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 happens. We also discuss how wildfires are reshaping communities, impacting insurance and real estate, and changing the way Californians think about where and how they live. This conversation goes beyond the headlines to provide practical insights on staying informed, staying prepared, and understanding the growing challenges of living in a fire-prone state.

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 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 recent mergers, Compass's expanding influence, the role of independent brokerages, and how AI is changing the consumer experience. While larger companies promise efficiency and innovation, we explore whether fewer players ultimately lead to better outcomes for buyers and sellers. As real estate becomes increasingly centralized, the question is whether consumers benefit or lose choice.

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 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 today, why space is so limited, and what continues to make the area appealing for families and first-time buyers. Along the way, we dive into local favorites, community safety, and the evolving identity of this often-overlooked beach city. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Port Hueneme different, this episode gives a closer look.

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 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 County. Cassidy shares how creating authentic local content has connected with audiences far beyond traditional real estate marketing and why people are craving community, slower pace, and lifestyle more than ever. We also dive into local conversations around supporting businesses, preserving Ventura County’s character, and the tension between growth and maintaining what makes the area special. If you’ve ever wondered why people fall in love with Ventura County, this episode captures the vibe behind it.

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 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 changed in his perspective after living away and what Ventura County offers that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. From migration trends to quality of life, this conversation looks at the tradeoffs people are making today. If you’ve ever wondered whether Ventura County is still worth it, this episode gets into why people leave, and why they return.

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 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 transitions. Terry shares what makes these situations different and how the process unfolds for longtime Ventura County residents. This episode offers a deeper look at the human side of real estate that often goes unseen.

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 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 on TV, including margins, deal flow, and what it takes to scale. The conversation touches on bigger topics like gentrification and the growing role of private equity in local housing. If you’ve ever wondered how flipping really works in today’s market, this episode gives you a clear look.

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 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 insights into everything from entertainment industry influence to evolving neighborhoods, this conversation goes beyond just home prices. If you want a real look at what living in Conejo Valley actually feels like, this episode covers it.

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 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 happening within their peer groups. While the path to ownership isn’t as straightforward as it once was, it’s not impossible, it just looks different. This episode explores what that path actually looks like today and what buyers should be thinking about moving forward.

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 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 during market shifts. With insights into everything from second homes to long-term value, this conversation highlights why coastal real estate operates on its own set of rules. If you’ve ever wondered what really drives beach home values, this episode gives you a closer look.

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 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 developed and when. We discuss what’s happening beneath the surface of the market and why progress often feels slower than expected. This episode offers a candid, high-level look at where things stand today and what could influence the future of housing in Ventura County.

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, 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.