Dena Land News A
M O NT H L Y N EW SL ET T E R B Y L I N DA LA N E- WH IT E – K EL LE R W IL LIA M S REA LT Y S E R VI N G M Y H O M ET O W N OF A LT A D E NA/ PA SA D E NA A ND O UT L Y I NG A R EA S
How To Evaluate a Real Estate Offer
January 2008
Linda Lane-White “Singing” Realtor ® CA Lic #01091347 Notary Public In T un e W ith Y ou r N ee d s
445 S. Fair Oaks Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105 Phone: 626-786-1231 Fax: 626-296-1979 www.lindalanewhite.com
Inside this issue: How To Evaluate an Offer
1
Ceedub Construction
1
Property For Lease
2
Recipe of the Month
2
Healthier Home Air
2
Five Acres
3
Ask An Expert
3
Mortgage Services (sponsor)
4
Recent Area Sales
4
Martin Luther King Jr
5
Senior / Active Adult Info
5
January In Dena Land
6
Artis Lane
6
You put your house up for sale, had several showings, and got an offer. Great! Now what? The price looks good, but what else should be checked? Here are a few things to consider: Buyer’s Financing If there’s no money, there will be no sale, so unless the buyer is paying cash you need to verify that she can get financing. Usually the contract will not indicate whether the buyer has been preapproved, but a smart buyer will still include a letter from his/her lender stating that she can get the loan. You or your agent can (and should) call the lender and double-check that the buyer’s credit report has been reviewed, employment and down payment money verified and that the underwriter has OK’d the application. If none of this has been done you’ll be entering into an iffy situation that could result in delays, additional costs and a disappointment for you. Earnest Money Deposit A serious offer is always accompanied by an earnest money deposit. The higher the deposit, the better for the seller. Why? Because the more the buyer has to lose, the less likely he will be to try to back out later. Like anything else in the contract, the earnest money amount is negotiable, so if you are unhappy with the amount offered you can
ask for more. Dates and Deadlines In real estate time is of the essence. There are a number of events that need to happen in order for the transaction to close successfully, and they need to happen on time. There should be clear deadlines for the inspection(s), appraisal, loan approval, and the closing date. You’ll also want to make sure that the buyer is not asking for excessive time for each
event. For example, the inspection should occur very soon after the contract is signed. The appraisal and the loan approval should not be due at the last minute—if there’s a problem with either of these you’ll want to know as soon as possible. This way you can act quickly to help resolve the problem (if it can be resolved) or look for another buyer (if it can’t). Special Conditions Real estate contracts come with strings attached which are more professionally referred to as “contingencies.” A contingency is a condition that must be fulfilled in order
for your transaction to close successfully. You should be wary of any vague contingencies or the ones that you can’t control. For example, the buyer may insist that your contract is contingent upon him selling his home first. Well, does he have a buyer yet? Has that buyer been pre-approved? Or did your buyer “forget” to even list his house? Any vague contingencies should be clarified (in writing!), or better yet avoided altogether (if possible). These were just the basics of evaluating real estate offers. There are, of course, more details to consider. Make sure you have a good Realtor alongside you who can go over the contract details with you, prepare a counteroffer if necessary, negotiate on your behalf, and get you the terms you desire.
Remodeling? Adding On? Need a New Home Built? Ceedub Construction (626) 786-1229 CA Lic #883002 Chris White, Owner (30+ years of experience) 519 Alameda, Altadena FREE ESTIMATE Residential and Light Commercial
I’m looking for a new neighbor!
This corner lot home is located just down the block from my home. It’s a great neighborhood near Christmas Tree Lane, the Rose Bowl, and JPL (3 blocks west of Lake Ave.)
1,332 sf home on a 9,900 sf lot
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Fireplace 2 car detached garage Spacious front & rear yards Washer & Dryer included Central Air/Heat Alarm system Pets OK with deposit Water, trash, gardener included
444 Alameda Street, Altadena 91001 For Lease Only $2,600 per month Call (626) 786-1231
Potato Chowder
INGREDIENTS: 8 to 10 slices bacon 3 Tblsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 onions, chopped 3 shallots, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped 4 Cups diced, unpeeled new potatoes, any color (1/4-inch dice) 1 tsp salt 1 Tblsp Dijon mustard 4 Cups low-fat milk 1 Cup Gruyere cheese, grated (find at Trader Joe’s) Another tsp salt, freshly ground pepper, fresh chives DIRECTIONS: Create the base: In a large pot cook the bacon according to package instructions, until
browned and crisp. Cool and chop into small pieces. Set aside. Add ingredients and simmer: In the same pot over medium-high heat, add the extra-virgin olive oil, onions shallots, and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes, or until the onions start to get soft. Add the diced potatoes and teaspoon of salt and sauté for about 2 minutes. Now add the mustard and milk. Bring to a boil, then simmer for
about 25 minutes, or until the soup thickens and the potatoes are soft throughout. Whisk and season: Whisk in the Guyere cheese, another teaspoon of salt, and a couple pinches of pepper. Garnish with the bacon and chives. Makes 6 big bowls.
