I am officially a Ventura, California local now, I have a surfer as a client after 2 year! Seriously: I am inspired this morning, this project really got me thinking about several things you may not think are related: The Zen and culture around surfing Investment in California Real Estate Venture capital, private placements, REIT's (private real estate investment trusts) Opportunities for real estate professionals Online Marketing I promise not to bore you: The Zen and culture around surfing.. Interesting: I have been in Ventura California for a little over two years now. I was flabbergasted initially: how could this place remain so inexpensive, unpopulated: when it is sooo beautiful. After a couple of months of visiting chamber of commerce meetings and local leads groups, I described t... 07/29/2010

  Discover  Ventura Keys waterfront homes. Imagine being able to sail away from your own "backyard". This is why you want a Ventura Keys waterfront home. This 4-bedroom home features a 35-foot boat dock with the terrace overlooking the water. It has a kitchen you have always dreamed about, with all top-of-the-line appliances and a large granite island in the middle. The entire home has been remodeled and like new. It is within easy walking distance to the beach and miles of bike path along the ocean. If you haven't already discovered the Ventura Keys, now is the time to do this. Located on the coast, only 65 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara. Ventura is the charming undiscovered coastal town in California. Enjoy coastal living at its best in this Ventura Key... 07/16/2010

Help support reading programs for kids in Ventura by coming out to the HP Wright Library in Ventura (57 Day Rd) on July 31, 2010 from 10am to 3pm.  The San Buenaventura Friends of the Library will be holding a Midsummer Book Sale to help raise money for their reading programs geared towards helping kids become more literate.  Located near Ventura College, Wright Library offers reserved free parking that will be strictly enforced at the event. The Midsummer Book Sale will offer high quality used non-fiction and fiction books for sale.  Among the books available for sale are leather-bound classics, paperbacks, premium hardbacks, children's books and even large print books for older folks to enjoy.  All money collected from the proceeds of the book sale go to support the literacy programs ... 07/15/2010

What are you doing this Sunday?  Come celebrate the 4th of July in Ventura.  If you're in downtown Ventura, you can take in the arts and crafts, food, live entertainment and kids' activities at the 30th Annual 4th of July Street Fair.  A Pushem-Pullem parade starts off the festivities at 10:30am at Cemetery Park and winds its way over to Plaza Park.  The parade consists of decorated wagons, strollers, bikes and any other wheeled, non-motorized object that can either be pushed or pulled.  The street fair itself takes place between 11am and 5pm.  Live enterainment includes the following performances: California & Santa Clara Streets Stage10:00am-11:00am: Bachelor & Bachelorettes11:30am-12:00pm: Channel Island Clippers12:00pm-12:30pm: Channelaire Chorus12:30pm-2:30pm: Warren Takahashi Palm... 07/02/2010

The first of the free "Concert in the Park" summer concerts in Ventura will take place on June 27th at Barranca Vista Park (7050 Ralston St, Ventura) at 4pm.  Just bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, blankets, a picnic (if you wish) and a love of music.  Held the last Sunday of the summer months, Ventura's "Concert in the Park" series starts off with a performance by the Ventura British Band. The Ventura British Band is a bit different than its American counterpart.  Instead of trumpets and French horns, a British band uses cornets and alto horns.  This produces a much darker, richer sound.  The Ventura British Band will be performing orchestral music, marches, hymns, Broadway tunes and some original songs.  They also perform the first Tuesday of every month at the Channel Islands ... 06/17/2010

This year's "Cowboys and Heroes Rancho Jamboree" in Ventura will be held on Saturday, June 12, at Olivas Adobe (4200 Olivas Park Drive) from 10am-6pm.  The Olivas Adobe will be transformed into a Chumash Village, a 'Cowboy College' for kids and a Rancho Courtyard where all attendees will be able to learn about the heritage of the Chumash natives as well as cowboy and Mexican heritage.  Attendees of the event will get to enjoy period entertainment, historic education, workshops and fun activities for all ages to enjoy. Kids can earn their Cowboy College "diploma" by learning about roping, branding, blacksmithing, horsemanship, panning for gold and more.  You can paint rocks, create tule dolls and learn how to weave baskets, play traditional music, dance and make food in the Chumash Villa... 06/03/2010

