California 101 Real Estate Guide October 2020

california 101

Real Estate & Home Care Guide VENTURA COUNTY • OCTOBER 2020

california 101

JAN. - FEB., 2020

REAL ESTATE GUIDE VENTURA

COUNTY

WOW - IN THE PRESTIGIOUS PERSIMMON HILL AREA 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 – October, 2020

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california 101

Real Estate & Home Care Guide VENTURA COUNTY • OCTOBER 2020

california 101

JAN. - FEB., 2020

ON THE COVER: WOW - IN THE PRESTIGIOUS PERSIMMON HILL AREA 520 Buckboard Ln, Ojai, CA 93023

Offered at $3,150,000

California REAL ESTATE GUIDE • Ojai, • 5 Bedrooms VENTURA

COUNTY

• 3.5 Bathrooms • 3 acres • 2,959 Square Feet See page 10 for more information on this spectacular property.

WOW - IN THE PRESTIGIOUS PERSIMMON HILL AREA 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

CA 101

California 101 Real Estate Guide

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

california101guide.com MAGAZINE INQUIRIES (833) 805-0101 Published by Blue Highways Productions CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dennis DeLano

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK October 2020

4 - Helpful Tips

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mike Dawkins

MANAGING EDITOR Misty Hall

Autumn maintenance tips

6 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

5 tips to prepare for window replacement

7 - Featured Local Realtors

Connecting buyers and sellers

10 - Featured Property

Ojai living

12 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

BL

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HIGHW

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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

Get the best mortgage financing deal

15 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

When it can be smart to hire a painting pro

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Ventura County, CA – October, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 - Helpful Tips

CA 101

By Dominique Gray

Autumn Maintenance Tips Presented By Domonique Gray, Home Loan Specialist | 805-832-2950

Use these must-do fall maintenance tips to keep your house in shape and help keep you warm this winter.

Exterior Fixes •Regularly clean gutters and downspouts. Make sure all drainage areas are unblocked by leaves and debris. Consider installing gutter guards to make the job a lot easier.

•Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Use caulk to fill the holes or completely replace the wood.

Fall Garden Maintenance

•Lower humidity and cooler (not yet cold) temperatures make fall a good time to paint the exterior of your home.

•Fall is the perfect time to divide or move perennials. Remove dead annuals and mulch hardy perennials. Annuals typically die when temperatures drop below freezing. But perennials often appear as though they too have bitten the bullet. That's because their top growth dies back, although in most cases the root ball is hardy enough to survive even extreme temperatures, especially if it's covered with a layer of mulch.

•Inspect your roof, or hire a licensed professional to examine your roof for wear and tear. If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, replace them. If you have a lot of damage, it's time to replace the entire roof. Also, check the flashing around skylights, pipes and chimneys. If you have any leaks or gaps, heavy snow and ice will find its way in.

•To prevent exterior water pipes from bursting when the weather gets below freezing, turn off the valves to the exterior hose bibs. Run the water until the pipes are empty. Make sure all the water is drained from the pipes, if not; the water can freeze up and damage the pipes.

•The best time to mulch perennials is after the first hard freeze. Just make sure you don't cover the crown or center of the plant, because that can lead to rot.

•Wrap water pipes that run along exterior walls with heating tape. It will save energy and prevent them from freezing.

•Clean garden tools before storing for the winter.

Trim dead branches out the trees to prevent them from coming down and causing damage in a winter storm.

•Rake up the thick layers of leaves that settle on lawn surfaces. Large leaves in particular, especially when they get wet, can compact to the point where they suffocate the grass below and lead to all kinds of insect and disease problems. So it's a good idea to routinely rake or blow them off the lawn or, better yet, use a mulching mower to shred them into fine pieces.

•Put the raked leaves in the compost pile or use as a mulch. Whatever you do, don't waste fallen leaves because they're an excellent source of nutrients and organic matter. You can also add them to flower beds to put a winter blanket on your garden.

Fall is a good time to aerate your lawn; it will allow moisture and nutrients to get into the roots. When you're done, spread fertilizer then grass seed.

System Maintenance

•This will be the ideal time to sow cool-season grasses such as fescue and rye - it will give them the opportunity to germinate and develop a good root system before freezing temperatures arrive. It's also the right time to fertilize turf grasses, preferably with slow-release, all-natural fertilizer. When given adequate nutrients, turf grasses have the ability to store food in the form of carbohydrates during the winter months. That will mean a better-looking lawn come spring.

•Clean and replace filters in your furnace or heating system. Contact a licensed heating contractor to inspect and service your gas heater or furnace to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Your local utility company will often provide this service for free.

•If you use a hot water system for heating, drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, and bleed your radiators.

Check for Pests

•Check the attic to make sure the insulation is installed properly. The vapor barrier on insulation should face down toward the living space. If it is installed incorrectly (with the vapor barrier facing up) then the insulation will trap moisture causing possible water problems.

