January 2025

Florence's...

Service For Life !

Insider Tips for Healthy, Wealthy and Happy Living

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

Do You Know How Much Money You’ll Need To Retire?

It can be hard to feel confident about your retirement savings when there are so many variables. In today’s Service For Life ! ® Free consumer newsletter, you’ll learn about things to think about when coming up with a number that will make you feel comfortable, and some online retirement calculators you can use for estimates. You’ll also learn about what to consider when choosing a fence for your home, “netiquette” tips for online communication, and advice for coping with “sundowning” symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease – plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more.

CLOSED ESCROWS

ACTIVE LISTINGS

LISTING INVENTORY (months)

2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

January February

20 13 14 7 13 13 20 8 20 27 16 12 18 23 10 3 22 20 11 10 34 26 15 7 30 17 17 9 28 19 17 13 27 14 11 4 26 16 13 9 25 7 11 7

22 21 22 20 23 21 26 24 17 12 28 20 14 22 30 19 29 21 34 28 28 30 35 30 18 47 37 32 34 37 36 25 20 35 34 34 16 37 32 31 20 39 31 28 21 33 23 28

1.19 0.92 1.48 1.88 1.55 0.53 1.54 1.7 0.53 0.92 1.83 0.61 0.86 0.88 2.1 2.5 1 1.27 2.27 2.79 0.62 1.86 2.55 3.2 1.23 1.69 2.48 3.4 0.73 1.65 2.23 3.74 0.62 1.85 2.27 3.65 0.9 2.03 2.97 3.4 0.875 2.19 1.62 3.57

March

April May June

July

August

September

October

November December

18 15 5

0.897 1.26 1.5

2 thru 12/24

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, Realtor DRE #01040021 RE/MAX Gold Coast

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

Florenc e’s…

Service For Life ! “Insider Tips For Healthy, Wealthy & Happy Living…” What Do You Need To Retire? Like so many money matters, determining the amount of money you’ll need to retire can be a little complicated. There is no single equation that works for everyone, nor a formula that won’t need to be reevaluated from time to time. But there are some things to consider when you’re trying to set financial goals that will set you up for a comfortable retirement. At what age do you want to retire? If you plan to retire at the full retirement age set by the government and you’re in your 40s now, you have a couple decades to be strategic about investments to ensure you have adequate savings. And if you want to retire earlier, that means you’ll need to have even more money set aside to pay for additional non-working years. What do you want to do in your retirement? Your desired retirement lifestyle plays a huge part in figuring out how much money you need to have saved. There’s a big cost difference between traveling internationally every year or being a homebody and volunteering in your local community, and your retirement savings should reflect the life you plan to live. Are there any big expenses coming up pre-retirement? While it’s a good idea to have a savings cushion for unexpected expenses that may come up, it’s also critical to think about planned expenses like building or remodeling a house, college or grad school tuition, or starting a business. Experts across the board agree that the sooner you begin saving for retirement, the better, but there are different retirement calculators you can use to come up with an estimate based on your specific situation. Some (such as or www.aarp.org/retirement/retirement-calculator/ ) are fairly simple and can give you a ballpark figure, while others ask for more details and data points (like www.flexibleretirementplanner.com/ ). The best way to both understand your current financial picture and plan for your retirement, though, is by working directly with a financial advisor — and one of the best ways to find one is by asking friends and family for recommendations. You can also look for one at: www.napfa.org/find-an-advisor  Warning Before You Sell Your Home... Don’t put your home on the market without my Free Consumer Guide titled, “ How To Avoid 7 Costly Mistakes When Selling Your Home .” My exclusive report will give you all the facts for a fast, top dollar sale. Get your free copy by calling me at… 805-701-8410

Buying A Home Soon-for the first time? Get my Free Consumer Guide, “Top 10 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid.” Call me right now at 805-701 8410 for details…

January 2025 Oxnard, California

Inside This Issue…

Do The Math: How Much Money You Need To Retire …Page 1

How To Choose A Fence …Page 2

Netiquette For Everyone …Page 2

Dealing With Sundown Syndrome …Page 3

Answer This Trivia Question And You Could Win $75 Gift Card for Lure Restaurant...Page 4 If I Get Multiple Offers On My House, How Do I Decide Which To Accept ? …Page 4

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

4 Fence-Finding Factors

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!)…

When fencing your property, there’s more to consider than style. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a fence.

