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<channel><title><![CDATA[NORA DAVIS - OJAI REAL ESTATE AGENT - Blog]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog]]></link><description><![CDATA[Blog]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 14:00:31 -0700</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Featured Ojai Home for Sale: 1284 Ferrara Drive]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/featured-ojai-home-for-sale-1284-ferrara-drive]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/featured-ojai-home-for-sale-1284-ferrara-drive#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 05:26:11 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[featured properties]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/featured-ojai-home-for-sale-1284-ferrara-drive</guid><description><![CDATA[       Welcome to this thoughtfully designed three-bedroom, three-bathroom home in the sought-after Oaks West neighborhood of Ojai, offering a blend of space, light, and connection to the valley&rsquo;s natural beauty.From the covered front porch, you&rsquo;re welcomed into a bright living room with large windows framing mountain views and opening seamlessly to the dining area. High ceilings and an easy, open layout create a sense of space, with a separate family room featuring vaulted, exposed  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:right"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/1284-ferarra-drive-ojai-home-for-sale-1_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Welcome to this thoughtfully designed three-bedroom, three-bathroom home in the sought-after Oaks West neighborhood of Ojai, offering a blend of space, light, and connection to the valley&rsquo;s natural beauty.<br /><br />From the covered front porch, you&rsquo;re welcomed into a bright living room with large windows framing mountain views and opening seamlessly to the dining area. High ceilings and an easy, open layout create a sense of space, with a separate family room featuring vaulted, exposed beam ceilings, Saltillo tile floors, abundant natural light, and direct access to the backyard&mdash;ideal for both everyday living and gathering.<br /><br />The kitchen includes a breakfast bar, built-in desk area, and convenient access to the two-car garage with laundry, a workbench, and a water softener system. The spacious primary suite, part of a well-integrated addition, offers vaulted ceilings, a generous walk-in closet space, and direct access to the backyard, creating a peaceful and private retreat. A secondary en-suite bedroom adds flexibility for guests or extended stays.<br /><br />Outside, the backyard is designed for both relaxation and connection, with a large patio, raised garden beds, mature trees, and beautiful mountain views. A versatile outbuilding&mdash;originally a playhouse&mdash;offers additional space for storage, creative use, or play. The home&rsquo;s U-shaped layout creates a charming courtyard feel, enhancing Ojai&rsquo;s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.<br /><br />Ideally located near Lake Casitas, the Ojai Valley Trail, hiking trails, and the shops and restaurants of Meiners Oaks and downtown Ojai, this home offers easy access to nature, community, and all that the Ojai lifestyle has to offer.<br></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/1284-ferarra-drive-ojai-home-for-sale-25_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><strong>Features include:&nbsp;</strong><br /><br />Three bedrooms, three bathrooms<br />Large windows and skylights for natural light<br />Whole-house water softener<br />Spa-like en suite in primary suite<br />Dual-sink vanity<br />Walk-in closet<br />Breakfast bar<br />Vaulted ceilings<br />Saltillo tile floors&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br />Two-car garage<br />Large backyard<br />Large patio&nbsp;<br />Raised, river rock garden bed<br />River rock flower border<br />Playhouse or storage buildings<br />Horseshoe pit<br />Mountain views<br />Close to Ojai Valley Trail, Lake Casitas, downtown Ojai<br /><br /><a href="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/contact-us.html">Contact Nora Davis</a> to schedule a private showing. You can also visit the <a href="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/1284ferraradrive.html">property information page</a> for more photos and information.</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Selling Your Family Home in Ojai]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/selling-your-family-home-in-ojai]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/selling-your-family-home-in-ojai#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:28:58 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Tips for Sellers]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/selling-your-family-home-in-ojai</guid><description><![CDATA[       Selling your family home, whether it has been in your family for two generations or five, is rarely easy. What might look like an ordinary house to most has seen you and your family through every stage of life and has witnessed your family&rsquo;s history, meaningful milestones, and daily routine.There is likely evidence of this in the family photos hung in the hallway, the door jamb with names and ages scrawled next to pencil marks at increasing heights, or the passed-down china in the d [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/1188-fierro-drive-ojai-home-for-sale-2_orig.jpg" alt="house with stacked stone and palm trees" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Selling your family home, whether it has been in your family for two generations or five, is rarely easy. What might look like an ordinary house to most has seen you and your family through every stage of life and has witnessed your family&rsquo;s history, meaningful milestones, and daily routine.<br /><br />There is likely evidence of this in the family photos hung in the hallway, the door jamb with names and ages scrawled next to pencil marks at increasing heights, or the passed-down china in the dining room built-ins.&nbsp;<br /><br />The thought of packing the things that have made this house a home and moving away from this piece of family history will likely bring up feelings of nostalgia, loss, or even guilt. This might be true even if these emotions are mixed with excitement over your next chapter, relief over downsizing, or heartwarming thoughts of another family loving it just as much as you did.&nbsp;<br /><br />If you are facing this transition, you may be discovering just how delicate the balance can be between honoring the history your family has there while preparing it to put on the market.&nbsp;<br /><br />Here are some tips to help you through the process.</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Acknowledge the Emotional Impact of Selling&nbsp;</h2>  <div class="paragraph">Before you jump into decluttering and determining which upgrades will be worth it, take a moment to acknowledge the emotional side of this process. Even if you want to sell your family home so that you can travel the world, retire in comfort, or move to a different state for a new adventure, letting go of a home that holds so many memories can be difficult. This may be where you grew up, where you raised your children, or where you spent summers visiting your grandparents.