California 101 Real Estate and Contractors Guide

california 101

Real Estate & Home Care Guide VENTURA COUNTY • JULY 2020

california 101

JAN. - FEB., 2020

REAL ESTATE GUIDE VENTURA

COUNTY

ULTRA PRIVATE UPPER OJAI ESTATE ON 26 ACRES

Represented by Patty Waltcher – LIV Sotheby’s International Realty CA 101

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

Ventura County, CA – July, 2020

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ON THE COVER:

ULTRA PRIVATE UPPER OJAI ESTATE ON 26 ACRES 10580 Ojai Santa Paula Rd., OJAI, CA 93023

Offered at $3,750,000

• 10580 Ojai Santa Paula Rd. • Ojai, California • 3 Bedrooms • 3 1/2 Bathrooms • 26.62 Acres • 3840 Square Feet

See page 10 for more information on this spectacular property.

Cover Photo by sideways8creative

California 101 Real Estate Guide california101guide.com

Represented by Patty Waltcher – LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Lic. 01176473 (805) 340-3774 pattywaltcher.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

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK July 2020

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©2020 All rights reserved

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

California 101 Real Estate Guide

5 - Featured Local Realtors

Connecting Buyers And Sellers

6 - Helpful Tips

Top 10 ways to get lost in Ojai

10 - Featured Property

Ultra Private Upper Ojai Estate On 26 Acres

12 - Featured Homeowner Services

How home design trends are evolving for social distancing

15 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

3 factors to consider when choosing a mortgage lender 3

Ventura County, CA – July, 2020

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

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 – July, 2020

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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

California 101 Real Estate Guide

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Ventura County, CA – July, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 - Helpful Tips

CA 101

By Dominique Gray

Top 10 Ways to Get Lost in Ojai Presented By Domonique Gray, Home Loan Specialist | 805-832-2950

Horn Canyon

Sulphur Mountain Road

Difficulty: Moderate.

Directions: Take McAndrew Road to Thacher School. Park in the gymkhana lot.

Length: 2.2 miles to the Pines.

Elevation Gain: 600 feet. Legend has it that intrepid horseman Howard Bald lugged saddlebags full of water up this trail to nurture a grove of pine trees that he had planted after the big fire of 1948.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

Directions: Follow Highway 150 for 9 miles from downtown Ojai. Turnoff for Sulphur Mountain Road is on the right.

Follow the road until it ends, another five miles. Length: 10 miles from gated access to the Girl Scout Camp near Casitas Springs. This trail starts at 2,600 feet at the end of the Sulphur Mountain Road access and follows Ridgeline trail.

Pratt Trail

Shelf Road

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous.

Directions: From Ojai Avenue, turn north on Signal Street and drive about 1.2 miles until you see the Forest Service sign on the left. The trailhead is a further half-mile.

Length: 4.4 miles to Nordhoff Ridge. The Pratt Trail crosses a seasonal stream through the backyards of properties before opening onto a natural bowl formed by the slope of Nordhoff Ridge.

Difficulty: Easy.

Directions: From Ojai Avenue, head north on Signal Street until it ends.

Length: 3.5 miles return trip.

An aptly named abandoned road that runs along a shelf above the north side of the Ojai Valley, Shelf Road winds through orange and avocado groves as well as wild chaparral.

Ventura River Bottom Trails

Middle Fork of Matilija Canyon

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.

Directions: From Highway 150, there’s the Old Baldwin Road trailhead just east of the Ventura River bridge. From South Rice Road, there’s a trailhead north of the intersection with Lomita Road. Also from North Rice, take a right on Meyer Road to the Oso Trailhead. Length: Varies.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Directions: Head north on Highway 33 from Ojai for about 4.7 miles to Matilija Canyon Road. Follow the road to the end — about another two miles.

Length: Up to 7 miles (14 miles return).

Follow the trailhead at the end of Matilija Canyon Road through the gated property to the west side of the creek.

Cozy Dell Trail

Sisar Canyon

Difficulty: Moderate.

Directions: From Ojai, head north on Maricopa Highway (Highway 33) for 3.3 miles. The turnout is on the left, just before and across from Friend’s Ranch packing house. Cross the street to the trailhead.

Length: 1.9 miles to Cozy Dell Creek. The trail begins along a seasonal creek and quickly climbs about 640 feet in elevation.

Difficulty: Strenuous.

Directions: Take Highway 150 about nine miles from Ojai to upper Ojai. Sisar Canyon Road is just past Summit School, the trailhead at the end of the road, about a further mile.

Length: 10.5 miles to the Topa Topa Bluffs.

Elevation gain: Nearly 4,000 feet to the top of the bluffs. Only recommended for experienced, well-trained hikers.

Rose Valley Falls Difficulty: Easy.

Directions: Take Highway 33 to the Rose Valley turnout on the right, about 12 miles from Ojai. Follow the road four miles to the turnout for the campground.

Length: .5 miles.The trail begins at the head of the campground. It is an easy stroll along the beautiful shaded stream to reach the first 30-foot cataract.

Gridley Trail Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.

Directions: From Ojai Avenue, turn north onto Gridley Road. Follow it to the gated end, about two miles.

Length: Three miles to the Gridley Springs, 6 miles to Nordhoff Peak.

