Ellie's Blog

New Listings in Altadena from July 8 through July 15

2008-07-25T19:59:02Z

Altadena Listings - New Listings from July 8 through July 15, 2008

Address	Bed, Bath	Price	SQ. FT.	Year Built
2792 N.Winsor	2bd, 2 ba	$499,000	1280	1947
689 E. Woodbury	3bd, 2 ba	$589,000	1666	1923
613 Alameda	3bd, 3 ba	$589,000	1539	1950
1838 Vistillas	3bd, 2 ba	$735,000	1711	1926
3004 Marengo	4bd, 3 ba	$749,000	2406	1923
2073 Santa Rosa	3bd, 3 ba	$759,000	1920	1919
3078 Maiden Ln	3bd, 3 ba	$899,000	2178	1953
712 Millard Cnyn	5bd, 4 ba	$1,239,000	3881	1998
2391 Santa Rosa	4bd, 4 ba	$1,495,000	3373	1922
1930 Mendocino	4bd, 5 ba	$2,700,000	4689	1946

High Price: $2,700,000
Low Price: $499,000
Median Price: $754,000

*Listing information courtesy of Itech MLS

Pasadena Open House July 27, Sunday, from 2-5PM

2008-07-24T16:16:35Z

This craftsman is situated on a large lot, a tree-lined street within the desired Cal Tech area of Pasadena.

The home has been remodeled, keeping many of its original character and details.

There are HW floors, buit-ins, granite counter tiops, fireplace, and more. The garage has been converted. This is a forclosure, and a chance for you to move into a craftman home in one of the sought after neighborhood. Come check it out on Sunday. Ellie will greet you has your host.

Price $659.900 MLS# 22113301
3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom

*picture and listing information courtesy of Itech MLS and listing agent Max Pellegrini

Keep Our Planet, Our Community Healthy and Clean

2008-07-22T17:52:28Z

Keep our planet healthy and clean so we can enjoy all the wonderful things that nature gives us.

Do you know about the Hazardous Household Waste Collection Event? Los Angeles County can help keep your community, my Altadena community clean.

The county sponsors Household Hazardous Waste/E-Waste Collection Event where residents can drop off their waste such as electronic waste, lawn product, paint, auto fluids, batteries, beauty products (hairspray), household cleaner, and electronic equipment (computer/monitor).

The event is scheduled in many areas of the county and it's FREE. So, take your waste where it can be collected; let's prevent from damaging our environment.

For more info on HHW/E-Waste (Household Hazardous Waste/E-Waste) upcoming events and collection centers, please contact (888) CLEAN-LA or visit http://www.888cleanla.com/.

Sunday Open House - 855 Morada Place, Altadena from 2-4PM, July 20

2008-07-19T17:53:01Z

Open House from 2-4PM at 855 Morada Place, Altadena July 20 Sunday.

This is a beautiful home in Altadena with exceptional landscaping, great curb appeal, stylish/well-maintained rooms, charming dining room, fireplace in living room, ceiling fan, french door, a fabulous relaxing deck in the backyard, spacious kitchen, central air/heat and so much more. Must see to really appreciate this home. Come by to see this home on Sunday.

List price $579,000
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
1157 sq. ft. (Assessor's record)
mls#22112574

*Listing information/photo courtesy of Itech MLS and Dilbeck Realtors, Virginal Swope, Listing Agent.

FREE CONCERT IN ALTADENA - 12TH ANNUAL 2008 SUMMER CONCERT

2008-07-18T20:05:19Z

Just a reminder for music lovers, don't miss the FREE, yes, free summer concert in the park.

Concerts are conducted on Saturdays from 7:00PM.

Farnsworth Park in Altadena brings the 12^th Annual 2008 Summer Concert.

Venue located at 568 East Mt. Curve Ave.

Here are the schedules and the performers:

July 26 Those Manning Boys (Irish Song and Dance)
Aug 9 Louis Van Taylor Quintet (Jazz)
Aug 16 Benson Brown and The Robert Polk Ensemble
Aug 30 Munyungo (High Energy Latin Jazz)

Grand Finale -September 13, 2008 is the finale of the summer concert.

Rick Alviti - In Tribute to Elvis Presley, presented by Stage Door Music Productions & SSGA

For more info: http://www.altadenasherifffs.blogspot.com

Come Out and Enjoy The Fun In Altadena. The nights are beautiful in "Beautiful Altadena!"

Fabulous Pasadena Townhome Style Condo

2008-07-10T13:12:12Z

484 E. California Blvd. Unit 10, Pasadena, CA (MLS #22110010)

Offered at $525,000

2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

This is a property your buyers will say "I LIKEE."

