How's That New Year's Resolution Change Thing Working For You? - 01/31/12 11:33 PM
How's That New Year's Resolution Change Thing Working For You?



It's the end of the first month(yes, already) of 2012.  Resolutions?  Did you make any? Or did you just say no to the entire resolution thing?  
If change is part of your 2012 plan, how's that change thing working for you?
Better Health?   Improve Finances?   Get Organized?   Balance Life?
What changes do you want?   
Whatever the resolution ... if it involves change -- are you making sure you are focused on the change or are you letting a slug or two enter your … (19 comments)

Do You Want To Live in Monterey Hills, Yet Not Ready To Buy? Monterey Hills Available Leases - 01/25/12 12:39 AM
Do You Want to Live in Monterey Hills, Yet Not Ready To Buy?  Monterey Hills Available Leases 
Monterey Hills Background:
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 San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys and Los Angeles' Westside.  Despite this highly convenient location, Monterey Hills remains … (12 comments)

Happy Lunar New Year - 01/23/12 10:09 PM
Happy Lunar New Year
Today is the first day of Chinese New Year which is also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival and is considered the most important of holidays in Chinese culture.  This is a fifteen day celebration which culminates with the Lantern Festival.    
From January 23, 2011 until February 9, 2013 we will be celebrating the year of the Dragon.  The Chinese year 4709 is also known as the year of the Water Dragon or Black Dragon. 
The celebration centers around visiting friends and family, lots and lots of good food, fireworks and the giving … (10 comments)

Put That Toilet Seat Down - 01/22/12 01:47 PM
Put That Toilet Seat Down


 
My photographer decided to leave the toilet out of sight in this photo --- we can assume it is there, right?

One of my pet peeves can be found in photos on the multiple listing service(MLS).   Bathrooms can be difficult rooms to photograph due to their intimate size, mirrors and a multitude of other issues.  Aside from cleanliness factors and clutter, my biggest pet peeve is the raised toilet seat.  Please put the toilet seat down!  This applies to photography as well as when the house is being shown.
I had … (12 comments)

2552 San Pasqual Street, San Marino Schools - Open House Sunday 1.22.12 - 01/22/12 01:31 AM
2552 San Pasqual Street, San Marino Schools - Open House Sunday 1.22.12
Please join me as I host an open house at this very special single level home from 2PM - 4PM on Sunday, January 22.   Designed by architect Louis E Rodwell for himself and his family.  It is filled with unique architectural details including the handsome arched front door, entry with skylight and chandelier from the Old Raymond Hotel(circa 1900), Belgian crystal chandelier in formal dining room and so much more.
There are three bedrooms including master suite, a total of three baths, formal living and dining rooms, grand … (9 comments)

I Heard Abraham Lincoln on Thursday's Broker Caravan - 01/21/12 01:00 PM
I Heard Abraham Lincoln on Thursday's Broker Caravan



Thursday is the main broker caravan day to see the new listings, newly reduced or back on market properties in the Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, San Marino and nearby communities.    In the four hour tour, it is impossible to view all of them but I had chosen about 20 properties to see.
Broker caravan day has always been important to me.  Knowing the inventory(beyond the multiple listing service photos and narrative provided by a listing agent) makes me a better informed agent in the neighborhood.  Just my opinion.  
… (29 comments)

December 2011 Sales Update - San Marino CA - 01/19/12 09:39 PM
 
December 2011 Sales Update - San Marino CA


Lacy Park in San Marino
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 home 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 schools(Valentine and Carver), one middle school(Huntington) and high school(San Marino High School) with a nationwide reputation … (8 comments)

Offer Accepted -- It's Now Time To Do Some Investigating - 01/17/12 10:16 PM
Offer Accepted -- It's Now Time To Do Some Investigating
Congratulations your offer has been accepted and the clock has begun for the purchase of your new home.    Exciting and yes, I understand a bit overwhelming.    According to the purchase agreement and the disclosures you and the seller initialed and signed, the path to your new home has taken another big step.

 
When you signed your purchase agreement, we reviewed two documents:
The Buyer Inspection Advisory -
this two page advisory explains the importance of a property investigation by an inspector as well as by you.  The … (19 comments)

December 2011 Market Update - South Orange Grove Boulevard Condos/Townhomes in Pasadena CA - 01/15/12 11:48 PM
December 2011 Market Update - South Orange Grove Boulevard Condos/Townhomes in Pasadena CA

This is a market recap of condominums and townhomes in the South Orange Grove corridor of Pasadena, California.  This area is also known as "Millionaire's Row".  This name is from earlier times along South Orange Grove where landmark mansions and estates once lined this gracious broad tree-lined boulevard.  
In this report, I extend beyond what some may consider the "prime area" along South Orange Grove Boulevard and include properties south of Colorado Boulevard and north of Columbia.  For the eastern boundary, I include Singer Park on … (10 comments)

South Pasadena Real Estate Market Update -- December 2011 Sales Results - 01/13/12 12:04 AM
South Pasadena Real Estate Market Update -- December 2011 Sales Results


 
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 which makes South Pasadena a reliable stand-in for Anywhere, USA in movies, television and advertising.  There is a more contemporary element in the city and you can find many in the the Altos de Monterey or Old Altos areas - some with spectacular views.   Along Mission Street … (14 comments)

Do Not Duplicate -- Huh? I Plan To Duplicate Success - How About You? - 01/11/12 04:02 PM
Do Not Duplicate -- Huh?  I Plan To Duplicate Success - How About You?
 
