September 2019

Florence's...

Service For Life !

Insider Tips for Healthy, Wealthy and Happy Living

If you're not already a subscriber to my free e–newsletter e-mail me at Florence@bchrealestate.com to sign up

Florence Gadbois, Realtor CA BRE#01040021 (805) 701-8410 E-mail: Florence@BchRealEstate.com

Want to Know How to Make A Difference in the World?

Finding a way to make a difference in the world can not only change your mindset around adversity, but it can inspire others too. In today’s Service For Life ! ® Free consumer newsletter, you’ll learn tips to implement the behaviors and traits used by world leaders who inspire us to make a positive impact, too. You’ll also learn about natural remedies for mosquito bites, how to determine whether to buy a new car or repair your current one, how to find bed bugs in a hotel, and simple tips to de-clutter your home – plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more. Here’s what’s happening in your neighborhood. Below are the sales statistics for Mandalay Shores, Hollywood Beach, Silverstrand Beach, Mandalay Bay, Seabridge, Westport, The Colony, HarborWalk, HarborsWest, C.I. Waterfront Homes, and Harbour Island . Note: Inventory less than 6 months is considered a seller’s market; more than 6 months, a buyer’s.

Closed Escrows

Active Listings

Inventory (months)

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 11 17 21 21 14 16 14 18 12 15 25 18 34 28 14 19 17 18 19 20 29 23 20 31 18 24 21 44 22 11 28 24 22 15 24

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 50 62 75 70 67 2.48 2.7 4.02 2.13 4.49 53 63 84 53 91 2.78 3.03 3.95 2.59 3.37 72 70 84 63 69 3.03 3.69 3.9 2.51 4.5 87 80 88 60 87 4.33 3.58 4.72 2.42 5.46 95 74 107 54 108 4.22 3.8 4.99 2.82 6.98 96 83 112 70 128 4.35 4.73 4.19 4.2 7.04 99 102 102 97 122 4.3 5.27 4.26 4.1 6.88 95 112 103 92 125 4.13 5.11 3.82 4.21

January February

March

April May June

July

August

28 22 30 32

20 thru 8/19

September 27 26 29 23

91 106 95 95 87 107 96 81 75 93 61 87 64 83 63 79

3.83 5.18 3.83 3.67 3.33 4.52 2.4 4.13 2.8 4.06 2.45 3.81 2.81 3.64 2.54 3.32

October

25 24 28 16

November 21 19 23 19 December 20 22 11 12

Finally, I want you to know, that you may call me for any reason. And please let me know if a friend, family member or neighbor needs a caring, experienced real estate professional to help in buying or selling. I truly appreciate your friendship and referrals. Enjoy your issue!

Warmest regards, Florence

Florence Gadbois CA BRE#01040021 RE/MAX Gold Coast

Get Free money-saving home tips at my web site: BchRealEstate.com

Florence’s…

Service For Life ! “Insider Tips For Healthy, Wealthy & Happy Living…” How to Make a Difference What makes leaders inspirational is the behaviors and traits they display in the face of adversity. They’re the ones that take life’s challenges head-on and use their misfortune to inspire and uplift others, rather than getting resentful or giving up. Many of us could benefit from taking note of these traits, not only to enhance our own lives, but to inspire and motivate others to make a positive impact in the world. And it doesn’t have to be making large-scale gestures, either. Here are some of the common ways we can implement these traits in our everyday lives: 1. Be charitable . Instead of accepting birthday gifts, set up a donation to a favorite charity. Facebook allows you to do this on your profile. 2. Share your challenges and how you overcame them. By not sharing our adversities and only sharing positive experiences, we give an unbalanced view of life and that can sometimes lead to others who experience challenges thinking they’re doing something wrong. Sharing our stories creates empathy and knowledge that we’re not alone in dealing with life’s stressors. 3. Pay it forward . When you next go to a coffee shop, buy an extra coffee and ask the server to give it to a person who may be experiencing homelessness. Open the door for someone. Your small action can lead to many other actions in turn. 4. Start at home . Do you have members of your extended family who are struggling? Is anyone a single parent who is balancing competing demands? Maybe you can offer some of your time to do some jobs around the house or pick their kids up from school. 5. Stand up for and uplift others . Building up others around you, rather than pushing them down or demeaning them, is a mark of a true leader. People who get ahead by hurting others will not have a network of supporters later, and no-one can be a leader all alone. Take time to compliment someone else’s work or accomplishments, and truly enjoy their successes! 6. Connect with others in your community and offer your experience. Micromentor.org offers free mentorship to new business owners who need a little extra support. Share your skills – and change a life! Learn How To Maximize The Value Of Your Home Did you know there’s a free consumer report showing what to fix to net the most value for your home? It’s called “ Make Your Home Show Like A Model Without Breaking The Bank ” and it’s an essential guide to homeowner profits. You can get a free copy by calling me at… 805-701-8410

