I made the mistake of letting the unlicensed brother of my best friend install our new tile shower. From the first time I peeked in at his work I knew I was in trouble. When he was installing the shower base I noticed that there was no rubber lining on the floor. When I asked if he was going to use one he told me it wasn't necessary because the concrete would seal it all up. Full story »

Don't you just love TV makeover shows where they completely transform a Plain Jane into a beauty queen? The pros see her potential and bring it out using a few tricks of the trade. Now you can do the same thing in what, for many, is the most Plain Jane spot in the house: the front stairway. Full story »

I had dinner recently with some friends who, like me, work out of home offices, and we all agreed that our utility bills were up significantly since we started working from home. Are there are specific things we can do to lower these costs, especially now that they are our bills and not being paid by someone else? Full story »

Enjoying the beach is a family affair at Shea Homes' The Cottages in Oxnard, the gated community of charming residences that's both ocean close and family friendly. Ideally located just 2 miles from the beach, The Cottages features spacious homes priced from the high $300,000s along with a private swimming pool, spa and tot lot. Full story »

Interested in creating their own oasis at home, some homeowners are building swimming pools and patios with features found at the most upscale hotels. Full story »

Boat dock homes are selling like hotcakes in Oxnard's Mandalay Bay right now, and Realtor Arlene Beckwith expects 4565 Gateshead Bay to be the next to go. Full story »

I've never wasted vacation time on any of my houses. What I've done instead is used time away from the office to get completely away. Full story »

Regardless of market phases, there are always features that homebuyer seek in a home and the latest trend seems to a focus on the commode, according to the National Association of Realtors' Cost vs. Value Report. This informational report is published each year in conjunction with Remodeling magazine. This year, kitchens remained high on the list of lures for buyers, but bathrooms moved to first place in desired features of a home. Full story »

With many attractive choices today for young families seeking their first home, what made Shannon and Mark Dobbs choose Pardee Homes' Cherry Hill? The answer is simple. Full story »

Midtown Ventura is home to a small slice of architectural history with all of its mid-century homes. Behind the simple exteriors of many of these bungalows and beach cottages, are living spaces that would make an interior designer's heart flutter. The property at 197 Lang Street is one of these. Full story »

John and Valarie Feaster like contemporary decor and used a lot of it in their previous home in Fresno. But when they recently bought and restored a 100-year-old Colonial Revival-style house in Del Rey, "we kind of switched" because (of the house's age), says John Feaster, a retired dentist. Full story »

On a sunny summer Sunday afternoon, while the rest of us are on the beach, or grillin' and chillin' in the back yard, real estate agents all around Ventura County and the rest of the country are sticking signs in front yards, setting out platters of cookies and spreading out information sheets on dining room tables. Full story »

Down a long, communal drive which serves as a cul-de-sac to the four adjoining properties just off of Avocado Street is a magnificent property with amenities to spare. Guests arriving at the house at 138 Avocado will immediately find themselves impressed a three-car garage covered with ivy in bloom with pink flowers and the elegance of the long drive. Everything from this point inward speaks luxury. Full story »

There are plenty of equine aficionados in Ventura County, including many that are seeking the ideal property for their beloved horses. While there are a number of residences available for purchase that have corrals, barns and other specialized facilities, the property at 4302 Hitch Boulevard in Moorpark is truly one of a kind. Full story »

Even before you enter 811 Crestview Court, you know it's a special place. Look to your left as you stand just outside the door, and you'll see a beautiful mosaic of a flower-filled vase. According to Nan Dillard, who currently owns the home along with her husband Mike, this piece of art was handmade in Lebanon taking the artisan more than 1,200 hours to complete. The mosaic is symbolic of the kind of care and customization that characterize the entire property. Full story »