Why Is This Pasadena Home Being Sold in "As Is" Condition? - 07/31/12 08:22 PM
Why Is This Pasadena Area Home Being Sold in “As Is” Condition?


Why is the Pasadena home you are considering buying being sold in “as is” condition?   It’s a common question and one with an answer that shouldn’t alarm you.    For the last few years, ALL CALIFORNIA properties are sold in “As Is” condition.   From $200,000 condos to $20,000,000+ homes --- each is sold in “As Is” condition.What does this mean to me as a buyer?   You still have the right to have an inspection.   If your professional property inspection shows items, situations or conditions that you feel are … (12 comments)

How Small Can You Go in Pasadena? - 07/30/12 11:32 PM
How Small Can You Go in Pasadena?



How small can you go in Pasadena?   No, this isn’t a question if you can fit into those skinny jeans or into that high school varsity jacket -- but how small of a home would be comfortable for you?



In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about simplifying life -- living with less “stuff” but realistically - how small can you go?   In Pasadena there are four properties on the market for sale with less than 600 square feet.   Yes 600 square feet -- roughly … (22 comments)

Fresco Community Market Gives Back - 07/30/12 10:22 AM
Fresco Community Market Gives Back


 
Fresco Community Market gives back to the community.   On Saturday, July 28, the Los Angeles Times published an article regarding Jon Murga, the  local owner of Fresco Community Market and the independent store’s commitment of giving back to the greater community.   The article reported that the Murga went to an unlikely place to find some of his store’s employees when he opened his grocery store in 2011:  Los Angeles’ skid row.   As a customer of this store, I can firsthand report that the all of the employees I have encountered at Fresco are … (8 comments)

626 Night Market in Pasadena - 07/29/12 02:52 PM
626 Night Market in Pasadena



Saturday, July 28 was the second 626 Night Market in Pasadena.   The event was held in and around Pasadena City Hall which provided more room and more vendors than the first 626 Night Market(held on Oakland Street between Colorado and Union in April 2012).
The idea behind 626 Night Market is to replicate the Night Markets held in many Asian cities. One of the goals of the 626 Night Market is to support local small businesses:  tasty food, exposure of new products, entertainment and a party-like atmosphere.    Here are just a few … (16 comments)

Arroyo Oaks Condos in South Pasadena - 07/28/12 10:00 AM
Arroyo Oaks Condos in South Pasadena



Arroyo Oaks in South Pasadena is a 62 condominium complex in the city of South Pasadena.   Built in 1981, Arroyo Oaks is a multi-story building with single level condos arranged around central courtyards with mature landscaping, fountains and gazebos.   The complex features a pool, spa, lounge area and recreation/meeting room.    Parking is in a subterranean garage and there is additional guest parking on site.
The units range in size from one bedroom/den/two baths to two bedroom/two baths.   Arroyo Oaks condos interior features include fireplaces and in-unit laundry connections.  Third floor units feature … (11 comments)

El Molino Terrace -- Pasadena Condos in Playhouse District - 07/24/12 07:03 PM
El Molino Terrace Pasadena Condos in Playhouse District
 

 
El Molino Terrace is a condominium development in Pasadena.  Originally built as apartments in 1987, the 77 unit complex is located at 300 North El Molino Avenue just blocks north of Colorado Boulevard and a short distance to the Gold Line Lake Avenue station and the 210 Freeway plus the Pasadena Playhouse District and South Lake Avenue.  The complex was converted to condos in approximately 2004.    El Molino Terrace has three floors of single level condos that range in size from studios to two bedrom/two baths.   Interior features include: fireplaces, … (14 comments)

Townhouse Living in Monterey Hills - 07/23/12 11:26 PM
Townhouse Living in Monterey Hills





Although condos are more common in the community, there is an option for townhouse living in Monterey Hills.   Monterey Hills is a planned community within the city of Los Angeles with a lot of condominiums but if you would like a townhouse -- there are some options for you.
Why a townhouse?   Well, do you want a private garage?   A bit more space?   More than two bedrooms?   More than two bathrooms?   Maybe a bit more outdoor space?   Maybe a townhouse in Monterey Hills is for you.With a townhouse in Monterey Hills … (11 comments)

Wilson Summit -- An Oasis in Monterey Hills - 07/22/12 11:34 PM
Wilson Summit -- An Oasis in Monterey Hills


Wilson Summit is an oasis in Monterey Hills.   Built in 1986, Wilson Summit is a 120 unit condominium complex within Monterey Hills.   Although the area is convenient to multiple freeways and two Gold Line light rail stations, it remains a true hidden treasure in the city of Los Angeles.   
The award-winning grounds of Wilson Summit feature mature and lush landscaping, courtyards and river rock creek.   There is a pool, spa, lounge area and clubhouse.   Parking is subterranean.