&nbsp;<br /><br />There is undoubtedly some nostalgia or conflicting emotions that you might want to give some space to before <a href="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/preparing-to-sell-your-ojai-home-in-spring">putting your home on the market</a>.<br></div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Distribute, Declutter, and Depersonalize<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">Most homes that have been loved for decades &ndash; or even generations &ndash; are lovingly filled with family heirlooms, photos, mementos from special occasions, and meaningful keepsakes. This is likely on top of all manner of accoutrement for everyday life: sports equipment, craft supplies, everything you need for your home office, and your dogs&rsquo; beds, toys, and bowls.&nbsp;<br /><br />Years of accumulating these keepsakes may have your space feeling a bit cluttered or crowded, but removing too much of it might feel like stripping away the soul of what makes your house a home.&nbsp;<br /><br />Balancing this with preparing your home to sell might be feeling a bit overwhelming.&nbsp;<br /><br />The overall goal of this step is to create a space where potential buyers can see themselves living while maintaining a comfortable space for you to live in while your home is on the market.&nbsp;<br /><br />Here are some tips for managing this part of the process:&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Determine which items are family heirlooms and sentimental keepsakes.&nbsp;</strong><br /><br />Make decisions about what to do with these items. Do you want to display them at your next home? Should they be carefully stored for future generations? Are there things you can distribute to family members now so that they can start enjoying them and feel the family connection?&nbsp;<br /><br />Start this process as early as possible so you don&rsquo;t feel rushed and can allow time to reminisce and be sure about your decisions.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Give yourself permission to let go of things.&nbsp;</strong><br /><br />Many of us (me included) hold on to things out of a feeling of familial obligation or the idea that we might someday need them.&nbsp;<br /><br />The last time I saw my grandmother before she died, she said she wanted me to be responsible for her doll collection. Now &ndash; more than 15 years later &ndash; I have four huge bins of dolls in my garage that I will never display and that no one in the family is going to want when I die. But I adored my grandmother, and she adored her doll collection, so thank goodness I never plan on selling this house and can keep them in my garage in perpetuity &ndash; and hope that members of the next generation will want them someday.<br /><br />Other things that clutter too many closets and garages are camping gear that is no longer used, sports equipment for sports you haven&rsquo;t played in years, leftover materials from DIY projects, tchotchkes you used to collect and just haven&rsquo;t let go of, and random keepsakes and souvenirs that don&rsquo;t feel particularly meaningful.&nbsp;<br /><br />These are the types of things you might consider giving yourself permission to release if you don&rsquo;t see them being part of your next chapter.&nbsp;<br></div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Identify Your Home&rsquo;s Strongest Features and What Needs Some Work<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">Most people looking for homes for sale in Ojai are not interested in cookie-cutter homes with little character. Think about what makes your home cozy, warm, unique, or charming, and showcase those features. This might include wood floors, built-ins, exposed-beam ceilings, or unique architectural features.&nbsp;<br /><br />While people do love character, we want to be particular about patina. Some may be welcome and add to your home&rsquo;s charm, but other signs of age should be addressed when possible. Things like leaky faucets, outdated electrical wiring, scuffed baseboards, and chipped tiles should be repaired or replaced before selling (if possible).&nbsp;<br /><br />Always keep in mind that we don&rsquo;t want potential buyers to see work awaiting them when they look at your home. Deferred maintenance gives the impression that there is likely much more work they will find once they move in, which might scare them off.</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Clean and Stage with Coziness and Comfort in Mind<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">Buyers want to feel at home in the space, and you want to help create that feeling by making sure your home is clean, organized, and inviting.&nbsp;<br /><br />If you have made a lot of strong design choices, take a moment to consider each of them to decide if they add to your home&rsquo;s character in an appealing way or if they detract from it. It may be the case that you want to make your home a bit more neutral to broaden its appeal to a wider array of potential buyers. Or it may be that you should leave it just like it is. Your real estate agent can help you decide that.&nbsp;<br /><br />If you have ever come to one of our open houses or have seen a home that the stager on our team, Georgia, has staged, you will notice that the home feels uncluttered, inviting, and comfortable &ndash; like a place where you want to relax and stay awhile. That is how you want your home to feel.&nbsp;<br /><br />If you <a href="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/contact-us.html">list your home with us</a>, Georgia can handle your staging, and you won&rsquo;t need to worry about this. If you are planning on selling it yourself or working with an Ojai real estate agent who does not have a stager on their team, focus on creating a clean, welcoming atmosphere with spaces that feel like a cozy retreat.&nbsp;<br></div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Be Transparent While Highlighting Potential<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">Buyers in Ojai, particularly those looking for a change of pace from Los Angeles or Orange County, may be willing to overlook some imperfections, but they want to know the truth about the home&rsquo;s condition. Be honest about any needed repairs while emphasizing the potential for the next owners to make the space their own.&nbsp;<br /><br />When listing a home with decades of memories, you don&rsquo;t have to hide its age. Quite the contrary: Many buyers are drawn to homes with history because they have character that new builds just can&rsquo;t replicate.&nbsp;</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Consider the Timing&nbsp;<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">In Ojai, the market often fluctuates based on seasons, local events, and economic factors. Work with a local real estate agent to determine the right time to list. Selling during a strong market or season that aligns with potential buyers&rsquo; timelines can maximize your return.