Top Reasons To Stage Your Ventura Home To Sell!

by Blake Mashburn | Aug 12, 2019 | News

Congratulations!! You made the big decision to sell your home! It’s now time to make sure that your home is looking its very best before it hits the market. Help your home stand apart from the competition through staging! Many home sellers wonder if there are really benefits to staging. The proof is in the numbers! Create the best first impression by staging your home!

1. Home buyers can better visualize themselves in the home through staging. In fact, 83% of buyer’s agents say their clients have an easier time seeing themselves living in the home when it is staged! Be sure to declutter and remove personal items that can be distracting.

2. 53% of real estate agents representing sellers said that staged homes moved off the market faster.

3. Online viewers look at staged homes 38% more.

4. The value of homes increased 1% to 5% more after being staged, in general. Some sellers enjoyed increased values of 6% to 10%!

5. While you should clean your entire house and make sure that all of it looks its very best, the most commonly staged rooms are the living room (93%), kitchen (84%), and master bedroom (78%).

Consider hiring a professional stager for your home as they know the best ways to maximize your space and accentuate its best features. Contact Blake Mashburn to enjoy selling success today!

Reference: National Association of REALTORS®

Ventura County Students Are Heading Back To School!

by Blake Mashburn | Aug 8, 2019 | News

It’s time to pack up those school supplies, pick out the first day’s outfit, and get your child ready to head BACK TO SCHOOL! That’s right! The first school bells of the year are about to start ringing throughout Ventura County! Check out the dates for the first days of school for all our local districts!

Santa Paula Unified School District | 201 South Steckel, Santa Paula

First Day of School: Wednesday, August 14th

2019 – 2020 District Calendar

Fillmore Unified School District | 627 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore

First Day of School: Thursday, August 15th

2019 – 2020 District Calendar

Ojai Unified School District | 414 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai

First Day of School: Wednesday, August 21st

2019 – 2020 District Calendar

Oxnard School District | 1501 South A Street, Oxnard

First Day of School: Wednesday, August 21st

2019 – 2020 District Calendar

Ventura Unified School District | 255 West Stanley Avenue, Ventura

First Day of School: Wednesday, August 21st

2019 – 2020 District Calendar

Hueneme Elementary School District | 205 North Ventura Road, Port Hueneme

First Day of School: Tuesday, August 27th

2019 – 2020 District Calendar

Oxnard Union High School District | 309 South K Street, Oxnard

First Day of School: Tuesday, August 27th

2019 – 2020 District Calendar

Pleasant Valley School District | 600 Temple Avenue, Camarillo

First Day of School: Wednesday, August 28th

2019 – 2020 District Calendar

Blake Mashburn wishes all Ventura County students a fun and successful 2019 – 2020 school year to all students in Ventura County!!!

If you are interested in BUYING your dream home in one of these excellent school districts, give Blake a call at (805) 856-9350 or visit his Website today!

Find Your Dream Home With These Important Open House Questions!

by Blake Mashburn | Jul 29, 2019 | News

As a buyer, open houses are an essential source of information. They allow you to get a closer look at homes you are interested in and see if they are truly a good fit for you and your family. Get the most out of this process by coming prepared and taking notes during the open house. Here are important questions to ask the listing agent in order for you to benefit the most from the open house!

1. Has there been any offers? The listing agent cannot tell you what has been offered but they can let you know that offers exist. This information can help you decide on how quickly you need to move on this house.
2. What is the seller’s timeline? Knowing when the seller wants to move can help you determine your offer. If they need to move quickly, they are more likely open to negotiate a price below the listing. In addition, by finding out their ideal closing date, you can strengthen your offer by proposing a settlement date that fits their timeline.
3. Is there any price flexibility? Although you might not get an answer to this question every time, you never know when you might get told “yes”.
4. How long has the house been listed? Although online listings provide this information, it can be helpful to ask the listing agent because they can provide more explanation as to why the home is still on the market.
5. Any price changes? Similar to days on the market, asking the listing agent for explanations of pricing changes can provide more context.
6. What recent repairs or renovations have been completed? Find out about higher priced items, such as appliances, HVAC systems, and the roof. It is helpful to know what has already been done to the home and what could be potential costs for you in the future.
7. How much are average utilities? Utilities are an additional housing expense every month that you should consider when buying a home. Find out the average costs throughout the year in order to know whether or not it fits within your overall budget.

