There are few things quite as beautiful as the Ojai Valley after a good winter rain. The mountains emerge from the clouds, the hills turn brilliant shades of green, and the landscape seems to come alive again after months of heat and dry weather.

Of course, getting to that beautiful green landscape can involve some decidedly less beautiful things: overflowing gutters, muddy driveways, soggy patio furniture, and water going places it really shouldn't.

And this winter, we may have more opportunities than usual to experience both sides of rainy weather.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that a strong El Niño is developing in the Pacific, and its October 2026 winter outlook favors above-average precipitation across Southern California.

El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern involving warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific. Those temperature changes influence atmospheric circulation and can shift storm patterns, sometimes bringing substantially more winter rain to Southern California.

It isn't a guarantee that Ventura County will have an exceptionally wet winter. However, the increased likelihood of significant rainfall makes this a good time to look around your property and consider how well prepared it is for prolonged or heavy storms.

Whether you own a home in downtown Ojai, a hillside property in Upper Ojai, or a ranch in the East End, there are plenty of things you can do before the rain arrives.

One of the most useful things you can do is take a walk around your property and imagine what happens when several inches of rain arrive.

Where will the water coming off your roof go? Does the ground slope toward or away from the house? Are there low spots where water collects? Could runoff from a driveway, hillside, or neighboring property create a problem?

Start by checking gutters and downspouts. After a long, dry season (and all those winds we just got!), they may contain leaves, twigs, and other debris. Roofs can also accumulate leaves, particularly on properties with mature oaks and other large trees.

Clear accessible drains and drainage channels, and check for debris around culverts and storm drains near your property. If you've noticed water pooling near your home during previous storms, don't assume the problem will somehow resolve itself before this winter’s storms arrive.

For more complicated drainage issues, it may be worth having a professional evaluate the property before the ground becomes saturated.

Ojai's climate allows for comfortable outdoor living for much of the year. But the cushions, rugs, and other accessories that make a patio inviting in September may not fare so well during a rainy January.

Take inventory of the things you keep outdoors. Which items can remain where they are? Which need to be covered? And which would be better off in a garage, shed, or storage box until spring?

A waterproof deck box can be especially useful for keeping outdoor textiles close at hand without leaving them exposed to the weather.

This is also an excellent excuse to declutter. Old planters, unused garden supplies, empty containers, and miscellaneous items tend to accumulate around patios and side yards. Removing what you don't need means fewer things to move, protect, or retrieve when a storm approaches.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace or fire pit, don’t forget about your firewood. Keep it covered against rain while allowing sufficient airflow. Nobody wants to discover that the firewood they've been saving for a cozy winter evening is soaking wet.

For all the challenges heavy rain can bring, it's also a valuable resource.

Rain barrels offer a way to collect some of that water for later use in the garden. One inch of rain falling on a 1,000-square-foot roof represents approximately 623 gallons of water before collection losses. Even a relatively modest storm can fill a typical household rain barrel.

If you already have a collection system, make sure barrels are stable, openings are screened, and overflow water is directed somewhere it won't cause damage. If you've been considering adding rain barrels, installing them before the rainy season gives you the opportunity to capture more of the winter's rainfall.

It's also time to adjust irrigation schedules. Running sprinklers during a rainy week wastes water and may leave the soil unnecessarily saturated. A rain sensor or weather-based controller can help manage irrigation without requiring constant adjustments.

On days when the rain is expected to be light, you might want to move some of your houseplants outdoors to enjoy some fresh air and natural irrigation. Just make sure the weather isn't too cold and that the containers drain well.

The Ojai Valley's varied terrain is part of its appeal, but it can also create challenges during heavy storms.

Hillside properties may experience erosion, runoff, or unstable soil. Areas affected by previous wildfires can be particularly vulnerable to debris flows, even years after a fire. Check slopes, retaining walls, and drainage areas for signs of trouble, and seek professional guidance where needed.

If you have mature or large trees, it is worth having a professional come out and assess any potential hazards or trimming needs before winter storms bring wet soil and strong winds.

Ranch and larger rural properties have additional considerations. Inspect access roads, drainage crossings, gates, fences, barns, and other outbuildings. Make sure livestock and pets have sheltered spaces that offer protection not only from rainfall but also from wind-driven rain, along with dry areas for resting.

If your property is in an area subject to flooding or debris flows, pay attention to official warnings and evacuation instructions. Sandbags and flood barriers can be useful for certain situations, but they are no substitute for leaving an area when authorities advise evacuation.

Preparing the house is important, but so is preparing yourself.

Before the first major storm, find your rain boots and raincoat, strategically place flashlights and make sure they are working, charge your rechargeable batteries, and make sure you have basic emergency supplies.