The homes at Wilson Summit are single level.  The units vary … (12 comments)

Discover Eaton Crest in Monterey Hills - 07/22/12 08:43 PM
Discover Eaton Crest in Monterey HillsEaton Crest in Monterey Hills is the largest condominium complex within the Monterey Hills area of the city of Los Angeles.   With 198 single level condos, Eaton Crest was built in 1981.  The floor plans range in size from one bedroom/one bath to two bedroom/two bath/den unit(many times called three bedrooms - but not accurate).   First floor condos typically have large patios and some of the top floor units in the 4499 Via Marisol have taller ceilings, clerestory windows and skylights.   

As a point of interest -- there is also one studio unit that … (0 comments)

Welcome to Temple Terrace in Monterey Hills - 07/21/12 11:07 PM
Welcome to Temple Terrace in Monterey Hills



Temple Terrace in Monterey Hills is a unique community.  It is the only complex on “The Hill” that consists of both single level condominiums as well as multi-level townhomes.  Temple Terrace was built in 1980.   They are a part of the Monterey Hills planned community within the city of Los Angeles.  This ideal location is convenient to Downtown Los Angeles, both the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys as well LA’s Westside with easy access to multiple freeways and Gold Line light rail stations in Highland Park and South Pasadena.   The … (8 comments)

Open House Sunday July 22 at Ardmore House in Pasadena - 07/20/12 09:41 AM
Open House Sunday July 22 at Ardmore House in Pasadena



An open house on Sunday, July 22 at Ardmore House in Pasadena will be held from 2 until 4PM.   Ardmore House, 480 South Orange Grove Boulevard, is a desirable 22 unit condominium complex along Pasadena’s prime Millionaire’s Row.  The upscale complex features lushly and well-manicured grounds with a pool.   There are three buildings with elevator service and subterranean parking.  



Unit number Ten which will be open on Sunday is located on the second floor of the complex and has no common walls and no … (6 comments)

Stop and Really Look - 07/19/12 11:09 PM
Stop and Really LookStop and really look at what is going on around you.   I know I often get too involved in the "stuff" of life and forget to notice what is going on around me --- last night -- I came across this sunset and took the phone from my ear -- and took this photo....I think it was kinda cool....Not to be corny or goofy but if you are in the mood to stop, think and reflect about where you want to live....and that place may be in Pasadena or other communities in/near the San Gabriel Valley --- I … (12 comments)

So This Is What Happens To Socks In The Dryer... - 07/18/12 11:04 PM
So This Is What Happens To Socks In The Dryer...So This Is What Happens To Socks In The Dryer...They escape and put on a show.....Yes, your socks are not missing - they have escaped from your dryer and they are now appearing in a stage show in Los Angeles.



On Wednesday night --- I went to see a production at Sock Puppet Sitcom Theatre in the Atwater neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles.   Their website http://www.sockpuppetsitcomtheater.com/ tells us:
If you were the kind of kid who grew up watching old sitcoms in syndication after school, this is the sock … (17 comments)

Windemere Townhomes in Pasadena - 07/17/12 10:19 PM
Windemere Townhomes in Pasadena



 
Windemere Townhomes in Pasadena is a 62 unit community in a desirable Southwest Pasadena location.   This handsome complex with its Craftsman-inspired bungalow architecture boasts wood siding exterior, river rock accents and mature landscaping.  It is located near the Pasadena(110) and Foothill(210)Freeways and a short distance to the Gold Line Station at Fillmore.   This popular location offers a multitude of shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural options.   






