Real VC: Ventura County Real Estate

In this episode of Real VC, we sit down with Tony McHale , Ventura County Fire Captain, to better understand the realities of living with wildfires in California and why fire preparedness has become a year-round conversation. From the Sandy Fire and Thomas Fire to evacuation planning, alert systems, and protecting your family, we break down what residents need to know before the next emergency hap...

In this episode of Real VC, we sit down with Merilee Iverson , Realtor, Growth Coach, and Brand Ambassador for Real Brokerage, to discuss the growing consolidation of the real estate industry and what it means for agents, consumers, and local businesses. As major corporations continue acquiring brokerages, technology platforms, and market share, the balance of power is shifting. We break down rece...

In this episode of Real VC, we sit down with Claudia Navarro to talk about what makes Port Hueneme one of Ventura County’s most unique coastal communities. From affordability and military influence to beach lifestyle and local culture, we break down how the naval base shapes the city and housing market in ways that differ from the rest of the county. We also discuss who’s moving to Port Hueneme to...

In this episode of Real VC, we sit down with Cassidy Hiepler to talk about how social media is reshaping the way people see Ventura County and why lifestyle content is becoming just as important as real estate itself. From local coffee shops and hidden gems to beach culture, Main Street, and the growing demand to live here, we break down what makes Ventura County stand out from LA and Orange Count...

In this episode of Real VC, we sit down with Nate Bonsignore to talk about leaving Ventura County, spending years in away, and ultimately deciding to come back. We dive into the bigger conversation around people leaving California because of cost, taxes, and opportunity, while also exploring why so many still feel drawn back by the lifestyle, weather, and sense of community. Nate shares what chang...

In this episode of Real VC, we sit down with Terry Moerler to talk about what it really means to sell a home after decades of ownership. For many homeowners, this isn’t just a transaction, it’s tied to major life changes like downsizing, loss, or relocating after years in the same place. We dive into the emotional side of selling, from letting go of memories to navigating family dynamics and big t...

In this episode of REAL VC, we sit down with real estate investor, Janelle Paez-Carlson to break down what flipping and wholesaling actually look like behind the scenes. From finding vacant properties and sourcing deals to building a business across Ventura County and out-of-state markets, we get into how investors are really operating today. We also talk through the realities that don’t get shown...

In this episode of Real VC, we sit down with Reina Paredes to explore what really makes Conejo Valley such a desirable place to live. From schools and community events to hiking, lifestyle, and proximity to LA, we break down why so many buyers continue choosing this area. We also touch on how factors like commuting, development, and local amenities are shaping demand across the region. With insigh...

In this episode of REAL VC, we sit down with Jonathan Claudio to talk about what it really looks like for younger buyers trying to enter the Ventura County housing market today. From rising home prices to higher monthly payments, we break down why homeownership feels out of reach for many in their 20s and 30s. We also dive into the mindset shift happening among younger buyers and the conversations...

In this episode of REAL VC, we sit down with Ann Howarth to break down what makes Ventura County beach real estate so different from the rest of the market. From Silver Strand to Oxnard Shores, we explore how lifestyle, limited inventory, and buyer emotion drive pricing and demand along the coast. We also discuss the types of buyers these areas attract and how beach properties behave differently d...

In this episode of REAL VC, we sit down with James Holden, CEO of VCCAR, to talk through the bigger picture of housing in Ventura County and why affordability continues to be such a complex issue. While not everything can be said directly, the conversation touches on the realities behind limited inventory, the challenges around building more housing, and the factors that quietly shape what gets de...

In this episode, we sit down with Tristan Ahumada ( @tristan.ahumada ) and Sam Benner ( @sambenner ) to talk about what AI is actually changing in real estate and what it isn’t. From agents doing the bare minimum to what it really takes to stand out today, the conversation dives into authenticity, trust, and why human connection matters more than ever. We break down how agents are (and aren’t) usi...

In this episode of REAL VC, we take a closer look at the growth happening in Fillmore and why this small Heritage Valley city is becoming an important part of Ventura County’s housing future. Joined by local Realtor Brandy Lengning of Home Grown Realty, we discuss how development along the 126 corridor, rising home prices, and population shifts are changing the conversation around Fillmore real es...

