THE PASADENA HUMANE SOCIETY & SPCA

"Compassion and Care For All Animals"
Established in 1903, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is a private, non-profit organization that is dedicated to protecting the welfare of all domestic and non-domestic animals in serving the cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, La Canada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, Arcadia and Glendale. The Pasadena Humane Society provides services that include animal control, investigation of animal neglect and cruelty, licensing for La Canada and Arcadia, adoptions, pet behavior training classes, and humane education.

Most people know the Pasadena Humane Society for its adoption services, which justifiably is not made to be an easy process for those looking to adopt a pet. PHS wants to ensure that each animal they take into their facilities will be placed into the best permanent homes and require steps that include an application, an interview regarding experience with animals, and a visitation with the potential animal to be adopted. With the current state of our economy and the upsurge of foreclosed homes in the residential communities there have been an increased number of pets being given up by owners affected by the market. The Humane Society has responded by strengthening their efforts and increasing their outreach programs for pet adoptions.

Just as notable as their adoption services is the work that the Humane Society does with animal control which includes cruelty investigation and prosecution, as well as wildlife assistance. Extending beyond the local communities, the Pasadena Humane Society has provided aid nationally for catastrophes and natural disasters in which domestic and wild animals lives are at risk.

BUY FORECLOSURES, PASADENA REO'S

Pasadena Foreclosures

Did you know that you can buy Pasadena foreclosed homes for almost a 100% financed? There are great loans such as FHA, VA, and CALHFA loans (designed for people in education). All of which only require 3% down payments.


There has never been a better time than right now to live the American Dream of owning a home. This is definately a buyer's market, and many banks are unloading foreclosed homes for below market value plus paying the buyer's closing costs.

Search Pasadena foreclosures.

Q: Is there any "Risk" in purchasing foreclosures?

A: Yes, but lets see the reward...

Reward by taking a "Risk"

Purchasing a bank owned home may be an As-Is purchase, but you have the same rights as in purchasing any other home. By hiring a professional inspection company, you can know in detail what faults the home may have. Many times the items will be quick fix-it items. Therefore, make sure you have an "Inspection Contingency Period" and if the home is not what you thought it was, then cancel the deal.

Just think about all those shows like: HGTV's Designed to Sell, Armando Montelongo's Flip This House, and other home improvement shows. I bet you thought.... "Wow, I could have done that!" Be like Nike, and Just Do It!

And yes, the rumor is true that in many foreclosed homes you may see missing doors, missing knobs and in some cases even missing kitchens! You have heard the saying, "Risk vs Rewards." Take the "Risk" in buying a foreclosed home and get a killer deal! After a couple trips to Home Depot and putting a little sweat equity, you will see in the end that it was all worth it.

If you have been considering buying a Pasadena Foreclosure, call Ramiro Rivas & Associates at 626-497-4606 or visit http://www.soldbyramiro.com/ .

THE ROSE BOWL FLEA MARKET

Held on the second Sunday of every month, the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena is the largest swap meet in California. Such a wide diversity of items can be found at the Rose Bowl swap meet, attracting all walks of life to explore and shop for unique items that over 2,500 venders are selling.

Among over 20,000 buyers, you will observe fashionistas going through endless racks of vintage clothing, interior designers that find value in irreplaceable antiques, and collectors looking for nostalgic objects of the past.

The flea market is sectioned off into three areas. The first section starting from the entrance is vendors selling brand new items, the second is all antique furniture and collector’s items, and the third is an entire parking lot of vendors selling vintage clothing.















Admission
5am-7am $20
7am-8am $15
8am-9am $10
After 9am, $7
Kids free

Parking
Free lot

Hours
Second Sunday of the month 5am-4:30pm

Payment Types
Cash

THE PASADENA CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW: A BRIEF HISTORY

Within the Arts and Crafts Movement, the Craftsman style was a progressive architectural design that proliferated in the early part of the 20th century and to this day stands as a form of residential architecture most commonly associated with Pasadena Real Estate..

It can arguably be said that the two brothers, Greene and Greene, were the Pasadena architects that have made the Craftsman style so prevalent in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles. Initially most of the work of Greene and Greene was implemented into smaller Craftsman designed California Bungalows for residences that were built for the middle class communities in and around Pasadena. As the Greene & Greene Architectural firm became more renowned they began receiving commissions for much larger custom Craftsman homes that became termed as the ultimate bungalow. The most prime example of a Greene and Greene ultimate bungalow is one of Pasadena’s, The Gamble House, which has been deemed by enthusiasts as America’s Craftsman masterpiece.

At the beginning of the 20th century many people chose to make a move to Pasadena for its warm, arid climate and it was because of this that the Pasadena Craftsman Bungalow reached its full potential in California. The San Gabriel Valley lends well to Craftsman homes because of the broad front porches that is a common feature of the architectural style, which allows a homeowner to take full advantage of the year round sunny weather that is typical to the Pasadena area.

