Our Approach

Our Team

About Melissa

Melissa is a strategic advisor at Black Oak Homes and Mortgages in Solvang, California. She guides families and investors through a complete process — from purchase to styled living — with her consultative method that aligns budget, taste, and timeline for move-in ready results. DRE 02364218

Who Melissa Serves

Melissa works with incoming buyers from urban areas, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Chicago, who want country properties in the Santa Ynez Valley. Her clients are busy professionals and investors who expect clear plans, same-day answers, and a seamless transition from offer to occupancy.

Consultation Process

Melissa’s consultative approach turns the purchase into a finished home. She coordinates inspections, design, and renovation projects so clients move a plan and realistic budget.

Inspection → scope → schedule → settle in.

Pre-approval in one day through Black Oak’s in-house lender. Offer strategies that wins without overpaying.

Vetted local trades for paint, floors, lighting, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.

Professional Background

Before real estate, Melissa served as a Senior Vice President in Corporate Customer Success, leading teams known for clarity and execution. That discipline drives her real estate method today — structured communication, measurable milestones, and predictable results.

Melissa Krantz

Founder and broker Cristopher 'Cris' Lapp provides permit strategy, entitlement guidance, and capital consulting, working alongside Melissa Krantz for sales and staging, and Dan Ferguson for land use and development support. One team, one plan, from search through approvals, financing, and closing.

Real Estate Strategist & Property Advisor

About Dan

Dan leads real estate development and land-use strategy at Black Oak Homes & Mortgages in Solvang, California. He advises buyers, investors, and builders on zoning, entitlements, and site planning for ranch, vineyard, and mixed-use properties across the Santa Ynez Valley, turning complex regulations into clear development roadmaps. DRE 02305088

Real Estate Development Expertise

Dan helps clients move from raw land to approved project. His approach integrates feasibility studies, zoning analysis, and entitlement coordination to protect both timeline and value.

Core capabilities:

• Pre-acquisition site due-diligence

• Zoning and entitlement feasibility reports

• Subdivision and parcel-map strategy

• Infrastructure and utility coordination

• County permit management and agency liaison

• Budgeting and phasing for development timelines

Home, Ranch, Vineyard, and Estate Development

From agricultural estates to vineyard expansions, Dan evaluates each property for best use and long-term ROI. He aligns plans with county code, water and access realities, and design intent so clients avoid costly re-work.

Typical projects include:

• Vineyard expansions and tasting-room approvals

• Access, grading, and erosion plans

• Ag-preserve and Williamson Act analysis

• CEQA coordination and consultant management

• Estate build-outs and accessory dwelling planning

Approach to Projects

Dan’s method is disciplined and transparent. Every project starts with a zoning reality check, followed by a step-by-step action plan. He integrates design, finance, and regulatory milestones so decisions happen early and progress never stalls. Clients describe his work as clear, steady, and quietly relentless in solving problems.

Professional Background

Before focusing on real estate development, Dan managed major marketing and analytics teams in the entertainment industry. That experience in data, strategy, and cross-functional leadership now drives his structured approach to development—bridging owners, architects, contractors, and county reviewers through one coordinated process.

Dan Ferguson

Land Use and Real Estate Development Consultant

About Cris

Cris is a dual licensed real estate broker and mortgage lender in the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County. He brings 30 years of experience and service as a member of two County oversight committees, uniting property, finance, and design to guide clients with clarity at Black Oak Homes & Mortgages.

Who Cris Serves

Cris founded Black Oak Homes & Mortgages to make buying, selling, and financing simple. He created a model that brings real estate, lending, land use, and design under one roof so your price, payment, and timing align. His focus is clear steps, smart terms, and strong outcomes.

Current roles

Commissioner, Central Board of Architectural Review, County of Santa Barbara, 2023 to present

Citizens Oversight Committee, Santa Barbara County Association of Govenments.

Founder, Black Oak Homes & Mortgages and Black Oak Land and Capital

Senior Member, International Right of Way Association, IRWA 8003294

Credentials

California Real Estate Broker, DRE 01093529

California Mortgage Broker NMLS 337660

Google Pro Ai Track

Professional Certificate, Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, Pepperdine Davenport Institute, 2025

Professional Certificate, Leadership and AI, Stanford Online, 2025

Areas of Expertise

Residential, investment, estate, ranch, and vineyard properties management

Mortgage strategy, refinancing, and portfolio planning

Land use and architectural coordination

Local zoning, water, access, and permits

Cris Lapp

Founder, Broker, and Lender