Spacious tri-level townhome in award winning complex in Madison Heights. Entry has an atrium skylight, the living room opens to a balcony overlooking the San Gabriel mountains, the kitchen has been remodeled with honey maple cabinets, new appliances and Corian counter tops.

Upstairs is a large suite overlooking the mountains with upgraded bath and large closets, the second bedroom is sunny and includes a separate entrance. Den at bottom floor has a closet and half bath and could easily be converted to a third bedroom. New flooring, custom paint, Roman shades and new A/C completes this very nice home.

*Property listing courtesy of Olga Neckelmann, Listing Agent, Coldwell Banker South Lake

Music and Dancing In Pasadena

2008-07-10T12:07:45Z

Do you love to dance? Then go to Paseo Colorado on Friday nights and join Dancing Under the Stars - Swinging Summer.

Every Friday until end of August, you can enjoy music and learn to dance. Free dance lessons provided by the Pasadena Ballroom Association.

Paseo Colorado is at 280 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena.

Shop, Eat, Listen to Music and Dance. Pasadena is Happening in the Summer!

ALL THAT JAZZ - Jazz Night In Pasadena

2008-07-10T11:44:27Z

The Pasadena Foothill Association of Realtors will be hosting its Third Annual Jazz Night at the Paseo Colorado.

July 23, 2008 WEDNESDAY

Location: Pasadena Jazz Institute (260 East Colorado Blvd. Suite 206, Pasadena)

Time: Doors will open at 6:00PM and music will begin at 7:00PM - 10:00PM.

Join the music and fun on July 23, Wednesday for live jazz, food, and raffles. All of the proceeds would go to support local charities and scholarships. Food provided by Paseo Cantina with a no-host bar.

Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased through the Pasadena Foothill Association of Realtors at (626) 795-2455. (1070 E. Green St. Suite 100, Pasadena)

JULY 2008 - Altadena Market Active Listing Report

2008-07-07T16:34:29Z

July 7, 2008 - There are over 135 active listings (single family homes attached/detached) in the Altadena community.

There are many houses in different price range, size, and style to suit every buyers' needs.

Price range	#of Listings	Median Price
$200,000 - $299,999	7	299,000
$300,000 - $399,999	21	365,000
$400,000 - $499,999	27	462,000
$500,000 - $599,999	26	568,500
$600,000 - $699,999	10	647,000
$700,000 - $799,999	12	769,000
$800,000 - $899,999	9	849,000
$900,000 - $999,999	2	975,000
$1,000,000 & above	25	1,390,000

*information courtesy of Itech MLS/PFAR

From Altadena to the Beach - Take the Summer Beach Bus

2008-07-07T15:39:45Z

Altadena has this great way of getting you from the mountains to the beach.

Did you know that you can leave your car behind and head to the beach from Altadena to Santa Monica Beach? How? Take the Summer Beach Bus.

Save gas, ride in comfort, relax and leave the driving to the Summer Beach Bus. The bus arrives to Santa Monica Beach around 11AM depending on the traffic and departs from Santa Monica Beach at 3PM. For more info on the bus ride, go to www.LaGoBus.Info(click to recreational transit svc) or call (888) 796-1122.

BEACH BUS STOP LOCATIONS

Lincoln/ Ventura

Loma Alta (front of Loma Alta Park)

Mariposa/Santa Rosa

Altadena/Maiden Lane

New York/Allen

Altadena/ New York

*Information courtesy of Altadena Connection 2008

Altadena New Listings Last 7 Days (listed 7/1 -7/7/08)

2008-07-07T15:01:14Z

Altadena, CA homes are listing and selling. There were 38 new listings (including some re-list) arriving into the market the month of June 2008.

There were total of 31 homes that closed escrow in June 2008.

Here are new listing as of July 1 - July 7, 2008.

Price	Address	BED, BATH	SQFT	MLS#
$300,000	2516 Olive Ave	2BD, 2BA	1141	22112541
$379,000	538 Figueroa Dr	3BD, 1BA	1432	12112217
$569,000	2695 Maiden Ln	3BD, 2BA	1414	22112693
$579,000	855 Morada Pl	3BD, 2BA	1157	22112574
$719,000	2542 Tanoble Dr	2BD, 1BA	1231	22112426

*Information courtesy of Itech MLS, single homes attached/detached.

Altadena New Listing June 1 - June 14, 2008

2008-06-16T14:26:55Z

Here are list of New Listing in Altadena, CA from June 1 through June 14.

