by Blake Mashburn | Apr 29, 2019 | News
Are you ready to Sell your Ventura home this spring? Help your home stand apart from the competition by adding some spring cheer to your curb appeal. Make buyers want to stop to “smell the flowers” with some beautiful spring plants. Here are the top plants we recommend to update your curb appeal for spring home selling.
Catmint
Height: 10 to 48 inches
Width: 12 to 24 inches
Facts: Purple-Blue Blossoms; Drought Tolerant; Thrives in Hot Weather & Well-Drained Soil.
Laurel ‘Otto Luyken’
Height: 3 feet
Width: 6 feet
Facts: Leafy Plant; Produces Small Black Fruit in Summer; Needs Extra Care during 1st Growing Season.
Carissa Holly
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Width: 4 to 6 feet
Facts: Good for Compact Spaces; White Blossoms in Spring; Drought Resistance; Only Requires Watering 1x a Week.
Encore Azalea
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Width: 3 to 5 feet
Facts: Needs Full Sun & Slightly Acidic Soil; Blooms 2x (Spring & Late Summer/Early Fall); Variety of Colors Available.
Hydrangea
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Width: 3 to 5 feet
Facts: Fragrant Blossoms; Thick Foliage.
Rhododendron
Height: 3 to 10 feet
Width: 3 to 6 feet
Facts: Woody Plant; Can Thrive in Partial Sun.
Knockout Rose
Height: 4 feet
Width: 3 feet
Facts: Blooms Year-Round; Cousin of the Rose; Disease Resistant.
Heavenly Bamboo
Height: 4 to 5 feet
Width: 3 feet
Fact: Produces Bright Berries; Needs Full or Partial Sun; Requires Pruning.
Harland Dwarf Boxwood
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Width: 4 to 6 feet
Facts: Evergreen color; Miniature Tree-shaped; Needs Full or Partial Sun & Moist Soil; Disease Resistant.
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by Blake Mashburn | Apr 22, 2019 | News
With the school year is winding down, final report cards are getting filled. While we wait to find out how our students did this past year, it is also important to know how the district educating them stacks up! Educational review and ranking website Niche recently released their list of the 2019 Best School Districts in California! The site examined 481 public school districts throughout the state. They looked at key metrics, such as quality of teachers, extracurriculars offered, test scores, and other areas that help insure a quality education for K-12 students. From millions of Niche user reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education, grades were provided for each of the public school districts.
So did Ventura Unified School District make the grade? It came in the top 15% of its class — ranking 71st in the state! Ventura Unified School District received an A- for its Overall Niche Grade!! It got 3 A’s for Teachers, College Prep, and Diversity. 2 A-‘s were earned for Sports and Health & Safety. It received a B+ for its Administration. And, B’s for Academics and Clubs & Activities. Congrats on these great marks!
This excellent public school district operates 29 schools and serves 16,891 students within the greater Ventura, CA area.
Top ranked school districts not only guarantee that your children are getting the best possible education but also help increase your home’s value! Search our Current Homes for Sale in Ventura Unified School District today!
If you are interested in Buying a home within this great school district, Blake Mashburn is here to help! Give us a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
by Blake Mashburn | Apr 18, 2019 | News
Earth Day is on Monday, April 22nd! With its incredible natural setting, the community of Ventura takes great pride in its environment. Our residents recognize the importance of celebrating and protecting our beaches, waterways, green spaces, and all the gifts Mother Earth has put in our very own backyard. Be a part of the celebration during the award-winning Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest!!! Enjoy family-friendly, eco-fun and entertainment on Saturday, April 27th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Plaza Park (651 East Thompson Boulevard).
Join 5,000+ neighbors and friends as we celebrate Earth Day. Check out the 80+ eco-exhibits, including the Green Auto Expo, for great informational material and interesting demonstrations. Watch incredible live entertainment by Jade Hendrix, Sea at Last, Anchor and Bear, Shelby Figueroa & the Vine Artist Collective, Grace Fellows, and Pacific Sound (exact schedule TBD). Stretch it out and relax during a free BYOM yoga class. Enter to win amazing prizes during the Earth Day Raffle and Silent Auction. Bring your children to the kids’ activity areas for recycled crafts, fun games, exciting scavenger hunts, and much more! Dine on delicious treats from your favorite food vendors, including The Grilled Cheese Truck, It’s In the Sauce, Rice Balls of Fire, Kona Ice, The Deli Doctor, and Belly BombZ.
Be green and ride your bike to the Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest! There will be a free Bike Valet and ample secure bicycle parking locations.
Blake Mashburn wishes everyone in Ventura County a very Happy Earth Day! If you are interested in Buying your dream home in one of our eco-friendly communities, give us a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
Image Credit: Ventura’s Earth Day
by Blake Mashburn | Apr 15, 2019 | News
by Blake Mashburn | Apr 11, 2019 | News
Spruce up your Ventura home this spring! Keep your home and yard in tip-top shape for the year by giving it some attention now. Check out these home maintenance tasks to complete this spring!
AC Check Up!