<br /><br />If you&rsquo;re uncertain about timing, it&rsquo;s always a good idea to start the conversation early with an expert who understands the nuances of Ojai&rsquo;s unique real estate market</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Trust Your Agent to Handle the Details</h2>  <div class="paragraph">Selling a family home can be emotional, so having a trusted agent by your side is essential. A local agent who understands the Ojai market can help you with everything from pricing to marketing. They can also provide guidance on managing emotions during the process and help you make decisions that align with both your personal goals and the current market.<br /><br />With the right steps and guidance, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you&rsquo;ve honored your home&rsquo;s history while preparing it for its next chapter. If you&rsquo;d like personalized advice on where to start or need help navigating the steps of selling a home in Ojai, Nora Davis and The Davis Group are here to support you every step of the way without any pressure.&nbsp;<br /><br />Just <a href="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/contact-us.html">email us or give us a call </a>to get started.&nbsp;<br></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><em><font size="2">AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, and green living. She is also the owner of <a href="http://www.mindyourmanors.info" target="_blank">Mind Your Manors</a>, which provides second home management services.&nbsp;</font></em><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Preparing to Sell Your Ojai Home in Spring]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/preparing-to-sell-your-ojai-home-in-spring]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/preparing-to-sell-your-ojai-home-in-spring#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:04:44 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Tips for Sellers]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/preparing-to-sell-your-ojai-home-in-spring</guid><description><![CDATA[       There&rsquo;s something about spring in Ojai that makes people think about change.Maybe it&rsquo;s the green hills after winter rain. Maybe it&rsquo;s the way the light lingers a little longer in the evenings. Or maybe it&rsquo;s just that feeling of fresh possibility that comes when it&rsquo;s time to start harvesting this year&rsquo;s Pixies.Whatever the reason, spring is traditionally one of the busiest times in our local real estate market. Buyers come out in full force this time of y [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/10480-creek-road-oak-view-ranch-for-sale-5_orig.jpg" alt="balcony with mountain view and metal patio furniture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">There&rsquo;s something about spring in Ojai that makes people think about change.<br /><br />Maybe it&rsquo;s the green hills after winter rain. Maybe it&rsquo;s the way the light lingers a little longer in the evenings. Or maybe it&rsquo;s just that feeling of fresh possibility that comes when it&rsquo;s time to start harvesting this year&rsquo;s Pixies.<br /><br />Whatever the reason, spring is traditionally one of the busiest times in our local real estate market. Buyers come out in full force this time of year, and if you&rsquo;re considering selling, a little thoughtful preparation can make a big difference</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Start with what buyers see first.</h2>  <div class="paragraph">In Ojai, curb appeal isn&rsquo;t just about tidiness; it&rsquo;s about lifestyle. People who live here &mdash; or want to live here &mdash; are not just buying a house; they&rsquo;re buying a piece of the coveted Ojai Valley way of life.<br /><br />Take a stroll across the street and look back at your home with fresh eyes. Trim hedges, clear pathways, sweep porches, and pull all of those weeds the recent rain so generously nourished. If the driveway, porch, or exterior looks dingy, a good power wash can work wonders. And if your home&rsquo;s fa&ccedil;ade feels a bit lackluster, a few simple pots with seasonal flowers near the entry can instantly make it more welcoming.<br /><br />Most importantly, make sure the landscaping feels well cared for and manageable. Buyers are moving here to enjoy Ojai &mdash; not to spend every weekend catching up on yardwork.</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Start your spring cleaning early.<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">When your real estate agent suggests decluttering and depersonalizing your house, they aren&rsquo;t trying to strip away your personality. They&rsquo;re encouraging you to make space for potential buyers to see themselves living there.<br /><br />Buyers need to imagine making their morning coffee in the kitchen, envision where they will unwind at the end of the day, and dream about creating their own personal retreat in the primary bedroom.<br /><br />Clear countertops, lighten overcrowded bookshelves, and remove excess furniture to make rooms feel more spacious and comfortable. Folks will want to look inside closets and garages as well, so try not to use those spaces as temporary hiding spots if you can help it.<br /><br />As you pack away personal photos, remember this: it&rsquo;s a practical step toward moving forward anyway. It helps buyers see the space, and it helps you begin the transition. And because we do live in Ojai, it&rsquo;s worth mentioning that beginning the packing process aligns well with both manifesting and creating the right energy in your home.</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Handle the little things.<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">A dripping faucet, loose cabinet handle, burned-out light bulb, scuffs on baseboards &mdash; you may not notice them anymore, but buyers will. These small details can make buyers wonder what other deferred maintenance they might uncover.<br /><br />Before listing, take a weekend to walk through your home as if you were the inspector. Patch, tighten, touch up. These inexpensive fixes can help your home feel well cared for &mdash; and that feeling matters.</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Highlight the Ojai lifestyle.<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">Many buyers come here specifically to enjoy our year-round indoor-outdoor living. If you have a patio, deck, or garden space, make sure it feels usable. Set out a small caf&eacute; table, refresh cushions, hang string lights, clear pathways. Help buyers see themselves enjoying a quiet morning coffee or an evening gathering under the oaks.<br /><br />Inside, let the natural light in. Clean windows, open curtains, and allow Ojai&rsquo;s sunshine to do what it does best.</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Keep improvements strategic.<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">Not every home needs a remodel before going on the market. Smaller updates like fresh paint and new light fixtures can go a long way. If you&rsquo;re unsure where to invest your time and resources, that&rsquo;s when local guidance can be especially helpful. Your real estate agent can offer insight into current trends, what buyers are looking for, and where best to focus your efforts.