September 2023

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

Is It Time For A Finance Wellness Check?

Any time is a good time to give your finances a wellness check. In today’s Service For Life ! ® Free consumer newsletter, you’ll learn a handful of ways to achieve financial wellness today, and for years to come.

You’ll also learn why you should ditch sugary sports drinks for healthier options, find out about myths around sustainability and discover ways to save money on a backyard party – plus fun facts, a trivia challenge, and lots more!

Here’s what’s happening in your neighborhood.

CLOSED ESCROWS

ACTIVE LISTINGS

LISTING INVENTORY (months)

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

January February

14 23 20 13 14 15 11 13 13 20 14 17 20 27 16 20 17 18 23 10 18 8 22 20 11 11 22 34 26 15 24 46 30 17 17

67 80 22 21 22 4.49 4.14 1.19 0.92 1.48 91 92 23 21 26 3.37 4.68 1.55 0.53 1.54

March

69 89 17 12 28

4.5 4.68 0.53 0.92 1.83

April May June

87 90 14 22 30 5.46 4.9 0.86 0.88 2.1 108 93 29 21 34 6.98 4.29 1 1.27 2.27 128 78 28 30 35 7.04 4.38 0.62 1.86 2.55 122 80 18 47 37 6.88 4.05 1.23 1.69 2.48 125 62 34 37 36 7.04 4.78 0.73 1.65

July

August

29 32 28 19 27 45 27 14 15 49 26 16 14 19 25 7 22 29 18 15

12 thru 8/24

September

126 51 20 35 115 34 16 37 100 41 20 39 93 32 21 33

6.3 1.5 0.62 1.85 5.74 1.8 0.9 2.03 4.71 1.23 0.875 2.19 4.3 0.89 0.897 1.26

October

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

Florenc e’s…

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



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 for details…

Give Your Finances A Wellness Check

September 2023 Oxnard. California

Wellness is always a hot topic. Though we mostly think of wellness in terms of the health of our bodies and minds, we can apply it to our finances, too. With higher prices on everything from groceries to insurance, it’s a good idea for all of us to take some time to ensure our personal finances are as healthy as they can be. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, people with financial wellness are well-prepared for their current and future financial obligations, like mortgages and car payments, and even vacations. The bureau’s Four Elements of Financial Wellness include having control over daily and monthly finances; being prepared for financial emergencies; meeting financial goals like savings and retirement; and, perhaps most important of all, being able to make choices to live life to the fullest. • Track your spending for three months — and be honest with yourself! — to see where your money is going. Apps like Mint, Goodbudget and PocketGuard make tracking easy. • Once you have a handle on where your money is going, set a budget…and stick to it. • Create an auto-deposit so that a percentage of your paycheck goes directly into savings. You don’t have to start big, either — even 1% can make a difference. • If you know you have a big purchase coming up, like a new A/C unit or a dream vacation, start saving ahead of time so that when the bill comes it’s not such a shock to your bank account. • Don’t hesitate to ask for advice. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling is a good place to start. 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 Incorporating these tips can help you achieve financial wellness today, and for years to come:

Inside This Issue…

How To Achieve Financial Wellness …Page 1

Sugary Sports Drink Replacements … Page 2

Sustainability Myths & Obstacles …Page 2

Budget Backyard Parties …Page 3

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

How Do I Set The Right Price To Sell My Home? …Page 4

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

Ditch Sugary Sports Drinks When it’s hot out or you’ve just finished exercising, it’s easy to grab a sports drink and think that we’re fueling our bodies. Not so fast…though they do contain the water, carbohydrates and electrolytes our bodies need, a lot of our favorite sports drinks add sugars, food dyes and artificial ingredients that can negate the health benefits. Instead of reaching for a bottle of red, orange, or blue sports drink, reach for one of these instead: • Coconut water: not only does it boast naturally-occurring electrolytes, its other health benefits include antioxidants and natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals. • Orange juice: the morning drink is filled with electrolytes and concentrated antioxidants. • DIY: combine coconut water, honey, sea salt and a squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange juice for a homemade sports drink.

