 5 month escrow was really a challenge. There were a lot of obstacles and issues to work out between the buyers and the seller, and there was a tremendous amount of coordination necessary between attorneys, escrow agents, brokers, 1031 exchange officers and other real estate professionals. Jenae did an impressive job. Because of Jenae’s meticulous attention to detail, her professional attitude and ability to stay calm in a somewhat stressful escrow, we were able to successfully complete our 1031 exchange and purchase a really fabulous property at Hollister Ranch. In addition, Jenae showed us that she has extensive knowledge and experience in handling Hollister Ranch transactions and we highly recommend her to anyone considering a purchase at the Ranch.

Joel and Lisa FeitlerProperty buyers, Santa Barbara County · Website testimonial

Jenae Johnson was recommended to me by a friend, who is also a Realtor, to help assist in the sale of my home in the Santa Ynez Valley. She showed great knowledge of the market and was very professional at the same time. Jenae demonstrated hard work, persistence and the ability to find the right buyer for my house! She is well respected and her enthusiasm is second to none. I would recommend Jenae to anyone for the sale or purchase of a home in Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez Valley! Thank you Jenae for keeping me calm and easing my anxiety through the entire process! You were wonderful to work with!

Tim FlorezHome seller in the Santa Ynez Valley · Website testimonial

Thank you for all that you have done to locate a house for us in the Santa Ynez Valley and proceed with the transaction to a successful closing. You are the best agent and have given us unfaltering service on this and the numerous previous transactions that we have had with you in the Valley. Specifically, your attention to every detail in documentation and excellent, rapid communication is unsurpassed. Since we were not able to visit the property, your videos and our directed photographs were essential to this transaction. We give our highest recommendation for the service that you have given us over the past years.

Bob and Uta SilvermanRepeat buyers, bought from a distance · Website testimonial

We are so happy to have listed our home with Jenae. She is knowledgeable, dedicated and brings a calm confidence to the process. Jenae was always a step ahead, anticipating the next task. She clearly enjoys her work and we enjoyed working with her.

Kevin and Teri MillerHome sellers · Website testimonial

Having been through a number of home purchases and sales, we still knew ourselves to be in new territory when we decided to sell our rural, and undeveloped, Santa Ynez parcel. From the beginning to the end of the process Jenae was an outstanding agent, not only in finding us a good buyer, but then in assisting us in smoothly transacting a complicated sale. She has many qualities most appreciated in an agent: beyond having wide experience, she is ever resourceful, responsive and enthusiastic. We don’t hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend Jenae to anyone looking for a top quality agent.

Linda and Jim MillerSellers of a rural Santa Ynez parcel · Website testimonial

Due to a job relocation, we had to sell our beautiful home in Solvang. Jenae Johnson was referred to us by a close friend, who was also a realtor. Jenae was everything our friend promised. Honest, resourceful and hardworking, with an excellent grasp of the market in the Santa Ynez Valley. She helped us to set a realistic price and had the patience to wait for the right buyer. Because we had to move quickly, Jenae was very helpful and responsive with us. She kept contact and managed any repairs and inspections for us so that we did not have to make trips back. She knows the Santa Ynez market and is an excellent agent to work with. We highly recommend her to help you buy or sell your house.

Teri and Rick BeachHome sellers in Solvang · Zillow review

Jenae went above and beyond on this transaction. We had a numerous issues come up during the sale and Jenae was able to come up with solid solutions in a timely manner. She was always a phone call away and returned calls promptly. Highest recommendation.

Ashley GarciaHome seller in Buellton · Zillow review

We couldn’t have asked for a more top-notch real estate agent than Jenae Johnson. She was tremendously experienced and knowledgeable about every aspect of purchasing a new home. We are new to Santa Ynez, and her extensive knowledge about the area was very helpful. Her warmth and sweet personality made house hunting fun, and her rigorous professionalism helped allay our anxiety during negotiations with the seller. She was always available to answer any question no matter how small, and her input was smart and savvy. Beyond the real estate transaction, we always felt that Jenae cared about us on a human level, and still do. She understands that finding the right home is a life decision, not only a financial one. I can honestly say that it was a genuine pleasure to work with Jenae. Not only did we find our dream home, we also found a dear friend.

