Currently, it is fun to watch the progress, and when it is completed it will be an exciting addition to our community.  Ventura is growing, being the last affordable beach town, and with the growth comes new projects.

The Rhumb Line will reportedly close in the next few months for extensive remodeling, adding an extensive bar area and extending the outside patio area.  The menu has been changing due to the new ownership, and, personally speaking, it is first-class.    There were times in the past when service and food was really not up to par, but things have changed.    I highly recommend The Rhumb Line, food and service have been excellent.  I heard rumors that the same investment company has also leased the spot in the Marina Village that used to house Blackbeard’s Restaurant, as well as the boutiques next door.  I hear from folks “in the know” that they will be opening a sausage and beer establishment in the months to come. Can’t wait to see what happens.

The Holiday Inn Express is planning to develop a new wing, adding approximately 40 new rooms in the near future.   The Sheraton Four Points is directly adjacent to the Holiday Inn, and, FYI, they offer parking in their lot for shuttle service to LAX on a daily basis–very convenient for those of us who do not want to drive to the airport.

Ventura is growing in leaps and bounds.  Stay tuned for more info.

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Call me anytime… I welcome your call…

Call me anytime… I welcome your call…

If you are looking for something to do outside of your house, here are a few suggestions:

40th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights, Friday and Saturday, 12/16 and 12/17.  Hang out in the Village, or reserve a table at one of the restaurants and watch the spectacular boats sail by, beautifully decorated and very creative.

Here comes Santa Claus and his reindeer! Take photos on Saturday, 12/17 at the Harbor Village!

How ’bout a Caroling Cruise, bring family and friends, either 12/18 or 12/23.  Cruise around the Harbor and sing old fashioned Carols!  Contact Island Packers in the Harbor 805-642-1394 for more info.

Rubicon Theater Company in Ventura is hosting Tiny Tots Holiday Concert and Santa Party 12/17 and The Harmonix Concert on 12/18.

Chanukkah Party on 12/26 at the Harbor Village in Ventura 2 to 4:30.

But best of all, spend time with your family and friends enjoying each other! Stay warm!

Call me anytime… I welcome your call…

I was thrilled to know how my most recent client from the Midwest heard about me…she looked on the internet for words like senior, harbor, Ventura, manufactured homes, etc., and after reading this blog she called me, we set up an appointment, viewed the manufactured homes here in Ventura Marina Community and she has purchased a 2-year old home with all of the gorgeous furniture and a Harbor view. The sellers are going to travel for a few years, and my new client now owns a turn-key, move-in-ready second home, minutes from her daughters family, and grandchildren. There are many residents who own “second homes” here, but still maintain their principal residence elsewhere. Some are states away, and some live as close as Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Santa Clarita, Valencia and the San Fernando Valley. When the temperatures get close to 90 degrees and up, these folks enjoy our temperature climate, no AC, plenty of sunshine and uncrowded beaches. They feel safe leaving their homes here unattended for weeks at a time, knowing we all watch out for one another. Our temps range from 59 to 80 most of the year. By the way, I forgot to mention, this buyer is from my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri! What a coincidence!

Also, a huge “thank you” to my loyal clients who have bought and sold manufactured homes from me throughout the years. I am honored and proud to know you appreciate me, and it is truly a gift to know you and assist you in one of the largest and most important transactions of your lifetime.

Many of you have asked if I only work with seniors…absolutely not, I represent all ages, but specialize in seniors, manufactured homes, condos and second homes. I know the area quite well, and have many wonderful working relationships with vendors and service people to assist you after the purchase or before the sale. I list and sell homes, stage them if necessary, hold open houses, and love to take prospective buyers on a tour of this lovely community. So much fun!

Call me anytime… I welcome your call…

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Now what’s happening here in Ventura Marina Community?  Well, the next event is “Carols, Cookies and a Can” held here in the clubhouse on December 3. It is an old-fashioned holiday event, singing carols and Chanukkah songs, exchanging homemade cookies, and admission is a can of food for our Food Share donations. You would be amazed at the talent we have here…singers, musicians, dancers, poets, and always a surprise or two.

On December 11 here in the clubhouse is my very favorite event–Spark of Love Toy Drive and Holiday Open House, starting at 2:pm.  Admission is an unwrapped toy!  Again, the generosity of our residents is amazing–everything from bicycles, doll houses, video games, dolls, sporting equipment and stuffed animals.  This is a catered event, thanks to The Greek Mediterranean Restaurant in the Marina; and tasty hors-d’oeuvres prepared by the volunteers who are part of the activity committee.  The firefighters from Ventura Fire Department show up to gather the toys and enjoy the food and beverages.  Myself, along with the granddaughters of a few residents, are the official greeters, welcoming the residents and the firefighters! My favorite job!

