by Blake Mashburn | Sep 30, 2019 | News
Little decorating updates can go a long way when you are trying to sell your Ventura home. It is important to find ways to make your home stand out from the competition and attract the broadest array of potential buyers. Sell your home for top dollar and quickly with these Top Design Tips.
Stay True To Your Home’s Roots: Do not worry about making everything in the house brand new. In fact, you should showcase the home’s traditional elements as it makes it unique from other homes on the market.
Freshen It Up: A new coat of paint is the easiest and cheapest way to freshen up your home. Use neutral colors to appeal to the broadest range of buyers.
Make It Spacious: It is important that rooms always feel large regardless of their actual square footage. Create the perception of space by placing furniture in the space that allows it to feel larger.
Be Green: Adding energy efficient features to your home will attract home buyers not only because it is eco-friendly but will also help them cut costs on energy bills.
Invest In The Kitchen: The one room you should definitely put some money into is the kitchen. It is the central hub of any home. You will see a return on your investment on even minor improvements, such as updated hardware and lighting.
Same Goes For The Bathroom: The other room that will give you a good ROI is the bathroom. Replace light fixtures and update the vanity to give the space an updated look.
Make Space For Master Bedroom Closets: Buyers want storage and luxury and there are few better features than a walk in closet for the master bedroom to achieve that. It will add value to your home and attract more buyers.
Add More Storage: Don’t stop at just the bedroom closet. Add storage anywhere you can, such as under the stairs.
Organize: It is important to declutter your home. While you can do it on your own, it can be beneficial to hire a pro. They will help you get rid of the stuff you really do not need and make your home feel larger.
Make A Great First Impression: Update your curb appeal so buyers want to see what else your home has to offer. Clean and add fresh paint to the exterior of your home. Give your lawn and garden some TLC so it is looking its very best.
Work with Blake Mashburn to Sell your Ventura home today! Give us a call at (805) 856-9350 or visit https://blakemashburn.com/!
Source: Houzz Inc. ©
by Blake Mashburn | Sep 26, 2019 | News
Celebrate the 26th anniversary of our favorite art filled community event…..ArtWalk Ventura!! On Saturday, September 28th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm enjoy a fun, self guided tour of the best art that Ventura has to offer! Check out the incredible works of art by 100+ talented artists on display at dozens galleries, studios, and pop-up venues. Do not miss this fantastic art event!
Participating Venues
Art City Gallery & Studios | 197 Dubbers Street
Bell Arts Factory | 432 North Ventura Avenue
Buenaventura Art Association | 432 North Ventura Avenue
Davey Miller Gallery | 407 North Ventura Avenue
Fox Fine Jewelry | 560 East Main Street
John White Studio | 110 North Olive, Unit N
Latitudes Fine Art Gallery | 401 East Main Street
Museum of Ventura County | 100 East Main Street
Oak & Main | 419 East Main Street
Pacific Wonderland Inc | 651 North Ventura Avenue
VC Art Market | 185 East Santa Clara Street
Very Ventura | 540 East Main Street
Vita Art Center | 28 West Main Street
Working Artists Ventura | 175 South Ventura Avenue
**2019 Full Schedule **
Fill your dream home with the incredible works of art you discover this weekend at ArtWalk Ventura! Check out the current Homes for Sale throughout Western Ventura County to find your perfect property! Give our experienced team a call today at 805-856-9350 or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
Image Credit: ArtWalk Ventura
by Blake Mashburn | Sep 19, 2019 | News
You just put in a mortgage application for a new Ventura CA Home! Congrats! Although you might know without a shadow of a doubt that you will get approved, your financial diligence is not over! The lender will be tracking your assets throughout the process. Any changes can therefore have a negative impact on your qualification for the loan. Here are the main financial rules to follow while you are going through the mortgage application process!
- Stay At The Same Bank: Remember, lenders need to source and track assets. To make sure that your lender can easily source and track your assets, you should keep the same bank account(s) that you listed on your application. Avoid closing your account or opening a new one at a different bank.
