October 2024

Florence's...

Service For Life ! Insider Tips for Healthy, Wealthy And Happy Living

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

Are You Ready To Live A Debt-Free Lifestyle?

Living a debt- free life is a dream for a lot of us, but it doesn’t have to be. In today’s Service For Life ! ® Free consumer newsletter, you’ll learn tips to live a debt -free lifestyle and prepare for the future at the same time. You’ll also discover tips on how to find the best in -home caregiver for your loved one, what you should expect when beginning a yoga practice, and how to green up your life with indoor plants – plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more.

Here’s what’s happening in your neighborhood.

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

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

45 27 14 11 49 26 16 13 19 25 7 11 29 18 15 5

51 20 35 34 34

1.5 0.62 1.85 2.27 1.8 0.9 2.03 2.97 1.23 0.875 2.19 1.62 0.89 0.897 1.26 1.5

4 thru 9/27

October

34 16 37 32 41 20 39 31 32 21 33 23

November December

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

Florence’s…

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



Selling Your Home Soon? You’ll need my Free Consumer Guide titled, “6 Steps For Selling Your Home For TOP DOLLAR.” Call me right now at 805-701-8410 to get a copy…

Living Debt-Free Going into debt isn’t something any of us aspire to do, yet it’s where many of us find ourselves. According to Debt.org the average debt of Americans is $19,575 , and that’s not even including mortgages. While carrying debt may be the norm, that doesn’t mean you have to. A percentage of the population (a little less than a quarter) are adopting a debt free lifestyle. That means having no debt at all, including not having a balance that carries over to the next month on credit cards. While it isn’t possible for everyone (this does require cash flow, and dedicating yourself to paying any debt off first before you live debt-free), it can greatly reduce money stressors in your life and mean you have more control over your finances. Here are some ways to get started: • Make a plan: Think about your current financial situation and plan to check in with yourself regularly so you don’t take on any new debt . You may have to do some work on changing your outlook on spending. • Create A Budget : Review your monthly expenses and create a budget to cover all the necessities, keeping luxuries at bay… for the time being. • Track Your Spending : Keeping tabs on how you spend your money will provide a visual of how cash flows in and out of your bank account. • Pay Down Debt : As the cash in your bank account increases, you may be able to make additional payments toward paying down your debt. • Charge and Pay : If you decide to continue using credit cards to charge purchases, be sure to pay off the balance each month. It might help to set two dates for payments – for instance, pay everything you’ve charged so far that month on the 15 th , and then again on the last day of the month. • Reward Yourself : You know what they say about all work and no play… Well, you should occasionally reward yourself for the work you’re doing to live debt-free. Just remember to not reward yourself too often. • Start Saving : Saving while paying down debt may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s important to plan for emergencies, too. This will help you have more freedom to make choices to keep you out of the red. Thinking Of Buying A Home Soon? If you’re planning to buy a home in the next 6 months, you’ll want a copy of my Free consumer guide, “ 7 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Financing Your Next Home .” My report will help you avoid frustrations and costly pitfalls when buying a home. Simply call me to get a free copy: 805-701-8410

October 2024 Oxnard, California

Inside This Issue…

How To Work Toward A Debt-Free Life …Page 1

Finding An In-Home Caregiver …Page 2

Beginner Yoga Tips …Page 3

Online Plant Sources …Page 3

Answer This Trivia Question And You Could Win $75 Gift Card for Lure Restaurant...Page 4

How Can I Make Sure I Get The Best Home For The Lowest Price? ...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!)… Meaning: A small decoration, also known as a trinket or knickknack. Sample Sentence: She found the perfect tchotchke to remember her trip once she returned home. 5 Tips to Make Raking A Breeze We love our trees, but when the leaves fall… well, raking is a chore no one looks forward to. These tips will help make raking leaves a breeze. • Take advantage of breeze and rake in the same direction it’s blowing. Try to rake before a rain to avoid the weight of wet leaves. Split the yard into four and rake leaves into rows to avoid a lot of back-and-forth. Use a tarp to “pour” leaves into yard bags. Bag leaves right away so they’re not blown back into the yard if the wind picks up. • • • Did You Know? The favorite Halloween activity of trick or-treating dates back to medieval times. In Scotland and Ireland during that time, kids dressed up in costumes to go “guising,” or door -to-door singing, reciting poems or performing tricks for food or money. Quotes To Live By… “ Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower .” – Albert Camus, novelist “ There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” – Mister Rogers, TV personality “ When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.” – Nora Ephron, novelist • Tchotchke (CHAHCH-kee) noun

