Life in San Marino, California means beautiful, wide tree-lined streets, a unique residential lifestyle, excellent schools and living in the shadow of the beautiful Huntington Library, Art Galleries and Gardens. The principal portions of San Marino were included as part of a land grant in 1830. In 1903 Henry Huntington bought the Shorb Estate and the city was established in 1913.
San Marino has certain ordinances which may surprise new residents. A booklet, Informational Guide for San Marino Residents is given(mandatory) to all new residents. In a cleverly illustrated segment, … (4 comments)
michael jacobs: Admit It. Are You Afraid to Buy An "As-Is" Home?
- 03/12/11 11:27 AM
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: Come To The Worlds Most Unusual Flea Market -- Pasadena Rose Bowl
- 03/12/11 05:12 AM
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: The Great Sprinkler Shutoff Comes to Pasadena CA
- 03/11/11 02:02 PM
The Great Sprinkler Shutoff Comes to Pasadena CA Starting Friday, March 18, 2011 and continuing until Sunday, March 27, 2011 residents of Pasadena, California will not be able to water their lawns. This is due to a seismic retrofit by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. As a result of this work, water supply to Pasadena and other neighboring cities will be cut off and the Pasadena City Council agreed to implement a ban. Before the shut-off, Pasadena will lift existing restrictions to allow people to water any day. Pasadena Water and Power will use reserves during this ten day shutdown and will … (5 comments)
michael jacobs: Sorry, I Can't Answer That Question --- Here's Why
- 03/07/11 01:54 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: Surfwood Monterey -- February 2011 Market Recap
- 03/07/11 03:08 AM
Surfwood Monterey -- February 2011 Market Recap Surfwood Monterey is a 92 unit condominium complex in the Highland Park Hermonneighborhood in the city of Los Angeles. Built in 1989(first move-ins were in 1990) the complex features subterranean parking, two elevators, pool, spa and gym. 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. Surfwood Monterey -- February 2011 Market Recap There was one sale in Surfwood Monterey and it closed on February 1, 2011 according to multiple listing service records. It … (4 comments)
michael jacobs: Pasadena CA Condo & Townhome Sales Report /Market Update - February 2011
- 03/06/11 03:14 PM
Pasadena CA Condo & Townhome Sales Report/Market Update - February 2011 I was intrigued to read a report from another area of the country where the author described the least expensive homes in her market. An interesting take on real estate, don't you think? Well, this report for Pasadena CA is a recap of condos and townhomes currently on the market for sale, in escrow and sold during the month of February 2011 according to multiple listing service sources. There are currently 218 condos and townhomes on the market for sale in Pasadena. This does not take into account every property but … (0 comments)
michael jacobs: Pasadena CA February 2011 Sales Recap & Market Update - South Orange Grove Corridor Condos & Townhomes
- 03/06/11 06:38 AM
Pasadena CA February 2011 Sales Recap & Market Update - South Orange Grove Corridor Condos & Townhomes First, a definition of the area for this report is in order. In my 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 and all of the streets that run parallel. The western boundary for this report is the Arroyo(south of the Colorado Street d). This report does not include any of the condos or townhomes … (4 comments)
michael jacobs: San Marino CA February 2011 Sales Recap & Market Report
- 03/06/11 03:58 AM
San Marino Ca February 2011 Sales Recap & Market Report Perhaps not as famous as its neighbor 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. The San Marino School District with two elementary schools, middle school and high school … (4 comments)
michael jacobs: The Monterey Hills Lifestyle --- February Sales Recap and Market Report
- 03/05/11 06:33 PM
The Monterey Hills Lifestyle --- February Sales Recap and Market Report Monterey Hillsis 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 courts and other amenities. The desirable close-in location offers a relatively easy commute to Downtown Los Angeles, the Valleys and Los Angeles' westside. Due to its close proximity to USC School of Medicine, many find Monterey Hills an excellent opportunity to purchase and live during residency or … (0 comments)
michael jacobs: I Rather Not Be Number One -- Thank You Very Much
- 03/05/11 06:17 AM
