You must know about this incredible offer given to home Sellers that - as a Realtor - really blew my mind...  My Broker (ERA Cusick Realty) calls it the "Seller Security Plan."  Basically, it states that when you list your home with us, if we cannot get it sold in 6 months, we will BUY IT OURSELVES!  Yes, I'm serious.    I've heard of lot's of various Broker advertising offers, but never one like this.  The 411: We have 6 months to list the home on the market, the home must be in "move-in" condition, qualified for financing, covered by a home Warranty, a home inspection must be completed (and repairs made), and the home must not be listed at more than 5% above market appraisal value - which means you have to price the home within current neighborhood asking prices.  If you've got a lock... 10/06/2009

As of November 30, 2009,the first time homebuyer credit is due to run out!! There have been more than a dozen bills introduced to try to prolong the life of the tax credit and the White House is evaluating the credit's impact on home sales. I hear they way overspent their intended budget already on this. The National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders are pushing for extension. But with the cost, which is said to maybe hit $15 billion (more than double the projection...wowsa!) who knows how likely this is to get extended.Home sales have definitely been rising in Ventura and prices have been pushed up.The odds are said to be around 60% that Congress will extend the credit.If you are fearing of running out of time, now is the time to jump into the market... 09/18/2009

I updated the bi-weekly Market Stats for Ventura Homes last week. We're still holding strong especially in the $450,000 and under range with homes in escrow now outnumbering the available homes by almost 6 to 1. Wondering when and if any more REO's will be released and to free up more inventory for our anxious buyers! 9/2/09                   Active  Contingent  Pending     In Escrow   Sold        DOM            Av. $       Med $ All Prices       233        169         116          285          432         85/103      $408,870   $372,500 -$450,000       74        143          85          228          308         74/88        $296,100   $307,500   09/08/2009

7th Annual Ventura Hillsides Music Festival Sunday, September 6, 1pm - 5pm Arroyo Verde Park, Ventura, CA (map) The 7th Annual Ventura Hillsides Music Festival, which benefits the Ventura Hillsides Convervancy. This year's event features performances by the Neville Brothers, Dave Mason, Keb' Mo' and Jay Nash. General admission is $45 and kids under 6 are free! Gates open at 11:30 a.m. There will also be educational displays from environmental non-profit groups and the children's area will feature the City of Ventura's popular climbing wall and other youth activities. Free parking available at Ventura College. Food and beverages will be available at the concert. Picnics and small coolers are welcome but glass, alcohol, knives and pets are not. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring low-bac... 08/21/2009

Music Under The Stars: Sultans of Mambo August 22, 2009Courtyard gates open at 6:30, Concert starts at 7:30pm4200 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura Harbor AreaPhone: (805) 658-4726Admission: $18/ticket & optional $10/table for 4 Flamenco Rumba Music. This flamenco, rhythm and bass guitar driven quartet of singers-whose exciting South American sound can be heard on film scores like The Mexican-will rumba you to the dance floor all night long with lyrics in English and Spanish. Make it a catered affair! Call 805/650-7559 by Friday noon before each concert to reserve a complete hot buffet dinner by BuenaVentura Catering for $13.50 per person. A different menu is served each Saturday 45 minutes prior to the performance. More info: http://www.cityofventura.net/mus       08/21/2009

CHIEFS ALONG THE CHANNEL CAR SHOW: Sunday, August 23rd  10-3 Vintage and modern Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and GMC trucks will be on display at Ventura Harbor during this show hosted by the Channel Islands chapter of the Pontiac-Oakland Club International and the Seaside Goats. Other activities will include live music by John Marx and The Blues Patrol, a raffle and an awards ceremony. Ventura Harbor Village main lawn, Spinnaker Drive off Harbor Boulevard, Ventura. Free for spectators; $40 to enter a car. A portion of proceeds will be donated to FOOD Share; take canned or nonperishable items for donation. more info: http://www.venturaharborvillage.com/ 08/21/2009

It is time for an update on the real estate market in Ventura.  I am happy to report that the Ventura real estate market is improving.  But before I give you that information, let me tell you what is happening on a national and statewide level. Nationally, homes sale prices are up by 2 1/2%. Standard and Poors reports that 14 of the 20 major market areas have seen sale prices increased. Case-Shiller reports price increases for the first time in three years. Case-Shiller also reported that, nationally, prices are reversing from the downward trend and that the real estate market has fully turned the corner. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) reports that resale home sales have risen for the past four consecutive months. The U.S. Department of Commerce reported that new home sales... 08/06/2009

How much should you Borrow for a Home Loan in Ventura, California? This question can sometimes be answered by looking into your bank account. You may be limited to the amount of money you have available for the purchase of a home. The other factor is how much of a home loan can you afford. You may want to put down as little as possible, but the loans amount that you are left with may not make sense from a monthly obligation stand point. While it might be tempting to borrow whatever amount of money your lender is willing to give you, it is important to think carefully about how much you’ll actually need to borrow in order to purchase a new home. From the down payment to property taxes to insurance to interest rates, there are many factors to consider when making this important home loan ... 07/16/2009