10 Tips For Healthier Home Air This Winter Closing up a home for winter weather can make allergies and asthma worse due to sealing in aggravating indoor air pollutants. Indoor air pollution poses a greater health risk than air pollution found outdoors. Dangerous gases such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) come from items like furniture, carpet and building materials. RISMEDIA, 2007 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently ranked indoor air quality among the top five greatest threats to public health. Based on recommendations from the EPA, SafeHome Filters has developed a list of tips for a healthier home. 1. Store pesticides, paints, glues, and other chemicals outside the home. 2. Make sure the home is well ventilated when paintPage 2
ing or using cleaning agents. 3. Use high quality chemical and allergen filters in your heating and air conditioning system. 4. When pollen, dust and pollutants such as ozone are present outdoors, keep your home sealed and use your air system to filter air in your home. 5. A solution of equal parts vinegar and water is safer and, in many cases, more effective than common
cleaning agents. 6. Don’t smoke! If you must, smoke only outside and away from windows; change clothes before interacting with children. 7. Burn unscented soy candles as an alternative to scented paraffin candles. 8. Choose wool carpet over carpet made of synthetic material. The natural fibers in wool carpeting off-gas significantly less than synthetic fibers. 9. Use only natural or zero
VOC paint inside the home. Paints and finishes can release VOC emissions for years after application. 10. Choose furniture and cabinetry made from wood, not composite wood materials such as particle board. Formaldehyde is commonly used as an adhesive in composite wood, and is a known carcinogen. For more information, visit www.safehomefilters.com
Dena Land News
Five Acres On December 6th, I attended a Festive Holiday Open House and Toy Drive at Five Acres in Altadena. Being a resident of Altadena since I was a child, I had never visited Five Acres. Sure, I drove by many times, but this was my first “official” visit to the organization. Before I got there I picked up a few toys at Target for the children, but, upon my arrival I was surprised to see that of all the people flowing into the front building, I was the only one carrying toys. I was a bit baffled and had to ask, “Isn’t this also a toy drive?” Some of the other attendees gasped and said, “Oh, yeah, we forgot!” I was greeted by a delectable vast array of foods and hot drinks for that cold evening. I met up with an old friend from Muir High School, Linda Wade, who also works at Five Acres. We were treated to the children’s choral performance directed by the LA Opera Voices for Tolerance. Even the Tournament of Roses Queen and her court were there to answer questions from the children. After the performance, Linda graciously introduced me to the Executive Director, Robert Ketch and to Christine Davis, the Chairman of the Board. We even ran into an acquaintance of mine, Leigh Adams (Folk Artist of the Year). Leigh helped the children put together a beautiful collage! Back in 1888, this organization operated out of Los Angeles as The Boys’ and Girls’ Aid Society of L.A. County (an orphanage for abandoned children). It moved to South Pasadena in 1903 and in 1925 the facility’s structure was erected in Altadena. The site has a residential treatment center, a therapeutic school and administrative offices. During the December 6th event, Linda showed me a few of the cottages that the children live in. I must say I was impressed! About 80 children, from ages 6 to 13 years old live in these cottages. The accommodations are clean, bright and organized with their own kitchens and dens and the bedrooms house about 2 children each. It felt rather cozy! Five Acres services the counties of L.A., Ventura, Orange and San Bernardino. They help children become caring and productive adults. They focus on the unique needs of the child and his/her family or foster family. Additional services of adoption, aftercare, deaf services, educational tutoring, family preservation, and domestic violence cases (through their Grace Center) are all offered here. Their goal is to make permanent connections with the hope of finding permanent living situations for each child. The emotional and physical well being of children depends on life-long family relationships and other permanent connections to committed adults. Funding comes from public and private resources. Private contributions are needed for special medical and dental needs, outings and activities, holiday and birthday gifts, college tuition, books, summer camp, etc. 5 Ways to Help 1. Advocate 2. Donate 3. Designate Five Acres as the recipient in matching gift programs, grants and retail and grocery “cash back” fundraising programs 4. Create a legacy with a philanthropic gift 5. Volunteer your expertise, services or time Five Acres is located at 760 W. Mountain View Street in Altadena (between Windsor and Casitas) For more information and for a list of upcoming events, call (626) 7986793 or log on to www.5acres.org or E-Mail info@fiveacres.org
To my readers...thank you for your patience in receiving this tardy newsletter. As Charles Dickens said in A Christmas Carol, “I was making rather merry” over the holidays!!!!
