Linda's Blog

Sellers, Do You Wish You Could Read A Buyer's Mind?

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:14:32 -0800

I found this information to be very insightful. Homeowners thinking about selling in the future, should really read the entire blog and consider what might be going on in a buyer's mind.

Via Nina Rogoff, Sharon & Canton, MA Real Estate, RE/MAX (RE/MAX Executive Realty):

Sellers, Do You Wish You Could Read A Buyer's Mind?

Well, now you can! After many months of interviewing buyers, this post will provide some insight into what buyers are really thinking when they go into your home! I have gathered the input from a focus group of buyers who have asked to remain anonymous.

Nina: What is the most surprising thing you see when you look at a house for sale?

Buyer 1: Sometimes I have to remind myself that I came to an open house and not a yard sale. There's so much stuff on every surface!

Nina: What about just picturing how your own furniture would look in the rooms?

Buyer 2: It's hard for me to picture my furniture in the dining room when there's a bird cage in the corner, a treadmill, a loveseat and mounds of clothes in there.

Nina: We know that kitchens and bathrooms get the most attention from buyers. What are the kitchens and bathrooms like that you are seeing?

Buyer 3: I don't mind when a seller hasn't put in granite or stainless steel appliances. I can change that. What bothers me is when they've priced their house as if they had.

Buyer 4: I agree. Even if the house is kept clean, a 30 year old bathroom vanity is outdated, as are the big lightbulbs surrounding the mirror. It makes the bathroom look like I'm backstage in a Broadway dressing room.

Buyer 2: I think it comes back to price. I realize that most sellers feel connected to their homes. They've hosted birthday celebrations and anniversaries and holidays. They spent money over the years to decorate the house to their taste. Why don't they understand that I'm not going to pay for what is now out-of-date decor.

Buyer 1: That's another thing. Some of these sellers don't seem to have spent any money taking care of their homes.

Buyer 3: You're right! Don't they know you're supposed to have your chimney cleaned and checked if you use it? Or your heating and a/c serviced yearly? I do that in my house.

Buyer 4: I saw one house where the seller had the basement flooded because the water tank let go suddenly. It was years past its life expectancy. The seller ended up having to rip up carpeting, repair walls...just because they left replacing the tank for too long.

Buyer 1: We made an offer on a house and ended up walking away after the home inspection. The home inspector found a ton of mold in the attic because the bathrooms vented into the attic instead of outside. We didn't want to take care of that problem, and neither did the seller.

Nina: So, you're seeing houses that have had neglected maintenance, bathrooms and kitchens that need updating and too much clutter. And, given these things, the houses are priced too high. Is there any advice you'd give to a seller if you could?

Buyer 2: If you're really serious about selling your house, it doesn't make sense to price it too high. Buyers know when your house is priced higher than other houses like yours that have sold.

Buyer 1: Your house is just going to sit on the market, and you're either going to have to keep dropping the price, or let it sit. What's the point?

Buyer 3: Find a Realtor® you can count on for good advice for everything from pricing to marketing. If your Realtor doesn't blog about your listing it's not going to get found.

Buyer 1: Oh, and take a look at the photos of your house online. I can't believe the way some of the photos look so blurry or of cluttered rooms. Do I really want to see a photo of your toilet? We've chosen not to see some houses because of how the photos look online. You need another Realtor® if that's how yours is marketing your home.

Nina: Ok, well thank you all for your feedback. I'm sure sellers whose homes haven't sold will be especially appreciative of your comments. I wish you all the best in finding a new home for yourselves.

Buyer 4: I think I can speak for all of us when I say we're ready to buy. We're just trying to find homes that don't need $100,000 worth of maintenance repairs and are priced right.

Nina: Sellers, if you have any questions about today's interview, please call me at 781-253-3385. Let's set up a time for a free market analysis. I will be happy to price and market your home for sale.

If you enjoy what you are reading   to my blog! Please add your comments and questions about the real estate market or the blog posts! Thank you



Canton Real Estate New & Info.                  Sharon Real Estate News & Info.

Corner Lot Altadena Home For Sale - Open Sunday 2 to 5

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Sun, 15 May 2011 11:48:52 -0700

444 Alameda Street, Altadena, CA 91001

www.444Alameda.com

Gorgeous Altadena Home For Sale. Open Sunday from 2 to 5.

