Yes, you heard us right. When getting ready to put a Ventura home on the market, sellers scrub the kitchens, deep clean the carpets and drapes, get rid of clutter and rearrange the furniture to show off the best features and spaciousness of each room. But, they tend to forget to stage their closets.
Believe it or not, buyers look everywhere...and we do mean EVERYWHERE, when considering buying a Ventura home. This includes opening up cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom, looking through the pantry and peering into the closets. They want to view every inch of the property they are considering plunking their hard-earned cash down on. That means that it may be time for a bit of a makeover when it comes to the inside of your closets.
This is the perfect time to get rid of old clothes, shoes, jackets and accessories that don't fit or just aren't worn much anymore. Consider holding a yard sale. You may even be able to make a little cash there. Whatever doesn't sell can be given away to family, friends or local Ventura area charities, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Charities are always in need of these items. Donations are also tax deductible (a good thing to keep in mind, come tax time).
Once you've gotten rid of the excess, the actual staging can begin. Organize your clothing into groups: shirts, pants, dresses, etc. In each of these groups, place similarly colored items together. This is much more visually pleasing. Add a shoe rack to keep your shoes neat and tidy. Smaller items can be placed in bins or even labeled shoe boxes. Put smaller luggage inside larger luggage to help save space. If possible, consider adding some shelving or even have a custom closet organizer installed. If you can't afford a professional, visit your local home improvement store for ideas.
The whole point of staging your closets is to show them off to their maximum potential. Walk-in closets can especially benefit from a bit of staging. These same principals can be used when it comes to organizing your pantry and/or kitchen cabinets. When selling your Ventura home, don't forget to stage your closets!
A beautiful, spacious 2 bed/2.5 bath countryside condo, 5018 Almond #1 in Orange, CA features vaulted ceilings and laminated wood floor throughout except for the stairs (carpeted), entryway and bathrooms (tile). A wood-burning fireplace keeps the living room cozy, with a sliding door that opens up to a large, fenced, concrete patio. The kitchen has a separate pantry, with dining off the kitchen. The huge master bedroom has a walk-in closet and double sinks in the master bath. The large loft would make a perfect office or family room. The indoor laundry room makes this chore much easier to tackle. Central air conditioning helps keep you cool during those hot summer days and nights.
This condo offers a two car attached garage, which isn't always easy to find when you're looking for that perfect attached home. This property is in a great location, with convenient access to Orange Hills, Irvine Park and the 55 Freeway (for commuters). This home is being offered by a standard equity seller. If you or someone you know might be interested in a personal look at this beautiful countryside condo, please contact The Z Team at 805-340-9338.
Do you have cleaners, gas, batteries, old fluorescent lights or other items that you need to get rid of but can't just throw out with your regular household trash? Where do you go to dispose of household hazardous waste in Ventura? The City of Ventura's Environmental Services holds a public household hazardous waste collection on the third Saturday of every month. Only residents of Ventura are allowed to drop off waste and are limited to 15 gallons or 125 pounds at each visit.
Household hazardous waste items that are acceptable to drop off include:
Aerosol Cans
Adhesives
Automobile Fluids (transmission and brake fluids)
Batteries
Fluorescent Lights
Gasoline (including fuel additives)
Household Cleaners
Hypodermic Needles (must be in an approved Sharps container or other puncture-resistant container)
Medications (only non-narcotic)
Motor Oil and Filters
Paint and Paint-Related Materials (polishes, varnishes, turpentine, etc)
Pesticides
Pool Chemicals
Thermometers
Items that will not be accepted include:
Bullets
Commercial or Industrial Waste
Electronic Waste
Explosives
Fireworks
Large Containers (anything larger than 5 gallons, such as 55-gallon drums)
Propane or Compressed Gas Tanks (barbecue and camp stove tanks are acceptable)
Radioactive Materials
Smoke Detectors
If you have an old smoke detector that doesn't work anymore, you should mail it back to the manufacturer instead of tossing it in the trash. While electronic waste is not accepted at the Ventura Environmental Services offices, you can drop these items off for free anytime at the Gold Coast Recycling (5275 Colt St #2, Ventura, CA) offices. Just make sure to bring proof that you reside in the City of Ventura. If you can't wait for the third Saturday of the month to dispose of your household hazardous waste, you can call (805) 652-4525 to make an appointment to drop off your waste during the week (8am to 5pm Monday through Friday).
