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
Is It Possible To Time The Market?
June/July 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
Home Office: 519 Alameda, Altadena, CA
Inside this issue: Timing The Market
1
Active Adults Corner
2
Recipe of the Month
2
8 Ways to Cut Vet Costs
2
For Sale and Sold
3
Ask An Expert
4
Ceedub Construction
4
Personal Message
4
Augusta Financial
(sponsor)
5
Recent Area Sales
5
Professional Organizer
5
June/July in Dena Land
6
Buy low and sell high— what a great concept and a great formula for accumulating wealth! The trouble is, how do you know when the high is high and the low is low? How do you know when is the right time to jump in and when to jump out? If you are listening to the media hype, now is a bad time to sell, but good time to buy. What if you need to sell before you buy? Well, trying to time the real estate market is a difficult, if not an impossible, proposition. The only formula that seems to truly work is investing in homeownership for the long term. According to the National Association of Realtors®, in 1998 the national median price of a singlef am ily home was $128,400. For this year the estimate is that the “national” median will be $213,700. This is a good reminder that while in a short term prices may rise and fall depending on many factors, in the long term they are almost certain to end up higher. How can one be sure? One of the main reasons for this is the demand. Mark Twain once said, “they are always making more people, but they ain’t making any more land.” And the U.S. Census Bureau seems to agree. According to their census PopClock (w ww.cen su s.gov/c gibin/popclock) the population of the U.S. increases by one person every 11
seconds. They estimate that our nation’s total population should reach 400 million in 2050, compared to today’s 304 million. And all these folks will need a place to live, thus driving the housing demand (and prices) higher. I believe that trying to time the market is a futile
endeavor, especially if you already own a home. If the market is hot, and the prices are high, you will be selling your home for a high price, but you will be buying your next one also during the same time of high prices. If the market is bad, and you are selling your home at a loss, you will likely buy your next home during the same bad market, so you will pay less for it. In either case, it evens out. But in the long run you should come out on top. And you will benefit from home ownership in more ways than one. One of the great financial benefits of home ownership is Uncle Sam’s favorable tax treatment. By being able to write off your mortgage
interest payments on your tax returns, you save hundreds of dollars in taxes annually compared to someone who rents. Also, when you sell your home, the profit (capital gains) is tax-free in many instances. Need I mention that you also have more stable housing costs than a renter? Plus owning a home is a form of forced savings - by making monthly payments you are able to build your equity over time. A renter only builds his landlord’s equity. Still many people sit on the fences, trying to recognize the right moment, the perfect opportunity, to plunge in and buy a home. They try to time the market. Is it worth the wait? In addition to the financial benefits, there are other benefits of owning a home. The freedom. The ability to personalize your living space to suit your needs. Having more space. Not having to deal with a landlord or share walls with noisy neighbors. Actually knowing your neighbors as opposed to having them change every few months. And the economy changes over time. Since 1983 we had two relatively long periods of economic expansion, and only short periods of recession in between. That represents an average up-and-down cycle of ten years. Even if you could predict the future, and the economic peaks and valleys, would you want to wait ten years to buy a home? You could miss out on many benefits of home ownership by waiting, and still end up paying a higher price in the end.
Active Adults Corner
Program available to assist seniors with safety issues If you live in Pasadena or Altadena, and you are 65 or older, you can receive a free fall-prevention check-up through the Pasadena Senior Center Outreach Department. A 15-minute home inspection will take place in your home and specialists will provide information on community resources for wheelchair ramps, hand rails, grab bars and many other devices available to seniors. The service is available from 8:30am to noon Monday through Thursday. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (626) 685-6727.
