John Contabile's Blog

Claremont California Residents Praise Life In A "Top City"

2007-08-24T09:18:40Z

A new video recently put together by Claremont COURIER publisher Peter Weinberger sets out to explain some of the reasons why Claremont was voted the 5th best city to live in by Money Magazine - from a local perspective.

One aspect touched on in the video explains how Claremont has seemed to be able to hold on to it's small town charm, while at the same time growing and developing new communities and businesses.

While there are many more reasons life in Claremont is sweet, this video is essentially unrehearsed and down to earth. I, for one, hope that Mr. Weinberger takes to the streets more often in a possible bid for the number one slot in next year's competition!

Click HERE to view the video!

John

South College Ave. Pedestrian Tunnel Closed Evenings

2007-08-04T12:33:01Z

Just in case anyone was considering an evening stroll through the tunnel on South College you might want to change your plans.

The city of Claremont website just posted that the tunnel will be closed in the evening to "address safety concerns." Somehow I am thinking that this is a good idea. At any rate, see the city website for specific times if this poses a challenge to your pedestrian commute.

May I suggest as an alternative the Claremont Colleges? Perhaps The Village? Both are excellent places to go for an evening stroll!

Charming Covina/Charter Oak Home - Open House This Weekend August 4th & 5th

2007-08-04T10:17:20Z

Incredibly Charming Covina/Charter Oak Home

Location: Charter Oak

Open House Saturday 8/4/07 1:00-4:00PM and Sunday 8/5/07 11:00AM-4:00PM

Incredibly charming home nestled in a quiet community east of Grand Avenue in Charter Oak. Property is located at the end of the cul-de-sac, adjacent to Kahler Russell Park nature trail and walking distance to Wingate Park. Excellent school district. Charter Oak High School just recognized as a California Distinguished School by the state Department of Education, an honor given to fewer than 200 schools statewide. Close to shopping and restaurants and central to the 10 and 210 freeways. Property sits on an incredibly large, level lot with plenty of room to build awesome outdoor amenities. Curb appeal and landscaping are very inviting. Interior has been redone in modern contemporary decor. Hardwood floors have been refurbished, lots of detailed work including moldings and new doors throughout. Kitchen completely remodeled with new appliances and granite counter tops. Both bathrooms remodeled with new fixtures and tile work. Family room/den has French doors leading to the patio where you can lose yourself in the serenity of the greenery. Don't miss this opportunity! Call agent to preview.

Photo Gallery

Information

Contact Information

John Contabile

909-282-7173

john@johncontabile.com

Pricing

Asking Price: $629,000.00

Flexibility: Negotiable

Property Location

623 N. Dodsworth Ave.
Covina, CA 91724

Links

JohnContabile.com

ActiveRain Real Estate Network

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Year Built: 1958

Lot Size: 13978

Garage Size: 2

School District: Charter Oak

Square Footage: 1702

Agent Name: John Contabile/Fernando Reza

Broker: Century21 Colonial

MLS #: c07097702

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Dishwasher

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Forced Air Heating

Central Air

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Grass Lawn

Cul-de-sac

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1206343

Place An Ad In The Marine Corps Times

2007-08-02T11:23:58Z

Here's an idea if your market is near a Marine Corps base...place an ad in the Marine Corps Times!

I took a look at their ad pages and there seems to be quite a bit of room for real estate agents who are looking to serve Marines and those working on base.

That is one of the first places these guys & gals look for reliable and trusted sources.

Semper Fi!

Claremont's Brand New Movie Theatre Now Open!

2007-08-01T15:15:19Z

Hey fellow Claremont residents...how long we have waited! But look, the long awaited movie "five-plex" is now open! Pass the popcorn!

Laemmle boasts that they are "the finest in film since 1938." Click on Claremont Laemmle 5 for showtimes & other movie related stuff.

Access the theatre one block west of Indian Hill at Second and Oberlin. Parking is available in the new parking structure.

See you at the movies!