•Pests love attics because they are full of nice warm insulation for nesting, and they offer easy access to the rest of the house. With gable vents that lead into the attic it is a good idea to install a screen behind them to keep those critters out.

•Even after closing off those entryways, pests can still find a way in. The first place to check for any unwanted guests is under the kitchen cupboards and appliances.

(805) 832-2950 | NMLS# 900558 DGray@homebridge.com Ventura County, CA – October, 2020

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

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

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Ventura County, CA – October, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

CA 101

5 tips to prepare for window replacement

Winter is coming, and for millions of people who reside in areas of the country that see the mercury drop considerably between December and March, that means prioritizing staying warm. Inefficient or aging housing materials may compromise your ability to do just that.

Drafts from doors, poorly protected attics and basements, and aging windows may force heating systems to work extra hard to maintain interior temperatures.

Photo submitted

Replacing old windows can make a home quieter by blocking out exterior noises. Consumer Reports also notes that new windows are often easier to clean and maintain than older varieties.

Many homeowners are interested in replacing their windows, but may not know where to start. These guidelines can help the process along.

1. Get several estimates

around the home. Choose windows that have locks or latches that can match those features for continuity of style. Think about choosing a different style or frame color of the window, or a different type of window to improve efficiency and function.

Ask for recommendations from neighbors or other people in your area of which companies they used to install their replacement windows. When you interview the prospects, ask several questions about how they go about installing the windows. Questions can include: • How long will the project take?

• Will I need to remain home during the process?

• Do you discard old debris?

• What is the protocol for installation during inclement weather?

4. Research top window manufacturers

It’s tempting to purchase windows based on price alone, but replacement windows are often a decision that only has to be made once or twice for the life of the home. Invest in durable windows that will have staying power. Consumer Reports offers unbiased reviews on various window brands and can help homeowners make sound decisions.

2. Research permits

5. Prepare for installation

Most home renovation projects need to be approved by the local municipality. Go to the permit office to check out the requirements. Some window contractors will include securing permits in the cost of the project. After the project is completed, an inspector will come by and ensure the work was done according to code.

Clear pathways, remove window treatments, and disconnect window alarm systems. Plan for one to two days of installation, advises Andersen Windows and Doors. Keep pets and children away from work areas.

Replacement windows can be a smart investment. New windows can improve the look of a home, reduce heating costs and can keep interior spaces comfortable.

3. Change up the appearance

Look at the type of hardware and other fixtures you have Ventura County, CA – October, 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 – October, 2020

Wilde

Larry 805.640.5734

Erik 805.830.3254

Impeccable Rancho Matilija Estate | 3+ Acre of Park Setting | $2,950,000

Downtown Ojai | 2000SF Residential or Commercial Use Adjacent to Farmer’s Markets | $895,000

Commercial Lot in Ojai $375,000

Ventura County, CA – October, 2020

Ojai Avenue Lot For Sale $325,000

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Modern Ranch in Downtown Ojai $7,900,000

Downtown Ojai Church For Sale Approximately 4000 SF | Prime Half-Acre+ Ojai Location | $995,000

SOLD

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

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

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 – October, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property

CA 101

WOW, in the prestigious Persimmon Hill area 520 Buckboard Ln, OJAI, CA 93023

Sitting on over three acres in the prestigious Persimmon Hill area of downtown Ojai. This five bedroom, three and a half bathroom sprawling ranch style home showcases open beamed vaulted ceilings, a stunning great room with a massive brick fireplace, formal dining room, hardwood floors and a large master suite. The french doors and large windows bring a perfect mix of indoor/outdoor living and stunning mountain views to every window.

The magical meandering pathways will lead you to an Artist's studio where you can once again find your creative soul.

Represented by Donna Sallen — RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors Ventura County, CA – October, 2020

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CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property

CA 101

Plenty of charming areas to gather and enjoy the sensational views of the famous Pink Moment or enjoy a swim under the stars in this completely private estate. Living off the grid is easy with your own private well and solar panels. This slice of Country living offers a prime location all within walking distance to Libby Park, shops, restaurants, and the Ojai Bike/Hike Trail. Horses welcome.

Offered at $3,150,000

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

Lic. 01488460 11

Ventura County, CA – October, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

CA 101

Get the best mortgage financing deal Few people are able to walk into a home, like what they see, and then pay for a house in cash. In the vast majority of home purchases, mortgages make the dream of home ownership a reality. Getting a mortgage requires research and some preparation on the part of borrowers if they hope to get the friendliest terms possible.

Homes are substantial, decades-long investments, so it’s smart to shop around to find the best rates and lenders available. These tips can make the process of applying and getting a mortgage go smoothly, and may even help borrowers save some money.

• Learn your credit score Your credit score will be a factor in determining just how much bargaining power you have for lower interest rates on mortgage loans, according to the financial resource NerdWallet. The higher the credit score, the better. Well before shopping for a mortgage, manage your debt, paying it off if possible, and fix any black marks or mistakes on your credit report.