- Keep All Credit Accounts Open: Closing credit accounts will change your credit history (which goes beyond payment history to look at length and depth of credit) as well as the ratio of your credit usage to the percentage of available credit. This will have a negative impact on your score.
- Don’t Open New Credit: Stay on track for approval and keep your interest rates lower by not opening any new lines of credit, including auto loans or additional credit cards.
- Avoid Cash Deposits: It is important that your deposits are traceable and cash is not. Ask your lender the best way to document transactions before depositing cash into your bank account.
- Maintain Your Job & Current Salary: Your annual income and its source are important factors in your application. Avoid any changes in your employment.
- Do Not Purchase Other Large Items: This is one of the more common mistakes. Stay on track to qualify to avoid making any additional large purchases (ie automobiles, furniture, electronics, etc.) during this time.
- Don’t Become A Co-Signer: Although you might not be the one making the payment, the payment will be counted against you if you co-sign on a loan. You might want to help out your friend or loved one but hold off doing so while you are looking to purchase a home.
For more Home Buying and Home Financing Tips, check out our Website and follow us on Facebook!
by Blake Mashburn | Sep 5, 2019 | News
With the kids are back in school and the holiday season a few months away, many people do not think that now is the best time to sell your Ventura home. Despite these factors, there are many reasons why this season might be the perfect time for you to sell. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity by checking out these Top Reasons to Sell Your Home this Upcoming Fall Season!
- High Demand from Buyers
With slower growth in new construction and lower inventory in general on the market, fall tends to see higher demand from buyers. Use this high demand to sell your home quickly and for top dollar before the end of the year.
- There is Less Competition
Because school has started and the holidays are right around the corner, many sellers are more inclined to wait to list their home until the spring. That means less competition. The limited choices for home buyers will make it easier for them to find your home listing and help you stand out in the smaller crowd!
- It Will Be Quicker
Buyers in the fall market tend to be more determined to find and move into a place as quickly as possible, particularly with the holiday season fast approaching. Enjoy less days on the market by listing this fall as opposed to waiting until next year.
- Take Advantage of Higher Sale Prices
Sale prices of homes are quite high across the board which means it is a good time to take advantage. Although there are always changes in the market, prices are predicted to drop over the next two years, so enjoy a higher return on your investment while you know you can!
- The Time is Right For You & Your Family
No matter what the reason behind it, only you know when the best time to sell your home is. If you know that time is right now, than this season is the perfect time to sell!
For more Sellers Tips, Contact Blake Mashburn today!
by Blake Mashburn | Sep 2, 2019 | News
Ventura is about to get a lot more colorful! It’s time for the 9th annual Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival!!! Head on down to the beautiful Ventura Harbor on Saturday, September 7th, and Sunday, September 8th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily to see some magnificent works of art!
Find incredible pieces of art for yourself and your Ventura home at the fine artisan marketplace. Fifty local artists will be displaying and selling their jewelry, paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery, glassware, and more!
Stroll along the harbor promenade for the most amazing display of “living” art. Forty five of Southern California’s finest chalk artists will transform the sidewalks into vivid masterpieces for all to enjoy.
Admission and parking at this favorite community event are FREE!
Blake Mashburn wishes everyone a colorful good time at the Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival! Follow us on Facebook and check out our Website for more fantastic community events taking place throughout the year!
Image Credit: Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival
by Blake Mashburn | Aug 29, 2019 | News
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!
17th Annual Ventura Nationals
Date: Saturday, August 31st
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, customs, motorcycles, low riders, and more 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 custom builds. Do not miss the fun Pedal Car Contest as they cruise their way through the fairgrounds. Enter for your chance to win a 1959 El Camino. Enjoy great live music by Jesse Dayton, Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas, The Moontones, Eddie & The Scorpions, and The Rockin Henrys. And, so much more! Tickets are available for purchase at the fairgrounds (Cash Only).
15th Annual Santa Paula Labor Day Parade
Date: Monday, September 2nd
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Main Street, Santa Paula
Cost: FREE Admission!
