California 101 Real Estate & Home Care Guide

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Real Estate & Home Care Guide VENTURA COUNTY • DECEMBER 2020

california 101

JAN. - FEB., 2020

REAL ESTATE GUIDE VENTURA

COUNTY

ASPEN GROVE RANCH

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 – December, 2020

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california 101

Real Estate & Home Care Guide VENTURA COUNTY • DECEMBER 2020

ON THE COVER: Aspen Grove Ranch

7887 Ojai Santa Paula Rd Ojai, 93023

california 101

JAN. - FEB., 2020

REAL ESTATE GUIDE • Ojai, California VENTURA

Offered at $24,500,000

COUNTY

• 4 Bedrooms • 4 Bathrooms • 11,000 Square Feet See page 10 for more information on this spectacular property.

ASPEN GROVE RANCH

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

CA 101

California 101 Real Estate Guide

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.

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

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK December 2020

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dennis DeLano ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mike Dawkins MANAGING EDITOR Misty Hall

6 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

DIY projects that can conserve energy around the house

7 - Featured Local Realtors

Connecting buyers and sellers

10 - Featured Property

35 Pristine Acres Of Oaks And Meadows

12 - Helpful Tips

How to organize every room in your home

15 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

How to create a winter-friendly outdoor living space

BL

HIGHW

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©2020 All rights reserved E

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

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Ventura County, CA – December, 2020

Ojai

ite & ontrol 6-6504

Serving the Ojai Valley for Over 40 Years!

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Mention this ad and get a FREE termite inspection

•General Pest & Termite Control •Organic Pest Control Available (Go Green) •Termite Reports5for Escrows •Fumigations OJAI 4 Rot) & Termite Damage Repair •Dead / Live Animal Removal •Fungi (Dry TERMITE (Subcontracted)

& PEST

LOWERCONTROL RATES

bugs@ojaitermite.com FREE ESTIMATES

11584 N. Ventura Ave. Ojai, CA 93023

State License #OPR6493 (805) 646-6504 Serving Ventura, Santa Barbara & L.A. Counties

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EXPERIENCED DESIGNER AND BUILDER OF QUALITY CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS LICENSED LIC# CALIFORNIA OPR6493 OJAIAND INSURED GENERAL CONTRACTOR IN

TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

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LIC# OPR6493

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

805-646-6504

805-646-6504

805-640-0262

KERRY MILLER

P.O. Box 984 Ojai, CA 93024

kerrymillerdesigns.com

DESIGNER/BUILDER, INC.

CA LIC #958625

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Termite & Pest

Ventura County, CA – December, 2020

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Hike a lot?

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.

Great Rates Award-Winning Service

LEARN MORE AND JOIN US: OVLC.ORG

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NEW LISTING ADVERTISING SPECIALS

Real Estate & Home Care Guide VENTURA COUNTY

COVER AD PACKAGE - $850

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Real Estate Cover + Full Page Ask about available dates

JAN. - FEB., 2020

REAL ESTATE GUIDE V E N T U R A

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FULL PAGE AD - $500

Full Page Ad. New listing only On the market one month or less.

One property per page.

Deadline 2nd Tuesday of each month

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 CONTACT YOUR ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE TODAY (805) 766-7889 805.340.1057 • MDAWKINS@CA101GUIDE.COM 805Properties.com California 101 Real Estate Guide

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DRE # 01438966

Ventura County, CA – December, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

CA 101

DIY projects that can conserve energy around the house Home renovation projects can pay numerous dividends.

Renovations can have a positive effect on resale value, make homes more livable for residents and, in some ways, make homes more affordable.

Renovation projects that aim to conserve energy can save homeowners substantial amounts of money. Such projects don’t often require considerable effort or even sizable financial investments, which can make homeowners skeptical as to just how much they can save after completing the project. But the scale of a project may have little to do with how much homeowners will save. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy notes that a relatively effortless task like turning back a thermostat between 7° and 10° F for eight hours per day can save homeowners as much as $83 per year.

A more labor-intensive task like planting shade trees saves homeowners an average of between $35 and $119 per year.

