I don't know about you, but I have found that posting to Localism has made me a better realtor already! I am so much more aware of my surroundings and things going on in my community. I now look for organized activities in the county and volunteer opportunities. I am looking for beautiful settings to photograph and enjoying everyone else's so much. Wow! I am an agent released from my work cage. You know, I was actually forgetting to enjoy my work. If I don't take the time to appreciate and know the community how can I sell it to everyone else? Ventura County California is so beautiful from mountains to the Ocean. I ran out and took pictures of Topa Topa in Ojai this weekend. Then our annual crane was visiting. This beautiful bird comes to our yard every year. We call him "Cronie". If I ever sell my home he is a wonderful disclosure.
Okay, I think I am beginning to understand this business better. It is the community, the other agents, the friendships, the relationships that make us good realtors.....AND THEN we should sell it to others. This way we really are an integral part of our community.
Today's Interesting Community Activity: Children's Heart Group forming a Chapter. "Mended Little Hearts", a nonprofit organization that provides support to families with children who have heart defects and heart disease. It is affiliated with the American Heart Association. For information contact Jo Peterson at peterson_josan@yahoo.com. You can go online too. Check out http://www.mendedlittlehearts.org
I picked up the local West County Star today and on the front page and pictured was a long time friend and past co worker of mine! His name is Richard T. Lee better known as Dick Lee to me. When he was 18 it says that he became one of the 1,000 black pilots who would eventually be known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He flew in North Africa and Burma during WWII. Wow!! Do you know I never knew this about Dick Lee? I knew he had retired from the service when I met him in the County Assessor's Office so many years ago, but never did he brag or talk about this major part of his life. Dick Lee is one of the nicest people I know. Unpretentious, always upbeat and smiling, and would do anything for anybody. I had the pleasure of supervising him as an Appraiser in the local County Assessor's Office. You just could not help but like him. He never complained, he never caused trouble, he did his job and he smiled his way through it every single day until he retired from the County. We had a wonderful retirement party for him and one of the themes was "Don't Worry....Be Happy!" We wrote a new version of this song and performed it for him and he loved it!!
I just want to say how proud I am to know this man and how worthy he is of being honored. Thank you R. T. Lee for being who you are.
It appears that the $15000 Tax Credit to defray the cost of buying a home has effectively been wiped out. This is very disappointing. This would have been a nice boost to the housing setback and it seems to me an important step in reviving the economy. Funny also how it appears that taxpayers will be able to deduct the sales tax paid on new car purchases still....guess buying a new car is more important than buying a home.....huh?
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 accept. This is done just to entice an offer and get a purchaser mentally committed to wanting that particular property.
Please be sure that when you are purchasing a bank owned or short sale property, you are dealing with a reputable agent and one that can analyze and produce a current market analysis. Also, be open minded about the fact that there are job transfers, retirements, downsizing, and other factors forcing home sales. These homes can also be offered at great prices and the sellers are knowledgeable about the history of the home and can produce reliable disclosures, they often might agree to do repair work or lower their price if the inspection produces a health or safety concern, and they are also motivated to sell! Some of the best deals in the market today are not bank owned or short sale!!
Choose an agent with over 35 years in real estate. One with appraisal and sales background! For more information on Ventura County real estate and homes for sale check out my website at:
http://www.Venturahomesforsale.org
For foreclosure and bank owned property searches visit:
The budget deficit in California has been mounting and tensions are increasing as cities and counties try to balance their budgets this year. According to today's Ventura County Star newspaper,the local City Council is debating currently about whether or not to place a half-cent sales tax measure before the voters, but first wants to hold a public meeting. That should be interesting. There will be a special town hall meeting February 17 to discuss the tax proposal and get public feedback. A meeting time has not yet been set.
I, for one, am very proud of our city. Voters in Oxnard and Port Hueneme have already approved similar tax measures last year. Although recognizing the hardship on some, it seems to me to be only logical to support this approach. We all must pull together to support our city and community in a time of struggle and budget cuts. Let your voice be heard on February 17th in any case. Become "active" in your community.
I love Ventura County and Ventura Real Estate! Having been in this career for over 36 years says enough for itself! Whether buying or selling Ventura property my promise is to leave you satisfied and
Beautiful Ventura 
County, California includes Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Camarillo, Oak View and Ojai. With over Thirty Years working in the Real Estate profession, first as an Appraiser and later as an Agent, I have developed the expertise to analyze and evaluate values in a changing market place. I can help you pinpoint a price where both buyer and seller optimize their results. This is highly important in a volatile market both for Buyers and Sellers. Contact me to help you find a great deal on current bank owned homes in Ventura County!
Taking Pride in providing Active, Trustworthy support on a Daily Basis directly to my clients is my priority. I am Always Available!. Your Referrals are what mean the most to me. Don't keep me a secret! Tell your Friends and Neighbors about me. Finding a Real Estate Agent with Appraisal experience is indeed a rarity that sets me apart from other agents.
I specialize in Ventura County Real Estate, including Ventura homes for sale, Oxnard homes for sale, Camarillo homes for sale, and also foreclosures and bank owned homes. I have lived in Ventura County since 1973. I have experience with the trends in Ventura County Real Estate, having worked for the local County Assessor for many years. Working to negotiate the best price and conditions for you as you purchase is my goal!
All Residential Property, (Unique, Small, Large, View, Acreage, Beach) in the Ventura County, California area is what I Market and Sell Best! The combination of Psychology (BA;Univ. of Missouri) and Real Estate (AA Ventura College) and over 15 State Board of Equalization Appraisal Classes provide each of my clients with the Comfort of Knowing I have the Knowledge of Real Estate Combined with the Technique Necessary to Market and Sell their home.
"As an Agent, she performed above and beyond my expectations; some examples include: Working on her own to do research and view available homes in my price range; Working with me to determine my needs in a home and what I was looking for; Answering any and all questions to make me feel at ease throughout the home buying process; Working around my schedule to be available at any time to meet or view homes." Jonathon Emis
" Despite being over 350 miles away, Janis was never more than a phone call or email away. Although last minute complications arose, she even managed to close our escrow early. You can't go wrong with Janis!" David Busse
" Janis is very professional and always alert to find what you want. She's the best!" Leticia Gonzales
"We had heard horror stories of Real Estate agents just listing a house and never doing anything to make a sale, but you proved to be a Real Estate Agent that is very supportive, always available and looks out for her client. We would refer you to anyone who needs to sell their home in a quick manner and would like the best price for their home." Tom and Velonda Lancaster
"Very Professional and Honest" Tim Frost
"Friendly, Courteous, Very Knowledgable, was very good at Communicating, returning phone calls." Mark Morris
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