The Bungalow was part of a movement in the United States that provided housing that the working class could afford. Unlike today’s affordable housing, which many times uses the cheapest materials, Craftsman Bungalows were built with old-growth timber, real plaster, wooden windows and doors, and built-ins that are now mostly found in high-end homes. It is because these homes were built so well, in a city that finds importance in preserving culture, that many Craftsman Bungalows still stand today. The Pasadena Craftsman Bungalow, many which are now over a century old, continue to provide housing for residents that appreciate a flourishing city with such a colorful past.

Search for Craftsman homes

ERICA SWANSON

818-257-1054 Direct

RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
ERICA@RIVASESTATES.COM

LOOKING FOR URBAN LIVING

Getting Started on a Home Search

Mortgage interest rates had dropped recently and home prices have moderated in many areas, making it a good time to buy. If you’ve never bought a condo or townhome before or if you currently own a home but have never bought and sold at the same time, the process can seem intimidating. You can ease your anxiety by formulating a game plan and by assembling the best team of professionals you can find, including a mortgage lender, a Realtor® that you feel that you can trust, as well as inspectors, title reps, and home warranty specialists.

If you are searching for a condo Pasadena is a great place to look since it is a city that has been becoming more urbanized over the past few years. Space in Los Angeles is at a premium, ever increasing, and many L.A. suburbs are starting to become re-urbanized. The most recent trend in many suburbs is retail developments with the inclusion of at least two floors of residential units above a retail city walk. Examples of such urbanization is the Paseo Colorado in Pasadena, and Rick Caruso's latest development, The Americana in Glendale.

The two key players on your team in a home search are the lender and your real estate agent. Once you have these selected, they can help you line up the additional help you need. The best recommendations for a real estate agent is one who is well educated about the market in your area. If you’re a first time homebuyer you may not have a resource of competent mortgage enders, reputable inspectors, or a trustful escrow company that will successfully help you through the purchasing of a home; Therefore it would be of utmost importance to choose a Realor® that will have this resource of people to recommend to you to have the option of using.

A first step is to find out how much you can afford. Most buyers will obviously need a mortgage in order to complete a home purchase. A lender will qualify you for a certain loan amount depending on how much cash you have available for a down payment and closing costs—the various fees associated with buying or selling a home. Other relevant factors are your credit score, your verifiable income and what type of mortgage you decide to use for your purchase. You can work with a mortgage broker who will shop the mortgage market for you and place your loan package with the lender that offers the best deal. Or, you can work directly with a lender, such as Bank of America or Citibank. Just make sure that you understand what kind of loan is being offered. You might want to consult with an independent party like your accountant or financial advisor to determine what kind of financing is best for you.

If you’ve never bought a home before, you should use an agent who is a good communicator and who will take the time to explain the process. Also, keep in mind that your agent will be interfacing with the other parties in the transaction. You want someone you trust and who you are sure will represent you professionally and work diligent on your behalf.

Search for a Condo

THE BAR AT THE LANGHAM HOTEL IN PASADENA: DRINKS SERVED UP WITH CLASS

For those that seek a bar where drinks are served up with class without being pretentious, the sophisticated social environment of The Bar at the Langham Huntington Hotel, formerly the Ritz-Carlton, in Pasadena is what you need. Expect to go with a somewhat well padded pocketbook since The Bar offers an expensive wine list and full top shelf bar. Also offered is a selection of fine cigars for gentlemen…and ladies that would enjoy to have such on the expansive outdoor patio, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the hotel’s grounds and city lights of the San Gabriel Valley.

If you decide to make it to The Bar on the weekend try to go early for a seat since there is lively jazz and blues performances until midnight every Friday and Saturday, featuring bands that draw in quite a crowd.

Although many patrons are hotel guests and those that live at the Langham’s residential cottages, The Bar also attracts locals in the mood for a dim lit, relaxed location to enjoy drinks while socializing and networking on elegant, but comfortable furniture.

The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena
1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, Ca 91106

Estates Pasadena: Phase I of New Luxury Homes Completed

Estates Pasadena is a new development community in Northwest Pasadena at Sierra Madre Villa Avenue and Sierra Madre Boulevard. The French Provincial, English Tudor, and Cape Cod architecturally designed two story luxury homes range between 2,900-3,500 square feet, with either 4 or 5 bathrooms and up to 4.5 baths.

In previewing the model homes it appears that high quality materials were used with attention to detail. Each home features a formal foyer, pre-wired security systems, high-speed internet connections, cable television connections installed in all bedrooms and family rooms, as well as family room media areas that are pre-wired for built-in speaker systems. The back yard patio areas are being prepared with connection for barbeques, and indoors include custom cabinetry, high-energy efficient insulation, dual glazed windows, with many of the floor plans built with vaulted or two-story ceilings.

For those looking for a move in condition luxury home done in an old world style, but with all modern amenities, it would be a housing community definitely worth considering moving into.

Pasadena Luxury homes and estates for sale.