<br /><br />If spring is calling you toward a new chapter, this is a natural time to begin preparing. A little intention now can make the entire process smoother &mdash; and better position your home when the right buyer walks through the door.</div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><em><font size="2">AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, and green living. She is also the owner of <a href="http://www.mindyourmanors.info" target="_blank">Mind Your Manors</a>, which provides second home management services.&nbsp;</font></em><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[It's Time for March Gardening: Six Things to Plant]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/its-time-for-march-gardening-six-things-to-plant]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/its-time-for-march-gardening-six-things-to-plant#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:09:51 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Home & Garden]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/its-time-for-march-gardening-six-things-to-plant</guid><description><![CDATA[       March is a busy month for gardeners in Southern and Central California &ndash; especially if you grow food plants. This is when many of us are pruning avocado trees, fertilizing citrus trees, amending the soil in our raised garden beds, refreshing mulch around our plants, pulling the tomato cages out of the shed, and replanting our gardens for the spring growing season.&nbsp;I am particularly fond of growing herbs and root vegetables and am a big fan of succession planting. March is the p [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/lynniet17-garden-5315602-1280_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">March is a busy month for gardeners in Southern and Central California &ndash; especially if you grow food plants. This is when many of us are pruning avocado trees, fertilizing citrus trees, amending the soil in our raised garden beds, refreshing mulch around our plants, pulling the tomato cages out of the shed, and replanting our gardens for the spring growing season.&nbsp;<br /><br />I am particularly fond of growing herbs and root vegetables and am a big fan of succession planting. March is the perfect month for all of this &ndash; plus, it is still cool enough outside to enjoy working in the garden &ndash; so this is one of my favorite growing seasons.&nbsp;<br /><br />In case you might be in need of a bit of spring gardening inspiration, here are six of my favorite things to plant in March.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>1. Potatoes</strong> &ndash; I have been known to line an entire fence with fabric pots planted with potatoes and sweet potatoes. I love to eat them, I love to grow them, and I love how easy they are to add to the garden. In fact, they are so easy to grow that I have volunteers that start coming up every year around February or March. Check out my column from October 2023 for a guide on how to grow organic potatoes even in the smallest of garden spaces.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>2. Carrots</strong> &ndash; Carrots are easy to grow from seed, require little care, and are perfect for succession planting. If you plant all of your carrots at the same time, they will all be ready for harvest at about the same time. If, instead, you plant about one-quarter or your carrot seeds every three weeks for the next 12 weeks, you will be able to harvest fresh carrots from your garden for months to come.<br /><br /><strong>3. Beets</strong> &ndash; This is another root vegetable that is good for succession planting. Plant one-quarter of your crop every two weeks to extend the months that you will be enjoying fresh beets this year.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>4. Radishes</strong> &ndash; Radishes are easy to grow and ready to harvest in as few as 30 days, which makes this a great backyard crop for beginner gardeners or kids learning how to grow their own food. Plant a row each week to keep the fresh radishes coming into early summer.<br /><br /><strong>5. Greens</strong> &ndash; Arugula, spinach, and many lettuces are ideal for succession planting. Plant rows or pots of spinach and most leafy lettuces about one week apart and arugula seeds about two weeks apart to make sure you will be enjoying fresh salads from your garden into summer.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>6. Herbs</strong> &ndash; I love growing culinary and medicinal herbs in my garden. Right now, my chamomile is in bloom, the sages I cut back a few months ago are filling in again, and my parsley and rosemary are thriving. This month, I am planning on planting more mint, cilantro, and oregano. If you are planning on adding mint to your garden, remember that it will take over if you let it. Plant it in a border or pot where there is a physical barrier keeping it from running amok.&nbsp;<br /><br />Aside from these March favorites, I will soon be planting tomatoes, basil, peppers, cucumbers, and squash.<br /><br />Local nurseries are the best place to purchase seeds and seedlings. This is the best way to ensure you are buying food plants that will thrive here, while also supporting local farmers, the environment, and, of course, your local nursery.&nbsp;</div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><em><font size="2">AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, and green living. She is also the owner of <a href="http://mindyourmanors.info" target="_blank">Mind Your Manors,</a> which provides second home management services.&nbsp;</font></em><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Make an Older Ojai Home Feel Updated Without Losing Its Character]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/how-to-make-an-older-ojai-home-feel-updated-without-losing-its-character]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/how-to-make-an-older-ojai-home-feel-updated-without-losing-its-character#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 03:14:08 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Home & Garden]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/how-to-make-an-older-ojai-home-feel-updated-without-losing-its-character</guid><description><![CDATA[       Living in an older home in Ojai is often the very thing that draws many people to our valley. They love the history, craftsmanship, and sense of place that you often don&rsquo;t find in homes build after the 1970s (with the exception of some custom builds).&nbsp;&nbsp;And for many buyers coming from Los Angeles and Orange County, that authenticity is exactly the appeal. These buyers are most often looking for a slower pace, a simpler life, and a place that can really feel like home.&nbsp; [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/update-old-ojai-home-with-character_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Living in an older home in Ojai is often the very thing that draws many people to our valley. They love the history, craftsmanship, and sense of place that you often don&rsquo;t find in homes build after the 1970s (with the exception of some custom builds).