Do You Hire the Realtor or the Company?

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:34:15 -0700

Yesterday I had a someone tell me that it didn't matter what real estate company I worked for, it matters what efforts I'll do for him or her to get their home sold. What do YOU think? Does the reputation of the real estate company or the reputation and representation from the Realtor matter more?

Rain Camp What Did YOU Learn That Will Make You Better?

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Sat, 15 May 2010 17:14:30 -0700

Wow! I sure am learning a lot here at Active Rain's Rain Camp down near the Marina at Loyola Marymount. I know that I'll be ranking on the first page of Google before long. I learned about an awesome website called XOBNI.com. Can't wait to try it out on everyone in my database and those soon to be in my database. What did YOU learn at RainCamp that will make you better?

Distraught Homeowner Bulldozes House

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:47:54 -0800

I can't believe this man did this, but, it's almost no different than the distraught homeowners who take all of their lights, cabinets, toilets, sinks, etc out of their home before the bank takes it through a sale. The frustration is understood.

Via Diana Manzato (Coldwell Banker):

Distraught Homeowner Bulldozes House in Ohio

This may be old news to many of you, but it was the first time I've seen it.

I suspect that this is not happening regularly by distraught homeowners, but it was a bit shocking that a person would go to this level of preventing a bank from foreclosing on property.....

I'm wondering what the legal consequences, if any the bank has...not that I'm too worried about the banks. Any thoughts?

Check out information about Denton County Texas Lakefront Properties.

For featured properties check out this: Denton County Texas Lakefront Properties.

2 Units - New Construction Residential/Commercial in Pasadena

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:32:46 -0800

Freestanding Retail Storefront + Residence

1564 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103

www.1564NFairOaks.com

Features
»	Completely renovated in 2009
»	Free Standing Commercial Residential Building with busy street frontage
»	Newly constructed 2 car garage and laundry
»	Separate electric meters, separate HVAC units
»	Alarm System and Security Gates

Remarks

New Approved Short Sale price below appraised value. 48 hour response guaranteed. Can close in 30 days or less. Rare opportunity to own a 2-unit free-standing building on a very well traveled street in NorthWest Pasadena. PERFECT for an owner/user! Live upstairs and work downstairs or use one unit and rent out the other. This building was completely renovated in 2009. Built in 1948, the building was stripped to the concrete block walls & completely redone. A brand new 400 sf 2-car garage, 64 sf laundry room, and concrete slab and driveway were also added in 2009. 1564 Fair Oaks on the first floor is a 560 sf commercial space with ADA compliant bathroom. 1566 Fair Oaks on the second floor is a 560 sf 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment which can also be used as office space, fully equipped with new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, walk-in closet and walk-in pantry. 1564 & 1566 have separate HVAC, tankless water heaters and separate electric meters. It's extremely quiet inside the units due to the new dual pane laminate glass windows that were installed. There's an alarm system and security gates and the garage has a remote controlled retractable awning. Located in Pasadena’s Convalescent area in the Enterprise Zone. Enterprise Zone benefits include your business being able to take advantage of significant state tax credit savings through: Hiring Credits, Sales and Use Tax Credits, Business Expense Deductions, Net Operation Loss Carryover, and Net Interest Deductions for Lenders. This building is zoned FGSP-CL-1B (retail/residential). Owner is a licensed real estate agent and is occupying the property until it's sold. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT IF OWNER IS NOT ON PREMISES.

Price :	$ 379,000
Type :	Other
Beds :	1
Baths :	2

Contact Information

Linda Lane-White

(626) 786-1231 (Cell)

(626) 798-2382 (Home Office)

lindalanewhite@sbcglobal.net

www.lindalanewhite.com

VIEW MY LISTINGS

Keller Williams Realty

445 South Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105

626.204.3300

DRE Lic. #01091347

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is a real estate franchise company. Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated. Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act.
© 2008 Properties Online, LLC (RealEstateSites.com) The above information including square footage is based on data received from the seller and/or from public sources. This information is deemed reliable but has not been independently verified and cannot be guaranteed. Prospective buyers are advised to verify information to their own satisfaction prior to purchase. By providing links to other sites Properties Online, LLC does not guarantee, approve or endorse the information or products available at these sites, nor does a link indicate any association with or endorsement by the linked site to the agent, brokerage, brand or Properties Online, LLC.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Altadena Sales Statistics 2010

