Ooops -- I'm Sure You Didn't Mean For This to Happen - 10/31/11 11:15 PM
Ooops --  I’m Sure You Didn’t Mean For This to Happen
 
But You May Have Done It
 
Your home is on the market for sale and you may have helped sell your neighbor’s home.
 
I’m sure you didn’t mean for this to happen.  
 
When your home is on the market, the Realtors in your area will typically show three to five homes to a buyer each time they meet.  Some may show more, some less.  You want to make sure your home makes the showing list.   You want to sell your home and not your … (17 comments)

San Marino CA - September 2011 Sales Recap & Market Update - 10/30/11 12:01 PM
San Marino CA - September 2011 Sales Recap & Market Update
Since its founding, in 1913, San Marino has been home to some of the most beautiful estate properties in the state of California. It is home to the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, the former estate of Henry Huntington.   The 30 acre Lacy Park acts as a community gathering place as does the Crowell Public Library that opened in January 2008.  The San Marino School District has two elementary school, one middle school and high school with a nationwide reputation for excellence.  San Marino has single family homes only with no apartments, … (3 comments)

Pasadena CA September 2011 Sales Recap & Market Update - South Orange Grove Corridor (Condos & Townhomes) - 10/29/11 12:03 PM
Pasadena CA September 2011 Sales Recap and Market Update - South Orange Grove Corridor (Condos & Townhomes)
First, a definition of the area for this report is in order. In this report, I extend beyond what some may consider the "prime area" along South Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena, CA and include properties south of Colorado Boulevard and north of Columbia.  For the eastern boundary, I include Singer Park on California Boulevard and all of the streets that run parallel to California.   The western boundary for this report is the Arroyo(south of the Colorado Street Bridge). This report does not … (6 comments)

Are You Glad You Asked What My Buyers Thought? - 10/27/11 11:34 AM
Are You Glad You Asked What My Buyers Thought?
I knew the phone calls would come after one of my showings this weekend, I got a text message while my buyers were with me in the car leaving the property in need of a feedback request.   Hmm, can you let us catch our breath and discuss the house first?   
So when I received telephone calls on Tuesday and Wednesday asking "what did your buyers think?" telephone calls and voicemail messages, I was not surprised.   I have discussed this issue in the past and at length.  My opinion is … (71 comments)

South Pasadena - September 2011 Sales Recap & Market Update (Single Family Homes) - 10/21/11 12:36 PM
 
South Pasadena - September 2011 Sales Recap & Market Update (Single Family Homes)
The city of South Pasadena, a separate city within the San Gabriel Valley, is sometimes known as "Tree City".   You will find tree-lined streets with character homes many dating back from the early days of the twentieth century.    In the the Altos de Monterey or Old Altos areas there are homes with spectacular views and a more contemporary flair.   Along Mission Street you will find  Mission Station for the Gold Line Light Rail system as well as the site of the weekly(Thursday late afternoon … (6 comments)

South Pasadena CA - September 2011 Sales Recap & Market Update(Condos, Townhomes & Lofts) - 10/19/11 02:22 PM
 
South Pasadena CA - September 2011 Sales Recap & Market Update(Condos, Townhomes & Lofts)
Those of who live or visit South Pasadena will find unique shopping and dining plus the Mission Station of the Gold Line light rail system in addition to the highly acclaimed school district in a convenient location with a small town feel.  
In addition to its grand old Craftsman and other character homes, you can also find condominiums and townhomes.
South Pasadena CA - September 2011 Sales Recap & Market Update(Condos, Townhomes & Lofts)
According to local multiple listing reports from October 19, 2011 there were two … (6 comments)

Does Dave Ramsey Hurt Real Estate Business? - 10/19/11 10:39 AM
Does Dave Ramsey Hurt Real Estate Business?
Dave Ramsey is an author and speaker who hosts a nationwide radio show largely based on achieving financial freedom.  He speaks of eliminating debt through living on a realistic budget without the use of credit cards or debt.   His show is one of the pre-sets on my radio as I am in and out of the car.  I've read his books and while I may not be in complete agreement with him, I believe him to have some great ideas on living a better financial life.   When one of his callers asks … (18 comments)

