California 101 Real Estate & Home Care Guide

california 101

Real Estate & Home Care Guide VENTURA COUNTY • MAY - JUNE 2020

california 101

JAN. - FEB., 2020

REAL ESTATE GUIDE VENTURA

COUNTY

EL VIAJE REPRESENTED BY DONNA SALLEN — RE/MAX GOLD COAST REALTORS CA 101

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

Ventura County, CA – May - June 2020

2

california101guide.com

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

Offered at $1,399,000 4 Bedrooms 3.5 Bathroom 5.34 Acres

See page 10 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 TwoFishDigital

California 101 Real Estate Guide california101guide.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

BL

E

HIGHW

S AY

U

©2020 All rights reserved

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

California 101 Real Estate Guide

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK May - June 2020

5 - Featured Local Realtors

5 outdoor projects that add value 6 - Helpful Tips

Yes, you can grow a garden this spring 10 -Featured Property

Fabulous and Charmingly Inviting 12 - Featured Homeowner Services

Connecting home owners to local services 15 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

5 outdoor projects that add value

3

Ventura County, CA – May - June, 2020

Domonique Gray Local Resident and Home Loan Expert 35 Years of Experience in the Mortgage Industry President of Ventura Downtown Lions Club Purchase: Conforming, FHA/VA and Jumbo Loans Refinances: Rate/Term and Cash-out Loans

(805) 832-2950 | NMLS# 900558 DGray@homebridge.com 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 – May - June 2020

4

california101guide.com

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

California 101 Real Estate Guide

5

Ventura County, CA – May - June, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 - Helpful Tips

CA 101

By Dominique Gray

Yes, You Can Grow a Garden This Spring—All You Need Is 15 Minutes

II

10 Minutes

t’s springtime! Tree-lined streets are fragrant with beautiful blossoms.

IIIIFarmers markets are filled with freshly harvested herbs, fruits, and vegetables. And you’re still running out the door to make it to Markets before work… so that hasn’t changed. And while you appreciate nature and farm-to-table and organic fare, you’ve never considered growing your own garden because you simply don’t have the time. Is it even possible when you have a demanding schedule? Or maybe you’ve thought about it, but felt, I don't know, intimidated (I’m raising my hand). Some of us aren’t even sure we can keep a cactus alive! According to Rolling Greens’ owner, Greg Salmeri, you can nurture plants with just five, 10, and 15 minutes a day (trust me, ahead Greg guides us through growing spring’s simplest edible plants).

The landscape designer with a green thumb and two gorgeous nurseries and home décor shops in L.A. describes many of his friends as “aspirational gardeners.” “They really want to be out in the yard, and they appreciate the beauty of the yard, but they don’t feel like they have the time to dedicate to having a successful garden,” he explains. Can you relate?

This root vegetable is best known to improve vision, but carrots are also rich in vitamins and minerals including folate, manganese, potassium, thiamin, niacin, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K, explains Greg. (Did you get all that?). Basically, “Eat carrots!” he jokes.

Roast the superfood for a simple and healthy meal.

How to Grow It: “You’ll need carrot seeds and a container or window box that is 1.5 feet deep as well as wide. You’ll also want drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the container to just under an inch of the top of the container with potting soil,” says Greg, noting to water the soil before planting the seeds.

Next, he says, “Plant the seeds one inch apart in rows that are six inches apart from each other by gently pressing the seeds into the soil and then covering with a thin layer of that soil. Water again!”

Greg tells me, “A little attention in the yard goes a long way.” PS: He’s only taken one horticulture class ever. “Everything else I learned ‘on the job,’” he shares. So there is hope. Keep reading if you’ve ever killed a succulent (guilty), or if you were under the impression that you don't have time to grow a garden.

Among the many benefits of this fragrant and flavorful herb are anti-inflammation, cancer-fighting, and pain-reducing properties. It’s also great for cocktails like a blackberry basil whiskey smash, and it’s the MVP in pesto, just sayin’.

5 Minutes This aromatic herb is among our favorites. It not only smells beyond refreshing and is a natural pest repellent, but it also makes an amazing tea for calming nerves and anxiety, explains Greg. Added bonus? “It’s rumored to soothe hangovers,” he quips. Perfect.

Because you know what else mint is great for? Mojitos.