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Buying A Home Soon? Get my Free Consumer Guide, “8 Secrets for Saving Thousands When Buying Your Home Call me right now at 805-701-8410

September 2019 Oxnard, California

Inside This Issue…

6 Ways to Make a Difference…Page 1

Home De-Cluttering (part 2)…Page 2

Repair or Replace Your Car…Page 3

How to Spot Bed Bugs in Your Hotel…Page 3

Answer This Trivia Question and You Could Win $75 Gift Card for Lure Restaurant…Page 4 What Important Factors Should I Consider When Selling a Home?…Page 4

Get Free money-saving home tips at my web site: BchRealEstate.com

Home De-cluttering, Part 2

Word of the Month…

Studies have shown your income and wealth are directly related to the size and depth of your vocabulary. Here is this month’s word, so you can impress your friends (and maybe even fatten your wallet!)…

De-cluttering is in! Last month we talked about preparing to de- clutter. This month we spring into action with a list of things to purge in the bedroom. How to begin:  Set aside time to de-clutter: an hour is plenty of time to start.  Start by making your bed.  Next, focus on an area of your bedroom that attracts the most clutter: o Put any clothes in the laundry, dresser, or closet. o Take books back to the bookshelf. o Throw away, recycle, or donate items that haven’t been used for a while and are just sitting there collecting dust.  Then tackle your dresser(s). Review what items of clothing you haven’t worn for over six months. Just like the other unused items, donate or throw away what you no longer use.  Consider re-organizing the drawers: instead of folding clothes on top of each other, roll them and insert them into the drawer vertically so that you can easily find what you’re looking for — this also allows you to fit more in the drawer.  Next, focus on your closet: o Donate anything you haven’t worn for a while. o Place the same items of clothing together, or color- coordinate. o Throw laundry into the hamper. o Place items like socks and underwear in the dresser.  Then de-clutter nightstands by removing anything that is dusty or takes up too much space. Discard anything broken.  Lastly, clean. Wipe down surfaces, clean the floors, vacuum the mattress, and change the bedding.

Symposiarch (sim-poh-zee-ahrk) noun

Meaning : From the Greek word, symposiarchos, meaning the leader of a symposium. Also, the word can be used to describe a toast master. Sample Sentence: During a debate, a symposiarch was elected to preside over the event.

Natural Remedies for Bug Bites

Are you out of bite gel, but have some essential oils on hand? Both lavender and basil essential oils will ease the sting and quell the itch.

Apply a couple of drops of either oil to the bite and repeat as necessary.

Witch hazel, an astringent, is also another good remedy for bites. You can find it at your local drugstore (it’s a great soothing toner for skin too!) What A Pain… Q: Did you hear about the painter who was rushed to the hospital?

A: Reports say it was due to too many strokes.

Stay tuned for part three: Next month we’ll focus on the kitchen!

Have you checked out my web site?

Quotes to Live By… “The fellow who thinks he knows it all is especially annoying to those of us who do.” –Harold Coffin, humorist “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” –Norman Vincent Peale “Who says nothing is impossible? Some people do it every day!” –Unknown

Click on each Neighborhood to see what is currently available.

Go to:

BchRealEstate.com

Get Free money-saving home tips at my web site: BchRealEstate.com

Repair or Replace Your Car?