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:26:10 -0800

Date	11/08	12/08	1/09	2/09	3/09	4/09	5/09	6/09	7/09	8/09	9/09	10/09	11/09	12/09	1/10
For Sale	179	163	140	134	123	90	91	95	89	84	73	65	63	68	63
New Listing	28	38	35	43	41	44	42	52	55	40	43	37	35	28	31
Sold	17	25	29	20	20	31	28	31	34	33	33	28	30	44	13
Pended	20	27	37	20	26	37	30	35	40	39	29	37	36	25	23
Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales	10.5	6.5	4.8	6.7	6.2	2.9	3.3	3.1	2.6	2.5	2.2	2.3	2.1	1.5	4.8
Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales	9.0	6.0	3.8	6.7	4.7	2.4	3.0	2.7	2.2	2.2	2.5	1.8	1.8	2.7	2.7
Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales	9.5	15.3	20.7	14.9	16.3	34.4	30.8	32.6	38.2	39.3	45.2	43.1	47.6	64.7	20.6
Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales	11.2	16.6	26.4	14.9	21.1	41.1	33.0	36.8	44.9	46.4	39.7	56.9	57.1	36.8	36.5
Avg. Active Price	656	621	621	644	637	749	808	772	844	813	836	767	730	753	880
Avg. Sld Price	566	461	534	516	394	396	600	580	537	533	566	551	583	576	404
Avg. Sq. Ft. Price	327	311	321	330	264	294	318	312	303	321	322	318	313	323	322
Sold/List Diff. %	97	95	96	99	101	101	98	99	98	99	100	100	98	100	100
Sold/Orig LP Diff. %	92	91	90	96	93	97	97	93	95	93	95	98	93	97	100
Days on Market	83	72	80	67	84	89	50	81	87	94	58	59	86	56	76
Median Price	430	425	410	442	330	340	450	510	440	485	530	520	542	491	400

*All reports are published Feb. 2010, based on data available at the end of Jan. 2010.
All reports presented are based on data supplied by CARETS. CARETS does not guarantee or is not in anyway responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by CARETS may not reflect all real estate activities in the market. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

America, meet the new FHA condominium guidelines.

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:39:49 -0700

Via Brad Howell (RE/Max Metro & Capital Creek Development, LLC):

As FHA's current overhaul on backing loans for condominiums looms, I'm asking to myself "what next?" and wondering how the overhaul will affect our local Seattle Metro area's condo communities. In a tough market, in a time when we are still seeing values decline, owners slip into short sale, foreclosure and misery, this might be an unwelcome change. Not just for our area but across the nation. As FHA revamps it's lending practices, adds a .5% requirement to buyer's down payments, and is also removing many approved lenders from their roster (a good thing!) things will get much more difficult in the realm of condo sales. Therefore, we need to become "new" experts in condominiums. We need to commit to due diligence, and fully understand the new processes that will soon be implemented so we can smoothly and successfully guide our buyers and sellers down the path of transferring ownership between parties.

I think it is wise to have condo communities "reapply" for approval status, although I worry that the re-approval process that will be happening across the nation will be greater than FHA's resources will be able to bear. And as such, I can only assume that many deals over the next few months... those that are FHA based financing of course will be burdened by much longer, convoluted closings while the kinks get worked out. Not to mention the denials they undoubtedly will be garnering out. It is unfortunate that this is taking place right now but I do appreciate the fact that the spot approvals will be going away and it will be a "this or that", "yes or no" mentality with which condominium communities will qualify. One perplexing thing about it is how rigid they will stick to the requirement for an "updated reserve study" performed within 12 months of application.

I'm hoping that the change also gets rid of innaccurate information posted on the MLS from listing agents being lazy and checking the box stating that a condo is "FHA approved" because they saw it on another agents listing sheet for a current or closed transaction in the community. I don't know how many agents have said that was their verification process when I pressed the issue to find out how they knew it was truly FHA approved. Ummm, that, my friend, IS NOT doing your due diligence... or your job, nor is it properly representing your client!