There have been many articles, blog posts, television interviews, you name it -- all about resolutions and plans for the new year.   It happens every year.  We see them.  We read them.  We analyze them.  Maybe we take the advice of some.    
Then I looked at some of the keys in my possession --- Do Not Duplicate on a few of them.
Sure, it's for security in case the keys fall into the wrong hands.
Then I started to think to myself -- … (15 comments)

December 2011 South Pasadena CA Condo/Townhome/Loft Sales Recap - 01/10/12 06:02 PM
December 2011 South Pasadena CA Condo/Townhome/Loft Sales Recap


Garfield Park in South Pasadena
South Pasadena is a city rich in history and offers small town charm that often stands in for Anywhere, USA in movies, television and advertising.  Here you will find tree-lined streets filled with architecturally interesting homes ranging in size from cottages to magnificent estates.   These homes seem to symbolize the image of South Pasadena in the minds of many people.  Beyond the small stores, unique dining and highly acclaimed schools there are condos, townhomes and lofts in  South Pasadena.  Yes, you can live the South … (13 comments)

Attention California Realtors -- Governor Brown Proposes Changes to DRE - 01/09/12 04:45 PM
Attention California Realtors -- Governor Brown Proposes Changes to DRE 
… (6 comments)

Monterey Hills December 2011 Real Estate Market Recap - 01/09/12 02:46 PM
Monterey Hills December 2011 Real Estate Market Recap



Budd Weiner Park in Monterey Hills

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 San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys and Los Angeles' Westside.  Despite this highly convenient location, Monterey Hills remains somewhat of … (9 comments)

Surfwood Monterey Los Angeles December Sales Results 2011 vs 2010 - 01/07/12 06:33 PM
Surfwood Monterey Los Angeles December Sales Results 2011 vs 2010



Background:  Surfwood Monterey is located in the Hermon neighborhood of the city. Los Angeles adjacent to South Pasadena.  Hermon is a small community that is relatively unknown so often that is combined with Highland Park(same zip code 90042).
The Surfwood Monterey complex was built in 1989 with the first move-ins occuring in 1990.   It is a 92 unit complex designed around three interior courtyards.   There is a common area lobby, subterranean parking, two elevators, a gym/workout room plus pool/spa/lounge area.   The complex exterior was re-painted … (4 comments)

PasadenaCA Residents/Business Owners: Do You Have Damage From the Recent Windstorms? - 01/06/12 06:00 PM
Attention Pasadena CA Residents/Business Owners:  Do You Have Damage From the Recent Windstorms?
On November 30 and December 1, 2011, a hurricane-like windstorm did tremendous damage to thousands of public and private trees and caused power outages that lasted up to one week.   Residents and others will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and experiences as well as share ideas of how to improve the emergency response to any future disasters at three community meetings.  The meetings will take place on the following dates at the listed locations:
Saturday, January 14 at 10AM at Southern California Public Radio(KPCC) Crawford … (6 comments)

San Marino CA - November 2011 Sales Recap - 01/05/12 12:37 AM
San Marino CA - November 2011 Sales Recap
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 home 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 schools(Valentine and Carver), one middle school(Huntington) and high school(San Marino High School) with a nationwide reputation for excellence.  San Marino has single family homes only … (6 comments)

Are You A First-Time Home Buyer Who is Losing Interest in Short Sale Properties? - 01/04/12 12:19 PM
Are You A First Time Home Buyer Who is Losing Interest in Short Sale Properties?
In the November/December issue of California Real Estate, the official magazine of the CAR, California Association of Realtors, there was a report which stated first-time home buyer purchases of short sales dropped to 39.7% of short sale transactions in August 2011.  
Why?   The report went on to refer to a survey of home buyer frustration with delays in the process. 
If you are under a strict time frame -- your home lease is up, job transfer, new baby --- whatever your reason may be … (15 comments)

South Pasadena - November 2011 Sales Recap (Single Family Homes) - 01/03/12 08:02 PM
South Pasadena - November 2011 Sales Recap (Single Family Homes)

South Pasadena Library
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 … (2 comments)

Update: South Pasadena Condo/Townhome/Loft Sales Recap - November 2011 - 01/02/12 10:42 PM
Update:  South Pasadena Condo/Townhome/Loft Sales Recap - November 2011
In South Pasadena you'll find the small town charm that often stands in for Anywhere, USA in movies, television, print and online advertising.   On the tree-lined streets you will find  character-rich homes ranging in size from cottages to some of the most grand estates.  These residences seem to symbolize the image of the city in the minds of many people.   But beyond the small stores, neighborhood restaurants/cafes and highly acclaimed schools there are condos, townhomes and lofts in South Pasadena.    Often tucked into small pockets in neighborhoods or in … (2 comments)

Status Update: November 2011 Sales Report - Along Pasadena Millionaire's Row - 01/02/12 12:19 AM
Status Update:  November 2011 Sales Report - Along Pasadena Millionaire's Row 
This is a market recap of condominums and townhomes in the South Orange Grove corridor of Pasadena, California.  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  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 … (8 comments)

Monterey Hills - November 2011 Sales Update - 01/01/12 11:33 PM
Monterey Hills CA - November 2011 Sales Recap
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 San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys and Los Angeles' Westside.  Despite this highly convenient location, Monterey Hills remains somewhat of a hidden treasure unknown to many.   
The first communities … (2 comments)

Surfwood Monterey Los Angeles: November 2011 Sales Update - 01/01/12 10:32 PM
 
Surfwood Monterey Los Angeles:   November 2011 Sales Update
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 three interior courtyards, subterranean parking, two elevators, pool, spa and a work-out room.  The homes are two bedrooms and two baths in a variety of floor plans each with at least one fireplace.  Each unit has washer-dryer hook-ups.  The top floor units have higher ceilings with many offering clerestory windows.  The complex exterior was re-painted … (2 comments)

 
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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

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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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