New year. New home? If buying a Ventura home in 2025 made it to your resolution list, you might want to start working on your credit score now. Why? I can take several weeks to a few months to bring a score up. And to net the best interest rates, you need to get your score in tip-top shape.Tips to Improve Your Credit Score in 2025Pull Your Credit ReportFirst things first. It helps to know where you stand at the moment. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain a copy of your current report from all three major credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. They used to only offer one free report a year. However, they currently allow one free report per week from each agency. Thoroughly look over each report.Dispute Erroneous InformationFirst, start with fixing any errors you... 01/06/2025

As 2025 begins, Alex Gandel remains a leading force in Ventura and Los Angeles County real estate. With more than 44 years of experience as a Top Producing Realtor, Alex has helped thousands of clients achieve their real estate goals. His dedication to excellence and personalized service has earned him a trusted reputation in the industry and the loyalty of multiple generations of families.Achievements That Speak Volumes Top Producing Realtor: Recognized as a leading agent year after year, Alex’s deep market knowledge and negotiation skills ensure his clients achieve the best outcomes. Thousands of Success Stories: From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Alex has successfully closed deals for diverse clients, tailoring strategies to fit their unique needs. Community Leader: Beyond... 12/30/2024

On December 17, 2024, California Association of Realtors (C.A.R) reported the homes values lower 3.0% to the price of $912,000 in November of 2024 from price of $940,000 in October of 2024, but higher 1.1% from price of $902,500 November of 2023 in Ventura County, California.Homes sales decreased 19.4% in November of 2024 from October of 2024, but rose 15.2% from November of 2023 in Ventura County, California.There were 2.9 months supplies of available inventory of homes in November of 2024, grew from 2.6 months in October of 2024, and gained from 2.7 months in November of 2023 in Ventura County, California.An average it took 38.0 days to sell a home in November 2024, up from 33.0 days in October of 2024, and increased from 15.0 days in November of 2023 in Ventura County, California.For... 12/28/2024

Only eight more shopping days until Christmas. Can you believe it? And this year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 25th. That gives us double the reason to celebrate. Here are a few of the Ventura Harbor holiday fun events still to come before the year ends.Ventura Harbor Holiday Fun 2024Santa PaddleEven Santa enjoys a bit of paddle-boarding through the harbor. Dress up in your best Santa garb. Grab your paddleboard. Then head to Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday, December 21st.. Go for a paddleboard adventure with the jolly old elf himself between 11 am and noon. Don't have a paddleboard? Lack the coordination (or the nerve) to paddle out on a paddleboard? Don't worry. Ventura Boat Rentals offers paddleboard, kayaks, and even pedal boats for rent (Dock C-10). Whomever is dee... 12/16/2024

We hope everyone enjoyed time with their loved ones on Thanksgiving. Now it's time to focus on the next big holiday: Christmas. We ask that you continue the good cheer for those less fortunate in our community by participating in the 13th annual Ventura Can-Tree event.What: Ventura Can-Tree 2024Where: Figueroa Plaza, Downtown VenturaWhen: December 5th to 9thContact: Food Share of Ventura (805) 983-7100Ventura Can-Tree 2024According to the County of Ventura's Human Services Agency, more than 70,000 people in Ventura County experience food insecurity each and every day. Our food pantries have seen an uptick in people who come to their facilities for assistance. Now in it's 13th year, Food Share Ventura's Can-Tree event offers a fun way to help feed people during the holiday season.How You... 12/02/2024

In just ten days, we celebrate Thanksgiving. Since it falls so late this year, that means less than four weeks to get your Christmas shopping done. In fact, just 26 shopping days left after Thanksgiving to be precise. While many people set out early for Black Friday deals or wait for Cyber Monday to get their shopping done, you can help out our local "Mom and Pop" shops by shopping Small Business Saturday Ventura on November 30th.Small Business Saturday VenturaVentura Harbor Village's Small Business SaturdayFirst, make sure you stop at the Village's visitor booth to sign up for their e-newsletter and receive a gift card to one of the shops. Spend $40 at Treasure Cove and receive a free gift. Make a candle, enjoy some refreshments, and shop for someone special at the Barefoot Boutique an... 11/18/2024

Join us in celebrating 25 years of giving back through our annual Turkey Drive! Thanks to your generosity, we’ve provided groceries to feed over 329,000 people to date. This year, we’re aiming to make an even greater impact by providing holiday meals for 2,500 families in our communities, with 750 of those at the SeaBee Base in Pt. Hueneme and the remainder in Simi Valley, Moorpark, and the Conejo Valley.A gift of just $35 will feed a family of up to 10, supplying essentials like a 16 lb turkey, a 5 lb bag of potatoes, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing, and rolls. Each family served is qualified by Food Share, Ventura County’s largest food bank, ensuring that your support reaches those who need it most.To make your donation, visit www.pinnacleturkeydrive.com or bring a check... 11/05/2024

