WHY TO BUY

Your Pasadena Realtor for Buying or Selling Real Estate
Ramiro Rivas
626-497-4606
Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY PASADENA, CA

Enjoy this tour of our Keller Williams Realty Pasadena office.

Ramiro Rivas
626-497-4606 or Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

SELLING TIPS: BUYER INCENTIVES

The worst thing that can happen when selling a Pasadena home is watching it sit on the market, week after week, month after month, with no one making a purchase offer. Buyers may look at the home but they simply don't come through with a contract. For sellers, every extra month on the market is another wasted mortgage payment they could be making toward a new house.
Why does this happen? Most often, it's because the sellers have priced the home above the market. Reducing the price is usually necessary.

There are other ways to bring Pasadena buyers to the contract table. They're called "incentives," and you can use them to ensure the fast sale of your home by plugging them into your marketing plan at the outset.

I know lots of ways to ensure that you sell your Pasadena home quickly at the right price. Please give me a call or email for a FREE consultation.

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:
Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Homes for Sale
626-497-4606
Email Ramiro

VOTED BEST PASADENA REAL ESTATE BLOG

The Pasadena real estate blog http://www.pasadenahomesandlifestyle.com/ has been nominated by Zillow as one of the top blogs in Pasadena. Voting is fast and easy. Click the link or image below:

Vote: Pasadena Homes And Lifestyle

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:
Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Real Estate
626-497-4606
Email Ramiro!

NEW PASADENA REAL ESTATE WEBSITE

Pasadena Real Estate

A new Pasadena Real Estate and Community website has recently launched 1 week ago. This site is sponsored by Ramiro Rivas & Associates with Keller Williams Realty in Pasadena. The power of this hybrid website utilizes the latest internet technology with a blog format.

At http://www.pasadenahomesandlifestyle.com/ you can search over 50,000 active homes and condos for sale. Find all Pasadena Homes for Sale. There is also a foreclosure page featuring foreclosures throughout Southern California as well as Pasadena Foreclosures and short sale listings.

PASADENA REAL ESTATE: 2009 HOME VALUES

Pasadena Real Estate: Market Update
2009 Home Prices on For Sale vs. Sold

Having pulled the median prices, month-by-month, of the Pasadena Homes that sold and the Pasadena Homes for sale that were active, it shows a slight increase in the home prices through 2009. Luxury listings tend to stay on the Pasadena real estate market longer which is why the average median price of Pasadena Homes for sale on the market is considerably higher than the median price of the homes that sold each month.

Search for: Pasadena Homes for Sale and Pasadena Condos for Sale

RAMIRO@SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM
626-497-4606

KELLER WILLIAMS PASADENA
445 S. FAIR OAKS AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91105

Pasadena Foreclosures; Shadow Inventory

The Pasadena Real Estate Market has been holding steady with home sales going up. What most people don't know is that Pasadena, like many other other cities, is flooded with what is called shadow inventory. What is Shadow Inventory? Shadow Inventory are foreclosure properties not on the MLS (multiple listing service). These properties are comprised of:

• Preforeclosures, homes that have a NOD (Notice of Default) filed
• Auction Scheduled NTS homes
• REO, bank owned homes not on the MLS

Many say that preforeclosed and NTS homes cannot be considered as shadow inventory, because they have not been been foreclosed on. The reality is that most people behind on their mortgage are typically behind due to financial distress. Most banks will not forgive a large debt and most loan modifications are not approved. Hiring a short sale specialist may be helpful to avoid foreclosure, but the chances on a short sale approval is slim.

As a Pasadena resident, I see this Shadow Inventory everywhere. A great way to spot these foreclosed homes is by looking for the following:

• Boarded up windows
• over grown landscaping
• notice of "Do not trespass" typically on the front window(s)

Visit our website to get more info on Pasadena Real Estate for sale and Pasadena Foreclosures

RAMIRO@SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM
626-497-4606

KELLER WILLIAMS PASADENA
445 S. FAIR OAKS AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91105

PASADENA HOME SALES: FOR SALE VS. SOLD

PASADENA REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE
Residential Single Family Homes
With data that we pulled from the Multiple Listing Service, we researched the amount of Pasadena real estate, month-by-month, that have sold and are up for sale in Pasadena from September 2008-November 2009. The statistics show that over the past year the number of homes that actually sell is slowly increasing, meanwhile the amount of inventory that sits on the market has slowly been decreasing. Also increasing is the amount of houses each month that are pending in escrow.