782 Neldome St. 3bd, 1ba $395,000

487 Alberta St. 2bd, 1ba $430,000

428 W. Pentagon 4bd, 2ba $439,000

2846 Casistas Ave. 3bd, 2 ba $489,000

3269 Olive Ave. 3bd, 2ba $539,000

373 E. Las Flores Dr. 2bd, 1ba $558,000

498 Concha St. 2bd, 2ba $568,000

253 W. Palm St. 3bd, 1ba $599,900

1780 La Paz Rd. 3bd, 2bd $745,000

980 Alta Vista Dr. 3bd, 3ba $745,000

835 E. Woodbury Rd 6bd, 4ba $1,199,000

*information from ITECH MLS

Altadena Charming Cottages - Two New Listings This Week

2008-06-12T17:52:21Z

On the broker's open house/caravan today, I looked at number of homes in Altadena, CA. I came across two charming, character home. One is a great Historic Janes Cottage on Palm Street, Altadena. The other home is a 1927 cottage with many charming features.

253 West Palm, Altadena, CA is located in the heart of Historic Janes Village. This home is superb move-in condition. It has been restored and updated nicely keeping its original features. There are plaster arches, great fireplace, coved ceiling. Front yard is professionally landscaped with koi pond and waterfall. This home has three bedrooms.

373 East Las Flores, Altadena, CA is located near the San Gabriel Mountains high in the foothills. It has a remodeld kitchen, french doors, quaint patio area, and rose garden. The garage has been converted into a spacious entertainment area. It can be used for an office, playroom, great room. This home has 3 bedrooms.

Too Many Emails – Simple Steps to Manage Them

2008-06-11T15:33:22Z

I get a lot of e-mails, but not as much as my husband who deals with over 1300 e-mails on a regular basis. For those that need managing, here are few simple steps I learned from the Realtor Magazine.

Filter

Stop Spam. Most programs have a built in filter to send junk e-mail or spam to a special folder. You can trash it completely too. Other filers are available so look for them.

Train Your Filter. Bulk e-mail find its way around to your filter so you need to train the filter to recognize junk e-mail. If junk gets into your e-mail, tag it as a spam and the filter will learn and start separating them.

Manage

Channel. Multiple email accounts can be channeled into one program so you can check all the accounts from one location. Save time with this.

Clients only. Have special e-mail accounts for clients only. This will make it easier to respond during the search, sales and escrow process.

Separate. Keep home and work account apart. Don't overload your work account with personal messages.

Prioritize

Use Folders. Sort e-mails into folders that can organize and prioritize. Have folder for each clients. Keep a max of 20 messaged in your Inbox.

Use Flags. Put flag on e-mail message for follow up reminder.

Cell Mail. Use e-mail filters to send urgent messages to your cell phone as e-mail or text depending you your phone. Your message will get to your phone quicker than getting back to your computer.

Tips: Use a fax to e-mail. Set up a free account and see if it works for you. Learn more about your e-mail program. Free email programs (yahoo, google) have enhanced e-mail management features.

Altadena Best Kept Secret - Little Red Hen Coffee Shop

2008-06-07T13:40:52Z

THE LITTLE RED HEN COFFEE SHOP

This coffee shop is a landmark in Altadena, located on Fair Oaks Avenue.

Altadena has a lot of new and old, and this old is worth checking out.

Currently owned and operated by Mr. Lonzia Shay, the coffee shop fills up with both young and old to get a taste of Mr. Shay's original and specialty plates.

According to Mr. Shay, the restaurant was purchased by Mr. Shay some 25 years ago, and he has been the prominent figure in continuing to cook up his daily specials.

When you walk into the coffee shop, you are taken years back of the image of local diner, with stools and counter. Décor is definitely homey with menu specials on the walls. The bright red table cloth covering the tables adds a definite charm, comfort and warmth. This place is downright "wholesome." Isn't this where the local residents want to eat and chat, catch up with what is happening in wonderful "Beautiful Altadena?"

The Little RED HEN Coffee Shop

2697 Fair Oaks Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001 Tel: (626) 791-1614

Mr. Shay with his RED apron ready to cook up a meal.

Diana has been working at the coffess shop for 7 years.

Charming and Cozy.

One Reason To Buy A Home Today - Mortgage Rate

2008-06-06T16:17:50Z

You can not time the bottom. Well, we wish we could. Resist the urge to hang in and wait. Why...

Mortgage Rates are Low - And may not be for next year. According to economists and industry executives, rates are expected to rise from current 6% to 6.50% by December and around 7% in mid 2009.

Here is a an example of what the bottom line can look like you if buy today vs next year with 5% drop in value.