September 2011 Sales Update and Market Report: Surfwood Monterey - 10/18/11 08:55 AM
September 2011 Sales Update and Market Report:  Surfwood Monterey
Surfwood Monterey Background: Surfwood Monterey is a 92 unit condominium complex in the Highland Park/Hermon neighborhood within the city of Los Angeles.   Located at 6140 Monterey Road Surfwood Monterey was built in 1989(first move-ins were in 1990) the complex features interior courtyards, subterranean parking, two elevators, pool, spa and work-out room.  The homes are two bedrooms and two baths in a variety of floor plans.  Each unit has washer-dryer hook-ups.  The top floor units have higher ceilings with clerestory windows.  The complex exterior was re-painted in the last two years and has recently changed … (5 comments)

Monterey Hills CA - September 2011 Sales Recap & Market Report - 10/17/11 02:38 PM
Monterey Hills CA - September 2011 Sales Recap & Market Report
The Monterey Hills community is located within the city limits of Los Angeles and offers a variety of condominiums, townhomes and one single family development in a planned environment.  Most communities within Monterey Hills offer a pool, spa and a recreation/meeting room with some complexes boasting saunas, tennis/sports courts and other amenities.  
The desirable close-in location offers a relatively easy commute to Downtown Los Angeles, the Valleys and Los Angeles' Westside.  Despite this highly convenient location, Monterey Hills remains somewhat of a hidden treasure unknown to many.  You will often find joggers, walkers … (4 comments)

It's Not A Curve Ball, It's Part of The Home Buying Learning Curve - 10/12/11 09:00 AM
It's Not A Curve Ball, It's Part of The Home Buying Learning Curve
A reality check can be and is an important part of the home buying process.   Your home buying checklist can include many things -- the must haves, like to haves and wish to haves.   All must be based in reality.   As I tell my buyer clients -- it doesn't matter if you are spending $100,000s or millions of dollars, there will be compromise in your next home purchase.
Recently, I met potential first time homebuyers.   We discussed their needs and wishes in a meeting … (22 comments)

A Really Big Red Flag - 10/10/11 02:51 PM
A Really Big Red Flag
 
One of my buyer clients made an offer on a short sale property.   The sellers purchased this property in 2006 with 100% financing(two loans, two different lenders) and it has been on the market for over a year although only about two months with this particular broker.  The list price is approximately 50% of their purchase price.   
After I showed my client, I called the listing broker to check status and to find any additional information.
The listing agent tells me he has no offers currently and has had none since it has … (19 comments)

Sighs Matter - 10/09/11 04:56 PM
Sighs Matter
I have been working with quite a few buyer clients recently -- all of whom are either past clients or referrals from past clients.   I met with a new client in my office a few weeks ago after a couple of email exchanges.   As a first time homebuyer, she had quite a few requirements and a limited budget.  
I asked her lots of questions about her desired location, how she imagined her new home would look, what she would do if she didn't find it --- you know lots of open ended questions that would help me assist her in … (10 comments)

 
Unknown Rainmaker_large

Michael Jacobs, Pasadena CA/SanGabriel Valley Realtor, 818.516.4393 cell

Pasadena, CA

More about me…

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

Address: 2065 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA, 91108

Office Phone: (626) 685-5246

Cell Phone: (818) 516-4393

Email Me

Your source for real estate representation in the San Gabriel Valley and northeast communities of the city of Los Angeles including: Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Temple City, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Duarte, Bradbury, Azusa, Glendora, Claremont, Glendale and La Canada Flintridge as well as Highland Park, Monterey Hills, Eagle Rock, Mt Washington, Montecito Heights, Glassell Park and Sagamore Park.


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