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!
- 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.
- 53% of real estate agents representing sellers said that staged homes moved off the market faster.
- Online viewers look at staged homes 38% more.
- The value of homes increased 1% to 5% more after being staged, in general. Some sellers enjoyed increased values of 6% to 10%!
- 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®
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!
by Blake Mashburn | Aug 5, 2019 | News
Celebrate everything you love about living in beautiful Ventura County by partaking in that great summertime tradition…..the Ventura County Fair!!! Head to the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 West Harbor Boulevard) now through Sunday, August 11th, for days of family fun and excitement! The 144th annual fair promises to be better than ever! Enjoy carnival games, exciting rides and attractions, incredible live entertainment, interesting vendors and exhibitions, and SO much more every day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Admission to the fair costs $12 for adults and $9 for children and seniors (65+). Take advantage of discounted ticket prices on Special Admission Days. Purchase your fair tickets HERE! Do not miss out on the “County Fair with Ocean Air”!!
Grandstand Entertainment Schedule
Monday, August 5th
Tuesday, August 6th
- 1:00 pm | Tommy James and the Shondells
- 7:30 pm | Brothers Osborne
Wednesday, August 7th
Thursday, August 8th
- 7:30 pm | George Thorogood and the Destroyers
Friday, August 9th
- 7:30 pm | Collective Soul
Saturday, August 10th
- 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm | P.R.C.A. Pro Rodeo
Sunday, August 11th
- 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm | P.R.C.A. Pro Rodeo
Check out all the fun happenings and live entertainment: 2019 Ventura County Fair Daily Schedule of Events!!!
Blake Mashburn wishes everyone a happy & fun time at this year’s Ventura County Fair!
Image Credit: Ventura County Fairgrounds
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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”.
- 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.
- Any price changes? Similar to days on the market, asking the listing agent for explanations of pricing changes can provide more context.
- 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.
- 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!
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
Sunday, July 28th
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