Brain Teaser… I left my campsite and hiked south for 3 miles. Then I turned east and hiked for 3 miles. I then turned north and hiked for 3 miles; at which time I came upon a bear inside my tent eating my food! What color was the bear? (See page 4 for the answer.) Real Estate Question? Maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Or maybe you just need a recommendation for a handyman, carpet cleaner or plumber… Either way, I love hearing from all of my good friends and clients. And I’m happy to help answer questions you might have about anything relating to real estate or home-ownership. If you have a question, tip or idea, call me at 805-701-8410 . I’m here to help! How to Pick Tradespeople Need work on your property by a professional plumber, electrician, arborist, or gutter person? Here are some tips to guide you:  Always get three quotes.  Ask for their business card and check if they are licensed and bonded by the city. Did You Know? In the town of Calama, in the Atacama desert of Chile, it usually rains a few millimeters per year. It’s close enough to a Mars landscape that NASA tests there! Free Photo Websites Need a stock photo for a website or social media post but don’t want to pay a subscription? These sites offer free photos with zero cost.   Read Google reviews. Ask for recommendations on the Nextdoor app .

Is your car worth fixing up? Or is it time to trade it in and get a new one? Repair if your answers to these questions are mostly “YES”:  Look your vehicle up on KBB.com . Is the cost of the repair is significantly less than what the car is worth?  Will repairing it give you more time to save up for a new car?  Does it make more sense for your current financial situation to pay your older vehicle’s lower insurance and registration costs?  Ask your mechanic about the cost of anticipated near-future repairs. Are they affordable, and do you think you can get enough time out of the car to be worth the cost? If you do decide to get a new car, think about these bonuses:  A new car generally comes with a certified warranty for three years, meaning no investment in repairs during that time.  It’ll be equipped with newer safety features, which insurers like.  Fuel economy has improved in recent years. If you’re putting a lot of miles on your vehicle, you can have significant gas savings too!

FREE Consumer Help Is Just A Phone Call Away

DID YOU KNOW … Unlike most real estate agents, I DON’T spend my time pestering people with phone calls or bothersome interruptions to find good clients. Instead, I dedicate 110% of my time and energies to providing such outstanding service, people naturally think of me when a friend or family member needs help buying or selling a home. THANKS for your referrals!

Learn valuable secrets for saving thousands and avoiding costly mistakes when buying, selling or refinancing a home. Best of all, it’s FREE. Ask about my “ Insider’s Free Resources ” by calling me at: 805-701-8410

How to Spot Bed Bugs in Hotels It’s every traveler’s worst nightmare: finding bedbugs in your hotel. And it can happen at anywhere, even 4-star hotels! Here’s how to check: 1. Bring a small flashlight to inspect your room for bugs as soon as you arrive — before unpacking. And don’t put your suitcase on the bed yet! 2. Inspect the bed : around each corner of the mattress, the box spring/bed frame, be sure to look along the edging and seams and zips. 3. Check nearby furniture : framed pictures, furniture screws holes and joints, and other upholstered furniture. 4. Look out for signs of bugs : blood smears or black marks on the mattress — these can be signs of an infestation. 5. Inspect the luggage rack/valet , as bugs can be found in cracks.  Check the hotel reviews before booking. Look at bedbugreports.com which lists bug complaints in hotels.  Never put your clothes on the bed and bring a large plastic bag with you to store dirty clothes – bed bugs are attracted to the odor.  Vacuum inside and outside your suitcase when you get home, immediately discarding the contents in a sealed bag in the trash. Even if you don’t find any, it is worth taking some extra precautions:

www.unsplash.com – Free, modern, and bold photos to download.

www.pexels.com – Free, more widely- used photos. Also free for download.

www.canva.com – You can design images which they size for social media and use their bank of free photos.

