CONCERTS BY THE SEA SATURDAYS AT PENINSULA PARK CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR 4 TO 6 PM Channel Islands Harbor's Summer Concert Series is set against a summer sky with the sparkling water as the backdrop. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of musical entertainment offered every Saturday! Musical selections will include Rock, R&B, Jazz, Boomer Rock, Rockabilly/50's Surf Music, and Country Rock. Located next to the Casa Sirena Hotel and the Hampton Inn.This Concert Series and parking are FREE.    August 22 - Cadillac Angels,  Rockabilly/50's Surf MusicAugust 29 - Kacey Cubero,  Country Rock   BRING YOUR BLANKETS, PICNIC BASKETS AND LAWN CHAIRS (Subject to cancellation due to weather) This event is produced by the Channel Islands Harbor Foundation, Inc. For further information call the Visitor's Inf... 08/21/2009

Recently I posted a blog about a rather awkward location for a "door"  in a home we recently Staged in Oxnard, CA Mandalay Beach.  The Owner had aptly dubbed the home, "the house of doors" and she hit the nail on the head. The following is a series of pictures ALL from the SAME ROOM - which happens to be the first room & first impression of the home ~ The ENTRY!  Count 'em with me: and a 1, and a 2, and........yes, there are 10 doors/entrances into this ONE room.   #1 - Coat Closet   #2 - FRONT DOOR to home   #3 - One of two entrances to garage   #4 - Another closet   #5 - Second entrance to tandem garage           #6 - Storage closet   #7 - Sliding door to a tiny court yard   #8 - Yet another storage closet          But wait, we're not done!   #9 - Hallway to the Guest Bedrooms Yes, a ... 08/07/2009

We recently Staged a beautiful, architectural home in Oxnard, CA. The home had been on the market for a time with little interest, so the Owners & Realtor called Platinum Home Staging, Inc. to come in, Stage the home and make sense of it's awkward floor plan. However, the Owners wanted to be present while we worked our magic. We politely explained that they would probably get a bit overwhelmed by everything that goes on "behind the scenes" as we Staged the home, and it would better to come back for the "big reveal" later that day. But for those interested, here is a sneak-peak "behind the scenes" of just one room in the home. You'll notice the gradual progression of furniture, accessory bins, placements, etc. It was hard to get the pictures lined up to match perfectly, and even harder t... 08/06/2009

Channel Islands, located approximately sixty miles northwest of Los Angeles, is home to Ventura County's premier beaches: Mandalay Shores, McGrath Silver Strand and  Ormond.  Besides the many amazing beaches, there are also countless attractions and activities for the entire family.  Mandalay Shores  Mandalay Shores, located in the northern section of Channel Islands, has incredible views of both Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz Island and the sunsets from Mandalay Shores are absolutely spectacular.  Mandalay Shores is the most residential of all of all of the beaches with more home owners living full time on this beach than any of the other beaches.  Truly a family beach, Mandalay Shores is the only beach with a portion of the beach dedicated to the children.  At Neptune Square, you will... 07/26/2009

Real Estate Activity for Oxnard/Channel Islands/Port Hueneme As of 7/13/09      Breakdown of Active Listings: *does not include properties accepting back-up offers or in escrow   118 attached (condos, townhomes, duplexes) # of properties available Low Price Range High Price Range 6 $ 50,000 $100,000 22 $100,000 $249,999 21 $250,000 $299,999 12 $300,000 $349,999 8 $350,000 $399,999 9 $400,000 $500,000 9 $500,000 $600,000 5 $600,000 $700,000 4 $700,000 $800,000 2 $800,000 $900,000 4 $900,000 $1,000,000 16 $1,000,000 $2,199,000   233 detached # of properties available Low Price Range High Price Range 25 $100,000 $250,000 19 $250,000 $300,000 19 $300,000 $350,000 16 $350,000 $400,000 17 $400,000 $500,000 20 $500,000 $599,999 15 $600,000 $699,999 4 $700,000 $799,999 5 $800,000 $899,999 9 $90... 07/14/2009

    SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 16 & 17, 2009 It's back!  The 26th annual California Strawberry Festival will take place form 10 AM to 6:30 PM Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17 2009 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park, 3250 Rose Ave, Oxnard.Anything, and everything  strawberry that you can think of, and probably several you would never think of, will be there.  The event features vendors selling strawberry based food and drink, cooking, and berry decorating demonstrations, as well as fine arts and crafts booths.There will be a children "Jest in Time" tent, with puppet shows, comedy, juggling, magic, and the Star Berry Hunt.  Musical groups will be performing all day on two stages.Free park and ride express shuttles will be available, check the website below for more info.  Amtrak offers... 05/08/2009