To make things easier, here's a tip... HUD has a revamped web site. No, really!!... check it out! www.hud.gov that leads you (very easily now) to the page where you can search for the condominium project (go to HUD.gov, click on the Resources Tab, then look for HUD Approved Condominium Projects in that tabs drop down). I will admit that the page it brings you to still sucks and is archaic in usability. Hopefully they will freshen it up and make it more user friendly as they've done with the main screen. None the less, I'm glad to see that we will have more accurate information on our MLS of which properties are HUD/FHA approved, and which are not. I think the new requirements are detailed more on their Mortgagee Letter ML 2009-01

So in a nutshell, I believe two things... change is good, but sometimes change is painful. All we can do is look to the future, educate ourselves, and do our best at navigating the new world of FHA for our clients!

Mortgage Delinquencies - The Coming Storm

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:51:06 -0700

Let the truth be told...

Via Jeff Geoghan MBA - Lancaster PA Real Estate Expert (The Jeff Geoghan Realty Group, Coldwell Banker Lancaster PA):

This is one of those posts where I wish I didn't have to write it, but felt it was so important to my readers that I would be remiss not to at least talk about it.

Everyone out there probably knows somebody who is behind on their mortgage payments, looking for alternatives and likely also just finding out that their home's value has dipped below what their loan amount is. I know some within my own personal circles. It's a tough situation for me to advise them as a professional because it's such a personal challenge to their pride and self-worth, not to mention their plans and dreams for the family. The question we're asking is "when is this going to stop and where are we heading?"

I'm going to put up a few graphs that show the trends nationally with regards to mortgage delinquincies:

This chart is by quarter - Single-family mortgages set a new record delinquency rate in the second quarter of 2009, according to a quarterly survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association. Those of us in the real estate business see the foreclosure process (just visit the local Sheriff Sale docket to see the current numbers) but the looming delinqency-to-foreclosure issue is far, far larger.

The Wall Street Journal on 8/3/09 reported the following quote: “While subprime mortgages sparked the first round of housing problems two years ago, now "troubles are lurking further up the food chain," says Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist at MFR Inc. White-collar job losses have accelerated while more adjustable-rate loans to prime borrowers are resetting to higher payments. ‘You put all that together, it leads me to believe that the next leg down on home prices is going to come from the top,’ he says.”

The first objection someone may have would be to say "yes, but historically those who are delinqent usually get their act together and come current on the mortgage after a while". That WAS true, but not anymore! We call that the "Cure Rate", that is the rate of delinquencies that go back to current. The Wall Street Journal reported on 8/24/09 about a Fitch analysis that found that the Cure Rate from 2000-2006 was 45% (which means about half of people fix their delinquency). However, as of July 2009 the rate had dropped to just 6.6%! That means that over 90% of delinquent customers are going to foreclosure. Take a look again at the above chart...

The next thing someone will say is "well, that's the 'sand states' and not my area". Here's the chart for all 50 states showing the same breakdown of delinquencies and foreclosures. Guess what - most states have a significant problem, especially compared to historical figures.

Now the next thing someone may say is "aren't those loans going to get 'fixed' by a loan modification?" I know several people right now who are applying for a Lancaster County loan modification but are waiting and waiting. I hope it works out for them...

In reality, loan modifications are hardly making a dent. To me, that's a burning question. Why arent banks being more aggressive in giving customers the option to extend their loan and/or reset to a lower rate? Why are they being SO difficult? The people I know don't want to be foreclosed. They CAN make payments. They just need the terms redrawn to allow them to catch & keep up. Loan modifications are not helping us get this crisis under control.

What are the causes of all these delinquencies? Here's a chart that is enlightening:

We hear a lot about adjustable rate mortgages being the culprit, but the reality is that it's the loss of jobs and the tanking real estate market that's the perfect storm. See my previous post on unemployment in the nation, the state and Lancaster County.

Keep in mind, this post is not intended to give us "good news". You may be experiencing good things in your market and that's great. My intent is to get us thinking about the challenges that aren't going away and how we're going to address them as homeowners, agents and professionals. I'd love to hear your ideas!

