by Blake Mashburn | Mar 14, 2019 | News
Get your Ventura home ready to sell by making some renovations. Updating your home will help attract your buyers to your property and will increase the value of your home. While we understand that it might seem counter intuitive to put more money into your home when you are leaving, there are some renovations that have a great return on investment (ROI) and make awesome financial sense for you to complete. The Remodeling 2019 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com) analyzes the average costs of home remodeling projects with the value that those projects have when the homes are sold. Check out the top 5 renovations that will help you sell your Ventura home and make you money!
Install a 4 section steel Garage Door for a fresh, updated look to the exterior of your home. This upscale renovation costs $3,785 and makes you a profit with an ROI of 123.8%!
Add a Manufactured Stone Veneer to the bottom section of your home’s exterior as well as around the front door entryway. This mid-range renovation costs $9,507 and will make you another profit with an ROI of 110.4%!
Create an outdoor living space in your backyard with a Wood Deck Addition. This mid-range renovation costs $16,511 and has a ROI of 87.8%.
Make some updates in a Minor Kitchen Remodel with floors, countertops, and appliances. This mid-range renovation costs $24,950 and has an ROI of 87.1%.
Replace your front door with a Fiberglass Door with Duel Sidelights for a grand entrance to your home. This upscale renovation costs $9,568 and has an ROI of 85.1%.
If you are ready to sell your home, give the Blake Mashburn Group a call today at (805) 856-9350 or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
by Blake Mashburn | Mar 11, 2019 | News
With incredible weather year round, a stunning natural environment, and charming communities with endless amenities, Ventura County is a great place to call home! But with all Ventura County has to offer, how could you ever narrow down which community is the best fit for you and your family? Have no fear! Neighborhood ranking and review website Niche.com recently released their list of Best Places To Live In Ventura County for 2019!
If you are looking to move to a city in Ventura County, be sure to check out these highly rated communities!
Ojai
Population: 7,594
Median Home Value: $657,000 | Search Ojai Homes For Sale
Niche Overall Grade: B+
This small community is filled with charm. It offers residents beautiful parks, unique restaurants and stores, and fantastic community events throughout the year. It is equally great for families and retirees. Enjoy minimal commute times and low crime rates in this city.
Ventura
Population: 110,153
Median Home Value: $493,800 | Search Ventura Homes for Sale
Niche Overall Grade: B
Located along the stunning Pacific Ocean, Ventura offers beautiful views and endless recreational opportunities for its residents. There is always something fun to do in this thriving mid sized city and it is filled with great dining and retail options. It is a popular community for young professionals and families. The public school system within Ventura is consistently highly rated throughout the state.
Camarillo
Population: 67,116
Median Home Value: $541,600 | Search Camarillo Homes for Sale
Niche Overall Grade: B
Residents in Camarillo enjoy quiet living in this beautiful city. There are many excellent amenities located within the city limits and access to the larger cities in the area is a breeze. There are good public schools as well as many parks to spend time outdoors.
BUY your dream home in one of these fantastic communities! Give us a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/!
by Blake Mashburn | Mar 7, 2019 | News
Buying a home is a major financial commitment! You want to make sure that you have all the necessary savings to do so. Get yourself in great financial health to buy a new home in the beautiful Ventura area.
Get financially ready to BUY your dream home in Ventura County! Give The Blake Mashburn Group a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/ so we can help make your dreams a reality!
by Blake Mashburn | Mar 4, 2019 | News
Houseplants can instantly add a fresh new touch to the decor of your Ventura home. Through color, texture, and shape, houseplants are a quick and beautiful addition to any room. They also provide many benefits for you and your family by improving the home’s air quality, helping reduce many illnesses, increasing focus and reducing fatigue, and so much more. Not sure where to start with your indoor green thumb? Here are some helpful tips to find the best houseplants for your Ventura home!
- Decide where you want to put the plant(s) within your home. What is the interior design of the space? How much lighting does that area get? There are plants to fit every single one of your needs but you need to make sure you find a plant that will thrive and tastefully match the particular location.
- Make sure you only buy your plants from reputable stores. The quality of care received by the plants while at the store will determine the longevity of the plant once you bring it home. The plants should look healthy and properly cared for when you see them.
- Don’t limit your buying to the stores. Check out garden magazines and catalogs for more unique options. However, make sure any companies you order through offer a money back guarantee in case damage occurs in transit. You can also find unique offerings of plants through plant societies.
- Decide whether you want to care for a plant that has already begun to grow or want to start it from a seedling. Both have different needs for care so it is important to evaluate what your time availability is.
- Do a good visual examination of the plant before your purchase. Look at the color, firmness, and fullness. Make sure there are signs of new growth. If you are picking out a flowering plant, choose when the is not in full bloom as it will not last as long. An important part of the visual examination is checking for diseases and insects. Look at the spots where branches and stems meet. Avoid buying plants with any evidence of disease or insects as these can quickly spread to other plants in your home.