Buy Today VS Buy in 1 Yr

Price $600,000 $570,000

Loan $480,000 $456,000

Rate 6.00% 7.00%

Payment $2,878 $3,034

You could realize a saving of $156.00 per month.

There are large amount of homes for sale. Inventory is high and you have choices now where in the past, you did not have the chance to even think and make decisions when a house came up for sale. Sellers are much more willing to negotiate now. Once the market turns, seller will be less open to giving incentives. SO MAKE THE MOVE!

*Info courtesy of Metro Arroyo Mortgage.

June is National Adopt A Cat Month

2008-06-04T15:11:43Z

I love cats. I have cat pictures, coffee cup, t-shirt, handbag, make up case - you name it, I have it.

The other day, I received a June Calendar from one of the title rep and learned that June is National Adopt A Cat Month. Well, you all know, we have so many pets at our shelters waiting to be adopted. And it has been proved that having a pet, especially a kittie cat helps you to be more healthy and happy.

I have a 14 year old short hair cat name Percy. We adopted Percy from Pet Co. when they were doing an adoption day. I could not take the cat home that day, as the adoption agency (for the cat) had to make sure my husband and I was a qualified parent.

We got Percy to our house after 1 week or so after the initial meeting. We then adopted another cat, Kansai; he passes away last October. Percy and Kansai were great buddies, and watching them together was a treat. It made me happy.

So, if you are a pet owner, cherish them and if you ever thought about owning a pet, go out to the local humane society and check it out.

HERE IS PERCY AND HIS TOYS.

Los Angeles County - Property tax savings due to decline in value

2008-06-03T17:05:43Z

Your property tax may go down due to the value review of Los Angeles County Homes.

Los Angeles Country Assessor Rick Auerbach announced that a decline in value review of homes in LA County was completed. Because of the decline in the real estate market, review was done to assure properly accessed home values.

Auerbach noted that a review of homes and condos bought between July 1, 2004 and from June 30, 2007 were made based on the market trends in LA County. According to the news release from the assessor office, the review included 318,000 homes and condos, and lower assessment on 128,000 homes and condos will reflect on tax bill for October.

The average reduction in assessed value is about $73,000 providing an average property tax saving of $750. Auerbach said that the review would eliminate many taxpayers to make formal appeal process. If owners still disagree with the value, they can file an appeal. The deadline for appeal is November 30.

Owners who made home purchase outside of the time period for the review (July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2007) and believe their home value is assessed above the actual value as of January 1, 2008, can file a one page Decline-in Value application, which can be downloaded at http://assessor.lacounty.gov.

Homeowners should be aware that there are private companies that are offering service to check reduction in property taxes. Companies of this nature can charge hundreds of dollars. Auerbach say that solicitation may not be illegal. Owners should be aware that a review of their home may have already been done and value reduced. Plus, according to Auerbach, the Decline-In-Value form is easy to complete.

This information was provided from press news release (for immediate release), dated May 27, 2008, Rick Auerbach LA County Assessor. Contact: Robert Knowles (213) 974-3101

Pasadena is now blooming with Jacaranda

2008-05-30T17:44:15Z

Jacarada is everywhere in City of Pasadena.

Driving down streets of Pasadena, like Del Mar Blvd., and navigating through the residential neighborhood, you cannot take your eyes off the beautiful Jacaranda.

I want to share the great photgraphs of this tree with beautiful blue/purple flowers; a sub-tropical tree native to South America.

Homes below $350,000 in Pasadena and Altadena

2008-05-30T17:34:45Z

I am seeing several homes under/at $350,000 in Pasadena and Altadena.

Pasadena - There are 11 condo/townhomes

Lowest price - $225,000 736 N. Garfield #104 (2bd, 2ba)

Highest price - $349,000 592 N. Mar Vista #2 (2bd, 2ba)

Pasadena - There are 27 single family homes

Lowest price - $275,000 168 Grandview St. (2bd, 2ba)

Highest price - $350,000 329 Stanton Ave. (3bd, 1ba)

Altadena - There are 2 condo/townhomes

$ 284,900 2104 Raymond #10 (2bd, 2ba)

$295,000 840 E. Mendocino #A6 (2bd,2ba)

Altadena - There are 11 single family homes

Lowest price - $284,900 617 Devirian Place (2bd, 1ba) *worth checking out, large lot

Highest price - $349,900 2350 Olive Ave. (3bd, 2ba)

Banked owned or short sales are some of the lower priced homes coming up in the market.

*information provided from Itech MLS/ PFAR

Pasadena 1922 Bungalow - Price Under $500,000

2008-05-23T16:51:13Z

What a cute bungalow in Pasadena!