&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />And for many buyers coming from Los Angeles and Orange County, that authenticity is exactly the appeal. These buyers are most often looking for a slower pace, a simpler life, and a place that can really feel like home.&nbsp;<br /><br />If you are preparing to sell (or simply want to refresh your space), focus on highlighting your home&rsquo;s character and charm, making it feel clean and functional, and adding or emphasizing modern comforts and conveniences &ndash; without erasing its age.&nbsp;</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Honor the Details That Tell the Story<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">Older Ojai homes often have elements that create coziness, warmth, and charm that are difficult to replicate:<br /><ul><li>Hand-finished wood floors<br></li><li>Exposed beams or unique ceiling lines</li><li>Original windows or doors<br></li><li>Plaster walls with subtle texture</li><li>Built-ins or architectural niches</li><li>Features that are custom and maybe a bit quirky</li><li>Original hardware</li></ul><br />These are not flaws &ndash; they are assets that tell your home&rsquo;s story and can increase its appeal to buyers.&nbsp;<br /><br />Whenever possible, retain these features that make your home unique. Sometimes, these features just need a good cleaning, refinishing, repairs, or good lighting. Touches like original hardware (or era-appropriate replacements if originals are not available) are seen as soulful, not outdated.&nbsp;</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Refresh With Light, Not Trends<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">One of the easiest ways to make an older home feel fresh is to focus on light and simplicity rather than following fast-moving design trends that may feel out of place in Ojai.<br /><br />Simple updates that work beautifully here:<br /><br />Warm, neutral interior paint colors<br />Updated lighting that feels clean and understated<br />Removing heavy drapery to let natural light in<br />Streamlining furnishings so the architecture can stand out<br /><br />In Ojai, buyers tend to respond more to warmth, space, and a peaceful feel than bold design statements.</div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Modernize Function Where It Matters<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">Unless your home has significant structural concerns or floor plan issues, you probably do not need a full remodel. If your home feels dated, has deferred maintenance, or is lacking in expected, modern features &ndash; like air conditioning, updated appliances, or energy- and water-efficient elements &ndash; then this is where you will want to focus.&nbsp;<br /><br />Projects that often help older Ojai homes with these concerns:&nbsp;<br /><ul><li>Updating kitchen appliances<br></li><li>Updating bathroom fixtures to water-efficient options</li><li>Installing one or more new HVAC systems</li><li>Updating countertops with natural materials that lean into your home&rsquo;s character</li><li>Updating faucets and lighting fixtures</li><li>Improving natural light (and views, if you have them)</li><li>Refreshing doors, drawers, and windows with new hardware for smooth operation</li><li>Improving flow both with the interior floor plan and between indoor and outdoor spaces</li></ul></div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">Let the Setting Do the Work<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">Ojai homes are deeply connected to their surroundings, and that connection is part of the value.<br /><br />Many buyers coming from other areas are drawn here for the mountain views, community feel, quiet mornings, slower rhythm, natural surroundings, and year-round outdoor living. It&rsquo;s also why many of us who grew up here &ndash; or chose to move here years ago &ndash; continue to call this valley home.<br /><br />To emphasize these at your home, make sure to:<br /><ul><li>Clear pathways to patios or gardens<br></li><li>Keep landscaping natural and low maintenance</li><li>Clean outdoor living areas and update with new textiles</li><li>Trim trees and bushes to accentuate views</li></ul><br />If you are doing your own staging, remember that you are staging for a lifestyle &ndash; not a showroom.&nbsp; Create moments that invite pause &ndash; a chair under a tree, a small table outside for morning coffee, a bench on the front porch to enhance the community feel.&nbsp;<br></div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">How to Determine What Your House Needs<br></h2>  <div class="paragraph">This is where it can get challenging, right? Knowing how best to update your home and where to draw the line can be difficult. This is partly going to depend on your budget, your needs, and what you are hoping to achieve.&nbsp;<br /><br />Avoid overly modern finishes that clash with the architecture, removing charm in favor of uniformity, and renovations that aren&rsquo;t going to return their cost or make your home significantly more comfortable and functional.&nbsp;<br /><br />So, when you are considering home improvement projects, think: If it improves livability, it is probably worth doing; if it removes personality, it probably is not.&nbsp;<br /><br />Every older home is different, so what makes sense for one property may not make sense for another. If you are wondering which updates will truly add value to your Ojai home without taking away its character, Nora is happy to offer perspective rooted in this market and the buyers drawn to it.&nbsp;<br /><br />If you have questions about your home&rsquo;s worth, how to increase its value with thoughtful updates, or how to sell an older home in Ojai, reach out &ndash; Nora would love to talk through it with you.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><font size="2">AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a member of The Davis Group and a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, and green living. She is also the owner of <a href="http://www.mindyourmanors.info" target="_blank">Mind Your Manors</a>, which provides second home management services.