Erica Swanson
Ramiro Rivas & Associates
Coldwell Banker- Pasadena

www.RivasEstates.com

Pasadena Real Estate, Ranked in Top 5 Destinations

Pasadena Makes the top 5 LA County Destinations
With the real estate market going down in many areas, Pasadena Real Estate is remaining a top destination for many home buyer’s. The City of Roses has everything from entry level condos to multi-million dollar estates.

Diane Wedner from Los Angeles Times writes:
It would seem that still-high prices and hard-to-get loans would keep people away from Southern California's pricier areas. But they're still coming. According to a recent NorthStar Moving Corp. survey of their customers' moving requests from June '07 through May '08, nearly 2,000 of them transplanted to Los Angeles and Orange counties. And that's just one moving company.

The top L.A. County destinations:
1) Los Angeles (city of)
2) Pasadena
3) Santa Monica
4) Marina del Rey and Woodland Hills (tied)
5) Long Beach

Pasadena Homes For Sale.

Single Women Buyers, Making Moves!

WHAT WOMEN WANT
Breaking Records: Currently, single women buyers purchase 22 percent of new homes, compared to only 9 percent by single men. They purchased 1.5 million homes in 2005, which equates to one in five sales.

What they’re buying: Many single women harbor similar desires in homes. But others do go against the average.

Here is a list of the common trends in home buying for single women:

· Prefer 2 bedrooms or more
· More likely to choose resales
· Buy in city over suburban areas
· Will not compromise on location or quality of neighborhood
· Prefer condos or townhomes with well run homeowner associations
· Desire security and / or gated access. Want close proximity to stores, shopping and fitness centers.

We have assisted many women home buyers in the purchase of houses to condos. To see more info about this topic visit our Single Women Buyers page on our website. There you will also see various testimonials from our satisfied clients.

Pasadena Farmer's Market

Enjoy Fresh Local Fruits, Vegetables and Farm Products! If you have never been to Pasadena's Farmers' Market, you are in for a real treat. You'll love the experience of buying directly from the farmer that grows the food. What you'll love even more is the fresh, delicious taste of locally grown, nutritious fruits, vegetables and farm products.
Their certified vendors only sell what they grow--or, to say it another way, they won't sell you anything that they did not grow. You know where your food came from, and who grew it for you!

They also have other vendors offering jams, jellies, fish, and more, but we do not
permit craft vendors. There are usually about 40 vendors at Victory Park on Saturdays.
The market is cash only, and we accept EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer). We are open rain or shine Saturdays 8:30am - 12:30pm Victory Park, Sierra Madre Blvd.

Search Pasadena Luxury Homes for sale or find a Luxury Pasadena Real Estate Agent.

Pasadena Marathon, Get Running!

Pasadena Gears Up For The City's Inaugural Marathon

The city of Pasadena will be holding its first annual Pasadena Marathon on Sunday, the 16th of November, which will include a full 26.3 mile Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Bike Tour, and a 3.1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. Because of the range of events, the city and its sponsors for the event will be expecting a wide variety of participants from amateur to leading competitors.

With all the sponsors lined up for the event and the route mapped out, the city is now calling for volunteers and has been accepting registrants since mid-summer. Those up for the run will be able to register until November 13th.

The starting line will take place at the Rose Bowl, which will take participants through trails of the Arroyo Seco as well as through many sections of Pasadena through the boulevards, eventually ending back at the Rose Bowl.

The Pasadena Marathon has been organized by Pasadena Forward, a non-profit organization, and has been presented by Kaiser Permanente which stands as one of the many sponsors for the event. Pasadena forward was founded in 2004 by it’s executive director, Israel Estrada, with a mission statement that claims, "to promote an enhanced quality of life for those living, working, or attending school in the Pasadena area". With the goals that Pasadena Forward has geared towards the city, organizing an event such as a Pasadena Marathon would seem ideal.

As a city that holds many various cultural and social events throughout the year, Pasadena has hopes that this inaugural Pasadena Marathon will be the first of many to come, as an annual event to add to their list of many proud achievements.

Pasadena For Sale By Owner's Beware!

FOR SALE BY OWNER AKA FSBO

With over 6 months of inventory on the market, selling your home has been as difficult as it was in the 90's. Many home owners are still trying to cut ends by putting their home "for sale by owner" aka FSBO.

FSBO's have always been known as being the best deals by buyer's because buyers feel that they are going to score a killer deal. To most people's surprise, FSBO's are actually way over priced! This is due to the fact that FSBO's think that they know the market and feel that they can get more for their home than listing with a Pasadena Real Estate Agent. Over 90% of FSBO's typically list with a professional listing agent. Now what does that tell you? Seller's are not seller's if they don't have the tools and resources that a real estate professional has.

BUYER'S OF FSBO'S BEWARE.....

Since FSBO's do not want a professional real estate agent involved, you have to trust that you are purchasing this home from an individual who has your best interest in mind. Have you ever seen a real estate purchase contract? California's contract is the most complex of any state in the US. Furthermore, your deposit can be at jeopardy if you default in the purchase. The answer is simple if buying a FSBO, hire a Pasadena real estate agent who knows the market. Most seller's will pay the buyer's agents commission. If they don't, be suspicious of what they are trying to hide since they don't want a professional involved in the purchase.

