The Z Team on Ventura County Real Estate

Staging Your Closets

Yes, you heard us right. When getting ready to put a Ventura home on the market, sellers scrub the kitchens, deep clean the carpets and drapes, get rid of clutter and rearrange the furniture to show off the best features and spaciousness of each room. But, they tend to forget to stage their closets.

Believe it or not, buyers look everywhere...and we do mean EVERYWHERE, when considering buying a Ventura home. This includes opening up cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom, looking through the pantry and peering into the closets. They want to view every inch of the property they are considering plunking their hard-earned cash down on. That means that it may be time for a bit of a makeover when it comes to the inside of your closets.

This is the perfect time to get rid of old clothes, shoes, jackets and accessories that don't fit or just aren't worn much anymore. Consider holding a yard sale. You may even be able to make a little cash there. Whatever doesn't sell can be given away to family, friends or local Ventura area charities, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Charities are always in need of these items. Donations are also tax deductible (a good thing to keep in mind, come tax time).

Once you've gotten rid of the excess, the actual staging can begin. Organize your clothing into groups: shirts, pants, dresses, etc. In each of these groups, place similarly colored items together. This is much more visually pleasing. Add a shoe rack to keep your shoes neat and tidy. Smaller items can be placed in bins or even labeled shoe boxes. Put smaller luggage inside larger luggage to help save space. If possible, consider adding some shelving or even have a custom closet organizer installed. If you can't afford a professional, visit your local home improvement store for ideas.

The whole point of staging your closets is to show them off to their maximum potential. Walk-in closets can especially benefit from a bit of staging. These same principals can be used when it comes to organizing your pantry and/or kitchen cabinets. When selling your Ventura home, don't forget to stage your closets!

Dave and Pat Zumbrun, Your Ventura County real estate specialists

Orginally posted on our Ventura County real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2791486/staging-your-closets.

5018 Almond #1, Orange, CA Condo for Sale

A beautiful, spacious 2 bed/2.5 bath countryside condo, 5018 Almond #1 in Orange, CA features vaulted ceilings and laminated wood floor throughout except for the stairs (carpeted), entryway and bathrooms (tile). A wood-burning fireplace keeps the living room cozy, with a sliding door that opens up to a large, fenced, concrete patio. The kitchen has a separate pantry, with dining off the kitchen. The huge master bedroom has a walk-in closet and double sinks in the master bath. The large loft would make a perfect office or family room. The indoor laundry room makes this chore much easier to tackle. Central air conditioning helps keep you cool during those hot summer days and nights.

This condo offers a two car attached garage, which isn't always easy to find when you're looking for that perfect attached home. This property is in a great location, with convenient access to Orange Hills, Irvine Park and the 55 Freeway (for commuters). This home is being offered by a standard equity seller. If you or someone you know might be interested in a personal look at this beautiful countryside condo, please contact The Z Team at 805-340-9338.

Dave and Pat Zumbrun, Your Ventura County real estate specialists

Where to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste in Ventura

Do you have cleaners, gas, batteries, old fluorescent lights or other items that you need to get rid of but can't just throw out with your regular household trash? Where do you go to dispose of household hazardous waste in Ventura? The City of Ventura's Environmental Services holds a public household hazardous waste collection on the third Saturday of every month. Only residents of Ventura are allowed to drop off waste and are limited to 15 gallons or 125 pounds at each visit.

Household hazardous waste items that are acceptable to drop off include:

Aerosol Cans
Adhesives
Automobile Fluids (transmission and brake fluids)
Batteries
Fluorescent Lights
Gasoline (including fuel additives)
Household Cleaners
Hypodermic Needles (must be in an approved Sharps container or other puncture-resistant container)
Medications (only non-narcotic)
Motor Oil and Filters
Paint and Paint-Related Materials (polishes, varnishes, turpentine, etc)
Pesticides
Pool Chemicals
Thermometers

Items that will not be accepted include:

Bullets
Commercial or Industrial Waste
Electronic Waste
Explosives
Fireworks
Large Containers (anything larger than 5 gallons, such as 55-gallon drums)
Propane or Compressed Gas Tanks (barbecue and camp stove tanks are acceptable)
Radioactive Materials
Smoke Detectors

If you have an old smoke detector that doesn't work anymore, you should mail it back to the manufacturer instead of tossing it in the trash. While electronic waste is not accepted at the Ventura Environmental Services offices, you can drop these items off for free anytime at the Gold Coast Recycling (5275 Colt St #2, Ventura, CA) offices. Just make sure to bring proof that you reside in the City of Ventura. If you can't wait for the third Saturday of the month to dispose of your household hazardous waste, you can call (805) 652-4525 to make an appointment to drop off your waste during the week (8am to 5pm Monday through Friday).

Are you wondering where you can safely dispose of household hazardous waste in Ventura? As long as you are a resident of the city, you can drop it of on the third Saturday of the month at Ventura's Environmental Services Department. This service is provided free of charge to all Ventura residents. Make sure to bring proof of residency with you when you drop your items off.

Dave and Pat Zumbrun, Your Ventura County real estate specialists

Originally posted on our Ventura County real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2692991/where-to-dispose-of-household-hazardous-waste-in-ventura.

