by Blake Mashburn | Jan 6, 2020 | News
Start the new year off nice and bright! Beat the shorter winter days by keeping your home feeling light and airy. Not only will it have your family feeling cheery but your home will also appear larger for prospective buyers! Here are some great tips to creating a light and bright living space in your Ventura home!
- Clear Space. Removing clutter from your home will help lighten the space by creating smooth lines. Think about what furniture you can get rid off that will help open up the space and make sure you keep items on the counters to a minimum.
- White Walls. Freshen up your home by repainting the walls and ceiling white. Not only will this lighten up the space but it will also make it appear larger!
- Gray & Blue Accents. Add subtle pops of color amongst the white walls with soft, light shades of grays and blues in your decor.
- Light linens. Keep the sun shining bright throughout the home with light, airy curtains. Keep the home feeling cozy with plush white linens and pillows.
- Mirrors. Open up space with the reflection of mirrors. Not only do wall mirrors help but mirrored decor and home accents have the same effect!
For more homeowner and home Sellers Tips, Contact Blake Mashburn today!
by Blake Mashburn | Dec 30, 2019 | News
2019 is coming to an end! Celebrate all the new beginnings that 2020 will bring throughout Ventura County! Whether you are looking for a night of laughter or live music, you will find the perfect way to end the year with family and friends. Ring in the New Year at one of these incredible New Year’s Eve Celebrations!
2020 New Year’s Eve Gatsby Gala Dinner Show & Countdown Party
Date: Tuesday, December 31st
Time: 6:00 pm – 2:00 am | Check in begins at 2:30 pm
Location: Ventura Beach Marriott Hotel (2055 Harbor Boulevard, Ventura)
Cost: $149 for FULL Event Pass | $59 for Countdown Party Only
Purchase tickets HERE!
Ventura Improv Company New Year’s Eve Show
Date: Tuesday, December 31st
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Location: Rubicon Theatre Company (1006 East Main Street, Ventura)
Cost: $36 per adult | $16 per student
Purchase tickets HERE!
East Coast New Year’s Eve with Pete George and Ron Morey
Date: Tuesday, December 31st
Time: 7:00 pm | Doors Open at 5:15 pm
Location: Ventura Harbor Comedy Club (1559 Spinnaker Drive Suite 205, Ventura)
Cost: $65 per person (Dinner & Show) | $35 per person (General Admission)
Purchase tickets HERE!
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach New Year’s Eve Party
Date: Tuesday, December 31st
Time: 8:00 pm – 2:00 am
Location: Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach (450 East Harbor Boulevard, Ventura)
Cost: $199 per person (Dinner & Party) | $100 per person (Party Only)
Purchase tickets HERE!
New Year’s Eve Dinner Train
Date: Tuesday, December 31st
Time: 8:00 pm – 12:30 am | Boards at 7:30 pm
Location: Fillmore & Western Railway (364 Main Street, Fillmore)
Cost: $110 per person
Purchase tickets HERE!
New Year’s Eve: Experience an Evening Fit for the Gods and Goddesses of Mt. Olympus
Date: Tuesday, December 31st
Time: 8:00 pm – 2:00 am
Location: The Greek Ventura (1583 Spinnaker Drive Suite 101, Ventura)
Cost: $99 per person
Call (805) 650-5350 to reserve!
Yachtley Crew NYE 2020
Date: Tuesday, December 31st
Time: 10:00 pm – 1:00 am | Doors open at 8:00 pm
Location: Discovery Ventura (1888 East Thompson Boulevard, Ventura)
Cost: $25 per person (General Admission) | $75 per person (VIP)
Purchase tickets HERE!
New Year’s Eve Gala
Date: Tuesday, December 31st
Location: Manhattan of Camarillo (5800 Santa Rosa Road Suite 140, Camarillo)
Cost: $89 per person
Call (805) 388-5550 for more information!
Blake Mashburn wishes everyone a very Happy & Safe New Year’s Eve in Ventura County!
by Blake Mashburn | Dec 26, 2019 | News
Kick of the new year by selling your home. What a great time to start a new! If you are looking to sell your Ventura home in 2020, follow these top tips for selling success!
- Focus on the Millennials
Millennials will make up the largest group of homebuyers throughout the year. It makes sense to market to them since they make up such a large share. Knowing what millennials are looking for can help you sell your home. Location wise, millennials are moving to the suburbs but want to have amenities within walking distance. They prefer smaller homes with open floor plans. They also prefer green features and energy efficiency.
- Remember the Baby Boomers
Although it makes sense to market to millennials, you shouldn’t forget about the baby boomers! This generation is looking to stay in their homes as they age. This means that homes that will fit their needs and remain accessible into the future are attractive. Master bedrooms, laundry, and other amenities located on the main floor are all selling points to focus on for this generation.