 
The homes at Windemere offer one to three bedrooms with up to two-and-one-half baths.   All townhomes are multi-story with direct … (21 comments)

Advance Notice Is Fine But This May Be A Candidate for The RidicuList! - 07/16/12 11:38 PM
Advance Notice Is Fine But This May Be A Candidate for The RidicuList!A past client contacted me on a Friday evening about a change in situation that will necessitate a move to a larger home.     I received their housing parameters, made arrangements with their lender and did a computer search.   


 
With our limited inventory, there were only six properties that might match.   I had seen four of the six properties, one was brand new to the market that day preview and the other had been on the market for about 90 days with an out-of-area agent, no … (21 comments)

Your Mom and This Pasadena Realtor Agree..... - 07/16/12 03:15 PM
Your Mom and This Pasadena Realtor Agree....Your Mom and This Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley Area Realtor Agree …. Remember all of those great things Mom used to say when you were growing up?Wash behind your earsEat your spinachWear clean underwear in case you get into an accidentand perhaps - most importantly … when your Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley area home is on the market for saleMake your bedEveryday before you leave the houseMake your bed


Sure, first impressions count -- great curb appeal, a pleasant entrance, a fresh coat of paint, the obligatory de-cluttering and appropriate staging....so don’t forgetMake your bedAn … (38 comments)

Huntington Terrace in Monterey Hills - 07/15/12 09:36 PM
Huntington Terrace in Monterey Hills
 
Huntington Terrace in Monterey Hills is a 108 unit condominium complex built in 1981.   Huntington Terrace is comprised of three separate buildings each with its own address(4000 Via Marisol, 4040 Via Marisol and 4080 Via Marisol).  Each building has three floors of of single level level condominiums with underground parking.   Units vary in size from one bedroom/den to two bedroom/den with two baths.   Most of the first floor units have extra spacious terraces while the third floor units have high vaulted ceilings.   Depending on the orientation of each unit, the homes have nice city, hillside … (6 comments)

San Marino CA Mid-Year 2012 Real Estate Report - 07/14/12 10:12 PM
San Marino Mid-Year 2012 Real Estate Report

This report is a recap of the San Marino real estate activity for mid-year 2012.   All information is from our local multiple listing service(MLS) as of July 14, 2012.   For the January through June time period there have been 58 home sales(remember San Marino has only single family homes - no apartments, no condos, no townhomes within city limits).   The prices range for the closed sales range from $750,000(a two bedroom/one bath home with approximately 864 square feet that was listed at $700,000) to $4,700,000(an estate on Shenandoah Road with approximately 6056 square … (7 comments)

Pasadena/Los Angeles Gold Line Trains to Extend Hours of Service - 07/14/12 12:43 PM
Pasadena/Los Angeles Gold Line Trains To Extend Hours of Service



The Gold Line Train will be extending hours of operation beginning on Friday, July  20.  On Friday and Saturdays the Blue, Red, Gold, Purple and Green lines will run until 2AM.  Trains will run every 20 minutes from 12AM until 2AM.   While, it’s not yet 24/7 we’re on our way to becoming a little less car-centric.   Next time you’re planning an evening out - why not try leaving the car at home.
For more information see:  http://www.metro.net/And if you are looking for a home convenient to one of … (8 comments)

Friday the 13th in Pasadena May Be Lucky For Black Cats - 07/13/12 12:05 PM
Friday the 13th in Pasadena May Be Lucky For Black Cats

It’s Friday, July 13 in Pasadena but it may be a lucky day for black cats especially at our local humane society.      Superstitions aside, the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA has launched a program to reduce the adoption fee for black cats to just $13.00(instead of the usual $70.00) when they are adopted on the 13th of each month.  
Those cats with only partially black fur will also qualify for the discounted rate on the 13th of each month.  

