california 101
Real Estate & Home Care Guide VENTURA COUNTY • APRIL 2020
california 101
JAN. - FEB., 2020
REAL ESTATE GUIDE VENTURA
COUNTY
THE ULTIMATE CALIFORNIA ESCAPE
Represented by Erik Wilde / LIV Sotheby’s International Realty CA 101
Serving The Ojai Valley, Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Conejo and The Heritage Valley
Ventura County, CA – April 2020
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ON THE COVER: Nestled In The Foothills Of Ojai,
The Ultimate California Escape
123 Fairview Rd Ojai, 93023
Cover Photo By TwoFishDigital
Once an aging ranch in the Ojai foothills, the estate was transformed into a serene 4.3acre wellness refuge-designed to accommodate an expansive equestrian landscape with grazing horses, stables, and two fruit-bearing orchards. Architecturally, the reinvented, unconventional home mixes the charm of yesteryear with the convenience of a modern weekend spiritual retreat. Beautifully updated , the residence offers five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, ideal for year-round entertaining amid lush natural surroundings and clear blue skies. A dream kitchen flows into the Great Room, while the Master Suite features a private sitting room, rock fireplace and peaceful views of the rear orchard. Separate Guest Quarters overlook azure Pool also offering versatile use as Cabana or Recreation Room. Walking distance to downtown Ojai yet nestled in the foothills affording all the privacy and serenity one could seek. The ultimate California escape. Represented by Eric Wilde / LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (805) 340-3774
California 101 Real Estate Guide california101guide.com
Lic. 01176473 wilde-wilde.com
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.
MAGAZINE INQUIRIES (833) 805-0101 Published by Blue Highways Productions CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dennis DeLano ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mike Dawkins ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Sandi Diekhuis MANAGING EDITOR Misty Hall
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©2019 All rights reserved
WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK April 2020
5 - Featured Homeowner Services
Connecting homeowners to local services
10 - Featured Local Realtors
5 outdoor projects that add value
12 - Featured Homeowner Services 3 ways to use your lawn to improve curb appeal
BLUE HIGHWAYS PRODUCTIONS LLC® 1129 Maricopa Hwy. #B-201 Ojai CA 93023
California 101 Real Estate Guide
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FEATURED HOMEOWNER SERVICES
LYNN GOODMAN
CONNECTING HOME OWNERS TO LOCAL SERVICES
YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR
805.573.5927
LynnGoodman@bhhscal.com ListingsByLynn.com DRE 02065803
BUY • SELL • LIVE WELL!
“The Rainmaker Shower” Custom Design & Installation
©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC.
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
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CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Local Realtors
CA 101
CONNECTING BUYERS AND SELLERS
Fred Evans (805) 339-3502 RE/MAX GOLD COAST REALTORS 5720 Ralston Street #100 Ventura, CA 93003 fredevans.com Lic. 00893591
Dennis Guernsey (805) 646-7288 LIV SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Avenue dguernsey@sbcglobal.net dennisguernsey.com Lic. 04992913
Clinton Haugan (805) 760-2092 LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Ave., Ojai clintonhaugan@gmail.com sothebysrealtyca.com Lic. 02019604
Sharon MaHarry (805) 766-7889 KELLER WILLIAMS® Broker Associate 805Properties.com Lic. 01438966
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
Christopher Williams (805) 798-1776 LIV SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Avenue chriswilliamshomes@gmail.com livsothebys.com Lic. 01950672
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For those making dreams come true Your home is more than a building or an address. It’s where you experience life, family, connection, growth. Your home should be as exceptional as you are, and as you are going to be. Only LIV Sotheby’s International Realty offers a lifestyle inspired by your potential.