Find the best spot along the parade route and enjoy the best Labor Day parade in the area! Check out all the great floats, musical groups, and more.
7th Annual Labor Day Vintage Tractor Fair
Date: Monday, September 2nd
Time: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: Agriculture Museum (926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula)
Cost: FREE Admission!
After the Santa Paula parade, head to the Agriculture Museum for an afternoon of old-fashioned family fun! Check out vintage tractors, enter the pie eating contest, bob for apples, play in the bounce house, make tractor crafts, and so much more!
38th Annual Malibu Chili Cook Cook-Off
Date: Friday, August 30th – Monday, September 2nd
Time: 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Fri), 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Sat&Sun), 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Mon)
Location: 23575 Civic Center Way, Malibu
Cost: $15 per day
Take a trip down to Malibu for this fun annual event featuring carnival rides, fair games, live entertainment, silent auction, vendors, food sales, and of course, the famous chili cook-off. Purchase tickets HERE!
Labor Day Concert in Thousand Oaks – The Police Experience
Date: Monday, September 2nd
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Conejo Community Park (1175 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks)
Cost: FREE!
Dance the evening away to one of the most authentic cover bands in the country, The Police Experience. Refreshments are available.
Blake Mashburn wishes everyone a very Happy & Safe Labor Day Weekend!
by Blake Mashburn | Aug 26, 2019 | News
Obtaining a mortgage is a process and one that is often more involved than many home buyers are expecting. Do not be surprised when you get a mortgage by being prepared for everything that is to come. Here are the 5 essential steps to getting a mortgage.
- Pre-Approval
Getting pre-approval for a mortgage (meaning the lender is committed to giving you a loan up to a certain amount) can greatly increase your chances of the seller accepting your offer. It shows the seller that you are serious and can actually afford their home. In order to get pre-approved you will need to provide your lender with Pay Stubs, Federal Tax Returns, W-2 Forms, Statement of Assets, Residential History, and Proof of Funds.
- Home Appraisal
Your lender will complete an appraisal of the home to determine its value. This step is necessary in order for them to check the home’s value against the loan amount. As long as the home is appraised at or above what you offered, you are good to go. Unfortunately, this step in the process gets complicated if the home is appraised for less. A lender will not give you more money than what the home is valued at. If this happens, you can try to negotiate with the seller, appeal the appraisal, request a second appraisal, or (in many cases) walk away from this particular deal.
- Maintain Credit Score
It is very important that you do not have any changes to your credit score while you go through the mortgage process. Your score gets checked at the beginning and very end and most stay consistent. Avoid jeopardizing the final approval of your loan by not opening new credit accounts, not closing old ones, and making all of your payments on time.
- Closing Disclosure Review
When you first applied for your loan, you received a Loan Estimate (LE). Just before closing, you will receive the Closing Disclosure (CD). It is very important that you review the CD off of the LE to check for any errors. The CD outlines everything that you will pay in fees at settlement. Since errors can often occur in these documents be sure to carefully check your Name’s Spelling, Loan Term, Loan Type, Interest Rate, Cash to Close, Closing Costs, Loan Amount, Total Monthly Payment, and Estimated Taxes and Insurance.
- Underwriting
The final step is the underwriting process. This is when you lender verifies that all of the information you provided is true and accurate. The easiest (and only) way to get through this step smoothly is to be truthful in your application. Be sure to maintain your job status, credit score, and pay off your debts on time and this step will be a total breeze!
For more helpful Buying tips, check out our Website and follow us on Facebook!
by Blake Mashburn | Aug 22, 2019 | News
The beautiful climate and landscape in Ventura County provides us with incredible produce and locally grown goods. There are amazing farmers markets in our communities throughout the year. Find a wide variety of items from fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meat and dairy, handmade crafts, and so much more. Put healthy, delicious food on your kitchen table and help promote economic development throughout Ventura County by shopping local at these great farmers markets!