Are you wondering where you can safely dispose of household hazardous waste in Ventura? As long as you are a resident of the city, you can drop it of on the third Saturday of the month at Ventura's Environmental Services Department. This service is provided free of charge to all Ventura residents. Make sure to bring proof of residency with you when you drop your items off.
Christmas is all around us here in Ventura. With just one week to go, the air is buzzing with excitement. One way to celebrate the season is with the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights. Beginning tonight (December 16, 2011) at 7pm and continuing through tomorrow evening (December 17, 2011), hundreds of boats decorated with thousands of lights cruise the harbor to show off their holiday spirit with a California twist.
In addition to the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights, get some of your Christmas shopping done from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, December 17th at the Winter Wonderland and Holiday Sidewalk Sale at the Ventura Harbor Village. In between shopping trips, see the live reindeer, listen to the Victorian Carolers belt out traditional Christmas tunes, hear the Toy Soldier Band perform, play in the "snow" and see holiday characters walking about. It all makes for quite the festive holiday event.
At the conclusion of the Ventura Parade of Lights on both Friday and Saturday evenings, there will be a full fireworks display. Santa will even make an appearance over the harbor, thanks to Aspen Helicopters. If you want to actually be a part of the parade, you can take one of the public cruises offered by Island Packers or Ventura Boat Rentals. Reservations are required. So don't delay!
The annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights is a unique family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday season in Southern California. We would like to take a moment to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From our family to yours.
Home buyers need to make so many decisions throughout the buying process: how much to spend, what size, where, when, etc. So, how do you know what kind of house to look for? Whether you decide on a single-family home, condominium, new or old, choosing the right kind of Ventura home can make the difference between experiencing a "buyer's high" or suffering "buyer's remorse".
First things first. Take your time to evaluate what your lifestyle requires. Do you want to be close to work? Do you like having your entertainment, shopping and recreational opportunities within walking distance? Do you like to entertain? Do you need a yard for the pets, family, just lounging, etc.? Are you willing to put some elbow grease into fixing up a property (like a foreclosure or older home) or would you rather have a move-in ready, turnkey home? These are just a few questions that need to be considered before you go looking for that perfect Ventura County home.
Condos and townhomes are great for people with busy lifestyles who don't need a big yard to take care of. Your HOA fees take care of routine landscaping and maintenance for the grounds and common areas. You are still typically responsible for any repairs or maintenance for everything involved with your particular unit (check the CC&Rs to see specifically what you are responsible for). You also have less privacy, since you share at least one common wall with a neighbor.
Single-family homes give you the luxury of more privacy as well as a yard for the kids or pets to play in as well as entertaining. Repairs and maintenance on your single-family Ventura home are solely your responsibility. Families tend to gravitate towards the more open single-family home rather than smaller condo lifestyle.
Whatever option you decide on, choosing the right kind of Ventura home is a big first step to getting you moved into the home of your dreams. Take your time. Going on gut instinct alone is what makes many buyers end up regretting a hasty decision. Let us know when you're ready to make that step to Ventura homeownership.
Take a step back in time with a free candlelight tour of Ventura's historic Olivas Adobe. From 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Sunday, December 11, 2011, you can see how Christmas was celebrated in the Old California Rancho tradition by taking a guided candlelight tour at the Olivas Adobe (4200 Olivas Park Dr). Each tour will be headed by a volunteer guide from the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters, a local non-profit group who champions the preservation of Southern California's only remaining Monterey-style adobe home from the Gold Rush times.
Every room of Ventura's Olivas Adobe home will be decorated in a unique holiday style celebrating traditions from the past. In addition to the free guided tour, all visitors will see skits depicting the Old California lifestyle performed by the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters in full costumed glory. There will also be live music and refreshments available. Make sure to dress warmly because it will be a chilly evening.
While the tours are free, reservations are still required. Tour times fill up quickly, so call 805-658-4726 now to make your reservation. You don't want to miss out on all the fun. Learn about Old California history and celebrate the holidays with your family by joining in on a free candlelight tour of Ventura's historic Olivas Adobe.