How to Grow It: “Purchase seeds and a container that is at least four inches wide with good drainage holes,” says Greg. “Basil loves warm temperatures and lots of sunlight,” he explains, “at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.”

Watering: “You’ll need to water it once a day,” Greg tells me. Fertilizing and pruning are also important. It’ll take 10 minutes once a month to fertilize the soil.

Greg suggests using an organic fertilizer like compost tea. Regarding pruning, he explains to start once the plant is six inches in height, and bushier. “Also be sure to snip off any flowers that appear,” he points out.

How to Grow It: “Start with mint seeds and a large, deep pot about 10 inches in diameter. Mint will grow fast and sprawl,” explains Greg. “Fill the container with potting soil and plant the seeds.”

15 Minutes These nutrient-dense plants are exactly as the name suggests, “a very small, young, and tender edible leaf.” Greg shares with me that microgreens have even more nutrients than their full-grown counterparts depending on their species.

Preparing a dish with the plant is just as low-maintenance as growing them. Add vinaigrette dressing and strawberries, and you’ve got yourself a seasonal salad!

Aside from the dreamy smell, this herb is rich in antioxidants that may help limit weight gain and improve cholesterol levels, Need I say more?

How to Grow It: “Start by planting seeds or propagating cuttings in a container with holes in the bottom for drainage,” he says. “For rosemary, this requires 15 minutes since you need to curate the soil for the plant.” What you’ll need: a soil made from a mixture of two parts potting soil to one part coarse sand. “Then you’ll need to add one teaspoon of lime (the agricultural kind, not the citrus fruit!) per five-inches of pot in order to to make the soil alkaline,” explains Greg.

How to Grow It: “Purchase a variety of seeds such as dill, beets, basil, kale or Swiss chard. Fill a shallow pot with a drainage hole or a seedling tray with potting mix. Moisten the soil with water to make damp, but not wet. Sprinkle in your seeds so they are close to each other and sift a thin layer of soil over those seeds. Using a spray bottle, lightly mist that top layer of soil,” explains Greg.

Watering: “Place your seedlings on a sunny windowsill in a room that stays between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Greg of the tiny plant that will germinate in three to five days and requires a swift daily misting of the soil.

Ventura County, CA – May - June 2020

Watering: “Water only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch,” says Greg. “Be sure not to let the soil dry out completely,” he warns of the plant, which needs to live in a sunny spot and receive at least six hours of direct sunlight.

6

california101guide.com

BREATHTAKING

STUNNING

3+2+Garage Remodeled Dream! New Carpet, New Paint, New Stove, New Range Hood, New Dishwasher, New Counter tops, Newly Refinished Cabinets, New Garage Door+Opener!

Pool, Kids Pool, Clubhouse! Private Parking! Near Beach, Marina! $349,900

Rarely Available 3+2 Sandpiper Condo! Near Harbor and Beaches! New Stainless Steel Appliances and 36” Stainless Range Hood, New Paint, New Carpets, New Hard Flooring, Newly Refinished Cabinetry, Tub/Shower Unit and Vanities. New Plumbing Fixtures Throughout. Large, Enclosed Patio. Finished Garage and Opener. $314,900.

STROLL TO BEACH

Keith D. Hanson Jr. Keith Hanson Realty

805-981-1552

3+2+Garage Remodeled Beauty! New Carpet, New Paint, New Range Hood, New Counter tops, Newer Stove and Dishwasher, Newly Refinished Cabinetry, Sparkling Pool, Kids Pool, Clubhouse! Stroll to Beach, Marina, Harbor, Boutiques, Fine Dining, Shops, Parks! $290,000

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

California 101 Real Estate Guide

7

Ventura County, CA – May - June, 2020

Wilde

Larry 805.640.5734

Erik 805.830.3254

Modern Ranch in Downtown Ojai $7,900,000

East End | Spectacular Views “Rodney Walker” Pedigree $2,950,000

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 – May - June 2020

8

california101guide.com

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

Downtown Ojai | 2000SF Village Mixed Use Adjacent to Farmer’s Markets | $950,000

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

9

Ventura County, CA – May - June, 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 – May - June 2020

10

california101guide.com

CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property

CA 101

El Viaje

403 N. MONTGOMERY ST. OJAI, CA 93023 Offered at $1,399,000

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 11

Ventura County, CA – May - June, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 - Featured Homeowner Services

