Pasadena Real Estate - Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Buying or Selling Your Home in Pasadena!

Greater Pasadena real estate market trends, valuable news about market conditions, including foreclosure information in Pasadena and surrounding cities plus much more.

 

April 29, 2008

Monterey Hills - Huntington Terrace

 

4000 Via Marisol - Huntington Terrace

Huntington Terrace is a condominium complex in Monterey Hills adjacent to South Pasadena.  It consists of 3 stand-alone, 3 story buildings 4000 Via Marisol - 4040 Via Marisol - 4080 Via Marisol.

Huntington Terrace condo units are one level and depending on where the condo is located, you can have someone living above and/or below you. Laundry hook ups are inside each unit as well as coin operated machines on each floor.

Some of the Huntington Terrace condo units have gorgeous city views. The complex is surrounded by beautiful mature trees. All units have balconies or patios. The patios on the first floor can be quite large which can be great for pets or children.

Huntington Terrace was built by J.D. Carley & Associates in 1981 and has four floor plans. A one bedroom condo, two plans of two bedroom condos and a two bedroom plus a den condo.

 

Parking is in a subterranean garage. Usually, 2 spaces have been assigned to each Huntington Terrace homeowner. Some parking spaces are side by side. Others are tandem. There is plenty of guest parking spaces in the complex and easy street parking.

Amenities in this complex include a pool, spa and a recreation room.

 

As of April 28th 2008, there's one condo available for purchase:

4000 Via Marisol #102 2 BRS + DEN 1,495 sq. ft $439,000
       

 

 

 

 

Last year, there was a total of 5 sales in the Huntington Terrace complex ranging from $350,000 to $417,000.

If I can be of any assistance with your Pasadena Real Estate needs, please do not hesitate to email me or call me at (626)629-8439 . Thank you!

Here's a sample of Monterey Hills condos for sale:


READ MORE:  Pasadena real estate update 2012 – see luxury home sales.


Irina is a Top Realtor and the founder and President of Pasadena Views Real Estate Team™. She is available to assist you in all of your Real Estate transactions. Email or call her today at (626)629-8439.

Are you relocating to Pasadena?  If so, take a look at our 365 Things To Do In Pasadena® .  Call us at 626-629-8439 to schedule a time for your free home buyer or home seller consultation!

Posted in Monterey Hills
April 27, 2008

Pasadena Home Sellers - Important Real Estate Agent Interviewing Tip

Earlier today, I had an appointment with a home seller in Pasadena. He had his home listed on the market and in the period of two months had only a few showings. His listing expired and he is now in the process of interviewing to find a Pasadena real estate agent that he can trust to handle the sale and marketing of his home. A very smart move on his part given the diversity of experience in the Pasadena real estate market place.

His previous real estate agent entered his home in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Thats great, right? NO¦ The problem is that his real estate agent added his listing in the wrong MLS. The Multiple Listing Service that provided listings of home in Los Angeles NOT Pasadena.

Pasadena Home Seller Tip:

 

When interviewing your Pasadena real estate agents find out WHICH MLS they are members of and WHICH MLS your home will be listed in.

Your Pasadena Home should be listed in the following MLS services:

  1. ITEC (Pasadena Foothill Association) - covers all Pasadena and surrounding cities - West San Gabriel Valley.
  2. IMRMLS (Arcadia Association of Realtors) - covers all Pasadena, surrounding cities - East San Gabriel Valley)
  3. CLAW MLS - Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles Association of Realtors - covers mainly the West side.
  4. SoCAL MLS (encompasses CRISNET) - San Fernando Valley and Orange County

Remember that the goal of marketing your Pasadena home is to get as many "eye balls" on your lisitng as possible. If your Pasadena home or condo is listed in all four of these Multiple Listing Services, it will have a lot more exposure.

In this sellers case, since his Pasadena home was listed in CLAW, 99% of Pasadena area realtors were not aware that it was for sale. This seller just lost 2 months of active marketing in a down trending market.

Dont make the same mistake. Ask the right questions. After all, you want to hire the best Pasadena Real Estate agent to selli your Pasadena area home.

READ ALSO: Top 10 Pasadena Seller Mistakes

READ ALSO: Pasadena Real Estate Agent Tells All - Sellers Beware

READ ALSO: What Does Your Real Estate Agent Do For You?