B 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 : someone who lives with their life partner, maybe engaged without a wedding dates, or no intention to marry Sample Sentence: They’ve been nearlyweds for years and are quite happy. Make Raking A Breeze It’s that time of year again when leaves will change into their autumnal colors before falling from the trees…and into our yards. This year, make raking easier on you and your back by following these tips: • Choose the right rake — look for one that has a wider tine spread, aiming for 30 inches, and is labeled “no - clog.” Separate your lawn into quadrants and rake into rows to save time and make the most of your efforts. Take advantage of a soft breeze and rake in the same direction rather than against it. • • Quotes To Live By… “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go .” – Carol Burnett, actress “All the months are crude experiments, out of which the perfect September is made.” – Virginia Woolf, writer “ We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us .” – Joseph Campbell, author Nearlywed ( neer -lee-wed ) noun Have A Laugh Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. Summer wasn’t too bad either. • Bag the leaves as soon as you’ve raked so a gust of wind doe sn’t undo your work.

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

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!

Sustainability Myths There’s a lot of information out there when it comes to sustainability, and not all of it is true. Let’s take a look at a few myths when it comes to sustainability, and what we can do instead. • Paper bags are better than plastic : according to Environment.co , it takes four times as much energy to produce a paper bag than a plastic one. Your best bet: a reusable bag. • Recycling is sustainable : not all products that can be recycled are. Check with your local provider to see if that milk carton or pizza box can indeed be recycled where you live. • New windows save energy : since windows don’t take up much surface area in our homes, replacing them won’t save that much energy. High estimates say you can save 10% on energy bills, while others say you won’t even notice a difference. Instead, concentrate on insulation first which can save more and is cheaper to do. • Sustainability is a trend : quite the opposite. In an effort to meet consumer demand, companies and brands are taking action to lessen their environmental impact.

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

It’s Your ( Backyard) Party — Save Money If You Want To Gathering friends and family together for a party in your backyard is always a good time, especially as the fall weather arrives and we leave summer temperatures behind. Whether yours is an intimate party or a bigger shindig, we’ve come up with a few ways to save some money so your wallet will enjoy the fun, too. • Make Your Own Invitations : If you’re going for something more formal than a word of mouth or text invite, take time to make your own invitations, and get creative. Or, for tech-savvy guests, send an e vite or create an event on Facebook and invite them on social media. • Make It A Potluck : There’s some speculation that potluck s date back to the Middle Ages when an impromptu meal would be served to unexpected guests — the dinnertime drop- ins would get “the luck of the pot.” Take a cue from our festive forefathers and ask guests to bring an appetizer, side, dessert, or drink of choice. Keep things organized by making a sign-up list to avoid duplicate dishes. For added fun, ask your guests to share their recipes. • Shop Smart : Keep an eye out for sales and discounts in the days and weeks leading up to your party. If you decide to go with a theme, shop for decorations and other party items at discount and dollar stores. And if you think the theme is something you’ll return to again, store the décor to reuse when the time comes. • Cheers : If you plan on serving drinks, consider offering one beer and wine option, or perhaps a signature punch or spiked lemonade. Ask your guests to bring their favorite drinks, too. • Hey Mr. DJ : Have a friend who knows their stuff when it comes to music? Ask them to create a playlist that you and your guests can enjoy all party long. • Keep Your Eye On the Prize : At the end of the day, your party is a time for you to enjoy being with friends and family. Remember to keep your eye on the prize and enjoy yourself!

1 Brain Teaser… You find yourself in a cabin with no electricity. When night falls you have a candle, a wood stove and a gas lamp, but just one match. Which do you light first? (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! Did You Know? In Old England, September was called Haervest-monath, or Harvest Month, because it was the time to finish harvesting crops in preparation for winter. The Origins Of Labor Day The first Labor Day was celebrated more than 140 years ago in New York City. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September each year a national holiday in “ celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers.” Food Preserving Websites Get a jump on your favorite winter recipes by canning and preserving your favorite fruits and vegetables now to enjoy the fresh flavors later. www.foodinjars.com – A terrific resource for beginners just getting started. nchfp.uga.edu – Tips on not only canning, but drying, pickling and fermenting from the National Center for Home Food Preservation. www.simplycanning.com – From the author of “Simply Canning Guide” and teacher of food preservation classes at the Simply Canning School.