Caring For Your Loved Ones Most of us will come to a time in our lives when we need to help care for a loved one, while at the same time balancing our careers, families and personal lives. In the U.S. alone, more than 100 million adults serve as caregivers for their parents, children, spouses, or other relatives. In the event caregiving becomes too much to manage on our own, we may find ourselves turning to help with in-home care. • Determine The Kind of Help You Need : Take some time to determine just what it is you need help with. Do you need someone to help bathe and dress your loved one? Help with transportation to appointments? Help with managing medical care? Knowing exactly what you need will help you find the right person. • Review Finances : Bringing someone into your home to care for your loved one is an added expense. Review your finances to determine what you can afford, and go from there. • Involve Your Loved Ones : Keep in mind that they should be part of the in-home care discussion, too. Do you have siblings or other family members who can help out, either with time or finances? • Ask Around : A recommendation from a close friend, neighbor, or fellow caregiver goes a long way. Community centers, religious places and social clubs can be terrific resources, too. • Create A Job Description : Once you know exactly what you need from someone providing in-home care for your loved one, write up a detailed job description that highlights their personal needs. • Ask Questions : When it comes time to interview potential candidates, ask plenty of questions. What is their comfort level with this type of work? What is their experience with in-home caregiving? Be upfront and don’t hesitate to ask hard questions. Here, some tips on how to find the best fit for you and your family.

By being prepared, you can find the right help and both you and your loved one can have more time to just enjoy each other and your time together.

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

Say Namaste To Yoga Developing a yoga practice not only improves strength, flexibility and balance, but benefits heart health, helps you sleep and can improve energy levels and mood. If you are looking to develop a new yoga practice, here are some things to know as you get started. • Be Gentle With Yourself : If you’re new to yoga, start slow and gentle. Rather than jumping into a power yoga class, opt for one that’s designed for beginners, or a gentle yoga class. • Introduce Yourself : Arrive to the studio early and introduce yourself to your instructor. You’ll be able to share any concerns you may have, or injuries they should be aware of before you begin. • Don’t Compare Yourself to Others : Everyone is on their own yoga journey, so try not to look around the class to see what others are doing. Focus on your own breathing and positions. • Success Is in the Arrival : Some days, simply arriving at your yoga class is a success. Embrace it. Green Up Your Home Science shows that indoor plants may add myriad benefits to our lives, including reducing stress levels; helping us recover from illness, surgery, or injury faster; and boosting productivity, to name a few. Fortunately, these benefits and the plants from which they’re derived don’t have to cost a lot. Online plant shops can help deliver the greens right to your door, with special species for those of us who don’t have green thumbs. • TheSill.com : Brighten up your windowsills with green selections that range from mini-plants, growing from one to three inches, to medium plants that grow to six to 9 inches. There’s even a collection just for beginner plant parents. • HeyHorti.com : This subscription plant service delivers hard-to-kill plants right to your door. Over time, the easy-to-grow plants will be replaced with more involved varietals as your plant skills grow. • Livelyroot.com : They offer personal recommendations if you take a quiz, care instructions with your order and help if you need it. 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.

Brain Teaser… What can be stolen, mistaken, or altered, yet never leaves you your entire life?

(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 . The Best Jack O’ Lanterns Ever Show off your pumpkin carving skills with these pro tips: • Cut out the bottom instead of the top. • If you’re using a template, use toothpicks to keep the design in place. Use small, sharp knives to carve fine lines. Divide the pumpkin into sections to make carving easier. Seal the carved flesh of the with petroleum jelly to keep it looking good and spooky. • • Have A Laugh Son: "Mom, can I get $20?" Mom: "Does it look like I'm made of money?" Son: "Well, isn't that what M.O.M stands for?" Recipe Websites “What’s for dinner?!” That question can sometimes be the hardest to answer. These websites can help inspire the chef in your house. www.allrecipes.com – More than 113,000 original recipes trusted by more than 60 million home cooks. www.eatingwell.com – Healthy recipes, meal plans and special diets from around the world. www.epicurious.com – Recipes, kitchen tips and terrific “easy” dinner ideas, from 30-minute dishes to one-pot wonders. •

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.