Q: As a seller, should I agree to let the buyer occupy the home before the closing? A. If you’ve already vacated the home, and the world was perfect, this would be no big deal. But the world is not perfect. First, your transaction may fall through for some reason, and then you are stuck with someone living in your property while you try to find another buyer. Will they move out fast? Will they leave the home in the same condition they found it? Second, once the buyers move in they’ll start to feel at home, and they might decide to make a few “improvements.” Again, if the transaction falls through, you are stuck with these “improvements,” and if the work wasn’t done right it can affect the home’s marketability. Third, the buyers may “discover” repairs that “need to be done” but insist that you pay for them. This is after you signed the contract but before the closing. More headaches. For obvious reasons I am not a big fan of early possessions. But you may like the buyers, decide that they are trustworthy, and grant them an early possession. If you go this route, make sure you have a written agreement with them that spells out the dos and the don’ts. An addendum to your contract could work, but an actual lease agreement is better. Just a handshake is out of question. Ask your Realtor for help, or consult a real estate attorney. Have a real estate question? Feel free to contact me. Linda Lane-White (626) 786-1231
Ask an Expert
Who do you know right now who’s looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate? Give me a call or send me an E-mail. I’m never too busy for your referrals to friends or family. T h is p ub l i c at io n is fo r in fo rm at io n a l p u rp o se s only an d does not c o n st it ut e le g a l or fin an c i a l advice. All information was obtained from sources deemed reliable, and while I do not doubt its accuracy, I cannot guarantee it. Some items provided by Resulti and Fidelity National Home Warranty. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.
January 2008
Page 3
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Excellent customer service! (661) 260-2970 Office · (661) 291-2234 Direct · (818) 281-1466 Cell Recent Area Sales Days on Market
Sold Date
Sale Price
Bed/ Bath
S.F. Home
S.F. Land
67
12/07/07
565,000
2990 Fair Oaks Av
Altadena
3/1
1320
15500
453
12/14/07
1,635,000
1886 Glen Allen Ln
Altadena
4/4
3737
13810
Address
City
63
12/12/07
900,000
1693 E Calaveras St
Altadena
3/2
2157
7800
147
12/27/07
535,000
2935 El Nido Dr
Altadena
4/2
1403
7548
529
01/10/08
535,000
694 Ventura St
Altadena
3/2
1287
8500
91
01/04/08
585,000
2165 Oxford Ave.
Claremont
4/3
2609
12000
77
12/27/07
630,000
875 Decatur Cr
Claremont
4/2
2135
13310
30
12/18/07
690,000
1652 Shaw Pl
Claremont
5/3
2826
10010
159
12/17/07
639,900
217 Bettyhill AV
Duarte
3/2
1817
13100
163
01/04/08
425,000
720 Caballo Ave
Glendora
4/2
1370
5610
137
01/08/08
442,000
480 N Catalina AV #104
Pasadena
2/3
1009
condo
211
12/14/07
790,000
1702 Lincoln Ave
Pasadena
4/4
3562
14166
224
12/13/07
575,000
131 Pepper St
Pasadena
3/2
2160
11375
268
01/09/08
500,000
1916 Santa Rosa AV
Pasadena
2/1
856
10400
27
12/18/07
515,000
1245 N Mar Vista Ave
Pasadena
2/1
1116
8950
34
12/18/07
620,000
1414 Paseo Olivos
San Dimas
4/3
2332
10118
125
01/04/08
583,000
395 Mariposa AV #D
Sierra Madre
3/3
1771
condo
18
12/21/07
851,000
638 W Sierra Madre BL #C
Sierra Madre
3/3
1818
condo
143
01/04/08
625,000
10832 Tujunga Cnyn Bl
Tujunga
4/3
2716
6000
238
01/09/08
480,000
2034 Albright AV
Upland
4/3
2257
10010
272
12/20/07
445,000
590 Maywood WY
Upland
4/3
2206
7800
227
12/20/07
460,000
1262 E 9th ST
Upland
5/2
2047
7850
Page 4
Dena Land News
Facts About Martin Luther King, Jr.
