December 2024

Florence's...

Service For Life !

Insider Tips for Healthy, Wealthy and Happy Living

No Matter How You Celebrate

‘ Tis The Season!

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

Are You Ready For A Bucket List (& Budget-Friendly) Vacation

Going on vacation doesn’t have to break the bank, and you don’t have to settle for less, either. In today’s Service For Life ! ® Free consumer newsletter, you’ll learn about some alternatives to bucket list destinations where you can have a fabulous time while saving money. We are also sharing some thoughts on how to get through to the teens in your life (no guarantees), whether or not you can save money by upgrading to a heat pump in your home, and get the buzz on collagen – plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more.

LISTING INVENTORY (months) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 CLOSED ESCROWS ACTIVE LISTINGS

January February

23 20 13 14 7 11 13 13 20 8 17 20 27 16 12 17 18 23 10 3 8 22 20 11 10 22 34 26 15 7 46 30 17 17 9 32 28 19 17 13 45 27 14 11 4 49 26 16 13 9

80 22 21 22 20 4.14 1.19 0.92 1.48 1.88 92 23 21 26 24 4.68 1.55 0.53 1.54 1.7 89 17 12 28 20 4.68 0.53 0.92 1.83 0.61 93 29 21 34 28 4.29 1 1.27 2.27 2.79 78 28 30 35 30 4.38 0.62 1.86 2.55 3.2 80 18 47 37 32 4.05 1.23 1.69 2.48 3.4 62 34 37 36 25 4.78 0.73 1.65 2.23 3.74 90 14 22 30 19 4.9 0.86 0.88 2.1 2.5

March

April May June

July

August

September

51 20 35 34 34 34 16 37 32 31

1.5 0.62 1.85 2.27 3.65 1.8 0.9 2.03 2.97 3.4

October

November December

19 25 7 11 29 18 15 5

41 20 39 31 28 1.23 0.875 2.19 1.62

6 thru 11/26

32 21 33 23

0.89 0.897 1.26 1.5

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 DRE #01040021 RE/MAX Gold Coast

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

Florenc e’s…

Service For Life ! “Insider Tips For Healthy, Wealthy & Happy Living…”



Here’s free advice if you’re buying or re-financing your home. It’s my Free Consumer Guide titled, “7 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Financing Your Home.” Call me at 805-701-8410 to get a copy…

Vacation Here, Not There Vacations are one of life’s greatest luxuries – a time to get away from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives to relax, recharge, and reset. The last thing we want to do when returning from vacation is worry about the dent it caused in our bank accounts. While bucket list destinations are what dreams are made of, you might want to try some of these budget-friendly alternatives where you can get more bang for your buck. Québec City – Rather than jetting across the Atlantic Ocean for Paris, Francophiles can stay closer to home with a visit to Canada and Québec City, with its more than 400 years of history and where French is de rigueur . Amble along the cobblestone streets, pop into world-class museums and sit and watch the world go by at a sidewalk café in Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What’s more, the U.S. dollar is strong in Canada, so your money goes further. Ooh la la! Colorado’s Rocky Mountains – Skiing the Swiss Alps sounds romantic, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. Instead, fly into Denver, Colorado and hit the slopes in the Rocky Mountains, dubbed the “Switzerland of America” by journalist Samuel Bowles in 1869 . If you’re looking for a ski town with Alp s vibes, look no further than Vail. Costa Rica – Instead of the Galápagos Islands, nature enthusiasts may opt to travel to Costa Rica, where they can save mucho dinero . Wildlife sightings, outdoor adventures and all types of wellness options are widely found throughout the Central American country. Costa Rica’s temperate weather makes it a terrific year-round destination, though the rainy season is September through December…but that means lower costs, too. Dominican Republic – If the beach is calling, hop a flight to the Caribbean for a budget- friendly vacation in the Dominican Republic. The island’s all inclusive resorts average less than $125 per person, per night, and with the gorgeous sandy beaches, chances are you won’t want to spend much time anywhere else. Save Thousands When Buying A Home… Did you know there’s a free consumer report revealing ways to save time and money when buying a home? It’s called “ 8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Finding and Buying Your Next Home ,” and it’s great even if you’re not planning to buy soon. Get your free copy by calling me at… 805-701-8410