“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: Jerry Meller of The Colony. What flying creature’s old names have connections to both Darwin and a Harry Potter character? a) Bumblebee b) Butterfly c) Owl d) Raven The answer is a) Bumblebee. Darwin, along with everyone else in the 19th century, called them “humble bees” for the humming sound they make when they fly. And in British English, they used to be called “dumbledores.”

Brain Teaser Answer: Your identity

Add Flavor With Apple Cider One of the best things about the fall is apple cider, fresh from the orchards. In addition to enjoying a warmed or chilled mug, here are some other ways to add flavor with apple cider: • Braise your favorite meat with apple cider, or use it in a barbeque sauce. • Make apple cider doughnuts. • Add some apple cider to a cheese fondue. • Made an apple cider syrup to enjoy on pancakes, waffles, ice cream and more! Scream Season You probably didn’t know it, but the “Wilhelm Scream” has been used in many movies over the years. It’s the sound a voice actor made when told to ‘scream like he’s being eaten by an alligator’ and can be traced back to the movie Distant Drums from the early 1950s. 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 .

What is the highest grossing horror movie of all time, taking inflation into consideration (important!)? a) Friday the 13th b) Jaws c) It d) The Exorcist

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. How do I get the best home for the lowest price? A. Price is only one of several factors to consider when you purchase a home. • Preferences : Make two lists with one outlining your needs and the other a list of your wants. Compare lists with other members of your family so you are agree on what’s important before you start looking. • Budge t: Get pre-approved by a qualified loan officer before your search to find out what monthly mortgage payment is possible given your debt and income. • Location : The “best” price is usually not the cheapest price . Desirable locations demand higher prices. But communities with higher prices also often retain their value the best. • Negotiation : Inexperienced buyers sometimes want to “lowball” their initial offer. Too often they end up disappointed for a variety of reasons such as competition with other buyers, a negative reaction from the seller, and the need to start all over again if negotiations fail.

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

4695 San Sebastian

2

2

1217

Martinique

$799,000 $805,000 $850,000 $899,000 $900,000 $949,000 $1,399,888 $ 951,126

Antigua

2 2 2 2 2 2

2 2 2 2 2 2

1218 1368 1368 1627 1627 1550

Martinique

Martinique Lane

Madeira Madeira

San Tropez

Majorca

Capri Capri

San Sebastian San Sebastian

Antigua

Market Average

In Escrow – Pending C losing… Address

Bdrms

Baths

Sq. Ft.

Floor Plan

Asking Price

San Sebastian

2

2

1807

Capri

$939,888 $939,888

Market Average

Sold Propert ies… (01/01/24 Thru 09/28/24) Address List $ Sale $

Sq.Ft.

$/sq.ft

Floor Plan

Date Sold

4683 San Sebastian 2135 Martinique

$908,000 $899,000

$884,000 $890,000

1368 1368

$646.20 $650.58

Madeira Madeira

05/24/24

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 05/15/24 03/18/24 03/22/24

2015 Majorca

$988,888

$998,288

1368

$729.74 $592.50 $550.85 $645.96

Madeira

2355 Vina del Mar

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

Costa de Oro

2335 Vina del Mar Market Average

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

San Tropez

$ 1,068,466 $ 1,051,528

RE/MAX represented buyer, seller or both.

Properties as of September 29, 2024 and may not be listed by RE/MAX. Information herein has not been verified, is not guaranteed, and is subject to change

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

$669,000 $709,000 $765,000 $899,000 $949,000 $798,380

925

2937 Harbor Blvd

Plan C Plan C Plan D

Harbor Blvd Sunset Lane Harbor Blvd Sunset Lane

925

1198 1401 1319

Villa Villa

Market Average

Pending … accepting back up offers Address List $

Sq.Ft Floor Plan

$590,000

781

3049 Harbor Blvd

Plan A

Market Average

$590,000

Sold Properties (01/01/2024 – 09/28/2024 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 01/24/24 02/07/24 08/28/24 03/08/24

3128 Sunset 3330 Sunset 3600 Sunset 3120 Sunset 3334 Sunset 3250 Sunset

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

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

925

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

Plan C

1475 1135 1198 1475 1402

Villa

T-3

Plan D

T-1

Villa

08/30/24

Market Average $558.53 Bold: REMAX Represented Buyers, Sellers or Both $728,857 $676,357

The information referenced has been provided by the Ventura County MLS Corporation’s MLS as of September, 29, 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