michael jacobs real estate: South Pasadena, CA - April 2011 Sales Recap & Market Report - 05/16/11 11:23 PM
South Pasadena, CA - April 2011 Sales Recap & Market Report
The city of South Pasadena is sometimes known as "Tree City".  Here tree-lined streets with character homes stand in for commercials, television shows, movies and print media for Anywhere, America.   Homes in the Altos de Monterey or Old Altos areas often offer spectacular views and a more contemporary flair.   Along Mission Street you will find unique shopping and dining as well as Mission Station for the Gold Line Light Rail system.    Condominiums and townhomes blend seamlessly throughout the city which features it owns Police and Fire departments, a well-regarded recreation program, unique shopping and dining, excellent public library and the award winning … (4 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: South Pasadena CA -- March 2011/First Quarter 2011 Market Report & Sales Recap -- Condos/Townhomes - 04/10/11 12:35 PM
South Pasadena CA -- March 2011/First Quarter 2011 Market Report & Sales Recap -- Condominiums/Townhomes
The city of South Pasadena is sometimes known as "Tree City".  Here tree-lined streets with character homes stand in for commercials, television shows, movies and print media for Anywhere, America.   Homes in the Altos de Monterey or Old Altos areas often offer spectacular views and a more contemporary flair.   Along Mission Street you will find unique shopping and dining as well as Mission Station for the Gold Line Light Rail system.    Condominiums and townhomes blend seamlessly throughout the city which features it owns Police and Fire departments, a well-regarded recreation program, unique shopping and dining, excellent public … (4 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: San Marino CA -- March 2011/First Quarter 2011 Market Report and Sales Recap - 04/07/11 11:52 PM
San Marino CA -- March 2011/First Quarter 2011 Market Report and Sales Recap
Perhaps not as famous as its neighbor Pasadena and small in population, the affluent city of San Marino is justly proud to be the home of the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, the former estate of Henry Huntington.  Since its founding in 1913, San Marino has been home to some of the most beautiful estate properties in the state of California.  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 with two … (6 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: We Would Like To Sell But What About Capital Gains? - 04/01/11 09:25 PM
 We Would Like To Sell But What About Capital Gains?
Are you a longtime homeowner who has asked yourself this question?  A visitor to an open house I was holding asked this very question.
The current law(from 1997) allows homeowners to avoid paying taxes on the first $500,000 of profit if they are married or on the first $250,000 if they are single or widowed.  You must have lived in the home as your primary residence for two of the last five years.  You are allowed to use the provision as often as you like, as long as it fits in that … (7 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Can I Buy A Home in The Pasadena Area for $250000? - 03/20/11 06:52 PM
Can I Buy A Home in The Pasadena California Area for $250000?
Well, if you are familiar with California real estate, there continues to be lots of media attention on the current real estate market.  You may read or hear of the great deals or even fire sale-like prices in real estate.  Is it true?   And most of all, is it possible to buy a home in the Pasadena, CA area for $250000.
According to the multiple listing service there are currently(as of March 20, 2011)28 properties on the market for sale priced at or under $250000.  This includes one house on White Street which … (5 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Admit It. Are You Afraid to Buy An "As-Is" Home? - 03/12/11 07:27 PM
Admit It.  Are You Afraid to Buy An "As-Is" Home?
It's okay.  You're among friends.  When you say those words "As-Is" does it frighten you?
What are the sellers hiding?
What do they know?  Is it something bad?
Why don't they just fix it?
And what about those quotation marks "As-Is"?
Did you know that the current California purchase agreement states unless otherwise agreed the property is sold in its PRESENT physical("as-is")condition as of the date of acceptance?   Yes, most properties(and everyone I have sold) is sold in this manner.
Now, in most cases(bank owned, probate sales and some trust sales … (21 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Come To The Worlds Most Unusual Flea Market -- Pasadena Rose Bowl - 03/12/11 01:12 PM
Come To The Worlds Most Unusual Flea Market -- Pasadena Rose Bowl
Sunday, March 13, 2011  After more than 40 years in existence it may be difficult to argue that the Rose Bowl Flea Market is one of the most famous and unusual markets of its type in the world.  On the second Sunday of every month(Sunday, March 13, 2011) more than 2500 vendors and approximately 15000 to 20000 buyers come to browse, shop and people watch(perhaps catch a glimpse of a celebrity shopper) at the world famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
If you Attend:  there are options...
Regular admission starts at 9AM with general … (6 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Sorry, I Can't Answer That Question --- Here's Why - 03/07/11 09:54 PM
Sorry, I Can't Answer That Question --- Here's Why
This weekend I ran across a handout from a Fair Housing Guidelines seminar from a few years back.   A few days prior, I had received a telephone call on a listing and we scheduled an appointment to meet this past weekend to see a few condominiums.
It was a pretty short visit --- explain a bit of the real estate buying process and to see three condos.   As we were leaving the first condo, the wife asked "What kind of people live here?"   I asked what she meant and she said "You know...the … (47 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Thank You Dr. Seuss For The Reminder - 03/02/11 09:08 AM
Thank You Dr. Seuss For The Reminder
Today is the birthday of Theodore Geisel who was born March 2, 1904 and is better known as author Dr. Suess.   
I admit there may be some rhyming going on here,
For you, dear readers, do not fear
Just a simple thank you to Dr. Suess for some good reading times I remember
From time to time throughout the year.   
When I saw that today was the good doctor's birthday, I looked up some of his lines and ran across one that is a great reminder for all of us --- in real estate and in life.
I Meant What … (8 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Just Send Me An Offer --- Is That Really The Message You Want to Give My Buyers? - 02/19/11 06:20 PM
Just Send Me An Offer --- Is That Really The Message You Want to Give My Buyers?
I was previewing and reviewing properties yesterday to show clients over the next week.  One of the agents left a voicemail message in response to a question. 
"Just Send Me An Offer, Any Offer"
and in case I didn't understand her message, she repeated
"Just Send Me Annnnnny Offer"
First, this is an agent I do not have a personal or business relationship.  The property is a condominium which had been flipped and had been on the market a bit more than the average days on … (15 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Can Watson Win Jeopardy? - 02/13/11 03:03 PM
Can Watson Win Jeopardy?
Beginning tomorrow on Valentine's Day, an IBM-engineered machine by the name of Watson will begin his competition to see if he can "beat" two Jeopardy champions.  In one corner --- Watson with his powerful ten refrigerator-size arsenal of IBM systems against champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter. 
According to the Los Angeles Times, Watson will not use the internet for his answers but will rely on his errr its vast database of reference material including encyclopedias, plays, textbooks and dictionaries.  According to the article, Watson does make mistakes:  when asked what does a grasshopper eat he responded kosher.  Hmm, … (21 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Congratulations City of Hope ---- A San Gabriel Valley Treasure - 01/16/11 11:21 AM
Congratulations City of Hope ---- A San Gabriel Valley Treasure
The Pasadena Star-News(www.pasadenastarnews.com) reports that City of Hope Medical Center, located in Duarte, California performed the hospital's 10,000 transplant on Thursday, January 13, 2011. The hospital where bone-marrow transplantation was launched nearly 35 years ago is one of the few medical facilities worldwide to reach this milestone. 
The Star-News explains that bone-marrow or stem cell transplantation is collectively known as hematopoietic cell transplantation is a procedure in which stem cells  are used to help cure patients of leukemia, lymphona, myeloma and other deadly diseases.  
According to the article, the first successful patient was a college student who … (6 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Attention Homeowners - Why Should You Hire Me? - 01/05/11 11:15 AM
Are you looking for a change in 2011?
Homeowners - Why You Should Hire Me To Represent You in The Sale and Marketing  of Your Home?
I will help you get a clear picture of the reasons you are a considering a home sale by asking questions--lots of questions.   I will listen to you and I will be honest with you even if it is something you may not want to hear. I will work with you to help you establish a time frame for selling and together we will establish a pricing strategy for your home based on the current real estate market … (3 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Attention Home Buyer - Why Should You Hire Me? - 01/04/11 08:25 PM

