by Blake Mashburn | Dec 20, 2018 | News
Open white mailbox filled with holiday Christmas presents in decorated boxes and the flag up. New Years and Xmas concept of sending gifts with copy space
You’ve closed on your new home in Ventura and all your possessions are packed! You are all set to move to your new address. Although it might feel like all your work is done, there is one final (and important) step to take….and it’s one that can be easily overlooked in the chaos of moving. This step is notifying others of your change of address! Avoid any potential hassles and missteps by changing your address at least a week ahead of your move with these organizations, agencies, providers, and individuals.
- Post Office
This is the one that most people remember when they move….but just in case here is USPS Website where you can submit your official change of address.
- Utilities
Avoid still paying the utilities bill for your old home when you move. Make sure you notify all of your utilities providers, including electric, gas, cable, and internet, before you move so that you can start service in the new home on your very first day there.
- Cellphone
Since cell phone companies determine the tax rate on your bill based on your primary residence, it is required that you update your billing address any time you move.
- Your Bank, Credit Card Providers, Etc.
Even if you handle the majority of banking and finances online, you want to notify all of these institutions and providers of your address change to avoid sensitive, personal information to be sent to your old address.
- DMV
The state of California requires you to notify the DMV of your change of address within 10 days of moving. This allows them to update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and vehicle title. Find out all the information you need to change your address on the DMV Website.
- IRS
Don’t wait to update your information with the IRS until tax season comes around because it will just delay your refund. Change your address with the IRS while it is fresh on your mind. Find out how to update it on the IRS Website.
- Government Programs
This won’t affect all moving homeowners but if you receive benefits from any government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, Medicare, or Medicare, make sure you update your information with them to keep your benefits active and avoid private information from getting in the wrong hands.
- Voter Registration
If you’re a registered voter (and you should be!), make sure you update your address so that you can vote in all upcoming elections.
- Your Work
It’s likely that your coworkers are aware of your move but make sure that the human resources department is too! They will need to update your information for payroll and benefits.
- Your Insurance Providers
In order to file a claim with your health, car, life, dental, and homeowners insurance, your new address must be listed on your policy.
- Your Medical Providers
You don’t want to potentially fall behind on paying medical bills by having them sent to your old house. Make sure you let your doctor, dentist, and any other health providers know about your move.
- Newspaper and Magazine Subscriptions
If you still receive a paper copy of the newspaper or your favorite magazine, make sure you let them know of your new address so you never miss an edition/issue.
- Online Shopping
We all do a large portion of our shopping online and with those sites that we use frequently, such as Amazon, it can be easy to purchase something and forget to look over your shipping address. Update your information know while it is on your mind so you receive all of your packages.
- Friends and Family
This final one is another gimme but do not forget to provide your friends and family with your new address so that they can keep sending you those birthday and holiday cards every year!
Follow us on Facebook and visit our Website for more great home buying tips!
by Blake Mashburn | Nov 5, 2018 | News
16256716 – voter proudly displays evidence that he voted on election day in the united states
Whether a Republican or Democrat, it is important to exercise your right to vote! Election Day, is tomorrow (November 6th)! Have your voice heard and cast your ballot! All polls in California will be open tomorrow 7:00 am until 8:00 pm.