&nbsp;</font><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Featured Ojai Home for Sale: 124 North Alvarado Street]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/featured-ojai-home-for-sale-124-north-alvarado-street]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/featured-ojai-home-for-sale-124-north-alvarado-street#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 03:33:09 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[featured properties]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/featured-ojai-home-for-sale-124-north-alvarado-street</guid><description><![CDATA[       Built in 2022, Stepping Stone Rest was thoughtfully designed to let you spend less time maintaining your home and more time enjoying it. Low-maintenance landscaping, durable LVT flooring, generous storage, and quartz countertops make everyday upkeep simple, while high ceilings, crown molding, and stamped concrete porches add a refined touch to indoor and outdoor living. A patinaed privacy wall creates a serene courtyard atmosphere, inviting you to close the gated entrance, exhale, and lea [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/125-n-alvarado-street-ojai-home-for-sale-1_orig.jpg" alt="gray house with porch and turf in Ojai" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Built in 2022, Stepping Stone Rest was thoughtfully designed to let you spend less time maintaining your home and more time enjoying it. <br /><br />Low-maintenance landscaping, durable LVT flooring, generous storage, and quartz countertops make everyday upkeep simple, while high ceilings, crown molding, and stamped concrete porches add a refined touch to indoor and outdoor living. <br /><br />A patinaed privacy wall creates a serene courtyard atmosphere, inviting you to close the gated entrance, exhale, and leave the world behind. Inside, unwind on the spacious front porch, gather with friends around the island breakfast bar, or retreat to the backyard studio&mdash;an ideal space for reading, writing, yoga, meditation, art, or working from home. <br /><br />If you&rsquo;re seeking a home that feels like a true sanctuary&mdash;set in a walkable neighborhood with everything at your fingertips, from a hardware store, gym, and walking trails to boutiques, restaurants, and a local coffee shop&mdash;Stepping Stone Rest may be your next dream home.<br></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/125-n-alvarado-street-ojai-home-for-sale-10_orig.jpg" alt="wood studio shed with turf in ojai" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Visit the <a href="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/125northalvaradostreet.html">property information page</a> to learn more about this Ojai home for sale in Meiners Oaks.&nbsp;<br></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[7 Creative Ways to Increase Storage in Your Home]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/7-creative-ways-to-increase-storage-in-your-home]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/7-creative-ways-to-increase-storage-in-your-home#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 04:14:44 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Home & Garden]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/7-creative-ways-to-increase-storage-in-your-home</guid><description><![CDATA[       My partner and I just got back from visiting her parents in Atlanta where I was reminded that folks in other parts of the country commonly have a usable attic, basement, or both. Her parents have both. Their basement is the same size as the other floors of their home, and their attic is a whole additional floor with real stairs. Can you imagine having so much extra usable space? If more Californians had basements or full attics, we might actually park our cars in our garages.&nbsp;Since t [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/published/increase-storage-in-your-home.jpg?1770351597" alt="storage baskets with text" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">My partner and I just got back from visiting her parents in Atlanta where I was reminded that folks in other parts of the country commonly have a usable attic, basement, or both. Her parents have both. Their basement is the same size as the other floors of their home, and their attic is a whole additional floor with real stairs. Can you imagine having so much extra usable space? If more Californians had basements or full attics, we might actually park our cars in our garages.&nbsp;<br /><br />Since this is not the case, storage space continues to be a challenge for most of us. I am always looking for ways to increase storage in my home, so I thought I would share some of the ideas that have worked for me or that I have seen work in clients&rsquo; homes.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Create an attic storage area with pull-down stairs.&nbsp;</strong><br />Check your attic space to see if it is possible to create a storage area. We discovered that there was enough space in the attic over our garage to install shelves with a walkway. We are now working on finishing a portion of the attic over our house and garage with plywood flooring, shelves, and a pull-down ladder. The finished project will create about 400 square feet of storage for holiday d&eacute;cor, camping gear, and other items we would like to get out of the garage.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Install overhead storage racks.&nbsp;</strong><br />If you have a garage, consider installing overhead storage racks. I easily added 32 square feet of storage by adding one storage rack over a spot where I have a refrigerator and shelves in the garage. Next, I plan on installing one over the washer and dryer to get another 32 square feet of storage.&nbsp;<br /><strong><br />Consider other ways to better use vertical space.&nbsp;</strong><br />Bookshelves over doorways, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are great for maximizing vertical space in almost any room.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Add a storage shed to your backyard.&nbsp;</strong><br />If you have space for a storage shed, this is an easy way to add more storage for yard care tools, patio cushions, pool toys, or storage bins. This one is not very creative, but it works.<br /><br /><strong>Maximize the storage space you already have.&nbsp;</strong><br />Maximize the space in your closets by installing closet systems with adjustable shelves, double hanging rods, or built-in drawers or baskets. To maximize the space in smaller linen closets or coat closets, consider adding a set of shelves at the back of the closet and a rolling shelving unit that can be stored in front of the installed shelves and rolled out when you need to access the back shelves. I use this system in one of my hall closets, which allows me to have gifts and gift-wrapping supplies on the back shelves and games and puzzles on the wheeled shelving unit.&nbsp;<br /><br />You can maximize cabinet space by installing pull-out shelves that allow you to easily access items stored in the back of the cabinets. When I did this for my lower cabinets in my kitchen, it was life changing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Look for furniture with integrated storage.&nbsp;</strong><br />For patio storage, look for a storage bench that serves as both a deck box and seating option.&nbsp; For storing throw blankets in the living room, consider a coffee table with a removable lid. I know storage furniture is not always the most attractive option, but I have a round, hammered metal coffee table that is perfect for storing blankets and throw pillows, and I love the look of it.<br /><br /><strong>Install toe-kick drawers.&nbsp;</strong><br />I don&rsquo;t have these in my kitchen &ndash; yet &ndash; but I have seen this ingenious way to reclaim wasted space used in clients&rsquo; homes, and it is amazing.&nbsp;<br /><br />Finding more storage without sacrificing living space can be challenging, but if we get a bit creative, we can come up with workable solutions that can maximize the space we have.