“It's just the end of some things. And the beginning of others.” ― Lisa McMann "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it." Pictures taken at the Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, Ca SEARCH homes in CALIFORNIA KNOW the VALUE of your HOME.  I negotiated my client's short sale, got his debt forgiven, $28,000.00 cash in his pocket & I have the check to prove it!!! Dream A little Enter to win HGTV Dream Home giveaway.  Enter to Win a $100,00 Home Energy Makeover!!!     03/16/2013

  Leprechaun’s Lucky Gold Hunt for Kids Conejo Recreation and Park District Thousand Oaks Community Center       March 17, 2013 12noon to 2:00pm     What a great way to spend and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – hunting for ‘gold coins.’   Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day is planned to be a well-remembered day of fun. Bring your kids … your grandkids … any kids … and let them have the time of their life. Of all the festivities that are planned, amongst them will be crafts, a magician, assortment of game tents, a ‘tattoo’ station, a hilarious leprechaun trap demonstrations … and of course, a hunting for gold coins starting at 1:00pm! After finding all the coins they can find, the children will turn in their pot-o-gold for prizes.   To participate, you must register for the event – so call the Thou... 03/15/2013

  There is an interesting and educational presentation this coming   Saturday, March 9th   at the Grant R. Brimhall Library that you don’t want to miss.   FASCINATING FIRST LADIES 1:00 – 2:00pm      This presentation will be given by Jim Nielson, President of the Thousand Oaks Friends of the Library and docent at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and Library. Mr. Nielson is an avid expert and enthusiast of the presidential first ladies in American History.   The diverse facts that you will learn range from ‘who was the First Lady to request that ‘Hail to the Chief’ always be played when the president entered … and why’ to who is credited with ‘setting most of the standards and customs for the proper behavior and treatment of a presidential First Lady’, and many more fascinating deta... 03/07/2013

  What’s Happening in Conejo Valley MARCH & APRIL 2013   Agoura Hills Date:            Event: Mar 16th      St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Mar 17th      8th Annual Friendship Walk Mar 23rd      28th Annual Great Race - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 Mile   Camarillo Date:            Event: Mar 10th      Camarillo Duathlon Series 2013 Mar 23rd      23rd Annual Gold Dust Gala Mar 30th      Easter Eggstravaganza, and Arts & Crafts Fair – Camarillo Community Center Apr 6th          Autism Society of Ventura County 1st Annual Aut2Run Charity Race Apr. 6th        3rd Annual Dining With the Dogs Fundraiser Apr. 13th      35th Annual Camarillo Kiwanis 5K/10K Runs Apr 14th       Camarillo Duathlon Series 2013 Apr 26th       Camarillo Old Town 2013 Cruise Nights   Moorpark Date:            Event: Mar 1... 03/02/2013

Below, is the illustration of the Thousand Oaks Real Estate Market Report for the month of January, 2103.  This illustration shows a jump in the average list price, the median sale price and the average sales price. This is a result of low Thousand Oaks Single Family Homes inventory, often resulting in multiple offers, which then, typically push prices up over list price.  Notice the Average List to Sale Price it has consistently registered in the high 90% range, which means if a home is priced correctly, there is little room for negotiating the price down.Currently, there are only 60 Single Family Homes for sale in Thousand Oaks , and that translates to just a little over a one month’s supply of inventory which by definition of the Market Absorption Analysis model would put Thousand Oa... 02/23/2013

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? Whether you are thinking of selling a Conejo Valley, California home, or just enjoying the home and garden this summer, you will reap the benefits if you start planning your Spring and Summer Garden now. Now is the time to prune, clean, purge and create new, healthy growing conditions for your Conejo Valley, CA Spring and Summer Garden!  Top 10 Spring Gardening Rules: There's nothing like the taste of home-grown fruits and veggies, and the experts at DIYnetwork.com have a new crop of tips for creating a backyard bounty. Growing such produce isn't hard, but it does need proper care to ensure success in the garden. DIYnetwork.com offers 10 rules for growing vegetables and fruits.   1. Find the sun. Except for lettuce and radishes, veg... 02/19/2013

NEVER GIVE UP!!! "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it."  Despite business failure, great personal loss, rejection, political defeat, tremendous emotional stress, family crises, and severe financial difficulties, Abraham Lincoln ascended to the highest position in this country: President of the United States. From log cabin to White House, from poverty to the presidency, Lincoln faced many obstacles, political and private, but overcame them by faith and the determination to never give up. Lincoln has long been remembered for his endurance in the face of adversity. President Roosevelt once said that Lincoln's life "preeminently and distinctly embod[ied] all that is most American in the American character ... not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of th... 02/18/2013