Natalie KaplanHome buyer new to Santa Ynez · Website testimonial

Jenae Johnson was referred to us an out of town broker who is a friend of ours. He made the referral without knowing Jenae, based upon her excellent reputation in the Santa Barbara County real estate community. Although we knew we wanted to live in the Santa Ynez Valley, we knew very little about the real estate market in the area. Through Jenae’s guidance and expertise, that quickly changed. By means of a carefully constructed and executed itinerary of showings, Jenae immediately introduced us to the Valley and the various types of properties available in our targeted price range. Those showings together with the constant informational updating by e-mail quickly gave us a keen sense of the market and the values of properties. Jenae was careful to point out the negatives about properties as well as the obvious positives because she wasn’t just interested in having us buy a house, she wanted us to buy the right house. Even though we were working long distance because we live in New York, Jenae was able to find a house which we loved in short order. She then guided us through the negotiation process with excellent advice on how to structure the offer. Our offer was accepted and we soon owned our dream home. The professional expertise and assets that Jenae possess are enhanced by her friendly, intelligent and receptive personal demeanor. If you are considering beginning the search for property in the Santa Barbara County and want top notch guidance and advice, look no further than Jenae.

Steven M. Del VecchioLong distance buyer · Website testimonial

Jenae Johnson represented us in the purchase of a home in the Santa Ynez Valley. Because we are from out of the area, we didn’t know who to select as a real estate agent. One of her previous clients referred us to her and now we are very pleased to pass along that high recommendation to others. At every stage of our search and transaction, Jenae was knowledgeable, professional and a pleasure to work with. She knows the marketplace and has the respect of other area agents. Our purchase negotiations and escrow matters had a few bumps along the way, but Jenae handled them with calm efficiency and grace. We’re glad we had her on our side! We couldn’t be happier with our new place and with Jenae’s work to help us find and buy it.

Roger and Frances RidlehooverOut of area buyers · Website testimonial

We were really fortunate to have Jenae Johnson as our agent on our recent property transactions at Hollister Ranch. Our escrow entailed a 1031 exchange and the 5 month escrow was really a challenge. There were a lot of obstacles and issues to work out between the buyers and the seller, and there was a tremendous amount of coordination necessary between attorneys, escrow agents, brokers, 1031 exchange officers and other real estate professionals. Jenae did an impressive job. Because of Jenae’s meticulous attention to detail, her professional attitude and ability to stay calm in a somewhat stressful escrow, we were able to successfully complete our 1031 exchange and purchase a really fabulous property at Hollister Ranch. In addition, Jenae showed us that she has extensive knowledge and experience in handling Hollister Ranch transactions and we highly recommend her to anyone considering a purchase at the Ranch.

Joel and Lisa FeitlerProperty buyers, Santa Barbara County · Website testimonial

Jenae Johnson was recommended to me by a friend, who is also a Realtor, to help assist in the sale of my home in the Santa Ynez Valley. She showed great knowledge of the market and was very professional at the same time. Jenae demonstrated hard work, persistence and the ability to find the right buyer for my house! She is well respected and her enthusiasm is second to none. I would recommend Jenae to anyone for the sale or purchase of a home in Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez Valley! Thank you Jenae for keeping me calm and easing my anxiety through the entire process! You were wonderful to work with!

Tim FlorezHome seller in the Santa Ynez Valley · Website testimonial
Santa Ynez Valley Questions

Practical answers for a Santa Ynez Valley move

Each valley town offers a different starting point. These cards answer the first questions people ask, from choosing a town to buying from far away, and point to official sources or licensed professionals where current facts matter.

Valley Towns

How should you compare Los Olivos, Solvang, Buellton and Santa Ynez?

Start with your routine, commute and the setting you want, then compare each town on home types and the services you use most. Visit each town at the times you’d actually be there. Check services and local rules with official city and county sources.

Valley Market

How do you read a small town market?

Look at recent sales of similar homes nearby and how long they took to sell, since a few sales can move the numbers. Jenae Johnson publishes Santa Ynez Valley market report newsletters that can help you follow the trend.

Remote Buying

How can you buy in the valley while living elsewhere?