Born in Atlanta, GA on January 15, 1929, Died in Memphis, TN on April 4, 1968 Name on birth certificate shows his name as Michael King. His father discovered this in 1934. He sang with his church choir at the 1939 Atlanta premiere of the movie Gone With The Wind He skipped 9th and 12th grade and graduated at the age of 15 entering Morehouse College Graduated from Morehouse with a BA in Sociology Received a Bachelor of Divinity in 1951 from Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, PA Received his Doctor of Philosophy in 1955 from Boston University (King’s dissertation was argued in the 1980’s concerning possible plagiarism of about 1/3 of the paper. But it was decided not to revoke his degree, since the paper still “makes an intelligent contribution to scholarship. King, in fact, took a class on scholarly standards and plagiarism at Boston University) Helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957 Influenced by Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi Authored The Measure of A Man in 1959 King recognized that organized, non-violent protest against racism would lead to extensive media coverage of the struggle for black equality and voting rights. This produced a wave of sympathetic public opinion that made the Civil Rights Movement the single most important issue in American politics in the early 1960’s Represented the SCLC in the organization of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 where he delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means. On April 3, 1968, King delivered his “I’ve Been To the Mountaintop” address at a rally at Mason Temple in Memphis, TN Was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1977 Received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004 King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is regarded, along with Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, as one of the finest speeches in the history of American oratory.
Active Adults Corner CARE FOR ELDERLY RELATIVES CARING FOR ELDERLY RELATIVES People caring for elderly relatives will be interested in a new website, www.caring.com It provides guidance, information, and an online community for those serving as caregivers for aging people suffering illnesses and disabilities. Content includes articles and checklists on health, housing, finance, and products and services. One of the site’s articles concerns creative gadgets that help the elderly continue living in their homes. Among them are a watch that monitors a person’s movement and heart rate and sends email or instant messages to caregivers if it senses an emergency, and a similar monitor that sends an alert when someone falls. The story is timely, especially in light of the fact that a study commissioned by Clarity and EAR Foundation, “Aging in Place in America,” found Seniors fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than death.
January 2008
WHERE ARE YOUR IMPORTANT PAPERS? No one ever wants to think of the inevitable, health crisis or even death, but, we all will face it one day. There’s a form available on the AARP website that will assist you in providing the best care for your parent or to assist you with final arrangements if the need arises. The following items will be useful: Personal Information: Social Security Number_________________ Emergency Contact Phone #____________ Where are Documents Kept: A) Birth Certificate, B) Marriage Certificate, C) Divorce Papers, D) Military Records, E) Passport/Citizenship Papers Financial and Legal Information: A) Bank Account Information, B) Accountant, C) Investment Broker, D) Lawyer, E) Power of Attorney Where are Financial Documents Kept? A) Bank Statements, B) Bonds, C) CDs, D) Retirement Accounts, E) Mortgage and Title Information, F) Automobile or Boat or Trailer Title/Registration, G) Outstanding Loans, H) Stock Certificates, Income Tax Records, I) Pension Records, J) Will, K) Trusts, L) Safety Deposit Box
Over 50? Get http://overthe out of the house! hillganglosa ngeles.org
(number and location of keys) Where are Insurance Documents Kept? A) Automobile, B) Disability, C) Homeowners, D) Life, E) Long-Term Care, F) Health, G) Other Insurance… Medical Information: A) Primary Dr. #______________________ B) Healthcare Agent #________________ C) Healthcare Power of Attorney #_____ Where Are These Additional Documents Kept? Advance Directives Do Not Resuscitate Papers Living Will Organ Donor Card Clergy #______________________________ Funeral Home #______________________ Burial Arrangements Cemetery Information Take the time to put this information together for you and your family members. Little by little each day, jot down a bit of information on a notepad. Before you know it, you’ll be finished. BUT DO IT!! You never know what the future may hold. Page 5
Pasadena Market Center 445 S. Fair Oaks Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105 Cell: (626) 786-1231 Office: (626) 204-3436 Fax: (626) 296-1979 Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Linda Lane-White “Singing” Realtor® CA Lic #01091347 (since 1990) Notary Public (since 1987)
If You Would Like To Receive This Newsletter on a Regular Basis for Guaranteed Delivery (Snail or E-Mail) Call me or send me an E-Mail...LLW
In Tune With Your Needs
www.lindalanewhite.com
Search the MLS on my web site! January Happenings in Dena Land
A Woman’s Journey: The Life and Work of Artis Lane Now through March 2, 2008 California African American Museum 600 State Drive—Exposition Park, Los Angeles This FREE event is NOT TO BE MISSED. Artis is my sister, Carol McCoo’s, Mom—gotta support family! She’s a beautiful, talented and caring woman! She’s painted portraits of Presidents, Oprah, Actors, etc. and sculpted Rosa Parks, Quincy Jones, etc. (see www.artislane.com). For more info on the exhibit, go to www.caam.ca.gov or call 213/744-7432. See you there!