Halloween takes place this Thursday. After that, 'tis the season to give thanks. That can happen in a variety of ways. Donating to charity is one of them. The Ventura Pottery Market and Bowl of Thanks event provides a fantastic opportunity to do that very thing.What: Ventura Pottery Market & Bowl of Thanks 2024Where: Ventura Pottery Gallery at Ventura Harbor VillageWhen: Sat & Sun, November 9th & 10th from 10 am to 5 pmAdmission: $25 per bowl Contact: Ventura Pottery Gallery (805) 644-6800Ventura Pottery Market & Bowl of Thanks 2024The Ventura Pottery Gallery showcases the talents of local Pottery Guild members each and every day. However, with their annual pottery market, they also spotlight a local charity: Food Share Ventura County. Thanksgiving celebrations tend to focus on the food... 10/28/2024

October means just one thing. HALLOWEEN! But if you want to carve a jack-o-lantern, you need a pumpkin. Where do you get one? Try one of these Ventura County pumpkin patches. Many of them include way more than just this holiday gourd, though. See below for more info.Ventura County Pumpkin Patches 2024OjaiBoccali Ranch Pumpkin Patch - (3277 E Ojai Ave) Open 10 am to 7 pm every day through Halloween night. Free admission. In addition to pumpkins, the ranch offers colorful Indian corn, squash, and seasonal produce as well as other gourds for your holiday decorations. If you come by on a Saturday or Sunday,Santa BarbaraBig Wave Dave's Pumpkin Patch - Near Macy's at La Cumbre Plaza (121 S Hope Ave).Open 10 am to 9 pm every day now through October 30th. Open 10 am to 6 pm on October 31st. Fre... 10/07/2024

The ocean plays a huge part in our lives here in Ventura County and around the world. We must do as much as we can to take care of it and our sandy shores as possible. One way you can help is by joining the Ventura County Coastal Cleanup this month.What: Ventura County Coastal Cleanup 2024Where: Ventura County BeachesWhen: Saturday, September 21st from 9 am to 12 pmContact: Heidi Ortloff at Ventura County Resource Conservation District (805) 399-2721 or via emailVentura County Coastal Cleanup 2024If you want to help keep our beaches clean, please visit the VCRCD website to find a beach cleanup location. No pre-registration required. But you will need to sign a waiver ahead of time. Then, simply show up at 9 am on Saturday. Make sure you bring gloves and a bucket with you to pick up and ... 09/16/2024

With the ocean as a backdrop, how can artists not be inspired to create? Encourage a love of the arts within your child by bringing them to the Ventura Art and Chalk Festival 2024. Show them how art can be both fun and interactive right at the beach.What: Ventura Art and Chalk Festival 2024Where: Ventura Harbor Village (1583 Spinnaker Dr)When: September 14th & 15th, from 10 am to 5 pmAdmission: FREEVentura Art and Chalk Festival 2024Come see the beautiful creations of more than 50 talented local artists at the Ventura Harbor Village. What makes this festival different from others? While paint, metal work, glass, and photographs line the sidewalks, this festival features artistic masterpieces created solely using chalk. And some of those masterpieces are created right before your very ey... 09/02/2024

On August 20, 2024, California Association of Realtors (C.A.R) reported the homes values gained 0.8% to the price of $972,000 in July of 2024 from price of $964,500 in June of 2024, and higher 5.7% from price of $920,000 in July of 2023 in Ventura County, California. While, homes sales rose 5.4% in July of 2024 from June of 2024, and jumped 7.9% from July of 2023 in Ventura County, California.There were 2.8 months supplies of available inventory of homes in July of 2024, unchanged from 2.8 months in June of 2024, but up from 2.3 months in July of 2023 in Ventura County, California.An average it took 30.0 days to sell a home in July 2024, grew from 27.0 days in June of 2024, and increased from 25.0 days in July of 2023 in Ventura County, California.For complete more detailed information ... 08/29/2024

If you're considering moving to Moorpark, California, or just curious about what this lovely city offers, read this down to the conclusion. Trust us, and you’ll get tons of insights about Moorpark real estate. Moorpark is a charming spot tucked in Ventura County, and it's become quite a hotspot for homebuyers looking for that perfect blend of suburban tranquility and city convenience. Let's take a friendly tour of Moorpark's real estate scene and see what makes it such a great place to live.What Makes Moorpark Special?Before we dive into the real estate details, let's talk about what makes Moorpark such a delightful place to call home. Located about 50 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, Moorpark is known for its picturesque surroundings, excellent schools, and a community vibe tha... 08/22/2024