Get Free money-saving home tips at my web site: BchRealEstate.com

Thanks For Thinking of Me! Did you know I can help you or any of your friends or family save time and money when buying or selling a home? Thanks for keeping me in mind with your referrals…and spreading the word about my services. Brain Teaser Answer: Answer: White. The only place you can hike 3 miles south, then east for 3 miles, then north for 3 miles and end up back at your starting point is the North Pole. Polar bears are the only bears that live at the North Pole, and they are white. Inexpensive Alarm Systems under $500… Just moved into a new home but can’t afford a state-of-the-art alarm system? Fear not. There are several companies offering DIY systems that don’t require installation by a professional, saving you money there too. According to consumer review sites systems under $500 with no requirement for a subscription include:  SimpliSafe – starting at $229  Ring doorbell – starting at $199  FrontPoint Safe Home – starting at $99  Nest – starting at $499 THANK YOU for reading my Service For Life ! ® personal newsletter. I wanted to produce a newsletter that has great content and is fun and valuable to you. Your constructive feedback is always welcome. AND… whether you’re thinking of buying, selling or financing real estate, or just want to stop by and say “Hi,” I’d love to hear from you… Florence Gadbois CA DRE#01040021 RE/MAX Gold Coast 805-701-8410 Florence@BchRealEstate.com BchRealEstate.com Disclaimer: The information contained in this letter is intended for informational purposes. It should not substitute as legal, accounting, investment, medical or other professional services advice. Always seek a competent professional for answers to your specific questions. This letter is not intended to solicit real estate properties currently for sale.

“Who Else Wants To Win $75 Gift Card For Lure Restaurant?” Guess who won last month’s Trivia Question? I’m pleased to announce the lucky winner of last month’s Trivia. And the winner is…drum roll please… Lloyd Pilch of The Colony was the lucky winner of our drawing. To enter our drawing, answer this month’s trivia by the 10 th of the month. Last Month’s Trivia: The oldest ice skates found so far date back to 2000 BC. In what country were they found? a) Canada b) Sweden c) Russia d) Finland .

The answer is d) Finland. They were made from sharpened shinbones or jawbones of cattle. So, let’s move on to this month’s trivia question.

This Month’s Trivia: Which of these facts about pearls is NOT correct? a) Only male oysters create pearls. b) Most pearls commercially produced are

freshwater. c) The shells and meat of pearl oysters are also used. d) La Peregrina is one of the most famous pearls in the world.

Call Me At 805-701-8410 OR Email Me At Florence@BchRealEstate.com And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!

Real Estate Corner … Q. What important factors should I consider when selling a home? A. Finding the right price point is the first consideration. You don’t want to price your home too high or too low. The balance of the home should be paid with the money from the sale and you’ll want to make a profit to help with your next home purchase. Here are a few other factors to think about. -Make sure you are ready. You should be able to afford to get your house sale-ready as well as to make the move to a new home. The time of year can also make a difference in how quickly you can sell – spring and summer are usually better times to put your home on the market. -Consider the condition of the home. You may need to make upgrades or repair cosmetic defects. Remember, many homebuyers may not be able to get past the look of your home if there are major issues. If your home is outdated, bringing in fresh appliances, new paint, and making exterior repairs can improve first impressions and increase the value of your home. -Having great exposure is necessary for selling your home. The right homebuyers must know about your property. Those buyers will want what your home has to offer and be able to afford the price. Your realtor will employ professional marketing tactics such as open houses, signage, MLS listings, and website exposure to ensure the perfect buyers see your home. For definitions of these terms and more financing tips, ask for my Free Consumer Report called “7 Costly Mistakes When Selling Your Home.” I’ll send a copy right to you. Do you have a real estate question you want answered? Feel free to call me at 805-701-8410. Perhaps I’ll feature your question in my next issue!

Get Free money-saving home tips at my web site: BchRealEstate.com

Florence’s….

MarketWatch ™ “ Here’s Neighborhood Home Information For The Colony To Help You Evaluate The Value Of Your Investment. ”

Homes Currently Active …

Address

Bdrms

Baths

Sq. Ft.

Floor Plan

Asking Price

2242 Martinique

2 2 2 2 2

2 2 2 2 2

1113 1217 1368 1627 1550

Martinique (Phase I)

$539,000 $539,888 $588,900 $685,000 $874,000

Majorca Antigua

Martinique

Madeira

Martinique

Capri

San Sebastian

Antigua (Ambassador)

$645,357

Market Average

Active Taking Back Up Offers… Address

Bdrms

Baths

Sq. Ft.