When looking for ways to conserve energy around the house and save money, homeowners need not necessarily commit to expensive projects. The DOE notes that the following are some energy-saving projects and details what homeowners can expect to save after completing them. While each individual project may not result in jaw-dropping savings, homeowners who follow many of these recommendations may end up saving more than $1,000 per year.

Photo submitted

Project: Install exterior low-e storm windows.

Project: Plant shade trees.

What is it? Low-e windows reflect infrared heat back into a home. Such windows are coated with an ultra-thin layer of metal that improves the window’s insulation ability.

How much can I save? Homeowners who install low-e windows can save between 12 and 33 percent on their annual heating and cooling costs.

What is it? If you plant a deciduous tree between six and eight feel tall near your home, it will begin to shade your windows within a year of being planted. Depending on the species of the tree and the home, the shade tree will begin shading the roof within five to 10 years. The DOE notes that shading is the most cost-effective way to reduce air conditioning costs.

How much can I save? Properly planted shade trees can reduce air conditioning costs by anywhere from 15 to 50 percent.

Project: Seal uncontrolled air leaks.

What is it? Air leaks let cool air in during winter and warm air in during summer. Caulking, sealing and weather stripping all cracks and large openings can cut back on air leaks that are costing you money. The DOE recommends hiring a contractor to seal any leaks on heating and cooling ducts.

How much can I save? Homeowners who seal uncontrolled air leaks can save between 10 and 20 percent on their annual heating and cooling bills.

Ventura County, CA – December, 2020

Project: Insulate the water heater tank What is it? New water tanks are likely already insulated.

But homeowners with older hot water tanks can insulate their tanks with a water heater insulating blanket kit.

How much can I save? Insulating a water heater tank can save homeowners as much as 16 percent on their annual water heating bills.

Even the smallest DIY projects can produce big savings.

More information about energy-saving home improvement projects can be found at www.energy.gov.

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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

Jeri Becker (805)340-2846 NEXT HOME PACIFIC CAOST REALTY NHPCR.com HTTP://APP.NEXTHOME.COM/ JBECKER Lic. 01768956

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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Ventura County, CA – December, 2020

Wilde

Larry 805.640.5734

Erik 805.830.3254

SOLD

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

Downtown Ojai | 2000SF Residential or Commercial Use Adjacent to Farmer’s Markets | $695,000

Commercial Lot in Ojai $375,000

Ventura County, CA – December, 2020

Commercial Lot for Sale $325,000

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IN ESCROW

Modern Ranch in Downtown Ojai $7,500,000

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 – December, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property

CA 101

Aspen Grove Ranch 7887 Ojai Santa Paula Rd Ojai, 93023

The incomparable Aspen Grove Ranch is a luxury ranch estate that incorporates the best that the Ojai Valley has to offer. On 177 prime acres of rolling hills and fenced meadows, flanked by the iconic Topa Topa Bluffs, it feels like a world unto itself. Panoramic views throughout the property reveal lush, oak-studded valleys and soaring mountains.

The finely-crafted main residence honors this unique estate with a large great room with two-story windows and a grand fireplace. A fabulous chef’s kitchen with the highest quality appliances exemplifies how the entire home is finished with the finest materials and built with exquisite attention to detail. Every room is strategically designed to take advantage of the epic views and a wrap-around covered porch offers

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

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CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property

CA 101

a variety of locations from which to survey the gorgeous surroundings. The grounds of the main house include a spacious yard, a beautiful pool with a jacuzzi, and an outdoor BBQ and entertainment area where the fabulous environment can be experienced in comfort. Accessed through a private gate, the ranch is comprised of four legal lots and includes a host of additional buildings including two large guest houses with their own grounds and unique views. The ranch facilities include two large barns, pristine

stables, a large arena, a round pen, and a hot-walker for exercising horses. Bridle paths meander past the turnout pastures, over the hills, and along the creek that runs through the property. From an equestrian point of view, it is a perfect environment for boarding, training, exercising and showing horses. This is a truly unique property in both scope and design, providing exquisite

facilities, stunning beauty and spacious luxury in a bucolic setting only a few minutes from downtown Ojai.

Offered at $24,500,000

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

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Lic. 01176473 Ventura County, CA – December, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 - Helpful Tips

CA 101

By Domonique Gray

How to Organize Every Room in Your Home Presented By Domonique Gray, Home Loan Specialist | 805-832-2950

Between the kids, adults, and pets in your house, it may seem like every room needs a complete makeover. Learn how to organize every room in your family's home, one room at a time, to take charge of the clutter. Here's a list of rooms along with specific tips on how to get started organizing.