Ventura Unified School District students went back to school last week. But the calendar still says "summer". And what do we do here in Ventura during the summer? We head to the beach. Thankfully, organizers of the Aloha Beach Festival 2024 think it's still to early to say good-bye to summer. That's why their festival takes place later this month.What: Aloha Beach Festival 2024Where: Surfers Point Promenade Park (Figueroa & Shoreline, Ventura)When: August 31st & September 1st from 10 am to 8 pm dailyAdmission: FREEContact: Call (805) 200-8674 or via emailAloha Beach Festival 2024Founder Chip Bell, aka "Chipper Bro", wanted to bring a bit of Hawaii to Southern California while giving back to the local community. This festival brings music, food, information, and a sense of community to V... 08/19/2024

Summertime means one thing. The Ventura County Fair 2024 is in town. That's right. The fair is happening now and ends this Sunday, August 11th. You only have a few more days to enjoy one of the biggest events of the year!What: Ventura County Fair 2024Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd)When: Now through August 11thAdmission: $15.50 to $45.50 Contact: Ventura County Fairgrounds (805) 648-3376Ventura County Fair 2024When I say "county fair", what comes to mind first? Food? Music? Rodeos? Live entertainment? The Ventura County Fair has this and so much more! Every day from 12 pm to 12 am, the fairgrounds welcome people from all over the Southern California area and beyond. Dozens of vendors sell their special fair-only merchandise each day. Enjoy magic shows, live dancers, ... 08/05/2024

On July 17, 2024, California Association of Realtors (C.A.R) reported homes values gained 4.3% to the price of $964,500 in June of 2024 from price of $925,000 in May of 2024, and grew 4.0% from price of $927,500 in June of 2023 in Ventura County, California. While, homes sales dropped 10.0% in June of 2024 from May of 2024, and fell 5.7% from June of 2023 in Ventura County California.There were 2.8 months supplies of available inventory of homes in June of 2024, higher from 2.5 months in May of 2024, and rose from 2.1 months in June of 2023 in Ventura County, California.An average it took 27.0 days to sell a home in June 2024, up from 26.0 days in May of 2024, and increased from 29.0 days in June of 2023 in Ventura County, California.For complete more detailed information about the Cali... 07/25/2024

Temperatures aren't the only things getting hot out here. Summertime fun heats up this time of year as well. Come enjoy some family fun with Ventura movies under the stars and a music festival for all ages in July.Ventura Movies Under the StarsVentura Harbor Village hosts a movie night under the stars one Saturday a month during the summer. This month's selection? "Barbie". The movie begins at sunset (around 8 pm). However, organizers strongly suggest showing up early. But no one just hangs around waiting for the movie to start. DJ Pepper starts the night off right with some hoppin' tunes at 6:15 pm. Then, the Barbie & Ken costume contest takes place. (Expect to see a sea of pink throughout the event space.) Visit one of the great eateries located at the Village for a delicious dinner t... 07/15/2024

Independence Day takes place this Thursday. Some people celebrate it quietly with a family and friends barbecue. Others want to see a huge pyrotechnical display. Fortunately, several events are scheduled around our area for July 4th, including some Ventura County fireworks shows. Read on for a list of what's happening in your neighborhood.Ventura County Fireworks Shows and MoreCamarillo Fireworks ShowIf you spend the day in or near Camarillo, head over to the Camarillo Premium Outlets parking lot. Beginning at 9 pm, the City of Camarillo offers their birthday wishes to the USA with a huge light show in the skies above. Come early and bring your lawn chairs. Make sure you tune your car radio to FM 95.1 to listen to music simulcast to sync up with the show.Fillmore Fireworks Show and More... 07/01/2024

On June 18, 2024, California Association of Realtors (C.A.R) reported the homes values declined 1.6% to the price of $925,000 in May of 2024 from price of $940,000 in April of 2024, and down 0.1% from price of $925,500 in May of 2023 in Ventura County, California. While, homes sales increased 6.4% in May of 2023 from April of 2024, but decreased 2.1% from May of 2023 in Ventura County California.There were 2.5 months supplies of available inventory of homes in May of 2024, unchanged from 2.5 months in April of 2024, but higher from 1.8 months in May of 2023 in Ventura County, California.An average it took 26.0 days to sell a home in May 2024, lower from 27.0 days in April of 2024, but identical from 26.0 days in May of 2023 in Ventura County, California.For complete more detailed inform... 06/24/2024

When considering selling your property in Simi Valley, CA, you may wonder, "What’s the best way I can sell my house in Simi Valley without having to hire a real estate agent?" This question is common among homeowners eager to maximize their profits by avoiding realtor commissions. Selling your home yourself, known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO), offers substantial savings on commissions and gives you direct control over the selling process. You may ask yourself, how do I sell my house in Simi Valley? This guide provides strategies to help you effectively sell your house in this city!Understanding the Basics of FSBO in Simi ValleyFor Sale By Owner (FSBO) is an option for homeowners who decide to sell their property without the involvement of a real estate agent. This approach can be particu... 06/18/2024