- Along with looking at the the plant, you should feel the soil. Check if it is too compacted or too loose. Poor soil will stunt the plants growth. If you determine that the soil is poor, this does not need to deter you from purchasing the plant. It simply means that you should repot the plant when you get home.
Follow us on Facebook for more helpful home owners’ tips!
by Blake Mashburn | Feb 21, 2019 | News
Almost all home searches today begin online. That means sellers need to make sure that their listing grabs the attention of these viewers. The best way to do that is through the photographs of your home. Make them look as professional as possible in order to get buyers excited to view your home. Here are some easy photography tips to help make your Ventura home pop out from the computer screen.
Equipment: Using the best equipment will set you up for success. Although smartphones have better cameras than ever, they still cannot compare with the real deal. Use a DSLR camera for your photographs. Also, make sure you use a tripod to eliminate the chance for blurry photos due to camera shake as well as to help keep your photos straight.
Lighting: Lighting is the most important element in photography. Exterior shots of your home should always have the sun shining directly on the front of it to eliminate shadows. Indoor shots should be well lit by keeping all interior lights on and window shades open.
Framing: Capture the size and layout of your home through framing. Use angles to your advantage to make rooms appear larger. Do not shoot from behind large furniture that can cause the space to look cramped. A good rule of thumb is to include three walls within the photo. This creates depth and provides balance to the photo.
Content: Make sure to capture everything that a buyer needs to see in order to want to view your home. Highlight the best architectural and design features inside the home. Make sure that interior shots also show what is outside of the home through the open windows. For exterior shots, make sure that the yard and landscaping is easily seen in the images of the home.
If you are ready to sell your home, give the Blake Mashburn Group a call today at (805) 856-9350 or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
by Blake Mashburn | Feb 19, 2019 | News
Picture this: walking arm in arm with your sweetheart as you head to a romantic dinner in a beautiful beach town….. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Make that picture a reality by celebrating the holiday in your own stunning town of Ventura! Ventura is filled with incredible dining options, but we decided to make your holiday planning a breeze by offering you a list of the top romantic restaurants in town! Enjoy incredible food and celebrate the love you share at one of these fantastic restaurants this Valentine’s Day!
17852231 – table setting for valentines day with roses
Barrel 33 | 1067 East Thompson Boulevard | (805) 652-1810
–This great wine bar has a special menu planned for Valentine’s Day (Reservations needed). Dine on tasty treats while sipping on an incredible selection of wines.
Café Zack | 1095 East Thompson Boulevard | (805) 643-9445
–You will find an intimate setting within the 1930’s cottage that houses this restaurant and delicious food will keep you and your partner happy and full.
Cafe Fiore | 66 South California Street | (805) 653-1266
–This stylish restaurant offers incredible homemade pasta and bread, as well as all of your other favorite Italian dishes.
Casa Bella | 391 East Main Street | (805) 340-1118
–The stunning decor makes the setting very romantic for your special date. Moreover, the prime cuts of meat and delectable menu offerings make this a top choice for the evening.
Lure Fish House | 60 California Street | (805) 567-4400
–Lure might not be the most intimate, romantic spot on our list, but the seafood cannot be beat. Come here for the food and a fun, lively atmosphere.
Shoals Restaurant at The Cliff House Inn | 6602 Old Pacific Coast Highway | (805) 684-0025
–This Ventura stable has great food, but it makes our list mainly for its setting along the Pacific Ocean. If you can brave the chilly evenings by bundling up, there is nothing more romantic than listening to the waves right next to your table as you dine.
Spasso Cucina Italiana | 1140 South Seaward Avenue | (805) 643-2777
–Enjoy tasty Italian fare and excellent service at this small restaurant in the beach district.
We wish everyone in Ventura a very Happy Valentine’s Day! Follow us on Facebook for more great community information and events throughout the year!
by Blake Mashburn | Feb 7, 2019 | News
Landscaping is one of the best home improvements you can make to increase it’s value. It can increase its value by 5 to 11%! The best part is that it is also an easy improvement to make! And, with spring approaching, now is the perfect time in Southern California to start making some updates to your yard. Here are some great landscaping tips for you to increase the property value of your Ventura home!
44337762 – landscape architect design backyard plan for villa
- Landscape to Complement The Style of Your Home
You want to make sure that landscape design compliments your home. What is the architectural style of your home? If it is more modern or industrial, add lots of greenery that contours to the lines of your home. For older style homes, think of designs that will blend well and give more of a country feel.
- Create a Strategy
Always start off with a plan. This will ensure that you have the best landscaping design for your home. You don’t want to do too little or too much. Do not clutter too many plants in a particular area. Make sure to have lots of diversity in your plants to make it interesting but still uniform.