Interested in more information about Greater Pasadena Area cities, check out our City Guides below:

Alhambra City Guide

Altadena City Guide

Arcadia City Guide

Eagle Rock City Guide

Monterey Hills City Guide

Pasadena City Guide

San Gabriel City Guide

San Marino City Guide

Sierra Madre City Guide

South Pasadena City Guide

And, if you are interested in fun activities to do, take a look at our 365 Things To Do In Pasadena® page.

Thinking of selling your home? Interested in finding out the current market value of your single family home, condo or investment property? Then call Irina Netchaev at (626) 629-8439 to discuss what is happening in today’s Southern California Real Estate Market.

 

 

April 25, 2008

Lacy Park in San Marino CA - A Hidden Treasure

Lacy Park in San Marino California

Every morning, for the last 2 weeks, I get up at 5:25 am to take my daughter for her cross country practice at Lacy Park. I am not much of a morning person, but I am beginning to look forward to greeting the day in the beauty of this hidden park.

I say hidden because even though Lacy Park is located in San Marino, California, for the most part, only the residents of San Marino truly know about it. Even the residents of Lacy Parks next door neighbors - Pasadena, San Gabriel and Alhambra are sometimes not aware of its existence.

Its located between Virginia and St. Albans, just North is located h of Monterey Road. It occupies 30 acres - thats 30 acres of open green areas with many varieties of trees and shrubs.

Fewer people still know that the open center area of the park used to be a lake - Wilson Lake in 1875. City of San Marino purchased the lake and the land in 1925 and dedicated it as a park.

lacy park rosesIf you enter from the back entrance, off of St. Albans, you will see the Boy Scout huts and the most amazing Rose Abor. Theres also access to the San Marino Tennis Club which in itself has an interesting history. It was started by 3 local Huntington Middle School moms to encourage kids to love the game of tennis.

The main entrance of the park is off of Virginia. It will take you to the two loops that circle the park. The outer loop is about 1 mile in length and the inner loop is about 3/4 of a mile. As my daughter runs her five miles, I get to walk around the outer loop at least 3 to 4 times - not too bad, given I need my exercise. :-)

Theres a really nice playground for kids and picnic tables. During the summer, YMCA and City of San Marino have their youth summer programs which are absolutely fantastic.

The park is open 7 days a week - free Monday through Friday. On weekends, there is a nominal charge for non-residents.

The park is surrounded by stately San Marino homes. The home prices in the area around Lacy Park is considered San Marino hills and has beautiful estates starting at $1.8 million and up.

READ ALSO: What can you buy for $9.3 million in San Marino

If you are ever in the area, please stop on by and visit.

April 25, 2008

Pasadena CA South Lake District - Urban Living at its Best!

One of the trendier areas of Pasadena, CA is unarguable the South Lake Avenue District. Lake Avenue is a beautiful tree-lined street that features 10 blocks of top retailers, smaller boutiques and fantastic restaurants. It is also the heart of Pasadena's financial district.

South Lake Avenue District runs from Colorado Blvd to the North, to California to the South, Hudson Avenue to the West and Mentor Avenue to the East.

The history of South Lake district dates back to 1947 when Bullock's (now Macy's) opened its doors. Prior to that, this was a residential neighborhood with homes lining both sides of the street. "The Store of Tomorrow" as Bullock's was called was designed by a renowned architect Welton Becket. His goal was to create unity both "inside" as well as the "outside" of the building and to achieve an atmosphere of a "home" or an "exclusive country club".

The elegance and prestige of Bullock's opened the door to further development of upscale shops and boutiques, as well as national retailers and restaurants. In the 1950s, South Lake Avenue gained fame as one of Southern California's most exclusive shopping areas. There's a courtyard behind Williams Sonoma that features working London-style phone booths and complement the district's predominately European style.

Today, the stores include Macy's, Border's Books & Music, Williams Sonoma, Ann Taylor, Talbot's, Anthropologie, Gymboree, Abercrombie Bartholomew to name just a few. Trader Joe's (which is a necessity for me!), numerous electronics & music stores and fabulous restaurants make this area a pleasure to visit.

The financial district began developing in the early 1960s and continued its growth through the 70s and 80s. This brought many professionals and the thirty something crowd. Streets are full of people and the sidewalk cafe and bakeries like Wheatberry's are thriving.

By the way, if you haven't been to Wheatberry's, you absolutely have to give them a try. The pastries are delicious and their croissants are better than the ones I had in Paris last year. They serve breakfast, lunch and an assortment of baked goods and cakes. UPDATE - September 2008: Drove by Wheatberry's and saw that they're out of business.