Where? What Street?

Broker Open House, May 22 - I came across a great entry level home in Pasadena, CA.

65 N. San Marino Avenue, Pasadena, CA.

This is a charming bungalow home built in 1922. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom (full), living with fireplace, a bright kitchen. Hardwood floors, crown molding, built-in cabinetry are few of the period details adding value to this home. San Marino Avenue is a wonderful tree-lined street. Nice size fence backyard with matured trees. Priced at $475,000.

Property Information: 915 sq. ft. home, 5980 sq. ft. lot (this is from assessor record)

Are you ready to move to Pasadena?

Listed by Coldwell Banker South Lake Office

Great Price - Charming Spanish Style Home In Altadena

2008-05-23T16:36:07Z

Where can you find a great Spanish -Style home in Altadena for under $450,000?

3059 Glenrose Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001

Broker's Caravan May 22 - I came across a charming Spanish-Style home and what a great value!

This home is located on a large lot near the foothills of Altadena. Built in 1928, it has been maintained very well. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, den, formal dining room, breakfast area, central air and heat. The wood floors and coved ceilings bring out the charm to this property. Ready to Move In.

Property info: 1150 sq. ft. home size, 7821 sq. ft. lot size (information from assessor record).

Priced at $429,500. WOW, WOW, WOW.

Listed by Coldwell Banker South Lake Office

Definitely, It Was A Santa Monica Beach Weather

2008-05-19T17:22:36Z

On SAT, weather was going to be HOT in the valley area. I was scheduled for a workshop that morning. From Pasadena to Santa Monica, I noticed the traffic was heavier than the usual weekend morning traffic. Where are they headed to? Of course, To The Beach. The weather in the valley was hitting 90 degrees plus, some triple digits.

Arriving to Santa Monica, the weather was a comfortable 70's with mild breeze. Just The Perfect Weather. I live by the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains and love it; however, the beach is hard to compete. And Santa Monica offers so much.

The Pier - There is a Pacific Park where you can ride bumper cars, live circus show by volunteers, aquarium, shops, and more.

The Farmer's Market - One of the acclaimed farmer's markets in the WEST. Check out the fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, bread, cheese, and you may see famous chef's doing their buying here too.

Parks - Santa Monica offers seven local parks which you can enjoy.

Shopping - You have the downtown Santa Monica and 3^rd St. Promenade to shop and enjoy the restaurant scene.

Next time when the heat gets to you, jump in your car and head down to the beach!

*photo-by freefoto.com

Pasadena events - Preservation, History, Architecture and Cultural Experience

2008-05-17T16:56:41Z

There are several events that take place in Pasadena, the Rose City, throughout the year. Following are events worth checking out to learn about preserving our city's history and architecture.

May 18, 2008 "Preservation Month - Pasadena Japonisme"

A docent guided tour to discover influence of Japanese architecture and design on homes. The tour will visit the oldest true Meiji garden in California, the Storrier Stearns Garden, and Tadashi Shoji Residence.

July 19, 2008 "Celebration of the Colorado Bridge"

Join to celebrate the preservation of the famous bridge. There will be music, dancing, children's activities, food and drinks on the bridge.

October 17-19, 2008 "17^th Annual Craftsman Weekend"

This is an opportunity to learn about the Craftsman-era homes, exhibits by antique dealers, and lectures by the Craftsman Movement experts.

August 2, November 1, 2008 "Old Pasadena Walking Tour"

Tour of the Old Pasadena historic sites. The Old Town Pasadena known for its historic buildings is a fine and true example of a downtown revitalization.

The tours are coordinated and presented by the Pasadena Heritage which is the oldest preservation grouping Southern California with over 2000 members. Learn and find out more about the organization to participate in keeping the Pasadena cultural resources alive.

Altadena Real Estate - New Listing Info 5/1/08 - 5/14/08

2008-05-16T18:18:43Z

There were 20 new single family attached/detached home listings in Altadena the first 2 weeks of the month of May.

The lowest priced home is 2800 Tola, 2bd 1ba, 753 sq. ft. $254,900

The highest priced home is 1155 Dolores, 4bd 6ba, 4264 sq. ft. $2,600,000

8 out of the 20 homes have cummulative days showing previously listed.

3 out of the 20 homes have price reduction.

$254,900 - $399,000 5 homes

$400,000 - $499,000 4 homes

$500,000 - $599,000 3 homes

$600,000 - $699,000 3 homes

$700,000 range 1 home

$800,000 range 1 home

$1.2 mil - $2,600,000 3 homes

*Information is from Itech MLS