To get an idea of the process involved in selling a Pasadena Home, visit http://www.soldbyramiro.com/ and go to the seller section. Here you will find many of the steps involved in the process of selling a home.

Considering there is a rise in Pasadena Short Sales and Pasadena REO's, it is important to be competitive with the list price of the home. Homes that sell are ones that are comparable to homes currently on the market. Although appraiser's use value based from six months prior, we are in a declining market with inventory that is changing daily. Thankfully, Pasadena Real Estate has not been affected as it has in other markets. This is mainly attributed to the city of Pasadena's strength in preserving it's architecture, night life, fabulous dining, many shopping districts, and the list goes on....

Cantaloop, Pasadena Frozen Yogurt

Pasadena South Lake Hot spot!

I tried them all, and Cantaloop is the place to go for frozen yogurt. Not only is it delicious, but it only has few calories and fat free. Definitely the kind of treat worth replacing a meal with!

The interior has a cool/trendy vibe and there is plenty of room to hang with friends and family. Make sure to check out the cool artwork on the walls.

My personal choice is the banana flavored yogurt with Strawberries and Kiwi’s. By the way…. The colored sprinkles always make an easy topping selection. Before you go, get your frequent visitor card to get a free frozen yogurt because I guarantee you will be back for more!

Cantaloop is located at 524 South Lake Avenue in Pasadena, 626-796-7645. For more information on flavors, toppings, and nutritional values visit http://www.cantaloopyogurt.com/ .

Review by Ramiro Rivas, Pasadena Real Estate, Coldwell Banker.

Understanding Capital Gains In Real Estate

When you sell a stock, you owe taxes on your gain — the difference between what you paid for the stock and what you sold it for. The same holds true when selling a home (or a second home), but there are some special considerations. How to calculate gain in real estate, capital gains are based not on what you paid for the home, but on its adjusted cost basis.

To calculate, follow these steps:
1. Purchase price: _______________________

The purchase price of the home is the sale price, not the amount of money you actually contributed at closing.

2. Total adjustments: _______________________
To calculate this, add the following:
Cost of the purchase — including transfer fees, attorney fees, and inspections, but not points you paid on your mortgage.
Cost of sale — including inspections, attorney fees, real estate commission, and money you spent to fix up your home just prior to sale.
Cost of improvements — including room additions, deck, etc. Note here that improvements do not include repairing or replacing something already there, such as putting on a new roof or buying a new furnace.

3. Your home’s adjusted cost basis: _______________________
The total of your purchase price and adjustments is the adjusted cost basis of your home.

4. Your capital gain: _______________________Subtract the adjusted cost basis from the amount your home sells for to get your capital gain.

A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for a married couple) on the sale of a home is exempt from taxation if you meet the following criteria:
You have lived in the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years.
You have not sold or exchanged another home during the two years preceding the sale.
You meet what the IRS calls “unforeseen circumstances,” such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency.

FIND A PASADENA REALTOR TO SELL YOUR HOME

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DOES MOVING UP MAKE SENSE?

With so many great opportunities to buy a home in every price range, does moving up make sense? These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.

1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.

2. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.

3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood? The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good. For example, you may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district. Find a Pasadena Real Estate Agent who can help.

4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on? Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market? If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home.

6. Are you able to secure an attractive interest rate? A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer. Search for mortgage rates.

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH PASADENA HOMES OR PASADENA CONDOS

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH BANK OWNED HOMES

WHY ARE YOU RENTING!

Why are you renting......when you could be a home owner ?

Why You Should Buy a Home Now
These days there is literally too much information for homebuyers to make a decision sometimes. Fear can prevent first time home buyers from ever acting on their dream of home ownership. When you look at facts, though, buying a home makes as much sense now as it ever has.

With home prices going down now in some markets, the question is beginning to surface more often, "Is now a good time to buy?. If there's any risk that it may go down in value, why, really should anyone buy a home instead of renting?" It may be true that renting is cheaper than buying right now, but historically speaking, it is only a matter of time before rents will go up. They always have, and they always will. That brings us to the number one reason to buy a home, which is the very reason rent always goes up:Appreciation or Rising Values - For most Americans, buying a home is one of the smartest financial decisions they will ever make. Look at the difference in net worth between homeowners and renters according to the Federal Reserve:The difference in net worth of homeowners vs. renters is more pronounced as income rises. The average American who earns $60,000 per year and rents has a net worth of only $25,000. The average net worth of that same earner who is a homeowner is nearly $300,000!There are two main reasons this happens. First, there is the "forced savings" aspect of home ownership. As payments are made on a home over time, the balance of the mortgage will obviously fall. This is essentially "forcing" a monthly savings that is the portion of the payment that applies toward the principal amount of the mortgage. Secondly, there is long-term property appreciation. Homes have always gone up in value over time, even though there are bound to be some down cycles. Long-term home ownership almost guarantees a higher net worth. Pride of Ownership - Most homeowners will admit they like owning a home because they don't have to ask before they do anything to the home. They can paint it any color, they can add a new front door, change the shutters, and they have the right to do it because it's their home! This is the reason most people take care of a home they own better than one they rent. Plus, no landlord can go up on your rent or terminate a lease and force you to move. It makes a difference when applying for credit, in personal relationships, and possibly even in employment considerations. Pride of ownership is hard to measure in terms of money, but is a big part of why people will always want to own their home.

