With over 18 years of experience in the industry, Ruth Ann has repeatedly been a top producer in the South Santa Barbara County region. She has been training and mentoring Realtors® for many years and is currently an Instructor of Real Estate at Santa Barbara City College. Prior to real estate, she spent 20 years in sales, marketing, and advertising. Whether working with buyers or sellers, her patience, understanding of real estate, strong negotiating skills, and passion for the business ensure her clients always come out as winners!
Top 5% Agents – 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017 in Santa Barbara Association of Realtors® for number of transactions.
Instructor: Real Estate Principles, Santa Barbara City College (2013-present) Past Branch Director of Training for Coldwell Banker- Santa Barbara.
Trained Realtors® for over 18 years:
Marketing Properties for Sale
Holding Successful Open Houses
Negotiating Contracts
Understanding the Process of Home Sales
Title & Escrow: Tips and Tricks for Successful Transactions
Understanding Buyer Needs
Accredited A-REO Agent
Accredited SRS Agent
Committee Member: Santa Barbara MLS & Business Technology Committee 2018-present
Vice President of the Board of Directors: Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center 2016- 2018
Sponsor/ Chairperson: Reunion Mixer at Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center 2017
Sponsor/ Committee Member: Hike Walk & Roll for Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center 2017
Committee Member: Glow in the Park for Doctors Without Walls 2017
Committee Member: Taste of the Vine for Sansum Diabetes Research Institute 2016
Committee Member: American Cancer Society Riviera Ball 2016
Walker: Barbara Ireland Breast Cancer Walk 2016
Member: Development Committee: Sansum Diabetes Research Institute 2008-2011
Member: Girls Inc. Greater Santa Barbara: GirlFriends Club 2009-2012
Walker: 40 Mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer 2010
Walker: Cancer Center of Santa Barbara Walk/Run 2010
Ambassador to Santa Barbara 2016- Present
Board Member: Workforce Investment Board – SB County 2010-2015
Sponsor/Organizer: Start-Up Weekend Santa Barbara 2013 & 2014
Board Member: Nat’l Assoc of Women Business Owners – Santa Barbara 2009-2012
Working with Gene McKnight has been a pleasure. Together, we’ve successfully represented multiple clients on investment sales through strong teamwork, disciplined execution, and a shared commitment to results. Gene’s deep market knowledge and nationwide investment network consistently create tangible value for our clients. I wouldn’t hesitate to refer Gene to any Village Properties agent and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with him.
— Carey Kendall
There are no words to describe my gratitude for having Gene by my side as I navigated through my commercial property purchase. Gene was 100% available at all times, genuinely had my best interest at heart, proactive in finding the most lucrative commercial investment opportunity, diligent throughout the process including accompanying me to visit the property and he remains available post closing as a resource. Gene's connections and expertise in the industry coupled with his professionalism makes him truly shine above all others. Gene McKnight will always be my first choice when I am investing in commercial real estate.
— Tamara Mandrell
My Board and I enjoyed working with Gene to secure our organization’s first property. It was a learning experience for our organization, and Gene was an incredible guide through it all, working with the unique timeline and elements of our transaction with patience and professionalism. Gene’s deep experience in the commercial real estate market in Santa Barbara was a valuable resource to our team, and remains so today as he continues to support our team and property acquisition with his time and expertise in other ways.
— Brittany Avila Wazny
I've worked with Gene McKnight for over 25 years on lease negotiations and renewals for Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant. He Understands the realities of operating a long-standing local business and consistently delivers thoughtful, fair, and effective real estate guisnacne. He understands both the business realties of ownership and the long-term value of strong landlord-tenant relationships.
— Tony Arroyo
Work With Us
We’ve been representing buyers and sellers in Santa Barbara County for over twenty years and we’re the top-producing independently owned real estate company in the area. Our devoted team of agents offers individualized attention, personalized service, and tailor-made marketing.
Locally owned and globally connected, Village Properties is Santa Barbara's leading independent real estate firm with over 180 dedicated & driven agents.
Contact Us
Forging lasting personal relationships with customers is at the core of our success and we pride ourselves on keeping clients for life.