• Investigate various lenders The Federal Trade Commission says to get information from various sources, whether they are commercial banks, mortgage companies, credit unions, or thrift institutions. Each is likely to quote different rates and prices, and the amount they’re willing to lend you may vary as well.

Investigating various lenders can help you rest easy knowing you got the best rate. Lenders may charge additional fees that can drive up the overall costs associated with getting a mortgage. Compare these fees as well so you can be sure you get the best deal.

Mortgage brokers will serve as the middle person in the transaction. A broker’s access to several different lenders can translate into a greater array of loan products and terms from which to choose.

• Learn about rates Become informed of the rate trends in your area. Lower rates translate into significant savings amounts per month and over the life of the loan. Rates may be fixed, though some are adjustable-rate mortgages (also called a variable or floating rate). Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and a financial consultant can discuss what might be in your best interest.

• Discuss points with your financial advisor and lender Some lenders allow you to pay points in advance, which will lower the interest rate. Get points quoted in dollar amounts so they’ll be easier to compare. If you’re unfamiliar with points, discuss the concept with your financial advisor.

The vast majority of homeowners secured a mortgage to purchase their homes. Learning about the mortgage process can help new buyers navigate these sometimes tricky financial waters.

• Consider a mortgage broker

STROLL TO BEACH!

VENTURA NEAR NEW - FAMILY PARK!

3BR + 2BA + Garage Remodeled Beauty! New Carpet & Paint, New Range Hood. New Countertops. Newer Stove & Dishwasher. Newly Refinished Cabinetry. Pool. Kids Pool. Clubhouse! Stroll to Beach. Marina, Harbor.

Boutiques, Fine Dining, Shops, Parks’ $305,000

2019 Luxurious 3BR + 2BA! Finest Options and Upgrades! Marble.

Laminate. Center Island Stainless Kitchen, Vaulted Ceilings, Skylights.

Light Tubes. Laundry Room. Washer, Dryer, Fridge! Utility Building! 4-Car Covered Parking! Pool, Spa, Clubhouse! $289,900

Keith D. Hanson Jr. - Keith Hanson Realty

478593

Ventura County, CA – October, 2020

805-981-1552

kdh2020kdh@gmail.com CalDRE 00820114 12

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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

Great Rates Award-Winning Service 13

Ventura County, CA – October, 2020

Ventura County, CA – October, 2020

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CALIFORNIA 101 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

CA 101

When it can be smart to hire a painting pro

Photo submitted

Few things can revitalize a home more readily than a fresh coat of paint.

and ceilings must be properly repaired and prepared even before a base coat is applied.

Thanks in part to the affordability of paint and its ease of application, painting is something that even novice DIYers can typically handle. According to the marketing advice guru Brandon Gaille, it is estimated that residential interior paint only lasts around three years before it needs to be updated. Exterior paint can fade, chip, and peel due to various environmental factors. As a result, many homes can likely use a fresh coat of paint in at least one room.

Professional painters also have an eye for details. And because professional painters make a business out of doing interior and exterior surfaces, they understand which techniques can improve efficiency. That means a professional job can typically be completed much more quickly than a DIY project.

As DIY-friendly as painting can be, when attempting to paint the interior or exterior of their homes, homeowners may learn that some painting projects are best left to the professionals. Painting requires skill, patience, and a knowledge of how various paints — including finishes for particular applications — will hold up. Novice painters may do more harm than good by dripping paint on expensive carpeting or floors, or fail to recognize the nuances that indicate a spot-on painting job.

Professional painters have spent hours upon hours learning the ropes of what works — and what does not.

Painters often understand that painstaking preparatory work is crucial to getting pristine finished results. Walls California 101 Real Estate Guide

Even though some people think they’ll save money by painting their own homes, that’s not necessarily true.

Professionals already have all the necessary equipment, unlike novices who may need to make repeated and potentially costly trips to the hardware store for supplies.

Plus, if mistakes happen, DIYers have to spend additional time and money fixing them.

Safety can be a large motivator for turning painting over to a pro. Navigating exterior areas or tall interior ceilings can be challenging and may require scaffolding or tall ladders DIYers do not have. Risk of falls or other injuries increase with lack of experience.

Painting can give a home a face-lift, and oftentimes it is smart to turn the work over to professionals to ensure the job is done just right.

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Ventura County, CA – October, 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

DOWNTOWN MIXED USE HOME/STUDIO

This beautiful downtown building is Contempo Hair Salon. Zoned mixed use, it can ser ve as a business/retail location as well as a residence. Inside it is light and spacious. Outside is beautifully landscaped with multiple seating areas and ample parking. It could be used as a turnkey salon or easily convert to many types of uses: a family residence, a mixed living/office space, an art studio or gallery, a retail space, a restaurant or a day spa.

205SouthSignalStOjai.com Offered at $1,295,000

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 – October, 2020

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