The City of Oxnard updated its 100-year Flood Maps in March.  Here is what you need to know:     *      The new flood maps impact 1,761 homes.    *      All FHA financed homes must carry flood insurance in addition to homeowner insurance.    *      Homeowners insurance does not protect you in case of a flood. Portions of the following areas are affected:     *      Sierra Linda    *      South Bank    *      River Ridge    *      Windsor North    *      Most of the homes affected lie in the South Bank and River Ridge neighborhoods Save money and purchase your flood insurance now:     *      Flood insurance costs about $1,700 annually.    *      Purchasing flood insurance early can save you thousands of dollars. Homeowners who purchase flood insurance within six months of the final map a... 05/07/2009

Have you been thinking about buying a home but are waiting to see if real estate values go down some more? You haven't saved enough money or maybe your credit is not where you would like for it to be to qualify for the best rates, terms and conditions.  If you have thought about making a purchase right now is the time to really start considering it.  If you felt you have not saved money for a down payment, it is okay.  There are different ways of obtaining the money for the down payment and closing costs.  For example, you can borrow against your retirement plan to come up with the down payment.  You may also borrow against the equity of your car to come up with a down payment.  Or you can sell things of value such as baseball cards, jewlary, collection items, etc. If you have money for... 03/01/2009

Buyers are wanting bargains and are even limiting their search to REO's and short sale listings. BUT....as a consumer and purchaser it is extremely important to hire an agent who can analyze and interpret the listing price on these properties. Just because they are bank owned or short does not make them a good deal!! Yes there is absolutely the opportunity to buy a home or condo at a great price. The pricing on these homes, however, seems to be dependent partially on the prior transfer and the existing loan situation. If the prior owner way overpaid for the property to begin with, then the current price could also be suspect. Especially if it is a short sale. Also, even though it is not right to do so, there are homes being listed for ridiculously low prices that the bank will not accep... 02/11/2009

Thursday February 12, 4:30 p.m.Library Board MeetingOxnard Public Library, Meeting Room A.There is a Library Board Meeting on Feb. 12 at 4:30 p.m.  For more information contact (805) 385-7527.Friday February 13, noon to 2 p.m.Community health screeningVillarta Supermarkets, 1050 South A St.There will be a community health screening at Villarta Supermarket on Friday from noon to 2 p.m.  For more information contact (805) 677-5252 or (805) 240-1400.Saturday February 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Sunday February 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club demonstrationMurphy Auto Museum, 2230 Statham Blvd.The Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club demonstrates its model HO scale railroad to the public. For more information contact Jerry Mittelholtz at (805) 525-5136 or David Minkin at (805) 484... 02/11/2009

The City of Oxnard's program provides down payment assistance to individuals and families for the purchase of new or used homes, condominiums, manufactured homes or mobile homes.  The City will provide a matching grant up to $10,000 for down payment assistance and/or closing costs funds.  For example, if the buyer contributes $3,000, the city will contribute $3,000; if the buyer contributes $5,000, the city will contribute $5,000 etc.  The term of the grant is five (5) years if the grant is $5,000 or less, and ten (10) years if the grant is over $5,000.  The grant will be forgiven at the end of the term; however you will need to pay the grant back to the City, with interest if you sell or refinance your home before the end of the term.  At this particular time, the program still has fun... 02/09/2009

The tall ships, Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, sailed into the Channel Islands Harbor Marina this week.  The Hawaiian Chieftain and the Lady Washington visit the Channel Islands Harbor Marina located in the City of Oxnard  each year for one week.  Have ever wanted to stroll the decks of a tall ship, look at the ocean from the highest yardarm or sail the waters in full sail?  If the answer to any of these is yes, then be sure to come to Channel Islands Harbor Marina.  Tall ship dockside tours are available through Saturday.  Sailing tours are available on Saturday afternoon and Sunday only. The tall ship dockside tours are available today and tomorrow between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.  Saturday tour hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (suggested donation: $3.00).  A new feature has... 02/05/2009

The City of Oxnard has approved the last of three new developments to begin construction within the next five years. The three developments will bring almost 2,000 homes to the city. The largest of the developments will be the Wagon Wheel Redevelopment area, which covers 65 acres between Oxnard Boulevard and Ventura Road. The Vineyard-Ventura Homes and Ventura Townhomes project, as well as the Courtyard at Mandalay, were approved earlier in the month. The Courtyard at Mandalay is a 116 condo development on eight acres. The project will replace the shopping center located at Hemlock Street and South Victoria Avenue. Construction is to begin within the next five years due to the tightened credit market.  The project is being developed by William Tucker. The Vineyard is made up of two proj... 01/29/2009