Midtown Ventura
When: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: Pacific View Mall West Parking Lot (3301 North Main Street, Ventura)
Thursdays
Downtown Oxnard Farmers Market
When: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Where: 471 South B Street, Oxnard
Saturdays
Camarillo Certified Farmers Market
When: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: 2220 Ventura Boulevard, Old Town Camarillo
Downtown Ventura
When: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Corner of Palm & Santa Clara Streets, Ventura
Sundays
Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market
When: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: 300 East Matilija Street, Ojai
Channel Islands Certified Farmers’ Market
When: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: 3350 South Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard
Incredible local farmers markets are one of the many reasons that Ventura County is a great place to live. If you are interested in Buying your dream home in one of these communities, search our Homes for Sale. Give Blake Mashburn a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
by Blake Mashburn | Aug 19, 2019 | News
You found your dream home and the seller accepted your offer! You are now in the home stretch to getting handed the keys to your new home. There are a few more final and essential steps that need to be made. Here is an easy guide to closing so that you are prepared in the last days of your home buying process!
#1 Square Away Contingencies
Make sure that any contingencies (i.e. home inspection, appraisal, and financing) are met before the final transaction. This allows you to walk away if any issues arise.
#2 Clear the Title
Your mortgage lender will check for anyone that claims title to the home and see if there are any liens attached to the property. Make sure to buy title insurance so that you can protect yourself from any legal claims as the ownership transfers to you.
#3 Get Approval of Your Final Mortgage
Even if you got pre-approved for the loan, your mortgage lender must now verify that you accurately represented yourself by going through the underwriting process. As long as you with truthful about your finances and made no large purchases during closing that will affect your credit score, you should make it through this step like a breeze.
#4 Check Your Closing Disclosure
Review your closing disclosure against the loan estimate you received when you first got pre-approval. Check out the mortgage payments, interest rate, loan terms, and closing costs to make sure that everything matches.
#5 Do One Last Walk-through
Do a final walk-through in the last 24 hours before closing. This allows you to make sure that the previous owner has truly moved out and that the home is in the condition that you agreed upon.
Get your hands ready to sign a lot of paperwork, complete these 5 steps, and your dream Ventura home is yours!
For more helpful Buying tips, check out our Website and follow us on Facebook!
by Blake Mashburn | Aug 15, 2019 | News
Celebrate the natural beauty of Ventura at the WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL!! This 10th annual festival showcases inspirational and educational films related to our natural environment. Enjoy these incredible, award-winning short films with a stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Bring a blanket, find the perfect spot on the grassy lawn, and relax under the stars during this fantastic event!
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival will take place this Saturday, August 17th, at the Ventura County Credit Union (2575 Vista Del Mar Drive #100). The gates to the event will open at 5:00 pm with fun lawn games, family friendly activities, Live Music from The Guy Martin Band & Todd Hannigan & Sleeping Chief. Films will begin at 8:00 pm.
Film Line Up
Cascada
Blue
Brotherhood of Skiing
Moonline
Great Old Broads for Wolves
Fire Followers
A New View of the Moon
Lost in Light
The Majestic Plastic Bag
Carpe Diem
Fire and Water
Climbing Out of Disaster
For the Love of Mary
Imagination: Tom Wallisch
Dine on delicious food from your favorite local trucks, including Crazy Greek, Farm & Flame, It’s in the Sauce, Mr. Softee, SoCalComfort, Steamy Bun Truck, and We Bee Poppin. Sip on refreshing beer and wine from Leashless Brewing, Ojai Valley Brewery. Rincon Brewery, Topa Topa, Castoro Cellars, and San Antonio Winery.
General Admission is $35 per person and child admission is $5 per child (ages 12 and under). For the first year ever, VIP tickets are also available for $125 per person. Enjoy the ultimate VIP experience with FREE adult beverage, appetizers, and desserts from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the VIP Lounge and Courtyard, as well as access to indoor restrooms throughout the entire event! Purchase your Wild & Scenic Film Festival tickets HERE!
Follow Blake Mashburn on Facebook and visit his Website for information on more incredible community events throughout the year!
Image Credits: Ventura Land Trust