Kitchen There's a lot of action in the kitchen and it's evident by the crumbs, food stains, and general clutter. If this kitchen was in a restaurant would you want to eat there or would you call the health department to shut it down? Fear not though because an organized kitchen is just a few tasks away.

Organize the kitchen in a way that maximizes your counter space and reduces your counter clutter as well as the clutter hidden away in drawers. A clean and organized kitchen makes the entire house feel clean and organized, even when it's not.

Bedrooms If the first room you see in the morning and the last one you see each night doesn't feel like your private oasis anymore, it's time to tackle the chaos in your bedroom. You can even learn how to transform your bedroom into a dream space using items you already own. Now that's a win-win. Then, go about the steps to organize your entire bedroom to make it one of your favorite rooms in the house again.

Start with the cabinets, taking everything out and deciding how to best organize the space, as well as removing items that shouldn't be stored in the kitchen. Store the small kitchen appliances that only see occasional use and reorganize your pantry so it is actually functional for preparing meals.

Family Room You're a functional family but you've got a dysfunctional family room. Toys, video games, remote controls, and more end up scattered about—and one of the rooms you spend the most time in becomes one you're constantly cleaning. Do this room in stages to make the room work for you and get rid of the junk pileups. Start with a quick 30-minute organizing overhaul. Not only will the space quickly feel larger, but the sense of accomplishment will give you the motivation to power on.

Don't neglect your closets. Transform your closet or dresser from looking like a bargain bin into looking like a fancy department store display. Go through your clothes, declutter, and create a pile to give away to a worthy charity. Then, before placing anything back in the closet, organize your clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Kids' Bedrooms The sweet, adorable little ones who live in these rooms aren't known for being neat freaks. Fortunately, there are some organization tips just for kids' rooms that help you tackle the layer of toys on the floor and messy beds that never get made.

Garage The garage is supposed to be a place where we park cars and maybe work on a weekend project using a workbench. Unfortunately, in most homes, it quickly devolves into a place to store anything that doesn't have a designated spot in the rest of the house.

Playroom That mysterious space underneath the toys is called a floor. Haven't seen it in a while, have you? You're not alone. Families everywhere are tired of cleaning up the room that's been designated as the kids' play place, but you can end playroom clutter in an afternoon.

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

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It only takes five easy steps to get your garage organized. Take a second look at your garage. What do you really need in there, what should be stored elsewhere, and what can be thrown out? Hang bikes on the wall so they're not on the floor. Use storage shelves to organize the tools, beach toys, and car supplies vertically.

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How to Organize Your Home Continued Bathrooms

Home Office

It's easy for the bathroom to get cluttered and dirty because you have tiny people learning how to use the potty, towels hanging everywhere from daily baths, and shampoo, toothpaste, and other personal care items that have to live in this space, too. Even homes without kids end up with cluttered bathrooms.

Whether you use your home office as a homeschool area or to prepare presentations for the board room, this is one of the easiest rooms to load with clutter. Bills end up here, file folders are strewn about, and that big desk makes the perfect tabletop for piling mail, catalogs, and books. Take baby steps to organize this room and begin with a shakedown of the things you don't need anymore.

First, corral the clutter as much as possible. Set up an effective file storage system. This includes knowing what documents you should keep and which ones you can trash (or securely shred). Then, move on to the wires and cables strewn about from laptops, routers, and printers. Once your office is decluttered, you can move on to creating a beautiful home office space that is also functional.

Mud Room/Laundry Room

Attic/Storage Room

Since this area is the first stop home from school, soccer games, or work, dirty shoes and clothes are often left here. The result This small, enclosed room can feel like a gigantic mess. Plus, most mudrooms or laundry rooms have feet constantly walking through them because it's the room where you enter and exit the house.

You don't want these areas to look like a drop-off point for everything from the mail to your diaper bag.

The name of the room says it all. After all, you've probably made your attic or storage room the dumping ground for things you just didn't know what to do with. You know you need to dig in and throw some things out, but the thought of opening the door and having random boxes fall down on you isn't a way you'd like to spend your Saturday.