Garlic Marinated Steaks INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup soy sauce 3 TBL garlic, minced 2 TBL honey 2 TBL olive oil 2 Tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp Worchestershire sauce 1 tsp onion powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
steaks. Rub the liquid into the meat for optimum flavor. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium high to high heat and lightly oil grate. Grill steaks for 7 to 8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145ÂşF
DIRECTIONS: In a medium bowl, combine the vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, oil, ground black pepper, Worchestershire sauce, onion powder, salt and liquid smoke. Place steaks in a shallow, non-porous dish and pour the marinade over the
8 Ways To Cut Veterinarian Bills It's really not necessary to spend a lot of money to show love to your pet ‌ here are a few ways to cut down on pet care costs. 1. Pick a vet before you need one. Pet emergencies can cost a fortune unless you've established a good relationship with your local vet, and understand their emergency policies and costs. I have 2 dogs. One of them, Spike, is always in need of a lot of medical attention so you can imagine how much medical bills could be. I take him and Charlie to Banfield the Pet Hospital (inside of Petsmart). I pay $31/month per dog and the cost covers annual shots, annual teeth cleanings, 2 comprehensive exams a year, discounts on supplies and nail clippings, and you have unlimited visits for any questions or problems you may have with your animal. Ask your friends and neighbors to recommend a good veterinarian, or ask the animal loving employees of your local pet store. 2. Spay or neuter. First, this is the right thing to do. Secondly, your pets will be better behaved so you will enjoy them more. And thirdly, spayed or neutered animals are at a significantly lower risk of Page 2
many different types of cancer, so they will live longer and require fewer trips to the vet's office. 3. Don't overfeed your pet. Overweight animals are prone to heart disease, diabetes and other ailments, and have shorter life spans than their leaner cousins. Check the package label for the proper amount of food recommended, or ask your vet. Also, don't overdo the treats. Not only is it thrifty to feed your furry friends properly, but it also helps them live longer and healthier lives. 4. Pick the right food. An animal dietitian I spoke to (yes, there is such a thing) told me that high quality foods seem to cost more, but are often healthier for your pets. Cheap generic brands can contain many animal by-products that over time can cause a variety of health problems, and unnecessary vet bills. 5. Don't overdo the shots According to the American Veterinary Medical 8 Ways to Cut Vet Bills Association, annual shots are not always necessary. There are vaccines that remain effective for two or three years, so check online or talk to your vet. 6. Perform basic pet care yourself.
Learn how to clip your cat's or dog's nails and save money. Giving your pooch a haircut is also not very hard. A pair of clippers will cost you about $20, and will pay for themselves many times over. My two dogs get baths at least twice a month, I trim their hair, clean their ears and have their nails trimmed at the vet. 7. Ask for discounts. If you have several animals, take them in for regular checkups together as many vets give "group" discounts. Was your pet once abandoned or a stray? There are vets who offer discounts to people who rescued their animals. If you are a senior citizen, ask for a senior citizen discount. And for routine medical services try your local humane society, pet store or animal control office as they often sponsor special events where routine veterinary care can be obtained at discount rates. 8. Look for free stuff. Science Diet and Iams offer free samples of their foods, as do other companies. Free advice is also abundant, on the web and at your local pet store (where friendly animal-loving employees are always happy to share their knowledge). Dena Land News
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Unbelievable Price! 728 Colman Street, Altadena, CA
Reduced to Only $649,000 Appraised in 2006 at $986,000 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath House 2,456 sf home on a 6,840 sf lot
Private Oasis on a Quiet Cul-de-sac Completely rebuilt in 2006
2 master suites, 1 with a fireplace, walk in closets 2 master baths with dual sinks, Jacuzzi© Tubs, separate standing glass showers, & Toto low flow toilets Stainless steel Dacor stove, Jenn-Air refrigerator, Insta-Hot dispenser 2 Rannei gas “tankless” water heaters 2 HVAC units 2 bedrooms downstairs, 2 master suites upstairs
Huge family room upstairs Wrap around balcony Large yard Pool with child proof security fence Spa with multi colored lights Built In BBQ with sink located on covered porch New copper plumbing throughout New electrical wiring throughout New roof
More Info? Call Linda Lane-White (626) 786-1231 www.728Colman.com lindalanewhite@kw.com
444 Alameda Street, Altadena This home, that was originally listed as a lease,
SOLD in only 4 days after being put on the market for sale! Ask me how I did it! Need to sell or buy a home? Call me at (626) 786-1231 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 CAR Client Direct and Fidelity National Home Warranty. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.
June/July 2008
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Q: What happens if the appraisal for the home I’m buying comes in lower than the purchase price? A. Hopefully, your agent has put in the contract a provision that deals with this eventuality. Since you cannot get a loan for more than the appraised value, and the seller will have a difficult time finding another buyer who is willing to pay more than the home is worth, it is in the interest of both parties to try to work this situation out. Normally, you would try to get the seller to agree to a lower price that would match the appraisal. If the seller balks at this idea, and you absolutely love the house, you can consider paying the difference between the purchase price and the appraised value in cash, through a higher down payment. If you are not in a position to do this, the only remaining option is to cancel the contract and look for another home. But, again this must have been clearly spelled out in the contract in the very beginning so that you don’t lose your earnest money deposit. Have a tough real estate question? Call me or drop me an e-mail. Linda Lane-White (626) 786-1231 or lindalanewhite@sbcglobal.net
Ask an Expert
This is a great time to remodel, add on or re-build. CEEDUB CONSTRUCTION RESIDENTIAL & LIGHT COMMERCIAL
With over 30 years of experience, we work with you to achieve your dream. Call Today For A Free Estimate
(626) 786-1229 CHRIS WHITE, OWNER Ca Lic #883002 www.ceedubconstruction.com
Hi! Did You Miss Me? A message to my readers. I’ve had a few people ask me if I missed sending them my Newsletter for the past 2 months. Don’t worry, you didn’t miss them—because I never produced them. First of all, in April, the Tax Man had cometh and he took all of my time away. Then May just crept up on me and before I knew it, the month was almost gone! Yikes! Trying to help raise funds for fellow classmate, Victor Wright, participating in the Revlon Run Walk for Women, Mother’s Day, birthdays, a funeral in New York, renovating a mixed use building in Pasadena and meeting city requirements and, of course, assisting my clients—came first. This newsletter came secondary. I know that many of you may think that someone else must put this newsletter together for me. Wrong! I do this all by my lonesome! Microsoft Publisher really comes in handy! Thank you, thank you so much for your patience during this newsletter’s absence. And for those of you who called me wondering where the current month’s newsletter was, I’m very flattered. I felt like something was missing the whole time—my contact with you!