Tis the season to light the tree in Ventura County. The next couple of weeks are when the holiday season really kicks into gear here in Southern California. If you're looking for somewhere in your neighborhood to watch the city trees light up the night sky, here are a few of the official tree lighting ceremonies taking place throughout Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura County:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011 Newport Beach, Newport's Fashion Island (401 Newport Center Dr) - 6pm. Mickey and the gang are coming to help get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Santa will make an appearance as well.
Westlake Village, The Promenade at Westlake (100 Promenade Way) - 7:30pm. Kids' crafts, special holiday performances and time with Santa.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2011 Newport Beach, Newport's Fashion Island (401 Newport Center Dr) - 6pm. Mickey and the gang are coming to help get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Santa will make an appearance as well.
Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade (395 Santa Monica Pl) - 6pm. Music, merriment and, of course, Santa.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 Burbank, Burbank City Hall (275 E Olive Ave) - 5:30pm. The Mayor's tree lighting ceremony kicks off the city's 12 Days of Holiday Cheer celebration. Take a ride on the Metrolink Holiday Toy Express.
Long Beach, Queen Mary (1126 Queen's Hwy) - Gates open at 4pm, event begins at 5:30pm. All the food, live music and fun is absolutely free to the public!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011 Oxnard, Oxnard Plaza Park (500 South C St) - 5:30pm. Enjoy Santa and free refreshments!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2011 Orange, Old Town Plaza (Glassell St & Chapman Ave) - 3:30pm. Includes traditional Christmas carols.
We love celebrating Christmas time in Southern California as much as anyone else across the country. Tis the season to light the tree in Ventura County and other cities in the area. If you want to enjoy the festivities for yourself, check out on of these celebrations for yourself. Happy holidays, everybody!
Even in today's topsy-turvy economy, owning a Ventura home is still a solid investment. Now that home prices are back at reasonable levels, mortgage rates remain incredibly low and inventory is plentiful, it's a great time to buy. Here are the top three reasons why homeowership rules:
1. It's Yours - Obviously, if you own it, it's yours. But, when you own your Ventura home instead of renting it, you get to mold your living space into whatever you need or want it to be. You don't need to ask permission from a landlord. Also, the longer you stay in a home, the more equity you can build up. Equity is the difference between what you owe on a property and what the property's worth. In past years, homes typically appreciated at a rate of 4-6% per year. While some homeowners who bought a Ventura house when the real estate market was at its crazy peak a few years ago are experiencing negative equity right now, still more homeowners who have bought in just the last couple of years are experiencing a positive equity now. When home values go up (and they will), your equity will increase as well.
2. Sense of Security - Studies have shown that kids raised in a home that is owned by their parents rather than renting have a lower rate of pregnancy and drug use. This has been attributed to the fact that most homeowners stay in one place for a longer period of time rather than moving around from place to place every few months like renters tend to do. Also, if you have a fixed rate mortgage, you know what your monthly payment is going to be two, three, five and even ten years down the road. Rent, on the other hand, will fluctuate depending on how long your lease is and tends to increase after your lease is up.
3. Bargains Galore - I know we've said this before, but there are definitely bargains to be had in the Ventura real estate market. Whether you're looking to buy that first starter home, you need a larger place for an expanding family or your little ones have grown up and moved out so you need to downsize, you'll find it here. Ventura home prices are at exceptionally reasonable levels as well. When you partner that with interest rates hovering around 4%, it ends up being cheaper to buy than to rent a home.
What are you waiting for? Contact us now so you can learn for yourself why Ventura homeownership totally rules! Home prices in some areas are even beginning to go up. So, don't miss out on your opportunity to own your own piece of the American dream now!
Trying to sell your Ventura County home? In today's economic climate, that may seem like a superhuman task. But, it's not. A good marketing plan is key to selling your Ventura home. With a little work and planning, you can have a successful home sale.
Over the years, The Z Team has cultivated a marketing plan that optimizes your Ventura home's assets and gives you the most exposure. The first step is to evaluate your home's condition to determine if any repairs or adjustments (including home staging suggestions) need to be made so that your home makes the best first impression possible. It is important for your home to put its best foot forward since the first few weeks are when a listing gets the most traffic. Our recommendations are made specifically to help you get the most you can for your home.