Ventura beach homeowners will get help with sand buildup near their properties.  A settlement was made with the City of Ventura to allow homeowners along Pierpont Beach to remove the buildup of sand outside their homes using mechanical equipment and then split the costs of removal with the City of Ventura.  Since 1999, the City has been banned from using mechanical equipment by the Coastal Commission because it declared that the vegetative dunes along the beach are a "sensitive habitat".  The lack of maintenance of the sand dunes has caused the sand to build up so high, it has caused damage to some Ventura beach homes and even poses a safety hazard in some areas. Several homeowners have filed suit against the City of Ventura, arguing that it is the City's responsibility to keep the sand... 05/20/2010

Being eco-friendly is important.  If you are interested in learning how to compost, you may want to attend a free workshop in Ventura on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 1:30pm.  Composting allows you to use food and yard waste to create a nutrient-rich product to use on your home garden, reducing the amount of water you use as well as how much waste gets sent to local landfills.  The City of Ventura will be providing a hands-on workshop discussing how to create your own compost as well as vermiculture techniques (using worms to create compost).  Environmental experts will also be on hand at the Compost Workshop to answer any questions and give tips on how to be environmentally-friendly while saving money, water and energy.  There will also be a raffle to win eco-friendly products, including... 03/18/2010

A few weeks ago my Company was contacted by a wonderful couple who were getting ready to sell their Ventura Keys home.  The home is steps away from the beach and has a HUGE, deep water boat dock with direct water access to the Ventura Marina.  Referred to us by their Realtor, these Sellers have spent some years on the water sailing and now want to retire to a local golfing community.  One thing that both Sellers and their Realtor agreed on was that their home didn't have that "WOW" factor to appeal to potential Buyers OR be viewed as a "must see" listing on the Internet. The Seller's proceeded to explain that they never liked their sofa, and the 2 faded chairs were from their prior home and as they explained had, "...seen better days."  After viewing the house though, it had contemporar... 03/14/2010

The Ventura County St. Patrick's Day Parade takes over Main Street in downtown Ventura for the 22nd time at 10am on Saturday, March 13, 2010.  The theme of this year's parade is "Music Makes the World Go 'Round".  Zachary Levi, the star of the NBC TV show "Chuck", will be the Grand Marshal.  Today (March 4, 2010) is the deadline for any parade entry applications.  If you're interested in participating, you can download a form at the Ventura St. Patrick's Day Parade website or you can call Jim Monahan at 643-1356.  The participation fee is $25 for all parade entrants. The parade route follows along Main Street from the San Buenaventura Mission to Chestnut Street.  All entrants in the Ventura parade will be judged in different categories, such as Equestrian, Youth Club, Novelty, Commercia... 03/04/2010

Professional bathroom remodeling isn't inexpensive. Per square foot, this could very well be the most expensive room in your home. No other room in your home has as many features that are required to perform as many times each day as are the fixtures in our bathrooms.   The average bathroom only has a major renovation completed once every 30 years. Over this period of time your toilet will be flushed in excess of 120,000 times and your shower will be used more than 38,000 times. As stated by Benjamin Franklin "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."   Bathroom remodeling is a wonderful way to add value to your home and calm to your hectic life. Bathroom remodeling with Vision Construction starts with your ideas, needs and grows with o... 02/05/2010

At Vision Construction we hold firmly the values of integrity, trust and compassion. We listen, knowing that like people, each home has specific needs. We guarantee to deliver the highest quality workmanship while being conscientious of each client. Through our attention to detail, cleanliness and professionalism we intend to be your contractors for life.   We also offer high quality HANDYMAN SERVICES at hourly rates please contact us for free estimate.   No job too Big or too Small ! Painting Drywall repair and texturing Tile setting Carpentry/wood repair Dryrot repair Gate and fence repair Plumbing fixture installation Garbage disposal Leaky hose bibs Toilet and sink installation Water damage Crown moldings, baseboards and casings Door knob/lever and deadbolt installation Door replac... 02/05/2010