Short Sale to Foreclosure

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:23:43 -0700

Well, after going back and forth with the lender of my seller's home, the house will be going to foreclosure sale next Wednesday, November 5th.

The history of this home goes back over 1 year when it was first put on the market in August of 2007. I came on board as the 3rd Realtor in January of 2008. The sales price started at $749,000. Over the next few months I lowered the price gradually while awaiting my client to complete the bank's requested paperwork. Finally, in August, I had everything I needed from the seller for the bank to consider the short sale. Then, as I brought the price to $599,000, I finally received 2 strong offers from buyers for the full amount. The bank completed their appraisal and they agreed to the short sale, but only at a price of $615,000. Well, both buyers backed out last week and it's now going to foreclosure sale.

One bummer for the lender is that now it's going to sale, the seller is going to take the high end appliances out of the home. He's dismantling the BBQ outside and he's taking the handles out of the kitchen cabinets/drawers. He may even take the spa outside. For pictures of the home go to www.728colman.com

I guess that banks just don't consider these things. I'll be surprised if the bank gets $500,000 for the home after everything is out of there. It's not that pleasing to the eye to begin with. Like any other Realtor in this situation, I'm bummed because this empty home could have had an owner right away, if only the lender wasn't so greedy for $15,000.

California Real Estate Market Average Prices

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:30:12 -0700

It looks like if you want a piece of the Southern California Real Estate Market - but don't have a whole lot of cash - you'll have to "go east young man (or woman)!"

Los Angeles County

Average List Price Median List Price Average Days On Market

Single Family under $600K $357,407 $350,000 104

Single Family over $600K $1,271,195 $899,000 112

Condo/Townhome under $400K $255,224 $250,000 112

Condo/Townhome over $400K $602,774 $525,000 112

Orange County

Single Family under $1M $561,027 $535,000 104

Single Family over $1M $2,724,987 $1,799,000 131

Condo/Townhome under $600K $315,326 $299,900 102

Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,117,344 $895,000 119

Riverside County, CA

Single Family under $700K $270,477 $249,900 118

Single Family over $700K $1,378,965 $999,000 151

Condo/Townhome under $500K $191,459 $170,000 126

Condo/Townhome over $500K N/A N/A N/A

San Bernardino County, CA

Single Family under $700K $280,086 $250,000 110

Single Family over $700K $1,452,017 $1,048,790 128

Condo/Townhome under $450K $215,371 $199,000 121

Condo/Townhome over $450K N/A N/A N/A

Environmentalists Annual Rendezvous and Picnic in Pasadena

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:45:06 -0700

Join leaders of the Pasadena area environmental groups in an informal setting and learn about their activities and programs. All are welcome!

On Saturday, September 13th prepare to gather at 4:30pm and listen to informal presentations at 5pm. Then at 6pm you can have a potluck picnic under the oak trees south of the Nature Center at Eaton Canyon Park, 1750 N. Altadena Drive in Pasadena. Bring a dish that serves 6 to 8 people. Beverages, plates and utensils will be provided. For information and to RSVP, contact coordinator Ginny Heringer at 626-793-4727 or ginnyh@ix.netcom.com

Directions to Eaton Canyon Park: from the 210 freeway in Pasadena, take Altadena Drive north about 1.5 miles; about 500 feet after crossing New York Drive, turn right into the park.

Monte Cedro Retirement Development in Altadena - Meeting

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:31:40 -0700

On Tuesday, September 2nd at 7pm, the Land Use Committee (a sub-committee of the Altadena Town Council) will meet at the Community Center on Altadena Drive.

One of the items of particular interest that will be on the agenda include the Monte Cedro retirement development that is under construction on the site of the former Scripps Home on El Molino/Calaveras/Alameda.

If you can't make the meeting and would like to find out more about the development (that should be completed in 2012) you can call 626-300-6214 or 866-603-8881 to reserve seating at one of two future events planned on September 9th at 10am at the Women's Cith Club of Pasadena or on September 10th at 10:3am at the University Club of Pasadena. www.montecedro.org

Just FYI...at the September 2nd meeting at the Community Center, also up for discussion is a proposal for the refurbishment and joint use of the tennis courts at Eliot Middle School. The courts have been un-usable for several years.

