SIMA's The Landsby Boutique Hotel

James "Jim" Knell graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in education, but has spent the last 40 years in real estate. As chairman of Santa Barbara, CA's SIMA, Jim Knell oversees operations and acquisitions for the firm's three subsidiary companies.

SIMA's portfolio of high-end properties includes athletic clubs, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and luxury hotels. The Landsby, one of its featured properties, is a 41-room boutique hotel based in Solvang, CA. The three-story property was built in the early 1980s, but has since been remodeled to appear stylish and modern with bright, open guest rooms finished with brushed brass accents and blonde woods. Each room also includes a 47-inch flat-screen HDTV, a minibar, and artwork created by regional artists.

The lobby, restaurant, and bar areas are cozy spaces that utilize some of the hotel's traditional architectural elements and feature a mixture of natural materials. The restaurant, Mad & Vin, offers a variety of dishes that feature seasonal fresh and local ingredients, while the bar is stocked with locally-produced wines.

The Pros and Cons of Buying Distressed Properties

For more than three decades, James P. Knell has been leading the SIMA umbrella of companies in Santa Barbara, CA. Over the years, James P. Knell of Santa Barbara has worked to identify distressed properties that have the potential for turning a profit.

Distressed property is so appealing because of its low cost. Most property owners in foreclosure and banks that own foreclosed properties are looking to sell quickly. These distressed properties are priced low, and buyers often can negotiate even lower prices. 

However, there are some disadvantages to buying distressed properties. Many of the properties owned by lenders and banks have more paperwork and take more time to finalize. Buyers sometimes must wait months to hear if a bank has accepted their offer. 

Further, distressed properties are associated with higher maintenance costs. If the plan is to flip a distressed property, buyers must take into consideration the cost of repairing it.

Popular Regional Seafood Dishes in Mexico

A respected Santa Barbara, CA, executive, James P. Knell manages the SIMA umbrella of companies and pursues property management and real estate investment projects nationwide. An avid traveler, he enjoys visiting surfing locales beyond Santa Barbara, CA, from French Polynesia to Mexico. Through his travels, James P. Knell has developed a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine. Reflecting the fact that it has coasts on the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea, Mexico has a strong seafood tradition.

One of the most common seafood recipes is Huachinango a la Veracruzano, which originated in the country’s Veracruz region and combines fresh red snapper with a combination of capers, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, onions, and tomatoes. Traditionally, the whole gutted fish is marinated in the sauce before baking in an oven for 45 minutes, often with sliced potatoes.

Another popular regional seafood dish is Pescado Zarandeado, which originated in Mazatlan and involves fresh fish and many of the same accompanying ingredients being covered in foil and grilled. One of the most common types of fish for this flavorful, fragrant dish is dorado, or mahi-mahi.