- Be Smart about Your Smart Home Features
Smart features in a home are now expected. Do not limit your buyer pool by having smart features that only support a single platform. Make sure that the system is broadly compatible so home buyers can use the products they have already invested in.
- Do a Pre-Inspection
Consider doing a pre-inspection. Although many home buyers will still want their own home inspection done, a pre-inspection allows you to find out issues early enough to make repairs if needed. It can also assure buyers that the home is move in ready.
- Do a Drone Tour
Showcase your stunning property and landscaping with a drone tour of the home. Such a tour provides a better visual display of your home and its surrounding area, making your home stand apart from the competition. Talk to your real estate agent about hiring a professional (with required operating certificate) and add this to your home’s marketing materials.
For more helpful Selling Tips, give The Blake Mashburn Group a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
by Blake Mashburn | Dec 19, 2019 | News
Although not an overly tricky, there is a lot that goes into buying a house. Throughout this process, buyers, especially if it is their first time, can sometimes make avoidable mistakes. Although these mistakes might seem minor they can keep a buyer from being able to purchase their home….and nobody wants that! We are here to help if you are looking to buy your dream home in the Ventura area. Here are the most 7 commonly made home buying mistakes and ways for you to avoid them in the new year!
#1 Delaying Financing
Avoid this mistake by first meeting with a mortgage lender to find out what financing options are available to you. This will allow you to set your budget.
#2 Using an Unreliable/Fake Lender
Avoid this mistake by asking your realtor for recommendations of mortgage lenders. Also do some of your own research so you understand the basics of a mortgage and can identify a fraud.
#3 You get Pre-Qualified and not Pre-Approved
Avoid this mistake by working towards pre-approval, in order to show that your financing is ready for purchasing a home.
#4 Searching Outside Your Budget
Avoid this mistake by knowing exactly the financing available to you through your mortgage lender. Stick within the budget you are pre-approved for and only look for houses that fit within it.
#5 Offering Too Low
Avoid this mistake by not offering a lowball offer in a seller’s market. If you do, the seller will simply go with a different buyer. Trust your realtor to know what the best offer is to make based on the current real estate market trends.
#6 You Go on a Shopping Spree during Escrow
Avoid this mistake by buying anything big until after you have closed on your new home. Although you have pre-approval, your finances are not 100% secure. In fact, your lender will double check your finances right before closing to make sure you still qualify. If you have suddenly opened new credit accounts or purchased a big ticket item, such as a car, appliances, etc, it could change your debt to income ratio and affect your loan qualification.
#7 Not Having the Money to Cover Closing Costs
Avoid this mistake by working closing costs into your budget from the very beginning. Get an estimate from your mortgage lender of closing costs before you put in your offer on the house so that you have the necessary funds.
Now that you know how to avoid these common buyers mistakes, you are ready to BUY your dream home in Ventura County in 2020! Give Blake Mashburn a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/ so we can help make your dreams a reality!
by Blake Mashburn | Dec 12, 2019 | News
While the house may be the thing, it isn’t the only thing to consider during your home search. Location is everything! You want to find the perfect neighborhood to call home. Luckily for you, Ventura is filled with those! With Pierpont Beach, Ventura Heights, Ventura Keys, and so many more, homebuyers can find a particular neighborhood to fit their every needs. With so many great neighborhoods, though, how can you ever narrow it down?
Here are 5 factors to consider when choosing your perfect Ventura neighborhood!
1. Property Taxes
Property taxes are an additional expense that you need to consider and budget for. Check the listing information to learn the taxes for a specific home.
2. Property Value
Home values are important for your immediate needs as well as into the future. Be sure to learn the comps for similar properties in the neighborhood to make sure the home you are interested in is priced correctly.
3. Safety and Crime
Safety is a top priority. You want to make sure that your home and your family are safe. Learn more about the crime levels in particular neighborhoods by checking third-party websites like City-Data and CrimeReports™. You want to check for the neighborhood you will be living in as well as those immediately surrounding it. Determine what level of crime you feel comfortable with based on the information you gather.
4. Topography and Geography
Desirable geographic features, such as waterfront or hillside properties, will likely cost you more. Consider whether these outside features are a priority for you. In California, it is also very important to be aware of danger-prone areas and insurance needs when scouting neighborhoods.
5. School Zones
Strong schools in the neighborhood are an obvious necessity if you have or are planning on having kids. However, they are beneficial to all home owners as they increase property values throughout the neighborhood. Nearby parks and community centers can also add value.
Want to learn more about a particular Ventura neighborhood or interested in Buying a home? Give Blake Mashburn a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
