CA 101 Real Estate Guide 12/27

california 101

DEC. 27, 2019 - JAN. 24, 2020

REAL ESTATE GUIDE VENTURA

COUNTY

AND Home Improvement Guide

CA 101

Charming Sulphur Mountain Cottage

Represented by Patty Waltcher / LIV Sotheby’s International Realty “PROPERTY SHOWCASE” page 12 CA 101

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

Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

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ON THE COVER: Charming Sulphur Mountain

Cottage on 5+ acres

11945 Sulphur Mountain Road

Offered at 1,325,000

2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom 5.34 Acres 980 Square Feet See page 12 for more information on this spectacular property.

11945SulphurMtnRdOjai.com Represented by Patty Waltcher / LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (805) 340-3774

Lic. 01176473 pattywaltcher.com

Cover Photo By TwoFishDigital

California 101 Real Estate Guide california101guide.com MAGAZINE INQUIRIES (833) 805-0101 Published by Blue Highways Productions OPERATIONS Jessica Frakes ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mike Dawkins ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Sandi Diekhuis CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dennis DeLano MANAGING EDITOR Misty Hall PHOTOGRAPHER Logan Hall

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California 101 Real Estate Guide

Welcome to the new 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.

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

5 - Simple ways to cut mortgage costs 6 - Featured local realtors

Connecting Buyers And Sellers 10 - 3 tips to prepare to sell your home 12 - Property Showcase

Charming Sulphur Mountain

14 - Featured Homeowner Services

Connecting homeowners to local services

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Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

Starting at the mid $500k's OxfordFlatsOxnard.com

Starting at the low $500k's ParkPlaceOxnard.com

2800 Wagon Wheel Road #203 | Oxnard, CA 93036 | 805.201.7025 TTY: 711

511 Winchester Drive | Oxnard, CA 93036 | 805.201.7025 TTY: 711

Floor plans, renderings, features, incentives and specifications are subject to change by the developer at any time. They should not be relied upon as representations, expressed or implied. Please see a sales agent for clarification. California DRE #00939170

Ojai Valley Real Estate

2019 FALL SPECIAL COUPON

Sales / Property Management / Notary 221 E Matilija St., Ojai | (805) 646-4911 www.ojaivalleyrealestate.com

$250 gift card at the close of escrow

when you use Heather Erickson as your Realtor.

Valid Dec. 21 - Jan. 24, 2020 Not to be combined with any other concession

NEW TO MARKET

249 Mahoney Ave , Oak View Welcome to this beautiful move-in ready home! Entertain friends and family in this open living/dining area with high beamed ceiling, cozy wood-burning rock fireplace, and convenient wet bar, Kids and $545,000 guests enjoy extra large secondary bedrooms, Call Heather Erickson 805-798-3358 Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

1202 Loma Dr #132 Three bedroom two bathroom manufactured home with huge enclosed patio room , front porch deck with custom retractable awning and gorgeous views! $210,000 Call Heather Erickson (805) 798-3358

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1202 Loma Dr #51 This two bedroom one and one half bath home located in the Mira Valle mobile home community is situated perfectly with no direct neighbors. Very well cared for home and priced well.

Park amenities make the price extra appealing! $110,000 Call Heather Erickson (805) 798-3358 california101guide.com

HELPFUL SELLING AND BUYING POINTS

Simple ways to cut mortgage costs Monthly mortgage payments are the biggest single expense for many homeowners. So it’s understandable why plenty of homeowners would love to trim those costs.

A host of factors determine how much homeowners pay for their mortgages each month. The cost of the home, the amount of the initial down payment and property taxes, which are often folded into monthly payments, will factor heavily into the cost of home ownership. While homeowners may feel as though there’s little wiggle room to cut the costs of their mortgages, there are several ways to do just that and potentially trim years from the life of a home loan.

• Make bi-weekly payments. Making bi-weekly instead of once-amonth payments can save homeowners substantial amounts of money.

A year’s worth of once-a-month payments equates to 12 payments per year. But homeowners who pay on a bi-weekly basis will make 26 half payments, or 13 full payments, per year. That extra annual payment can be applied directly to the principal, dramatically reducing how much homeowners pay in interest over the life of their loans.

