Dena Land News A
NE WS LE T T E R S E R VI N G
BY L I NDA L A NE- W HI T E – K E LL E R W ILL IA MS RE ALT Y – P AS AD E NA , 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
C A
How To Warm Cold Feet
October 2007
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 Warm Cold Feet
1
Lighting Your Path
2
Recipe of the Month
2
Green Halloween
2
Ceedub Construction
2
Perfect Pumpkin
3
Recent Area Sales
3
Ask An Expert
3
Mortgage Services (sponsor)
4
Financial Services (sponsor)
4
Senior / Active Adult Info
5
October In Dena Land
6
Lights Up !!!!!
6
You have just signed a contract to purchase a home. You should be feeling excited, overjoyed and proud. But, you are not. You have an intense feeling that you have paid too much, and that the house is going to fall down as soon as you assu me ownership. Sounds like a severe case of cold feet, also ―scientifically‖ known as Buyer’s Remorse. Between the time the contract is signed and the time of closing, hundreds of questions will go through any buyer’s mind, and feelings of doubt and anxiety will creep in. While these feelings are perfectly normal, they can be intensely uncomfortable. The best way to prevent Buyer’s Remorse in the first place is to make sure you are as informed as possible about the neighborhoods you are interested in, home prices, and the mortgage approval process. A trusted Realtor can be of great help here. It is also a good idea to make two lists—one of things you must have, and one of things you would like to have in your new home. These lists will make the selection process easier and will decrease the chance of buying a house that does not fit. If after signing a contract you start getting
nervous, whip out your two lists and go over them. Does the home have everything that’s a must have? Some or many of the things that are a like to have? Also, think about what specifically made you pick that particular home over all the others you have seen. What has changed about it since y o u signed the contr act ? Honestly. And if you were to back out of the agreement, is it r e a l ist i c that you will be able to find a home in the same p r i c e r a n g e that is truly better? Of course, there are instances when a buyer should back out of the contract. The inspection reveals a serious defect. A title problem is discovered. The appraisal comes in too low. If a serious issue arises, then it’s no longer Buyer’s Remorse but a legitimate reason to think twice about proceeding with the purchase. In such a case your agent will be able to provide guidance.
Let’s go back to Buyer’s Remorse. Certain actions on the buyer’s part will make matters worse. For instance, continuing to look at other homes for sale and comparing them to your new home. Don’t fall into this trap—the grass may look greener, but it does not mean that it is. Also, family and friends can often cause a buyer to get cold feet. They don’t mean it—they just want to offer their opinions, that they hope will help you. They might criticize your home choice, and especially its price. But how knowledgeable are they really about the area? Or the current market conditions? Or what amenities you need and like, as opposed to what they find desirable? Keep these things in mind before accepting their critiques. Finally, the biggest cause of Buyer’s Remorse is spending too much time thinking about all the things that can possibly go wrong. Yes, buying a home is a big step, and there are risks. But there are risks in everything worth undertaking. Instead of letting pessimistic thoughts overtake you, think about the new lifestyle you will enjoy in your new home and the financial benefits you are likely to reap. Owning your own slice of America is the dream of many people, and achieving that dream should be a cause for nothing but joy and celebration!
Lighting Your Path: How to Light Outdoor Walkways
Ghosts, goblins and other scary experiences may be fine for Halloween, but they have no place in your next real estate transaction. Having an experienced real estate professional on your side who knows your area well can be the difference between getting tricked or getting treated. Let’s work together. I offer friendly service, solid advice and utmost professionalism. Oh, and there’s never any sales pressure. Linda Lane-White
Why would you want to light a path to your front door? There are plenty of reasons! First, outdoor lighting adds to the curb appeal and value of your home, according to top Realtors. Second, it improves safety for visitors or family by making it easy to see where they are walking. Third, a well-lit walkway increases security for your home. Celebrate Halloween by installing outdoor lighting today for both safety and aesthetics. When it comes to outdoor lighting, remember two things:
1. Conserve energy Use the newer compact fluorescent bulbs to save energy. They produce a brighter light and last a lot longer than regular incandescent bulbs. Timers are another way to save energy, as the lights will go off even if you forget to flip the switch. 2. Less is more It can be easy to get carried away and overdo it in the lighting department. Make sure your safety and security needs are met, highlight a couple of key focal points and just use soft mood lighting elsewhere. No matter how beautiful your fixtures, too much light is annoying.
“Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” -Satchel Paige
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake 1 teaspoon baking powder DIRECTIONS First, blend in large bowl, cream cheese and frostingblend until very runny and creamy. Addin pumpkin and allspice. Put runny/creamy cheese pumpkin filling in graham cracker crusts. Place immediately in fridge and give about an hour to chill.
INGREDIENTS: 2 graham cracker pie crusts 1—8oz package cream cheese (regular or fat free) 1 can, 16 oz. cream cheese ready made frosting (Duncan Hines or Pillsbury or Betty Crocker—it’s all good!) 12 oz. pumpkin puree 1/2 teaspoon allspice...or to taste
Cheese will become firm and ready to serve! Finishing touch—sprinkle cinnamon on top for taste and garnish!
Have A Green Halloween!
Make your own costume using recycled materials, clothes from second-hand stores or items you already have around the house. Buy an organically grown pumpkin for your Jack-o-lantern. After the holidays, toss old Jack into the yard for the birds and squirrels, or add him to the compost pile. Don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds! Roast them in the oven for a tasty seasonal treat or put them out for the birds and other wildlife. Page 2
Consider using a battery -operated flashing light made for Jack-o-lanterns instead of a candle. These lights are readily available at grocery and department stores and are safer than candles because they reduce the risk of fire. They create an effect that looks just like a flickering candle. If you use one of these lights, put rechargeable batteries in it. Use cloth bags to collect treats and reuse them after the holidays as shopping bags or, use a reusable bucket to collect your treats.
If you’re planning a Halloween party, use nondisposable items. For example, use real p l ate s, silv er ware , glasses, cloth napkins, etc. Purchase treats to pass out that have the least amount of packaging. Excessive packaging equals more waste. Don’t litter with the wrappers from candy eaten along the trick-ortreating trail. Put those wrappers in your bag or your pocket and dispose of them properly when you get home.
Remodeling or adding on to your existing home? Call for a Free Estimate
Ceedub Construction (626) 786-1229 CA Lic #883002 Chris White, Owner Resident of Altadena
Dena Land News
Pumpkin Perfect Tips For Carving Your Pumpkin 1.
2. 3. 4.
5.
6.
Decide on the design first, then choose the size of your pumpkin. Choose a pumpkin that’s evenly colored, has a strong stem, flat bottom and no bruises. Cut out a lid at the top. Make a six-sided lid and cut it at a slant so the lid doesn’t fall inside the pumpkin. Remove the pulp using an ice-cream scoop or a large spoon. Scrape the inside walls until they are about 1 inch thick (this makes carving easier). When you’re ready for the design, using a stencil or your own artistic creation, hold the pumpkin in your lap so that it is ―looking‖ at you. Place the stencil over the pumpkin and make small holes— very close to each other— following the design. (Corn cob holders are good to use to make the holes). Hard time seeing the dots? Rub some flour into them. Using a small saw or knife, cut the design by connecting the dots. Start from the center and work your way outwards. Refer to the pattern for reference. To keep your newly carved pumpkin fresh, a) cover the inside of the pumpkin with petroleum jelly, especially near the cuts, to seal in the moisture, b) cut out a chimney at the top so heat can escape, c) place pumpkin in the fridge when not on display, d) if it shrinks, soak it in water overnight to bring it back to its original condition. Other enhancements: a) sprinkle some nutmeg, cinnamon or vanilla inside the lid to give off a festive scent, b) when illuminating, use white candles for the brightest light or a flashlight (with rechargeable batteries) for a spooky effect, c) Hang the pumpkin using a plant hanger to make it more visible and trick-or-treaters don’t catch their costumes on fire. Have a happy, fun and safe Halloween!