<br></div>  <div><div style="height: 0px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 10px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><em><font size="2">AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a member of The Davis Group and a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, and green living. She is also the owner of <a href="http://www.mindyourmanors.info" target="_blank">Mind Your Manors</a>, which provides second home management services.&nbsp;</font></em><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 New Year's Resolutions]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/2026-new-years-resolutions]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/2026-new-years-resolutions#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 07:14:24 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Home & Garden]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/2026-new-years-resolutions</guid><description><![CDATA[       According to Statista (statista.com), the most popular resolutions this year will be exercising more, saving more money, eating healthier, spending more time with family and friends, and losing weight. Though saving more money approached the top of the list for 2025 and 2026, these other top-ranking resolutions are essentially the same every year.&nbsp;A recent Forbes Health survey (forbes.com/health) found that most resolutions are abandoned sometime in March or April. According to resea [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/published/2026-new-years-resolutions.png?1767257952" alt="Picture" style="width:343;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">According to Statista (statista.com), the most popular resolutions this year will be exercising more, saving more money, eating healthier, spending more time with family and friends, and losing weight. Though saving more money approached the top of the list for 2025 and 2026, these other top-ranking resolutions are essentially the same every year.&nbsp;<br /><br />A recent Forbes Health survey (forbes.com/health) found that most resolutions are abandoned sometime in March or April. According to research published in PLOS One (journals.plos.org), we are more likely to abandon our resolutions when they focus on subtracting things from our lives and more likely to be successful when our resolutions focus on adding things to our lives.&nbsp;<br /><br />With this in mind, here are six resolutions to consider that focus on abundance and bring positives into your life.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>1. Get to know Ojai and Oak View better.&nbsp;</strong><br />No matter how long you have lived here or how long ago you were born here, there are always new things to learn about and try around the valley. Maybe this is the year when you try a new hiking trail, go camping in Rose Valley, decide to try every restaurant in town, check out a different park, take the historic walking tour offered on Saturday mornings, or explore the Ojai Valley Museum to get to know your hometown better. For example, did you know that Cluff Vista Park has six different gardens? I didn&rsquo;t, and I was born in the Ojai hospital 51 years ago this month. There is always more to learn and explore!<br /><br /><strong>2. Increase your community involvement.&nbsp;</strong><br />This might include volunteering with a community organization, joining community groups, becoming more active in groups you are already part of, or supporting the local economy by shopping local and hiring local contractors.<br /><br /><strong>3. Set up a monthly donation for a local organization.&nbsp;</strong><br />Monthly donors help sustain non-profit organizations so they can continue their important work of providing services, resources, and assistance locally. Even with a regular donation of just $5.00 each month, you can help make a difference in the lives of people and animals with whom we share the valley. So, if your budget allows, look for a local organization with a mission that is in line with your values. Some local examples include HELP of Ojai, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, Turtle Conservancy, Secure Beginnings, and FoodShare.<br /><br /><strong>4. Donate clothing and household items to a local organization.&nbsp;</strong><br />If decluttering your garage or closets to give yourself more space is on your list of resolutions for 2026, you can clear your clutter and help your neighbors by donating clothing, tools, and household goods locally. For example, if you donate items to 2nd Helpings Thrift Store, you are helping increase access to lower-cost necessities while supporting the work of HELP of Ojai.&nbsp;<br /><strong><br />5. Expand your idea of self-care.&nbsp;</strong><br />Making more time for self-care is standard fare for new year&rsquo;s resolutions, but if you are already pretty good about scheduling massages and remembering to meditate, it might be time to expand on the concept. Think outside of the spa and consider other self-care activities that could significantly improve your life. Examples include protecting your peace and your time by spending more time doing things you want to do and less time doing things you just feel obligated to do, lowering your inbox stress by unsubscribing from all of those email lists, or starting a new tradition that brings you joy.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>6. Improve natural disaster preparedness.&nbsp;</strong><br />Depending on where you live in the valley, you may be affected by fires, earthquakes, floods, or the occasional hurriquake. Improve the defensible space around your home to reduce the risk of wildfire damage, take steps to prepare your home for an earthquake, and get your go bags ready for you, your family members, and your pets. Thinking about the potential for a natural disaster is never fun, but, as the adage goes, it is always better to be safe than sorry.<br /><br />Happy New Year, everyone! May 2026 be filled with love, good health, joy, and adventure for you and your loved ones<br></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><em><font size="2">AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a member of The Davis Group and a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, and green living. She is also the owner of <a href="http://www.mindyourmanors.info" target="_blank">Mind Your Manors</a>, which provides second home management services.&nbsp;</font></em><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[15 Ways to Prepare Your Home for an Earthquake]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/15-ways-to-prepare-your-home-for-an-earthquake]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/15-ways-to-prepare-your-home-for-an-earthquake#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:43:45 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Home & Garden]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/15-ways-to-prepare-your-home-for-an-earthquake</guid><description><![CDATA[       It may not be possible to completely earthquake proof your home, but those of us who have lived in California for any length of time know the importance of doing all we can to be prepared for this type of natural disaster.