In this episode of REAL VC, we break down the “Costco Effect” and what the new Camarillo location could mean for housing demand across Ventura County. We explore how major retail anchors influence buyer behavior, traffic patterns, and long-term appreciation; and what that means not only for Camarillo but also for surrounding markets, including the existing Oxnard location. From suburban stability...

Season 2 is here! In this episode of REAL VC, Katie and Reed are joined by special guest Jeri Becker, President of VCCAR and broker at NextHome Pacific Coast Realty, to unpack what’s really happening in the Ventura County housing market as 2026 unfolds. Together, they explore whether current conditions signal a true market reset or a shift toward normalization, discuss how new buyer assistance pro...

The long lost Episode 19! Reed and Katie sit down with Melissa Hunter of eXp Realty for an honest conversation about navigating today’s Ventura County market with clarity and discipline. The episode explores what it really means to master the fundamentals, how agents should think about market shifts and rate changes, and why staying in your professional lane builds long term trust with clients. It...

This week Reed and Katie sit down with the amazing Vicky Cummings of the Vicky Cummings Team at eXp Realty! Lots of great nuggets in here as Vicky details how and why she makes phone calls for hours every morning and why after 22 years in the business she still has a business coach. They also chat about marketing and end the show with their Action Items, actionable things that any real estate agen...

This week Reed and Katie sit down with Enrique Montaño , founder of the VC Property Team. Enrique brings his own unique and charismatic approach to real estate and fills us in on the real reason his team is no longer called the VC Property Brothers. They also chat about marketing and end the show with their Action Items, actionable things that any real estate agent can do to help now their busines...

This week Reed and Katie sit down with 2024 Ventura County Coastal Association of REALTORS® Broker of the Year, Jorge De Leon! Jorge details how his journey in real estate resembles Forrest Gump. Jorge is one of the best managers and brokers out there and drops a ton of wisdom in this episode! They also chat about marketing and end the show with their Action Items, actionable things that any real...

We're back, finally! With a couple unreleased episodes from last year that we're getting out now before our new 2025 episodes start! This one is a fun interview Reed and Katie did with Garry Eberhart of Lei & Garry at RE/MAX Gold Coast Beach Office. Garry lets in on how he's built a thriving business by being seen as the authority on his very specific neighborhood. They also chat a...

A Very Inspiring Episode this week Reed and Katie welcome Dan Parziale of Mesa! Be inspired as Dan talks about the innovative program at Mesa that is changing the lives of young adults in Ventura County who are facing homelessness. Mesa is a 10-acre farm in the East End of Ojai with 10 tiny homes and and farmhouse that can house 12 young adults for 24 months each. Learn more from Dan as he talks a...

This week Reed and Katie welcome Mandy Martinez of ReMax Gold Coast Realty and Gregory Jordanoff of Better Homes and Gardens Property Shoppe! The four of them rehash how they all met when they were a team on the VCCAR REALTOR Feud team in 2023 and how these types of networking events help grow their businesses. The discussion takes many other turns and Mandy and Gregory are two very thoughtful rea...

This week Reed and Katie welcome Davis Bartels of Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc. They all chat about how Davis has utilized innovative systems, managerial skills and hard work to become a top producer in East Ventura County. They of course also talk marketing and end the show with Action Items, simple things any REALTOR can do to help grow their business. This is a fun episode with TONS of great...

In this, the FIRST episode recorded at the new permanent Upmarket Podcast Studio at Gasworks in Ventura, Reed and Katie sit down with Patrick Fossati of of ReMax Gold Coast Realty . Patrick details how he has used Property Management to lead to more real estate transactions and how those businesses can feed off each other and help them both grow. He also talks about the strategies he used to grow...

This week Reed and Katie sit down with Mathew Taylor of eXp Realty. Matthew's career in real estate draws on his previous 20-year stint as a social worker and social work educator. Not only does he get personal fulfillment from helping people, but that also grows his sphere and inevitably grows his business. He also gets into how when you teach people, you end up learning too. They all also ta...