I Rather Not Be Number One -- Thank You Very Much Today, the Los Angeles Times informed readers as of Friday, California is number one in the country. Oh, so what, you say? Californians are noted for boasting of our status as number one in soooo many things. I Rather Not Be Number One -- Thank You Very Much You see, on Friday, California passed every state in the country to have the highest price for gasoline in the country. California even passed Hawaii and Alaska, typically known for the highest fuel prices in the United States. According to the Los Angeles … (16 comments)
michael jacobs: Miracles Happen -- Congratulations Caltech
- 02/23/11 03:39 PM
Miracles Happen -- Congratulations Caltech Picture it January 1985 Where were you? Were you even born? Fast forward to Tuesday, February 22, 2011 something amazing happened. Caltech, home of 31 Nobel Prize winners did something for the first time in 26 years. They beat Occidental College(once the school of one Barry Obama) in a basketball game Not just any game The California Institute of Technology from Pasadena, California beat whipped pounced defeated was victorious over (ok you get the idea) Occidential College of Eagle Rock 46 - 45 This was not just any victory The last time Caltech won a basketball … (6 comments)
michael jacobs: Pasadena Area Million Dollar Home Sales
- 02/13/11 01:41 PM
Pasadena Area Million Dollar Home Sales In 2010, according to the Los Angeles Times via Data-Quick Information Systems, there were 22,529 homes sold in California for over one million dollars. According to the report this represented a 21% over 2009 while the total number of homes sold last year dropped 9%. This was the first increase in this category in five years. In Pasadena, there were 141 sales over one million dollars according to local multiple listing service records. This compares to 159 sales in 2009, a 11.3% decrease. By zip code; 91101 -- Civic Center, Pasadena Playhouse and South Lake … (6 comments)
michael jacobs: Can Watson Win Jeopardy?
- 02/13/11 07:03 AM
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: Attention Home Buyer - Why Should You Hire Me?
- 01/04/11 12:25 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: The New Math --- Owning Your Home Outright Quicker
- 01/03/11 01:05 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: The Sellers Did Whaaaaat?
- 01/02/11 09:20 AM
I'm sorry what did you say? The sellers have accepted your offer. Congratulations! Whaaaaat? The Sellers did whaaaaat? You mean, they didn't counter? The price was acceptable? The terms were acceptable? Close of escrow timing was okay? They accepted our contingency dates for loan, appraisal and inspections? They liked our mortgage pre-approval letter? They will pay for a home protection plan? Hmmmm? Did we pay too much? Should we have asked for something different? Is there something wrong with the house? Well.... What if your offer was accepted because your offer was based on the recent sales of comparable homes close … (19 comments)
michael jacobs: Resolutions -- Schmezolutions
- 01/01/11 06:38 AM
Ok, Schemezloutions is NOT a word Today is 01/01/11 and everyone and I mean EVERYONE is asking What's Your Resolution? How many Resolutions Do You Have? When Do You Think You'll Give Up(Break) Your Resolution? Yes, it's a planning thing. If you are thinking about resolutions --- hmm, you may be a bit behind but make sure it's a SMART resolution for those who have forgotten A S.M.A.R.T Resolution is Specific Measurable Acheivable Realistic Timely What's Your S.M.A.R.T resolution? (hmm, should I have titled this post --- Oh NO, Not Another "Resolutions" Post?)
… (6 comments)
michael jacobs: A Tale of 2 Vacant Houses
- 12/31/10 09:50 AM
"It was the best of homes, it was the worst of homes" Sure, as Realtors and as members of the homebuying community how often have we said or thought this after a day of showing/viewing homes? Valerie Zinger from Ottawa relates how this applies when we are dealing with a probate or a trust sale. Want the best results .....read Valerie's well-written post...
Selling a home after the death of an owner is not a simple straightforward transaction. As agents we need to verify that the executor / executrix have the legal authority to dispose of assets in the … (4 comments)
michael jacobs: Have You Actually Told a Buyer They Don't Need to Have an Earnest Money Deposit?
- 12/31/10 07:37 AM
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)
Your source for real estate information 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.
Do's, Don'ts And Don't Even Think About It 
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