Pasadena's Visitors and Convention Bureau, as well as www.SouthLakeAvenue.com have additional historical information about South Lake Avenue if you are interested.

Interested in more information about Greater Pasadena Area cities, check out our City Guides below:

Alhambra City Guide

Altadena City Guide

Arcadia City Guide

Eagle Rock City Guide

Monterey Hills City Guide

Pasadena City Guide

San Gabriel City Guide

San Marino City Guide

Sierra Madre City Guide

South Pasadena City Guide

And, if you are interested in fun activities to do, take a look at our 365 Things To Do In Pasadena® page.

Thinking of selling your home? Interested in finding out the current market value of your single family home, condo or investment property? Then call Irina Netchaev at (626) 629-8439 to discuss what is happening in today’s Southern California Real Estate Market.

Posted in Pasadena
April 24, 2008

Moving into a Pasadena California home? Pasadena Occupancy Inspection is Required.

Do you have a rental property in Pasadena, CA where the tenant moved out and youre getting to ready to lease it again?

Are you in the process of selling your home or condo?

Maybe, you are a Pasadena home buyer or renter getting ready to move into your new Pasadena home.

If so, did you know that prior to moving in, you have to comply with the city ordinance requiring an occupancy inspection?

Standardly, its common practice in Pasadena, California, the seller or the landlord will file an application with the city to order an inspection and will pay the necessary fees.

 

Here's what the City of Pasadena says:

Occupancy Inspection Program

The Occupancy Inspection Program is designed to ensure the quality and maintenance of the Citys single family homes, duplexes, and condominiums. This is achieved by conducting inspections of these dwelling units at the time of sale or change of occupancy. If, at the time of inspection, a dwelling unit is found to be in violation of the Housing Code, the property owner is notified of the violations and given a reasonable time to correct them. Upon correction of the violations, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued and remains valid until the dwelling unit is again sold or rented.

Typical items checked during an Occupancy Inspection include the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, structural hazards, and other health and safety items. In addition, Zoning concerns such as illegal building additions and the conversion of garages, attics, and basements to dwelling spaces are also checked.

The Occupancy Inspection Program is administered by the Code Compliance Section of the Planning and Development Department, located in the Pasadena Permit Center at 175 N. Garfield Ave.

Application and fee schedule are available at:

Permit Center
Hale Building, 175 N. Garfield Avenue
1st Floor, Window #1

For further information, please call (626) 744-4633

Posted in Buyers, Pasadena, Sellers
April 23, 2008

Pasadena Homeowners - Get Your Property Values Reassesed by LA County Assessor

If you are a homeowner in Pasadena or any of the Los Angeles County areas and your home value has declined, this article is for you.

Carol Wong Quan - AssessorToday, I had an opportunity to meet with and interview Carol Wong Quan. Carol is a Special Assistant with Los Angeles County Assessors office. She was excited about the proactive approach that the Assessor is taking in re-evaluating single family homes and condos for a possible Decline-In-Value reassessment.

If your home was purchased between July 1,2004 and June 30,2007, you do not need to do anything. The assessors office is actively reviewing 316,000 parcels to see if your property taxes need to be lowered due to value decline. Over 152,000 homes in the Los Angeles County have been reviewed already and close to 72,000 home owners will get the happy news of lower property taxes.

Pasadena homeowners will be notified by the end of June with the assessment results.

If you purchased your Pasadena home before July 1st 2004 or after June 30th 2007 and believe that the value of your home has declined, you can still submit a ˜Decline-In-Value Reassessment Application (Prop.8). This form can be downloaded from the assessors website at www.assessor.lacounty.gov

The deadline for submission of these applications is December 31, 2008.

You can also call 213.974.3211 or 888.807.2111 for assistance.

READ MORE: Proposition 8 and how it affects Pasadena homeowners

READ MORE: Over 55? Save Thousands of $s on Property Taxes

Interested in more information about Greater Pasadena Area cities, check out our City Guides below:

Alhambra City Guide

Altadena City Guide

Arcadia City Guide

Eagle Rock City Guide

Monterey Hills City Guide

Pasadena City Guide

San Gabriel City Guide

San Marino City Guide

Sierra Madre City Guide

South Pasadena City Guide

And, if you are interested in fun activities to do, take a look at our 365 Things To Do In Pasadena® page.

Thinking of selling your home? Interested in finding out the current market value of your single family home, condo or investment property? Then call Irina Netchaev at (626) 629-8439 to discuss what is happening in today’s Southern California Real Estate Market.

