California 101 Real Estate Guide 1/24/20

california 101

Real Estate & Home Care Guide VENTURA COUNTY • JAN. - FEB., 2020

california 101

JAN. - FEB., 2020

REAL ESTATE GUIDE VENTURA

COUNTY

El Viaje

Represented by Donna Sallen — RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors “PROPERTY SHOWCASE” page 12 CA 101

Serving The Ojai Valley, Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Conejo and The Heritage Valley

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

2

california101guide.com

ON THE COVER: El Viaje 403 NORTH MONTGOMERY STREET, OJAI, CA 93023

Offered at $1,499,000 4 Bedrooms 3.5 Bathroom 5.34 Acres

See page 12 for more information on this spectacular property.

Represented by Donna Sallen — RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors Lic. 01488460(805) (805) (805) 798-0516 donnasallen.com Cover Photo By Sideways 8 Creative

California 101 Real Estate Guide california101guide.com MAGAZINE INQUIRIES (833) 805-0101 Published by Blue Highways Productions OPERATIONS Jessica Frakes ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mike Dawkins ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Sandi Diekhuis CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dennis DeLano MANAGING EDITOR Misty Hall PHOTOGRAPHER Logan Hall

BL

E

HIGHW

S AY

U

©2019 All rights reserved

BLUE HIGHWAYS PRODUCTIONS LLC® 1129 Maricopa Hwy. #B-201 Ojai CA 93023

California 101 Real Estate Guide

Welcome to the California 101 Real Estate Guide - Ventura County We offer a look at Ventura County with a keen eye of why this area is so desirable, and providing Realtors and Homeowner Services.

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK Jan. - Feb., 2020

4 - Featured Local Realtors

Connecting Buyers And Sellers 5 - Know Your Local Pro

Marc Whitman, Architect 10 - Outdoor Improvements That Boost Home Value 12 - Property Showcase

El Viaje 14 - How To Save Up For Your First Home 15 - Featured Homeowner Services

Connecting homeowners to local services 3

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

FEATURED LOCAL REALTORS CONNECTING BUYERS AND SELLERS

Nora Davis (805) 207-6177 LIV SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Avenue nora@ojaivalleyestates.com ojaivalleyestates.com Lic. 01046067

Heather L Erickson (805) 798-3358 OJAI VALLEY REAL ESTATE 221 E Matilija St Ste J heatherojai@aol.com ojaivalleyrealestate.com Lic. 01379424

Dennis Guernsey (805) 646-7288 LIV SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Avenue dguernsey@sbcglobal.net dennisguernsey.com Lic. 04992913

Fred Evans (805) 339-3502 RE/MAX GOLD COAST REALTORS 5720 Ralston Street #100 Ventura, CA 93003 fredevans.com Lic. 00893591

Clinton Haugan (805) 760-2092 LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Ave., Ojai clintonhaugan@gmail.com sothebysrealtyca.com Lic. 02019604

Donna Sallen Realtor® (805) 798-0516 RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors donnasallen.com donna4remax@aol.com Lic. 01488460

Patty Waltcher (805) 340-3774 LIV SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Avenue pattywaltcher@mac.com pattywaltcher.com Lic. 01176473

Erik Wilde (805) 830-3254 LIV SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Avenue erikw@west.net wilde-wilde.com Lic. 01461074

Larry Wilde (805) 640-5734 LIV SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Avenue lwilde@west.net wilde-wilde.com Lic. 00521627

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

4

california101guide.com

HEART OF OJAI

READY TO BUILD

– PENDING – Hard to find 4+2.75 near Topa Topa. Huge enclosed patio, frpl.

2-car garage, remodeled kitchen and more . $749,500

One of the last buildable lots in Rancho Matilija---Buyer to verify.