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3191LADERA LADERAROAD, ROAD, OJAI 3191 OJAI
Beds •4 Baths • 4,336 • $5,100,000 3 3Beds •4 Baths • 4,336 SFSF • $5,100,000 OnceUpon Upon Time a Legacy property offering discerning buyer an opportunity to own a truly and spectacular home/land collaboration to Once AA Time a Legacy property offering thethe discerning buyer an opportunity to own a truly rare rare and spectacular home/land collaboration to sharewith with family and friends, comes to market. ranch at the of Ladera RdOjai’s in Ojai’s fabled and bucolic End just such a property. share family and friends, comes to market. TheThe ranch at the endend of Ladera Rd in fabled and bucolic East East End is justissuch a property. Tuscan inspired, the beautiful 4300 + main residence commands ground of more the more 40 acre estate. The majestic Ojai valley Tuscan inspired, the beautiful 4300 sq sq ft +ftmain residence commands the the highhigh ground of the thanthan 40 acre estate. The majestic Ojai valley andmountain mountain views are intoxicating, and speak to those an affinity for soul stirring vistas. Enhanced to accommodate your menagerie of pets and views are intoxicating, and speak to those withwith an affinity for soul stirring vistas. Enhanced to accommodate your menagerie of pets luxury, this gentleman’s ranch is as unique valley itself. Once through the gates as wind you wind updrive the drive through age old oaks ininluxury, this gentleman’s ranch is as unique as as thethe OjaiOjai valley itself. Once through the gates and and as you up the through age old oaks andpast past the corrals and barn a feeling of bliss other be your earned reward. and the corrals and barn a feeling of bliss likelike no no other willwill be your wellwell earned reward.
411 FOOTHILL RD, OJAI 3 411 BedsFOOTHILL • 2.5 Baths • RD, 2,300OJAI SF • $2,650,000
3 Beds • 2.5 Baths • 2,300 SF • $2,650,000
For generations the Ojai Valley has welcomed travelers, seekers and those with a desire to truly relax and rejuvenate. With an attention to privacy Forrelaxation, generations Ojai Valley hashome welcomed seekers andboth those with a desire to and trulyarelax and home. rejuvenate. With an and thisthe celebrity-owned offers travelers, the rare combination; a superb location beautiful The home sitsattention well backto onprivacy and than relaxation, celebrity-owned home offers the rare combination; both a superb location guest and a and beautiful The home sitssunbathing well back on more an acrethis of flat land, nestled among bucolic greenery. An expansive courtyard welcomes offershome. the perfect spot for thanunder an acre of flat land, nestled greenery. An expansive guest and offers anchor the perfect sunbathing ormore lounging large umbrellas during among the day,bucolic and nighttime hang-outs aroundcourtyard the fit pit.welcomes Beautiful outdoor retreats, oaksspot and for an oasis or lounging largeresort-like umbrellas during the day,Finishes and nighttime around thefloors, fit pit. RTK Beautiful outdoor retreats, anchor oaks and an oasis pool make forunder a magical feel year-round. include hang-outs custom pavers, wood tile, stained French doors. pool make for a magical resort-like feel year-round. Finishes include custom pavers, wood floors, RTK tile, stained French doors.
Robin Williams Robin Williams Realtor
Realtor DRE 01435322 DRE 01435322 805.798.2025 805.798.2025 rwilliams@livsothebysrealty.com rwilliams@livsothebysrealty.com © 2020 LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. All data, including all measurements and calculations are obtained from various sources and has not and will not be verified by Broker.
All©information shall be independently and verified for accuracy. LIV Sotheby’s Realty independently andfrom operated andsources supports the principles the Fair 2020 LIV Sotheby’s Internationalreviewed Realty. All rights reserved. All data, including all International measurements andiscalculations areowned obtained various and has not andof will not beHousing verified Act. by Broker.
California 101 Realshall Estate Guide All information be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.