&nbsp;The sudden nature of earthquakes is what makes them so dangerous and, while earthquake predictions have saved thousands of lives around the world, this imperfect science has not yet yielded a warning system on which we can rely.According to the Earthquake Country A [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/published/prepare-home-for-earthquake.jpg?1766537077" alt="Picture" style="width:338;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">It may not be possible to completely earthquake proof your home, but those of us who have lived in California for any length of time know the importance of doing all we can to be prepared for this type of natural disaster.&nbsp;<br /><br />The sudden nature of earthquakes is what makes them so dangerous and, while earthquake predictions have saved thousands of lives around the world, this imperfect science has not yet yielded a warning system on which we can rely.<br /><br />According to the Earthquake Country Alliance, Californians are facing a 99.7% chance of experiencing an earthquake with a 6.7 magnitude (or larger) at some point in the next 30 years. That statistic, alone, is probably enough to turn some folks into hardcore preppers, but it should concern all of us at least enough to spend a couple of weekends making sure our homes are as prepared as possible.&nbsp;<br /><br />Taking these steps is particularly important when you consider that most injuries are not caused by the shaking; it is falling objects, crumbling chimneys and other debris falling from buildings that cause the most harm.<br /><br />Here are 15 things you can do to limit property damage and help ensure your family's safety:<br /><br />1. Learn how to shut off your utilities, including electricity, water and gas.<br /><br />2. Move heavy items to low shelves to avoid damage or injuries from falling objects.<br /><br />3. Secure televisions and tall or heavy furniture to the wall.&nbsp;<br /><br />4. If you have an older home with a crawl space, make sure the walls in the crawl space are shear plywood and not older cripple walls.&nbsp;<br /><br />5. Store flammable liquids in low, latched cabinets in your shed or garage.<br /><br />6. Install latches on all cabinets to keep contents safely inside during an earthquake.<br /><br />7. Make sure your home is properly bolted to the foundation, particularly if it was built before 1935.&nbsp;<br /><br />8. Hire a professional to make sure your chimney is stable and in good repair, particularly if your home was constructed prior to 1960.<br /><br />9. Secure your water heater with an earthquake strap.<br /><br />10. Make sure you have flexible connections attaching your appliances to your gas lines.<br /><br />11. Secure knickknacks and picture frames with adhesive tabs or museum putty.<br /><br />12. Hang mirrors, art and picture frames using adhesive tabs or closed hooks.<br /><br />13. If your yard slopes, consider installing a retaining wall or landscaping to manage erosion and stabilize the slope.<br /><br />14. Move beds away from glass doors or windows and place them near interior walls.<br /><br />15. Hanging plants inside or outside of your home should be on closed hooks to prevent them swinging off and causing damage or injuries.<br /><br />Since most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover damage from earthquakes, you might also want to consider purchasing earthquake insurance to protect your investment<br></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><em><font size="2">AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a member of The Davis Group and a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, and green living. She is also the owner of <a href="http://www.mindyourmanors.info" target="_blank">Mind Your Manors</a>, which provides second home management services.&nbsp;</font></em><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Featured Ojai Home for Sale: 1188 Fierro Drive]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/featured-ojai-home-for-sale-1188-fierro-drive]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/featured-ojai-home-for-sale-1188-fierro-drive#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 23:55:16 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[featured properties]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/blog/featured-ojai-home-for-sale-1188-fierro-drive</guid><description><![CDATA[       Twin Palms Cottage is a private oasis offering pleasant surprises around every corner. Mature, well-manicured landscaping greets you as you pull into the stamped concrete driveway with a two-car garage and guest parking. As you step inside, you find easy-care, wood-look tiles, crown molding, plantation shutters, an electric fireplace with a stacked stone surround, and an open floor plan that leads into the spacious dining room and remodeled kitchen. The three bedrooms in the main house ha [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/1188-fierro-drive-ojai-home-for-sale-43_orig.jpg" alt="yellow house with stone accents and two-car garage" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Twin Palms Cottage is a private oasis offering pleasant surprises around every corner. <br /><br />Mature, well-manicured landscaping greets you as you pull into the stamped concrete driveway with a two-car garage and guest parking. <br /><br />As you step inside, you find easy-care, wood-look tiles, crown molding, plantation shutters, an electric fireplace with a stacked stone surround, and an open floor plan that leads into the spacious dining room and remodeled kitchen. <br /><br />The three bedrooms in the main house have carpet, ceiling fans, large closets, and plantation shutters. <br /><br />When you step from the mud room to the backyard, this is where the private oasis feeling really begins with low-maintenance landscaping, a covered porch with two ceiling fans and gas fire pit, an outdoor television, a separately fenced pool and spa surrounded by a patio for entertaining, and a separately fenced yard with a workshop or studio, potting area, patio with awning, and the entrance to the one-bedroom ADU.&nbsp;<br></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/uploads/7/2/8/9/7289354/1188-fierro-drive-ojai-home-for-sale-29_orig.jpg" alt="swimming pool with palm trees" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Features include:&nbsp;<br /><br />Three bedrooms, two bathrooms<br />Stacked stone, electric fireplace<br />Remodeled kitchen<br />Mud room &amp; laundry room<br />Plantation shutters<br />Ceiling fans<br />One-bedroom ADU with separate entrance &amp; yard<br />Two-car garage<br />Swimming pool &amp; spa<br />Mature trees and landscaping<br />Gas fire pit<br />Raised garden beds<br />Covered patio with two ceiling fans<br />Short drive to downtown Ojai and Meiners Oaks<br /><br />Visit the <a href="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/1188fierrodrive.html">property information page</a> for more photos and information, or <a href="https://www.ojaivalleyestates.com/contact-us.html">call your Ojai Realtor, Nora Davis</a>, today to schedule a showing!<br /><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>