Is A New Home in Your Plans in 2011?
Home Buyers - Why You Should Hire Me?
I will help you get a clear picture of what you want and what you need by asking questions--lots of questions.   I will listen to you to determine the possiblity of a your new home based on your purchasing power.  I will be honest with you even if it is something you may not want to hear. I have access to highly qualified professionals in the mortgage industry should you need assistance in obtaining financing.   Regardless of what an expert may say only you can determine your … (4 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: The New Math --- Owning Your Home Outright Quicker - 01/03/11 09:05 PM
12 + 1 = 23
Remember the New Math?
Try This...
12(months) +1(one extra payment--principal only)
equals
30(year original loan) - 7(number in years of savings)
23
HUH?
Did you know that there is a way to save a lot of $$$ on your mortgage?
  Did you know that if you make just one extra payment a year
(of course this is a principal payment solely)
you will cut seven years off your mortgage---instead of a typical 30 year mortgage,
you could own your home outright in just 23 years! 
No mathematicians were harmed in this example although they may be shaking their heads.
Always check with … (8 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Wishing it was a better market: Why wish, make it so! - 01/02/11 08:52 PM
Having a positive can-do attitude is important.  Not just in real estate but in everyday life as well.  Todd Clark from Beaverton, Oregon walks the talk and succinctly says it with this post.  If you haven't read it yet .... here it is again(as I thought it so inspirational--way to go, Todd).  Originally posted on New's Year Eve. Now, go forward and have  a great 2011.