It is important to remember that as you ask these questions, you should always be courteous and friendly with the listing agent. If you end up loving the home, you could enter into negotiations with this person shortly. The open house allows you the opportunity to make a great first impression!

For more helpful Buying tips, check out our Website and follow us on Facebook!

Spice It Up At The Oxnard Salsa Festival!

by Blake Mashburn | Jul 25, 2019 | News

Spice up your weekend at the annual OXNARD SALSA FESTIVAL!! On Saturday, July 27th, and Sunday, July 28th, all five of your senses will be delighted in Oxnard’s beautiful Plaza Park (5th & B Streets). There is something for everyone at this HOT summer festival! Whether you love your salsa sweet or spicy, you will find something to enjoy at the region’s largest salsa bar in the Salsa Tasting Tent. Treat your tastebuds to even more deliciousness with the festival’s plentiful International Cuisine. Find something unique to take home from the 100 Craft & Retail Vendors. Keep the little ones entertained in the exciting Kids Zone. AND, put on your dancing shoes for hours of live entertainment! The fun will endless from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily!

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Main Stage

Saturday, July 27th

• 11:00 am – La Marcha Sound
• 1:00 pm – Community Dance Showcase
• 2:00 pm – Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca
• 4:45 pm – Calixto Oviedo & Lily Hernandez Orchesta

Sunday, July 28th

• 11:00 am – La Seleccion
• 1:00 pm – Dance With Our Community Stars
• 2:00 pm – Guicho y La Tribu
• 4:45 pm – Yari Moré Latin Band

Community Stage

Saturday, July 27th

Sunday, July 28th

The best part of this fabulous community event……..admission is FREE!! That’s right! If you want to get even closer to the action, it is only $5 to enter the open seating area by the main stage!

Never miss out on any of year round fun in Oxnard by purchasing your dream home in the area! Search Oxnard Homes for Sale! “Better Call Blake” at (805) 856-9350 to find the perfect abode for you and your family today!

Image Credit: Oxnard Salsa Festival

Warning Signs To Watch For When Buying Your Home!

by Blake Mashburn | Jul 22, 2019 | News

The old adage “Beauty is only skin deep” should always be in the back of your mind when you Buy! You may think that you found your dream home, but there is always a chance that you

could be blinded by decor and design features that are masking hidden issues. Be a smart consumer and learn what warning signs to look out for as you begin your home search

in Ventura! Looking for these warning signs from the very start will help insure that the

home you fall in love with is truly as wonderful as it seems.

Electrical Issues – Avoid fire hazards by checking for exposed wires, hot outlets, burn markings, and other indications of faulty electrical systems.

Plumbing Issues – No one wants to deal with water issues in a new home so check for leaks, drainage problems, poor water pressure, and stains.

Mold Issues – Mold poses a health risk to you and your family. Use your nose to check for a musty smell and look for peeling paint or rotted wood.

Workmanship Issues – If it is clear that the home has had repairs or renovations completed, check to see the workmanship done. Although it might look nice, cheap materials or mishandling of items could cause you to have to pay to repair the repairs.

Pest Issues – A new homeowner does not want any unwelcome guests. Check for damaged wood that could indicate carpenter ants or termites. Also, look for any openings that could allow easy access for mice and other small critters.

Foundation Issues – Make sure the structure of the home is strong. Foundation issues can mean incredibly costly repairs in the future. Look for crooked floors and doorways within the home. As you walk outside, check for cracks in the driveway and walls and be on the lookout for trees planted close to the home that could have large roots growing near the foundation. While you can’t climb up on the roof to make sure you won’t be surprised by any future leaks, you can check for signs that the roof is damaged. Look to see how wear and tear has been dealt with. You want to see if there are any damaged and missing shingles.

Roof Issues – Avoid raindrops falling on your head by checking the roof. Look for damage signs such as missing or mismatched shingles.

Blake Mashburn is here to help you discover your dream home in Ventura! Give us a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/ to get started!

Still Time To Enjoy The 25th Annual Ventura Music Festival!

by Blake Mashburn | Jul 18, 2019 | News

It is your last chance to delight your ears at the 25th annual VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL!!! Spend this weekend in Ventura listening to some of the most incredible live music you have ever heard! There is a fantastic performer to see every day! This is one of the cultural events of the year that you do not want to miss!