April 22, 2008

Pasadena Home Owners and Proposition 8 helps you SAVE $s on Property Taxes

As were seeing decline in real estate values, Proposition 8 helps Pasadena homeowners save on real estate property taxes.

What is Proposition 8?

In 1978, California voters passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that allows a temporary reduction in assessed value when a property suffers a ˜decline-in-value. A decline-in-value occurs when the current market value of your property is less than the current assessed value as of January 1.

How do you become eligible?

  1. You must demonstrate that on January 1, the market value of your home was less than its current assessed value. Ask your Pasadena Real Estate Agent to provide you with 2 comparable sales as close to January 1 as possible that will demonstrate the decline in the value of your home.
  2. You must file a claim for for a Decline-in-Value Reassessment Application (Prop 8) with the Assessor between January 1 and December 31 for the fiscal year beginning on July 1.

Other information:

  • All real property qualifies for reassessment - not just single family residences.
  • A comparable sale is considered a property sold with features that are similar to your property. A property similar in location, zoning, size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, age, quality and condition that is sold in the open market.
  • A good place to find comparable sales information is to ask your Real Estate agent.
  • Assessors website is www.assessor.lacounty.gov

READ MORE: Pasadena Owners - Get Your Property Values Reassessed

READ MORE: Over 55? Save Thousands of $s on Property Taxes

 

UPDATE: One of my clients, Jim Bone wanted to share some additional points on Proposition 8. Jim was on the Orange County property tax Assessment Appeals Board for 13 years and his specialty is California Property Tax. A huge big thank you to Jim for the below update!

? Good data is critical in getting your reassessment request approved. The law limits comparable sales to transactions that closed no more than 90 days after the lien date. Make sure that the comparable sales are not past March 31st!

? The Assessor Form RP-87 provides easy to understand instructions and can be found by following this link - http://assessor.lacounty.gov/extranet/guides/prop8.aspx

? If the homeowners file the requests by completing the above form within the next couple of months, its possible the Assessor will enroll the lower value the first time. If the homeowner waits until later, then the Assessor will issue a higher assessment, the homeowner will have to pay the higher taxes, and wait to get a reduction in their second half bill (assuming you get a reduction - request approved).

? The Assessor recommends that all homeowners that have not received reductions by October 1st file assessment appeals to protect their rights. Assessment appeals must be filed no later than November 30th, or 60 days from the receipt of a Notice of Supplemental Assessment for recent acquisitions.

? Homeowners will not know what the assessed value of their home is for 2008 until they receive their tax bills in October, or a response to a Prop. 8 review request. If youve owned the house a year, you can estimate the new value at 2% more than the 2007 value.

And - most importantly if you need to appeal the assessment decision, you must do so by November 30th.

Interested in more information about Greater Pasadena Area cities, check out our City Guides below:

Alhambra City Guide

Altadena City Guide

Arcadia City Guide

Eagle Rock City Guide

Monterey Hills City Guide

Pasadena City Guide

San Gabriel City Guide

San Marino City Guide

Sierra Madre City Guide

South Pasadena City Guide

And, if you are interested in fun activities to do, take a look at our 365 Things To Do In Pasadena® page.

Thinking of selling your home? Interested in finding out the current market value of your single family home, condo or investment property? Then call Irina Netchaev at (626) 629-8439 to discuss what is happening in today’s Southern California Real Estate Market.

 

 

April 21, 2008

Advice Your Pasadena Real Estate Agent is NOT Giving You

What your Pasadena Real Estate CA agent wants you to know

- but doesnt always tell youlock and key

? DO run your credit report 2 to 3 months prior to beginning your Pasadena home search

WHY? This will allow you and your real estate agent to review your report for any negative items that could be affecting your FICO score. Improving your FICO scores by addressing these items will improve your chances of getting a better interest rate on your mortgage.

? DO NOT ask sellers for price reductions. DO ask for seller cash concessions.

WHY? Most lenders will allow up to 6% in seller concessions given to the buyer. These cash concessions can be used to temporarily or permanently buy down the interest rate on the buyers loan and/or pay for some of the closing costs.

Seller concessions make it easier for buyers to qualify for a loan.

Seller concessions help buyers purchase their Pasadena home with less money down.

Seller concessions allow buyers to afford more house.

Seller concessions help buyers with lowering their monthly payments.

Seller concessions help sellers sell their home faster.

? DO buy down your own mortgage interest rate when possible.