December 2024 Oxnard, California

Inside This Issue…

Save At These Travel Spots …Page 1

Talking To Teens …Page 2

Will A Heat Pump Save You Money? …Page 3

What To Know About Collagen …Page 3

Answer This Trivia Question And You Could Win $75 Gift Card for Lure Restaurant...Page 4 If I’m Faced With Foreclosure, What Experts Should I Talk To For Help?...Page 4

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

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!)… gossamer (GAH-suh-mer) adjective Meaning: very light, delicate Sample Sentence: The cool, gossamer breeze was a welcome reprieve from the heat of the sun. Shop Small + Local We often hear the phrase, “Shop Small,” but what does it mean? In 2010, a large credit card company started the concept of “Small Business Saturday, ” the Saturday following Thanksgiving, to encourage holiday shoppers to support their local small businesses. This helps the owners and the local economy at the same time. Since its inception a decade ago, shoppers have spent more than $120 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday. So go ahead, shop small this holiday season at your local shops and boutiques, bakeries and restaurants, art galleries and coffee shops. In fact, shop small year-round! Spice Up Your Tea While these aren’t medically proven remedies, they won’t hurt and taste delicious! Try adding to your tea: Zest of ginger for digestion A dash of cinnamon aids immunity Add a sprig of mint for better sleep A dollop of honey is said to cure colds Quotes To Live By… “Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting, and autumn a mosaic of them all.” – Stanley Horowitz, author “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” – Oprah Winfrey, media mogul “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” – Will Rogers, actor

Getting Through To Teens Do you remember when you were a teenager and your parents would ask how your day was when you got home from school? “Fine,” you’d likely answer. “What did you learn today?” they’d ask. “Nothing,” was the typical answer. Trying to get through to the teenagers in your life and have meaningful conversations with them is something adults have struggled with for generations. The good news is, you’re not alone. Here, we share tips on how talk with teens… really talk with them. • Listen : The most important skill in all relationships applies to teenagers, too. Rather than peppering your teenager with questions, listen for offhand comments as an “in” to engage in conversation about their day. Teens may open up more if they don’t feel like adults are trying to pull information out of them. • Don’t React : As hard as it can be, try not to react to what they’re saying in the moment. Instead, stay calm and reimplement the first tip: listen. Don’t try to fix things immediately or give advice. Listen, nod, and ask leading questions. If you’re met with rude comments or pushback, take a deep breath and pause. Let them be emotional, and try to be the sounding board. • Avoid Over-Empathizing : If your teen is venting about a friend, don’t chime in with your feelings about that friend. Chances are, they’ll reconcile, but your teen will remember what you said and may not confide in you because of your revealed true feelings about that friend. • Explain Yourself : Rules are a part of all our lives, but teens may feel that they’re being overly -regulated. When you set boundaries, explain why. Help them feel like active partners in managing their lives and adult enough to understand why rules are implemented. • Spend Time Together : Find something that you both enjoy and do it together, whether that be hiking, playing video games, or listening to music, without talking about anything personal. Simply spending time together is another terrific, unintrusive way to get through to your teen.

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

Can Upgrading To A Heat Pump Save You Money With the advent of winter many of us are trying to find ways to economically heat our homes. One option is to upgrade your heating system to a heat pump, which uses electricity efficiently instead of burning fuel. The science behind heat pumps is fascinating. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cool space, like the air, ground, or water outside, to a warm space, like your home. Heat pumps have an added benefit when temperatures start to rise again, too: they circulate hot air back out of the house in the summertime. And they’re eco -friendly, providing up to three times more heat than the electricity they use. Depending on the size and energy efficiency of your home, and the local climate, homeowners with heat pumps save an average of $500 per year. A federal tax credit of up to 30% on the total cost of buying and installing a heat pump is also available (search IRS.gov for “energy efficient home improvement credit”). The Buzz On Collagen If you’ve read any fashion or beauty magazines lately, or scrolled through social media, chances are you’ve come across mention of collagen. But what is it, and what does it do? Our bodies produce collagen naturally, and it’s a main component of our bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons and ligaments. The fresh baby faces of our youth? That’s collagen. Experts say that we begin losing collagen in our mid 20s, and that women can lose up to 30% of collagen production within the first five years of menopause. While the jury is still out as to whether or not oral collagen supplements like powders or capsules actually work to help our bodies produce more of the protein, experts do say that collagen creams are scientifically proven to work. Rather than reach for a supplement, you may want to try foods that can naturally increase our bodies’ collagen, like fish, eggs, berries, beans and shellfish. FREE Consumer Help Is Just A Phone Call Away 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