Imagine, for a moment, that you are deciding to build a new house designed around your growing family, maybe even adding a mother-in-law suite as a cost-effective way of accommodating your aging parent. Maybe you're toying with the idea of adding on a home office so you can work from home, not only to save yourself from the ever-increasing costs for fuel, office attire, and dine-out lunching, but to be nearer to your loved ones. Think it's a ridiculous idea during the current housing crunch? Well, besides enjoying the aforementioned savings, you can save even more money on your new house by going modular if your home will be a over 1,000 square feet in size and customizing your own layout is an important part of your ideal home. You'll also save a tremendous amount of time by perusing t... 01/13/2009

Beautiful bank owned home with 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths and gorgeous hardwood floors.  This home has been upgraded with plantation shutters, air conditioning, and features a convenient laundry room upstairs next to the bedrooms (what a concept)!  With just over 1500 square feet, this home was built in 1999. The proud, new owners of this home paid $318,000 and moved in just a few days before Christmas.  Congratulations! Search for Oxnard Bank Owned Homes and Foreclosures in at:   www.VenturaRealEstate.org     12/30/2008

The City of Oxnard has several Christmas celebrations on its calendar; but for today and tomorrow only you can experience the Holly Trolley Tour. The Holly Trolley is a narrated tour on an open-top double decker trolley. The Holly Trolley tour begins at downtown Oxnard's "A" Street and includes a stop at Heritage Square with two homes featuring Victorian  Christmas decor, a ride down Christmas Tree Lane and a stop at Plaza Park which will be hosting the Winter Fantasy Music and Light Show. Reservation are strongly recommended, so be sure to call 805.385.2706 for availability. Tours leave at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 per person (5 and under are free). If you are dining in downtown Oxnard before the tour be sure to take your receipt with you as you will be eligible for a... 12/11/2008

  For those of you familiar with the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District in North Oxnard, on F Street, tonight marked a fabulous time as residents of the Wilson neighborhood council and many others turned on the Christmas lights and holliday sounds and welcomed hundreds, if not thousands of onlookers to come and visit. The Oxnard Police Department escorted Santa Clause down the street and the sirens could be heard for miles! The sight is amazing, and if anyone wants to check this wonderful Christmas display out after the sun goes down out I encourage you all to make a detour off 101 and head south to Downtown Oxnard and F Street, this is a must see, especially on foot! Of special note is how many people from the Ventura County area are not aware of what a fabulous neighborhood F Street is... 12/07/2008

Bored Stiff Today I did the "desk watch" as I call it at the Keller Williams office on 1121 Harbor Blvd from 9:00 A.M. to about 2:00 P.M.  You know how many walk-ins we got today? 1! And I didn't even get the lead 'cause another agent was already there and ready to go. Note to self; be assertive and be the first to say "hello" when a potential client walks in the door.  OK, anyway, Bingo! So I sat there bored stiff after my colleague left and I was left all alone. Oh, I had plenty to do, i.e. market research, organizing my pencils, and playing video games. Actually, I did update me blog, and another friend's blog. Yes, I update several friend of mines blogs for them. A window and door contractor that just doesn't have the time or know-how to update such things. He is not only a friend b... 12/07/2008

Port 121 at Seabridge Marina   Port 121 is part of the master planned community at Seabridge Marina. It is probably one of the last major residential communities to be approved by the California Coastal Commission for the foreseeable future. The Seabridge Marina takes advantage of breath-taking mountain views, easy ocean access and world class shopping, culture, and recreation within a few minutes drive. The Channel Islands National Park is a 20 mile boat ride off the coast to the West.  As I write this on 8 November, 2008 the Weather Channel is reporting over 12 inches of rain in parts of Washington State, near-record snow fall in South Dakota with drifts high enough to trap home owners inside, and cold winds blowing through Chicago. Here in Ventura County we are enjoying clear, sunny ... 11/10/2008

Seabridge Marina and Marketplace The transformation is outstanding...really something that has to be seen.  Seabridge is located about 60 miles North of Los Angeles, halfway between Malibu and Santa Barbara on the beautiful California Gold Coast.  The Seabridge Marina is an extension of the Channel Islands Harbor with the gorgeious Channel Islands located just off our coastline.   The Channel Islands is a group of islands which were once the home of the Chumash Indians and are now a National Park.  Great place to visit.  Seabridge now has two new islands, Coral and Shell Islands.  Shell Island is a gated community of single family homes and Coral Island, which is also gated, has both single family homes and condominiums as well as the Fitness Center and Clubhouse for the Seabridge Commu... 10/15/2008