CA 101

CONNECTING HOME OWNERS TO LOCAL SERVICES

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 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

CA 101

Kick off home improvement season with easy maintenance projects

By Scott McGillivray

As the days get longer and the weather improves, this is the time to make sure that our homes or rental properties are well maintained. Here are a few do-ityourself projects to keep your home in tip-top shape: • Top up your attic insulation. Many older homes have inadequate levels of insulation in the attic that wouldn’t meet today’s building code. Topping it up will help reduce energy consumption and keep your house cooler in the summer months. A great product for this task is Roxul ComfortBatt insulation. It’s easy to install, cuts simply with a serrated blade or bread knife, and protects against fire, moisture, and mold. Aim for a depth of 16 inches or an R-value of 50. Insulating properly could also provide added benefits, such as improving the longevity of your air conditioner by reducing stress on the unit as temperatures rise.

• Inspect your roof and make minor repairs. Winter can be especially hard on a roof. Look for ice, hail, or water damage. Replace any cracked or missing shingles and clear any debris.

• Clean your gutters. It’s not glamorous work, but your home’s gutters play an essential role in moving water away from your home and preventing damage. Consider installing gutter guards to ensure your gutters remain Ventura County, CA – May - June 2020

functional and free from debris.

• Inspect windows and doors and re-caulk where necessary. Because a proper seal is essential in both heating and cooling seasons, this job should be performed twice a year to protect against drafts and moisture, and to keep insects out. Worn weatherstripping should also be replaced.

Other simple jobs include fixing leaky faucets, repairing and resealing decks, inspecting the foundation, and scheduling a checkup for your HVAC system. The key is being honest about what you can handle and, when in doubt, call in the pros.

Scott McGillivray is the award-winning TV host of the hit series Income Property, a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator.

12

california101guide.com

Hike a lot?

Clinton Haugan

Give a little!

If you hike in Ojai, you’ve probably hiked our trails.

OVLC has permanently protected 2,300 acres of open space and maintains 27 miles of trail for all to enjoy.

This is all done with donations from you—our community.

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

LEARN MORE AND JOIN US: OVLC.ORG

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 California 101 Real Estate Guide

DRE # 01438966

13

Ventura County, CA – May - June, 2020

OJAI’S BEST LAND BUY!

12412 Linda Flora Drive | Ojai REDUCED 50K! Prime 2.4 acre parcel behind the gates in Rancho Matilija. Completely flat, utilities in street, water meter and moutain views zoned for horses and adjacent to walking and horse trails. Perfect for mini estate - A great value at $499.000

PENDING

1102 N. Montgomery Street | Ojai Desirable single story custom home on almost 1/3 acre in great Ojai culde-sac location. Main house has 3 beds, 2 baths and a beautiful backyard built for entertaining. Home has raised ceilings, a remodeled kitchen, rock fireplace, wood floors, French doors to large patio and pool/spa area with beautiful mountain views. Newer roof with owned solar panels and low maintenance landscaping. Property includes legal second unit - studio room with bath and kitchenette.

Dennis Guernsey Broker | Cal DRE 00499291 805.798.1998 dguernsey@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 reviewed and verified for accuracy.

LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is independently owned and operated and supports the principals of the Fair Housing Act.

Ventura County, CA – May - June 2020

14

california101guide.com

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.

• Lawn care program

Landscape Professionals says that most can recoup about $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag.

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.

• • • • 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.

• • 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.

• • • • • Pool or water feature In certain markets, particularly hot climates, a pool or another water feature is a must-have. 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.

• • • Firepit 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 firepit can make for a cozy retreat. A firepit that has a gas burner is low-maintenance, and the National Association of California 101 Real Estate Guide

Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function 15

Ventura County, CA – May - June, 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

P R I V AT E D O W N T O W N O A S I S O N LY M I N U T E S

FROM

O JAI’ S B EST T RAILS

On a private road in downtown Ojai, this elegant oasis has stunning views of the Topa Topas. The 5br/4½ba home features a great room with a double fireplace, skylights, vaulted ceilings, a chef ’s kitchen and many modern upgrades. The floors are reclaimed oak and the bathrooms feel like spas. On over an acre, it includes a vine-covered pergola, 40 organic fruit trees, a chicken coop and an organic vegetable garden.

815CanadaStOjai.com

Offered at $1,840,000

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

16

california101guide.com