Included in the fee is a spay/neuter surgery, … (11 comments)

Dear Listing Agent: Do You Know Where Your Pasadena Listing Is Located - 07/12/12 11:36 PM
Dear Listing Agent:   Do You Know Where Your Listing Is Located?For those of you who are not Realtors -- I apologize for this little rant.   On our multiple listing reports in addition to the property particulars -- you know - address, price, number of bedrooms, number of baths and a bit of hyperbole or puffery(known as the marketing remarks) is the direction of the property.Typically this will read something like this:  North of Main Street, Two blocks west of 5th Street.   I have been noticing with a bit more regularity when it comes to location of a property:   Check your GPS, … (10 comments)

Party on The Bridge in Pasadena - Saturday, July 14 - 07/12/12 03:53 PM
Party on The Bridge in Pasadena - Saturday, July 14



 
Party on The Bridge in Pasadena CA on Saturday, July 14, 2012 in honor of the 35th birthday of Pasadena Heritage.   The historical Colorado Street Bridge is the setting for this popular celebration.   See vintage automobiles, taste from a variety of Pasadena area restaurants, hear local musical groups plus lots of kids activities and a chance to get together with your Pasadena neighbors at this annual event.For tickets and additional information: www.pasadenaheritage.org.
 

 
 
Check out the many food venues such as Pasadena’s own:   Teri … (14 comments)

Drake Terrace in Monterey Hills - 07/11/12 10:06 PM
Drake Terrace in Monterey Hills


Drake Terrace in Monterey Hills is  an 87 unit condominium complex in Monterey Hills.   Monterey Hills is a planned community within the city of Los Angeles with easy access to Downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys as well as LA’s Westside.  Its highly convenient location is a popular option for students or professionals at USC Health Science Campus.


Built in 1981, the Drake Terrace complex is comprised of three distinct buildings:  4141 and 4147 Via Marisol and 4209 Via Arbolada.  Each building has a central courtyard and there … (7 comments)

Pasadena Townhome Sellers: Don't Forget About Your Patio - 07/10/12 02:04 PM
Don’t Forget About Your PatioWhen your Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley area townhome comes on the market for sale -- don’t forget about your patio.   Everything inside your townhome has been cleaned, cleared, freshly painted and shows off all the great features -- now -- don’t forget about your patio.Think of your patio as an extra room -- highlight it!   Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley townhome buyers love that outdoor space but not if they can’t see it -- so open the window coverings that lead into your patio area and make that area shine!   It may make the difference between being a townhome on … (7 comments)

South Pasadena Single Family Home Mid-Year Recap - 07/09/12 11:52 AM
South Pasadena Single Family Home Mid-Year Recap


South Pasadena High School -- for more information regarding So Pas schools check:
www.spusd.net

The appeal of the small town ambience yet big city convenience of South Pasadena remains high.   The lack of inventory of available single family homes for sale is resulting in multiple offers and often sales in excess of list price.    This lack of inventory is being felt as there are many area homeowners who wish to remain in the community but need a larger(or smaller downsize home) are not selling because they feel they cannot find a … (4 comments)

South Pasadena Condo/Loft/Townhome Mid-Year Update - 07/08/12 09:56 AM
South Pasadena Condo/Loft/Townhome Mid-Year Update



This report reflects market activity for the January through June 2012 sales period in South Pasadena in the condominium, loft and townhome segment.   While its small town ambience where tree-lined streets filled with character homes is well-known in the San Gabriel Valley - you can also find condos, lofts and townhomes.    Highly acclaimed schools, unique shops and dining, a well-regarded library and an established park and recreation program combine with a convenient location to make South Pasadena one of the area’s most desirable addresses.



During the first half of 2012, … (4 comments)

Monterey Hills -- 2012 Mid-Year Real Estate Update - 07/07/12 02:56 PM
Monterey Hills -- 2012 Mid-Year Real Estate Update



 
Monterey Hills is a planned community within the city of Los Angeles.  It consists primarily of condominiums, townhomes and one single family development.  The first residents arrived in 1979.  Today there are 20 different complexes within Monterey Hills and approximately 1800 properties.   The community is entirely residential with much open space and a park within the community -- Budd Weiner Park.   