Ernest Borgnine in South Pasadena 08-25-08 at 7pm

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:03:03 -0700

A FREE program will be held at the South Pasadena Public Library on Monday night at 1115 El Centro in South Pasadena, CA.

The show will open with a jazz performance by vocalist Liela Avila and pianist Dennis Hamm from the Pasadena Jazz Institute.

Then, Academy Award winning actor, Ernest Borgnine, will be speaking about his new book entitled, Ernie: the Autobiography. It would be interesting reading to find out about an actor who has survived in Hollywood for over 50 years. You remember him, don't you? McHale's Navy, the original Poseidon Adventure movie, The Dirty Dozen, The Wild Bunch, etc.

For more information call (626) 403-7332.

Free Concert - Tower of Power in Alhambra, CA

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:27:35 -0700

Summer's winding down...I just can't believe how fast this year is going by. Must be because I'm working harder than I've ever worked before!!!!

So...what better way to enjoy a summer evening than going to a concert. Especially, when it's free!!!!

On Saturday, August 23, 2008, you can experience the powerful brassy sounds of Tower of Power (www.towerofpower.com). Remember their hits? You're Still A Young Man, What Is Hip?, So Very Hard to Go, and You've Got To Be Having Fun.

They will be performing in Alhambra, California at the Summer Jubilee on 2nd and Main Streets. http://www.cityofalhambra.org/government/parks_recreation/Jubilee08.html I don't know if Lenny Williams is still around, but, he was THE voice of Tower of Power way back in the 70's. The concert is supposed to start around 6:00, but, I'd get there at 4:00 or so just to get a seat in the bleachers. Otherwise, you'll be pushing bodies around in front of the stage and standing all night!!

National Night Out August 5th - What Will YOU Do?

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:05:44 -0700

For some people, National Night Out is tonight, August 4th, but, Tuesday, August 5th is National Night Out - at least in Pasadena it is and at http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/ . It's a night when people all over America will be turning off their televisions and getting outside to mingle with their neighbors. Local Police Departments urge residents to take part in this unique drug-and crime prevention event sponsored annually by the National Association of Town Watch and local Target Stores. The whole premise is meant to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police and community partnerships while helping to raise awareness of local anti-crime and anti-drug programs and let those criminals know that "our neighborhoods won't tolerate crime".

In my neighborhood there will be a big gathering at Loma Alta Park. The Sheriff's Department will be on hand for demonstrations and to answer questions about how neighbors can become involved with keeping their homes and neighborhood safe.

I'll be having some BBQ Turkey Burgers served up for my neighbors on the "Alameda Freeway", but it will be in my long driveway and front yards. I hope people can be swayed away from the television for only a couple of hours to meet and greet one another!

So...how will YOU be joining in on the National Night Out?

California Live Traffic Cams

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:05:31 -0700

One of the number one comments I receive from people relocating from other states to California is that they are afraid of the traffic and how long it may take them to get to work.

Well, now you can see for yourself how the traffic is at any time of the day any day of the week. Caltrans has installed over a thousand cameras on the freeways. When you go to this website http://video.dot.ca.gov/ you can go to whatever areas you're interested in seeing. You can even see what the current temperature is.

I think it's a pretty awesome site. And if I have to travel on the freeways, I always go to www.sigalert.com and I can see what areas are moving - or not!

Happy traveling!

Altadena Cam - Mt. Wilson Observatory

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:38:46 -0700

On a clear day you, too, can see the mountains of Altadena. I stumbled upon this website while contemplating a motorcycle ride with my husband up to the Mount Wilson Observatory just a few miles into the mountains north of my home in Altadena.

The camera changes pictures every 2 minutes on the site http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~obs/towercam.htm When you visit the site you can find out all about the history of the Mt. Wilson Observatory, see current satellite images of Southern California, and go to links of other observatories http://physics1.usc.edu/solar/links.html

Here's a map borrowed from their website ... and if you're wondering where Altadena is, it's just North of Pasadena and just East of La Canada Flintridge and 15 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles.

Those Manning Boys to perform at Farnsworth Park on Saturday 7-26-08

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:03:14 -0700

Some of our own local talent here in Altadena will be performing this Saturday night at 7pm at Farnsworth Park.