December 14 is the annual Caroling Cruise from 6 to 8pm! Cruise the Ventura Harbor on an Island Packers catamaran,  boat is reserved for 100 people. Enjoy the holiday lights, sing-along caroling, hot chocolate and even a gift from Jolly Old St. Nick.

Finally, the New Year’s Eve gala! This year’s theme is “Life is a Cabaret”! The evening begins with a cocktail party, followed by dinner and dessert bar.  After dinner there will be entertainment by the talented “Tatiana”, known for her singing and impersonations.  Dancing and a champagne toast to ring in 2017 will wind up this gala event. The clubhouse is decorated like a five-star hotel, and the attendees look like they just stepped out of a fashion magazine!

See you soon . . .

Sally Fisher

818-268-2200

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Also, the Vino for Vets held at the Poinsettia Pavilion was well attended, and, ironically, Avery Aronovich and his wife, Cindy, were the winners of the drawing I sponsored.  I was so happy to be able to treat them to a night of wine tasting,  hors d’oeuvres and camaraderie with other Vets.   Wines were contributed by Plan B Winery, and Grapes and Hops Winery.  Food was brought in by The Greek Restaurant, Aloha Restaurant, and Copa Cubana.  There were great items up for bid in the silent auction, and the band played for entertainment.

Check out a few photos from the event at Ventura Marina Community!

See you soon . . .

Sally Fisher

818-268-2200

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Now is the time to relax, you have worked hard your whole life, and want to enjoy the time you now have, and here is what you can expect:

Ventura Marina Community, located at 1215 Anchors Way in the Ventura Harbor, has activities such as:  Tennis, Bridge, Exercise class, Jam session with “Band on the Run”, Bike Club, Mahjong, Golf Club, Yoga, art classes, Bingo, Blackjack, Poker, acting classes, free pancake breakfasts, theatre events,  holiday decorating in the main clubhouse with refreshments, holiday lighting contests throughout the park, Ice Cream socials, Christmas cruise around the Harbor, Christmas caroling, Spark of Love gift party, free admission with unwrapped toy (firefighters attend and the food is catered and delish), Halloween party, New Years Eve extravaganza, and a tribute to the Veterans on Veterans Day.

There are various Townhall meetings in order to keep our residents up-to-date on Medicare changes, Investments, fire safety, free flushots, earthquake shakeout, and current events.

Our polling place is right here in the clubhouse, so you don’t have to worry about getting there, and no long lines.

You can always join the activities committee and help plan events, or run for office on the Home Owners Association Board.

Ride your bike along the coast, or just sit on your deck and enjoy the spectacular sunsets Ventura is known for!

See you soon . . .

Sally Fisher

818-268-2200

This little seaside town is quaint but trendy.  Depending upon how you like to spend your free time, here are just a few ideas:

Obviously, surfing!  Have you tried paddle-boarding or kayaking?  Is walking or hiking more your style? You can walk the beach, gather seaglass, take photos, and get in shape all at the same time.  Or, take a hike to Grant Park, Arroyo Verde park, or visit Ventura botanical Gardens.  Or, pack a picnic dinner, spread a blanket on the sand at the beach, and enjoy our spectacular sunsets! Take your camera!  Need I tell you how romantic this might be?

Like to ride bikes?  Beach cruisers are de’rigeur around these parts!  There are bike paths than you can follow all the way to Ojai!

Thrift stores your thing?  Start at one end of Main Street and shop till you drop!  So many interesting thrift stores with so many unique items!  Hungry?  Stop at one of the many eateries along Main Street, everything from Thai to Italian, usually uncrowded except maybe on a bustling weekend when the “Vals” can’t take the heat so they flock to our incredible temperate weather!

Or if you want to drive about 15 minutes from Ventura, one of my favorite stopovers on the way to Santa Barbara is the little town of Summerland and a serene little place called “The Sacred Space”.  Tranquil and quiet, with ponds, lotus blossoms, budhas, candles, beautifully-crafted jewelry, and tea service while you sit and relax by one of the little ponds throughout the space. If you crave serenity, this is THE place.

See you soon . . .