Elevation gain: 1,200 feet to the springs. This trail, at the north end of Gridley Road just to the left before the gates to Hermitage Ranch, begins with a steep climb along a seasonal creek before opening on to a bench with spectacular views of the entire Ojai Valley.

Ventura County, CA – July, 2020

(805) 832-2950 | NMLS# 900558 DGray@homebridge.com 6

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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 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 California 101 Real Estate Guide

kdh2020kdh@gmail.com CalDRE 00820114

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Ventura County, CA – July, 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

Heart of Ojai | Impeccable Substantial Upgrades | $1,149,000

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

Ventura County, CA – July, 2020

Ojai Church For Sale Approximately 4000 SF | $1,295,000

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

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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

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Ventura County, CA – July, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property

CA 101

Ultra Private Upper Ojai Estate on 26 Acres All photos by

10580 OJAI SANTA PAULA RD. OJAI, CA 93023

sideways8creative

On 26 acres in upper Ojai, this ultra-private estate with

could be a 4th bedroom. A great room with high, exposed-

incredible views includes an exquisitely designed, custom-built,

beam ceilings, an elegant stone fireplace and immaculate

ranch-style home, a gorgeous split-level barn/guest house,

wood floors. The state-of-the-art kitchen is a chef’s dream,

and a pool. The main house features

and there are finely crafted French doors throughout. The

3 bedrooms including an office that

master bedroom is open, airy and tranquil, and two additional

Represented by Patty Waltcher – LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Ventura County, CA – July, 2020

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CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property

CA 101

bedrooms occupy opposite ends of the house. Step outside

Around the pool there is beautiful lounge area, a perfect

the house to a patio with an outdoor stone fireplace and cozy

gateway to the expansive property. This property is a luxurious,

seating area. The barn includes a bedroom and a beautiful

peaceful retreat, tucked away at the end of a private road,

living space; also built with the finest materials, it is an

only minutes from downtown Ojai.

excellent option for lodging guests, a private office, or a studio.

Offered at $3,750,000.

(805) 340-3774 – pattywaltcher.com California 101 Real Estate Guide

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Lic. 01176473 Ventura County, CA – July, 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

How home design trends are evolving for social distancing COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over apartments: Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action — work, entertainment and shops — and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again.

Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce.

Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature.

This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape.

Ventura County, CA – July, 2020

Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families.

We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms from Nudura, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment that’s less susceptible to mold, will be key.

Home office space: Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost.

Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.

Find more information at nudura.com.

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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

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Ventura County, CA – July, 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 – July, 2020

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CALIFORNIA 101 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

CA 101

3 factors to consider when choosing a mortgage lender

Photo submitted

A home is the most significant purchase many people will ever make. Perhaps because of that, many buyers, particularly those purchasing a home for the first time, are understandably nervous about the home-buying process. The decision regarding which home to buy warrants ample consideration, but so, too, does the buyers’ choice of lender.

Mortgage lenders can be found all over the internet, and the sheer volume of lender options can make it hard for home buyers to find the right fit for them. Couple that with lending-related terminology that many first-time buyers may be unfamiliar with, and it’s easy to see why prospective homeowners can feel overwhelmed about the process of borrowing money to buy their homes.

When looking for a mortgage lender, prospective homeowners should never forget that the choice of lender is, in most cases, entirely theirs to make. When making that decision, a host of variables should be considered. The following are three such factors that, upon ample consideration, may help buyers rest easy knowing they did their due diligence when looking for lenders.

1. Reputation/recommendation Just like other businesses, lenders have reputations, and oftentimes those reputations can be determined via some simple online research. Peruse online reviews to determine what past buyers felt about a given lender.

If possible, ask friends, family or colleagues who they worked with to secure a mortgage.

2. Fees Fees vary from lender to lender. Fees should not be mistaken for interest rates, which change daily and are typically dictated by the financial industry and prospective buyers’ credit history and financial standing.

When speaking with potential lenders, ask for a rundown of their fees, and the services those fees include, and closing cost estimates in writing, then compare and California 101 Real Estate Guide

contrast fees and costs of various lenders before making a final decision. Some lenders may charge considerably more in fees than others, so buyers should put in the effort necessary to comparison shop.

3. Personal interaction Buyers, especially those who have never before purchased a home, will likely have lots of questions. This is where personal interaction with a prospective lender should be noted. Securing financing for a home purchase can sometimes seem like an impersonal process, but it doesn’t have to be, and many lenders are happy to answer buyers’ questions. Lenders who answer questions quickly and clearly can make buyers more comfortable about the home buying process. Buyers may want to avoid lenders who seem evasive or unwilling to answer questions in writing.

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Ventura County, CA – July, 2020

Donna Sallen lic.#01488460

3860 Grand Ave. Ojai, CA 93023

Fabulous and charmingly inviting, this two-story Victorian estate is nestled in the magical east end of Ojai. Surrounded by organic orchards and meticulous landscaping, this home is filled with Southern Charm. The wrap around porch looks out to the gardens, as the country kitchen and breakfast nook looks out to the pool and tennis court. Perfectly situated nearby are the spacious guesthouse, separate cottages, and a writer’s studio creating plenty of living space for friends and family.

This relaxing and inviting estate is truly elegant.

Offered at $3,990,000

“There’s no place like home – Let me find yours.”

RE / MAX Gold Coast Realtors® (805) 798-0516

donnasallen.com · donna4remax@aol.com · Ventura County, CA – July, 2020

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