This includes considering what you might need during an extended power outage or if flooded roads temporarily limit travel.

This is also a good time to review your homeowners insurance. Flood damage is generally excluded from standard homeowners policies, and separate flood insurance often has a waiting period before coverage takes effect.

Ventura County residents can register for local emergency notifications through VC Alert, which provides important information about potential hazards and emergencies.

And if your home has a history of water intrusion, don't wait for another storm to remind you. An inspection or repair now is likely to be considerably more pleasant than dealing with water damage later.

There's no way to know exactly what this winter has in store for us. We may experience weeks of gentle, soaking rain, a series of powerful storms, or something entirely different.
What we can do is give our homes and properties the attention they need before the weather changes.

Then, when those long-awaited rain clouds gather over the Topa Topa Mountains, we can appreciate the sound of rain on the roof, look forward to green hillsides, and enjoy a cozy afternoon indoors -- preferably without having to run outside in the middle of a downpour to rescue the patio cushions!

Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath Ventura home with a comfortable, open layout and plenty of opportunity to make it your own. A covered front porch, wide driveway, mature landscaping, and newer vinyl windows add to the home's appeal.

Inside, the kitchen opens to the dining room with a convenient serving bar, while the living room features a built-in bookcase, wood paneling, ceiling fan, and sliding door to the backyard.

The primary suite includes a remodeled bath with tile shower, tile flooring, and tiled half walls.

Two additional bedrooms offer generous closets and backyard views. Outside, enjoy a concrete patio, grassy lawn, mature shade trees, and privacy landscaping.

An attached 2-car garage, additional storage, and a convenient location near shopping, dining, parks, and everyday amenities complete the package. 

Features include: 

·  Three bedrooms
·  Two bathrooms
·  Approximately 1,240 sq. ft.
·  Built in 1961
·  Covered front porch
·  Mature landscaping
·  Newer vinyl windows
·  Open living and dining areas
·  Built-in bookcase
·  Warm wood paneling
·  Kitchen serving bar
·  Remodeled primary bath
·  Generous bedroom closets
·  Concrete backyard patio
·  Grassy backyard
·  Mature shade trees
·  Privacy landscaping
·  Attached two-car garage
·  Side-yard garage access
·  Convenient Ventura location

See more photos and read more about this Ventura home for sale here. 

🏡 OPEN HOUSE — SATURDAY!
Come take a look at 8482 Wesham Street in Ventura this Saturday, September 26, from 12–3 PM.

This welcoming Ventura home offers easy single-story living, a bright and comfortable layout, and plenty of space to settle in and make your own. Stop by, take a tour, and see if Wesham feels like home.

📍 8482 Wesham Street, Ventura
🗓 Saturday, September 26
⏰ 12–3 PM

Stop by this Sunday (9/27) between 1:00 and 4:00 to tour this three-bedroom Ojai home for sale. 

Ferrara Oaks features a spacious primary suite with a spa-like en suite and walk-in closet, a huge backyard, open floor plan, and great location. 

You won't want to miss seeing this one! 

1284 Ferrara Drive
Sunday, September 27
1:00 to 4:00

See you there!

How many times have you heard someone on a home renovation show comment about a house having good bones? Or maybe your Realtor has prepped you to see a fixer upper in poor condition by assuring you it has good bones. Or you might have heard this phrase as a caveat prefacing an invitation to see your friend’s new fixer. 

“Good bones” is a colloquial real estate phrase that gets thrown around quite a bit – usually in reference to a home that might need new flooring, fresh paint, kitchen and bath remodels, or other obvious updates – but what does it actually mean? 

Let’s start with the structure.

When someone says that a house has good bones, structurally, this often means that the home is well built with a solid foundation, sound roof, good framing, and major systems that appear to be in good shape. 

This doesn’t mean that a house with good bones will never need new plumbing or electrical, but it generally means that the home appears to be structurally sound. 

When shopping for a home, this often translates into needing lots of updates but hopefully not having any major systems in dire need of repair or replacement. 

Then there is the floor plan. 

Having good bones does not only refer to what is behind the walls; it often also refers to how the house lives. 

Are there spacious rooms, a well-positioned kitchen, and good flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces? If the home needs paint, flooring, popcorn ceiling removal, and updated windows, but you don’t have to move the kitchen, knock down half of the walls, or relocate plumbing to make it work, it probably has good bones. 

Proportion and balance also matter. 

Good bones can refer to a home that just makes sense. The rooms don’t have to be huge for a home to feel workable. Proportion and balance are central to how it feels to live in a home. 