 
There were three sales during June 2012 according to our local multiple listing service(MLS).  The sales ranged in price from $247,000 to $321,000(average … (2 comments)

South Orange Grove Blvd - 2012 Mid-Year Condo/Townhome Update - 07/07/12 11:48 AM
South Orange Grove Blvd  - 2012 Mid-Year Condo/Townhome Update



While the June weather has stayed in Pasadena into July, it’s time for the month and mid-year 2012 update for condominiums and townhomes along the South Orange Grove Boulevard corridor in Pasadena.    The area also known as “Millionaires Row” for the many mansions of the early twentieth century that once lined this grand palm-tree lined boulevard is the recognized address for luxury living in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.The Wrigley Mansion - now also known as The Tournament House - is the probably the most recognized building on … (2 comments)

Bradley Court in Monterey Hills - 07/06/12 08:13 AM
Bradley Court in Monterey Hills



Bradley Court is the only single family home development in the community of Monterey Hills.   Built in 2001, the sixteen unit Bradley Court is actually a planned unit development(P.U.D.).   A P.U.D. has the appearance of a single family home(no common walls)but typically on a smaller lot and a homeowners association.    This is true for Bradley Court although some of the lots measure nearly 9000 square feet(larger than many of our single family lot sizes).  The two story homes at Bradley Court have three or four bedrooms with attached two car garages with direct … (9 comments)

Ardmore House - Open House - Sunday, July 8 2-4PM - 07/05/12 06:34 PM
Ardmore House - Open House - Sunday, July 8 2-4PM



 
480 South Orange Grove Boulevard Unit 10 at Ardmore House in Pasadena will be open on Sunday, July 8 from 2-4PM.   This single level condominium in the South Orange Grove Boulevard corridor of Pasadena has been off the market for six weeks and is certainly ready to sell.Ardmore House is a 22 unit condominium complex with a resident manager(the only complex with this feature along South Orange Grove) and features beautiful and mature landscaped grounds, pool and three elevators.   There are subterranean garages with additional storage.  The … (9 comments)

Happy Independence Day! - 07/04/12 02:13 PM
Happy Independence Day!



Some of my favorite quotes on the birthday of the United States of America:

There, I guess King George will be able to read that - John Hancock
In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed, it must be achieved - Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves - Abraham LincolnYou have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks and soldiers who file by the White House in a sign of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where … (8 comments)

Surfwood Monterey in Hermon - 07/03/12 07:37 PM
Surfwood Monterey in Hermon Surfwood Monterey located in the Hermon district within the city of Los Angeles, is a 92 unit condominium complex.  Hermon, relatively unknown even to many local Angelenos, has been in existence 100 plus years and is a part of zip code 90042.   Other communities who share 90042 with Hermon are Highland Park, Monterey Hills, Garvanza, Mt Angelus and Arroyo View Estates.  
Curious about Hermon? Check out their community website:
http://www.hermonla.org/Hermon/index.html 

 
Surfwood Monterey and Hermon are conveniently located to freeways and two light rail stations(Gold Line stations in Highland Park and South Pasadena) making … (12 comments)

Au Revoir Foie Gras - 07/02/12 11:47 AM
Au Revoir Foie Gras Buh-bye foie gras.  Adios.   Nice knowin’ ya.   So long.You see, foie gras --- that fatty goose or duck liver considered a delicacy -- is no longer legal to sell in the state of California - The new law(the first in the nation and quite controversial) went into effect July 1, 2012.   

So foie gras may be unavailable in California but we have lots of other culinary adventures to discover --- ask me the latest and when you are in need of a real estate answer -- you can ask me too - my name is … (18 comments)

Sutton House: Mid-Century Modern Design in Pasadena - 07/01/12 11:35 PM
Sutton House:  Mid-Century Modern Design in Pasadena CA



Sutton House in Pasadena is a classic example of mid-century modern design.  Built in 1964 and converted to condominiums in 2004 the eight unit Sutton House complex combines classic modern design of the 1960s with some recent and important renovations.    And the location along the South Orange Grove Boulevard corridor is unsurpassed as the luxury address for condominium living in the San Gabriel Valley.   Also known as “Millionaires Row” this wide palm tree-lined boulevard offers a front row street to the New Year’s event known world-wide as The Rose Parade. … (8 comments)

There's No Such Thing As A Valid Verbal Offer in Pasadena - 07/01/12 06:40 PM
There’s No Such Thing As A Valid Verbal Offer in Pasadena CA
 

 
 
 
No, not in Pasadena -- actually not in the entire state of California.  Pretty sure, this is one of those things that is not valid anywhere.
As we have all heard --- a verbal offer is only as good(and as valid) as the paper it is written.      I said words to that effect this past week to some longtime clients(and who have definitely heard my thoughts on the subject).  Make sure and call the agent to tell her we’re interested and we’re going … (14 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

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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