Mike Manning is a 44 year old guitarist who went to St. Elizabeth Parish School in Altadena and La Salle High School in Pasadena. He was in the military and was in Rock-N-Roll bands. He is now the director of the 8:30 Folk Mass Choir at St. Elizabeth Church.

Sean Manning is the younger brother. He's a tenor in the 10:00am Mass Choir at St. Elizabeth Church.

Sean has been performing Irish folk music for over 10 years. It was his idea to form a duet with his brother which today is known as Those Manning Boys.

For almost 7 years, Those Manning Boys have performed their Irish fair of music found in the public houses of Ireland at various Restaurants in the south land. They're also regulars at the St. Elizabeth Annual Festival and at other fund raising events for charity.

Farnsworth Park is located at (almost) the top of Lake Avenue in Altadena, California. Just take the 210 Freeway and get off at Lake Avenue and go towards the mountains for 3 miles and you're there.

Saving Gas and Money!! Some tips...

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:46:52 -0700

We're all aware that gas prices are at a record high. But, since there's nothing most of us can do about the price of gas, there are some things we can do about how much gas we use. Here are a few ideas:

1) Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires cause the car to burn more gas.

2) Keep your engine well-tuned. An out of tune engine wastes gas and again your gas mileage could be up to 25% worse than it should be.

3) Use cash. Some gas stations charge more if you pay with a credit card or banks charge fees when you pay with your ATM card.

4) Obey the speed limit. The faster you go, your gas mileage drops dramatically. i.e. going 70 mph requires up to 30% more gas than going 50 mph. My husband proved this while resetting his mileage gage in his diesel truck (he's a contractor). He went 75 mph and got 15 mpg, then he went to 65 mph and got 22 mpg. What a difference

5) Ease up on the accelerator and brakes. It's better to maintain a constant speed than it is to speed up just to pass the idiot in the other lane.

6) Use air conditioning smartly. When going fast, keeping the windows open decreases the aerodynamics of your car which increases the wind drag...then the engine has to work harder and uses more gas. When going slow - it doesn't matter as much, so it's cheaper to turn the A/C off and let the wind cool you. Oh and think about turning off the air conditioner 5 minutes before you reach your destination - you should still be cool.

7) Plan your route better. Especially on caravan day...use a GPS or online map service.

8) Rent a smaller car. When you go on vacation or a business trip is it really necessary to have a big gas guzzler? Don't you remember how it was BEFORE the big SUVs were created?

9) Use your car less. Did you know that here in Pasadena, the metro rail usage is up 19%. If I need to go into downtown Los Angeles, I always use the metro rail. No stress, and no $10 parking fees either! Oh and don't forget to carpool (especially on caravan days). Also, if you bring your lunch from home with you, you save money by not eating at the restaurant and by not using your car to drive there or sitting at the drive thru.

A little bit of pre-planning for the week ahead can reduce the number of times you have to use your car. Sorry, Mom, but, when I take you to the doctor you'll have to be a bit patient if I make stops on the way home!

Pasadena Real Estate Market Overview

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:53:48 -0700

Our Rose City of Pasadena, California has seen the number of homes sold remain steady and the cost of homes per square foot slightly increased in the last month. The average list/sold prices declined.

	May	YTD
# Units Sold	87	335
Dollar Value	$71,513,600	$257,334,240
Average List Price	$851,873	$799,428
Average Sold Price	$821,995	$768,162
Average Market Time	74	79
Average Square Feet	1,859	1,726
Average Price Per Sq. Ft.	$442	$445
% of List Price	96.49%	96.09%

This if for June

	June	YTD
# Units Sold	88	425
Dollar Value	$70,275,980	$328,979,220
Average List Price	$817,428	$802,683
Average Sold Price	$798,581	$774,069
Average Market Time	80	79
Average Square Feet	1,799	1,741
Average Price Per Sq. Ft.	$444	$445
% of List Price	97.69%	96.44%

Altadena Market Overview

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:41:34 -0700

It's that time again....to report on our local market here in Beautiful Altadena, California