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: Joan Holland of Oxnard. In which film did Hugh Grant say “Is her instrument quite what it was? Perhaps not. But as Beethoven said, a few wrong notes may be forgiven, but singing without feeling cannot.”

Brain Teaser Answer: The match.

The Best Way To Remove Tarnish From Silver If you have some tarnished silver that you’re hoping to make sparkle again without using too much elbow grease, I’ve got the best solution for you , and all it takes is some vinegar, baking soda and time. • Pour ½ cup of distilled white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda into a glass bowl.

a) Notting Hill b) Love Actually c) Florence Foster Jenkins d) Four Weddings and a Funeral

The answer is c) Florence Foster Jenkins.

So let's move on to this month's question.

Who was the first author to use a “typemachine,” or typewriter, wh en writing a manuscript?

•

Add the silver and leave to soak for three hours. When time’s up , rinse the silver, and dry and polish with a microfiber cloth.

a) Mark Twain b) Ernest Hemingway c) Emily Dickenson d) F. Scott Fitzgerald

•

•

Voila — your silver is sparkling again!

Call Me At 895-701-8410 OR Email Me At florence@BchRealEstate.com And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!

The Easy Tip The app Tip Me lets you split the bill and calculate each person’s tip depending on their order. 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.

Real Estate Corner…

Q. How do I set the right price to sell my home? A. Like many home sellers, you might have a price in mind that is too high. You need the knowledge of a REALTOR ® to give you a more realistic opinion. Here’s what you should do: • Ask your REALTOR ® for a “total market overview.” What’s happening in general in the economy and the real estate market? • Get the facts for your neighborhood. What homes have or haven’t sold in the last 6-12 months, and did the sales include short sales or foreclosures? • Work with your REALTOR ® to set the right price from the start. If you start too high, you may keep buyers away. If you lower your price in increments, it may be too late. Timing is key and buyers may already have purchased another home. Would you like more information on selling your home? Call and ask for my Free Consumer Report called “6 Steps For Selling Your Home For TOP DOLLAR.” I’ll send a copy right to you. Do you have a question related to real estate or home ownership? Please 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. ”

Homes Currently Active …

Address

Bdrms Baths Sq. Ft.

Floor Plan

Asking Price

1971 Majorca

2

2

1801

Capri

$ 965,000

2263 Martinique

2

2

1627

Capri

$ 984,000 $1,246,888 $1,068,963

San Sebastian

2

2

1627

Capri (Ambassador)

Market Average

Properties In Escrow …

Address

Bdrms

Baths

Sq. Ft.

Floor Plan

Asking Price

4407 Antigua

2

2

1549

Antigua

$897,500 $897,500

Market Average

Sold Propert ies… (7/01/22 Thru 8/29/23) Address List $

Sale $

Sq.Ft.

$/sq.ft

Floor Plan

Date Sold

2223 Martinique

$699,000

$664,050** 1113

$596.10

Martinique (Phase I)

02/17/23 06/15/23

2212 Martinique 2200 Martinique

$695,000 $769,000

$685,000 $700,000

1113 1627

$615.45 $432.90

Martinique (Phase I)

Capri

01/06/23

2143 Martinique

$730,000

$720,000

1113

$646.90

Martinique (Phase I)

12/12/22 01/27/23 05/23/23 10/21/22 08/23/22 08/03/22 05/25/23 09/02/22 08/31/22 03/22/23 12/02/22 02/16/23 04/26/23

1965 Majorca 1905 Majorca

$729,888 $749,000 $739,888 $780,000 $799,000 $799,000 $815,000 $849,888 $839,888 $875,000 $949,888 $999,900 $839,000

$725,000 $739,00 $739,888 $750,000 $790,000 $799,000 $807,000 $820,000 $840,000 $875,000 $875,888 $884,000 $892,000