Think: rooms that feel welcoming and make sense, comfortable ceiling heights, hallways that aren’t weird and awkward, well-placed windows, and finding the room you expect to find when you open a door. 

Natural light is also part of it. 

A house with good natural light has a major advantage.

Paint, flooring, fixtures, and furniture can all be changed fairly easily. The orientation of the home, placement of its windows, surrounding structures, mature trees, and the path of the sun are much harder to alter.

In the Ojai Valley, where indoor-outdoor living and the surrounding landscape are such an important part of many homes, light can have an enormous impact on how a property feels.

A dated room filled with beautiful afternoon light may have far more potential than a newly remodeled room that always feels dark.

Original character – and even quirks – can be part of the good bones. 

Older homes often have details that are not easy to replicate or would not feel authentic if you tried to reproduce them. Things like original woodwork, built-ins, unique windows, original fireplaces, vintage tile, plaster walls, and interesting architectural details give a house its unique charm and personality. 

Not every bit of original character is going to be appealing or functional today, but don’t be too quick to dismiss quirks or add replacing original details to the remodel list without at least considering what they are adding to the home. 

For example, if you are preparing to sell a home that might be referred to as having good bones, keep in mind that buyers looking in Ojai are often drawn to homes that feel connected to their setting and history. 

Good bones do not mean the house doesn’t need work. 

Quite the opposite: “Good bones” is not a phrase that is used to describe turnkey homes. 

It can sometimes mean you could move into the home and live in it while you update it, but it rarely would be used to describe a home that doesn’t need at least some work. 

In most cases, it means that most folks would think the home needs a decent amount of work but that the underlying qualities of the home make that work worth doing. 

Minimally, a home that is described as having good bones probably needs walls painted, floors refinished, kitchen and bath updates, and upgrades like replacing old light fixtures or single-pane windows.

If you are trying to determine if a home has good bones, separate the things you just don’t like from the things that would be difficult or expensive to change. 

If you hate the kitchen counters but the layout works, you can’t stand the paint color but the rooms are well proportioned, the carpet is threadbare but the natural light is on point, and every room has a popcorn ceiling but the foundation is in good shape, then you are very likely looking at a home that has good bones. 

If you can see past the shag carpeting, questionable décor choices, and overgrown landscaping, you might just find some good bones with a lot of potential under there. 

🏡 OPEN HOUSE | 509 N Blanche Street, Ojai

Stop by this Saturday and see this charming downtown Ojai triplex for yourself! With three separate units, beautiful grounds, and a fantastic location just four blocks from Ojai Avenue, this is a unique opportunity in the heart of Ojai.

📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 509 N Blanche Street, Ojai

Come explore the property, wander the grounds, and see just how close you’ll be to Ojai’s shops, restaurants, trails, and more. 

🏡 OPEN HOUSE | 1284 Ferrara Drive, Ojai

Come see this inviting Ojai home surrounded by mature trees and beautiful grounds. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, spacious living areas, and a convenient Ojai location, there’s plenty to explore.

📅 Sunday, September 20
⏰ 12:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 1284 Ferrara Drive, Ojai

Stop by, take a look around, and see what makes this home special. 

Look what is happening on Creek Road! 

Enjoy the scenic drive down Creek Road and stop at locally owned ranch stands and farm stands selling fruits, vegetables, handmade goods, and more! 

For more information, call or text Nora at (805) 207-6177 or Janice at (818) 281-9289.

Every house has two categories of features: the ones that can be changed with enough time, money, and effort, and the ones that are simply part of the property.

Paint is changeable. Light fixtures are changeable. Flooring, appliances, landscaping, cabinetry, and even entire kitchens can be changed.

But the location is the location.

The orientation of the house on the lot is unlikely to change. Neither are the mountain views, the mature oak tree outside the kitchen window, the distance from neighboring homes, the afternoon light, the size of the lot, or the feeling of the street when you pull up.

Those are the things worth paying especially close attention to.

One reason buyers sometimes overlook a good house is that cosmetic problems demand attention.

An unusual wall color can make an entire room feel wrong. Heavy furniture can make a perfectly reasonable space seem small. Dated window treatments can block beautiful natural light. A kitchen that has not been updated in decades can make it difficult to imagine anything else.

That first impression is powerful, but when you are touring a home, try mentally removing some of those layers.

What would the room feel like with lighter paint?

What would happen if the oversized furniture disappeared?

Are the cabinets truly unusable, or are they simply not your favorite color?

Could new lighting dramatically change the space?

Sometimes a house that feels dated is really a house with excellent bones that is just wearing an outdated wardrobe.

Natural light is a feature that can be improved at least a bit, but it is difficult to manufacture.