- Think of the Seasons
We do not experience much seasonal change in southern California but there are plants that thrive best at different times of the year. Keep your landscape looking its best every time of year and match it to the seasons. Bright florals are great for spring, lovely beds are perfect for summer, autumnal colors add a feeling of fall, and evergreens can put you in the holiday spirit for winter.
- Add Trees
A couple of trees can actually increase the sale price of your home. They help add some welcome shade for you and your home, improve the air quality in your area, and are a great relaxing spot in your yard.
- Create an Edge
Always have edging along your garden beds, sidewalks, and driveway. This along with a well maintained lawn help showcase the care you take in your home. It is also easy to maintain by keeping weeds at bay.
Of all improvements to boost home value, landscape is one that will get you the largest return on your investment. Just make sure that you design your landscape with a plan, and don’t let that design become so complex that the mere thought of all the maintenance chases away your buyers.
Enjoy a great return on investment by landscaping your Ventura yard today. For more great home owners tips, visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
by Blake Mashburn | Jan 17, 2019 | News
It’s time to fill your bellies with the most delectable food available in the Ventura county! Restaurant Week is here! Enjoy incredible deals on delicious cuisine and discover great new restaurants in Oxnard and Ojai! Bon appétit!
2019 Oxnard’s Tacos, Treats & Tastings
Friday, January 18th – Sunday, January 27th
Find delicious food and beverage deals at your favorite dining establishments throughout Oxnard. Oxnard’s culinary partners will feature special offerings such as signature taco menus, special treats, and featured beverage tastings, by focusing on the diverse “Culinary” aspect of our Oxnard brand – as a vibrant multicultural experience!
Participating Restaurants
Ojai Restaurant Week
Friday, January 18th – Sunday, January 27th
Enjoy special offerings at participating restaurants during Ojai’s inaugural restaurant week. During this twelve-day celebration participating restaurants will offer special deals, such as affordable prix fixe menus for lunch and/or dinner, or discounted meals. Visit your favorite eateries or enjoy some new spots.
Participating Restaurants
The Blake Mashburn Group wishes everyone happy dining throughout Ventura County!
Images Credits: California Unpublished and Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce
by Blake Mashburn | Jan 14, 2019 | News
Keep your family healthy and safe by testing your Ventura home during National Radon Action Month!
The California Department of Public Health’s Indoor Radon Program provides even more information and resources (including a list of certified radon mitigation professionals) to help homeowners in our area. During the month of January, they are offering California residents FREE Radon Test Kits through Alpha Energy. Order yours today by calling 1 (800) 324-5928 (option 6) or online HERE.
Check out our Website or follow us on Facebook for more great safety and improvement tips for home owners!
by Blake Mashburn | Dec 27, 2018 | News
16620959 – two champagne glasses ready to bring in the new year
2018 is coming to an end! Celebrate all the new beginnings that 2019 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!
Ventura Improv Company New Year’s Eve Fundraiser and Gala
Date: Monday, December 31st
Time: 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm | Doors Open at 7:00 pm
Location: Rubicon Theatre Company (1006 East Main Street, Ventura)
Cost: $40 per adult | $20 per child (ages 15 & under)
Purchase tickets HERE!
New Year’s Eve Cocktails & Comedy
Date: Monday, December 31st
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Location: AMC DINE-IN Thousand Oaks 14 (166 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks)
Cost: $25 per person (includes popcorn)
Purchase tickets HERE!
West Coast New Year’s Eve with Fritz Coleman and Lenny Schmidt
Date: Monday, December 31st
Time: 10:15 pm | Doors Open at 9:00 pm
Location: Ventura Harbor Comedy Club (1559 Spinnaker Drive Suite 205, Ventura)
Cost: $68 per person (Dinner & Show) | $30 per person (General Admission)
Purchase tickets HERE!
New Year’s Eve 2019
Date: Monday, December 31st
Time: 8:00 pm – 1:30 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: Monday, 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!
NYE 2019 featuring The Crystal Method
Date: Monday, December 31st
Time: 8:00 pm – 2:00 am
Location: Discovery Ventura (1888 East Thompson Boulevard, Ventura)
Cost: $30 per person (General Admission) | $75 per person (VIP)
Purchase tickets HERE!
Magical New Year’s Eve Party
Date: Monday, December 31st
Time: 7:00 pm – 12:30 am
Location: Palm Garden Hotel & Spa (495 North Ventu Park Road, Thousand Oaks)
Cost: $150 per person
Call (805) 716-4335 to reserve!
New Year’s Eve “Under The Tuscan Moon”
Date: Monday, December 31st
Time: 8:00 pm – 1:30 am
Location: The Greek Ventura (1583 Spinnaker Drive Suite 101, Ventura)
Cost: $89.95 per person
Call (805) 650-5350 to reserve!
The Blake Mashburn Group wishes everyone a very Happy & Safe New Year’s Eve in Ventura County!