1217 1217 1113 1114 1113 1217 1368 1627 1459 1114 1550 2692 1627

$599.74 $607.23 $664.77 $673.25 $709.79 $655.99 $589.48 $504.00 $575.74 $785.46 $565.09 $328.38 $548.25 $653.96 $771.76 $615.48 $602.23 $548.25

Martinique Martinique

2355 Martinique 2125 Martinique 2305 Martinique 4475 Antigua

Martinique (Phase I) Martinique (Phase I)

Martinique (Phase I)

Martinique

4481 Antigua 2017 Majorca

Madeira

Capri

2227 Martinique 2175 Martinique

Antigua

Martinique (Phase I)

1931 Majorca

Antigua

2360 Vina del Mar 2151 Martinique

Costa de Oro

Capri

05/12/23

2067 Majorca

$839,000

$892,000

1627

Capri

06/28/23 07/05/23

4481 Antigua

$895,000 $940,000

$895,000 $940,000

1217 1217

Martinique

4726 San Sebastian

Martinique (Ambassador) 10/06/22

1954 San Tropez 2214 Cannes Sq

$987,000

$1,002,000 1628

Capri (Ambassador)

10/21/22

$1,200,000 $1,240,000 2059

San Tropez

08/30/22

2123 Vina del Mar

$1,285,000 $1,250,000 2360

$529.66

Vina del Mar

08/25/23

2337 Vina del Mar

$1,450,000 $1,300,000 2360

$550.85

Vina del Mar

04/26/23 08/11/22

2303 Vina del Mar 2315 Vina del Mar

$1,989,888 $1,900,000 2360 $1,999,000 $1,900,000 2139

$805,08 $888.27

Vina del Mar San Tropez

07/20/22

$ 949,448 $ 928,736

$624.47

Market Average

RE/MAX represented buyer, seller or both.

Florence represented buyer, seller or both

**Does not include buyer agent commission Properties as of August 29, 2023 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. ”

Active Listings… Address

List $

Sq.Ft Floor Plan

La Brea

$722,500`` $949,000

1135 1294

T-3

2947 Harbor Blvd

Plan D

3225 Harbor

$999,000

1485

Villa (end unit) Villa (end unit)

Sunset Lane

$1,100,000 $ 947,000

1559

Market Average

P roperties Accepting Back Up Offers… Address List $

Sq.Ft Floor Plan

Sunset Lae Sunset Lane

$749,000 $1,177,000 $963,000

1294 1475

Plan D

Villa (end unit)

Market Average

Sold Properties (01/01/2022 – 08/28/2023 Address List $ Sale $

Sq.Ft. $/sq.ft

Floor Plan

Date Sold

2957 Harbor 3046 Sunset 3134 Sunset 4534 LaBrea 2957 Harbor 3204 Sunset 2943 Harbor 3540 Sunset 3604 Sunset 3224 Sunset

$565,000 $595,000 $649,500 $699,000 $699,000 $850,000 $797,000 $900,000 $899,000 $865,000 $975,000 $995,000

$572,000 $595,000 $620,000 $725,000 $690,000 $810000 $817,000 $850,000 $859,000 $865,000 $925,000 $997,000

925 925 925

$618.38 $643.24 $670.27 $638.77 $745.95 $606.71 $681.96 $576.66 $651.25 $617.42 $615.85 $676.39

Plan C Plan C

03/25/22 10/07/22 02/25/22 08/08/22 02/02/23 10/12/22 03/30/22 06/14/22

Plan C (end unit)

1135

T-3

925

Plan C

1401 1198 1474 1319 1401 1502 1474

Villa

Plan D (end unit)

T-1 T-2

06/30/23

Villa

02/25/22 08/25/22 03/21/23

3131 Harbor

Villa

3544 Sunset

T-1

3145 Harbor

$999,997

$999,997

1489

$671.14

Villa

06/09/22

3125 Harbor Blvd $999,000

$1,000,000

1489

$671.59

Villa

03/11/22 05/05/23

3241 Harbor

$1.049,000

$1.040,000

1518

$685.11

Villa

Market Average $651,56 Bold: REMAX Represented Buyers, Sellers or Both $759,785 $750,500

The information referenced has been provided by the Ventura County MLS Corporation’s MLS as of August 28, 2023. 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