Here is a list of all polling locations in Ventura:
- 9000 Ventura #101AL | Loma Vista School (300 Lynn Drive)
- 9004 Ventura #103AL | Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor (1080 Navigator Drive)
- 9008 Ventura #105AL | Will Rogers School (316 Howard Street)
- 9010 Ventura #106AL | Ventura Marina Mobilehome Park (1215 Anchors Way Drive)
- 9014 Ventura #108AL | Blanche Reynolds School (450 Valmore Avenue)
- 9018 Ventura #110 | Cabrillo Middle School (1426 East Santa Clara Street)
- 9020 Ventura #111AL/182 | Pacific High School (501 College Drive)
- 9022 Ventura #112 | Sikh Gurdwara Of Ventura County (3076 Loma Vista Road)
- 9024 Ventura #113AL | Ventura Police Department (1425 Dowell Drive)
- 9028 Ventura #115AL | Lemon Wood Mobilehome Park (850 Johnson Drive)
- 9030 Ventura #116AL | Buena High School (5670 Telegraph Road)
- 9032 Ventura #117AL | Lighthouse Foursquare Church (6200 Montalvo Drive)
- 9034 Ventura #118A | Life Tabernacle (8699 Henderson Road)
- 9035 Ventura #118L | Life Tabernacle (8699 Henderson Road)
- 9036 Ventura #119 | Trinity Lutheran Church (196 North Ashwood Avenue)
- 9038 Ventura #120AL | Dudley House (197 North Ashwood Avenue)
- 9044 Ventura #123AF | 1st Assembly Of God Church (346 North Kimball Road)
- 9046 Ventura #123LS | 1st Assembly Of God Church (346 North Kimball Road)
- 9048 Ventura #125AF | Juanamaria School (100 Crocker Avenue)
- 9050 Ventura #125LS | Juanamaria School (100 Crocker Avenue)
- 9052 Ventura #127AL | Ventura Church Of Christ (5403 North Bryn Mawr Street)
- 9054 Ventura #128 | Balboa Middle School (247 South Hill Road)
- 9058 Ventura #130AL | Atlas School (760 Jazmin Avenue)
- 9060 Ventura #131AF | Seventh-day Adventist Church (6300 Telephone Road)
- 9062 Ventura #131LS | Seventh-day Adventist Church (6300 Telephone Road)
- 9064 Ventura #133AL | First United Methodist Church (1338 East Santa Clara Street)
- 9066 Ventura #134AL | Community Presbyterian Church (1555 Poli Street)
- 9072 Ventura #137AL | Junipero Serra School (8880 Halifax Street)
- 9074 Ventura #138AL | Junipero Serra School (8880 Halifax Street)
- 9076 Ventura #139AL | Bonaventure Of The Community Building (10949 Telegraph Road)
- 9078 Ventura #140AL | Ventura Moose Lodge (10269 Telephone Road)
- 9082 Ventura #142AL | First Church Of The Nazarene (365 South Seaward Avenue)
- 9086 Ventura #144AL | Portola School (6700 Eagle Street)
- 9088 Ventura #145AL | Bible Fellowship Church (6950 Ralston Street)
- 9090 Ventura #146 | Grace Lutheran Church (6190 Telephone Road)
- 9092 Ventura #147 | Capes At Ventura (760 South Hill Road)
- 9500 Ventura #151AF | Data Middle School (2060 Cameron Street)
- 9502 Ventura #151LS | Data Middle School (2060 Cameron Street)
- 9504 Ventura #153AL | River Community Church (859 East Santa Clara Street)
- 9508 Ventura #155AL | Community Of Christ (1848 Poli Street)
- 9510 Ventura #156AL | Vta Ave Adult/Senior Center (550 North Ventura Avenue)
- 9512 Ventura #157 | Ventura City Fire Station #1 (717 North Ventura Avenue)
- 9514 Ventura #158 | Poinsettia Gardens (11370 Darling Road, Apt. 1)
- 9520 Ventura #161 | Poinsettia School (350 North Victoria Avenue)
- 9526 Ventura #164 | San Buenaventura City Hall (501 Poli Street)
- 9530 Ventura #165AF | Ventura Moose Lodge (10269 Telephone Road)
- 9532 Ventura #165LS | Ventura Moose Lodge (10269 Telephone Road)
- 9540 Ventura #168AL | Salvation Army (650 Petit Avenue)
- 9550 Ventura #172 | Montalvo School (2050 Grand Avenue)
- 9554 Ventura #174AL | Poinsettia Pavilion (3451 Foothill Road)
- 9556 Ventura #175 | The Pierpont Inn (550 San Jon Road)
- 9560 Ventura #176 | San Buenaventura State Beach Park (911 San Pedro Street)
- 9576 Ventura #184AFLS | Ventura Missionary Church (500 High Point Drive)
- 9584 Ventura #187 | Ventura Unified School District (255 West Stanley Avenue)
- 9586 Ventura #188 | Orchard Community Church (8180 Telephone Road)
All other polling places in Ventura County can be found HERE. To find your exact polling place, click HERE! Make sure to bring a valid form of identification.
We look forward to seeing everyone in Ventura County at the polls! Happy Election Day!
by Blake Mashburn | Oct 29, 2018 | News
Along with beautiful coast lines, stunning mountain ranges, and thriving towns and cities, Ventura County is filled with spectacular, bountiful agricultural land. Celebrate our area’s farming heritage during the 6th annual Ventura County Farm Day!!! On Saturday, November 3rd, enjoy FREE admission to 20+ local farms. Explore the stunning countryside between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Learn more about the workings of these active farms, try fresh and local products, get up close with animals, and so much more. Plus, the weekend is filled with other fun events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Come discover a side to Ventura County that you rarely get to see for this fantastic annual event!