Q: I measured the square footage of the home I was buying, and it was totally different from what was advertised. What gives? A. Measuring a home’s square footage is not as simple as it sounds. There are a number of rules about which space can be counted and which can’t. The basic rules state that, in order to be included in the square footage, the space must be 1. Intended for human occupancy; 2. Heated by a permanent heating system; 3. Have direct access to another living area; and 4. It must have finished floors, walls, and ceilings. But there are special cases. Stairways, for example can be tricky. Bay windows open foyers and rooms with sloped ceilings can be challenging, too. Additions done without a building permit may not be able to qualify at all. Because there are so many different rules, buyers, sellers and even real estate agents should not attempt to measure the home. This job is best left to a licensed appraiser. Have a real estate question? Feel free to contact me. Linda Lane-White (626) 786-1231
Ask an Expert
lindalanewhite@kw.com
Recent Area Sales Address
2651 Catherine Rd 2310 Midlothian Dr 2231 El Molino Ave 4023 Golden Terrace 577 Occidental Dr 63 Westvale Rd 5708 Alder Ridge Dr 809 Valley Crest St 2249 Fulton Rr 4735 Calle De Grande 821 E Palm Av 664 Anita St 1785 N Los Robles Ave 2871 Ashley Dr 818 E Hermosa Dr
City
Altadena Altadena Altadena Chino Hills Claremont Duarte La Canada La Canada La Verne La Verne Monrovia Monrovia Pasadena Pasadena San Gabriel
Sale Price
640,000 1,835,000 467,500 878,055 640,000 552,500 1,265,000 2,250,000 539,000 632,500 530,000 725,000 864,000 652,500 625,000
Bed/ S.F. Bath Home
2/2 4/2 3/1 5/4 5/2 3/2 3/2 3/3 4/2 3/2 3/1 3/2 4/2 3/3 2/1
1648 3210 928 3476 2510 1558 2209 3707 1796 2091 1116 1602 2235 1562 1313
S.F. Land
Date Sold
8670 37000 8040 7208 11708 6360 16100 45000 7700 7650 7000 9700 10132 3293 7500
09/28/07 09/21/07 09/25/07 09/27/07 09/21/07 09/21/07 09/28/07 09/25/07 09/24/07 10/02/07 09/25/07 10/01/07 09/28/07 09/26/07 10/03/07
Average Area Prices Report for more than 40 zip code areas are now available via E-mail or direct mail. (i.e. Altadena average is $467/sf— a decrease of –6.2% since August 2006.) Give me a shout and I’ll get the report to you!
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.
October 2007
Page 3
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Call today to schedule your complimentary financial review. David Rutherford, Senior Investment Executive 1000 Lakes Drive—Suite 325, West Covina, CA 91790 (626) 918-5670 Ext. 4210 CA Insurance Lic #0D05449 Be Confident About Your Financial Future! Securities offered through NATIONAL PLANNING CORP. (NPC), Member NASD, SIPC. Trilogy Financial Services and NPC are separate and unrelated entities.
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Dena Land News
What It Means To Be A Seniors Real Estate Specialist Hello, My Dear Readers Last week I completed training and testing to receive the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation. What it has done for me is helped me understand the elderly client I am working with. It has become very important for active adults (55+) and seniors with specialized needs to hire a Realtor® who is specially trained in the issues of aging. Not all Realtors® are the same! An agent who is trained and has dedicated their practice to the complex issues that seniors face will be the most helpful to you and your family during a real estate transaction. Most Realtors® with the SRES® designation work within an extensive network of people who specialize in eldercare issues such as estate planning, tax planning, reverse mortgages and so on, and can refer you to qualified and trustworthy colleagues based on your special needs. I’m compiling a list of local resources for my active adult clients and will share them with you in the coming issues of this newsletter. Linda Lane-White In the meantime, for those active adults who have learned how to use a computer and know how to browse the internet, below are some online resources that you may find useful. Sincerely, Linda Lane-White (SRES)
Online Senior Resources Alternatives For Seniors www.alternativesforseniors.c om (800) 350-0770 Benefits Checkup www.benefitscheckup.com The National council on the Aging has produced this easy to use site to help anyone 55 or older determine their benefits eligibility. Reverse Mortgage information www.financialfreedom.com www.reversemortgageinfo.ne t www.reversevision.com (newly released web site with tools, graphs, etc) www.aarp.org/money/ revmort (order or download ―Home Made Money‖) October 2007
www.fanniemae.com/global/ pdf/homebuyers/moneyfrom home.pdf National Senior Citizen Law Center www.nsclc.org Daily News for Senior Citizens and Baby Boomers www.seniorjournal.com The Senior Citizens League www.tscl.org Legislative issues & updates for senior citizens in the United States Social Security www.ssa.gov
General information on estate planning with links for free consumer information www.estateplanninglinks.com The largest portal of links to various web sites, articles, books and other resources related to numerous estate planning topics Vial of Life www.vialoflife.com Senior health notification program for emergency medical technicians. Print out form, labels or order labels online. Retirement News www.retirementliving.com A resource of senior housing issues.