Tax Benefits - Arguably, tax benefits of home ownership are not as great as many owners understand them to be, but most do benefit from the mortgage interest deduction, even if in a small way. Home ownership has been a part of our heritage, and represents the largest part of the average American's net worth. There is a good chance that owning and paying for a home is the only way some people will be able to retire. And the earlier you can get in the game of ownership, the better off you will be sooner in life. Owning a home is not only still the "American Dream", it is an important part of our national economy. The financial benefits can easily be seen and experienced over the long run. The other benefits, while not so easy to measure, may be the most important ones. Buying your first home, even in a "down" market is still a wise choice, and will eventually be one of the best financial decisions of your life. Search Pasadena Homes and Pasadena condos for sale. Find a Pasadena Real Estate agent.

San Marino Hidden Tranquility

If you are living in San Marino or are thinking about relocating to San Marino, you've come to the right place.

CLICK TO SEARCH SAN MARINO HOMES FOR SALE

San Marino rests just below the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The beauty of the city parks and landmarks make San Marino a proud and beautiful part of Los Angeles County. The quality of the community's resources provide tremendous value and enjoyment for residents and their guests.
San Marino is also regarded as having one of the best-performing schools in the Greater Los Angeles area. Its high school consistently ranks as the one of the highest API score among public high schools in California, with nearly 99% of the high school graduates going on to 2 or 4 year colleges. All of its public schools are honored as a California Distinguished School and a United States National Blue Ribbon School.
The city includes the estate of Henry E. Huntington, who made a fortune in the development of Southern California and opened the library and art collections in his large neo-Palladian mansion to the public in 1919, best known as the Huntington Library. At the time, San Marino was some twelve miles from Los Angeles. Huntington Drive and Sierra Madre Boulevard serve as the main thoroughfares, leading to Pasadena, Alhambra and San Gabriel.
In the middle of San Marino lies Lacy Park, known best for its Rose Garden and the annual 4th of July Parade. It is one of the prettiest parks in the San Gabriel Valley. Every year, the City of San Marino holds a 4th of July celebration in Lacy Park.

Today, San Marino is one of the wealthiest cities per capita in the United States. If you are looking for a safe, pristine neighborhood with excellent schools, San Marino is a great choice.

If you are seriously considering selling your San Marino luxury home and would like a private consultation with a Luxury Real Estate Agent, please contact Rivas Estates at (626) 497-4606.

Tips For Buying In A Competitive Market

Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer:

1. Get prequalified for a mortgage. You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller.

2. Stay in close contact with your Pasadena Real Estate Agent to find out about the newest listings. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market — if it’s a great home, it will go fast.

3. Scout out new listings yourself. Look at Web sites such as REALTOR.com, SoldbyRamiro.com or browse your local L.A. Times real estate section, and drive through the neighborhood to spot "For Sale" signs. If you see a home you like, write down the address and call your real estat agent. Your Pasadena Real Estate Agent will be able to schedule a showing and find out more information on the property.

4. Be ready to make a decision. Spend a lot of time in advance deciding what you must have in a Pasadena home so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.

5. Bid competitively. You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don’t go too low to get a deal. In a tight market, you’ll lose out.

6. Keep contingencies to a minimum. Restrictions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date can make your offer unappealing. In a tight market, you’ll probably be able to sell your house rapidly. Or talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period.

7. Don’t get caught in a buying frenzy. Just because there’s competition doesn’t mean you should or should not buy it. And even though you want to make your offer attractive, don’t neglect inspections that help ensure that your house is sound.

Find Pasadena Homes or Pasadena Condos for sale. Search for a top Pasadena Real Estate Agent.

Low Cost Ways To Spruce Up Your Home's Exterior

Make your Pasadena home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:

1. Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details.

2. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle.

3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.

4. Install new doorknobs on your front door.

5. Repair any cracks in the driveway.

6. Edge the grass around walkways and trees.

7. Keep your garden tools and hoses out of sight.

8. Clear toys from the lawn.

9. Buy a new mailbox.

10. Upgrade your outside lighting.

11. Buy a new doormat for the outside of your front door.

12. Clean your windows, inside and outside.

13. Polish or replace your house numbers.

14. Place a seasonal wreath on your door.

Have questions about selling your Pasadena Home or Pasadena Condo? Find a Pasadena Real Estate Agent to sell your home. Search for Pasadena Homes for sale.