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Ventura County, CA – April, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is independently owned and operated and supports the principles of the 2020 Fair Housing Act
Wilde
Larry 805.640.5734
Erik 805.830.3254
Modern Ranch in Downtown Ojai $7,900,000
Rancho Matilija | 3500 SF+ | Open Floorplan 2.3 Acres | $1,495,000
East End | Spectacular Views “Rodney Walker” Pedigree $2,950,000
Arbolada Classic | One plus acre Guest Suite | $1,595,000
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
2+ acre Oak Studded lot with water in Rancho Matilija | $549,000
Ventura County, CA – April 2020
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East End Ojai Craftsman | $1,800,000 | 1615McNellRoad.com
IN ESCROW
25+ Acres | Thacher Road Well Water | $1,750,000
IN ESCROW
Nine Cottages | Thacher Road Five Acres | $2,750,000
Light-Industrial | Bryant Circle | 2450 SF Solar Electricity | $959,500
Commercial Lot in Ojai $375,000
Ojai Avenue Lot For Sale $325,000
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
Larry Wilde DRE:#15216270 - Erik Wile DRT:#01461074
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Ventura County, CA – April, 2020
CALIFORNIA 101 -
HELPFUL SELLING AND BUYING POINTS
CA 101
5 outdoor projects that add value
Photo submitted
Exterior renovations can enhance the appearance of a property and make it more enjoyable for homeowners. Certain renovations have the potential to add value to a home, while others may do the opposite. Learning which one have the largest return on investment can help homeowners select features that will have the most positive impact. Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers. Landscaping and external features can do much to influence such impressions.
The following outdoor projects are just a few renovations that tend to add value.
• Lawn care program: Investing in a lawn care program
that consists of fertilizer and weed control application and can be transferred over to a subsequent home owner is an attractive feature. NAR says such a care program can recover $1,000 in value of the $330 average cost, or a 303 percent ROI.
• Low-maintenance lifestyle: When choosing materials for
projects, those that offer low-maintenance benefits can be preferential. These include low-maintenance patio materials, composite decking, vinyl fencing, and inorganic mulched beds.
• Fire pit: A fire pit can be used for much of the year. In the spring and summer, the firepit is a great place to congregate to roast marshmallows or sip wine and gaze into the fire. In the fall, the fire pit can make for a cozy retreat. A fire pit that has a gas burner is lowmaintenance, and the National Association of Landscape Ventura County, CA – April 2020
Professionals says that most can recoup about $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag.
• Softscaping: Hardscaping refers to structures like outdoor kitchens or decks. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. Hiring a landscape designer to install trees, shrubs, natural edging, and rock elements can do wonders toward improving the look and value of a home.
• Pool or water feature: In certain markets, particularly hot climates, a pool or another water feature is a musthave. However, in other areas where outdoor time is limited, a pool or water feature can actually lower the value of a home. Speaking with a real estate professional can give homeowners an idea of how a pool will fare in a given neighborhood. Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function. 10
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MOVE IN READY!
3+2+Garage Remodeled Dream! New Carpet, New Paint, New Stove, New Range Hood, New Dishwasher, New Countertops, Newly Refinished Cabinets, New Garage Door+Opener! Pool, Kids Pool, Clubhouse! Private Parking! Near Beach, Marina! $349,900
STROLL TO BEACH!
3+2+Garage Remodeled Beauty! New Carpet, New Paint, New Range Hood, New Countertops, Newer Stove and Dishwasher, Newly Refinished Cabinetry, Sparkling Pool, Kids Pool, Clubhouse! Stroll to Beach, Marina, Harbor, Boutiques, Fine Dining, Shops, Parks! $300,000
OJAI’S ARCHITECTURAL GEM. Classic MidCentury Modern home designed by Chalfant Head & Assoc. with studio, pool, spa, outdoor kitchen in the spectacular East End.