	May	YTD
# Units Sold	25	97
Dollar Value	$17,019,750	$63,557,650
Average List Price	$ 699,962	$ 676,854
Average Sold Price	$ 680,790	$ 655,234
Average Market Time	61	72
Average Square Feet	1,792	1,745
Average Price Per Sq. Ft.	$380	$375
% of List Price	97.26%	96.81%

This if for June

	June	YTD
# Units Sold	31	128
Dollar Value	$23,098,000	$86,655,650
Average List Price	$767,819	$698,884
Average Sold Price	$745,097	$ 676,997
Average Market Time	70	72
Average Square Feet	1,943	1,794
Average Price Per Sq. Ft.	$383	$377
% of List Price	97.04%	96.87%

Altadena NAACP offers scholorships

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:15:24 -0700

I was on line at Pasadena Now.com yestarday and came across this article... http://www.pasadenanow.com/_News/publish/article_2475.html

It noted that the Altadena NAACP is offering two scholarships of $1,000 each to 2008 graduates who are planning on entering or who are already enrolled in college or a trade school in the Fall. The scholarships are named after 2 prominent women, Ms. Anthony (Tony) Stewart and Ms. Rosa Parks. I know who Rosa Parks is (who doesn't?)...but, who is Ms. Anthony (Tony) Stewart??? I'll have to do a bit of research...hmmmmmmmmmmm...

For an application for the scholorships, call (626) 794-7999 or go tot he Altadena Community Center at 730 E Altadena Drive to obtain one. The application deadline is Friday, August 15th.

Pet Adoptions around Pasadena

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:02:52 -0700

Why go to a pet store and risk buying a dog from a puppy mill when you can find an adorable dog, cat, rabbit or bird at a shelter or mobile van in your neighborhood?

This weekend the Pasadena Humane Society will have their mobile van with adoptable pets visit these locations:

Eaton Canyon Nature Center 9-12 Saturday, July 12th at 1750 N. Altadena Drive in Pasadena

Petco from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, July 13th at 475 Foothill Blvd in La Canada

and over the next few weeks.....

Dog Days of Summer at Hermon dog Park on Saturday, July 19th from 4-6pm at 5568 Marisol in Los Angeles

Colorado Street Bridge Festival from 6 to 10pm on Saturday, July 19th in Pasadena

Clean Air Car Show in South Pasadena on Sunday, July 20th from 11am to 3pm

Children's Concert at Levitt Pavilion Memorial Park in Pasadena on Wednesday July 23rd from 6pm to 8pm and also on Wednesday August 6th from 6 to 8pm

For more information, call the PHS at 626/792-7151 ext. 138...better yet, drop on by the shelter at 361 S. Raymond Avenue in Pasadena. www.phsspca.org

Tournament of Roses Wrigley House - NAR Float on Jan 1 2009!

Linda Lane-White (Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:42:12 -0700

I visited the Tournament of Roses house tonight.

The Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors was honoring some of the Realtors in Pasadena. They called it a Leadership Recognition Reception to thank fellow Realtors for our volunteer commitment and service. How fortunate and honored I was to be able to attend.

I can't remember the last time that I went to the Tournament House, but, it's changed a bit. What were once bedrooms are now rooms of history with pictures of how the rooms used to look and plenty of memorabilia of Rose Parades and Rose Bowl games of the past. There are still plenty, plenty of original artifacts like the fireplaces, marble floors, ceilings, furniture, etc. But I can't get over how original the library door is. There are pieces of wood inlays signifying "Mind, Body, Soul and Spirit". You've just got to see it all to believe it.

You can tour the Tournament House from now through the end of August, every Thursday at 2:00 and 3:00 there's a free tour. Experience it for yourself. It's unbelievably beautiful! It's located at 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd. in Pasadena, CA - just South of Del Mar.

By the way...it was announced that the National Association of Realtors will have a float in the parade on January 1, 2009! Can you believe that the NAR is 100 years old? Who would like to volunteer to decorate it?

The theme for this year is "Entertainment". Oh, and they haven't picked a Grand Marshall, yet. I think that since Shirley Temple Black was there in 1939, 1989, and 1999, it's only fitting that she should be there in 2009 - if she's not ill of course. After all, she IS entertainment!

For more information on the Tournament of Roses Tournament House (Wrigley House - yes, the chewing gum manufacturer), go to http://www.tournamentofroses.com/index.asp