Completely flat, interior location, mountain views, adjacent to walking and riding trails and includes 1 Casitas water and sewer hook up. $549,500

EAST END ACRE

RARE FIND IN OJAI

Flat 1-acre lot just minutes from town. Utilities at street--buyer to verify. Buyer advised to check with City or County about possible development. Perfect for mini estate, horses, planting etc. Great mountain views----Reduced 50K! $375,000

Rare find in Ojai. Spacious duplex in heart of downtown Ojai just steps from Libbey Park and walking trail. Set among towering Oaks, the front unit-A is 3-bed, 2.5-bath recently updated and currently vacant.Unit-B is 2-bed, 1.5-bath with rent $2050/mo $995,000

DENNIS GUERNSEY

cell: 805.798.1998 Office: 805.646.7288 727 W. OJAI AVE., OJAI CA 93023 dennisguernsey.com dennisguernsey@gmail.com Lic. 00499291 California 101 Real Estate Guide

5

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

Know Your Local Pro Marc Whitman Whitman Architect

By Misty Hall

All photos/renderings courtesy of Whitman Architecture

Marc’s good ear and skillful sketching bring to life his client’s ideas quickly, without having to wait for computer renderings.

Some architects are known for just one style. But Marc Whitman’s designs are, as he puts it, eclectic. “I design in most all styles: Modern, Spanish, Craftsman, Mission Revival,” he said.

Yet somehow in this variety of styles, there is something distinctive, something undeniably, well, Whitman, about each of his designs.

You see it in Limón Y Sal (formerly The Watermark) in Downtown Ventura, in Ojai’s Blue Iguana and Emerald Iguana Inns, and in the countless private residences he’s designed over more than three decades.

painter. Inspiration also came from the beauty that surrounded him in his native Ojai Valley. Although art was always part of his life, he set his sights on architecture when a middle school drafting project required him to design a house. “I got really turned on by that,” he recalled. “When I was in high school, I decided, ‘OK, this is the path I’m going to take.’”

And so, after graduating from Nordhoff High School, Marc would set off to Arizona

State University to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture degree, graduating in 1981.

During school, he interned with legendary California architect, Zelma Wilson, for whom he worked for several years following graduation.

Marc is both NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. And though “sustainable building” is still a relatively new concept architecturally-speaking, “We’ve been interested in that from the get-go,” Marc said. “We’ve been doing green projects for decades.”

“A great piece of architecture derives its beauty from a sense of balance and harmony with the blending of materials, massing, rhythm, light, and color,” he said.

The principal architect behind Whitman Architectural Design, Marc was influenced early on by his mother, Nancy, a celebrated

Philosophically, “It is the social responsibility of the architect to develop projects which not only blend into the fabric of the community but also the environment,” he added.

Visitors to Downtown Ventura can see Marc’s work at Limón Y Sal, formerly The Watermark.

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

6

But green building also just makes a lot of sense, in many different respects. The principles behind LEED help guide Marc’s designs — for example, replacing materials that have chemicals that can off-gas and pollute indoor air california101guide.com

Marc Whitman and his team design in a broad array of styles.

quality. It can be economical as well, saving the client money down the line with energyefficient building materials. Educating his clients of their options in the design process is invaluable. Some options are just a matter of swapping one material for another. “Some things don’t cost anything,” he pointed out. As California’s green building codes have gotten stricter, Whitman Architectural Design has been able to stay ahead of the curve.

environment.”

And Marc is a master translator. It’s where his artistic background comes in and shines, bringing to life his clients’ visions without having to wait for a computer rendering.

“I’m able to freehand sketch ideas very quickly, what I’m seeing really fast, at an early stage,” Marc said. “It’s one of the skills architects used to have ... I think it’s much more fluid to come from the brain to the paper.”

Marc also designs with the acknowledgement that we live and work in an area where wildfires are a reality. “We’ve always built with fire in mind,” he said.

That was a true trial-by-fire in December 2017, when the massive Thomas Fire raged through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. “We didn’t lose one of the houses we built,” Marc said. “One home had flames coming right up to the house, but because the house was fire-safe, it didn’t burn.”