• Stop paying PMI. Homeowners whose initial down payments are less than 20 percent of the sale price will have to pay private mortgage

insurance, or PMI. But once the balances on such mortgages falls below 80 percent, homeowners can cancel such insurance. Homeowners may also be able to stop paying PMI by having their homes reappraised.

• Refinance the loan. Refinancing a loan also can save homeowners substantial amounts of money each month. Homeowners are typically eligible for lower interest rates when refinancing their loans, meaning they will pay less in interest each month.

However, refinancing is not free, so homeowners should first check the going home interest rates and examine their credit scores to see if the interest rate they’re likely to get upon refinancing will save them money. The cost of refinancing might be more than homeowners can save.

• Request a tax reassessment. Real estate values increase and decrease, and homeowners who feel their homes have decreased in value can request that their homes be reassessed. Homeowners whose homes are assessed at a value lower than the current value can expect to pay less each month in taxes.

Homeowners hoping to cut mortgage costs have various options at their disposal.

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 Marc Whitman, Whitman, A.I.A., A.I.A., LEED, LEED, NCARB NCARB Whitman Architectural Whitman Architectural Design, Design, Inc. Inc.

Ventura Office Opening Early 2020 California 101 Real Estate Guide

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Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

FEATURED LOCAL REALTORS CONNECTING BUYERS AND SELLERS

Nora Davis (805) 207-6177 LIV SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Avenue nora@ojaivalleyestates.com ojaivalleyestates.com Lic. 01046067

Heather L Erickson (805) 798-3358 OJAI VALLEY REAL ESTATE 221 E Matilija St Ste J heatherojai@aol.com ojaivalleyrealestate.com Lic. 01379424

Dennis Guernsey (805) 646-7288 LIV SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Avenue dguernsey@sbcglobal.net dennisguernsey.com Lic. 04992913

Fred Evans (805) 339-3502 RE/MAX GOLD COAST REALTORS 5720 Ralston Street #100 Ventura, CA 93003 fredevans.com Lic. 00893591

Clinton Haugan (805) 760-2092 LIV SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 727 West Ojai Ave., Ojai clintonhaugan@gmail.com sothebysrealtyca.com Lic. 02019604

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

Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

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HEART OF OJAI

READY TO BUILD

– PENDING – Hard to find 4+2.75 near Topa Topa. Huge enclosed patio, frpl.

2-car garage, remodeled kitchen and more . $749,500

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

EAST END ACRE

RARE FIND IN OJAI

Flat 1-acre lot just minutes from town. Utilities at street--buyer to verify. Buyer advised to check with City or County about possible development. Perfect for mini estate, horses, planting etc. Great mountain views----Reduced 50K! $375,000

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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Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

Wilde

Larry 805.640.5734

Erik 805.830.3254

IN ESCROW

Thacher Road | Classic 1908 “Julia Morgan” Architect | $2,750,000

25+ Acres | Thacher Road Well Water | $1,750,000

IN ESCROW

Thacher Road| 5+ Acres Nine Rentals | $2,750,000

Oh What Views & Privacy | East End incredible Detail & Quality | $2,395,000

IN ESCROW

Downtown Ojai | Great Location Guest House | $975,000

Bryant Circle Industrial | 2400 SF | Currently Leased Solar | Roll Up Doors | $945,000

Downtown Ojai | Private | 1.5 Acres $1,349,500 | 811canada.com

Larry Wilde began his real estate career in Ojai in 1975, and by 1978, together with his partner Dennis Guernsey, formed their own Real estate business. Today it is the premier brokerage in the Ojai Valley.

Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

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Rancho Matilija | Full Guest House Pool/Spa | Room for Horses | $1,895,000

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

Down Town Ojai Church over half acre $1,495,000

GRAND AVENUE | SIX ACRE ORANGE GROVE INCREDIBLE WELL! | $1,200,000

Commercial Lot in Ojai $375,000

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

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 – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

HELPFUL SELLING AND BUYING POINTS

3 tips to prepare to sell your home

Photo submitted

Eliminating pet odors, including those associated with pets, can help homeowners prepare their homes for prospective buyers.

According to Realtor.com, spring is the busiest and best season to sell a home. While a good home can find a buyer any time of year, homeowners might find the buyers’ pool is strongest in spring and into summer.