8 TIPS TO GUIDE YOUR PASADENA HOME SEARCH

For many people, buying a first home is a rite of passage and ownership in part of the American dream. And while many excited hours are spent planning interior color schemes, choosing new furniture and dreaming of moving day, many first-time buyers spend equal amounts of time fretting and fearing the home buying process. Let’s face it, if you’ve never purchased a home before, the prospect can seem downright intimidating. There are many decisions to make—legal, financial and emotional, just to name a few. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure an enjoyable experience.

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a Pasadena REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s agent's are paid out of the seller’s commission payment.

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Take The Stress Out Of Homebuying

Buying a Pasadena home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

1. Find a Pasadena real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the Pasadena REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.

2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.

3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the home.

4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.

5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.

6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. A home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.

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7 REASONS TO OWN YOUR OWN HOME

If you are considering buying a Pasadena Home, here are a few benefits to consider:

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.

3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

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5 FENG SHUI CONCEPTS TO HELP A HOME SELL

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of learning to live in harmony with one's surroundings - being a part of nature rather than a blot on the landscape. There are several different schools of Feng Shui, with varying methods. To put the best face on a Pasadena Home listing and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind.

1. Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the “mouth of chi” (chi is the “life force” of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good fortune enter through the front door. It’s also the first impression Pasadena Home buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around the front door is swept clean, free of cobwebs and clutter. Make sure all lighting is straight and properly hung. Better yet, light the path leading up to the front door to create an inviting atmosphere.

2. Chi energy can be flushed away wherever there are drains in the home. To keep the good forces of a home in, always keep the toilet seats down and close the doors to bathrooms.

3. The master bed should be in a place of honor, power, and protection, which is farthest from and facing toward the entryway of the room. It’s even better if you can place the bed diagonally in the farthest corner. Paint the room in colors that promote serenity, relaxation, and romance, such as soft tones of green, blue, and lavender.

4. The dining room symbolizes the energy and power of family togetherness. Make sure the table is clear and uncluttered during showings. Use an attractive tablecloth to enhance the look of the table while also softening sharp corners.

5. The windows are considered to be the eyes of the home. Getting the windows professionally cleaned will make the home sparkle and ensure that the view will be optimally displayed.

Compass Feng Shui, as the name suggests, uses the direction your house faces to arrive at certain information, as well as dividing your house (or even a single room) into 8 areas or enrichments.

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Source: Sell Your Home Faster With Feng Shui by Holly Ziegler (Dragon Chi Publications, 2001)

5 THINGS EVERY HOME BUYER SHOULD KNOW

Most buyers know the basics of a real estate transaction; the information directly effecting their situation such as mortgage payments, closing costs, commission and so on. Most feel confident in their choice of houses and may have put some time into researching the area and schools, but there are a few things that catch many people off guard. These details often appear at the last minute and the buyer is aware then details usually cannot be changed and the results can often cause delays and or loss of funds.

1. Your Initial Deposit: When you made an offer to purchase, this included a good faith deposit. This deposit is also called "earnest money". This deposit is held in escrow until the close and is credited to the buyers closing costs. But, if escrow gets cancelled what happens to the deposit? Most people are unclear about the disposition of their deposit; sellers assume the deposit is automatically theirs if the buyer cancels but this may not be the case. It's best to find out how this process works and what is needed in order for the buyer to recoup their deposit or what details constitute the forfeiture of the buyers deposit. This is often spelled out in the initial offer, so ask your Pasadena Real Estate Agent to explain the process.
2. Taxes: Most people are aware of their tax rate, but have never calculated what the actual yearly amount will be. Something else to consider, if you purchase a new home from a builder you're going to receive a supplemental bill shortly after the close of escrow. This supplemental bill will be equivalent to one year's worth of property tax. This is a shock to many people, since most people never know its coming. Another little detail that often slips through the cracks; assessments. Newer communities likely have assessments in addition to your basic property tax rate. Many people don't know that often assessments can change and be added yearly, which equates to higher property taxes every year.
3. Homeowners Association: When considering a home within a homeowner's association, it's always prudent to thoroughly read all the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCNR). Yes, this is often a huge document, but it's given to you before you close escrow for a reason; these CCNRs directly affect you. If you don't know and understand all the rules, this can lead to a less than ideal situation if you unwittingly break a few. Little things like permission to paint your garage door or installation of a backyard patio can lead to huge problems including legal action. Know the rules!
4. Home Warranty: Understanding how your home warranty works will save you a tremendous amount of frustration and hassle. Research before you close escrow, find a plan you understand and feel comfortable with, then request any extra coverage you think you need. Most home warranty companies offer basic coverage for appliances and air conditioning but, did you know they also offer coverage for an additional fee for such items as roof, well, and septic tanks?
5. Homeowner's Insurance: Of course everyone knows they need homeowner's insurance before closing escrow. Unfortunately most people wait till the last minute, run into snags, and then closing is delayed. If you approach this task as soon as you enter escrow this allows time to compare rates and if a snag does arise you have time to handle it, avoiding a hasty decision. If the previous homeowner has had a recent claim this can affect you the new purchaser. Better to know this early rather than the last minute.