Narrow your towns and must haves first, then use detailed videos and photos to decide which homes are worth a trip. Jenae Johnson supports remote clients with detailed videos and photos (self reported). Ask a licensed lender and escrow professional which steps can be handled remotely.

Selling Prep

What should a valley owner prepare before listing?

Handle visible repairs, gather records on the home and plan the timing around the valley market. Focus on the fixes buyers notice first.

First Purchase

Where does a first time buyer start in the valley?

Start with a budget conversation with a lender, then narrow towns by routine and home type. Write down your must haves before touring. Ask a licensed lender about loan options and qualification.

Property Upkeep

What should you plan for when maintaining a valley property?

Think about the age of the home, the size of the lot and the systems it relies on, then plan for regular upkeep. Ask for maintenance records before you make an offer. Check wells, septic, zoning and land use questions with official sources and qualified professionals.

Recent Properties

Recent properties associated with Jenae Johnson

Properties associated with Jenae Johnson in Los Olivos, Solvang, Buellton and Santa Ynez. Availability, price, and status change, so confirm current details with Jenae or a current listing portal before you plan a showing.

Ready when you are

Not sure where your valley move should start? Start there.

Talk through your valley move
The Santa Ynez Valley Area Guide

This guide is for people buying, selling or moving into the Santa Ynez Valley, whether close by or far away. It covers comparing valley towns, reading the market, selling prep and remote steps.

Find the valley town that fits, then the home.
Sell with a clear read on the valley market.
Your valley move, even from far away.

Get the Santa Ynez Valley Area Guide, free, and open it right in your browser.

Ten short sections on comparing valley towns, reading the market, first purchases, selling prep, offers and buying or selling from a distance. No spam, and you can ask Jenae a question any time.
About Jenae

Clear guidance for your Santa Ynez Valley move

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling in the valley or moving from far away, a good move starts with knowing how each town works. Jenae Johnson works with buyers and sellers across the Santa Ynez Valley from the Los Olivos office, with first time buyers and remote clients as self reported focus areas. Areas served include Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez and Los Alamos, plus Lompoc. Jenae Johnson is a licensed California real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties; licence records can be checked with the California Department of Real Estate. Jenae Johnson also publishes Santa Ynez Valley market report newsletters that help buyers and sellers follow the local market. Jenae Johnson brings a property management background (self reported) to questions about upkeep and care of a home. Remote clients can expect detailed videos and photos (self reported), with lending, legal, escrow and tax questions sent to the right professional.

Who is Jenae Johnson?

Jenae Johnson is a real estate professional with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties who helps buyers and sellers in Los Olivos and across the Santa Ynez Valley, California. Jenae Johnson is a licensed California real estate broker. Licence records can be checked with the California Department of Real Estate.

Where does Jenae Johnson work?

Jenae Johnson works across the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, from the Los Olivos office. Areas served include Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez and Los Alamos, plus Lompoc.

What does Jenae Johnson focus on?

Jenae Johnson’s self reported focus areas include home buyers, first time buyers, home sellers and remote clients. Jenae Johnson also publishes Santa Ynez Valley market report newsletters.

Can Jenae Johnson help if I live outside the valley?

Jenae Johnson supports remote buyers and sellers with detailed videos and photos (self reported). Questions about remote signing and escrow steps go to a licensed escrow professional.

Does Jenae Johnson work with buyers or sellers?

Jenae Johnson works with both buyers and sellers in the Santa Ynez Valley. Sales found on both sides lean toward buyers.

What brokerage is Jenae Johnson with?

Jenae Johnson is with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, working from the Santa Ynez Valley office in Los Olivos. Brokerage details are shown as the brokerage requires.

From Jenae’s page

Valley notes, events and homes from Jenae Johnson

Jenae on Facebook
A recent post from Jenae Johnson
A recent post from Jenae Johnson
A recent post from Jenae Johnson
A recent post from Jenae Johnson
A recent post from Jenae Johnson
A recent post from Jenae Johnson
A recent post from Jenae Johnson
From the blog

Questions worth answering before a Santa Ynez Valley move

Nine articles in three groups: Home Buyers, Home Sellers, and Remote Buyers and Sellers. Each one answers a real Santa Ynez Valley question in plain language and names who confirms the facts.

Working with Jenae

What people ask before they get started

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