Real Estate Activity for Ventura As of 7/13/09      Breakdown of Active Listings: *does not include properties accepting back-up offers or in escrow   56 attached (condos, townhomes, duplexes) # of properties available Low Price Range High Price Range 8 $ 50,000 $100,000 12 $100,000 $249,999 4 $250,000 $299,999 3 $300,000 $349,999 8 $350,000 $399,999 5 $400,000 $500,000 2 $500,000 $600,000 4 $600,000 $700,000 2 $700,000 $800,000 8 $800,000 $900,000    180 detached # of properties available Low Price Range High Price Range 4 $100,000 $250,000 7 $250,000 $300,000 10 $300,000 $350,000 14 $350,000 $400,000 21 $400,000 $500,000 19 $500,000 $599,999 14 $600,000 $699,999 16 $700,000 $799,999 11 $800,000 $899,999 8 $900,000 $999,999 56 $1,000,000 $6,200,000   Statistical information used to cre... 07/14/2009

If you have been waiting to jump into the market, I would not wait any longer! We are experiencing multiple offers on properties in the $250000 to $500,000 price range. Various factors contribute to this including the first time home buyers $8000 credit and also interest rates that seem to be on the rise. Contact me today to start shopping and don't miss out on this opportunity! Check out listings at: http://www.venturahomesforsale.org/ If you are looking for Ventura homes for sale, Ventura property for sale, Ventura Real Estate this is the place! 06/04/2009

Do you buyers know how important it is to have this mind set when you look at properties to purchase? A buyer recently said those exact words!  He actually said these words within 15 minutes of the showing. I was in shock over this buyers ability to be ready and willing to purchase.This buyer will undoubtedly purchase a home at a great price in today's market. What type of buyer are you? Buyer # 1.  The Procrastinator  John and Jane want to see every listing that is currently on the MLS that falls into their price bracket. They have gotten prequalified but are in NO HURRY to purchase until they feel they have seen every choice of home. They analyze every price, every home and complain about all the imperfections. 4 months down the road their ability to obtain the loan program they wante... 05/13/2009

I recently spoke with clients who exclaimed that she did not realize they would owe $6000 in taxes on a home they just purchased for $320,000! In todays market many buyers are purchasing homes for less than what the Ventura County Assessor shows as current market value on the tax roll. When a property is purchased and goes into escrow, the escrow company will be prorating property taxes based on the market value shown on the current tax roll. This is very important to understand because if the house that your client just purchased for $320,000 is a bank owned home and is now selling for $320,000 but previously sold for $550,000 several years ago,  the assessor may very well have a tax base on the assessment roll of 1% of $550,000 (or approx. $5500 per year.). If so, then the buyer will ... 05/08/2009

The market has been HOT and HEAVY for the last few weeks in the under $600,000 range.  This weekend, for the first time in weeks, my cell phone didn't ring off the hook.  Is the market turning again?  Or did the weather just drive everyone elsewhere?  Let's see what happens this week. Lorraine 04/27/2009

04/15/2009

Well, it is definitely spring in Ventura County and there are so many fun and enjoyable activities coming up that are not to be missed. April 23-26 is the big Tennis Tournament in the Ojai! April 25-26 is the downtown Artwalk in Ventura! April 30-May 9 is the Music Festival with so many talented artists playing in and around Ventura May 16 & 17 is the Strawberry Festival in Oxnard.....YUM! Get tons more information on all these activities at: http://www.venturatoday.net/currentevents.html You can't help but love this place! Home purchases are up for spring, so if you are thinking of purchasing.... now is the time. We are experiencing more purchasing activity and homes in the $300-500 thousand range are moving quickly often with multiple offers.  I love living here and know you would too... 04/08/2009

04/08/2009

Another lucky homeowner has just closed escrow on their dream home!  This beautiful home is located in sunny east Ventura in a quiet neighborhood.  This newer construction home boasts over 2800 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths.  This home also has a loft and one of the bedrooms is located downstairs.  A 3 car garage provides all the storage you could need!               345 Contra Costa Ventura, CA  93004 Sold for $660,000     Search the MLS for Ventura Real Estate at: www.VenturaRealEstate.org   03/24/2009

Tuesday March 24, 8:30 a.m.Ventura County Board of Supervisors meetingCounty Government Center Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Ave.For more information go online to http://www.ventura.org/ .Tuesday March 24, 6 p.m.PEAK Spelling BeeCommunity meeting room at City Hall, 501 Poli St.PEAK after-school program hosts fifth-grade Spelling Bee. For more information contact Mario Robinson at (805) 647-7807.Tuesday March 24, 6 to 8 p.m.Discussion: Medical Imaging todayCommunity Memorial Hospital, eighth floor, 147 N. Brent St.Community Memorial Health System seminar will discuss medical imaging today, including the latest developments, testing and procedures for both heart and breast care.  For more information contact (805) 652-5436.Wednesday March 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Workshop: "What To ... 03/24/2009

This Saturday, March 21st, is the Household Hazardous Waste Collection for City of Ventura. It's a no-brainer, but you do need an appointment. Call Environmental Services weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (805) 652-4525. I've done it before- they're very organized and expedient with the process and it's a good excuse to clean some of that stuff out of your garage, etc.!       03/18/2009

Upon entering this house as a Buyer looking for a home, where would you go from here?  Human nature would say, "To the left, that's where the living spaces are."  However in this home the floor plan is flipped. Guest bedrooms are on the 1st floor, the Kitchen, Living spaces and Master bedroom are actually located on the 2nd floor.     Following their instincts, Buyers and Realtors when looking for a huge kitchen and living room would immediately turn left to three empty bedrooms, and were a bit befuddled.   Once Buyers and Realtors DID go up the stairs this is the area they would be "welcomed" by.  Would you be interested in this home?  Nobody else was....  So for seven months this house that is located just steps away from Ventura Beach sat on the market with little interest.     So a... 03/12/2009