FARM DAY LOCATIONS
CAMARILLO
FILLMORE
MOORPARK
OJAI
OXNARD
PIRU
SANTA PAULA
SATICOY
SOMIS
KICKOFF BARBEQUE
Enjoy fun times and great food at the Ventura County Farm Day Kickoff Barbecue! Fill your bellies, play games, listen to live music, and so much more!
Image Credit: SEEAG
by Blake Mashburn | Oct 18, 2018 | News
46905584 – halloween pumpkin lanterns – perfect decoration for halloween
Halloween is almost here! Get ready for ghoulish frights and fun! Before trick or treating on October 31st in your Ventura County community, get in the spirit of the season at a fantastic Halloween event throughout our area! Happy Halloween from The Blake Mashburn Group!
Harvest Moon Spooktacular
Date: Saturday, October 27th
Time: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Location: Mission Park and 200 Block of Main Street
With a haunted house, pumpkin pie eating contest, kids zone, games, live music, food, and more, there is something for everyone at this great event. Participate in the costume contest and enjoy trick or treating at downtown businesses with pumpkin signs in their window.
Kids Seaside Trick or Treat
Date: Saturday, October 27th
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura)
Worried you won’t get your fill of candy? Come trick or treating at the Harbor Village. Be sure to stick around at 3:00 pm as “zombies” gather to participate in a world record breaking dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
BOO-Fest in Old Town
Date: Saturday, October 27th
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Old Town Camarillo
Dress in your scariest or finest Halloween costume, grab your candy bag, and collect delicious treats in Old Town Camarillo.
Halloween Haunt in the Park
Date: Saturday, October 27th
Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Plaza Park (500 South C Street, Oxnard)
Join The Oxnard Downtown Improvement District for this family friendly event. The fun includes vendor booths, arts and crafts, bounce houses, trick or treating, costume contest, Halloween movie clips, and so much more.
Trick or Treat at The Collection at Riverpark
Date: Tuesday, October 30th
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: The Collection at Riverpark (2751 Parkview Court, Oxnard)
Start trick or treating early at The Collection at Riverpark. Visit participating merchants and collect some delicious goodies. Complete the passport of merchants to be entered to win an incredible grand prize. At the end of the event, please sell back some of your candy to send to the troops overseas!
Dia de los Muertos Community Celebration
Date: Sunday, November 4th
Time: 10 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Multiple – See below
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at 4 Santa Paula museums, including the California Oil Museum (1001 East Main Street), the Museum of Ventura County Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Avenue), the Santa Paula Art Museum (117 North 10th Street), and Santa Paula Cemetery (380 Cemetary Road). Each location will feature the great traditions of the holiday, including storytelling, craft making, food, music, Aztec and folklorico dancing, and more. Wear your Dia de los Muertos attire and stop by each location for some unique, festive fun.
by Blake Mashburn | Oct 11, 2018 | News
The interest rate you lock in when you secure your mortgage has a direct impact on the monthly payments you will be making. That means any increase in rates will increase the amount coming out of your wallet. Keep more money in your pocket by locking in a lower interest rate before the end of the year!
Interest rate predictions show that prospective home buyers should not delay! Check out data below which shows the actual rates from 2018 and the projected interest rate increases in 2019.
Along with these interest rate hikes, home prices are also expected to rise. According to the latest CoreLogic Home Price Index, home prices nationwide appreciated 6.2% over the course of the current year and are predicted to rise 5.1% between now and next year. If both of these housing predictions come true, home buyers will be paying significantly more every month. Why risk it? Save money and buy today!
If you are ready to lock in a lower interest rate, check out our current Homes for Sale in beautiful Ventura County! Give the Blake Mashburn Group a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
by Blake Mashburn | Sep 20, 2018 | News
This Saturday, September 22nd, is the official last day of summer! Come celebrate the season with some incredible live music throughout beautiful Ventura County. There are 2 fantastic music festivals planned for this weekend that you do not want to miss!
First Annual Folk Festival | Santa Paula
Time: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Avenue)
Cost: FREE Admission!
Come check out the inaugural Folk Festival being held in the gardens of the AG Museum in charming Santa Paula. This new event will feature all area musicians performing their original works of American folk music. While you listen to the music, enjoy delicious food from Cowboy John’s Smoken BBQ Food Trailer and adult beverages from the bar.