WHY? This allows buyers to take advantage of a lower monthly payment permanently for the life of the loan. The amount that the bank charges for the buy-down is considered pre-paid interest in the year paid and can be deducted when you file your income taxes.

? DO investigate buying a Short Sale property.

WHY? There are a lot of Short Sales coming up on the Pasadena real estate market. You can potentially purchase a home at a much better price with some built-in equity.

READ MORE: Pasadena Real Estate Agents and Short Sales

? DO see if you qualify for a VA loan.

WHY? VA program for owner-occupied housing is one of the best loan programs available. It is possible for veterans to obtain 100% loans and allow sellers to pay for all closing costs. Almost 40% of US adult population are veterans or are married to ones.

April 21, 2008

San Rafael Hills in Pasadena is going Green!

Pasadena's first ECO HOUSE is coming to the hills - San Rafael Hills that is - near you!

Architecural Record reports that this home will be three-bedroom, single-level home encompassing 1,975 square feet will sit on an upper terrace of the lot, with a two-car garage under the house at street level. Grid-tied solar panels will supply power for the house. The SCIP design allows for a cantilevered roof with no visual supports, creating an uninterrupted view and indoor-outdoor living. The front facade, made of a glass door system that can slide into interior pockets of the living area, fully opens. Inside, LED lights illuminate the house and complete the projects commitment to low-energy use.

This will be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Environmental Design) home in the country and we are so excited to have it be built in Pasadena CA. I cant wait to see if this home will start a new movement of eco friendly homes!

Ground breaking is next month - May 2008! For more information, please visit www.thePasadenaEcoHouse.com

READ MORE:  Pasadena City Guide

See San Rafael homes for sale below by clicking on the home search below.

 

READ MORE:  Pasadena real estate update 2012 – see luxury home sales.


Irina is a Top Realtor and the founder and President of Pasadena Views Real Estate Team™. She is available to assist you in all of your Real Estate transactions. Email or call her today at (626)629-8439.

 

April 20, 2008

Old Town Pasadena Restaurant Row - Great Places to Eat in Pasadena

Restaurant Row is located in Old Pasadena on Raymond Avenue (between Union & Holly) just off of Colorado Boulevard. Its steps from the new Metro Gold Line station, Pasadena's Senior Center, Norton Simon Museum and Memorial Park.

Pasadena's Restaurant Row offers an eclectic mix of dining venues ranging from neighborhood cafes to some of the highest Zagat-rated (and of course, Yelp-rated) gourmet restaurants in Southern California.

Nearby movie theaters, bookstores and trendy designer shops makes this an easy walking destination with plenty to occupy an afternoon or evening visit.

There's plenty of parking - both valet and public - making it a convenient stop.

Restaurants:

54 Holly Street Cafe known for its hearty portions of homestyle cooking such as pancakes, omelets and burgers. Open daily. Cash only. 54 E. Holly Street 626.792.0506

Cafe Bizou is a French bistro rated by Zagat as the ˜most popular restaurant in LA 2001-2005. Ive really enjoyed dinner there. Its truly an elegant and fun restaurant to go to. 91 N. Raymond Avenue 626.792.9923

Chado Tearoom features a huge selection of teas from around the world with tasty scones, finger sandwishes and salads. I had an afternoon tea with a friend of mine and enjoyed every minute of it! This is a great place to schedule your special occasions with the women you love! 79 N. Raymond Avenue 626.431.2832

Shaab is an authentic Japanese restaurant offering fresh sushi and traditional Japanese Cuisine. 77 N. Raymond Avenue 626.683.1150

Xiomara combines French technique with tastes from Cuba and other parts of teh New Wrold. Among the highest rated Latin restaurants in Southern California. 69 N. Raymond Avenue 626.796.2520

Yujean Kangs has the most delicious and unique Chinese food. I enjoyed every bite of it. It has earned the highest rating of any Chinese restaurant in the 2005 Zagat guide. It puts a new spin on Chinese food. You just have to try it. 67 N. Raymond Avenue 626.585.0855

Vive provides a sensual dining experience that engages the senses. It features a a Latin Asian Lounge and Bar. 61 N. Raymond Avenue www.vivelounge.com

Cafe Atlantic is a traditional Cuban cuisine restaurant with a great atmosphere and reasonable prices. Cafe Atlantics authentic Cuban cuisine has earned teh praise of Zagat, LA Weekly and the LA Times. 53 E Union Street 626.796.7350

For more restaurants, museums and activities to do in Pasadena, please visit our 365 Things To Do In Pasadena® site!