  With spring cleaning just around the corner maybe it is time for some of you to rethink those tucked away plans to renovate/ remodel your home.. With today's economic downturn in the housing industry many of us who had hopes of selling and upgrading to the home of our "dreams" can ...no longer see that as a viable option. But why not turn your current home in to your VISION home ? i can help you with fulfilling your goals whatever they may be. From simple repairs to complete gutting and renovation. Consultation is free and I am only a phone call away.. Serving the greater Ventura and Santa Barbara Area..No job is too Big or too small....   02/02/2010

Just a reminder to City of Ventura residents that Saturday January 16th is a household Hazardous Waste Event. It's a good time of year to get rid of some of that old oil, paint, solvents, etc. you'll never use that's taking up space! http://www.cityofventura.net/public_works/resources/environmental_services/res_hhw_q_a It's truly a "no-brainer". Just make an appointment and drive through. They even unload it for you... Let's keep our homes safe and our city clean!   01/07/2010

The 42nd Annual Great Auction fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Ventura will be held at the Marriott Ventura Beach on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 4:30pm.  The theme of this year's fundraiser is "Step Up for Kids - Our Stars of Tomorrow".  Attendees will be able to participate in live and silent auctions of great items that have been graciously donated by some great companies.  All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the five Boys and Girls Clubs in Ventura, Saticoy and Oak View.  You can reserve an individual seat for $150 each or get a whole table for $125 per seat.  Donations for the live and silent auctions as well as sponsorships for the event are still being accepted.  For more information on tickets, answers about the event or donations, please contact Amanda at 8... 11/19/2009

Congress has recently passed new legislation extending the First Time Home Buyer Credit of up to $8000 first time home buyers until April 30, 2010. It also expands the credit to grant up to $6500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. If you are already a current homeowner you will have had to use the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight. Also, to qualify for the first time home buyer credit of $8000 the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the 3 years prior to the purchase. This applies to condo's, townhomes, as well as single family homes....as long as it will be your principal residence. These amounts are the maximum amount... 11/09/2009

  Here Are 10 Good Reasons to Sell Your Home During the Holidays:   People who look for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers.   Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays, so you have less competition.   Houses "show better" when decorated for the holidays.   Buyers are more emotional during the holidays.   Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays.   Many people want to buy before the end of the year for tax reasons ($8,000.00 Tax Credit).   January is traditionally the month for transfers. Transferees can't wait until spring to buy. You must be on the market to capture that market.   You may still restrict showings during your personal family events.   You can always sell now, but specify a delayed closing or extended occupancy... 10/23/2009

In our busy world it's so easy to get caught up in the details and forget what's really important.  When I feel that happening to me, I pull out this story to remind me to stop - think - and remember what the "rocks" are in my life. Here's a quick story for you; A philosophy professor stood quietly in front of the class, waiting for students to take their seats. When they were ready, he silently took an empty mayonnaise jar from his desk and filled it to the top with rocks, about two inches in diameter. When he was done he asked the students whether the jar was full. They replied that, sure, it was full.  Next the professor took a box of small pebbles and poured them into the jar, shaking the jar so that the pebbles fell into the open areas between the larger rocks.  His students were a... 10/12/2009

Hi there, Here's some information about my experience choosing a new Broker, that you may find helpful.  I've been selling homes for almost 6 years now, and due to my Broker electing not to Broker anymore - I had to find a new Broker to work under.  I sat with two different Brokers in person, and spoke with 2 others on the phone.  In the end, my husband and I were very enthusiastic to work with ERA Cusick Realty.  (By the way, I didn't know this before, but "ERA" is a National real estate franchise, and is gaining popularity here in California...) Here's the scoop.  ERA is a company that gives it's agents LOTS of extra tools, free education online and bonus market advantages, that the other Brokers could not compete with (in our eyes).  The one program that really hooked us on ERA was t... 10/10/2009

The City of Ventura is indeed the "City of Good Fortune" with its surrounding mountains, mild year-round climate and beautiful beaches...  There are lots of historical sites, bike paths and parks.  You'll find amazing views and often times, the amazing views are actually beachfront! The parks system includes over 700 acres of parkland and facilities serving various interests from sailing, surfing, tennis, league sports, skateboard parks, and picnic areas.  VThe park system even includes two par-72 championship golf courses!!  Ventura is just a super place to live! For more info on Ventura...  Email me directly at Temple@RealtorTemple.com   10/09/2009