Performers
Bowlful of Blues | Ojai
Time: 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Libbey Bowl (307 East Ojai Avenue)
Cost: $40 General Admission (in advance – Purchase Tickets HERE!) | $45 General Admission (at door) | $20 Youth Admission (ages 7-15) | FREE for children 6 & under
Head over to stunning Ojai for the 25th annual Bowlful of Blues. This favorite community event celebrates American roots music with award winning performers from across the country. Find the perfect spot on the lawn to enjoy the music while you dine on mouthwatering food from Rondia’s Kitchen and sip on refreshing beverages from Ojai Valley Brewery and The Ojai Vineyard.
Music Lineup
Image Credit: Ojai Arts Commission
by Blake Mashburn | Aug 30, 2018 | News
81649076 – labor day banner, patriotic background
Labor Day Weekend is Here! This long holiday weekend is traditionally filled with family gatherings, cook outs, outdoor recreation, and more. Looking for something unique to fill your time this weekend? We have found a fun event for you and your family to check out each day! Explore the best Ventura County has to offer at these incredible community events taking place this Labor Day Weekend!
16th Annual Ventura Nationals
Date: Saturday, September 1st
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Ventura Fairgrounds (10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura)
Cost: $15 General Admission | FREE Children 12 & Under | $10 Active Military
Check out the most incredible hot rods, kustoms, and motorcycles at this incredible annual show! You will find some of the best automobiles and bikes in the entire country, from antiques and classics to modern kustom builds. Do not miss the fun Pedal Car Contest as they cruise their way through the fairgrounds for the 5th year. Enter for your chance to win a Buick Riviera and more! Enjoy great live music by Gamblers Mark, Blazing Haley, Hard Six, Abby Girl & the Real Deal, and Lance Lipinsky & the Lovers. Tickets are available for purchase at the fairgrounds (Cash Only).
Aloha Beach Festival
Dates: Saturday, September 1st, & Sunday, September 2nd
Time: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Location: Promenade Park (Harbor Boulevard, Ventura)
Cost: FREE Admission!
For the 13th year, pretend you are celebrating Labor Day in Hawaii without ever having to leave Ventura! This fun community festival brings the Hawaiian islands to our beach with great live music, delicious food, canine frisbee, and so much more. Check out the full entertainment and activities schedule HERE!
13th Annual Santa Paula Labor Day Parade
Date: Monday, September 3rd
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Main Street (Between 7th & 10th Streets), Santa Paula
Cost: FREE Admission!
Find the best spot along the parade route and enjoy the best Labor Day parade in the area! This year’s theme is “Honor the Labor Force”. Check out all the great floats, musical groups, and more.
A Tribute to Tom Petty
Date: Monday, September 3rd
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Conejo Community Park (1175 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks)
Cost: Free Admission!
Grab your blanket and find the perfect spot in the park to enjoy a great concert by The PettyBreakers. Refreshments will be available or pack a picnic!
The Blake Mashburn Group wishes everyone a very Happy & Safe Labor Day Weekend!
by Blake Mashburn | Aug 9, 2018 | News
41382177 – school kid in class. happy child holding blackboard blank. education concept
The first school bells of the year are about to start ringing throughout Ventura County! It’s time to head back to school! The excellent public school districts in our area will all be returning to school at different dates over the next few weeks; to make sure you have your young scholars ready to go with their backpacks packed, here is a list of the first days of school for all local districts!
Santa Paula Unified School District | 201 South Steckel, Santa Paula
First Day of School: Wednesday, August 15th
2018 – 2019 District Calendar
Fillmore Unified School District | 627 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore
First Day of School: Thursday, August 16th
2018 – 2019 District Calendar
Oxnard School District | 1501 South A Street, Oxnard
First Day of School: Thursday, August 16th
2018 – 2019 District Calendar
Ojai Unified School District | 414 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai
First Day of School: Wednesday, August 22nd
2018 – 2019 District Calendar
Ventura Unified School District | 255 West Stanley Avenue, Ventura
First Day of School: Wednesday, August 22nd
2018 – 2019 District Calendar
Hueneme Elementary School District | 205 North Ventura Road, Port Hueneme
First Day of School: Tuesday, August 28th
2018 – 2019 District Calendar
Oxnard Union High School District | 309 South K Street, Oxnard
First Day of School: Tuesday, August 28th
2018 – 2019 District Calendar
Pleasant Valley School District | 600 Temple Avenue, Camarillo
First Day of School: Wednesday, August 29th
2018 – 2019 District Calendar
The Blake Mashburn Group wishes a successful and fun 2018 – 2019 school year to all students in Ventura County!!!