Brain Teaser… Regardless of how much or how little you use me, you change me every month. What am I? (See page 4 for the answer.) What’s My Home Worth? If you want to know your home’s current value, I will gladly conduct a Maximum Value Home Audit . Request this “no charge” in -depth home value analysis by calling me at: 805-701 8410 .

Have a Laugh … Why did the turkey join a band? So she could use her drumsticks.

Put Your Garden To Bed With colder weather, it’s time to prepare your gardens for their winter slumber. Here, some tips to ensure your vegetable and flower gardens are ready for spring. • Harvest tender vegetables like

tomatoes, beans and winter squash before the first frost. Compost the gardens in late fall so the nutrients have time to soak in over winter. Mulch flower gardens to prevent weed growth when the ground warms back up. Clean your gardens on sunny days to prevent the spread of any disease spores. Rake away any leftover plant debris and level out the soil. Properly clean and store your garden tools so they’re ready for spring.

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Budget Tracking Websites These websites/apps make keeping an eye on your spending easy.

www.honeydue.com – Manage your cash flow with your significant other.

www.mint.intuit.com – Track your monthly spending by category; monthly insights show you where your money is being spent. www.pocketguard.com – See how much spending money you have after accounting for your bills, necessities and saving goals.

Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning any supplements.

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

Thanks For Thinking of Me!

“Who Else Wants To Win $75 Gift Card for Lure Restaurant ?”

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.

Guess who won last month’s Trivia Question? I’m pleased to announce the lucky winner of last month’s quiz. And the winner is …drum roll please: Joan Holland of Oxnard.

Brain Teaser Answer:

Calendar pages

What fruit will not even begin to ripen until it is picked? a) tomato b) peach c) avocado d) pineapple

Holiday Turkey Alternatives If turkey’s not your jam when it comes to a feast, why not start your own tradition with something you actually like instead? A seafood option like salmon may fit the bill. The versatile fish can be fixed myriad ways so you can easily incorporate your favorite fall flavors like maple syrup, pomegranate, or any variety of herbs. The same can be said of hams, pork loins, rib roasts, roast chickens and more. Or, add an English spin with your choice of Wellington, like beef, salmon, or mushroom. Regardless of which you choose, go ahead and serve up all your favorite sides and desserts, or create your own traditions here, too. 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 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.

The answer is c) avocado. Many fruits will continue to ripen after picking, but avocadoes don’t even start to get ripe while they’re still on the tree. The tree can be used as food storage for 2-8 months (depending on the variety), after which the fruit may be inedible and will drop to the ground.

So let’s move on to this month’s trivia question.

Michelangelo finished painting is masterpieces on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in November of what year? a) 1492 b) 1512 c) 1657 d) 1734

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 experts should I talk to if my home is about to go into foreclosure?

A. Avoid scammers, and talk to one or more of these professionals:

● Your REALTOR ® will help you review your options. ● A Foreclosure Counselor will help you evaluate your current financial situation and serve as an advocate with your bank, free of charge. ● A Tax Expert will advise you if you do a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure since forgiveness of debt may be considered taxable income. ● A Credit Counselor can help you develop a plan to avoid future financial difficulty as well as help you repair your credit score. ● An Attorney can help you if your lender has filed a foreclosure lawsuit.

