Meet Marsha Kotlyar

Marsha is a top-selling real estate agent with a reputation for integrity, discretion, and keen negotiating skills, making her one of the most respected names in luxury real estate. With 22 years of selling local luxury real estate, her extensive knowledge, network, and meticulous attention to detail have resulted in a long list of repeat clients.

You can find her numerous awards on a shelf in the team’s office, but you won’t often hear her talking about them. Combining her passion for architecture and a strong intuition, Marsha honors her role as a client advocate above all else. She delivers strategic advice and skilled negotiation to ensure clients get what they want, whether it is a premium price for the property they are selling or the most advantageous terms on the home they are buying.

Marsha didn’t start out living in neighborhoods like the ones she’s now so familiar with. Originally born in St. Petersburg, former Soviet Union, at age 6, Marsha immigrated with her family to the US. She was fortunate to land in Santa Barbara, instantly falling in love with the area’s natural beauty and splendor. Being a Russian Jewish immigrant with humble beginnings has always influenced Marsha’s tenacity, not to mention what it means to be thoughtful and resilient.

Marsha had a knack for exceeding expectations early on, which led her to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and the College of Architecture. Her degree and background in City Planning and Real Estate Development give her clientele an added advantage in navigating the complex Santa Barbara County building process. Upon graduation, Marsha entered the industry, where she worked for six years under one of the area’s top real estate agents — a former attorney. From the beginning of her professional journey, she gained exposure to a thorough legal framework with a strong emphasis on work ethic, and this foundation has undeniably played a critical role in her overall success.

She and her husband have two sons and reside in Montecito. When she’s not immersed in work or with her family, Marsha balances her time with a passion for design, architecture, skiing, hiking, and live music. Possessing a generous charitable side, she fervently believes in giving back to the community she has called home for over 35 years. She dedicates her time and resources to non-profit organizations focused on community outreach, environmental sustainability, and the arts. She brings integrity, persistence, and commitment to everything she embraces.

PROVEN SUCCESS AND EXPERIENCE

• Chairman’s Circle Diamond Award – Top ½ of 1% Agents Nationwide
• #1 Small Team - Berkshire Hathaway Santa Barbara County in 2021, 2022, 2023
• #1 Small Team - Berkshire Hathaway Worldwide Network (Amongst 55,000 Realtors and 15,000+ Offices) - 2023
• #2 Small Team - Santa Barbara MLS in 2021, 2022, 2023
• Top 5 Teams - Santa Barbara MLS in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
• Top 10 Berkshire Hathaway Small Teams Nationwide in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
• Top 50 Berkshire Hathaway Agents for The Greater Los Angeles County in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
• Participated in over 475 real estate transactions, totaling over $1.7 billion in Sold Volume
• Full-time real estate professional for over 20 years
• Local Santa Barbara Resident for over 35 years