Garth Kemp and I at the Revlon Run/Walk for Women Victor Wright & Dorothy Wright
Chris White (Ceedub Construction) volunteering at Victor Wright’s house
Project Wildfire—John Muir High Alumni, Victor Wright, Class of 1979 —PLEASE HELP! In May, Rebuilding Pasadena brought together some volunteers to assist in some renovations to Victor’s home. His home still needs a bit more help and you can get involved. In my next issue of Dena Land News, I will go into further detail about how Victor has helped and inspired hundreds of people. In the mean time, please give me a call at 626-786-1231 or go to http://taylordark.com/wright.html. Page 4
Dena Land News
When Buying or Refinancing... Call Peter First &
Get Pre-Approved
Peter Cosfol Augusta Financial Senior Loan Officer
Augusta Financial is a service oriented mortgage company that specializes in residential financing. We have many loan programs to help our clients with all of their mortgage needs. Peter offers the best pricing with the lowest fees! Peter will personally address all of your questions and concerns regarding the loan process! Augusta Financial makes the loan process seem easy! Augusta is both Broker and Mortgage Banker! We offer In-house processing and funding! NO MONEY DOWN - NO MONEY FOR DEPOSITS - NO PROBLEM!
Excellent customer service! (661) 260-2970 Office · (661) 291-2234 Direct · (818) 281-1466 Cell Recent Area Sales Days on Market
27 6 261 215 132 5 78 6 0 4 156 88 8 14 8 331 7 332 35 81 176 49
Date Sold
Sale Price
(** Linda Lane-White represented the buyers)
Address
05/30/08 450,000 2534 Glenrose Ave 05/28/08 990,000 1760 Alta Crest Dr 05/12/08 580,000 1678 Midwick Dr 05/14/08 585,000 3380 Florecita Dr 05/27/08 500,000 176 Principia CT 05/16/08 390,000 735 Cordelia AV 05/20/08 492,000 214 S Vermont AV 05/22/08 755,000 5140 Ocean View Blvd 05/30/08 580,000 **2746 Brookhill St 05/15/08 350,000 500 S Oak Knoll Ave #5 05/28/08 351,000 260 Barthe Dr 05/23/08 470,000 1705 N Fair Oaks #108 05/08/08 359,900 1468 Atchison St 05/08/08 735,000 2441 Brigden Rd 05/21/08 1,230,000 1134 N Holliston Ave 05/16/08 689,000 1468 Brixton Rd 05/21/08 325,000 973 E Villa St #6 05/16/08 675,000 2040 N Altadena Dr 06/04/08 555,000 797 Iron Bark LN 05/28/08 630,000 918 Calle Carrillo 05/22/08 759,900 7346 Chantilly Ln 05/22/08 305,000 6530 Tokay Rd
June/July 2008
City
Altadena Altadena Altadena Altadena Claremont Glendora Glendora La Canada La Crescenta Pasadena Pasadena Pasadena Pasadena Pasadena Pasadena Pasadena Pasadena Pasadena San Dimas San Dimas Tujunga Tujunga
Bed/ Bath
S.F. Home
S.F. Land
2/1 3/2 3/1 3/2 3/3 3/2 4/2 2/2 3/1 2/2 3/2 3/3 2/1 3/2 3/3 3/2 2/2 3/2 3/4 5/3 4/3 3/1
936 1895 1564 1599 1674 1157 1451 1372 1064 1158 1313 1620 696 1682 2222 1574 1043 1720 2367 2662 3296 1086
5575 12816 8400 8410 condo 5610 6000 16073 6894 condo 7000 2542 10137 8527 11883 8240 20787 8960 24328 10559 8000 4390
Need a Professional Organizer for your spring/summer cleaning chores or to ready your home for sale? A good friend of mine from church, Sherry Cavallo, works in the San Gabriel area. She’s also very active with the Altadena Heritage organization. You can contact her at 626- 37 2-5 94 8 or e ma il her at smc.organizer@gmail. com She’s ready to help YOU!!