Ask your Pasadena Realtor to help you understand the details that are a part of every real estate transaction and you'll enjoy smooth sailing every step of the way!
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New Stylish Designer Homes

If you are looking to buy a luxury home in Pasadena, you should see Orange Grove Circle Garden Homes. They are an exquisite condo community located near the heart of historic Old Pasadena on Orange Grove Boulevard. Located about ten miles northeast from downtown Los Angeles, this unique enclave of condo homes encapsulate the charm of a “small-town” feel with it’s timeless architecture, quaint restaurants and one of a kind shopping that are to be found in this truly unique area.

Pasadena is famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade. Pasadena is the home of many leading scientific and cultural institutions, including California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Art Center College of Design, the Pasadena Playhouse, California School of Culinary Arts Pasadena and Norton Simon Museum of Art. With so much to do in the area, these optimally located luxury condo homes on renowned “Millionaire’s Row” will be sure to suit your lifestyle. These attractive Pasadena condo homes range up to 3 bedrooms, with up to 2,200 square feet of living space with private patios, decks or courtyards and are surrounded with plentiful lush, mature landscaping. Now available to you in one of Pasadena’s most exclusive neighborhoods, Orange Grove Circle Garden Homes offers a unique collection of modern luxury condo homes with a variety of one-of-a-kind open floor plans. A perfect retreat awaits you.

Priced from the $700,000's, homebuyer's will appreciate these low maintenance homes as they're freed to optimize the cultural, retail and fine dining options just minutes beyond their door. Find a Pasadena Real Estate Agent for more information on these fabulous Pasadena Homes.

BRAND NEW MODERN MASTERPIECES OPEN FOR VIEWING THIS SUNDAY

There are two gorgeous newly built homes located just South West of Pasadena that I thought everyone should know about. The homes are located just off of Avenue 64, so they have a Los Angeles address, however they are literally minutes from the heart of vibrant Old Town Pasadena. These architecturally designed modern masterpieces are listed with Ramiro Rivas, a Coldwell Banker Pasadena Real Estate Agent. The homes exhibit tasteful details throughout with three levels of living space. The ground floor features a bedroom plus a den with a private entrance. The main living area on the second level has an open loft-style floor plan with high ceilings making it perfect for entertaining. The main living floor offers a gorgeous limestone fireplace, spacious dining area, recessed lighting, and a large den adjacent to the fashionably modern kitchen. The large gourmet kitchen has custom cabinetry, granite countertops and professional line stainless steel appliances. The top floor has three bedrooms. Two rooms open to a spacious and private outdoor/ patio area. The stunning bath has beautiful travertine tile that blends perfectly with surrounding natural setting. The master features a huge walk-in closet plus a master bath with a gorgeous tiled shower, whirlpool tub, and outdoor balcony with Downtown LA views. Each home is listed for $1,195,000. See a Virtual Tour. View more information about this home or other Pasadena Homes for sale.

5 THINGS TO DO BEFORE PUTTING YOUR PASADENA HOME FOR SALE

There are many things you can do make your Pasadena home shine on the market. Make your home more appealing for potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

For more home selling tips or to find a Pasadena Real Estate Agent that can help you sell your Pasadena home visit http://www.soldbyramiro.com/

Top 10 Mistakes Buyers Make When Buying in Pasadena

LOOKING FOR A new home in Pasadena? Well, you're in luck -- sort of. First, the good news: Home prices are adjusting and buyers have more negotiating power than ever before. Now, the not-so-good news: Lining up financing has become slightly more difficult as droves of current homeowners default on their existing mortgages. This isn't to say you won't be able to secure the home of your dreams, but you will need to be a bit more cautious and conservative with your purchase.

Here are 10 mistakes to avoid when looking for a home in today's Pasadena real estate market.

You didn't set a budget
Buy a Pasadena home that's way out of your price range and you could well derail your ability to fund other important items such as retirement savings, your kids' education -- not to mention an entertainment budget.
Mortgage brokers will tell you how much you can borrow. But that amount may not be what you can afford to pay.
"What if you have a lot of kids or you like to travel a lot?" he said. "You've got to ask 'How is this housing purchase going to affect our monthly spending?' You have to look at all of your monthly expenditures."
Experts say your total monthly debts, including your mortgage, should not exceed 36 percent of your income before taxes.

You picked the wrong mortgage
These days, many homebuyers are rushing to secure a mortgage as fast as possible without fully exploring their options. That's because sellers often only consider bids from individuals who have been pre-approved for a loan. A word of advice? Pick your financing package with care.
First-time home buyers may qualify for a programs that requires lower down payments and easier qualification limits than standard loans.

You picked the wrong area
Some areas may just be out of your price range, and you'll probably have to search for a location that's affordable for your budget. That doesn't mean you should choose the cheapest locale.
If you don't like the location you'll be unhappy. What's more, you'll probably have a hard time selling your property if the area isn't good. Ask around and read the local papers to know how the area is faring economically, what the major issues are, how many resources it offers.