Sally Fisher

818-268-2200

1. CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN – especially bathrooms and kitchen. Do a little bit of staging on your own. Put away all those bottles of commercial products–the shampoos, cleaning items, etc. and just have a pretty soap container, pretty towels, a plant, etc., and make sure the areas are spotless.  Hire a cleaning crew in order to maximize your profit.  I can not empathize CLEAN too often! Dirty house signifies seller does not care, probably does not do needed repairs.  Please, no air deodorizers! The sweet smell can be overpowering.  If you have a cat, please make sure there are no signs of unkept litter boxes.  Same cleanliness rules apply to a dog.  Throw a lemon in the garbage disposal to  freshen the air! Open windows!
2. NECESSARY PAPERWORK – Find the registration from the Department of Housing and Community Development, stating the name of the manufacturer, the width and length, and the decal number–all necessary in order to close escrow.
3. WHOSE NAME IS ON REGISTRATION? – is it current? Are they deceased? Do you have death certificate?
4. IS THE HOME IN A TRUST? – If so, make sure you have the trust papers. Escrow will need certain pages, not the entire trust, but pages indicating the disposition of the property.
5. 5. IS THERE A LENDER? If money is owed, make sure your information is up-to-date.
6. SPACE RENT – What is the current space rent, and when will it go up? Some parks increase the rent when a new owner takes possession. Other parks raise it once a year across the board. What does the space rent include? Any utilities? Gas, Water, electric, sewer and trash pick-up?   Your buyer will have to know this!
7. Rent Control? – The rules for rent control in Ventura state that the rent can legally be increased up to 5% per year. I have found that it never has gone up that much here in Ventura Marina Community; it is usually 1% or less.
8. INSPECTIONS? Should you get a termite and wood destroying inspection before selling? My advice is always “yes”. Why, because I think it is best to know how much the repairs will be (if any) before accepting an offer. The buyer might want you to pay for repairs, so it is best to know ahead of time.  Let me add, it is not mandatory that seller pays for report or repairs.
9. UPGRADES? If you have done any, try to find the receipts. This might include flooring, counter tops, appliances, roof, furnace and hotwater heater, kitchen and bathrooms. Also, interior and exterior painting.
10. SMOKER? Always a touchy subject because smokers believe no one can smell or notice the residual effects of smoking–yellowed walls and the stench of cigarettes. If you want to get top dollar, then don’t smoke in your house, don’t leave dirty ashtrays anywhere, and maybe even try to take the healthy route and stop smoking! I have had would-be buyers take one foot inside a smoker’s home and turn around and walk out, saying “never mind”!  Remember, many seniors used to smoke, have quit for various reasons, the most important being health, and they do not want to be reminded.  So, it is up to you, Mr. Seller!

Lastly, curb appeal is important.  NO FAKE FLOWERS PLEASE!!  Freshen up those wilted plants, throw out the pots of dead flowers, and purchase a few brightly-colored flowers that will be in bloom for a while.  Hire a gardener.

Sally Fisher

818-268-2200

Lemonwood located at 840 Johnson Drive, Ventura. This community is about 10 to 15 minutes from the beach, gated,  has beautiful surroundings, babbling brooks, gorgeous clubhouse, and is owned by Sun Communities. Space rents are comparable to Ventura Senior Community, as are the prices and the type of homes…many new or newer, with today’s trendy upgrades.

The Patrician located at 4700 Aurora Drive, Ventura. Most of the homes in this community were built in the 1980’s, some are triple wide, and the park is well-maintained and next to Camino Real park (great for walking).  The prices range from the high 100 thousands to mid 200 thousands, with space rents from the 700’s and up.   A beautiful and serene park, and great for budget-minded individuals who want a lovely area without spending their life-savings.

Vallecito located at 1251 Old Conejo Road, Newbury Park.  Another Sun Community property, gated and very well-maintained. Prices at this time are all under $200,000, most of the homes are a little older, but all appear to be in good condition.  Sun Communities are known for properties in excellent communities throughout the United States. Very well-run, and strict as to guide lines and qualifications.  Space rents range from 700’s and up.

Thunderbird  located at 200 S. Conejo School Road, Thousand Oaks.  Located within walking distance to the Civic Center,  stores, restaurants, etc.  The homes are mostly older, 1970’s and up, and usually priced under $200,000.

Space rents are considerably lower than the above parks, somewhere between mid 400’s and up to 600’s.  It is a lovely, well-maintained property.

That’s all for now.  I just wanted to give you a little info on other properties I am familiar with and in which I have very satisfied clients.  If any of these are of interest to you, please give me a call and let’s go take a look.

See you soon . . .

Sally Fisher

818-268-2200