  What NOT TO DO if you are FACING FORECLOSURE in Ventura County, California: WHAT NOT TO DO: 1.       DO NOT PAY A FEE for counseling or “loan modification” services until you have explored other options, like working directly with your lender or through a HUD-approved counseling service. 2.       DO NOT LIQUIDATE your retirement accounts or savings. The tax consequences and loss of financial security may not be worth it in the long run once it's gone - it's gone! WHAT TO DO: 1.     Visit these websites: http://www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov, http://www.keepyourhomecalifornia.com, http://www.conejovalleyforeclosureprevention.com, to become familiar with the different options available to prevent foreclosure: Modification, Principal Reduction, 2nd Mortgage Modification, Refinance, Unemplo... 02/11/2013

Homes for Sale in Thousand Oaks CA Between $600,000 and $800,000   Looking for your perfect dream home for sale in Thousand Oaks CA between $600,000 and $800,000? Going on the internet and trying to get real time information on these types of specific home searches may seem like you are getting the whole picture but you are not.  A lot of sites are not updated regularly or contain incomplete data. We can provide you and keep you notified instantly (the same time our agents get notified) if and when a home in Thousand Oaks CA in this price range comes on the market, goes under contract, or is sold. We make it incredibly easy with just a touch of a button.       CLICK THE IMAGE above for immediate access to homes for sale in Thousand Oaks CA between $600,000 and $800,000   Homes for Sale ... 02/10/2013

Sweetheart Sunday at       Stagecoach Inn Museum Moorpark, CA     February 10, 2013 1:00pm to 4:00pm     The museum is presenting an interesting exhibit of antique Valentines dating back to 1700 and up to 1945. In addition, there will be a lecture given by Jill Stoliker (Valentine collector and historian) on the Valentine traditions through the many centuries.   While visiting the exhibit be sure to tour the rest of the Stagecoach Inn Museum with its many other displays.   One of the main features of the museum is the Chumash Exhibit. The Chumash Indians were the first known inhabitants of the area. It is believed that prior to the mid 1500s, there was a vast population of Chumash Indians numbering 18,500 or greater. The exhibit features many artifacts including children’s game items an... 02/09/2013

February – the Valentine's Month   Just a quick reminder – what month is this? February! And when you hear February, what should you think of? VALENTINE’S DAY! Don’t forget that special someone … make Valentine’s Day a special one this year.   Men – think of what would please your ‘special someone’ the most. Does she like flowers … candy … or is there something in particular that she has had her eye on, but would never buy for herself? Get it for her; this is a once a year opportunity! And, buying her a card with special words is fine … but why not make her a card with ‘your own’ words. Nothing is more pleasing to a woman than hearing the words from your own heart. And if you’re married with children, whether she is a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, why not get a babysitter and plan ... 02/04/2013

February – BLACK HISTORY MONTH African-American Women     The origin of Black History Month was in 1926; however, at that time it was dedicate to just one week (second week of February) and was first known as “Negro History Week.” It was not until 1976 that it was expanded to a month and was declared Black History Month by the federal government. It was President Gerald Ford who endorsed and urged all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”   Amongst the numerous Black Americans that have contributed in vast areas to the American culture through their great achievements are women. There is definitely too many to be able to feature them all here; but to list just a few:   Mi... 01/27/2013

Conejo Players Theater Fundraiser for the California Museum of Art 351 South Moorpark Road Thousand Oaks       January 26, 2013 Curtain Time – 2pm Backstage Food and Win Reception – 4 to 6pm     Mark your calendars and plan to attend a most enjoyable, entertaining afternoon and evening. The Conejo Players Theater is presenting a special performance of Neil Simon’s “45 Seconds from Broadway” at the Conejo Players Theater in Thousand Oaks. This presentation is a fundraiser to contribute to the growth of the California Museum of Art by benefitting their building fund and enhancing the cultural life of Conejo Valley and the surrounding areas by making Thousand Oaks a leader in the support of arts. This is a one time performance; so you don’t want to miss out. Tickets for this outstanding sh... 01/23/2013

  What’s Happening in Conejo Valley JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2013     Agoura Hills Date:       Event: Jan 9th      7th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive   Camarillo Date:       Event: Jan 6th      3rd Annual Camarillo Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Jan 14th    Free Digital Photography Classes at the Camarillo Library & 28th thru Feb  Free Programs at the City of Camarillo Public Library – for info: www.camarillolibrary.org   Moorpark Date:        Event: Feb 2nd      Moorpark Groundhog Day 5K and I Mile Fun Run Feb 3rd      9th Annual Amanda Super Sunday 5K Run/Walk and Carnival   Thousand Oaks Date:        Event: Jan 11th     Young Artists Ensemble Alumni Presents “Urinetown: The Musical” & 12th thru Jan    Holiday Ice Rink at The Lakes 21st Jan 26th     California Museum of Art Theater... 01/09/2013

