Real VC: Ventura County Real Estate

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) using AI, where it’s helping with admin work, and where it’s creating risk around things like photo manipulation and MLS compliance. As technology evolves, the bar isn’t getting lower, it’s getting higher. This episode is about what it really takes to stay relevant in an AI-driven market.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!A very special thanks to our sponsors:iGUIDE – Delivering accurate, consumer-friendly 3D tours with measurement data and the ability to generate site plans directly from the tour. Even better, iGUIDE tours can be displayed across Zillow, Homes.com, and the MLS, so if you want to elevate your next listing, visit upmarket.media/iguide to learn more.Upmarket Media – A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 estate. From commuters discovering the area to families drawn to its small-town character and affordability, Fillmore is seeing new momentum. We also explore how city planning, infrastructure, and community identity will shape the next phase of growth. If you want to understand why more people are paying attention to Fillmore, this episode breaks it down.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!A very special thanks to our sponsors:iGUIDE – Delivering accurate, consumer-friendly 3D tours with measurement data and the ability to generate site plans directly from the tour. Even better, iGUIDE tours can be displayed across Zillow, Homes.com, and the MLS, so if you want to elevate your next listing, visit upmarket.media/iguide to learn more.Upmarket Media – A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 to coastal lifestyle markets, we unpack how convenience and commercial growth quietly shape real estate values. Ventura County isn’t one market, and when a major retail hub expands, ripple effects follow. If you want to understand how development impacts home prices beyond the headlines, this episode connects the dots.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!A very special thanks to our sponsors:iGUIDE – Delivering accurate, consumer-friendly 3D tours with measurement data and the ability to generate site plans directly from the tour. Even better, iGUIDE tours can be displayed across Zillow, Homes.com, and the MLS, so if you want to elevate your next listing, visit upmarket.media/iguide to learn more.Upmarket Media – A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 programs may influence competition, and break down who is moving into Ventura County right now and why. Drawing on Jeri’s leadership perspective and local expertise, the conversation connects policy, migration trends, and real-world transaction insight. This episode delivers a grounded, hyper-local look at the forces shaping Ventura County real estate today.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!A very special thanks to our sponsors:iGUIDE – Delivering accurate, consumer-friendly 3D tours with measurement data and the ability to generate site plans directly from the tour. Even better, iGUIDE tours can be displayed across Zillow, Homes.com, and the MLS, so if you want to elevate your next listing, visit upmarket.media/iguide to learn more.Upmarket Media – A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 is a thoughtful discussion on planning ahead, communicating responsibly, and focusing on the activities that actually drive results in a changing market.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media – A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 agent can do to help now their business!To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 business!To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 estate agent can do to help now their business!To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 about marketing and end the show with their Action Items, actionable things that any real estate agent can do to help now their business!To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 about the holisitic approach Mesa takes with its programs and how helping people before they are chronically homeless could be one of the keys to solving the homelessness epidemic. They also get into how the Real Estate Industry has been so crucial to the success of Mesa so far and in the future. It's honor to have Dan on the podcast and provide listeners with an uplifting story that offers hope for many of the most vulnerable in our community!To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Check out Mesa at https://www.mesafarm.org/ and contact Dan with any questions about this remarkable program by emailing dan (at) mesafarm.orgReal VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 real estate agents with lots of wise words and good advice! This is super-fun episode! They of course also talk marketing and end the show with Action Items, simple things any REALTOR can do to help grow their business.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 nuggets to help you grow your own real estate business!To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Give a follow to @davis_bartels as well!Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 his real estate business from scratch when he moved to Ventura County and didn't yet have a sphere. They all also talk marketing and end the show with Action Items, simple things any REALTOR can do to help grow their business.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

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 talk marketing and end the show with Action Items, simple things any REALTOR can do to help grow their business.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

This week Reed and Katie sit down with B.J. Ward the broker/owner of Comfort Real Estate who breaks down how he built his brokerage from one agent to its current state of 50 agents. Hint: It's all about relationships. B.J. also details why he doesn't even have an Instagram account but has still been able to grow his business. They all also talk marketing and end the show with Action Items, simple things any REALTOR can do to help grow their business.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

This week Reed and Katie sit down with Hung Le @letsgetyouhome1st, REALTOR with Keller Williams West Ventura County. Hung recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of getting his license and shares with listeners how he quickly became a producing agent. In the Social Media Sidebar, Producer Chelsea gives an essential list of tips from a recent social media seminar she attended. They all also talk marketing and end the show with Action Items, simple things any REALTOR can do to help grow their business.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

This week Reed and Katie sit down with Ernesto Vargas of eXp Realty to chat extensively about the #1 thing Ernesto does to build his successful Real Estate business.... door knocking! He talks about how he, as a Real Estate Professional, brings value to every conversation he has on a potential client's doorstep. Ernesto also gets into how building those community connections not only builds his business, but it feeds his soul. He also dishes some Interest Rates Hot Takes and then, along with Katie and Reed, end the show with Action Items, simple things any REALTOR can do to help grow their business.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Connect with Ernesto on Instagram at @vargasrealestate!Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

This week Reed and Katie sit down with Sean O'toole of Keller Williams Realty to pick his brain on how he has found success in his real estate business. He talks about how he cultivates beach clients and how pulls out the stops with every listing, which will in turn impress the neighbors and ultimately lead to more listings. Sean also dishes on the most under-used and effective social media platform for REALTORS. Then, in the Marketing Moment, he lets listeners in on the number one thing a REALTOR needs when marketing a listing! Then they all, of course, end the show with their Action Items, simple things any REALTOR can do to help grow their business.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Connect with Sean on LinkedIn!Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

This week Reed and Katie dive into the main topic of recent discussion in Real Estate circles... the proposed $418 Million settlement between the National Association of REALTORS and Home Sellers. Joining the pod is Ventura County Coastal Association of REALTORS President, and Owner/Broker of Realty One Group Summit, Cami Pinsak who lends her expertise on all aspects of the proposed settlement for our listeners. After much discussion, the consensus is that while of course these uncharted times present unique challenges, there is plenty of opportunity for enterprising agents to actually grow their business and position themselves for success in this potential new world! Then they all of course end the show with their Action Items, simple things any REALTOR can do to help grow their business.To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Follow Cami on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.

Reed and Katie are excited this week to welcome Alex Stamakinley, REALTOR at Doora Properties! They chat about how Alex's past as a professional figure skater helped prepare her for success in real estate and recount how pandemic-era real estate reality show binging propelled her into this new career. They also get into Alex's successful social media and marketing strategies while sprinkling in some stories about her actual on-camera appearances in reality shows and documentaries. They all of course end the show with their Action Items, simple things any REALTOR can do to help grow their business.Check out Alex on Instagram @alex_aphrodite and on TikTok alexstamakinley!To stay updated on the podcast, follow @upmarket.media and @katie.connelly.realtor on Instagram.Real VC is a podcast devoted to serving the Ventura County California Real Estate Community. Thank you for listening!Our sponsors for this episode are:Upmarket Media - A one-stop shop for all your marketing needs. Photos, Video, Aerials, Matterport 3D, Websites and more! Book a shoot at their website or text/call 805-243-1499.