Performance Schedule

Thursday, July 18th

• INCENDIO | High Octane Latin Guitar
• Time – 5:30 pm
• Location – Mission Park (185 East Santa Clara Street, Ventura)
• FREE Public Concert

Friday, July 19th  

• JOEY ALEXANDER TRIO | Jazz
• Time – 8:00 pm
• Location – Ventura College Performing Arts Center (4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura)

Saturday, July 20th

• RANKY TANKY | Gullah Culture
• Time – 8:00 pm
• Location – Ventura College Performing Arts Center (4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura)

Sunday, July 21st 

• RASTRELLI CELLO QUARTET | From Brahms To The Beatles
• Time – 3:00 pm
• Location – Ventura College Performing Arts Center (4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura)

Purchase tickets to each of these performances HERE!

Follow Blake Mashburn on Facebook and visit our Website for information on more incredible Ventura County events throughout the year!

Image Credit: Ventura Music Festival

Giddy On Up To Ventura’s Surf Rodeo!

by Blake Mashburn | Jul 11, 2019 | News

Yeehaw!!! It’s time for the 12th annual Surf Rodeo & Surf Music Festival!!! This favorite summertime community event is returning to beautiful Pierpont Beach on Saturday, June 13th, and Sunday, June 14th, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily. Do not miss out on any of the fun!

Spend the weekend dancing away to the 30 bands. Ride the waves or watch the Surf Contest. Show off your skills in the “Wimbledon” of Cornhole Tournaments. Check out exciting Rodeo Competitions like barrel racing and greased pig paddle races! Dine on delicious food from your favorite local vendors and cool down with an ice cold beer from the Beer/Wine Gardens. Swing by the Street Fair to find unique items from around 70+ vendors. Take a turn on the mechanical bull, try the beach activities, swing by the Kids Corral….and so much more! Find the full schedule HERE!! This festival is fun for all ages!

Live Music Lineup

Ticket Information
Day Pass: $40 per person
Weekend Pass: $55 per person
Children 10 and under are FREE!

Purchase tickets in advance HERE to avoid the lines! Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.

The Surf Rodeo & Surf Music Festival is just one of the incredible community events taking place throughout the year Ventura! These fantastic events are just one of the many reasons why Ventura is such an incredible place to live! Search Ventura Homes For Sale to join in on all the fun! Give Blake Mashburn a call at (805) 856-9350 and visit his Website to find your dream home today!

Image Credit: Surf Rodeo & Surf Music Festival 

Celebrate Independence Day In Ventura!!

by Blake Mashburn | Jul 2, 2019 | News

Independence Day is almost here! It is time to show off our patriotic pride and celebrate everything we love about our great nation! Luckily for all of us, there is no better place to spend the 4^th of July than in beautiful Ventura! Fill your Thursday with family fun and holiday spirit at these incredible community events!

PUSHEM PULLEM PARADE & 4TH OF JULY STREET FAIR

Head on down to beautiful downtown Ventura for the 44^th annual street fair! This year’s theme is “We have liftoff!” to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo space program. This FREE street fair has so much for the whole family to enjoy! Start your day with your little ones by participating in the Pushem Pullem Parade. Help your child decorate their bicycle or little read wagon, get dressed up, and meet at Cemetery Park at 9:00 am to strut your stuff down Main Street. Everyone is invited to join in on the fun and all participants will receive a commemorative button (while supplies last).

Then from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, stroll down Main Street (between Chestnut Street & Mission Park) to find incredible handmade arts and crafts created by the 200+ participating vendors. Dine on delicious food from your favorite local businesses and organizations. Swing by the Kids Zone for fun inflatables and to check out a Ventura Fire Department fire engine. Dance the day away to incredible live music. And, so much more!