Most houses, he added, burn from the roof down: “The vents, the roofing material,” he said. “So we’re very keen on making sure that fire doesn’t have a chance of coming to the attic area.” Landscaping, too, is an important aspect. “Some of the houses that burned had flammable trees right up against the house,” he pointed out.

Between the devastation that the Thomas Fire caused and new, stricter building codes, folks looking to rebuild their homes had their work cut out for them. But having worked in the area for more than a quarter-century, Marc and his team understand how to get through the complicated permitting process.

“We have three Thomas Fire rebuilds, and California 101 Real Estate Guide

Aside from architecture, Marc’s second passion is oil painting. Much of his work can be found in the Blue and Emerald Iguana Inns, a project he did with his wife, Julia.

we’ve gotten the permits on all of them,” Marc said. “We have a good understanding of the process, a good relationship with the city in getting those permits.”

Marc’s passion for art guides his designs — whatever style they may be categorized in. It’s culminated in numerous awards, including those from the American Institute of Architects. He and his team create designs that “shine in their beauty, spaces that flow, that feel comfortable, feel at home,” as he put it. “We’re affected by the space we live in. It’s been proven psychologically ... creating beauty and energy, and a certain vibration within the spaces makes you feel good. Lots of light, air, the shape of spaces, how the energy flows ... We’re creating their individual temple, their home, their sanctuary.”

Whether it’s a Thomas Fire rebuild or just another residential or commercial project, he added, “It is our responsibility to our clients to develop economically efficient structures which will stand the test of time. We are the conduit and translator of thoughts from our clients to the built

Whitman Architectural Design is opening a new office in Downtown Ventura on East Main Street, and will maintain its office in Ojai on West Topa Topa Street.

For more information on Marc and his team, see whitman-architect.com or call (805) 646-8485.

7

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

Wilde

Larry 805.640.5734

Erik 805.830.3254

IN ESCROW

25+ Acres | Thacher Road Well Water | $1,750,000

2+ acre Oak Studded lot with water in Rancho Matilija | $549,000

Ojai Church For Sale | Half Acre | Approximately 4000 SF | Steps to Ojai Downtown | $1,295,000

East End Six Acres | Very Productive Water Well | Grand Avenue | $1,200,000

Larry Wilde began his real estate career in Ojai in 1975, and by 1978, together with his partner Dennis Guernsey, formed their own Real estate business. Today it is the premier brokerage in the Ojai Valley.

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020 8 california101guide.com

Light-Industrial | Bryant Circle | 2450 SF | Solar Electricity | $959,500

IN ESCROW

Nine Cottages | Thacher Road Five Acres | $2,750,000

Ojai Avenue Lot For Sale $350,000

Commercial Lot in Ojai $375,000

East End Ojai Craftsman | $1,800,000 1615McNellRoad.com

727 W. Ojai Ave. - Ojai - CA 93023 - Larry - 805.640.5734 - Erik - 805.830.3254 wilde-wilde.com - lwilde@west.net - erikw@west.net California 101 Real Estate Guide 9 Larry Wilde DRE:#15216270 - Erik Wile DRT:#01461074

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

HELPFUL SELLING AND BUYING POINTS

Outdoor improvements that boost home value

Photo submitted

Whether home improvement projects are designed to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run.

The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes.

So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community. While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another. It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects.

The following outdoor projects are just a few renovations that tend to add value.

• Fire pit: A fire pit is a great place to gather most months of the year. Bob Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78 percent return on investment, or ROI. • Outdoor kitchen: Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas.

Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors is increasingly popular. Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built. In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller commitment of time and money are available.

• Patio: Homeowners who do not already have a patio will find that adding one can increase a home’s value.

Patios help a home look neat, add useable space and may help a home to sell quickly. The experts at Space Wise, a division of Extra Space Storage, say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong ROI. Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

• Deck: Decking can be as valuable as patios. A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertaining, dining and more. Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs.

Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping around 82 percent of the project’s costs.

• Door update: Improve curb appeal with a new, highend front door and garage doors. If that’s too expensive, a good cleaning and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new. These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly.

• New landscaping: The National Association of Realtors says an outdoor makeover that includes well-thought out landscaping can net 105 percent ROI. Installing a walkway, adding stone planters, mulching, and planting shrubs are ideas to consider.

10

california101guide.com

Only

LYNN GOODMAN YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

805.573.5927

LynnGoodman@bhhscal.com ListingsByLynn.com DRE 02065803

Clinton Haugan

BUY • SELL • LIVE WELL!

Only one realty brand holds the keys to your most exceptional home and life.

“I’ll work just as hard for you and your family, as I do for my own” 805.760.2092 | livsothebysrealtyca.com | DRE# 02019604

©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC.

EXPERIENCED DESIGNER AND BUILDER OF QUALITY CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS LICENSED AND INSURED GENERAL CONTRACTOR IN CALIFORNIA

DOING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION FROM THE BEGINNING TO END IS FIRST AND FOREMOST.

805-640-0262

KERRY MILLER

P.O. Box 984 Ojai, CA 93024

kerrymillerdesigns.com

DESIGNER/BUILDER, INC.

CA LIC #958625

California 101 Real Estate Guide

11

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property All Photos By Sideways 8 Creative

CA 101

El Viaje 403 N. MONTGOMERY ST. OJAI, CA 93023

El Viaje was inspired by architectural design of an Italian Luxury Villa where Old World Charm and the modern conveniences of every day life come together perfectly. As you enter through the gates to a private,

secluded yard, you will love the mix of mature trees, the rose gardens, and the cozy seating areas. Once inside, you will appreciate the elegant but simple lifestyle. With the polished concrete floors downstairs

Represented by Donna Sallen — RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

12

california101guide.com

CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property

CA 101

El Viaje

403 N. MONTGOMERY ST. OJAI, CA 93023 Offered at $1,499,000

and Brazilian Cherry wood floors upstairs, you will feel the warmth of this home. The cozy living room opens to the kitchen and dining room, and is perfect for entertaining. There are Venetian plaster walls

(805) 798-0516 – donnasallen.com California 101 Real Estate Guide

throughout, granite counter tops, top of the line kitchen appliances, and an elevator. The brilliant finishing touches and attention to detail cannot be ignored, so don’t miss seeing this lovely Villa.

Lic. 01488460 13

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

HELPFUL SELLING AND BUYING POINTS

How to save up for your first home Home ownership is a dream for people across the globe. Many people save for years before buying their first home, squirreling away every dollar they can with the hopes they can one day become homeowners.

But thanks to factors beyond their control, even the most devoted savers can sometimes feel like their dream of home ownership may never come true.

According to the Pew Research Center, American workers’ paychecks are larger than they were 40 years ago, but their purchasing power is essentially the same. Things aren’t much different in Canada, where analysis from Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada has shown that, since 2015, wage growth in Canada has been weaker than in the United States.

Various challenges can make it difficult to buy a home. However, some simple strategies can help prospective home buyers build their savings as they move closer to the day when they can call themselves “homeowners.”

• Determine where your money is going. If you’re finding it hard to grow your savings, audit your monthly expenses to determine where your money is going. Exclusively using debit or credit cards can simplify this process, as all you need to do is log into your accounts and see how your money was spent over a given period. If you routinely use cash to pay for items, even just to buy coffee on the way to work, keep a

notepad handy so you can jot down each expense. Do this for a month and then examine how you spent your money. Chances are you will see various ways to save, and you can then redirect that money into your savings account.

• Become a more savvy grocery shopper. Another great way to save more money is to alter something you already do each month: grocery shopping. If you haven’t already, sign up for discount clubs at your local grocer. This is a largely effortless way for shoppers, especially those buying food for families, to save considerable amounts of money. Shopping sales at competing grocery stores also can save money.