Before it gets much hotter in Ventura County, you need to make sure that your AC is ready to run. Use a hose (low pressure) on the outside of the unit to clean dirt and dust from the condenser. Replace the filter. Call a professional to look at your AC unit if it has been some time since its last maintenance check.
Make Windows Sparkle!
Be able to marvel at your stunning landscaping by giving your windows a good scrub. The best way to ensure that all smudges and streaks are removed is by having a partner simultaneously wash the inside of the window(s) while you wash the outside.
Inspect Walkways and Patios!
Concrete and brick can become loose on walkways and patios. Look for any of these trouble spots and hire a handy man to come fix it right away. This will avoid preventable mishaps when you have guests over this spring and summer.
Fix Fences and Gates!
Re-strengthen the supports of your fences and check for broken gates that need replacing.
Give Your Lawn Some TLC!
Keep your grass happy and healthy all year by feeding it some nutrients this spring. Fight weeds with home grown compost or a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!
Have mulch delivered to your home and add 2 to 4 inches to your planting beds. Doing so, will help your beautiful plants thrive.
Prep Your Grill!
Summertime barbecues are a great tradition. Make sure you are ready to grill up some burgers and other tasty treats by maintaining your grill. Give the grates and metal plates a good cleaning by soaking them, scrubing them, and rinsing them. Clean the walls and hood with a grill brush as well. Check the hoses and connections to make sure they are all working properly.
Follow us on Facebook and visit our Website for more home maintenance tips throughout the year.
by Blake Mashburn | Apr 8, 2019 | News
Easter is right around the corner! You can start getting in the holiday spirit thanks to fantastic community events taking place throughout greater Ventura County! The whole family will have an EGGscellent time at these festive events!
Photos with the Bunny
Dates: Friday, April 12th – Saturday, April 20th
Times: 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Weekdays) | 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (Saturday) | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Sunday)
Location: The Collection at RiverPark (2751 Park View Court, Oxnard)
Cost: Varies based on desired photo size and quantity
Dress in your Sunday best and have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny himself!
Flashlight Egg Hunt & Hike
Date: Friday, April 12th
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Conejo Creek Playfield South (1300 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks)
Cost: $3 admission | $2 egg hunt hike
Grab your flashlight and your basket and check out this unique egg hunt experience! For added fun, participate in the hike to find more eggs along the trail. There will be a Glow Zone, crafts, and bounce houses for additional entertainment!
Fillmore’s Egg Hunt & Chalk Art Festival
Date: Saturday, April 13th
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Two Rivers Park (River Street, Fillmore)
Cost: FREE!
Hop on over to Fillmore for a fantastic egg hunt and opportunity to have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny. You can also leave your artistic mark by creating some chalk artwork on the sidewalk.
Easter Egg Hunt
Date: Saturday, April 20th
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Arroyo Vista Community Park (4550 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark)
Cost: $5 for general admission | $10 all access (includes unlimited attractions, crafts, & games)
Enjoy a fun filled day at this annual event. Participate in the egg hunt, play carnival games, make arts & crafts, pet some animals, jump in a bounce house, and so much more!
Easter EGGstravaganza & Spring Craft Fair
Date: Saturday, April 20th
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Community Center Park (1605 East Burnley Street, Camarillo)
Cost: FREE!
Help find the 20,000 eggs hidden throughout the park! The eggs are filled with tasty candy and fun toys. Along with the egg hunts, this family friendly event features a petting zoo, games, entertainment, and visits with the Easter Bunny. There is also a fantastic craft fair taking place, where you can find unique items for your home and family.
Easter Lunch Train
Date: Sunday, April 21st
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: Fillmore & Western Railway Co. (364 Main Street, Fillmore)
Cost: $50 per adult | $29 per youth (ages 4-12) | $25 per child (2-3)
All aboard this scenic ride on Easter Sunday. Enjoy a delicious lunch as you view the spectacular scenery of Heritage Valley. The Easter Bunny will also be a passenger, handing out treats to everyone on the train! Purchase tickets HERE!
Blake Mashburn wishes you and your family a very HAPPY EASTER! Check out our Website and follow us on Facebook for other holiday and community events throughout the year!
by Blake Mashburn | Apr 4, 2019 | News
Meet us at the Spring Wine Walk & Street Fair in beautiful Ventura this weekend! Saturday, April 6th, will be filled with unique arts & crafts, delicious wine samplings, and family fun activities!
The SPRING STREET FAIR takes place from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm with FREE admission. The 300, 400 & 500 block of Main Street will be filled with a multitude of vendors, including talented local artists, fantastic non-profits, incredible live entertainment, and So Much More!
From 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, head out on the WINE WALK! Discover the best champagne, wine, beer, and sparkling wines at the various Tasting Sites located throughout Downtown Ventura.
For the ultimate weekend experience, swing by the VIP Bunny Lounge (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm). This 21+ years of age and older area will hold additional wine tastings as well as a variety of exclusive, delicious sweets!
Tickets for this fantastic community event can be purchase online HERE or in person at the Ventura Visitors Center (101 South California Street)!