Estate Planning www.estateplanning.com 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... Call 626/786-1231
In Tune With Your Needs
www.lindalanewhite.com
Search the MLS on my web site! Christmas Tree Lane
“Lights Up!” Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 12pm Beginning October 13th Santa Rosa Ave, Altadena Between Altadena Dr. & Woodbury Rd. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Help Save Christmas Tree Lane! Morning refreshments served. Afternoon lunch served. Call (626) 403-1123 for more information.
October Happenings in Dena Land Oct 6 8:00pm. Mayuto Correa plays at Café 322 in Sierra Madre. 322 Sierra Madre Blvd Oct 7 10:00am. Emergency Preparedness and Safety Fair. Descanso Gardens (Auxilliary parking lot), 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada Flintridge. 626-256-7900 FREE Oct 7&21 6:30pm. Holly Street Presents Variety of Vocalists. Holly Street Bar and Grill. 175 E Holly St., Pasadena. 626-440-1421 FREE for patrons. Oct 7 7:00pm. Ice House’s 47th Anniversary. (Silent Auction benefiting Hillsides Volunteer Network takes place prior to show from 5:30 to 6:45pm. 626-577-1894 for more info. $35 Oct 11 6-8pm. Investment Seminar at Keller Williams Realty, 445 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. FREE. Dinner served. RSVP to 626-786-1231. Oct 13 10:00am. In-N-Out Burger Food for Thought Reading Program. Runs through November 24th for kids 4 to 12. Takes place at all local libraries. Earn certificates for FREE BURGERS. Oct 13 11:00am. 9th Annual Latino History Parade & Community Fair. Los Robles & Washington Blvd., Pasadena. 626-792-5101, ext. 145. FREE Oct 14 5-9pm. Five Acres, Grace Center Benefit at a private home in Pasadena. Kristin Chenoweth & Julia Fordham to perform. The Grace Center’s mission is to empower women to break the cycle of family violence. Call Susan Silverman at 310-717-7714 for more details. Oct 15 7pm. Men of Mystery. Robert Fate & Bruce Cook will discuss their writing, careers and transition from film into books. Altadena Library, 600 E Mariposa. FREE Oct 20 12:30pm. California vs. UCLA. Rose Bowl Stadium. 626-577-3100 Oct 20 6:00pm. Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors 100th Anniversary. City Hall. www.pfar.org or 626-795-2455. Black Tie. $150 per person. Oct 21 5:30pm. Pasadena Senior Center‖Follies‖. 85 E. Holly St., 626-685-6754 $125 Oct 27&28 9:30am. 13th Annual Kidspace Pumpkin Festival. Kidspace Children’s Museum. 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. 626-449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org FREE (add’l cost for some activities) Oct 26 3:30pm Fun Flick Friday (The Dark Crystal—Rated PG) Altadena Public Library Oct 31 5-8pm Altadena Sheriff’s Haunted Jail. 780 E Altadena Dr. 626-798-1131 Ages 5 and above. $2 per person suggested donation. Oct 31 6:00pm. Halloween ―Spooktacular‖ Event. Fun for whole family. War Memorial Bldg 435 Fair Oaks, Ave.,South Pasadena. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Oct. 24th 626-403-7380 FREE Oct 31 7:00pm. Ken Frawley and His Halloween Party. Halloween stories and sing-a-longs. Bob Lucas Branch Library. Kids come in costumes! Treats will be provided. FREE