If you are interested in BUYING a home in one of these excellent school districts, give us a call today or visit our Website!
by Blake Mashburn | Aug 2, 2018 | News
A home purchase is a big decision that affects everyone. Before you begin to look, figure out what amenities are most important to you and your family in the neighborhood of your choice?
- Schools– Whether or not you have children the schools in your neighborhood are of great importance. Great schools add value to your home as well as a solid educational foundation for your children
- Conveniences– Are there a number of grocery store options close by? Is your bank close? How about playgrounds for the kids? Where are your doctors located? All these things play into the likeability of the location of your home.
- Dining and entertainment– While this may not be on the top of your list, your hobbies, dining preferences and entertainment options and the distance from your home will be important.
- What amenities does the home itself offer? Big backyard, outdoor pool, extended patio or deck for outdoor living space?
- If it is a relatively new neighborhood, what was it built upon? Some areas have been built over wetland and filled. This could cause unsettling in your home resulting in cracked foundations and walls.
Before you begin your home search, partner with a real estate agent that is an expert in the area and has lived or worked there for a good number of years. Their experience and knowledge could be a lifesaver for you and can save hours of viewings in areas that don’t meet your needs.
Need more information about our area? Contact us today. We’ll help you find the perfect home in the best neighborhood to suit all your needs.
by Blake Mashburn | Jul 30, 2018 | News
You’re pre-approved for your mortgage and are now beginning your home search. Congratulations! Here are some 7 tips on things to ignore when viewing homes so you don’t let the perfect home in the best location get away from you:
- Home Staging is done to highlight the best that a home has to offer. But you need to remember that it’s the homeowners and designers choices to utilize the pieces they’ve chosen. Your ideas for a room might be totally different, so look past the design choices and envision your own furniture, colors and personal touches in the home instead!
- Carpeting! Don’t be turned off by a home that is filled with carpeting! Updating floors is an inexpensive update to a home you truly love. Plus, many homes will have beautiful hardwood floors beneath the carpeting in that room.
- Wallpaper. This decorating gem has made a comeback over the past couple years, and in many cases, when done right, can really accentuate a room. However, if the wallpaper isn’t your cup of tea, don’t sweat it! A good steam and elbow grease will have this off in no time; giving you a blank canvas to create the atmosphere you’re looking for.
- Bright and bold paint colors. Are you the type of individual who prefers a more neutral canvas for your walls? It’s a very easy change to make and refresh the home at the same time. Keep in mind that paint colors are personal choices of any homeowner, not something that needs to stay in place once the home is purchased.
- Bathroom or Kitchen hardware and sink styles. You walk into a home with your heart set on the new brass/black faucets and bowl sinks, but you find stainless steel and basins of yesteryear. Again, this isn’t a big problem. Swapping out faucet hardware and even upgrading your basins can be done very cost-effectively.
- Kitchen cabinet colors. Individual opinions vary deeply when it comes to a dream kitchen. If you’re looking at a home that has a great layout, island and lots of cabinets to suit your needs but they are in black and you’d like gray… not a big deal! There are plenty of interior decorating services that can spray and paint your existing cabinets to the color you desire; without totally remodeling the entire kitchen.
- Landscape. Curb appeal is critical whether you’re buying or selling a home, but again, each person has their own tastes as to what looks beautiful. If you’re seeing a yard that has lots of crazy bushes or too much maintenance, look at it as an opportunity to create your own backyard oasis. Simply axing a home because the yard and garden isn’t to you liking can cost you a great home.
Better to concentrate on the home’s more important aspects; How is the roof? Electrical? HVAC? Foundation? These are the non-negotiable parts of the home that need to be in great working order, or can cost you dearly. Cosmetics are just the choice of the homeowner and can be tailored to your own likes and needs.
Along with beautiful coast lines, stunning mountain ranges, and thriving towns and cities, Ventura County is filled with spectacular, bountiful agricultural land. Celebrate our area’s farming heritage during the 6th annual 
The interest rate you lock in when you secure your mortgage has a direct impact on the monthly payments you will be making. That means any increase in rates will increase the amount coming out of your wallet. Keep more money in your pocket by locking in a lower interest rate before the end of the year!
Bowlful of Blues