   Live Entertainment Schedule

California Street

10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Colette Lovejoy Band

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Bring Me the Hits

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Rhythm 805

Oak Street

11:00 am – 11:30 am | Barranca Vista Dancers

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Channel Aire Chorus

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Rubicon Theater

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Got Rhythm

Palm Street

10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Johnny & The Love Handles

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Jukebox Rockers

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Vendo 81

Mission Park

11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Leif Engeswick

2019 VENTURA FIREWORKS & FAMILY PICNIC

Celebrate our nation’s independence at this 25^th annual community event. Come on down to the Ventura College Athletic Fields (4667 Telegraph Road) at 5:00 pm for an evening filled with patriotic fun. Enjoy delicious food, fantastic live music by Soul Infusion, fun games and children’s activities, and so much more. Bring a blanket to find the perfect spot for the fireworks display at 9:00 pm. Tickets bought at the gate cost $8 per adult, $6 per child (ages 4 to 12 years). Children 3 and under are free! All proceeds from this great 4^th of July tradition support charitable organizations within our own community.

ELECTRIC BOAT PARADE & FIREWORKS BY THE SEA

Head on down to Channel Islands Harbor for some seaside patriotic fun all day long. Find the perfect spot along Harbor Boulevard (between Albacore Way & Cabezone Circle) to watch the 4^th of July Children’s Parade at 10:30 am. After the parade, head to Marine Emporium Landing for some family fun activities from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm. There will be a great crafters market, delicious food booths, a rock-climbing wall, inflatable fun zone, and so much more.

Do not miss the 4^th annual Electric Boat Parade at 4:30 pm. This spectacular event features 50 patriotic-themed electric boats in the harbor. Finish the day’s celebration with one of Ventura county’s most beautiful fireworks displays over the water at 9:00 pm.

Blake Mashburn wishes everyone in Ventura County a Happy & Safe 4^th of July!! Check out our Website and follow us on Facebook for more fantastic community events throughout the year!

Image Credits: City of Ventura and Channel Islands Harbor

A Handy Guide To Moving!

by Blake Mashburn | Jun 20, 2019 | News

You Bought a new home in Ventura! Congrats! Before you can begin life in your new home though, you need to pack up the life you had in your old one! Packing and moving is always stressful and unpredictable. But, planning ahead of time can truly help eliminate some of the anxiety during the process! Make your move more manageable by using our Moving Day Cheat Sheet!

A FEW WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

1. The best movers are going to book up fast so allow yourself plenty of time to schedule a mover. Find the best ones by asking friends and looking at online reviews.
2. Unless you prefer to handle the clean up yourself, schedule a cleaning service to come to your current home the day after you move out.
3. Transfer all utilities or schedule the disconnect of utilities (if moving to a different city). Schedule the installation of your cable and internet for the day after you are scheduled to move into your new home so it is ready to go.
4. Get rid of items that you truly do not need. Hold a garage sale or post items online. Do donation runs with unwanted clothing, toys, and furniture.
5. Stock up on boxes, tapes, bubble wrap, and all other packing essentials. Ask friends for boxes and swing by local stores that might be looking to get some off of their hands for free.
6. Start packing non-essential items, such as books or winter clothing. Spread out the packing over the weeks leading up to your move date so you are not overwhelmed at the end.

THE DAY BEFORE YOU MOVE

1. Label all boxes and furniture with the room in the new home that they should be placed into.
2. Go shopping for nutritious, easy to eat snacks and bottled water for yourself and your movers.
3. Get some cash out of your bank account so you have money to tip the movers tomorrow.
4. Bring your pet over to a friend or family member the night before you move to reduce stress for your furry friend and keep them out of the way during moving day.
5. Put together an overnight bag that has those necessities you will need the first night in your new home. This will keep you from having to rummage through boxes to find toiletries, medicine, and clothing.

THE DAY OF THE MOVE

1. Wake up with plenty of time before the movers arrive in order to make final preparations.
2. Take important documents, jewelry, and other small valuables and place them in your car. You should transfer these items yourself to ensure their safety.
3. Discard of or pack up final items, such as food or toiletries.
4. Give your home a thorough walk through at the end to make sure that you get everything out of drawers, cabinets, and any else it could be hiding.
5. Watch the movers as they work to make sure they handle your items with care.
6. Go through your new home before the movers arrive to label rooms that might not be obvious what they are, such as bedrooms. This will help the movers place your labeled boxes in the correct rooms.
7. Take a moment to breathe when the movers leave and get some much deserved rest before you tackle unpacking!

Find your dream home today! Search Ventura Homes For Sale! Give Blake Mashburn a call at (805) 856-9350 and visit his Website to get started!