• Dine in more often. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that Americans spend, on average, 6 percent of their household budgets on food. However, the USDA also notes that Americans spend 5 percent of their disposable income on dining out. If these figures mirror your spending habits, you can nearly cut your food spending in half by dining out less frequently. That might be a sacrifice for foodies, but it can get you that much closer to buying your own home.

Saving enough money to purchase your first home is a worthy effort that can be made easier by employing a few budget-friendly strategies.

With over thirty years in practice, Marc’s firm has accrued an impressive collection of residential projects, predominately new custom homes but also includes remodels. He has completed numerous commercial projects—many of which have won awards—including The Watermark Restaurant, The Ojai Design Center, The Ojai Presbyterian Church restoration, the charming Blue Iguana and Emerald Iguana Inns, and the Ojai Valley Paseo. (the building across from the Ojai Arcade).

While his design philosophy lies at the heart of his mission, Whitman Architectural Design strives to meet the highest quality of construction standards and production.

Thirty years of experience in Ventura has solidified his expertise with the land, climate, politics and governmental agencies. By incorporating today’s modern technology with Old World hand crafted techniques Marc consistently produces work which stands apart. Marc values the clients input involving them throughout the process.

He effectively coordinates his efforts with contractors, engineers and consultants to maximize cost-and energyefficient designs. In addition, Marc keeps environmental concerns at the forefront by incorporating energy efficient, sustainable and socially responsible design principles.

Marc Whitman, A.I.A., LEED, NCARB Whitman Architectural Design, Inc.

Ventura Office Opening Early 2020 Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

14

california101guide.com

FEATURED HOMEOWNER SERVICES

WHO’S YOUR REALTOR?

CONNECTING HOME OWNERS TO LOCAL SERVICES

Your Local REALTOR... will guide you

through either buying a new home or selling yours

Your Local REALTOR... can help you

to determine your maximum purchasing power

Your Local REALTOR... promotes Ojai Valley home searches daily Your Local REALTOR... has information regarding properties Your Local REALTOR... negotiates property values for you Your Local REALTOR... has local building code information Your Local REALTOR... guides you through your transaction Your Local REALTOR... markets your property to RE agents Your Local REALTOR... is a member of OjaiValleyMLS.com Your Local REALTOR... knows how to best advertise your property for sale Your Local REALTOR... evaluates best buyer’s offers for you Call Your Local REALTOR... to purchase or sell your home!

“The Rainmaker Shower”

Need More Info?

Call: The Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS®

Custom Design & Installation

(805) 646-8453 or email: ovbr@west.net

Ojairockstacker.com (805) 279-7605 Stop in and meet our friendly employees

The helpful place.

®

Meiners Oaks Ace Hardware 121 E. El Roblar Meiners Oaks

ACE HARDWARE RANKED HIGHEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

BY J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE 5TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR!

Get in, get help, get on with your life!

(805) 646-7234

California 101 Real Estate Guide

15

Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

Patty Waltcher 25 ye a r s o f e x p e r i e n ce m a tc h i n g

p e o p l e a n d p ro p e r t y i n t h e O j a i Va l l e y

U PPER O JAI M AGIC Ultra-private estate on 26 acres in upper Ojai with incredible views, an exquisitely designed ranch-style home, a gorgeous split level barn/guest house and a pool. Built with the finest materials, it features a great room with exposed beams, stone fireplace, immaculate wood floors, state -of-art chef ’s kitchen, custom french doors and an outdoor entertainment area.

10580OjaiSantaPaulaRdOjai.com

Offered at $4,250,000

I will help you discover the home that brings peace to your mind and heart ( 8 0 5 ) 3 4 0 -3 7 74 ~ 16pa ttywa ltc her. c om Ventura County, CA – Jan. 24 - Feb. 21, 2020

california101guide.com