Via Todd Clark (Broker) (503)524-9494 (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) (Knipe Realty):

I hear it all the time “I wish the market was better, I could be making so much more money” Well, then why not … (7 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Why is the Owner Selling? - 01/01/11 02:10 PM
Attention Home Sellers:  I think this is most asked question by potential home buyers and open house visitors.  Why is the owner selling?   As a home seller you better have an answer ready ---  Valerie Zinger from Ottawa provides many different options ... be prepared because you or your agent will be asked.  

Via Valerie Zinger (Royal Lepage Gale Ottawa-Ontario-Canada):
Buyers want to know everything they can about a house they are considering buying.  One of the very first questions they ask is "Why is the owner selling this home?"  That is a reasonable question.  The Buyer is hoping to … (6 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Use A Long Lens To Plot Your Way Into The New Year - 12/31/10 07:27 PM
Whether your business is real estate or something else does not matter as we approach a new year.  Gary Woltal from Texas looks at reflection on the past gives insight into the future...

Via Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR® SFR Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):
The adage hindsight is 20/20 as I get older and get more reflective I find to be HIGHLY a true statement. Thinking of going forward with your personal and business plans into 2011 think
Use A Long Lens To Plot Your Way Into The New Year.
Think of 2010 as a series of news … (2 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: Have You Actually Told a Buyer They Don't Need to Have an Earnest Money Deposit? - 12/31/10 03:37 PM
Hey, hold on....did I read this correctly?  Well, that's what I thought when I saw this post from Tammy Emineth from Missouri.  In fact my comments on her original post:  never, nada, nyet ---- in the interview process with a buyer I always discuss the earnest money deposit and let them know about how the percentage of the deposit may vary depending on location of the property and the customs in that area but that they will need to have $$$ available when they find their home.  If I am representing a seller and received such an offer, I doubt it would be highly … (4 comments)

michael jacobs real estate: One Chance to Make A First Impression - 12/29/10 03:38 PM
While waiting for a client yesterday, I flipped through my latest copy of Realtor magazine and stopped at the article:
Top 5:  First Impressions Matter by G. M. Filisko
It was a part of the magazine's Cost vs Return by Remodeling Magazine.   The biggest return at 102.1 per cent was an upgrade to the home's entry door.  The idea is to remove an existing 3 foot by 6'8"  entry door and replace it with a steel door with half glass.  This is considered a mid-range upgrade with an approximate cost of $1,218. 
The others in the top five:  garage door replacement, … (6 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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