Floor Plan Vina del Mar

Asking Price

Vina del Mar

3

3

2360

$959,000 $959,000

Market Average

Sold Properties… (07/01/18 Thru 08/18/19) Address List $ Sale $

Sq.Ft. $/sq.ft

Floor Plan

Date Sold

4431 Antigua 1955 Majorca

$569,888 $549,888 $539,000

$525,000 $525,000 $535,000

1549 1217 1113

$338.93 Antigua $431.39 Martinique

08/06/19 07/25/18

2223 Martinique

$480.68 Martinique (Phase I)

02/28/19

2305 Martinique

$539,000

$535,000

1113

$480.68 Martinique (Phase I)

05/15/19

4463 Antigua

$589,000 $579,000 $605,000 $615,000 $638,888 $679,500 $669,000 $729,000 $845,000 $839,888 $999,000 $1,299,000

$575,000 $579,000 $580,000 $605,000 $625,000 $648,000 $669,000 $709,000 $820,000 $830,000 $939,000

1368 1450 1627 1459 1549 1800 1800 1550 2360 2360 2360

420.32

Madeira

07/08/19 05/17/19 05/03/19 03/30/19 08/14/18 10/18/18 10/23/18 04/15/19 08/24/18 07/06/18 05/10/19

4446 Antigua 2031 Majorca 2351 Martinique 4451 Antigua 1900 Majorca 2325 Martinique

$373.79 Antigua $356.48 Capri $398.81 Antigua $403.49 Antigua $359.80 Capri $379.04 Capri

4711 San Sebastian 2202 Vina del Mar 2206 Vina del Mar 2222 Cannes Square 2315 Vina del Mar

$457.42 Antigua (Ambassador)

$347.46 Vina del Mar $351.69 Vina del Mar $397.88 Vina del Mar $607.76 San Tropez

$1,300,000 2139

06/07/19

$706,871

$687,437

$411.6

Market Average

RE/MAX represented buyer, seller or both .

Properties as of August 19, 2019 and may not be listed by RE/MAX. Information herein has not been verified, is not guaranteed, and is subject to change

Florence’s

MarketWatch ™ “ Here’s Neighborhood Home Information For HarborWalk To Help You Evaluate The Value Of Your Investment. ”

Homes Currently Active … Address

Bdrms

Baths

Sq. Ft.

Floor Plan

Asking Price

Sunset Harbor

2 2 2 3

1 1 2 3

925 925

Plan C Plan C

$429,000 $460,000 $610,000 $785,000 $571,000

3450 Sunset

1319 1485

T-2

Sunset

Villa

Market Average

Homes Accepting Back Up Offers … Address Bdrms Baths

Sq. Ft.

Floor Plan

Asking Price

Sunset Sunset

2 2

1 2

925

Plan C

$479,000 $639,000 $559,000

1474

Villa

Market Average

Homes Pending … Address

Bdrms

Baths

Sq. Ft.

Floor Plan

Asking Price

3136 Sunset

2

2

1198

Plan D

$627,000 $627,000

Market Average

Sold Properties (01/01/19 Thru 08/18/19) Address List $ Sale $

Sq.Ft. $/sq.ft

Floor Plan

Date Sold

3043 Harbor 3061 Harbor 3304 Sunset 3634 Sunset 3135 Harbor 3131 Harbor 3201 Harbor 3380 Sunset

$425,000 $525,000 $549,900 $595,000 $729,000 $699,000 $779,000 $795,000 $637,112

$445,000 $495,000 $549,000 $565,000 $700,000 $701,000 $779,000 $785,000 $627,375

1128 1128 1475 1319 1402 1501 1485 1485

$394.50 $438.83 $372.20 $428.35 $499.29 $466.71 $524.57 $532.20 $457.08

Plan B Plan B

07/03/19

07/11/19 05/22/19 07/26/19 03/25/19 07/18/19 08/12/19 07/08/19

Villa

T-2

Villa (end unit)

Villa Villa Villa

Market Average

Bold: REMAX Represented Buyers, Sellers or Both

The information referenced has been provided by the Ventura County MLS Corporation’s MLS as of August 19, 2019. The listings and sales are not exclusive to RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors and may have been represented by others. Display of the MLS data is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by the MLS and prices are subject to change.