Install storage areas for each family member, as well as designated spots for mail and keys. Make sure everyone understands where everything goes, and that they follow through on the system every day. Decluttering the laundry room will not only create a tidier room, but it will also make laundry day much easier.

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

Domonique Gray M A K I N G H OM E P O S S I B LE

35 Years of Mortgage Experience Services ranging from purchase, refi, FHA/VA, Jumbo, Cash out Call today to take advantage of our historically low rates!

(805) 832-2950 | NMLS# 900558 DGray@homebridge.com California 101 Real Estate Guide

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Ventura County, CA – December, 2020

Padre Juan | Ojai

Offered for $549,500 Rare find! Solid commercial building in heart of Meiners Oaks. Approximately 1500 Sq ft, rear yard access with play area/grass - could be used as additional parking. Zoned CPD commercial planned development. Currently leased to Ventura City as a Library. Lease expires 12/31/20. Perfect for boutique, office, antique shop, day care or any number of businesses.

Dennis Guernsey

805.798.1998 DRE 04992913 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 – December, 2020

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CALIFORNIA 101 - Helpful Selling and Buying Points

CA 101

How to create a winter-friendly outdoor living space

Photo submitted

Covering a deck or patio and/or adding a fire feature are two ways to make outdoor living spaces more winter-friendly.

For many homeowners, the arrival of fall and winter marks an end to time spent lounging and dining al fresco on the patio. But cold air does not necessarily mean patio furniture must be packed up until flowers bloom anew in spring.

In its 2017 Home Design Trends Survey, the American Institute of Architects found that consumers continue to emphasize practical features that expand the functionality of their homes via heavy investment in outdoor living spaces. The survey found that the popularity of outdoor living spaces increased by 72 percent between 2012 and 2017, highlighting just how much homeowners enjoy spending time outdoors. By taking measures to make their outdoor living spaces winterproof, homeowners can enjoy these areas of their homes even more.

Coniferous trees prevent wind, which can be especially harsh in winter. Homeowners who are unsure about which direction wind typically comes from can consult a landscape architect to determine where to plant the trees to ensure they’re most effective.

• Fire up the patio A firepit or fireplace can warm up an outdoor living area, making such a space warm and cozy even on a cold winter night. A patio with a built-in firepit can cost a pretty penny, but such an addition can withstand winter weather better than a standalone firepit, which might be vulnerable to being tipped over by winter winds.

• Install lighting

• Cover your deck

The sun sets early in winter, so homeowners won’t be able to rely on natural light to illuminate their outdoor living spaces well into the evening like they do in summer. Heat lamps can be used to both warm and illuminate a space, serving dual, budget-friendly functions.

A covered deck may appear to make the space less enjoyable during spring and summer. However, covered decks can protect residents from the sun on especially hot days while also making the space more functional in winter. An overhead shelter on a deck can be outfitted with heaters (and fans to provide a cooling effect in summer) and allow residents to sit outside and watch snow fall without getting wet.

California 101 Real Estate Guide

• Plant the right trees

With the right adjustments, outdoor living spaces can be enjoyed throughout winter.

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Ventura County, CA – December, 2020

2020 Remodel on 17 acres with gated entry, lighted tennis court, approximately 15 acres of avocado orchards, multiple outdoor living areas, outdoor kitchen, 3,000-square-foot shop, two fireplaces, multi-room master suite, amazing views, and much more. $5,900,000

Rancho Tranquilo is located on 5+ acres in Upper Ojai with five bedrooms, flex rooms, two fireplaces, pool, tennis court, caretaker’s quarters, horse facilities, solar, RV garage, views and more. www.12605HighwindsRoad.com $3,375,000

Three-bedroom, 2.5 bath Golden West home remodeled in 2020 with two fireplaces, swimming pool, fruit trees, flexible spaces for home office or hobbies. www.1116DelNidoCourt.com $1,250,000

Nora Davis (805) 207-6177

We Know Ojai. We’re Lifelong Residents.

CA BRE#01046067

2016 Realtor® of the year!

ojaivalleyestates.com

Ventura County, CA – December, 2020

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The Davis Group nora@ojaivalleyestates.com Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe

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