➢ Purpose : Keeping the dog in the yard, creating a private backyard retreat, and protecting the garden from deer all present different fencing requirements. ➢ Budget : Fencing materials vary widely in terms of cost. Wood is generally the least expensive option to install, while materials like vinyl, metal, and composite tend to cost more up-front. Installing the fence yourself can save money, but materials like brick usually mean hiring a pro. ➢ Upkeep : This is about both the time and money of maintenance. Wood fences need to be stained or painted regularly. Some metal fences also need to be painted regularly to prevent rusting. Vinyl fencing needs to be cleaned to keep mold or mildew from staining it. ➢ Regulations : Even if you’re not in an HOA, there may be local laws dictating things like fence heights. If you’re installing a fence yourself, find out whether you need a city or county permit before you start. They can also help you determine property lines and identify underground utilities before you dig.

gridiron (pronounced GRID-eye-urn) noun

Meaning: 1. a metal rack for cooking over open flame; 2. a football field

Sample Sentence: In homes all over the country, watching football players on the gridiron is as much a part of Thanksgiving tradition as the turkey.

Throw A Steak On The Gridiron Today, the word “gridiron” most

commonly describes a football field, but it shares perhaps unexpected roots with the word “griddle.” In the 14th century, a gridiron was a metal grill used to broil food over an open flame. It became a nickname for football fields in the late 19th century, when the playing field was marked not with lines but with — you guessed it — a grid.

Would You Like To Know How Much Your Neighbor’s Home Listed Or Sold For?

Maybe you’re just curious. Or maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Either way, I can help…with no “sales pitches” or run arounds. Call me at 805-701-8410 and I’ll give you all the facts.

Online Etiquette Tips “Etiquette” may seem like an antiquated concept that only applies in period dramas and royal families, but it basically boils down to good manners — including online. The popular portmanteau for online or email activity is “netiquette,” but many of these modern etiquette tips would still be recognizable to the doyenne of decorum herself, Emily Post. • Think before you post: Things like humor and sarcasm don't often translate well online. • Respect other peoples’ privacy, like knowing when not to share photos of other people and how to use cc and bcc email fields properly (read this: www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-life hacks/organization/what-is-bcc-etiquette ). • Do some fact-checking before forwarding or posting something. • Mute the microphone during video meetings when you’re not speaking. • Hit “reply all” on an email only when absolutely necessary. Think about who absolutely needs the information, and use that to determine who you reply to.

Have A Chuckle… What's the difference between a hippo and a zippo?

One is really heavy, and the other's a little lighter.

B

Quotes To Live By… “You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.”

– Andy Warhol, Artist

“Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.” – Victor Hugo, Author “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” – Allen Saunders, Writer

A good piece of “netiquette” advice to remember is it’s good to behave on the internet as if online activity lives forever. Because it does.

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

How To Cope With Sundowning Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be a challenge, especially when so many symptoms are readily recognized as disease-related but not well understood. One symptom some people experience is known as “sundowning,” in which they get more confused, anxious, or agitated than usual. They may start pacing, following a caregiver from room to room, crying, shouting, or even hallucinating. This frequently happens as daylight fades, hence the name, but it can occur at any time of the day. Doctors don’t know what specifically causes sundowning, but experts do offer recommendations for caregivers to help reduce the likelihood of sundowning. This includes both things to avoid and tips for preventing it.

1 Swiss Formula Dad Joke Q: What’s the best thing about Switzerland? A: I don’t know, but the flag’s a big plus. Brain Teaser… I am a button that everyone has, but I cannot be buttoned or unbuttoned. What am I? (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! Websites To Help Reduce Food Waste We all know what it’s like to find that forgotten head of lettuce in the fridge, and that’s just one part of food waste reduction these apps and websites are designed for. SaveTheFood.com (part of the Natural Resources Defense Council) has tips for meal planning and food storage as well as handy tools to estimate how much food you’ll need for a dinner party and find recipes with surprising uses for leftovers and even food scraps. TooGoodToGo.com (free) connects people with local restaurants with excess food they’re selling at a fraction of the original cost. You can choose “surprise bags” from restaurants, bakeries, delis, and grocery stores, all at a significant discount. OlioApp.com (free; $14.99/year for additional features) isn’t just for food, but it’s an easy way to share food extras with people in your neighborhood. It’s a bit like your local Buy Nothing group, with the added option to buy and sell things locally.