The reasons for that are many, ranging from parents wanting to move when their children are not in school to buyers wanting to move when the weather is most accommodating.

Because spring is such a popular time to sell a home, homeowners who want to put their homes on the market should use winter as an opportunity to prepare their homes for the prying eyes of prospective buyers. The following tips can help homeowners during the pre-selling preparation process.

1. Address the exterior of the home.

Winter can be harsh on a home’s exterior, so as winter winds down, homeowners who want to sell their homes should make an effort to address anything that might negatively affect their homes’ curb appeal. A study of homes in Greenville, S.C., from researchers at Clemson University found that the value of homes with landscapes that were upgraded from “good” to “excellent” increased by 6 to 7 percent. If it’s in the budget, hire professional landscapers to fix any problematic landscaping or address any issues that arose during the winter.

Homeowners with green thumbs can tackle such projects on their own, but hiring professionals is akin to staging inside the home.

2. Conquer interior clutter.

Clutter has a way of accumulating over the winter, when people tend to spend more time indoors than they do throughout the rest of the year. Homeowners who want to put their homes on the market in spring won’t have the luxury of waiting until spring to do their “spring” cleaning, so start clearing any clutter out in winter, even resolving to make an effort to prevent its accumulation throughout winter. Just like buyers are impressed by curb appeal, they are turned off by clutter. The Appraisal Institute Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

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suggests homeowners clear clutter out of their homes before appraisers visit, and the same approach can be applied to open houses. Buyers, like appraisers, see cluttered homes as less valuable. In addition, a home full of clutter might give buyers the impression, true or not, that the home was not well maintained.

3. Eliminate odors.

A home’s inhabitants grow accustomed to odors that might be circulating throughout the house. Pet odor, for instance, might not be as strong to a home’s residents as it is to guests and prospective buyers. Because windows tend to stay closed throughout the winter, interior odors can be even stronger come late-winter than they are during the rest of the year. A thorough cleaning of the house, including vacuuming and removal of any pet hair that accumulated over the winter, can help to remove odor. In the weeks leading up to the open house, bathe pets more frequently, using a shampoo that promotes healthy skin so pet dander is not as prevalent. Open windows when the weather allows so more fresh air comes into the home.

Spring is a popular and potentially lucrative time to sell a home, and homeowners who spend winter preparing their homes for the market may reap even greater rewards. california101guide.com

Only

Clinton Haugan 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

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 – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property

CA 101

Charming Sulphur Mountain Cottage on 5+ acres This charming New England style cottage on Sulphur Mountain is close to town and sits on 5+ acres. A spacious, screened-in, wrap around porch creates an inviting outdoor space to take advantage of the incredible views. The great room boasts high ceilings, oak floors and a loft. It opens to the porch for a classic indoor-outdoor California feeling. The natural, secluded

surroundings include a Japanese style soaking tub with a view, a refinished Airstream for guests, a detached sleeping quarters and ample room for entertaining. A large pad down below would be the perfect location for a new main house or additional structure. This one of kind treasure should definitely not be missed.

Offered at 1,325,000 11945SulphurMtnRdOjai.com

Represented by Patty Waltcher – LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

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CALIFORNIA 101 Featured Property

CA 101

Photos By TwoFishDigital

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

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Lic. 01176473 Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan. 24, 2020

FEATURED HOMEOWNER SERVICES

WHO’S YOUR REALTOR?

CONNECTING HOME OWNERS TO LOCAL SERVICES

Your Local REALTOR... will guide you

through either buying a new home or selling yours

Your Local REALTOR... can help you

to determine your maximum purchasing power

Your Local REALTOR... promotes Ojai Valley home searches daily Your Local REALTOR... has information regarding properties Your Local REALTOR... negotiates property values for you Your Local REALTOR... has local building code information Your Local REALTOR... guides you through your transaction Your Local REALTOR... markets your property to RE agents Your Local REALTOR... is a member of OjaiValleyMLS.com Your Local REALTOR... knows how to best advertise your property for sale Your Local REALTOR... evaluates best buyer’s offers for you Call Your Local REALTOR... to purchase or sell your home!

Need More Info?

“The Rainmaker Shower”

Call: The Ojai Valley Board of REALTORS®

(805) 646-8453 or email: ovbr@west.net

Custom Design & Installation

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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F RED E VANS S ELLS ... V ENTURA C OUNTY T O THE W ORLD !