You didn't know what homes really cost
The best way to determine if you're getting a fair deal is by comparing the cost of the home you're interested in with similar homes in an area. You can do this easily by having your Pasadena Realtor provide you with a CMA (that's short for Comparable Market Analysis). A CMA lists such things as addresses of recently sold homes, prices, date sold, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and -- ideally -- such things as the home's condition, its size and extra features.

You used a bad real estate agent
Don't make buying a home more difficult by choosing the wrong agent. You want a buyer's agent who works for you and understands your needs and financial limitations.
References from friends can help you find a good pro. Interview three, and ask to see their activity lists, which reveal every property the agent sold (or whose clients bought) in the past year. Look at sales prices. Make sure the agent has experience in the area where you want to live and the price range that you're looking for. Find a Pasadena Real Estate Agent.

You never went back to check on the neighborhood
If you're like most homebuyers, you probably spend many weekends looking for a new dwelling. But what happens to the neighborhood on weekdays or after dark? Is the house that's "convenient to town" sitting on a main thoroughfare that fills up with cars come commute time?
The only way to answer these questions is to go back and see what the neighborhood's like at various times of the day and week. Do your neighbors spend weekends with the stereo blaring? You want to know as much about the neighborhood as possible before you buy.

You forgot to consider resale
It's easy when you're house hunting to forget what it's going to be like to sell your home down the road. But as you tour homes, put yourself in the perspective of the sellers. You may be drawn to a home that has quirky features or no closets or just one, tiny bathroom. But others may not be as enthusiastic. When you buy, think about the day it comes time to sell.

You bought the most expensive home on the block
It's wonderful when you find your dream house, but if it's the most expensive home on the block you could have a problem. Quite simply, your neighbors' lower home values will dampen yours. Remember, people who buy a $500,000 home usually want to be surrounded by other $500,000 homes, not tiny $100,000 bungalows.

You didn't do an inspection
Bottom line: you should never buy a home without having it inspected. After all, you don't want to learn that you've bought a house that's filled with termites or has a frazzled electrical system. If you're building a new home, an inspection can ensure that all the work has been finished properly.
Home inspections typically run $300 to $600 and usually include a check of a home's heating and air condition systems, plumbing and electrical works, roof, walls, foundation/structure, drainage, the garage and basement.
What's frequently not covered? Termite, radon, asbestos, mold and lead inspections. Don't rely on inspectors to hire other pros to check for these items, that's part of your responsibility. Most home inspectors will describe what they do and what they don't do.

You forgot about closing costs
Think it's bad to pay tax when you eat out? Wait until you're paying closing costs, which can run 2 to 5 percent of the home's purchase price
A mortgage lender should provide you with a specific estimate of what costs will be. But keep in mind they include such things as origination (points) on a loan, escrow fees, title and homeowners insurance, legal costs, property taxes, fees to record your need deed and notary fees.

Using Scent makes sense when selling your home!

Small actions may make big differences in getting your Pasadena home sold!

"When buyers walk into a house before they actually see anything in that house, because they breathe, they are smelling. So they are actually getting an impression, whether it's conscious or subconscious, of your home ‑‑ just by the way it smells," says Rick Ruffolo, senior vice president of brand, marketing, and innovation for Yankee Candle Company.

Choosing to proactively make a statement in the way your home smells is just another step in helping to sell your home faster.Ruffolo says curb appeal gets buyers in the door but then they see and smell your house and begin to decide if this is the property for them.

So, right now take a deep breath, what kind of smells are coming from your house?

"If it's a vacant home it can be musty. But if it's an active home it also could have odors of whatever activities that are going on in that house," says Ruffolo.


Are home buyers going to smell the dirty dog that has been running all over your home after a long walk? Are they going to smell your gym bag filled with dirty and soiled socks that have been buried in the hamper for the last few weeks? Or how about the cat litter box that needs to be cleaned? While we all have different preferences for scents most would agree that none of the above are welcoming aromas.

Creating pleasant aromas in your newly‑listed house can help the buyer to experience an emotional connection with the home. Ruffolo says when it comes to bathrooms, great rooms, or even basements it's a good idea to try different fragrances. "You may want to think of what we refer to as clean or fresh fragrances and those could be based in various fruits, so the citrus family is a really good one," says Ruffolo. He also mentions that any fragrances that are over powering are good to avoid.

Ruffolo encourages home sellers to use fragrance that appeal to many such as vanilla, kitchen spices, citrus or freshly cleaned laundry. There are many things that can help the scent of your home. From candles to oil diffusers they are both decorative and powerful. Ruffolo says with all the tips out there about selling a home, the scent factor is often the most forgotten.

"If you don't have a scent that you want in there, buyers are going to smell whatever is going on in that room. So if it's been closed up or doesn't have a lot of air flow there will be more of a musty, damp, or a less desirable scent," explains Ruffolo.

All and all it just makes sense to have scent as a part of selling your Pasadena home.

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