Don’t forget to check out the (almost) nightly entertainment offered at the Coffee Gallery at 2029 N. Lake in Altadena for information call 626/318-7917 or go to www.coffeegallery.com Every Wednesday, 8-11pm. The Robert Kyle Brazilian Trio at the Pasadena Arts Institute. Paseo Pasadena, 260 E Colorado Blvd. (Suite 206 on 2nd level in the Western Sector). www.robertkyle.com $10 Jan 11—Feb 17 Orson’s Shadow. Pasadena Playhouse 39 S. El Molino, Pasadena 626/356-7529 or 626/7928672 www.pasadenaplayhouse.org $25 to $65 Jan 19—Feb 9 Ray Bradbury’s Invisible Boy. Fremont Centre Theatre 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena 323/960-4451 or www.plays411.com/raybradbury $20 or $15/Seniors or $10/Students Jan 18—20, 10am. Pasadena Bead and Design Show. Pasadena Hilton, 168 S. Los Robles. 580/274-1123 www.pasadenabeadanddesignshow.com $10 Jan 19, 9-3pm. Electronic Waste Collection Day. Pasadena Christian School. 1492 N Garfield, Pasadena 626/791-1214 or contact pwilliams@pasadenachristian.org Jan 20, 8am. Doo Dah Parade Pancake Breakfast. Pasadena Senior Center 85 E Holly Street. 626/795-4331 www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org $6 Jan 20, 10:15am. Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Includes gospel music and special readings. Celebrate Dr. King’s life! St. James’ Episcopal Church. 1325 Monterey Rd., South Pasadena 626/799-9194 www.sjcsp.org/music.html FREE Jan 20, 11:30am. Pasadena’s Doodah Parade. 30th Anniversary. East Holly Street and North Raymond Avenue in Old Pasadena. 626/205-4029 www.pasadenadoodahparade.info FREE Jan 20, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration! California African American Museum. 600 State Drive, Los Angeles. Parking is at 39th and Figueroa. Program begins at 1:00. Parking is $6.00 but the event is FREE! Jan 20—Feb 24, 4-6pm. Wine & Food Sunday. 6 week course. Heritage Wine Company 155 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 626/844-9333 www.heritagewinecompany.com Reservations fill up fast! $300-full course/$60class. Jan 21, 9:30am. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. Kidspace Children’s Museum. 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. 626/449-9144 www.kidspacemuseum.org Free with admission: $8.00; infants under 1 Free. Jan 23, 11am. Pasadena Mega Job Fair. Pasadena Convention Center 300 E Green Street 626/379-7681 www.pasadenaexpos.com FREE Jan 25, 9pm Mambo Combo performs at the Holly Street Bar & Grill. Holly and Raymond in Old Pasadena. Jan 26, 7:30am. Clockers’ Corner “Breakfast with the Thoroughbreds”. Includes buffet breakfast, tram tour, walking tour, silent auction, raffle and special activities for everyone. The Boys and Girls Club sponsors this event at Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia 626/449-9100 www.bgcpasadena.org $15/$10 Jan 27, 5pm. Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival Concert with Canterbury Choir, Coventry Choir and guest choirs. All Saints Church 132 N Euclid Ave., Pasadena 626/583-2725 www.allsaints-pas.org FREE Feb 2, 8:30am. Musical Circus: You Sing, I Sing. Pasadena Symphony welcomes host: children’s recording artist, songwriter and entertainer Greggy Dee with opera performers Tammy Jenkins and Daniel Montenegro. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E Green St., Pasadena 626/793-7172 www.pasadenasymphony.org FREE