Memeber of RE/MAX Hall of Fame • Top 1% In The Nation

ONE OF VENTURA COUNTIES TOP LISTING & SELLING AGENTS

5348 RINCON BEACH PARK DRIVE, VENTURA Gated Ocean Front Seacliff Beach Colony, Ventura. Trilevel oceanfront home w/ 4 BR, 5 ½ BA, approx.

4,142 sq. ft., 50 feet of ocean frontage. Waterfront master bedroom suite. Private elevator all 3 levels.

Offered at $4,575,000 www.5348RinconBeach.com

N ANN STREET, VENTURA The West Ridge of Seamont Ranch. Build dream home on this rare approx. 2.41 acres ocean-view overlooking Ventura. Channel Islands & panoramic Pacific coastline views. Listed at $2,500,000. www.WestRidgeofSeamontRanch.com Call Tori Pearson (805)216-2060 for information.

7477-7481-WHEELER CANYON ROAD, SANTA PAULA Two luxury homes on 20 acres, Santa Paula. Log cabin inspired in Wheeler Canyon. Main residence 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA w/ over 5600 sq. ft. Three stories w/ elevator. The 2nd residence, single story 3 BR, 2 BA approx. 1190 sq. ft. Over 1200 sq. ft. garage for each home.

Listed for $1,999,999. www.FredEvans.com

3045 GROVE STREET, VENTURA Ventura Hillside Panoramic, Ocean & Island Views. Almost 1/3 of an acre lot & home approx. 2500 sq. ft. These 3 BR/2 BA property offers serenity & privacy. A separate large office or art studio w/ private entrance from deck, includes built in cupboards & tables. Could be used as guest quarters or rental. Terraced hillside back yard, large front & side decks.

Listed at a great value of $1,200,000 www.3045Grove.com

729 ALISO STREET, VENTURA Ventura Aliso Estates. Simi custom home 2944 sq. ft., ¾ acre hillside lot. 4 BR, 3 BA, 3 car garage. Approx.

700 sq. ft. family room. Last house in the culde-sac. Private back yard.

Quiet location.

OFFERED AT $1,089,000. www.729AlisoSt.com

1029 PACIFIC VIEW DRIVE, VENTURA Ventura 240-degree panoramic ocean, island & city lights view lot. Above downtown Ventura on a private street. Over a quarter acre lot. Now is your chance to secure spectacular view lot in the city.

Offered at $795,000 www.FredEvans.com

8106 SILVER CIRCLE, VENTURA Ventura east end Citrus Walk.

Corner lot location close to Community Park.

Featuring 4 BR, 2 ½ BA and over 2000 sq. ft. Air conditioning. Washer, dryer & fridge included.

Listed for $649,000 www.8106SilverCircle.com

3207 FOOTHILL ROAD, VENTURA (JUST LISTED) Ventura Ocean & island View. A Mid-Century beauty with a second story addition completed in 2001 with 5 bedrooms & 3 baths and over 2000 square feet. Lot approx. 9100 sq. ft, enough room for accessory dwelling unit.

Listed for $999,000. www.3207Foothill.com

697 VIA CIELITO, VENTURA Ventura Ondulando lot. Spectacular views of the City, Ocean, islands & farmlands. Highly sought after and desirable neighborhood. Certified building pad. Grading & soils clearance. Private location. Flat over 1/3 acre lot.

REDUCED TO $475,000 www.FredEvans.com

Fred Evans - Bringing a world of Real Estate knowledge & experience to Ventura County.

NOW IN MY 35TH YEAR OF SELLING REAL ESTATE!

fredevans.com global.remax.com Translated in over 42 languages

California 101 Real Estate Guide

Buying or Selling?

Call The Fred Evans Team: 805-339-3502 (office) or 805-267-6701 (cell) 15

00893591 Ventura County, CA – Dec. 27, 2019 - Jan.DRE 24,Lic.# 2020

“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 ·

520 Buckboard Lane Ojai, CA 93023 Sitting on over three acres in the prestigious Persimmon Hill area of downtown Ojai, this five bedroom, three 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. 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 gated 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 Libbey Park, shops, restaurants, and the Ojai Bike/Hike Trail.

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