VIP Bunny Lounge Tickets: $75 (plus fees)
Spring Wine Walk Tickets: $50 (plus fees)
Tickets are almost sold out! Get yours today!
All proceeds will help the Downtown Ventura Organization in their mission to cultivate a vibrant commercial and cultural district in our community!
Start your weekend fun with the little ones during the annual The Hunt, Ventura’s largest FREE holiday egg hunt! Head to Mission Park at 10:30 am sharp to fill your basket with some of the 25,000 eggs hidden throughout the area! Your little ones will enjoy a special appearance by the Easter Bunny himself! Arts & crafts and the fun kids zone start (featuring face painting, balloons, music, and more) promptly at 10:30 am and do not miss these fantastic egg hunt times for your own “bunnies”:
11:00 am – ADA hunt
11:30 am – 0 – 3 year old hunt
12:00 pm – 4 – 6 year old hunt
12:30 pm – 7 – 12 year old hunt
Image Credit: CBF Productions
by Blake Mashburn | Apr 1, 2019 | News
Home sellers are always looking for the secret to selling success! Although the housing market is unpredictable, there are some trends that always seem to hold fast; one being that spring is the hottest time to sell. But, here is even better intel! The best time to list your Ventura is right NOW!
The data team at Realtor.Com set out to find the best time to list your home and, when the results came in, April made it out on top. Their research found that although competition gets heavy during the spring season, it is still relatively low at the beginning of April. In fact, there is 5% less competition from other sellers. As a result, homes are viewed online 14% more. And, this translates to homes being sold quickly and at higher prices! On average, homes are sold 6 days faster and for 6% higher prices! Finally, as an added bonus, price reductions occur 1% less compared to other times of the year. Here’s how all the months stacked up when the data was gathered:
It truly is the perfect time to sell your home. Aside from less competition from sellers, you will enjoy eager buyers! Interest rates are at the lowest they have been in months — below 4.5%! In addition, the majority of buyers on the market are hoping to be in their new home by summer time. Your Ventura home will more likely sell quickly and for top dollar if you list this month!
Work with Blake Mashburn to Sell your Ventura home today! Give us a call at (805) 856-9350 or visit https://blakemashburn.com/!
by Blake Mashburn | Mar 28, 2019 | News
Not only is Ventura County stunningly beautiful, it is also incredibly safe!
Three Ventura County communities were ranked within the state’s top 50 safest cities by home security and safety website SafeWise. To determine their 2019 rankings, SafeHome gathered data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program and the U.S. Census. The communities of Moorpark (#25), Thousand Oaks (28), Simi Valley (40), and Camarillo (24) were all recognized for their dedication and success at keeping their residents safe. Not only were these communities top ranked within the state, but all have lower average crime rates than the majority of cities around the United States!
#25 MOORPARK
- Population: 36,813
- Median Income: $102,145
- Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000): 1.30
- Property Crime Rate (per 1,000): 9.02
#28 THOUSAND OAKS
- Population: 129,240
- Median Income: $103,793
- Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000): 1.33
- Property Crime Rate (per 1,000): 13.05
#40 SIMI VALLEY
- Population: 126,635
- Median Income: $93,516
- Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000): 1.45
- Property Crime Rate (per 1,000): 14.40
#47 CAMARILLO
- Population: 67,714
- Median Income: $92,780
- Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000): 1.58
- Property Crime Rate (per 1,000): 16.04
If you are interested in Buying your dream home in beautiful and safe Ventura County, give Blake Mashburn a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
Image Credit: SafeWise
by Blake Mashburn | Mar 18, 2019 | News
Get your Ventura yard ready for spring by prepping it today! Before the weather warms up too much more, you will get the best results and save time by taking care of your landscape now. Here are the best lawn tasks for you to complete to prep your yard for spring!
- Service Your Mower
Keep your lawn mower in tip top shape all season long! Before you have to start using your lawn mower on a regular basis, it is best to service it now. Give it an oil change. Clean the air filter. Replace the spark plugs. Sharpen the blades.
- Cover The Bare Spots
Look for bare or thin spots of grass in your yard. Add sod or spread grass seed across these areas. Doing it now before soil temperatures rise more will help keep weeds from growing in those areas instead.
- Clear Lawn Debris
Do a thorough clean up of your yard. Remove all branches, leaves, and clumps of lawn debris from your yard and garden. This natural clutter can stunt new growth so it is important to remove it in enough time for the spring blooms to take root.
- Prep Your Plants Apply Fertilizer with Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Check your soil to make sure that it is dry. The best test for this is to see if the soil crumbles in your hand instead of clumping. If it is crumbly, start pruning your shrubs and trees and remove growth from perennials. Add slow release fertilizer to trees and shrubs. Use fertilizer that has a pre-emergent herbicide because this additive will fight weeds before they germinate.
- Pick Your Plants
Now it’s time to get your green thumb going! You can begin adding bare root plants and other foliage that will love the current cooler temperatures. Go to a nursery and preorder your perennials. You will take advantage of early spring savings and will have the best selection of plants.
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