Next, we run a Comparative Market Analysis report that lists other Ventura County homes in your neighborhood with similar amenities to your own home to get a realistic view of what you can expect to sell your home for. Listing your home at an appropriate price can be a crucial piece of the home sale puzzle. Overpriced homes tend to languish on the market longer and tend to sell for less money than if you had listed it competitively to begin with. It's hard to place a "real" value on our own homes since they hold so many cherished memories. You will need to set your personal feelings aside, including how much you owe, how much you "think" it should be worth, how much money you have put into the house and so on in order to have a clear picture of what to expect your home to sell for.
After we have agreed on the sales price, your Ventura home will then be listed with the Ventura MLS and CARETS (the California MLS) so that it is seen by our network of real estate agents and brokers. The MLS is the "go-to" for real estate professionals to find homes on the market. After that, The Z Team will arrange the brokers caravan (which is the first time a broker will physically see your home and determine whether they want to recommend it to their clients or not). We also take care of photographs, signs and ordering the lock box for your home.
Since studies show that most buyers turn to the internet first when looking for a Ventura home (even before they have contacted and/or hired a REALTOR® of their own), it is important to make sure your listing is posted online. In addition to advertising your listing on our own website, we will get your listing syndicated to top real estate sites (such as Trulia, Zillow, Real Bird and more) as well as social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) so that your home gets the exposure necessary to bring in the buyers.
If a picture speaks a thousand words, you can imagine what a video says. Your Real Bird listing can be made into a video that will then be posted on You Tube for even more exposure. As special "Showcase" subscribers on Realtor.com, your Ventura home will be placed on more than 60 websites (including MSN.com, ReMax.com, The Wall Street Journal Online and Craigslist).
Finally, we still network with other Southern California agents via colorful email flyers. When you hire The Z Team to represent your Ventura home sale, you can rest assured that we are committed to getting the job done. A good marketing plan is key to selling your Ventura home. Please contact us today so we can sit down with you and create a strategy to get your home sold as soon as possible.
The call of the Pacific Ocean beckons thousands of people from all around the world to visit the City of Ventura every year. Many are so drawn to this gorgeous town that they end up buying a home and setting down roots. However, to really get a feel for how amazing a place this fair city of ours is, you should take an evening cruise of Ventura Harbor.
Island Packers, a local Ventura business, offers two evening harbor cruises that you really shouldn't miss. Their one hour "Taste of Ventura Harbor" cruise offers live music, appetizers from local restaurants such as Spinnaker Steak & Seafood Broiler, Andres Wine & Tapas Bar, The Greek and Milano's Italian Restaurant. The next cruise leaves the Ventura Harbor (1691 Spinnaker Dr) on October 15, 2011 at 6:30pm. The live entertainment for that evening will be Sing Along Pop Songs by Ken Kong. Tickets are just $28 for adults, $25 for seniors ages 55+ and $21 for kids under 13. To make your reservation, simply call 805-642-1393. Once your appetite gets whetted with this one hour cruise, you can have dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in the Ventura Harbor.
For the larger appetite, take in the sights of the Harbor as well as cruise the waterfront homes of the Ventura Keys with a two hour dinner cruise. In addition to live music and appetizers, you will enjoy dinner and dessert from one of Ventura's finest dining establishments: Spinnaker Steak & Seafood Broiler. There is a no host cash bar that offers Ojai Valley wine as well as domestic and imported beers. Tri tip and shrimp will be served on their next cruise set to sail on October 22nd at 6:30pm. Teresa Russell will be performing acoustic classic rock for your listening pleasure. Tickets for this cruise are $54 for adults, $50 for seniors and $42 for kids. You can make your reservation today by calling 805-642-1393.
One of the highlights of living in Ventura is the natural beauty you see everywhere. Never is this more true than when you take a cruise of the Ventura Harbor. Don't miss out on an opportunity to see our city in this fun, unique way.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Yes, you heard us right. When getting ready to put a 
Do you have cleaners, gas, batteries, old fluorescent lights or other items that you need to get rid of but can't just throw out with your regular household trash? Where do you go to dispose of household hazardous waste in 
Christmas is all around us here in 
Home buyers need to make so many decisions throughout 
Take a step back in time with a free candlelight tour of 
Tis the season to light the tree in 
Even in today's topsy-turvy economy, 
The call of the Pacific Ocean beckons thousands of people from all around the world to 
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