ERICA SWANSON
RIVAS & ASSOCIATES

ERICA@RIVASESTATES.COM
818-257-1054


WWW.RIVASESTATES.COM - WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM

MODERN ALTADENA HOME FOR LEASE; RUBIO HIGHLANDS

Tri-Level Modern for Lease in the Rubio Highlands

Listed at $6,800/Month, Altadena Home

Altadena Homes for Sale. This tri-level contemporary modern located in the Rubio Highlands towers above other homes making it private and perfect for entertaining. The home boasts five bedrooms and seven baths. You will be impressed by the massive living area that features tiled flooring, high ceilings, fireplace, and an expansive outdoor balcony that on a clear day you have views to Catalina Island. Get ready to enjoy fabulous meals in the large gourmet kitchen.
The third level has four master suites. The main master suite has a cozy fireplace and high ceilings. The luxurious master bath is massive in size and you can enjoy a relaxing bath while absorbing the breathtaking views of the city. Off the third level you will find the outdoor oasis with a hip pool with spa and a large bar area to entertain your guests.
Additional features include a pool house, large outdoor covered patio, a two car garage with plenty of storage space, alarm system, and priceless views.

Search for: Pasadena Real Estate and Altadena Real Estate

RAMIRO@RIVASESTATES.COM
626-497-4606

KELLER WILLIAMS PASADENA
445 S. FAIR OAKS AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91105

SOUTH PASADENA REAL ESTATE, AT THE MISSION DISTRICT LOFTS

SOUTH PASADENA REAL ESTATE

1,510 sqft, 2 Full Baths

For Sale at $670,000

Get ready to own South Pasadena’s premiere two-story penthouse loft. Centrally located in the highly sought after Mission District, you will enjoy modern living in one of the best communities in Southern California.

As you enter, you will be captivated by the high ceilings, large industrial windows, and wood floors that run throughout. Endless possibilities are waiting with its open floor plan, making this perfect for entertaining.

Bring out your chef’s hat in the spacious kitchen that features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of cupboard space in the maple cabinetry.

Enter your private sanctuary in the upstairs master bedroom. Large and spacious, this master bedroom features a full bath with slate flooring and breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Aside from this priceless view, enjoy outdoor relaxation in the expansive rooftop balcony.

Additional features include two side-by-side parking spaces, commercial grade double insulated windows, in unit washer/dryer hookups, and two storage units in parking area. All close to the Metro Gold Line Mission/Meridian Station, dining, shopping and entertainment.

Search South Pasadena Condos & Homes

For more information contact:

Ramiro Rivas, Realtor

626-497-4606

ramiro@rivasestates.com

LAKE AT WALNUT: NEW PASADENA CONDOS AND LIVE/WORK FLATS

Located at the Northeast corner of Lake and Walnut, Lake at Walnut is a new condominium complex that offers contemporary flats and town homes located above ground level retail. Lake at Walnut is located at a premium urban location close to Pasadena restaurants, shopping, and a Metro Gold Line station.

The idea behind the Pasadena Real Estate development of Lake @ Walnut was to provide sophisticated and chic city living that mixes urban and contemporary architectural design. The complex has a diverse selection of 9 floorplans, each with designer-selected granite and tile schemes in kitchens and baths, stainless steel appliances, beautiful flooring selections throughout, as well as multimedia outlets in most rooms. Lake @ Walnut building amenities includes a courtyard with lush landscaping, BBQ, fountain and a fireplace. Additional amenities include lobby, clubroom and premier fitness center.