Choosing the Right Kind of Ventura Home

Home buyers need to make so many decisions throughout the buying process: how much to spend, what size, where, when, etc. So, how do you know what kind of house to look for? Whether you decide on a single-family home, condominium, new or old, choosing the right kind of Ventura home can make the difference between experiencing a "buyer's high" or suffering "buyer's remorse".

First things first. Take your time to evaluate what your lifestyle requires. Do you want to be close to work? Do you like having your entertainment, shopping and recreational opportunities within walking distance? Do you like to entertain? Do you need a yard for the pets, family, just lounging, etc.? Are you willing to put some elbow grease into fixing up a property (like a foreclosure or older home) or would you rather have a move-in ready, turnkey home? These are just a few questions that need to be considered before you go looking for that perfect Ventura County home.

Condos and townhomes are great for people with busy lifestyles who don't need a big yard to take care of. Your HOA fees take care of routine landscaping and maintenance for the grounds and common areas. You are still typically responsible for any repairs or maintenance for everything involved with your particular unit (check the CC&Rs to see specifically what you are responsible for). You also have less privacy, since you share at least one common wall with a neighbor.

Single-family homes give you the luxury of more privacy as well as a yard for the kids or pets to play in as well as entertaining. Repairs and maintenance on your single-family Ventura home are solely your responsibility. Families tend to gravitate towards the more open single-family home rather than smaller condo lifestyle.

Whatever option you decide on, choosing the right kind of Ventura home is a big first step to getting you moved into the home of your dreams. Take your time. Going on gut instinct alone is what makes many buyers end up regretting a hasty decision. Let us know when you're ready to make that step to Ventura homeownership.

Dave and Pat Zumbrun, Your Ventura County real estate specialists

Originally posted on our Ventura County real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2637544/choosing-the-right-kind-of-ventura-home.

Candlelight Tours of Ventura's Historic Olivas Adobe

Take a step back in time with a free candlelight tour of Ventura's historic Olivas Adobe. From 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Sunday, December 11, 2011, you can see how Christmas was celebrated in the Old California Rancho tradition by taking a guided candlelight tour at the Olivas Adobe (4200 Olivas Park Dr). Each tour will be headed by a volunteer guide from the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters, a local non-profit group who champions the preservation of Southern California's only remaining Monterey-style adobe home from the Gold Rush times.

Every room of Ventura's Olivas Adobe home will be decorated in a unique holiday style celebrating traditions from the past. In addition to the free guided tour, all visitors will see skits depicting the Old California lifestyle performed by the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters in full costumed glory. There will also be live music and refreshments available. Make sure to dress warmly because it will be a chilly evening.

While the tours are free, reservations are still required. Tour times fill up quickly, so call 805-658-4726 now to make your reservation. You don't want to miss out on all the fun. Learn about Old California history and celebrate the holidays with your family by joining in on a free candlelight tour of Ventura's historic Olivas Adobe.

Dave and Pat Zumbrun, Your Ventura County real estate specialists

Originally posted on our Ventura County real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2627409/candlelight-tours-of-ventura-s-historic-olivas-adobe.

Tis the Season to Light the Tree in Ventura County

Tis the season to light the tree in Ventura County. The next couple of weeks are when the holiday season really kicks into gear here in Southern California. If you're looking for somewhere in your neighborhood to watch the city trees light up the night sky, here are a few of the official tree lighting ceremonies taking place throughout Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura County:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011
Newport Beach, Newport's Fashion Island (401 Newport Center Dr) - 6pm. Mickey and the gang are coming to help get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Santa will make an appearance as well.

Westlake Village, The Promenade at Westlake (100 Promenade Way) - 7:30pm. Kids' crafts, special holiday performances and time with Santa.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2011
Newport Beach, Newport's Fashion Island (401 Newport Center Dr) - 6pm. Mickey and the gang are coming to help get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Santa will make an appearance as well.

Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade (395 Santa Monica Pl) - 6pm. Music, merriment and, of course, Santa.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
Burbank, Burbank City Hall (275 E Olive Ave) - 5:30pm. The Mayor's tree lighting ceremony kicks off the city's 12 Days of Holiday Cheer celebration. Take a ride on the Metrolink Holiday Toy Express.

Long Beach, Queen Mary (1126 Queen's Hwy) - Gates open at 4pm, event begins at 5:30pm. All the food, live music and fun is absolutely free to the public!

Sherman Oaks, Sherman Oaks Galleria (15301 Ventura Blvd) - 6pm.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2011
Oxnard, Oxnard Plaza Park (500 South C St) - 5:30pm. Enjoy Santa and free refreshments!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2011
Orange, Old Town Plaza (Glassell St & Chapman Ave) - 3:30pm. Includes traditional Christmas carols.

We love celebrating Christmas time in Southern California as much as anyone else across the country. Tis the season to light the tree in Ventura County and other cities in the area. If you want to enjoy the festivities for yourself, check out on of these celebrations for yourself. Happy holidays, everybody!

Dave and Pat Zumbrun, Your Ventura County real estate specialists

Originally posted on our Ventura County real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2608397/tis-the-season-to-light-the-tree-in-ventura-county.