You can change curtains, trim vegetation, add mirrors, repaint the walls a lighter shade, or even install larger windows, but the direction a house faces, the placement of its windows, nearby buildings, mature trees, and the way sunlight moves through the home are largely built into the property.

When you walk through a house, notice where the light comes from and which rooms feel bright and welcoming. Notice if you find yourself naturally drawn toward a particular window or view. Also notice if the house just feels dark or heavy in a way that easy fixes are not going to improve.

In the Ojai Valley, some of the most valuable qualities of a property may have very little to do with the house.

It may be the enormous oak tree that has been growing there for generations, the quiet street, the mountain views from the patio, the ability to walk to the farmers market, the privacy of the lot, or the way the backyard already feels like a welcoming retreat. 

You can remodel the kitchen and repaint the bedrooms, but you cannot move the house closer to town, create a view that does not exist, or quickly create mature, retreat-worthy landscaping that took 20 years to get where it is.

There is an important difference between cosmetic issues and significant property problems.

A dated bathroom is one thing; a major foundation issue is another.

An unattractive light fixture is easy to replace; a floor plan that simply does not work for you may be much harder to solve.

Buyers should absolutely consider the condition of major systems, necessary repairs, renovation costs, insurance considerations, and whether the house realistically fits their needs and budget.

Not every flaw is easily or affordably fixable, but it is worth weighing each one and deciding what you could live with, what you could change, and what may ultimately be a dealbreaker.

When you find yourself rejecting a house, it can help to ask: Am I reacting to the property, or am I reacting to the way it looks today?

The answer to this question will help determine whether the house really is not the right one for you, or whether it might have the location, natural light, setting, and feel you have been looking for once you can see past the paint color, old carpet, or somebody else's decorating choices.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Ojai, Meiners Oaks, Mira Monte, Oak View, or elsewhere in the Ojai Valley, Nora Davis & The Davis Group would be happy to help you look at the whole picture and find the right home for you.

Not every home has soaring ceilings, wide-open hallways, and perfectly square rooms. Many older homes in Ojai, Meiners Oaks, Oak View, and throughout Ventura County were built with smaller proportions, unusual additions, or layouts that reflect a different time.

A low ceiling may make a room feel cozy but visually compressed. A narrow hallway can seem dark or purely utilitarian. An awkward corner may feel like wasted space that is difficult to furnish.

These features do not have to be flaws. With thoughtful choices, they can become part of a home’s character while still feeling comfortable, functional, and welcoming.

Awkward corners can be particularly frustrating, because they are often too small to accommodate standard furniture, but too noticeable to just leave them how they are. Instead of trying to force a conventional layout into the space, give the corner one clear purpose.

A small chair and floor lamp can create a reading spot. Floating shelves can turn an unused angle into book or display storage. A compact desk may provide a place for paying bills, working from home, or organizing household paperwork.

Corners near an entry can hold a small bench, basket, or row of hooks. A corner in the kitchen may work well for open shelving, a coffee station, or storage for cookbooks and serving pieces. In a bedroom, a narrow dresser, plant stand, or wall-mounted mirror may be all that is needed.

Built-ins can be especially useful in older homes because they can be customized to fit unusual dimensions. A properly designed cabinet or shelf can make a difficult corner appear intentional rather than leftover.

Not every corner needs furniture. Sometimes a plant, sculptural lamp, or piece of art is enough. Leaving a corner open can also create visual breathing room, particularly in a small house.

Trying to make every home look like a newly built, open-concept property can erase the features that give it personality. Older homes may have lower ceilings, narrower rooms, and less symmetrical layouts, but they often offer details and craftsmanship that are difficult to reproduce.

The most successful approach is usually to work with the home rather than against it.

Choose furniture that fits the scale of the rooms. Preserve comfortable walking paths. Use lighting to bring attention to appealing details. Create storage in places that might otherwise go unused. Allow unusual spaces to serve functions that make sense for the way the household actually lives.

A home does not need perfect proportions to feel good, but the rooms do need to be easy to maneuver and comfortable to spend time in. 

Low ceilings, narrow hallways, and awkward corners may be among the first features people notice when they begin thinking about updating or selling a home. Fortunately, improving these areas does not always require major construction.

Better lighting, appropriately scaled furniture, carefully placed mirrors, vertical design elements, and purposeful storage can make a significant difference. These changes help buyers see possibility, but they also make the home more enjoyable for the people already living there.

In Ojai and the surrounding communities, some of the most memorable homes are not the largest or most conventionally designed. They are the ones that make thoughtful use of every room, passageway, and corner -- and allow their character to become part of what makes them feel like home.