Homeowners: How To Avoid Foreclosure Scammers Out To Seize Your Equity

2007-07-31T15:46:13Z

For millennia, people have devised ways to rip people off, and real estate scams are by no means an exception. The following outlines some of the popular ways in which real estate scammers and purveyors of fraud are currently taking advantage of those in various stages of foreclosure in California.

1. Charging an up front fee and/or any fees.

Be wary of any person or company that asks for an upfront fee, charges a fee to stop your foreclosure, or otherwise requires funds from you to carry out filing of paperwork or title issues. You can do all of this for yourself with little to no charge.

2. Offering to do the work of stopping the foreclosure for you (contacting your lender and/or getting a new loan for you).

This can be particularly dangerous as many people posing as "foreclosure consultants" or "foreclosure specialists" do not actually follow through on promises made. Often, owners are told that a bankruptcy has been filed or that the foreclosure has been stopped and it has not, leaving the owner in a worse situation.

3. Asking you to sign over your house, in order to rent or lease it from them, and have the "option" to buy it back at a later date.

This is a HUGE scam that has been going on locally for the last several years. Typically, the deal made makes it nearly impossible to actually exercise the "buy back" option, and gives the scammer plenty of time to leverage any of your remaining equity to their advantage.

4. Making inflated and/or unrealistic promises they can't or don't intend to keep.

Watch out for "puffery" and don't fall for slick slogans. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it just might be!

5. Confuse you with technical terminology, contracts, and paperwork (in order to get you to unknowingly sign over your house or buy them time/steal precious time from you).

How easy it is to lull an unsuspecting owner into an hypnotic state with legal terms, unfamiliar verbiage, and reams of papers to sign. Be especially careful that you don't sign any blank pages! Sounds obvious enough, but this is a popular move for someone attempting fraud.

6. Keep you from pursuing an option that might work best for you.

Exhaust all your options, seek many advisors, find out what options are available.

7. Keep you from listing your home for sale.

If you have time and are able, you should list your home and try to get as much for it as possible. Don't wait, though. Most likely you will need at least three months. A good real estate agent will be able to help you sell as fast as possible, but don't expect to get above market value. You could look for such an agent right here on ActiveRain!

8. Discourage legal and/or professional counsel.

Discouraging legal counsel can be a tactic employed by those seeking to stall your progress or minimize your options for their gain. You currently have a very small window of opportunity to keep your home. Obviously, keeping your from professional and/or second and third opinions would be a "red flag." Make sure you are dealing with a Realtor, a licensed real estate agent or broker, and consult with your accountant and a reputable real estate attorney.

[The information above is offered as a brief explanation of issues a homeowner in foreclosure might face and
does not in any way constitute professional legal advice. Homeowners in foreclosure should consider speaking
with their attorney and accountant to review the options they may suggest.]

Claremont Home Values Increase

2007-07-28T12:02:59Z

DQNews reports that the median price of Claremont homes (single family residences) are up just over 10% from June 2006. Condos are up slightly as well, though this number is less reliable due to the number of sales month to month. This is great news since many surrounding communities are either flat or losing ground. One more reason why living in Claremont California is tops!

What's Your Motto?

2007-07-26T23:17:09Z

Got to thinking about my place, my niche in the real estate industry.

I have a lifelong pattern of serving others. I have been a Marine, a firefighter, a paramedic, a pastor, a teacher (sometimes all at once, now that I think about it!) and each group functions around mottos.

Marines - Semper Fidelis: Always faithful.

My paramedic class - Ut Alii Vivant: So others may live (sorry if I butchered the Latin, it has been awhile)

etc...

So, I wonder, do any of you apply a motto to your career in real estate?

John

How to talk like Tony Soprano...

2007-07-26T22:30:10Z

or at least be able to pronounce John Contabile's name like an Italian!

OK, so since 99% of the population has a difficult time pronouncing my name, I thought it would make a great first blog post. Here goes...

In Italian, all the vowels are pronounced, so Contabile (which means "accountant" or some similar variation) is pronounced:

cone taah BEE lay (with the stress on the third syllable)

There you go!

Ciao!

John