Sharon MaHarry | Broker Associate (805) 766-7889 805Properties.com
DRE # 01438966
Keith D. Hanson Jr. • Keith Hanson Realty
805-981-1552 kdh2020kdh@gmail.com CalDRE 00820114
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
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CALIFORNIA 101 -
HELPFUL SELLING AND BUYING POINTS
CA 101
3 ways to use your lawn to improve curb appeal
Photo submitted
Returns on home improvement projects vary. In its annual Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling magazine notes the projects that yield the best returns on investment in a given year. But a host of factors, including the type of market (buyers’ or sellers’) and the region where the home is being sold, ultimately combine to determine if homeowners’ investments in home improvement projects will provide the returns they were hoping for. Though there’s no way of guaranteeing a home improvement project will yield a great return, real estate professionals often cite improving curb appeal as an excellent way to attract prospective buyers and potentially get the asking price or more when selling the home. Improving curb appeal makes even more sense in today’s real estate market, when many people do their own searching via real estate websites such as Trulia or Zillow. When using such sites, buyers will likely be less inclined to click on a listing if exterior photos of the property are not eye-catching. Various projects, including tending to lawns and gardens, can improve curb appeal. An added benefit to focusing on landscaping to improve curb appeal is it promotes spending time outdoors in spring and summer. In addition, many lawn- and garden-related home improvement projects need not require professional expertise.
1. Maintain a lush green lawn.
dew that collects on grass leaves each morning, which can be accomplished by mowing or dragging a water hose across affected areas, can be an effective way to reduce brown patch. Homeowners without much lawn care experience can consult professional landscapers to address the issue. But those looking to sell their properties should note that buyers often walk the grounds of homes they are considering buying. So addressing any issues on the lawn should be a priority for sellers.
Lawns that fall into disrepair may not give buyers a correct impression about how homeowners maintained their homes. Lawns with multiple dead spots and grass that appears more brown than green may lead many buyers to assume that the home’s interior was equally ill-cared for. Maintaining lush green lawns is not as difficult as it may seem. Applying fertilizer and aerating at the appropriate times of year (this varies by region) can promote strong roots and healthy soil, making it easier for grass to survive harsh conditions like drought. When watering in summer, do so in early morning or evening so as little water is lost to evaporation as possible.
3. Confine dogs to certain areas. Dog owners may want to let their pets roam free in their yards. But homeowners about to put their properties up for sale may want to confine their four-legged friends to certain areas. That’s because dog urine can be high in nitrogen. Nitrogen itself is not harmful to lawns, but in high concentrations it can contribute to yellow or brown spots. Also, highly acidic dog urine may even adversely affect pH levels in the soil. Curb appeal can go a long way toward helping homeowners sell their homes, and a lush lawn can be used to catch the eye of prospective buyers.
2. Address brown patch.
Even well-maintained lawns can fall victims to brown spots. According to the lawn care professionals at TruGreen, lawns in regions with hot temperatures and high humidity can be infected with brown patch, a common lawn disease that is caused by fungus, which can produce circular areas of brown, dead grass surrounded by narrow, dark rings. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences notes that removing Ventura County, CA – April 2020
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COMING SOON
Immaculate 3 bed, 2 bath single story house on 1/3 acre in prime Ojai area. Includes legal second unit with separate entry. Great entertaining back yard with pool, mountain views, BBQ area and fire pit. Includes oversized garage, new roof, remodeled kitchen solar panels (owned) and low maintenance landscaping. $1,295,000
READY TO BUILD
RARE FIND IN OJAI
– SOLD – 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
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
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For a lifestyle inspired by your potential
Only
Just Listed! 1273 S Rice Road #93, Ojai Listed at $295,000
Clinton Haugan
Just Sold! 210 S Padre Juan, Ojai Sold at listing price $650,000 Christopher Williams | DRE 01950672 805.798.1776 | cwilliams@livsothebysrealty.com
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”
sothebysrealty.com
© 2020 LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. All data, including all measurements and calculations are obtained from various sources and has not and will not be verified by Broker. All information shall be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is independently owned and operated and supports the principals of the Fair Housing Act.”
805.760.2092 | livsothebysrealtyca.com | DRE# 02019604
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 – April 2020
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“There’s no place like home – Let me find yours.” RE / MAX Gold Coast Realtors® (805) 798-0516
DONNA SALLEN lic.#01488460
donnasallen.com · donna4remax@aol.com ·
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 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 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.
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(805) (805) (805) 340-3774 340-3774 340-3774 pattywaltcher.com pattywaltcher.com pattywaltcher.com
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