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Pasadena Market Center 445 S. Fair Oaks Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105 Cell: (626) 786-1231 Office: (626) 204-3436 Fax: (626) 296-1979 lindalanewhite@sbcglobal.net
Home Office: 519 Alameda, Altadena 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!
Please help save CHRISTMAS TREE LANE Call me for details! 626/786-1231
June/July Happenings in Dena Land June 20 - 7:30-11:30pm. Robert Kyle and his Brazilian Trio at Red, White & Bluezz in Pasadena at the corner of Raymond & Green. June 21 - 10am—7pm. There’s music all around us in Altadena and Pasadena. Beginning at 10am, Make Music Pasadena will take place at various venues throughout Pasadena. Call 626/793-8171 or see www.makemusicpasadena.org. Then beginning at 12:00pm, Farnsworth Park will be hosting “Juneteenth” with jazz, zydeco, blues and gospel music throughout the day. I’ll be there in the late afternoon manning the Christmas Tree Lane Association booth. Oh, and don’t forget the Jazz Fest at Levitt Pavillion beginning at 3pm. Call 626/683-3230 or see www.levittpavillionpasadena.org Enjoy!!! June 21 and 22—11am. Long Beach Bayou Festival. Altadena’s own Robert Kyle plays with Linda Hopkins and her band at 3:30. www.longbeachfestival.homestead.com Prices vary. June 22 - 12pm-7pm. Chubby Checker and Pat Boone at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park. 120 Via Verde Dr., San Dimas. CA. FYI, Mike Antonovich informed me that Chubby Checker will be performing at around 3pm and Pat Boone will be at around 4:30 or 5:00. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating, $10 for sit anywhere, parking is $5 and kids under 12 receive free general admission. 909/599-8411. June 22 - 6pm. After you’ve gone to see the senior entertainers perform, head on over to Brookside Park for the Senior Olympics Celebration BBQ. Sponsored by the Pasadena Senior Center. $10 for guests and free to Senior Olympic Athletes. 626/685-6754. June 24 to Aug 26 - 6-7pm every Tuesday. Memorial Park Bandshell at Raymond and Walnut. The Pasadena Senior Center sponsors Concerts in the Park. Call 626/795-4331 or pasadenaseniorcenter.org FREE June 25 to Aug 13 - 7pm every Wednesday. Concerts in the Park. San Dimas Civic Center Park 245 E Bonita Ave. FREE June 28, July 12,26 - Concerts in the Park at Farnsworth Park in Altadena. Top of Lake Ave. 626/798-6335 July 1 Hands free driving goes into effect. No phones held by your hands to the ears are allowed. While driving you can (but shouldn’t) dial. Speakerphone, Bluetooth and an earpiece over 1 ear only is allowed. July 4 - 82nd Annual AmericaFest at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. The Americafest Family Fun Zone will open mid-afternoon and will continue throughout the day and evening. There will be plenty of barbeque and other culinary treats, beverages, crafts, product exhibits, inflatable rides for the kids and more. General admission tickets priced at $13 each and children 7 and younger admitted free. Parking is $15 per car. Information is available by calling (626) 577-3101. www.rosebowlstadium.com July 6 to Aug 24 - 6pm every Sunday. Concerts in the Park. Sierra Madre Memorial Park 222 W Sierra Madre Blvd. FREE July 14, 2008 is the deadline for submission of a teacher candidate for the 2008 Freedom Fund Scholarship and Teachers’ Award Luncheon “Saluting the Stars of Education” taking place on Sunday, Nov. 16 at the Castaway Restaurant in Burbank. The Altadena NAACP is preparing for this and their goal is to salute the teachers who make a difference in the lives of their students and peers. For information contact Tami Tucker-Thomas at naacpteacher@yahoo.com or call Judy Matthews at 626-827-1900. Heads Up! August 3rd at 7:30, my brother, Clayton Lane aka Nicky Grant, will be performing at the Ice House in Pasadena. Summer Day Camps in Altadena start up on June 23rd at Farnsworth and Loma Alta Parks and on July 7th at Charles White Park. And the Loma Alta Park pool opens June 21st. Loma Alta: 626/797-8903, Farnsworth 626/798-6335, Charles White 626/794-3807.