Plan 1 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom: 945-1,045 Sq. Ft.
Plan 2 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms: 1,126-1,245 Sq. Ft.
Plan 3 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms: 1,523-1,767 Sq. Ft.
Plan 4 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms: 1,146-1,248 Sq. Ft.
Plan 5 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms: 1,483 Sq. Ft.
Plan 6 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms: 1,465-1,542 Sq. Ft.
Plan 8 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms: 1,450 Sq. Ft.
Plan 9 1 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms: 1,340 Sq. Ft.
Live/Work 1 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms: 2,133 Sq. Ft.
Live/Work 2 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms: 3,346 Sq. Ft.
*Some floorplans are no longer available.

Search for Pasadena Condos

RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM
ERICA@RIVASESTATES.COM
818-257-1054 DIRECT



KELLER WILLIAMS PASADENA
445 S. FAIR OAKS AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91105

Pasadena Real Estate, Rivas & Associates Moves to Keller Williams

Ramiro Rivas and his team of associates have moved from Coldwell Banker to Pasadena Keller Williams Realty. Although we greatly enjoyed our continued success in selling real estate as Coldwell Banker agents, we are eager to flourish with Keller Williams Realty as our new home.

Pasadena Keller Williams Realty is at the leading-edge of technology solutions for the buying and selling of homes. Ramiro, being a pioneer on new internet marketing technologies, has anchored his web presence for residential real estate.

That being said, with Ramiro’s innovative technology and Keller Williams’ ongoing support to nuances of the internet, Rivas & Associates can now offer the best internet marketing for our buyers and sellers.

Pasadena Real Estate

FABULOUS PASADENA CONDO

SEE THE VIRTUAL TOUR

ASKING PRICE: $429,00

2 BEDROOMS/2 FULL BATHS

156 S OAK KNOLL AVENUE #201, PASADENA

Spectacular end unit condo located in the highly desired area known as the South Lake District. Beautifully renovated, it exhibits elements of sophisticated living at its finest. The open living and dining areas make this perfect for entertaining.


The adjacent kitchen features black galaxy granite countertops, breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy your private retreat in the master bedroom with a full bathroom, two spacious closets, and its large private balcony.

Additional features and amenities include hardwood floors, two large balconies, central air/heat, in unit washer/dryer, two parking spaces, and an internet based security system. All centrally located to South Lake shops and restaurants, Trader Joes, the Playhouse district, Paseo Colorado and entertainment. See more photos of this Fabulous Pasadena Condo for Sale.

THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY VS. THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

A home in North Hollywood with a decorative lighthouse tower in the front yard.

A three-story tower in Pasadena that people live in! This was actually a water tower that was converted into a house by a renowned architect in 1924. It was a foreclosure home that was just recently on the market for sale. The current owner's bought it in February '09 for $320,000.

The 405 Freeway in Van Nuys.

Angeles Crest Highway in La Canada.

A lion statue at a residence in Northridge that needs light to see.

You wouldn't want to be near this statue in the dark. A scuplture in the Chinese Garden at Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, San Marino.

All in good fun. Both are great places to live. Click the logo to search for homes in the SGV AND the SFV:

Pasadena Real Estate Update

Pasadena Real Estate, Market Update on single family residences for the month of February '09.

In February there was:
-91 Pasadena homes came Active on the market
-37 Pasadena homes went Pending into escrow
-39 Pasadena homes Sold/closed excrow

See the latest Pasadena homes for sale

Pasadena Real Estate update data came from i-Tech MLS.

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

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.

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....

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.

New Pasadena Condos

Pasadena has become the most exciting place for night life in the San Gabriel Valley with chic shops, fine restaurants and state of the art movie theatres. Cinema Lofts are the newest development of Pasadena condos located in the heart of the city. The 37 loft condominiums have the benefits of both a residential and urban setting and are located in an elegant tree lined community just blocks from the vibrant urban center of Pasadena, the Paseo Colorado Mall and Old Town Pasadena.

There are several floor plans to choose from and prices begin at $365K. Features include city or mountain views, vaulted ceilings, Caesar stone quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, balcony or patio, gated parking and high tech internet wiring. For more information on Pasadena Real Estate Listings visit the website of Pasadena Real Estate Agent Ramiro Rivas.