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

Active Listings …

Address

Bdrms

Baths

Sq. Ft.

Floor Plan

Asking Price

Martinique

2 2 2 2

2 2 2 2

1368 1368 1217 1628

Madeira Madeira

$839,888 $850,000 $850,000 $949,000 $872,222

Martinique Lane

Antigua Majorca

Martinique

Capri

Market Average

Sold Propert ies… (01/01/24 Thru 11/21/24) Address List $ Sale $

Sq.Ft.

$/sq.ft

Floor Plan

Date Sold

4695 San Sebastian

$774,000

$749,000

1217

$615.45

Martinique

11/21/24

1972 San Tropez

$899,000

$855,000

1368

$625.00

Madeira

11/12/24 05/24/24 11/12/24

4683 San Sebastian

$908,000 $900,000 $899,000

$884,000 $887,500 $890,000

1368 1627 1368

$646.20 $545.48 $650.58

Madeira

1947 Majorca

Capri

2135 Martinique

Madeira

01/19/24

2041 Majorca

$899,000

$890,000

1550

$574,19

Antigua

03/25/24

2155 Martinique

$965,000

$920,000

1368

$672.51

Madeira

08/30/24 04/24/24

1925 Majorca 4494 Antigua

$949,888 $949,888

$900,000 $925,000

1627 1368

$553.17 $694.36

Capri

Madeira

08/28/24

2117 Martinique

$925,000

$905,000

1549

$582.00

Antigua

03/25/24 10/10/24 05/15/24

4687 San Sebastian

$939,888 $988,888

$939,000 $998,288

1807 1368

$520.14 $729.74 $774.19

Capri

2015 Majorca

Madeira Antigua

1985 San Sebastian

$1,395,888 $1,200,000 1550

10/28/14

2355 Vina del Mar

$1,595,000 $1,595,000 2692

$592.50

Costa de Oro

03/18/24 03/22/24

2335 Vina del Mar Market Average

$1,595,000 $1,610,000 2059

$550.85 $635.96

San Tropez

$ 1,039,563 $ 1,009,719

RE/MAX represented buyer, seller or both.

Properties as of November 21, 2024 and may not be listed by RE/MAX. Data is based on information reported by multiple brokers to the CRMLS. Data accuracy is not guaranteed by CRMLS. This report is not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale.

To See Colony Floor plans go to: TheColonyatMandalay.com/colony-floorplans

Florence’s… MarketWatch ™

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

Active Listings … Address

List $

Sq.Ft Floor Plan

$720,000 $899,000 $809,500

1135 1401

3484 Sunset Harbor Blvd

T-3

Villa

Market Average

In Escrow…accepting back up offers Address List $

Sq.Ft Floor Plan

Harbor Blvd

$689,000 $689,000

925

Plan C

Market Average

Pending … Address

List $

Sq.Ft Floor Plan

$669,000

925

2937 Harbor Blvd

Plan C

Market Average

$669,000

Sold Properties (01/01/2024 – 11/22/2024 Address List $ Sold $

Sq ft $/sq.ft

Floor Plan

Date Sold

2937 Harbor

$550,000

$505,000

925

$545.95

Plan C

08/12/24 04/15/24 11/04/24 01/24/24 02/07/24 08/28/24 03/08/24

3128 Sunset 3049 Harbor 3330 Sunset 3600 Sunset 3120 Sunset 3334 Sunset 3250 Sunset

$575,000 $590,000 $799,000 $729,000 $705,000 $829,000 $955,000

$530,000 $580,000 $692,500 $692,000 $715,000 $750,000 $850,000

925 781

$572.97 $742.64 $469.49 $600.88 $596.83 $745.76 $606.28

Plan C Plan A

1475 1135 1198 1475 1402

Villa

T-3

Plan D

T-1

Villa

08/30/24

Market Average $581.54 Bold: REMAX Represented Buyers, Sellers or Both $711,500 $664,312

The information referenced has been provided by the Ventura County MLS Corporation’s MLS as of November, 22, 2024 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.

See HarborWalk floor plans at: HarborWalkCondos.com