Things that can help reduce sundowning: ✓ Sticking to a daily routine ✓ Getting regular exposure to sunlight ✓

Supplementing lighting indoors and outdoors, especially in winter ✓ Engaging in some physical activity every day to promote healthy sleep ✓ Turning the TV volume down (or off) ✓ Keeping household activities and conversations calm

Things that can trigger sundowning:  Getting inadequate sleep 

Consuming caffeine and sugar in the afternoon or evening  Taking a nap late in the day  Changes in diet or medications  Being hungry, dehydrated, or in pain  Spending time in an overstimulating environment

It’s important to work closely with your loved one’s doctor when it comes to sundowning or any other symptom of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in order to address their specific situation and needs.

Visit the National Institute on Aging for more information about coping with sundowning . (Search “sundowning” at www.nia.nih.gov ).

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

“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 quiz. And the winner is …drum roll please: Andrew Pfeffer of Westport. Michelangelo finished painting his masterpieces on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in November of what year? a) 1492 b) 1512 c) 1657 d) 1734 The answer is b) 1512. Italian artist Michelangelo spent four years painting his famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, from 1508 to 1512. A restoration project that removed centuries’ worth of dirt, smoke and varnish was completed in 1989.

Brain Teaser Answer: A bellybutton!

Winter Pruning Some trees are best pruned in the winter months when they’re dormant, including fruit trees. Shrubs that flower in the summer, such as hydrangea and roses, should also be pruned in the winter. Evergreen trees and shrubs may not look any different during the winter, but they’re also dormant during the coldest winter months and can be pruned. If you have sap-producing trees, however, hold off on pruning until the late summer or early autumn. Find more detailed pruning tips on The Old Farmer’s Almanac website: www.almanac.com/when-prune-trees and-shrubs 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.

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

A teenage scientist accidentally created what while working on a formula for a new medicine? a) mouthwash b) synthetic dye c) artificial sweetener d) superglue

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. If I get multiple offers on my house, how do I decide which offer to accept ?

A. Multiple offers are a good thing. Still, you can make a mistake if you don’t look at more than just the sales price being offered. Carefully weigh each buyer’s offer by considering these factors: ❖ Is the buyer pre-approved? Never take your home off the market without knowing for sure that the buyer is able to purchase your home. ❖ When do they want possession? When the buyer’s timing fits your preferences, it can make their offer more appealing. ❖ What repairs does the buyer expect before closing? Even if you are willing to make repairs, think about the time it will take before you accept. ❖ What items does the buyer expect to remain in the house? Buyers may request to keep appliances or wall-mounted televisions. Factor the cost of replacing these in your next home into the offer before accepting.

If you have questions, or need capable and trustworthy representation, please call me at 805-701-8410 .

Get Free money-saving home tips at my web site: BchReaEstate.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 1429 1628

Madeira Madeira

$810,000 $839,888 $939,000 $949,000 $884,472

Martinique Lane

Madeira Majorca

Madeira (upper level)

Capri

Market Average

Sold Propert ies… (01/01/24 Thru 12/26/24) 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 December 26, 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

Harbor Blvd Harbor Blvd 3484 Sunset Harbor Blvd

$569,000 $689,000 $695,000 $899,000 $713,000

781 925

Plan A Plan C

1135 1401

T-3

Villa

Market Average

Sold Properties (01/01/2024 – 12/26/2024 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

3128 Sunset 3049 Harbor

$575,000 $590,000

$530,000 $580,000

925 781

$572.97 $742.64

Plan C Plan A

11/04/24

2937 Harbor

$669,000

$650,000

925

$702.70

Plan C

11/14/24 01/24/24 02/07/24 08/28/24 03/08/24

3330 Sunset 3600 Sunset 3120 Sunset 3334 Sunset 3250 Sunset

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

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

1475 1135 1198 1475 1402

$469.49 $600.88 $596.83 $745.76 $606.28

Villa

T-3

Plan D

T-1

Villa

08/30/24

Market Average $595.00 Bold: REMAX Represented Buyers, Sellers or Both $706,777 $662,722

The information referenced has been provided by the Ventura County MLS Corporation’s MLS as of December, 26, 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