  Let the party begin! Well, it’s that time of year when the parties and get-togethers are happening. If you’re the one throwing a social gathering, you’ll want to have all the right elements to make it a grand success. Here are some more recipes that will help in getting great raves!       First you will need to decide if you will be offering a main meat entrée or cold cuts and finger foods. The following dips with chips on the side go great with cold cuts and finger foods. Guacamole   4 x Large Ripe Avocados                            1/2 Lemon (juiced)   1/2 Red Onion – Diced                                1 tsp Hot Pepper Sauce   1 tsp minced Fresh Garlic                           1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce   2 Tbsp Chopped Cilantro                            Salt, Pepper or Seasoni... 12/08/2012

So many Holiday Presentations taking place in Thousand Oaks, I have highlighted just a few below. "A Tigglemeister Christmas"Panic! Productions presents the world premiere of this musical by Renee Carly and Rye Randa, based on the children's book "The Tigglemeisters," about Santa's best toy-maker, Sniggle Tigglemeister, who left the North Pole long ago but is needed again when the year's toy supply is not sufficient. When: Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 1-16,Time: 1 and 4 p.m. Where: Hillcrest Center for the Arts            403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Cost: Admission $10For more information: 805- 381-1246. Sankta Lucia Festival: California Lutheran University presents this traditional Swedish ceremony that honors a Christian martyr. Lucia and her attendants — CLU students selected by their pee... 12/04/2012

Below is the illustration of the Thousand Oaks Real Estate Market Absorption Trend.  This illustration shows that the average list to sales price increased from the 97% range to the 98% range from 2010 to present.The data shows median prices have stayed fairly consistent even from 2010 to present. The median price tells us the half the homes sold for less than this figure and half sold for more.The average sales price per square foot has been fairly consistent in the last year.Currently, there are only 72 Single Family Homes for sale in  Thousand Oaks, and that translates to a months of inventory which by definition of the Market Absorption Analysis model would put Thousand Oaks Single Family Homes in a sellers market.This lower inventory of homes in Thousand Oaks especially in the pric... 11/27/2012

Still have plenty of leftovers from Thanksgiving and trying to figure something different to fix? Here are two casserole recipes that might help you out; they are both scrumptious!   1) Spray the bottom of a casserole dish or a square glass baking dish (size based on the amount of leftovers you have.)   •         Cut turkey in small pieces 1½” to 2”; layer the bottom of the casserole dish   •         Cover with equal thickness of leftover dressing   •         Then, layer chopped green onions –or– chopped brown onions over the top   •         Next, sprinkle sliced black olives over the top   •         Last layer – cover with shredded sharp cheddar cheese     (If you have enough of each ingredient, repeat the above)   Bake at 325° for 30 to 40 minutes – until cheese is well melted. (If t... 11/24/2012

Gingerbread men dance and ornaments come to life in Holidaze spectacular at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Cirque Dreams with founder and director Neil Goldberg will be performing unbelievable acrobatics, juggling, magic and overall entertainment with some 300 costumes all with the focused theme of Christmas Maximus. There will be toy soldiers marching along a very thin wire, acrobats will dazzle in the air as snowflakes, flying reindeer, candy canes, gingerbread men and of course ornaments. Neil Goldberg started Cirque Dreams in 1993 and has produced family-oriented stage shows using elaborate sets, acrobats, magicians and entertainers from around the world.   This Holidaze spectacular came about from Neil Goldberg’s obsession with Christmas ornaments, he has 10,000 of them!  Whic... 11/23/2012

I grew up seeing my Dad cook our Holiday meals! He was a cook in the Navy and was Chief of the Pt. Hueneme, California galley when he retired after 23 years! His turkey gravy is unquestionably the best you could every taste! Here are a few tips for Thanksgiving Dinner! Okay – we have the turkey roasting in the oven and have planned which type of mashed potato we are going to serve, let’s think about some delicious side dishes. But before we do that, another tip for you; when preparing the turkey gravy to top off your mashed potatoes, be sure to use the turkey stock for the liquid and add small bits of turkey that have fallen off the turkey either while cooking or while carving. If the pieces appear to be too big for gravy, cut them down. And remember, don’t put in too many; put in just... 11/21/2012